Lagos 2027: Akinwunmi Ambode Support Group Endorses Samuel Ajose for Lagos Governor

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Samuel Mawuyon Ajose and Akinwunmi Ambode 

IKORODU, LAGOS – In a dramatic political twist that will redefined the governorship race in Lagos, Akinwumi Ambode support group has endorsed the ambition of Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA) to become the next governor of Lagos State.

At a heavily attended mobilization rally on Sunday May 17, 2026 in Ikorodu ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections is Scheduled for Thursday, Ajose officially announced the endorsement of former Lagos State Governor’s support group.

Addressing a crowd of thousands of party faithful and grassroots supporters, an ecstatic Samuel Ajose revealed that the former governor has completely integrated his political networks across the state into the SMA movement to ensure a resounding victory at the primaries.

“We are not here alone today; we are here with the ultimate support of the support group of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and has declared their full support for us, and they are now working actively for our success,” Ajose declared to loud cheers.

Ajose further disclosed ambitious electoral targets stemming from the new alliance, pledging absolute loyalty to the national leadership of the party.

“They have also promised to add an extra one million votes to the three million votes we already promised our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.

The high-stakes endorsement comes amidst widespread media speculation that Ambode had privately endorsed the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who is also widely tipped to run for the state's top job.

However, representatives of various Ambode Support Groups who were visibly active at the Ikorodu rally explicitly debunked those reports. Taking the stage, group leaders urged supporters to look past the political propaganda and remain firm in their choice.

“Do not be scared of anybody. Make sure you come out en masse to vote and endorse Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose,” an Ambode support group coordinator charged the crowd. “Most importantly, you must protect your votes. Do not allow anybody to tamper with the results when the primary begins.”

The Ikorodu mobilization rally turned into a carnival-like celebration, with attendees chanting solidarity songs for Ajose. For many residents of the IBILE divisions, the alliance between the Badagry-born Ajose and the Epe-born Ambode represents a powerful coalition of marginalized regions seeking a fairer share of infrastructural development.

Campaign coordinators maintained that the partnership is built on a shared blueprint for economic acceleration and inclusive governance, asserting that Ajose possesses the exact executive competence required to build on the state's existing legacies.

Badagry Customs Officers Allegedly Cause Head-on Collision, Abandon Injured Okada Rider After Seizing Rice

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – Tension is mounting within the Badagry border community following an incident early Sunday morning, May 17, 2026, where operative forces of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Border Command, allegedly caused a near-fatal accident and abandoned the victim to secure seized contraband.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 AM along the busy Joseph Dosu Way, just past the Beach Town Mall, a prominent commercial route within the historic town.

According to local reports, a commercial motorcycle rider (Okada) was transporting six bags of rice from the Badagry Market inward to the Badagry Roundabout. Simultaneously, a patrol team of Customs officers was driving in the opposite direction, moving from the roundabout toward the main town.

An eyewitness who watched the scene unfold recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the crash:

"When the Customs officers sighted the motorcycle rider with the rice, the officers drove directly facing him, trying to block him on high speed. This caused a head-on collision that threw the rider straight into the concrete gutter, where he sustained fatal injuries."

The community’s outrage stems not just from the pursuit itself, but from the actions of the officers immediately following the impact. Rather than providing first aid or moving the critically injured man to the nearby General Hospital, the officers allegedly prioritized the contraband.

"Instead of attending to the dying man or pulling him out of the gutter, the Customs officers simply packed the bags of rice into their vehicle and sped away, leaving him battling for his life in a pool of blood," the eyewitness added.

Passersby and fellow commercial riders later rushed the unconscious victim to a medical facility, where he remains in critical condition.

This latest incident highlights a long-standing grievance among the residents of the Badagry. Locals have repeatedly criticized the operational methods of the Nigeria Customs Service, questioning why aggressive tactical interceptions and seizures are carried out deep within residential areas and inner-town roads rather than at the active Seme border posts.

Lagos 2027: Confusion as Different Results Emerge from APC Badagry House of Reps Primary

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Sesi Whingan and Olusegun Onilude 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – Intense political anxiety has gripped the Badagry Federal Constituency following the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The race for the party's green chamber ticket has entered a state of confusion as two conflicting results have emerged online, with both major camps claiming victory.

The direct primary election was conducted across all 11 wards of the Badagry federation to decide who flies the party's flag for the House of Representatives ahead of the general elections.

The first set of results, which widely circulated across social media platforms but could not be independently verified by News Peddlers, claimed that the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Prince Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, won the primary election.

According to this unverified scorecard, allegedly originating from an APC Badagry Federal Constituency electoral committee sheet, Whingan polled 3,889 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Hon. Olusegun Adeniran Onilude (referred to in the sheet as Onico), who allegedly scored 3,339 votes, leaving a victory margin of 550 votes.

Crucially, this online tally recorded vote counts in only six out of the eleven wards. It indicated that five key wards Ibereko (Ward C), Apa (Ward D), Keta-East (Ward E), Araromi/Ilogbo (Ward H), and Ajara (Ward J) recorded zero vote counts due to unspecified reasons and disruptions.

 6-Ward Results Breakdown in Circulation:

Posukoh (Ward A):.Sesi – 472, Onilude – 410

Awanijigoh (Ward B): Sesi – 657, Onilude – 988

woro/Gbanko (Ward F): Sesi – 693, Onilude – 645

Ajido (Ward G): Sesi – 279, Onilude – 540

Ikoga (Ward I): Sesi – 1,285, Onilude – 183

Salu/Yafin (Ward K): Sesi – 503, Onilude – 573

In stark contrast, a completely different set of results was made available to journalists following the official tally at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat. This documentation, signed and submitted by the designated collation officer, Olugbenga Adeniyi Idowu, declared Hon. Olusegun Onilude the landslide winner of the primary.

According to Idowu’s official submission destined for the state party secretariat, voting did take place across all 11 wards, resulting in a total of 18,887 votes for Onilude, against Whingan’s 7,489 votes, and 637 votes for the third aspirant, Femi Ogunsanya.

Addressing the discrepancies and pockets of violence, the Collation Officer stated: "The election started peacefully but reports from the wards indicated that problems started when the agent of one of the aspirants realised that another aspirant had more people on ground than their principal. At the collation centre, we received the results of the elections from various wards and advised the aggrieved aspirant to document their complaints and submit them to us for onward transmission to the state party secretariat."

Report of the collation officer 

The Secretariat's Collation Figures (All 11 Wards): 

WARD A – POSUKOH

Onilude O.A — 2,035

Sesi Whingan — 849

Femi Ogunsanya — 120

WARD B – AVHANJIGOH

Onilude O.A — 1,989

Sesi Whingan — 666

Femi Ogunsanya — 13

WARD C – IBEREKO

Onilude O.A — 1,760

Sesi Whingan — 475

Femi Ogunsanya — 209

WARD D – APA

Onilude O.A — 2,032

Sesi Whingan — 604

Femi Ogunsanya — NIL

WARD E – KETA EAST

Onilude O.A — 3,147

Sesi Whingan — 304

Femi Ogunsanya — NIL

WARD F – IWORO / IGBANKO

Onilude O.A — 645

Sesi Whingan — 693

Femi Ogunsanya — 3

WARD G – AJIDO

Onilude O.A — 540

Sesi Whingan — 16

Femi Ogunsanya — 279

WARD H – ILOGBO / ARAROMI

Onilude O.A — 985

Sesi Whingan — 764

Femi Ogunsanya — NIL

WARD I – IKOGA

Onilude O.A — 183

Sesi Whingan — 1,285

Femi Ogunsanya — 06

WARD J – AJARA

Onilude O.A — 5,001

Sesi Whingan — 1,830

Femi Ogunsanya — NIL

WARD K – IYAFIN

Onilude O.A — 570

Sesi Whingan — 503

Femi Ogunsanya — 07

Onilude = 18,887

Sesi = 7,489

Ogunsanya -637

In line with strict party guidelines, neither candidate can be officially declared the flagbearer until the APC State and National Working Committees vet the collation officer's report against incoming petitions.

The state party hierarchy is expected to make an official, binding announcement by Monday to clear the air. Until then, residents and party faithful across Badagry wait anxiously to find out who will officially represent the ruling party on the ballot.

Osita Chidoka Challenges Nigerian Pharma to End "Alibi Culture"

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Osita Chidoka

ILORIN, NIGERIA – Former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, has delivered a fierce wake-up call to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

Speaking at the 29th Yearly National Conference and Training of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) in Ilorin, Kwara State, Chidoka charged the sector to abandon its “alibi culture” of excuses and radically pursue global quality standards.

The high-level conference brought together regulators, top policymakers, and pharmaceutical titans to deliberate on national health security and industrial growth amidst crushing economic realities.

Painting a grim picture of the country's economic burden, Chidoka highlighted how the collapse of the Naira's purchasing power has turned basic healthcare into a luxury. He cited that a simple purchase of four common over-the-counter items—Creatine, Magnesium Glycinate, Vicks Sinex, and a pain relief ointment—costs a staggering ₦130,520 in Nigeria.

While the international value of these products sits at around $88, Chidoka pointed out that a minimum-wage worker in the United States spends barely 1% of their monthly earnings on them, whereas a Nigerian worker would need up to 15% of their monthly income—or nearly two months' salary in some brackets—for the exact same items.

"This is more than a currency challenge," Chidoka argued. "It reflects a structural failure driven largely by the industry’s heavy dependence on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which currently stands between 70 and 80 percent."

To survive the current economic climate and tap into the lucrative African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Chidoka insisted manufacturers must adopt an “Agency Culture”—a mindset of taking total responsibility for outcomes regardless of infrastructural or economic hurdles.

He noted that relying solely on meeting the minimum requirements of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is no longer enough to build a resilient industry.

“The regulator’s weakness is not your permission to be weak,” Chidoka declared. “You are not building for NAFDAC alone; you are building for the WHO, AfCFTA, and the Nigerian consumer. The future will not reward those who merely work harder in the same direction. It will reward those who are willing to work differently with a long-term vision.”

Echoing Chidoka’s call for an internal culture of excellence, the National Chairman of NAIP, Bankole Ezebuilo, urged manufacturers to look beyond basic compliance and implement rigorous internal performance metrics.

“Excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing must go beyond basic compliance," Ezebuilo stated. "We must take full ownership of product quality and institutional performance, utilizing modern tools like Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and continuous feedback mechanisms."

The training segment of the conference featured globally renowned US-based pharmaceutical executive Henrietta N. Ukwu, who provided practical insights on steering local manufacturing toward international best practices.

The conference saw a heavy turnout of elite stakeholders, including the Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, and former Presidents of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) including Sam Ohuabunwa and Mohammed Yaro Budah.

The Kwara State Government also signaled its strong backing for local pharma growth, with top cabinet members, including Commissioner for Finance Hauwa Nuru and Commissioner for Communication Bolanle Olukoju, actively participating in the sessions.

Chidoka concluded by introducing "Mekaria" an African operational philosophy focused on continuous improvement through his M²I framework (Measure, Monitor, and Improve). He maintained that treating quality as a strategic competitive advantage, rather than a regulatory burden, is the only way Nigerian pharma can safeguard the nation's health security and dominate the continental market.

Lagos 2027: "Sanwo-Olu Will Hand Over to Me, It Is Badagry’s Turn," Governorship Aspirant Samuel Ajose Declares

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a bold assertion that has electrified the political landscape of Lagos State, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA) has declared that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will hand over the reins of power to him come 2027.

Ajose made the confident proclamation on Friday, 15th May 2026, during a massive solidarity and endorsement rally in Badagry. The gathering saw a powerful coalition of religious, ethnic, and community groups unite to throw their weight behind his ambition, just days before the highly anticipated APC governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, 21st May 2026.

The endorsement event drew an unprecedented crowd to the historic coastal town, reflecting a deeply rooted desire for regional equity. The coalition featured a diverse cross-section of Lagos residents, including Christian and Muslim organisations, traditional worshippers, market unions, and representatives from the Hausa, Fulani, and Igbo communities residing in the division.

Addressing the roaring crowd of supporters, an elated Ajose insisted that the Badagry Division has earned the right to steer the state's affairs after decades of unwavering loyalty to the progressive political family.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu will hand over to me as governor of Lagos State. It is my turn,” Ajose declared to thunderous applause. “Badagry is an integral part of Lagos State and we have consistently delivered votes for the progressive family. It is only fair that Badagry is given the opportunity to be in the driver’s seat for the collective benefit of all Lagosians.”

For years, political stakeholders within the IBILE divisions (Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe) have debated the rotation of the governorship seat. Ajose positioned his candidacy not just as a victory for his hometown, but as a win for inclusive governance and balanced infrastructural development across the entire state.

“Our emergence will not only bring development to the Badagry Division, but it will also ensure inclusiveness and balanced representation across the state,” Ajose added, urging his followers to maintain absolute focus.

He further charged party members and residents of the division to remain fiercely united, stressing that the true test of their solidarity would be decided at the upcoming party primaries.

The solidarity meeting was heavily attended by influential opinion leaders, signaling that Ajose’s campaign has successfully penetrated the grassroots. Among the notable figures present was the Chief Imam of Badagry Division, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Uwais Akewusola, alongside top Christian clerics, market leaders, and traditional quarter representatives.

₦16.6bn Drug Bust: Tincan Customs and NDLEA Intercept Massive Cannabis Shipment from Canada

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a significant victory for national security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has blocked a massive attempt by international drug syndicates to smuggle a multi-billion naira narcotics shipment into the country.

Working in close coordination with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), operatives intercepted 4,173.5 kilograms of cannabis Indica with an estimated street value of ₦16.6 billion.

The massive drug bust was unveiled during a press briefing on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. Addressing journalists, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed that the breakthrough followed months of meticulous intelligence sharing, surveillance, and cross-border tracking.

The illicit shipment, packed into a 40-foot container marked HAMU 247034/8, originated from Toronto, Canada. To evade detection, smugglers had sophisticatedly stashed 8,347 packages of the high-grade psychoactive substance inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes Benz C300 vehicle packed within the container.

"This is not just another seizure," Comptroller Onyeka stated emphatically. "This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardise National Security, endanger lives, and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young men and women. Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, that consignment will not get to the streets."

This operation marks the second major narcotics seizure at the Tincan Island Port corridor within a two-week window. On 30 April 2026, the joint forces intercepted an even larger shipment of cannabis Indica worth ₦18.96 billion, highlighting a desperate spike in smuggling attempts through the Lagos ports.

Comptroller Onyeka assured the public that the law enforcement agencies are closing all operational leakages. He noted that comprehensive investigations are underway to fish out the local collaborators and financiers backing the international network.

"The Command will not spare anyone found compromising national security for personal gain," Onyeka warned. "No matter how long it takes, such individuals will be tracked down and dealt with according to the law."

Following the briefing, the seized contraband was formally handed over to **ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia**, the Director of Seaport Operations at the NDLEA.

ArchieAbia revealed that tracking the container required deep operational synergy with global allies, including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The vessel had made stops in Montreal and Morocco before arriving in Lagos on 9 May.

“This achievement once again demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation, international collaboration, and intelligence-driven operations in combating transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking,” ArchieAbia remarked, reinforcing the NDLEA’s resolve to protect Nigerian youths from the scourge of narcotics.

HUFFPED and ActionAid Launch Local Government Accountability Forum in Badagry

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a major step toward boosting rural development and transparency, the Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, has officially launched the Local Government Accountability Forum (LoGAF).

The landmark event, held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat, established a strategic platform aimed at amplifying the voices of grassroots communities and ensuring their needs are integrated directly into local governance.

The summit brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Badagry LG, Ojo LG, Badagry West LCDA, Olorunda LCDA, relevant government agencies, and various community groups.

A LoGAF committee was formed during the session to drive the initiative’s objectives across the divisions. 

Hon. Babatunde Hunpe the Executive chairman of Badagry Local Government In a strong show of institutional backing, was appointed as the chairman of the newly minted committee.

Delivering his address, Hunpe commended the non-governmental organisations for choosing the corridor for the pilot launch, while advocating for inclusive growth.

"We here in Badagry appreciate what you're doing, but we want more," Hon. Hunpe stated. "The farmers, the artisans, and most importantly, the youths don't forget to carry them along. The local government is ready to support you at any point and time you need us."

The primary focus of LoGAF is to serve as a regular bridge between rural dwellers and policymakers. 

Speaking on the design of the forum, Celestine Okwudili, the Head of Programmes at ActionAid Nigeria, explained that the platform was birthed out of a desire to systematically pull rural communities out of developmental isolation.

"This is a platform to reach out to the rural communities in Badagry," Okwudili noted. "The expectation is that the committee drives the objectives of the group at the local government level. We expect them to meet from time to time, set agendas, and get the voices of the people. The most important thing is the community liaising with the local government chairman to integrate the needs of the people into the Local Government appropriation annually."

Okwudili expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception, adding, "This is the first local government where this is launched, and I appreciate it. The most important thing is the open check the local government has given us that they are ready to support us at all times."

The launch was met with widespread enthusiasm from civil society and youth leaders who have witnessed the long-term interventions of the driving organisations in the Local Government.

Reflecting on the milestone, Saanu Kola, the Youth President of Akoko Community, praised the partnering bodies for their consistency.

"This is a very commendable move," Kola shared. "ActionAid has been in my community for the past two years, empowering and supporting our people. What we are having here today is additional to the good works ActionAid has been doing in Badagry for the past five years, and we are very happy about all they do."