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Opposition Parties To Field One Presidential Candidate in 2027 Elections

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 25, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Major Opposition political parties have agreed to present a single consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following a high-level summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, where party leaders adopted what they termed the “Ibadan Declaration.” In the document, the opposition accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fostering what they described as an “oppressive and anti-democratic” political environment.

The declaration stated that despite alleged efforts by the APC to position Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate in the 2027 race, opposition parties remain committed to participating fully in the elections at all levels.

“We shall field candidates and contest the 2027 presidential and other elections,” the communiqué read, adding that parties would collaborate closely to ensure unity.

A key resolution from the summit was the commitment to work toward presenting a single presidential candidate, mutually agreed upon and supported by all participating opposition groups.

The summit, held in Ibadan, drew prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

Also in attendance were members of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

April 25, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Elephant attacks Oyo residents, kills one, another missing

by Folarin Kehinde April 24, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Panic has gripped parts of Oyo State after a wild elephant attacked residents of Innayin community, leaving one person dead and another missing.

The elephant attacks in Oyo state, which occurred around 3:30 pm on Thursday, prompted a swift response from the Nigeria Police Force, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, following a distress call.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed that the lifeless body of a 45-year-old man was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack. The remains have since been evacuated to a general hospital for examination.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday, 23rd April 2026, at about 1530HRS, involving the attack of Innayin Community by a wild elephant.

“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani ‘M’, aged 45 years, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack,” the statement read.

He added that another resident is currently missing after an encounter with the animal, with security operatives intensifying search efforts to locate him.

Authorities said personnel have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further casualties, while urging residents to remain calm, avoid affected locations, and report any sightings of the animal.

“While efforts are ongoing to secure the community, the command emphasises the importance of handling such incidents with due regard to wildlife conservation laws.

“Relevant authorities, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on safely managing the situation,” Olayinka said.

The police also disclosed that relevant agencies, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on managing the situation.

“We understand the concerns this incident has generated within the community. Our officers are fully on ground, working with relevant stakeholders to secure the area and prevent further casualties.

“We appeal to residents to remain calm, avoid the affected locations, and continue to cooperate with the police and other authorities as we work to bring the situation under control in a safe and professional manner,” he said.

April 24, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Tinubu sacks Edun, appoints Oyedele as Finance Minister

by Folarin Kehinde April 21, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, effecting changes in the membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) with the exit of two ministers and the appointment of replacements.

The decision, conveyed in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, directed the immediate redeployment of portfolios to strengthen governance delivery.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Mr. Wale Edun has been relieved of his duties as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy under the reshuffle.

He is to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who has now been elevated to the position from his previous role as Minister of State in the ministry.

Similarly, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, is to exit the cabinet, with the President naming Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the ministry.

The directive also mandates that Dangiwa hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry, pending Darma’s confirmation and assumption of office.

According to the memo, all handover and takeover processes are to be completed by close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Explaining the rationale for the changes, Akume said the reshuffle was designed to “strengthen cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieve more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He added that the President exercised his constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in effecting the changes.

The President expressed appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Akume further conveyed the President’s assurance to cabinet members that the process of reinvigorating the government would be continuous and in line with the administration’s policy objectives.

April 21, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Breaking: FG files treason charge against ex-minister Sylva, others

by Folarin Kehinde April 21, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja against former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector and three others over their alleged involvement as coup plotters in a plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.

The other defendants, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Victor (retd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the court.

Sylva is said to be at large.

The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, accuses the defendants of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

At the heart of the case is an allegation that the defendants conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

According to the charge, they “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, but failed to alert authorities.

The charge states that they, “knowing that and was intended to commit treason, did not give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President or a Peace Officer.”

In a related count, the defendants were also accused of failing to take preventive steps, as they allegedly “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”

Beyond treason, the Federal Government is prosecuting the defendants for terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charge alleged that they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Particularly, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are accused of participating in meetings tied to terrorist activities.

Prosecutors claim they acted “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The charge also accuses the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly, rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror.

In addition, the prosecution alleged a deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism, but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.”

The case further traces financial transactions allegedly linked to terrorism financing, with multiple defendants accused of handling proceeds of unlawful activities.

Bukar Kashim Goni is alleged to have “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000 which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: terrorism financing,” while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2 million from a similar source.

Zekeri Umoru, according to the charge, “without going through a financial institution, accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10million” and also retained an additional N8.8 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of N1 million linked to the same alleged scheme.

All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

April 21, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Envoy Sets Agenda to Boost Nigeria-Israel Trade Ties

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 21, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Amb. Nkechi Ufochukwu, has said efforts are underway to deepen the trade agreement between Nigeria and Israel as part of a broader plan to boost bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

Speaking over the weekend in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Nigeria-Israel Business Forum (NIBF) the envoy said strengthening trade ties between both countries remains a top priority of her diplomatic agenda.

“My main point and plan is to strengthen the trade agreement between the two countries, to strengthen bilateral trade agreement between the two countries,” she said.

Ufochukwu noted that beyond trade, her focus would include promoting Nigeria’s culture, agriculture, and investments, as well as facilitating training in cybersecurity and information technology.

She assured stakeholders of her commitment to delivering on her mandate and working collaboratively with partners to achieve results.

“I will put in my best in what is required of me to do the work which has been given to me, let us keep communication open and get the work done.”she said

Stakeholders at the forum stressed the need for Nigeria to address structural challenges hindering business growth, drawing comparisons with Israel’s innovation-driven economy.

A member of the forum, Pastor Henry Opara, emphasised the need for formal bilateral agreements, noting that existing engagements are largely informal and driven by individual relationships.

“What we have now is more of person-to-person business relationships, which is not ideal. With proper bilateral agreements, it becomes government-to-government engagement guided by laid-down rules,” he said.

Opara added that although some Nigerian businesses already partner with Israeli firms in areas such as security and technology, formalising these relationships would yield greater benefits.

Also speaking, a member of the forum Mr. Oseagha Solomon described Israel as a country that enables growth through clear regulations, reliable power supply, and strong institutional trust, while noting that Nigeria’s environment, though high in potential, is weighed down by operational challenges.

“Nigeria is a high-potential but high-friction environment. Entrepreneurs battle unstable power, policy inconsistencies, foreign exchange volatility, and costly financing,” he said.

Mr Oseagah Solomon

Oseagha urged policymakers to prioritise innovation, invest in research and development, and ensure policy consistency, including stable foreign exchange and enforcement of regulations.

Osuji highlighted key Israeli exhibitions such as Agritech and Israel Food, noting Nigeria’s successful debut pavilion led by former Agriculture Minister Akinwumi Adesina, which attracted international business deals.

She pointed to additional opportunities in security and cyber technology conferences, urging Nigeria to actively participate for knowledge transfer and innovation.

Osuji also called for sustained support for NIBF, stressing that the body currently lacks a functional office and secretariat despite its strategic role in Nigeria-Israel relations.

She recounted securing a medical training agreement with an Israeli hospital for Nigerian doctors, but lamented lack of follow-through from Nigeria’s Ministry of Health.

Osuji concluded with an appeal for practical implementation of bilateral agreements, stressing that NIBF remains ready to facilitate trade, training and cooperation initiatives.

April 21, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Retired Police Officers Shut Aso Rock Gate, Demand Tinubu Sign Pension Bill

by Folarin Kehinde April 20, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidential Villa in Abuja came under tension on Monday as retired police officers staged a protest at one of the main gates of Aso Rock, demanding immediate action from Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the long-awaited Police Exit Bill.

The protesters, made up of elderly retirees and some of their family members, blocked access to the gate early in the day.

Leading Reporters reports that their action disrupted movement in the area and drew the attention of security operatives stationed at the Villa. Political podcast series

The demonstration was organised under the umbrella of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria.

The retirees said their protest was the result of years of frustration. They described the current pension system as unfair and deeply damaging to their welfare. Nigerian cultural tours

According to them, the system has left many former officers struggling to survive after dedicating decades of service to the country.

At the centre of their demand is the Police Exit Bill. The proposed law seeks to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and forwarded to the Presidency in March 2026. However, it is yet to receive presidential assent.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters made their grievances clear. Some of the inscriptions read, “Police dey work, PenCom dey chop” and “Tinubu, sign our bill now.”

April 20, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

FG to Invest $75m in Flutterwave IPO

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 20, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a $75 million government investment in Flutterwave, in a move seen as a major boost ahead of the firm’s planned $250 million initial public offering (IPO).

The investment will be executed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI), with sources indicating that the deal is nearing completion following months of negotiations between the fintech company and federal authorities.

Officials reportedly conducted extensive due diligence before granting approval, engaging global auditing firms to review Flutterwave’s financial records and operations to ensure transparency and strengthen investor confidence.

Analysts say the development signals strong government backing for Nigeria’s expanding technology sector and could encourage greater participation from both local and international investors in high-growth ventures.

April 20, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Boko Haram Issues 72 Hour Warning to FG, Threaten to Kill 416 Captives

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 20, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, demanding action over 416 captives reportedly in its custody.

The group said the victims were abducted in Borno State and reiterated its demand for ransom in exchange for their release.

In a video circulating on social media, a masked spokesperson speaking in Hausa warned that failure to comply within the deadline would result in the killing of many of the captives, including women and children.

The insurgent group claimed it is holding 416 individuals and stressed that urgent steps must be taken before the ultimatum expires.

Addressing both the government and the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), the spokesman said the message, dated April 19, 2026, was their “first and last warning.”

“We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu,” the spokesman said. “We give you 72 hours. If you do not meet our demands, we will distribute the women and children to different locations. You have made your decision, and we have made ours. Do not exceed the given time.”

April 20, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Gunmen kidnap 14 JAMB candidates in Benue

by Folarin Kehinde April 16, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Gunmen have reportedly abducted 14 passengers, mostly candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), during an attack on a commercial bus travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo in Benue State.

It was gathered that the victims, largely young adults, were travelling on Wednesday night to Otukpo, where they were scheduled to sit for their examinations on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The bus, which was conveying about 16 passengers—mainly young men and women—was ambushed by armed attackers along the route.

Sources said only the driver and one passenger managed to escape the attack.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi, said the victims were heading to the town for their examinations when the attackers struck.

“The victims are young people coming to Otukpo to write JAMB. Security agents have been deployed and efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” Ogiri said.

Efforts to obtain a response from Benue Links, the state-owned transport company, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as neither the spokesperson nor the General Manager responded to calls or messages.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report of the incident.

“I’m just hearing it from you now. I’m going to confirm and get back to you,” she said.

However, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Enemari, confirmed the development, stating that he is personally leading an operation in Otukpo to rescue the victims.

“I’m in Otukpo now. My team and all DPOs are in the bush, and I am heading the operation,” Enemari said.

He explained that the bus was intercepted by armed men, resulting in the abduction of most of the passengers.

“What happened was that a Benue Links bus carrying passengers to Otukpo was stopped and attacked by hoodlums. Fourteen passengers were kidnapped, but one managed to escape,” he said.

The police commissioner also noted that the bus may have been operating outside approved hours.

“Benue Links, as a policy, does not usually operate at night. From what we gathered, official operations had closed, but the driver, for reasons we are still investigating, picked up passengers along the road. When he got here, the incident occurred,” he added.

Enemari assured that security operatives are working to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted passengers.

“We are on the ground to make sure the victims are rescued,” he said.

April 16, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

ADC: We’ll Fight Again to Restore Democracy, Atiku Abubakar Warns FG

by Folarin Kehinde April 14, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday declared that Nigerians who once resisted military rule are ready to confront any force undermining democracy, vowing a renewed struggle to safeguard the nation’s democratic values.

Speaking at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention in Abuja, Atiku said the country was drifting dangerously away from democratic ideals, accusing the Federal Government and electoral authorities of actions capable of eroding constitutional governance.

“Let the Federal Government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country, and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country,” he said.

The former presidential candidate lamented what he described as a collapse of critical sectors of national life, including the economy, security, education, and healthcare, insisting that urgent action was required to reverse the trend.

According to him, the current situation calls for collective resolve among Nigerians, particularly members of the ADC, to ensure what he termed a “genuine and sincere change” in leadership.

Atiku also took a swipe at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body was being manipulated to undermine democracy.

“It is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there. INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country. We will not allow that to continue,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments and unite in the struggle for credible governance, stressing that the future of younger generations was at stake.

Earlier, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had also criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of suppressing democratic rights and prioritizing wealth over the welfare of citizens.

Amaechi decried restrictions on freedom of assembly and alleged misuse of state institutions against Nigerians, warning that worsening economic conditions and insecurity could deepen public hardship.

Both leaders, however, emphasized the need for unity within the ADC and the emergence of a credible candidate capable of challenging the status quo, as political realignments continue ahead of future elections.

April 14, 2026 0 comments

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