TRENDING NOW

Recent Post Recent Post
View More

at

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has urged his supporters to remain calm following the omission of his name from the list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).


Pantami, a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said his legal and liaison teams were engaging relevant party officials and INEC to resolve the matter within the period permitted by law.


The assurance was contained in a statement issued on his behalf by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe and shared on his verified Facebook page on Saturday.


The development followed INEC’s publication of the list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, which did not include Pantami’s name despite his emergence from a fresh PDP primary election held on September 29, 2026.


According to the statement, the fresh primary was conducted pursuant to an order of the Federal High Court.


“Our attention has been drawn to the non-publication of the name of our candidate from the fresh primary election of 29th September, 2026, as ordered by the Federal High Court, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), CON, PhD, FCIIS, FBCS, FNCS, in the list released by INEC,” the statement said.


The statement acknowledged concerns among PDP members and supporters of the Pantamiyya Movement over the development but appealed to them not to lose hope.


“We wish to assure all our supporters to remain calm, steadfast, and hopeful. This is a temporary challenge and a normal part of the electoral process, not a final determination, in sha Allah,” it added.


The former minister expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved through the appropriate legal and administrative channels, saying his team was working to ensure compliance with the court order.


The statement also alleged that some individuals were working behind the scenes to frustrate the emergence of what it described as responsible leadership in the state. However, it did not identify those allegedly involved.


Pantami’s camp urged supporters to sustain their mobilisation efforts and remain committed to the party’s political activities despite the development.


“We urge our supporters to continue their mobilisation and to remain focused on our collective ideology of service to humanity. The PDP and Pantamiyya Movement remain strong, united, and committed to the rescue and emancipation of our people,” the statement said.


It added that the omission would not distract the movement from its objectives, expressing hope that the matter would be resolved.


Continue reading

at

The United States, United Nations and several countries have condemned a deadly attack blamed on Yemen’s Houthi rebels at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured 300 others.


US President Donald Trump described the incident as “terrible” and said Washington was considering whether to join Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Iran-backed group.


Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said the victims of Saturday’s attack included four Saudis, two Bangladeshi nationals and citizens of the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.


The incident, which was the deadliest attack in the kingdom in more than a decade, marked the third assault on the Riyadh airport within a week.


The attack comes amid an intensification of the conflict in Yemen, where Houthi fighters are battling forces aligned with the internationally recognised government.


Saudi Arabia has been conducting air operations against the rebels in support of the Yemeni government’s military campaign to regain control of the country.


Reacting to the incident, Trump said he would soon speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto leader, about the situation.


“We may. We’re gonna look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we’ll make a decision. We’ll move very quickly,” he said, indicating that the US could consider joining the military campaign against the Houthis.


US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the attack, saying an American citizen was among those killed.


Rubio called for an end to “these reprehensible attacks”.


“We stand with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people and extend our condolences to the victims and their families,” he wrote on X.


United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed shock over the incident and condemned the attack on the Saudi capital’s airport.


In a statement posted on X, Guterres said he was “deeply shocked” by “Saturday’s lethal attack by the Houthis on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh”.


He stressed that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violated international law and “must cease immediately”.


The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, also warned that the strikes on civilian airports in Saudi Arabia represented “a grave escalation”.


“Such actions pose a serious threat to regional security, perpetuate cycles of violence and complicate even more peace efforts for Yemen,” he said in a statement.


Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “strong condemnation” of the attacks, describing them as a “flagrant violation” of international law and criticising the “disregard” for the safety of citizens.


Qatar also condemned the incident, describing the attacks as a “serious violation of Saudi sovereignty and a direct threat to the security of the region, the safety of civilians, civil facilities and air navigation”.


The Qatari government expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed “all legitimate measures” the kingdom “takes to preserve its sovereignty, security and safety of its territories”.


Pakistan denounced the attack as a “heinous act of terrorism” and a “grave threat to regional peace and security”.


The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Islamabad, which recently activated a mutual defence pact with Riyadh amid the attacks, “stands in unwavering solidarity” with Saudi Arabia.


Jordan’s King Abdullah also conveyed his condolences to Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while reaffirming his country’s support for the kingdom.


Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the “brutal aggression” by the Houthis, describing it as a “dangerous escalation” and a “blatant breach of international law”.


Oman called for restraint, emphasising the “necessity of prioritising the voice of wisdom and self-restraint, and avoiding actions that would expand the scope of escalation, in order to preserve the security and stability of the region”.


Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly declared “its full solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” and supported “all measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents”.


Japan’s embassy in Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the repeated Houthi attacks, insisting that assaults on civilians “cannot be tolerated” under any circumstances.


Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the attacks, particularly the strike on King Khalid International Airport, as “abhorrent”.


“There can be no justification for attacks on civilian infrastructure,” he wrote on X, adding that Canada “condemns these reckless acts of violence in the strongest possible terms”.


The international condemnations come as the conflict in Yemen continues to escalate, raising concerns about regional security and the prospects for a peaceful resolution.


Continue reading

at

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections, clearing former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, for Rivers State while omitting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, in Kano and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ladi Adebutu, in Ogun State.


The lists, signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and published on the commission’s website on Saturday, contain 19 governorship candidates for Rivers, 17 for Kano and 13 for Ogun State.


Chinda, an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appeared as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Rivers State, despite the controversy surrounding his political defection and emergence as the party’s flag bearer.


His inclusion has attracted attention because reports of his defection from the PDP to the APC had not generated significant public attention before his name appeared on the final list.


The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of political parties’ membership records following the Supreme Court’s restoration of Sections 77(5), (6), (7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026.


The provisions bar political parties from presenting candidates whose names are absent from the membership register submitted to INEC within the stipulated period.


Chinda, listed at number five among the 19 candidates cleared for Rivers State, will now be among those seeking to contest the governorship election in the oil-rich state.


In Kano State, however, Gwarzo – a strong loyalist of NDC vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who was expected to represent the party, is conspicuously absent from INEC’s final list.


The commission’s document contains 17 candidates and their running mates from various political parties, but neither Gwarzo nor any candidate representing the NDC appears on the list.


Among those included is Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the APC, alongside Abacha Muhammed Sani of the PDP and candidates from several other political parties.


The other parties represented include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and New Democratic Party (NDP), among others.


INEC did not provide an explanation for the NDC’s absence from the published document.


Consequently, it remains unclear whether Gwarzo’s omission is connected to the party’s nomination process, membership records, documentation or another issue.


The absence of the NDC candidate raises questions about the party’s participation in the Kano governorship contest, although the published list does not establish the reason for the omission.


A similar development has emerged in Ogun State, where the PDP and its expected candidate, Adebutu, are missing from the list of 13 governorship candidates released by INEC.


Adebutu’s omission comes amid controversy over allegations that his name was absent from the PDP membership register submitted to the electoral commission.


Some groups had questioned his eligibility to contest the election on the grounds of the alleged omission from the register.


The Ogun State chapter of the PDP, however, rejected the allegations, maintaining that Adebutu was a registered member of the party and that it had complied with the legal requirements governing membership registration and submission of its register to INEC.


The commission’s final list did not include Adebutu among the candidates cleared for the February 2027 election.


INEC’s published document contains candidates’ names, political parties, ages, genders and educational qualifications, alongside details of their deputy governorship candidates.

Continue reading

at

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has pledged to spend only four years in office if elected president in the 2027 general election, promising to run an inclusive government that will tackle Nigeria’s major challenges.


Makinde made the commitment on Saturday during an APM town hall meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, where he also promised to address issues such as insecurity and poverty.


“Our government will not last beyond four years. And it will be an all-inclusive government,” Makinde said at the event.


The Oyo State governor’s pledge comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with presidential aspirants outlining their positions and commitments to Nigerians.


His promise is similar to that of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who has also vowed to serve a single four-year term if elected president.


The two candidates’ positions have drawn attention to the debate over Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement between the North and South, which has traditionally influenced the distribution of key political offices.

President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who hails from the South, is seeking re-election in 2027.


Continue reading

at

Some universities in the United Kingdom have begun withdrawing admission offers to Nigerian students following tighter visa restrictions imposed by the British government on international applicants.


The affected institutions reportedly revoked offers made largely to Nigerian and Pakistani applicants during the first half of 2026, amid concerns that stricter immigration enforcement could affect their ability to recruit students from overseas.


According to a report by the Financial Times on Saturday, a study found that 10.5 per cent of UK study visa applications were withdrawn during the period, compared with 2.3 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025 and 0.4 per cent in 2023.


“Universities are revoking offers en masse made to international applicants from countries including Nigeria and Pakistan as they fear the UK government’s visa crackdown will result in a ban on their recruiting international students,” the report stated.


The publication reported that the universities’ decisions followed a doubling of study visa refusals by the UK Home Office during the first six months of 2026.


Nigeria recorded a particularly sharp increase in withdrawn applications, with 22.7 per cent of study visa applications from the country withdrawn in the first half of 2026, compared with 4.5 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025.


“While visa applications can be withdrawn for other reasons, universities said the main driver had been an increase in their revoking offers,” it added.


The Financial Times further reported that the rise in visa refusals was linked to an increase in applications rejected by the Home Office because of suspicions that some applicants were using the student visa route to seek asylum in the UK.


The development has heightened concerns among British universities about the possible consequences of the government’s tougher immigration policies for international student recruitment.


Data from Enroly, a firm that processes visa applications, showed that nearly half of UK universities had visa refusal rates exceeding the five per cent threshold that could expose them to a ban on recruiting international students.


The restrictions have also raised concerns about the financial and operational sustainability of institutions that depend on international student enrolment.


Speaking on the impact of the policy, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sunderland, Sir David Bell, said, “This has involved pulling back from international markets where a tougher approach is being taken to visa applications”.


Similarly, Vanessa Wilson, chief executive of University Alliance, a group representing 20 professional and technical universities, warned that the consequences could extend beyond international admissions to affect jobs and academic programmes.


“This is going to result in restructures, which inevitably result in job losses, course closures, campus closures”.


The developments could further complicate the plans of Nigerian students seeking admission to British universities, as institutions become more cautious about applicants from countries experiencing higher visa refusal rates.

Continue reading

at

The name of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, is absent from the final list of candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the February 6, 2027, governorship election in Gombe State.


INEC released the list containing 16 candidates, including Bala Bello Tinka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Babayo Ardo Kumo of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).


Other candidates on the list are Zubairu Mu’azu Halilu of the Labour Party, Lamela L. Silas of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Ibrahim Jalo Abubakar of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Adamu Mohammed Ma’aji of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others.


Pantami’s exclusion is notable because his name featured on INEC’s provisional list published on August 29.


The former minister had emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate after defecting from the APC on May 19.


However, his initial emergence as the party’s candidate was challenged in court, with a Federal High Court nullifying the primary election and ordering a fresh exercise.


Pantami subsequently won the court-ordered rerun primary conducted on September 29, polling 2,054 votes to defeat Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki Mailantarki and Usman Aliyu Garry.


Earlier, a Federal High Court sitting in Gombe had, on September 24, nullified his initial emergence from the May 26 primary election.


His candidacy also faced uncertainty following the Supreme Court’s September 24 judgment restoring Sections 77(5), (6), (7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026.


The provisions became central to questions surrounding the eligibility of political parties and their candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.


The Supreme Court had barred political parties from fielding candidates whose names were not included in the membership registers submitted to INEC within the stipulated period.


Pantami’s absence from the final list raises questions about the status of his governorship ambition following the legal disputes surrounding his emergence as the PDP candidate.


Continue reading

at

Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following disciplinary proceedings over his decision to leave the national team’s squad amid disagreements with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.


The federation announced the development on Saturday, confirming that the case involving the 41-year-old forward had been classified as urgent while it considers the appropriate sanction.


“Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Cristiano Ronaldo,” the FPF said in a statement, confirming that the player would remain suspended pending a final decision on the punishment.


Ronaldo had earlier apologised to supporters for his actions but criticised Jesus over the handling of his playing time during Portugal’s Nations League campaign. He also indicated that he was prepared to accept any punishment imposed by the federation.


The dispute reportedly began when Ronaldo was asked to warm up as a substitute during Portugal’s match against Norway on September 27 but was not introduced into the game.


His frustration deepened after he was informed that he would not be in the starting lineup for the encounter against Denmark on October 1, prompting his departure from the national team’s squad.


The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, who holds the records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international football, subsequently addressed the controversy publicly.


On Tuesday, Ronaldo accused Jesus of reneging on an understanding regarding his involvement in the Nations League matches. However, he maintained that he had no intention of retiring from international football.


“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said, while accepting his actions must be “punished” by the federation.


According to Portuguese media reports, the federation’s regulations provide for suspensions ranging from one to six months for players who fail to attend training sessions, matches or other national team activities.


Ronaldo also alleged that Jesus failed to honour an agreement concerning his participation in the match against Norway.


He further claimed that the coach did not make certain points they had agreed upon during a private conversation before addressing the media ahead of the Denmark fixture.


Among the points reportedly agreed upon was Ronaldo’s view that the coach should not have asked a player of his standing to warm up without eventually introducing him into the match.


One of the pre-approved talking points was that Jesus had “made a mistake in asking someone of the stature of Pele or Maradona to warm up and then not sending him on in the match.”


Jesus declined to engage directly with Ronaldo’s accusations when questioned about the controversy.


“I read the statement, and now, like I do every day, I’m going to the federation headquarters to work, to think about the Portuguese national team,” said the 72-year-old coach.


The coach had earlier said he would consider selecting Ronaldo for international duty, provided the forward was playing for his club and remained interested in representing Portugal.


Despite the dispute, Portugal have enjoyed a strong Nations League campaign, winning all four of their matches and securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining.


The Portuguese side are scheduled to host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17 in their final two Group A4 fixtures.


Meanwhile, Ronaldo returned to club football on Friday, featuring for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in their 3-0 victory over Diriyah in a Saudi Pro League match.


The forward scored in the encounter, taking his career tally to 980 goals.


Continue reading

at

Nigeria is yet to produce enough available crude oil to meet the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s daily requirement of 700,000 barrels, Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele has said.


Oyedele made this known on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he explained the challenges limiting the Federal Government’s ability to supply the refinery with the volume of crude it requires.


He dismissed suggestions that the government could supply crude to the refinery at discounted rates based on production costs, insisting that the country currently lacks sufficient available volumes to meet its needs.


“But we are still not at the point where we can give Dangote 700,000 barrels. So the people that are saying we’ll discount it, we’ll do the cost of production, they don’t know what they’re talking about. We don’t have enough to service Dangote,” Oyedele said.


The minister also explained that even if Nigeria could supply the refinery with 700,000 barrels daily, the country’s crude grade would not fully meet its processing requirements.


“I need to say that even if we have 700,000 barrels today to give Dangote — the Nigerian crude is the sweet crude — it would not be the most optimal input for Dangote. Dangote needs to still import some heavy crude.


“So I don’t want to go into the technicalities, but the reality is that today we do not have up to 700,000 free crude to give anyone, including Dangote.”


Oyedele attributed the introduction of the naira-for-crude arrangement by President Bola Tinubu to the need to stabilise the domestic petroleum market amid the country’s limited crude supply.


He said the policy had helped achieve some stability, although production levels and the volume of crude available for allocation remained insufficient to meet the full requirements of domestic refiners.


The minister expressed optimism that increased production and the release of additional crude volumes would eventually enable the Dangote refinery and other local refiners to obtain sufficient supplies.


“And it has worked, but we don’t have enough quantity to give as of yet. As we ramp up production and we free up some barrels, we’ll get to a point where we’ll be able to give Dangote everything he wants and other refiners will be able to get enough,” the minister said.


He added that Nigeria’s long-term ambition should be to process all the crude oil it produces locally and export only refined petroleum products.


Oyedele also explained that the country’s total daily crude oil production does not represent the volume available for the Federal Government to allocate to local refineries.


Furthermore, Oyedele explained the forward sale arrangements, saying “if you do 1.8 million barrels per day, that does not belong to Nigeria alone”.


According to him, production-sharing contracts and joint ventures require crude oil to be distributed among the participating parties based on agreed terms, with allocations varying according to the contractual arrangements.


He explained that some of the crude produced is allocated to recover production expenses, commonly referred to as cost oil, while another portion goes towards royalties before the remaining profit oil is shared among the parties.


The minister said Nigeria’s share of crude had been significantly depleted by the financial burden of petrol subsidy payments.


He disclosed that before Tinubu introduced his economic reforms, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, which manages the country’s crude oil interests, had less than 100,000 barrels of uncommitted crude available.


According to Oyedele, the government resorted to printing money after exhausting its revenues, but the funds generated were still inadequate to meet its financial obligations.


He said the government subsequently began using proceeds from future crude oil production to secure borrowing to finance present-day consumption, particularly petrol subsidies.


Oyedele described the practice as a potentially serious financial problem, warning of the risks associated with committing future oil revenues to meet immediate spending needs.

Continue reading

at

Petrol prices at depots in several parts of the country rose on Friday, with some marketers in Port Harcourt increasing their rates to ₦1,900 per litre, even as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and some private retailers sold the product at lower prices in Lagos.


The increases were recorded in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar, raising concerns about the possibility of further increases in domestic petroleum product prices.


NIPCO recorded the sharpest increase in Port Harcourt, raising its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) price by ₦170 per litre, from ₦1,730 to ₦1,900. Six other depots also increased their prices by ₦150 per litre to the same level.


The adjustments coincided with a rise in international crude oil prices, with Brent crude climbing to $104.50 per barrel from $104.28. The United States benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), also increased to $91.73 per barrel from $91.49.


A review of depot prices showed that African Terminal, Ascon, Eterna, Gulf Treasure, Ibachem and Ibeto raised their petrol prices in Port Harcourt from ₦1,750 to ₦1,900 per litre.


Duport and Integrated also adjusted their rates upward, moving from ₦1,750 to ₦1,806 per litre, an increase of ₦56.


In Lagos, Masters raised its price from ₦1,303 to ₦1,350 per litre, while Matrix increased its rate from ₦1,330 to ₦1,360.


Sigmund and T.S.L moved their prices from ₦1,300 to ₦1,350 per litre, while NIPCO increased its rate from ₦1,326 to ₦1,350.


In Calabar, Matrix raised its petrol price from ₦1,315 to ₦1,370 per litre.


Similarly, in Warri, Keonamex, Matrix, Nepal and Parker increased their rates from ₦1,315 to ₦1,360 per litre. Optima also raised its price from ₦1,330 to ₦1,360.


At the retail level, petrol prices varied among filling stations in Lagos and neighbouring areas.


NNPC sold the product at ₦1,360 per litre, while MRS Oil Nigeria Plc retailed it at ₦1,338. 11 Plc sold petrol at ₦1,338.80 per litre.


Independent marketers, however, charged between ₦1,368 and ₦1,400 per litre, depending on their locations.


The price variations meant that motorists buying from MRS and 11 Plc paid less than customers patronising some independent filling stations, where pump prices reached ₦1,400 per litre.


The differences between depot and retail prices also reflected the varying pricing decisions across the petroleum supply chain. While wholesale prices rose in several locations, some retailers continued to sell below the rates charged by other marketers.


The diesel market also witnessed significant increases, particularly in Warri, where Rain Oil and Matrix raised their Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) prices by ₦180 per litre, from ₦1,720 to ₦1,900.


In Port Harcourt, Dangote increased its diesel price from ₦1,702 to ₦1,720 per litre, while Masters raised its rate from ₦1,788 to ₦1,825.


The increases could further raise operating expenses for manufacturers, transport operators and other businesses that depend on diesel for electricity generation and transportation.


A sustained rise in diesel prices could put additional pressure on production and logistics costs, with possible implications for the prices of goods and services.


International oil market records mixed movements


Developments in the international oil market were mixed, with some crude oil benchmarks recording increases while others declined.


The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) Basket price rose to $109.50 per barrel from $108.59, while WTI Midland increased to $92.74 from $92.32.


Natural gas prices also climbed to $3.235 from $3.168.


However, Murban crude declined to $108.50 per barrel from $110.49.


Among refined petroleum products, gasoline fell to $3.293 from $3.316, while heating oil dropped to $4.724 from $4.883. The Indian Basket price, on the other hand, increased to $121.10 per barrel from $117.63.


The mixed movements suggest that the increases in domestic depot prices may not be explained solely by the day’s changes in crude oil prices. Other factors, including replacement costs, product availability, transportation expenses and marketers’ pricing decisions, could also influence local rates.


Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Olatide Jeremiah, said: “Despite domestic issues and development in Nigeria, the downstream sector would continue to respond or react to developments at the global oil market.”


(VANGUARD)


Continue reading

at

The Founder of the Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, has sponsored the restoration of water supply at the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Abuja, bringing relief to thousands of residents who have endured inadequate access to water.


The project, initiated by Civitas Auxillium Foundation, was undertaken to address the prolonged water shortage at the camp, which accommodates more than 5,000 internally displaced persons. 


The residents had been grappling with the challenge following the malfunctioning of the borehole, their primary source of water.


Showunmi, who visited the camp to officially launch the completed water project, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through humanitarian interventions.


The Alternative Movement, under his leadership, has previously sponsored several intervention projects at the camp, including a medical outreach aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of the displaced residents.

During the visit, Showunmi urged the IDPs not to lose hope in government intervention, assuring them that he would make efforts to attract the attention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as well as officials from the Presidency, to their plight.


He also appealed to the Governor of Borno State to intervene in the welfare of the displaced persons, noting that many of the camp's residents are indigenes of the state and would benefit from support from their home state government.


Beyond the restoration of water supply, Showunmi made monetary donations to the residents, further demonstrating his commitment to alleviating their hardship.


He assured the displaced persons that he would continue to stand by them and sustain his philanthropic support, expressing the determination to ensure that their welfare remains a priority.



Continue reading

at

Actor and public speaker, Ugo Nwokolo, is set to launch his book, Rice: The Panacea to All Nigeria’s Problems, on October 22, 2026, in a satirical exploration of Nigeria’s political, economic and social realities.


The book was foreworded by renowned academic and Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi. His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Cardinal and Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, is also expected to attend the event.


Despite its title, Nwokolo says the book is not about food. Rather, it uses rice, one of Nigeria’s most symbolic commodities, as a lens through which to examine the country’s politics, economy, culture, religion, leadership and collective mindset.

Blending humour, logic, psychology and social commentary, the author challenges readers to question long-held beliefs and confront uncomfortable questions about why Nigeria continues to struggle despite its enormous potential.


Rather than recycle familiar political slogans, the book encourages critical reflection on the attitudes, choices and systems that shape the nation’s development.


It is expected to appeal to students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, politicians, policymakers, academics and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, particularly those interested in leadership, governance and Africa’s future.


Nwokolo who was former Mr. Nigeria, is the founder of Ugo Nwokolo University (UNU), a learning platform dedicated to helping people learn, unlearn and relearn through critical thinking, leadership, financial literacy and personal development.


The October 22 launch is expected to introduce the book to a wider audience and stimulate conversations about Nigeria’s challenges, the assumptions that sustain them and the need for a more critical approach to the country’s future.



Continue reading

at

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as politically motivated, insisting that the grievances raised by the workers were already being addressed by the administration.


Wike also announced that the FCT Administration would enforce the no work, no pay policy across the Area Councils in response to the industrial action.


The minister spoke in Abuja on Friday, October 9, 2026, after a closed-door meeting with Area Council chairmen and security operatives.


He maintained that the administration had met its obligations to local government workers and teachers, arguing that there was no justification for the strike.


Wike further faulted the process leading to the declaration of the industrial action, alleging that relevant authorities responsible for overseeing labour matters had not been consulted before the decision was taken.


“We want to state categorically and let it be known to the public that this so-called strike declaration is political, and we will not accept it. We will not accept it because there’s no basis for anybody to call for a strike. We don’t have any issue with anybody, either be it area council local education primary authority, or be it secondary schools, we have no issues,” the minister said.


He also claimed that major education stakeholders, including senior secondary school teachers and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), had distanced themselves from the strike, maintaining that existing agreements were already being implemented.


The minister subsequently accused the FCT NLC chairman, Stephen Knabayi, of allowing political interests to influence the union’s activities.


Wike alleged that Knabayi, who contested the last Area Council elections on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was using the strike to portray the FCT Administration negatively.


The minister suggested that the industrial action could be exploited to create public dissatisfaction with the government ahead of future elections.


“And you can see his interest trying to see that FCT is in crisis, and then wants to use it as a political tool that FCT teachers are at home, and nobody is teaching students; how can you now come and vote for a government when the pupils are at home? We cannot accept that blackmail. We won’t accept it,” he said.


Wike added that labour leaders interested in partisan politics should relinquish their union leadership positions to prevent political considerations from influencing their responsibilities.


“I’ve told everybody, and I’ve told Labour, look, if you want to involve yourself in politics, you are free to, but then excuse yourself from the leadership of the union, so you don’t politicize it,” he said.


The minister also directed security agencies and relevant authorities to dismantle unauthorised commercial establishments, particularly open-air beer parlours operating along the Guzape-Asokoro axis of Abuja.


He said such businesses must be removed before they develop into security threats, although the statement did not provide further details about the enforcement arrangements.


Wike also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take action against politicians who engage in inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks rather than issue-based campaigns.


He expressed displeasure over comments attributed to ADC chieftain Rotimi Amaechi concerning President Bola Tinubu and his supporters, questioning why the electoral commission had not publicly addressed the remarks.


The minister argued that political parties and candidates should be held accountable when their statements allegedly promote hostility or depart from the issues affecting Nigerians.


“Many Nigerians have called INEC to sanction political parties, and candidates, or some politicians who, in their campaigns, incite the public or raise matters that are not issue-based. We have been told to go on campaigns based on issues. What are you going to do about the people attacking personality or insulting individuals? Up till now, I have not heard that INEC has been able to call or draw attention of the Vice Presidential candidate of the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, to this,” Wike said.


He also urged journalists to investigate allegations surrounding projects and expenditures undertaken during Amaechi’s tenure as governor of Rivers State.


Among the issues he raised were a reported $10 million fumigation contract awarded to a Cuban company, the state’s monorail project reportedly valued at ₦68 billion, and the sale of a gas turbine for $308 million.


Wike questioned the outcomes of the projects and called on the media to seek explanations from the former Rivers governor.


“I challenge him, and I challenge the media. Ask him the $10 million USD you paid to a Cuban company to fumigate Rivers State so there will be no mosquito bite. Up till now, mosquito has been biting Rivers people, including myself. Ask him, the ₦68 billion monorail, where is the monorail? Ask him, where is the $308 million USD with which you sold our gas turbine?” he said.


The minister’s remarks were allegations and questions directed at Amaechi; the statement did not include a response from the former governor on the issues raised.


Wike further warned that continued personal attacks against Tinubu and his supporters could provoke a strong political response, particularly in Rivers State.


He urged opposition politicians to concentrate on presenting their programmes and explaining how their proposed policies would differ from those of the current administration.


The minister said political campaigns should focus on governance, development and policy alternatives rather than insults directed at political opponents.


“If he continues along this line, it may be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. And I want somebody to go and write it down. Because we will not take that. We will not,” he said.


He added that opposition figures should explain to voters what they intended to do differently instead of relying on personal attacks against the president and his supporters.

Continue reading

at

An unidentified Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) has been killed by a truck along Hospital Road in Akure, the Ondo State capital.


The fatal incident occurred opposite Mega Primary School, where the officer was reportedly attempting to stop the truck before it struck him.


A video shared by Akure-based radio station Crest FM on Friday showed residents gathering at the scene, with several people shouting in distress following the incident.


Eyewitnesses said the officer attempted to intercept the truck, which was reportedly in the fast lane, but was unable to stop it before the collision occurred.


The officer was said to have been trapped beneath the truck’s trailer after being hit, leaving bystanders and colleagues visibly distressed.


Footage from the scene also showed some of the officer’s colleagues reacting in panic as residents gathered around the vehicle.


However, the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what prompted the officer to attempt to stop the truck, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.


The identity of the deceased officer had yet to be established.

Continue reading

at

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent political parties that fail to comply with statutory requirements for submitting membership registers from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.


The ruling party made the request in a letter dated October 9, 2026, signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and made available to journalists on Friday.


The APC called on INEC to enforce the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, in the case of INEC v Zenith Labour Party, which addressed compliance with provisions of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 governing membership registers for party primaries, congresses and conventions.


In the letter, the party asked the electoral commission to establish whether political parties had submitted their digital membership registers at least 21 days before their scheduled primaries, congresses and conventions, insisting that appropriate legal consequences should follow any breach.


The letter stated, “The All Progressives Congress respectfully request the Independent National Electoral Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) to take immediate steps to enforce by giving effect to the judgment of the Supreme Court (attached herewith for ease of reference) delivered on 24 September 2026 in INEC v Zenith Labour Party (Suit No. SC/CV/495/2026), regarding compliance with the statutory requirements governing the submission and use of political parties’ membership registers for party primaries, congresses and conventions.


“The judgment affirmed the validity of section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 as enacted by the National Assembly, by setting aside the order of the Court of Appeal nullifying S.77(5) to (7) and S. 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 and Activity Serial Number Two of the INEC Revised Timetable and Schedule and Schedule of Activities for 2027 General Election as unconstitutional.


“While 77(4) provides that ‘Each political party shall make such register available to the Commission not later than 21 days before the date fixed for the party primaries, congresses or conventions, section 77(5) specifically provides that only members whose names are contained in the register shall be eligible to vote and be voted for in party primaries, congresses and conventions.


“Furthermore, section 77(6) prohibits a political party from using any register other than the one submitted to the Commission for those purposes. The Court at page 24 of the judgment further explained that the practical legal effect of section 77(7) of the Act is that a political party that fails to submit its digital membership register within the prescribed period may be precluded from fielding candidates in the general election.”


The APC maintained that the apex court had upheld the mandatory nature of Section 77, arguing that the provision was designed to strengthen internal democracy and ensure transparency in the selection of candidates by political parties.


It also emphasised that political parties must submit their membership registers within the stipulated period and restrict participation in primaries, congresses and conventions to members whose names appear on the registers filed with INEC.


The party further cited the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law to support its demand for strict enforcement of the requirements.


The letter stated, “This interpretation by the Supreme Court demonstrates the mandatory character of the statutory requirements and the legal consequences of non-compliance by political parties. The Court was emphatic at pages 25 — 26 that the objective of section 77 is to ensure that political parties adhere to the principles of internal democracy, particularly through the fair, transparent and verifiable conduct of party primaries, congresses and conventions.


“The Supreme Court also emphasised that statutory requirements governing the timely submission of membership registers, the eligibility of members to vote and be voted for, and the exclusive use of the register submitted to INEC are integral to achieving that objective.


“In reaching this conclusion, the Supreme Court relied on section 228(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to make laws prescribing guidelines and rules to ensure internal democracy within political parties, including laws regulating the conduct of party primaries, congresses and conventions.


“It correctly referred to and relied on Ardo v Nyako(2014) 10 NWLR (Pt.1416) 591 at 620 in which it held that – The power donated to the National Assembly in section 228 of the Constitution is to make laws which provides guidelines and rules to ensure internal democracy within political parties and this includes making laws for the conduct of party primaries, party congresses and party conventions.”


The APC acknowledged that political parties possess the authority to nominate candidates for elections but argued that such powers must be exercised in accordance with established legal procedures.


According to the party, aspirants seeking elective positions must emerge through the direct or indirect primary processes recognised by law, with the applicable membership register serving as the basis for determining who can participate.


The ruling party also argued that INEC had provided political parties with sufficient time to comply with the digital register submission requirement under Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026. It therefore maintained that parties had no justification for failing to meet the deadline.


Furthermore, the APC insisted that the commission was obligated to give effect to the Supreme Court’s ruling because it was a party to the suit.


It cited Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires authorities and persons to comply with and enforce decisions of the Supreme Court.


The party’s demand comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with compliance with electoral laws and internal party procedures expected to remain significant issues in the selection of candidates.


 


Continue reading

at

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised explosive devices planted along a major road in Zamfara State, preventing a potential tragedy for motorists and other road users.


The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 2, followed intelligence reports about explosives allegedly planted by suspected terrorists along the Magami–Hannutara–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area of the state.


Acting on the information, the troops moved to secure the affected locations and conduct a detailed search of the route.


During the operation, the security personnel discovered two locations where explosive devices had been planted. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was subsequently deployed to safely handle the explosives.


The EOD team successfully destroyed one of the devices and recovered the second, which was safely rendered harmless.


Following the operation, troops intensified patrols and surveillance along the road to protect commuters, secure surrounding communities and prevent further security threats.


Operation Fansan Yamma urged residents and road users to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious objects or activities to the nearest security agency.


The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property and maintain peace and security in the affected areas.


 


(ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA)


Continue reading

at

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has attributed the power outage affecting several parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring areas to a technical fault on the 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line.


The company disclosed this in a public announcement dated October 9, 2026, assuring affected customers that efforts were underway to restore electricity supply.


According to AEDC, the fault occurred on the transmission line belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), disrupting electricity supply across several locations.


The affected areas include Garki, parts of Apo, Asokoro, Wuse Zones 1–7, Wuse 2, Wuye, Jabi, Utako, Jahi, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Kubwa, Dawaki, Dutse, Dei-Dei, Suleja and their environs.


“The technical team of TCN is working to rectify the fault and restore grid stability,” the company stated.


AEDC further assured customers that electricity supply would be restored to all affected areas once the fault had been cleared.


“Rest assured, full power supply will be restored to all affected customer areas as soon as the line is cleared,” the announcement added.


The electricity distribution company apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and appealed to customers to remain patient while the technical team worked to resolve the problem.


“We deeply regret the inconvenience this interruption may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding,” AEDC said.


Continue reading

at

Comedy lovers in the Federal Capital Territory are set for an evening of laughter as popular comedian MC Nappy stages another edition of his comedy show, All By My Jokes (The Manifesto), on Friday, October 9, 2026.


The show, organised by Apollos Cooperate Entertainment, is scheduled to hold at 7:00p.m. at Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Abuja Hotel.


The event is expected to bring together comedy enthusiasts, entertainment personalities and other guests for a night of humour, live performances and social interaction, with MC Nappy leading a lineup of comedians and entertainers.


Among those billed to perform are Akpan Okon, Funny Razaq, MC Miti, MC Theo, Funny Bruno, Funny Mic, Retired Madman, Prayer Point, Parrot, Youngee, Senior Man, Dolcy Berry, MC Kure, MC Surface, MOB and Laugh Engine.


The diverse lineup is expected to provide audiences with different styles of comedy, ranging from everyday observations and relatable experiences to lively stage performances.


The event comes as Abuja continues to attract comedy concerts and live entertainment shows featuring both established performers and emerging talents. 


MC Nappy has previously featured alongside other comedians at major events in the capital, including the Evolution of Washington comedy show at Transcorp Hilton Abuja. 


In October 2025, he also headlined an edition of All By My Jokes in Abuja, with several comedians joining him on stage, according to Abuja Press. 


The forthcoming edition is expected to build on the show's established presence in the city's entertainment scene.



Continue reading

at

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited will suspend its petrol retail profit margin and sell the product at cost for 30 days as part of efforts to ease the burden of rising fuel prices on Nigerians, the Presidency has said.


Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the arrangement was designed to cushion the effects of fluctuations in global crude oil prices on vulnerable households.


“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) agreed today to forgo its petrol retail profit margin and sell to Nigerians at cost to cushion the impact of global crude oil price shocks and volatility on vulnerable households,” he said.


“NNPC Retail, which already sells petrol at the lowest price in the market, will offer this new deal within the next 30 days. This means if NNPC’s landing cost is N1300, it will sell fuel to Nigerians, especially commercial vehicles, at the same price.”


According to Onanuga, the temporary arrangement forms part of a package unveiled by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to mitigate the impact of high petrol prices.


He added that the initiative had the backing of President Bola Tinubu, amid growing concerns over the effect of rising energy costs on households and businesses.


The presidential spokesperson said Oyedele had expressed hope that other petroleum marketers would adopt a similar approach, noting that the recent increases in crude oil and petrol prices were not expected to persist for long.


“Oyedele said he hoped other marketers would take a cue from the NNPC, as the sharp rise in crude and petrol prices is not expected to last long,” the statement reads.


He also stressed that the decision by NNPC to sell petrol without its retail profit margin should not be interpreted as a reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to remove the subsidy regime in May 2023.


“Oyedele was emphatic that NNPC agreeing to sell at a discount must not be misinterpreted as the restoration of petrol subsidy, which ended on May 29, 2023.


In addition, Oyedele announced forward sales of crude to domestic refineries. As production rises and previously committed crude is freed up, this is expected to shield pump prices from global market volatility.


“Oyedele also said the Federal Government is negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 a litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol, to keep pump prices stable. Where costs rise above the ceiling, refiners and importers will carry the shortfall and recover it later, when crude prices or the exchange rate allow, without breaching the ceiling.”


Under the proposed arrangement, the government is seeking to limit petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost to N1,350 per litre. The plan is intended to prevent sharp increases in pump prices by allowing refiners and importers to defer the recovery of costs exceeding the agreed threshold until market conditions improve.


The Presidency, however, acknowledged that Nigerians were facing significant economic pressure following the removal of the petrol subsidy but maintained that returning to the previous system was not an option.


Onanuga said the government remained committed to protecting the gains of its economic reforms while ensuring that their benefits reached more citizens.


“Removing the fuel subsidy came at a price. But the alternative has been tried. Nigeria has already lived through that cycle: scarcity, smuggling, a collapsing currency and a fiscal crisis,” Onanuga said.


“We cannot afford to live through it again, least of all in response to a temporary disruption, and at the very moment the results of reform are gathering pace.


“Government is not out to reverse a necessary reform designed to set our country on the path towards sustained prosperity. It is to ensure its gains reach more Nigerians, faster and in more tangible ways. That is our work, and we are committed to doing it.”


The presidential spokesperson further disclosed that the Federal Government was developing a broader package of fiscal interventions aimed at sustainably reducing inflation to single digits in the near term.


The 30-day petrol pricing arrangement comes amid rising fuel costs and renewed calls for measures to reduce the financial burden on households, transport operators and businesses.


 

Continue reading

at

Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu, declaring that Nigerians who vote for him in the 2027 general election would be acting irrationally.


Amaechi made the remarks on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Edo State, where he urged residents to reject Tinubu’s re-election bid and support the opposition in the forthcoming polls.


“They are going about saying ‘Vote Tinubu! Vote Tinubu!’ Only thieves can vote for Tinubu. In fact, I read a comment on social media where someone said, ‘It’s in 2027 that we will know how many mad men we have in Nigeria.


“Because it’s only a mad people that can vote for Tinubu. If Edo people vote for President Tinubu, that means Edo people are mad. If you’re not mad, Tinubu should not win here,” he said.


The former Rivers State governor also accused the Tinubu administration of prioritising financial interests over the economic needs of Nigerians in its choice of infrastructure projects.


He specifically questioned the plan to construct another seaport in Ogun State, arguing that the volume of goods produced in the state should be considered before expanding port facilities.


“So, Tinubu just hates you. No, I’m not joking. If Tinubu does not hate you, why is he building another seaport? In Ogun, what are the goods we are producing? What goods are we producing to have as many as that number of seaports? It is not because he likes Ogun people. It is the money he will make out of the construction.”


Amaechi also called on opposition supporters to return home and participate in the political process if they wanted a change of government in 2027.


“If you want Tinubu to go, please go home. Go home. Go home,” he said.


On fuel subsidy, the ADC chieftain advocated a production-based arrangement that would lower domestic fuel prices by reducing the cost of crude oil supplied to local refineries.


He argued that the proposed model would differ from the previous subsidy system, which he said created opportunities for some wealthy individuals to benefit from the arrangement.


“When we bring back subsidy, it’s not that one that will produce rich men. That subsidy where rich men will go to Ghana and come back to say, ‘We have bough fuel for you’. We are bringing back a subsidy called Production subsidy. If you don’t have a refinery in Nigeria, you will not get subsidy. We don’t have to pay for it. Government will not pay for the subsidy. All the government needs to do is to make a policy.


“The price at which I sell crude on the international market and price with which I sell crude in the Nigerian market will be different. I will do domestic pricing. If I sell crude at N15,000 on the international market, in Nigeria, I will sell to Dangote at N10,000. And here we have four modular refineries. The difference will be N5,000. I will then sit with Dangote and the modular refiners and tell them to give me a subsidy of N5,000. Once that happens, the price of fuel will come down. When the price of fuel comes down, the price of everything will go down.”


Amaechi’s proposal centres on selling crude oil to domestic refiners at a lower price than the international market rate, with the resulting cost advantage expected to translate into cheaper petrol and lower prices for other goods and services.


Continue reading

at
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Uba Sani of Kaduna State are among prominent Nigerians to be honoured at the 15th edition of the Democracy Heroes Award Africa, scheduled to hold on October 9, 2026.

The awards, organised by Face of Democracy Nigeria projects (FDN Projects), will take place at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, with the theme, “Elevate.”


While FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike will be receiving Best Performing Minister Of the Year, the other two governors are being recognised alongside other individuals for their contributions to good governance and efforts aimed at improving the lives of citizens through impactful policies and development projects.

The Democracy Heroes Award Africa is designed to celebrate Africans who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to the country’s democratic development. 

Over the years, the award has recognised political leaders for initiatives that strengthen democratic values and improve service delivery.

Beyond the political space, the award also honours entrepreneurs, business leaders and entertainers whose contributions to society have supported job creation, youth empowerment, economic growth and poverty reduction.

Speaking on the forthcoming ceremony, Project Director of FDN projects, Olufunsho Ajagbonna, popularly known as Fajag, congratulated the award recipients and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting excellence in public service.

Ajagbonna said the organisation would continue to recognise and encourage individuals who have distinguished themselves through meaningful contributions to society and service to the people.

The 2026 edition is expected to bring together political leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, entertainers, civil society actors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals contributing to Africa’s democratic journey and national development.
Uploaded Image
Continue reading
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)