Category: News

In a significant legal move, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order stopping the production of an energy drink that allegedly mimics the bottle design of another brand. Justice Binta Nyako presided over the case, ruling in favor of Rite Foods Limited, the maker of Fearless Energy Drink.

The court determined that Mamuda Beverages Nigeria Limited violated the trademark of Rite Foods by producing its Pop Power Energy Drink in a bottle that closely resembles the Fearless design. This ruling came after Mamuda Beverages challenged the suit, claiming it was a repeat of a previous legal matter. However, the judge found that the new bottle design still creates confusion among consumers.

As part of the injunction, Mamuda Beverages must immediately halt production, destroy all existing Pop Power products, and allow an inventory to be taken by the court bailiff alongside both parties. The order remains in effect until the end of the year or until the main lawsuit is resolved.

This case follows an earlier dispute in January 2025, where Rite Foods accused Mamuda Beverages of trademark infringement. A settlement was reached at that time, with Mamuda agreeing to change its design and dispose of infringing stock. Despite this, the company later reintroduced a nearly identical product with minor cosmetic tweaks, leading to the current legal action. Market reports indicate that consumers still refer to the new Pop Power as “small Fearless,” highlighting ongoing brand confusion.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2026, where the substantive issues will be addressed.

The media office representing Peter Obi has firmly pushed back against what it describes as persistent and unfounded allegations regarding his tenure as Anambra State governor. These claims, they argue, are part of a deliberate effort to distort the former governor’s accomplishments using ethnic and regional divisions.

According to a statement released by Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson for the Peter Obi Media Office, the assertion that Obi removed Northern residents from the state is entirely false and lacks any evidence. The office specifically addressed the narrative that Obi targeted Hausa traders and beggars, calling it a myth with no basis in fact.

During Obi’s leadership, the statement explains, there was a welfare initiative aimed at assisting vulnerable individuals from various parts of the country. This program was not an expulsion but a compassionate effort to help destitute people and homeless children in cities like Awka and Onitsha. The initiative covered citizens from multiple states without any ethnic discrimination.

Far from dividing communities, Obi’s administration promoted strong ties with Northern and Muslim populations in Anambra. The statement highlights that, even during periods of national ethno-religious tension, Obi acted as a protector for Northern residents, especially in areas such as the Onitsha Hausa Quarter, known as Ama Awusa. He worked to prevent retaliatory violence and earned respect from Northern community leaders.

Additionally, the Obi administration supported Muslim residents by sponsoring their pilgrimages to Mecca, ensuring they received the same recognition and government assistance as Christians. Northern traders and livestock merchants in markets like Amansea were given safe spaces to work, free from harassment or extortion. These facts, the office says, can be verified by anyone, including critics, and are corroborated by the Hausa-Fulani community in Onitsha and Awka.

The statement suggests that the smear campaign stems from political opponents threatened by Obi’s transformative vision for the North. Obi has consistently described the North as Nigeria’s future economic engine, advocating for a shift from consumption to production and turning the region into Africa’s agricultural hub.

Concluding with a reflection on the power of repeated falsehoods, the office vowed not to ignore the lies, emphasizing that Obi’s unmatched vision for the North will ultimately prevail.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged delegates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to focus on governance capability and national experience when selecting their presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, rather than being swayed by fleeting online popularity. In a statement released through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku cautioned that social media buzz alone does not qualify anyone for the presidency.

He emphasized that the party must put forward its most qualified candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu, given the dire state of the nation. Atiku pointed to Nigeria’s mounting economic struggles, soaring debt, pervasive insecurity, and crumbling institutions as reasons why the ADC cannot afford to gamble on an unproven contender. He declared that this is no time for political trial-and-error, stating: “Nigeria cannot afford a learning-on-the-job presidency.”

Taking aim at the excitement surrounding certain hopefuls, Atiku argued that presidential elections hinge on solid structures, strategic planning, and proven governance skills, not on digital hype. He asserted: “Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm alone. Governance is not performance art. The presidency is not a platform for improvisation. The ADC must present to Nigerians its strongest, most credible, most prepared candidate; not merely its loudest.”

He described the decision before ADC delegates as a historic duty, given the scale of the nation’s crisis. Atiku said the party must ask itself: who has the ability not just to campaign but to govern effectively from day one? He stressed that Nigeria needs a leader with experience negotiating on the global stage, creating jobs through enterprise, managing national emergencies, building coalitions, and consistently offering a practical plan for economic revival and national renewal.

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is currently witnessing an influx of prominent figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as they gather for a significant event. The party leadership, including governors, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the National Working Committee (NWC), and several lawmakers, have assembled at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. This gathering marks the final stage of the party’s presidential primary election collation, where President Tinubu is set to be officially announced as the APC flagbearer for the 2027 general elections.

The occasion, scheduled for Sunday, follows the nationwide collation of results from the presidential primary held on Saturday. According to a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will receive both the Certificate of Return and the party’s flag, solidifying his position as the APC’s standard bearer for the upcoming presidential race.

This high-profile ceremony is being attended by a wide array of party stalwarts, including APC governors, NEC and NWC members, and National Assembly legislators, all of whom have gathered to witness the formal recognition of Tinubu’s candidacy. The event underscores the party’s unity as it gears up for the 2027 elections.

In a significant political development, Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has clinched the governorship nomination of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State for the 2027 general elections. The announcement came through a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka.

The statement outlined that Malami’s emergence followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the state as preparations for the upcoming elections intensify. Expressing his gratitude, Malami thanked the party faithful for the trust they have placed in him, emphasizing his commitment to the party’s principles.

Additionally, the party endorsed candidates for other key positions, including retired Major General Aminu Bande for Kebbi Central Senatorial District, retired Deputy Comptroller General Ibrahim Muhammad Mera for Kebbi North, and Garba Danjuma Limi for Kebbi South. Doka reaffirmed the ADC’s dedication to promoting good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development in Kebbi State and Nigeria at large.

Malami, who previously served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is now set to challenge incumbent Governor Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially endorsed Chief Maurice Vunobolki as its flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State. The announcement came during a party gathering held in Yola on Sunday, where delegates from all 21 local government areas unanimously affirmed his candidacy.

Vunobolki emerged as the sole contender after the only other aspirant, Caleb Andrew Myebangara, failed to attend the affirmation event at Mahmud Ribadu Square. Reports indicate that Myebangara is aligned with a faction of the PDP not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The motion to confirm Vunobolki was put forward by Ja’afaru Ribadu, a former member of the House of Representatives, and seconded by Ibrahim Jimeta, chairman of Yola North Local Government. Delegates then cast their votes via a voice vote, with the ‘Yes’ votes decisively carrying the day.

Following the process, Debo Ologunagba, who chaired the PDP governorship primary in Adamawa, formally declared Maurice Vunobolki as the party’s nominated candidate for the 2027 general election.

In his acceptance speech, Vunobolki called on all PDP members in Adamawa to rally behind him, emphasizing the need for unity to secure victory. He highlighted his extensive experience in development consulting, noting that his work has taken him across every part of the state and equipped him with insights into local challenges. He expressed confidence in his ability to deliver solutions if elected.

Vunobolki also threw down the gauntlet to candidates from other political parties, challenging them to engage in debates where they can demonstrate their understanding of the electorate and present their developmental agendas.

Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna, widely recognized as Sarkin Sharifai and an aspirant for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, has denounced the party’s recently conducted primary election, calling it a travesty of democratic processes and a rigged affair.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Peter Ewu, the former NASENI Executive Vice Chairman expressed strong disapproval of how the primaries were handled. The election committee, led by Professor Theodore Maiyaki (SAN), declared Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the winner.

Rejecting the announced outcome, Haruna alleged that the exercise was marred by widespread fraud, disenfranchisement of voters, and deliberate manipulation of vote counts to benefit a predetermined candidate. He claimed that individuals loyal to the government-backed aspirant were deployed as electoral officials across multiple local government areas, undermining the integrity of the vote.

“In my own ward, no electoral officials or voting materials were provided, which prevented me and many other party members from casting our ballots,” Haruna disclosed. He added that in several locations, supporters waited from dawn until late evening for officials who never arrived, leading to frustration and the denial of their right to vote.

Reports of intimidation, harassment, and disruptions by certain individuals during the primaries were also highlighted by the aspirant, who noted that these actions created an atmosphere of fear and confusion at many polling stations.

Haruna asserted that his allegations are substantiated by video evidence, photographs, reports, and testimonies from party stakeholders and independent observers across Nasarawa State. “Anyone with a conscience and a sense of accountability before God must reject these results. In most wards, what occurred was merely the allocation of figures. This is an insult to democracy and a betrayal of the electoral process,” he stated.

He accused party leaders of denying members their constitutional right to freely choose their candidate, describing the entire process as a charade conducted with impunity. The APC chieftain urged the party’s National Secretariat to annul the primaries and organize fresh, transparent, and credible elections in line with democratic principles.

Despite his grievances, Haruna affirmed that he and his supporters remain committed to peace, political maturity, and democratic engagement as the 2027 general elections approach. He called on his followers to stay calm, law-abiding, and avoid violence while seeking redress for the alleged injustice. “Politics should never become a source of hatred, division, or violence among our people,” he added.

The governorship aspirant also revealed that he has initiated extensive consultations with supporters, political associates, elders, youth and women groups, community leaders, and other stakeholders both within and outside Nasarawa State. These consultations, he said, are aimed at evaluating the current political situation and determining the most appropriate course of action for the benefit of his supporters and the people of Nasarawa. “At the conclusion of these consultations, we will formally announce our next political direction and position to the public,” he concluded.

The Labour Party has officially approved multiple aspirants for various elective positions in Nasarawa State as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections primaries. This announcement was made public through a report issued by the party’s National Screening Committee, which covered governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly candidates.

According to the document released on May 23, 2026, the screening process was conducted strictly following the Labour Party’s constitution, electoral guidelines, and the rules governing the 2026 primary elections. The committee emphasized that every aspirant who underwent the screening was evaluated based on legal and democratic standards required for the party’s nomination process, and all were successfully cleared to participate in the upcoming primaries.

Among those cleared for the governorship race is Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi. Meanwhile, former Information Minister Labaran Maku received clearance to vie for the Nasarawa South Senatorial seat. For the House of Representatives, the committee approved Dr. Emmanuel Akolo, Jesse James Ayang, and Blanzon Adaamu Bako to contest in the primaries.

Additionally, thirteen aspirants were cleared for the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. They include Asilika Essla, Mohammed Ibrahim, Hon. Ashy David Maiyaki, Alexander Abashi Dauda, Gown Shedrack Awayima, Bala Umaru, Zamani Iliya Helima, Barr. Labani Emmanuel Nnengon, Madoki Margaret, Iyimoga Osoweshi Daniel, Jacob Omaku Attah, and Ipah Jonathan Afagher.

The committee commended the aspirants for their cooperation and dedication throughout the screening exercise, expressing confidence that they will conduct themselves peacefully during the party primaries. The report was signed by the committee’s chairman, Senator Nenadi E. Usman, PhD, and its secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma.

Osita Okechukwu, a founding figure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping victory in the party’s presidential primary underscores a commitment to internal democracy, a contrast he draws with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is currently grappling with zoning disputes over its presidential candidate.

Speaking on Sunday, Okechukwu praised Tinubu’s overwhelming win and lauded the APC leadership for adhering to statutory procedures by implementing direct primaries across all 8,809 electoral wards nationwide for the first time in Nigeria’s history.

The former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria warned, however, that such a decisive victory comes with heightened expectations and significant challenges for the ruling party. He quoted the President, saying, “I’m just excited; they challenge me to do more.”

Okechukwu highlighted the impressive voter turnout figures from various states, interpreting them as a strong mandate from party members. He cited examples such as Ogun State’s 322,485 votes, Benue’s 374,787, Rivers’ 280,082, Delta’s 407,646, Abia’s 161,005, and Osun’s 100,880 votes.

He stressed that these impressive numbers place a heavy burden on the President, his 31 APC governors, and party legislators to deliver outstanding results in the 2027 general election. Expressing concern, he listed several obstacles: historically low voter turnout, widespread hunger, persistent insecurity, high unemployment, unreliable electricity, and a poor debt-to-service-revenue ratio.

In a major political development, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, the governorship flagbearer for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State for the 2027 elections, has announced Dr. Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa as his deputy candidate. The 38-year-old doctor was unveiled during the party’s congress held in Makurdi, the state capital.

During his announcement speech, Aondoakaa laid out the core priorities his administration would pursue if elected. He emphasized a comprehensive strategy to permanently end communal attacks and killings, ensuring the security of lives and property throughout the state. Additionally, he vowed to revitalize agriculture and fast-track rural development, leveraging Benue’s reputation as the nation’s food basket.

The former Attorney General of the Federation also highlighted plans for youth and women empowerment through job creation and entrepreneurial support. Other key areas include upgrading infrastructure, enhancing healthcare services, and improving educational standards. He stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for industrial growth and economic expansion.

Aondoakaa further committed to running a government based on justice, transparency, and accountability. He pledged to foster unity and reconciliation among all residents, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.