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ADC Promises 50% Leadership Slots For Youth And Women

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to prioritize youth and women in governance by allocating at least 50 percent of elective and appointive positions to them.

The party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration in Lagos on Saturday during a ceremony to welcome defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, and other political groups into the ADC fold.

Speaking under the theme: “When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win,” Aregbesola, a former Osun State governor and ex-Minister of Interior, described ADC as a youth-driven party committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

He explained that the party’s constitution explicitly guarantees 35 per cent representation for women and another 35 per cent for youths, ensuring that their combined presence in leadership structures will never fall below 50 per cent.

“This is not tokenism but a recognition that Nigeria’s future lies in giving voice, space, and power to those who have long been underrepresented,” he said.

The party chieftain emphasised that the ADC is not controlled by an individual but by a collective of patriotic citizens determined to rebuild Nigeria. He criticised the hardship and uncertainty confronting the nation, warning that any government that fails to prioritise citizens’ welfare risks losing legitimacy.

“Our mission is to build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit. Leadership must meet the basic needs of the people or it will collapse with time,” Aregbesola said.

He urged members to strengthen the ADC’s grassroots base rather than waste energy attacking political rivals. According to him, both the APC and the PDP have lost direction and reduced themselves to power-seeking platforms.

“We must not repeat the mistakes of APC and PDP. Let us build a people-oriented party from scratch,” he declared.

Earlier, Abimbola Ogunkelu, a PDP Board of Trustees member, who led a delegation of defectors, said their move to the ADC marked the beginning of a new era of progressive politics. He noted that the coalition was determined to mobilise grassroots participation and provide Nigerians with trustworthy leadership.

Segun Osho, who led defectors from the Labour Party, also said their defection was motivated by the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.

ADC chieftain Kolawole Ogunwale urged members to demonstrate their commitment through action, stressing that words alone would not guarantee the party’s success.

Among the notable defectors were former Lagos PDP chairmen Muritala Ashorobi and Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Tai Benedict; Niyi Adams; and a former PDP youth leader.

Lagos ADC chairman, George Ashiru, formally presented the party’s flag, logo, and statement of purpose to Ogunkelu and other new members, symbolising their integration into the party.

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Ex-Lagos PDP Chairman, Tunji Shelle Joins ADC

On Saturday, a former Lagos State PDP Chairman, Tunji Shelle, announced his resignation from the party and officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Shelle was received alongside other PDP stalwarts and some Labour Party members at an affirmation ceremony in Lagos, where he accused the PDP of being plagued by “gross indiscipline and endless crises.”

Among those who defected with Shelle were a former PDP Board of Trustees member, Abimbola Ogunkelu; another ex-state PDP Chairman, Muritala Ashorobi; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos East), Tai Benedict; former Youth Leader, Niyi Adams; and ex-South West Secretary, Rahman Owokoniran.

They were formally welcomed into the ADC by the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and other leaders.

Speaking on the reasons for his defection, Shelle said PDP leaders had failed to address what he described as the destabilising activities of some national figures. He specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) while still claiming PDP membership.

“Wike cannot hijack the party, and the rest of us continue to look as if we are helpless or we are no human beings. I don’t take it. I don’t like being subjected to such ridicule. One man cannot say he is working for APC while on the other hand keeps holding PDP to ransom. I think the leaders are compromised,” Shelle said.

He declared that his defection, along with other top leaders, had further weakened the PDP in Lagos.

“PDP is now empty with all its leaders moving to ADC in Lagos,” he added.

The former Lagos PDP boss described the ADC as a party filled with “tested and trusted politicians” capable of challenging the ruling APC in 2027.

“There are no distractions in ADC. The party leaders are not people anyone can buy over. ADC has all it takes to save the situation in Nigeria and give the people the country of their dream,” Shelle stated.

He expressed confidence in the leadership of David Mark, the Interim Chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, noting that both men had the capacity to steer the party to victory.

Other defectors echoed Shelle’s sentiments. Former South West PDP Secretary, Rahman Owokoniran, said: “PDP has lost track. PDP is gone, there is nothing there. ADC is the only opportunity to challenge the ruling APC.”

Similarly, PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos East), Tai Benedict, remarked that many more party members were set to dump the PDP.

“We are emptying PDP members in Lagos State into ADC. Others are on the way; they want to take their last supper before coming,”he said.

Former PDP Youth Leader, Niyi Adams, claimed that more than 5,000 members had already defected across the 20 local government areas of Lagos.

According to him, the defectors were determined to work “assiduously to ensure victory for ADC in the 2027 general elections,” stressing that he did not believe PDP could resolve its crises even after its planned national convention in November.

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BBNaija 10: I Thought Imisi Was A Traditional Worshiper – Thelma Lawson Claims

Big Brother Naija housemate Thelma Lawson has admitted that she initially assumed her colleague, Imisi, was a traditional worshipper due to her style of dressing and makeup.

She disclosed this during a conversation with Imisi and Kaybobo in the kitchen after the Saturday night Turnup.

Imisi clarified that she is a Christian and not a traditional worshiper.

“Imisi you be Christian? The kain make up when you dey do, I think say you be traditional worshiper,” Thelma said, sparking laughs.

“You are crazy. I’m a Christian,” Imisi stated.

Imisi is a member of the Celestial Church of Christ.

She posted photos of herself in white garments on social media.

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NDLEA Arrests Nigerian Widow For Using Fake Pregnancy To Traffic Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, for attempting to smuggle 1.3 kilograms of cocaine while posing as a pregnant woman.

Ezewuike, who runs a fashion outfit, Golden Star Creation, in the Okota area of Lagos, was apprehended at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, on Friday, August 22, 2025, while attempting to deliver the drug consignment to customers in Abuja.

A statement released by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said a follow-up operation at her residence in Ago Palace Way, Okota, led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in processing cocaine.

Babafemi said in her statement to investigators, Ezewuike, a mother of one, claimed she inherited the drug trade from her late husband, who died two years ago, despite being in the fashion business for over 20 years.

“A 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over an attempt to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using fake pregnancy as a façade to escape scrutiny and detection.

“The widow who is a mother of one and proprietress of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago palace way, Okota, Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba area of the state on Friday, 22nd August 2025, while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja.

“A follow-up operation at her house in the Ago palace area led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine. In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband, who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years,” the statement partly read.

In related operations, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives intercepted 90 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 48.6kg, concealed in three cartons of kitchen sinks imported from the United States.

He said the seizure was made at a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday, August 19

“Not less than 90 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 48.6kg, imported from the United States of America and concealed in three cartons of kitchen sink were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday, 19th August by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation,” Babafemi said.

In Adamawa, he said NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday, 22nd August, raided the home of a notorious drug dealer, Idris Garba, who scaled the fence to escape arrest while one of his associates, Boniface Nnaji, 55, who attempted the same, was caught in the act at Rumde Baru area of Yola South.

“Recovered from the premises include a black Toyota Thundra jeep marked FST-885-CZ driven to Yola by Nnaji to supply Garba 354,480 pills of tramadol 225mg, 250mg and others as well as a Toyota Yaris car with registration number DSA 776 AA”, he added.

In Kano, Babafemi said the duo of Buhari Ibrahim, 25, and Mansur Musa, 24, were nabbed at Zangon Ungogo, with 5,850 capsules of pregabaline on Tuesday, 19th August, while a total of 452,070 pills of opioids were recovered from the home of a suspect Rabilu Mukhtar, who is at large, at Rangaza, Ungogo LGA, just as Buhari Idris, 35, was arrested at Tashan Rami area of the state with 140 litres of codeine syrup, both on the same Tuesday.

“Fewer than 7,000 capsules of tramadol were seized from Adamu Yusuf, 29, along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora area of the state on Saturday, 23rd August”, he added.

In Abuja, he said two dispatch riders were arrested for distributing illicit substances.

According to the statement, similar crackdowns were recorded in Taraba, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states, where NDLEA teams destroyed large cannabis farms and warehouses.

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BBNaija: A Rich Lady Once Offered To Give Money To Marry Her – Koyin Reveals

Koyin, the Big Brother Naija housemate, has revealed that a wealthy woman once offered him money to cover her own bride price.

He disclosed this during a conversation with Big Soso when she approached him after the Saturday night Turnup to clarify his relationship with Dede.

Koyin explained to Soso that his relationship with Dede is purely platonic, stressing that getting women isn’t difficult for him.

He boasted that he is a “hot boy” and can get any woman he wants including celebrities.

“Me and Dede, we are just friends, I don’t have any interest in her, I have told her. We are just enjoying each other’s company.

“If I want her, I went get her. I’m also a hot boy. I know how many women are dying for me outside including celebrities.

“I had a lady that was very rich, she has a Tesla cybertruck. She told me not to worry about money to pay her bride price,” the 22-year-old model said.

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They Both Belong To Us – Akwa Ibom Gov Pledges Support For Comfort Emmanson, Ibom Air

Pastor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, has pledged support for Comfort Emmanson, the embattled passenger involved in a confrontation with Ibom Air.

The governor equally pledged support for the airline, which is owned by Akwa Ibom State government.

Emmanson is also an indigene of Akwa Ibom.

Eno, who did not disclose the nature of the planned support, said Emmanson and the the airline “belong to Akwa Ibom State hence should be supported”.

Recall that Emmanson following her altercation with the crew members was remanded and later pardoned by the aviation minister, Festus Keyamo.

She claimed in an interview that she had been traumatized and unable to move around and interact with people any longer as her body had been unduly exposed .

Speaking during a grand reception held for him at his home local government area – Nsit Ubium – on Saturday, Eno advised that Akwa Ibom people should not join the fray in apportioning blames either to the airline or the passenger, who he said might have made mistakes.

He said, “We will continue to support our flagship airline , the Ibom Air. Every Akwa Ibom person should be proud of the airline which has flown our colours.

“Our money is invested in Ibom Air, so you should be proud of the airline. If there was any crisis, do not join issues with others who are spoilers because they don’t love good things.

“Whatever had transpired, we will solve the problem. It was a small mistake, both parties belong to us. The lady is our daughter. When two people fight, there is always the third person to separate the fight.”

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Nigerian Singer, Lojay Opens Up On Relationship With Governor Adeleke’s Daughter, Folashade

Lekan Osifeso Jr., the Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Lojay, has clarified the nature of his relationship with Folashade Adeleke, daughter of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The singer made it clear during a recent interview that his bond with Folashade is purely friendship.

The Falling crooner debunked reports that he was romantically  involved with Folashade who is a cousin to Afrobeats singer Davido.

He described her as someone very close to him and part of his inner circle but maintained that there is no romantic connection between them.

Lojay also shared that he is not in a position to pursue a relationship at the moment.

According to him, taking time to heal and focus on personal growth is important, which is why he is choosing to remain single for now.

He said: “Fola is literally my best friend. From the very first day I met her, I just knew she was different.

“She’s the only woman in the 30BG crew, and she holds it down for everybody. Since then, we just clicked and have been good friends ever since.

“Unfortunately for me, I’m not ready for a relationship yet. Some people assume that means you’re messing around, but that’s not my reality. Sometimes, people genuinely need time to heal from past experiences, and that’s where I am right now.”

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How I Broke Away From Being Stereotyped – Nollywood Actress, Bimbo Thomas Opens Up

Popular actress Bimbo Thomas has shared how she managed to break free from being stereotyped in her acting career.

The Omo Ghetto star made this known as a guest on Old Secrets, a podcast anchored by High Chief Obio Oloyejulius, where she opened up about the challenges she faced in carving out her acting career.

Reflecting on her early days, Thomas revealed that she deliberately avoided producing her own films initially.

“When I left school, I told myself I wanted to be established as an actor first before venturing into film production,” she shared.

During that time, she was often cast in tout and street urchin roles.

“Those years when I was given roles that involved fighting or breaking bottles were good because I can’t actually fight in real life; it’s all make-believe,” she explained.

However, Thomas soon realized the risk of being typecast.

“I told myself that if I continued playing these kinds of roles, they wouldn’t offer me other parts. Because I am a Theatre Arts major and did an apprenticeship as an undergraduate, I knew I had more to offer,” she said.

She further emphasized her versatility, noting that she is also a stage actor and a skilled vocal performer.

Thomas stressed the importance of breaking free from industry stereotypes, revealing, “If I kept playing the same tough characters, I wouldn’t get different opportunities because the industry is quick to stereotype you.”

As a result, she decided to slow down on such roles to allow audiences and casting directors to appreciate her broader range.

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“I beg you, reform the Nigeria Police” – Speed Darlington begs Tinubu, says ‘everything is not about economy’

Controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to carry out urgent reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing the need to protect citizens’ rights beyond economic growth.

In a video shared on Saturday, August 23, the musician urged the President to prioritize police reforms, stressing that leadership is about more than just boosting the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Mr. President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy,” he said.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it is as if they are not even doing their job. Please, before you leave office, speak to your Yoruba brother, the IGP.”

The singer recounted his own experience with law enforcement, saying he was detained for two months despite a court order for his release.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. The FID held me for 2 months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law allows only 28 days for investigation. They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he added.

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It’s a lie; Naira Marley mistreated my son – Mohbad’s father tackles singer’s recent statement

Joseph Aloba, the father of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has once again spoken about the challenges surrounding his son’s career and tragic death.

In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Aloba insisted that Mohbad suffered mistreatment during his lifetime, countering the recent claims made by Naira Marley, his former record label boss.

Earlier in the week, the controversial artist released a video denying involvement in Mohbad’s struggles or death. According to Marley, his intention was only to guide the young singer, particularly after discovering that he had allegedly begun using hard substances.

“I went to see Naira Marley over some of the things Mohbad had said, and that was all. But later, a lot of other things happened that I personally witnessed. There were about three other people present at the time; two of them are still alive today. They were people working with Naira Marley, even though they were younger and still under him. One of them once came to me to report that Naira Marley was beating Mohbad.

When we went to see him to apologise, he wasn’t even speaking respectfully. People think I went there to collect money, but life is much more than just what I want to eat.”

Addressing claims that the late singer carried out financial dealings through an unfamiliar bank account, Aloba acknowledged that Naira Marley had previously expressed concern over the issue.

“Naira Marley complained to me that he (Mohbad) was collecting money with an account that is not his and that he (Naira Marley) had to force him to use his personal account. I also saw that he was sending me money from a strange account and I warned him that anything he wants to give me should come from his own account. That’s what I know about the account issue,” he stated.

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