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BREAKING: Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been officially announced as the presidential candidate of the Makinde-backed Turaki PDP faction.

Jonathan was, however, absent at the affirmation ceremony and has not publicly declared interest in running for the presidency in 2027.

The certificate of return was, however, given to Fred Agbedi, a sitting member of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa State, to hold in custody, pending Jonathan’s decision on whether to contest the presidency.

Gunmen Abducts Over 15 Passengers on Oron–Calabar Waterway

First Media Naija

More than fifteen passengers have been abducted by suspected gunmen along the Oron–Calabar waterway, in a disturbing incident that has heightened fears over insecurity on Nigeria’s coastal transport routes.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 17, 2026, when the victims were reportedly on a return journey from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron in Akwa Ibom State. Their boat was intercepted mid-journey by armed attackers along the river.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailants, believed to be sea pirates, operated with speedboats and forcefully took control of the vessel. In a shocking twist, the gunmen reportedly redirected the boat back toward Calabar with about fifteen passengers still on board, while others were left behind. The exact circumstances surrounding the operation remain unclear.

Preliminary information suggests that many of the passengers were young travelers. There are also unconfirmed reports that some may have been candidates heading for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), though authorities have yet to verify this claim.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Cross River State Government, or the joint security task force responsible for securing the waterways in the region.

The Oron–Calabar waterway remains a vital transport link for commuters and traders, especially given the challenges associated with road travel in the area. However, recurring attacks by sea pirates continue to raise alarm among residents and regular users of the route.

Stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention, including intensified security patrols and coordinated enforcement efforts, to curb the activities of criminal elements and restore confidence in the safety of the waterway.

OKOBO LAWMAKER, BASSEY PIUS BASSEY, DELIVERS NEW CLASSROOMS AND WATER TO ST. SIMON PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Honourable Member representing Okobo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, has delivered a newly constructed classroom block alongside a solar-powered water system to St. Simon Primary School in Ebighi-Ube, marking a significant milestone in grassroots development.

The project, completed barely three weeks after his Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme held on March 24, 2026, underscores the lawmaker’s commitment to translating promises into tangible results for his constituents.

The newly completed three-classroom block, equipped with modern toilet facilities, is expected to significantly improve the learning environment for pupils who previously contended with inadequate infrastructure and poor sanitation. The development provides a more conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning, while restoring dignity and safety within the school system.

In addition to the educational infrastructure, the lawmaker also facilitated the installation of a solar-powered water system to address the long-standing challenge of access to clean and safe water in the community. The facility is designed to serve both the school and residents of Ebighi-Ube, improving public health and overall quality of life.

Community leaders, parents, and pupils have described the intervention as a “double blessing,” noting that it addresses two critical needs, education and access to potable water. Many expressed gratitude for what they described as timely and impactful leadership.

Speaking on the development,Ward Persnal Assistant to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, Hon Cornelius Eton highlighted that such initiatives are crucial in bridging the gap between rural and urban communities, particularly in areas of basic infrastructure and social amenities as encapsulated in the Arise Agenda.

The projects further reinforce Hon. Bassey’s development philosophy, which prioritizes education, sustainable infrastructure, and community well-being as essential drivers of progress.

With the successful delivery of these projects, Ebighi-Ube now stands as a testament to responsive representation, as constituents continue to witness the direct impact of purposeful leadership in Okobo.

OKOBO IS RISING! 🚀

The scorecard is clear. The impact is visible. The vision is alive.

Under the leadership of Hon. George Henshaw, Okobo LGA is witnessing a “Harvest of Projects”—from massive infrastructure development to empowerment, security, and inclusive governance.

🏗️ Roads to progress are being built
👥 Lives are being empowered
🔐 Peace and security are strengthened
📈 The local economy is growing

This is not just governance… this is deliberate development with results.

Let’s continue to support this vision and pray for the successful completion of all ongoing projects.

Visible Projects. Real Impact. Sustainable Progress.

🤝 Support the Vision
🙏 Pray for Completion
🚀 Okobo is Rising!

2027: APC Announces Nomination and Expression of Interest Form Fees

The (APC) has released the approved fees for nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

The announcement was made on March 27, 2026, during the party’s National Convention, setting the tone for early political alignments and preparations within the ruling party.

The breakdown of the fees is as follows:

President – ₦200,000,000 (Two Hundred Million Naira only)

Senator – ₦100,000,000 (One Hundred Million Naira only)

House of Representatives – ₦70,000,000 (Seventy Million Naira only)

Governorship – ₦150,000,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira only)

State House of Assembly – ₦20,000,000 (Twenty Million Naira only)

The development signals the commencement of internal party processes as interested aspirants begin consultations, coalition-building, and grassroots mobilization across the country.

Observers say the cost of forms may shape the level of participation, particularly among young and emerging politicians, while also influencing the dynamics of competition within the party.

As political activities continue to gather momentum nationwide, attention is expected to shift to other major parties and their respective nomination guidelines.

Call to Action:
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