Category: News

Doctors Without Borders, officially known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has highlighted severe malnutrition, repeated disease outbreaks, and ongoing maternal health struggles in Nigeria, as detailed in its 2025 Country Activity Report launched in Abuja. The organization points to rising food shortages, conflict, inflation, floods, displacement, and weak healthcare systems as key factors driving health risks for millions, particularly children and women.

During the reporting period, MSF ran regular medical initiatives across ten states—Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Bauchi, Cross River, and Ebonyi—and started new operations in Kaduna. The data reveals that MSF teams treated more than 440,000 children for malnutrition in 2025, marking the highest number of admissions the group has seen in recent years. Specifically, 353,989 children with severe acute malnutrition received outpatient care, while an additional 90,723 with complications were admitted to inpatient stabilization centers supported by MSF.

Ahmed Aldikhari, MSF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, called the figures a stark indicator of the growing humanitarian crisis in northern communities. He stated that 2025 recorded the highest malnutrition admissions in the country over recent years. Aldikhari emphasized that malnutrition is closely tied to recurrent diseases like measles, malaria, diphtheria, and cholera, which spread rapidly where healthcare access is limited. The report also shows that MSF treated 341,239 malaria patients, 38,753 measles cases, 6,123 diphtheria cases, and 985 meningitis patients across various states in 2025.

MSF noted that disease outbreaks often worsen during the rainy season and continue to strain healthcare facilities, especially in underserved and conflict-ridden areas. The organization called for stronger vaccination efforts, better water and sanitation systems, enhanced disease monitoring, and timely treatment to reduce preventable deaths. On maternal health, the report highlights that Nigeria still has one of the world’s highest maternal and newborn death rates, with many women facing barriers due to insecurity, poor transport, overburdened hospitals, and weak referral networks.

In 2025, MSF assisted 33,590 deliveries, provided 119,469 antenatal consultations, and performed 224 fistula surgeries. Many women still experience severe complications from delayed emergency care, including heavy bleeding, obstructed labor, infections, and hypertension-related conditions. Aldikhari urged increased investment in primary healthcare, staffing, medical supplies, and emergency maternal services, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas across the country.

The Northern Coalition for Accountability and Public Trust (NCAPT) has pushed back against allegations by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) concerning missing funds from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). SERAP had called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate an alleged disappearance of N26.9 billion from the USPF, urging the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, to provide explanations.

NCAPT, through its Executive Director, Amb. Abubakar Yusuf Yaro, released a statement on Wednesday describing SERAP’s claims as inflated and devoid of necessary context. The organization argued that the average yearly budget for the USPF during the period in question was around N7.5 billion, making it illogical to suggest that N26.9 billion could be missing. They pointed out that over N13.8 billion of the alleged missing amount consisted of operating surplus deductions managed directly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) before reaching the USPF, implying that the fund never actually held those sums.

Furthermore, NCAPT highlighted that procurement processes associated with the USPF underwent proper oversight, including approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and tenders boards, with payments backed by necessary documentation and project evidence. They accused SERAP of conducting a media trial, noting that previous audits and reviews by a House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee found no improprieties in USPF operations.

The organization emphasized that audit observations are not conclusive evidence of fraud but rather queries meant for clarification through established institutional channels. They called on the National Assembly and oversight bodies to independently review documents and allow due process without external pressure, urging SERAP to seek clarification before making public conclusions that could damage institutional credibility.

In a significant development in the ongoing N8.7 billion money laundering trial involving former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, a witness from Zenith Bank has testified that the financial institution submitted Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) concerning transactions linked to Malami’s accounts. The testimony was presented before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.

The witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer at Zenith Bank, revealed during the proceedings that despite the deposits in the account statements adhering to Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines, the bank still filed STRs as part of its regulatory duties. When questioned by defense counsel Adebayo Adedeji, SAN, Bata confirmed that the deposits were in compliance with CBN regulations, but emphasized that the filing of STRs was mandatory.

“But we had to file Suspicious Transaction Report. We did file,” Bata stated unequivocally in court.

A brief legal argument ensued during re-examination when prosecution lawyer J.S. Okutepa, SAN, sought an explanation of what constitutes a Suspicious Transaction Report. The defense objected, claiming the witness’s earlier testimony was clear. However, Justice Abdulmalik allowed the question under Section 215(3) of the Evidence Act.

Expanding on his prior statement, the compliance officer explained that STRs are typically filed when funds are deposited in repetitive or unusual patterns. “Any deposition of funds seen in a pattern or repetitive, you must escalate it to the NFIU,” he clarified.

Bata further noted that his role as a compliance officer primarily involved handling correspondence from law enforcement agencies, and he was not the account officer or relationship manager for the accounts under scrutiny.

Following the witness’s testimony, the court discharged him and adjourned the case until May 22 for the continuation of the trial. Malami is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, on an amended 16-count charge of conspiracy, concealment, and laundering approximately N8.7 billion allegedly derived from unlawful activities.

The protracted political battle for the Kano North Senatorial District seat has been resolved following the decision of Muhammad Tijjani Gwarzo to withdraw his candidacy in favor of the incumbent, Senator Barau Jibrin. The breakthrough came after intensive negotiations involving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, former APC National Chairman Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, and other key stakeholders.

Gwarzo, who previously served as Minister of Housing and Deputy Governor, cited the need for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as his primary motivation. He stated that his decision was aimed at fostering harmony and ensuring the party’s success across all positions in the upcoming elections.

In his announcement, Gwarzo expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf and other leaders for their mediation efforts. He also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s paternal guidance throughout the process. For his part, Senator Jibrin praised Governor Yusuf’s leadership in resolving the dispute and lauded Ganduje and other stakeholders for their contributions.

Senator Jibrin reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to remaining a cohesive family in Kano State. He emphasized that the party is focused on securing victories for President Tinubu, Governor Yusuf, and all APC candidates in the forthcoming polls.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled the pricing for its nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting the total cost for presidential hopefuls at N60 million. This announcement was part of a detailed schedule released by the party.

According to the timetable, gubernatorial aspirants are required to pay N30 million, while candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats face varying fees. The party outlined that the sale of Expression of Interest forms will commence on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and close on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The statement, signed by the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, confirmed that aspirants must undergo screening and interviews from May 19 to May 21 before they can purchase nomination forms. The nomination forms will be available for sale from May 21 to May 23, with completed forms due by May 25.

Appeals regarding the screening process will be addressed on May 25 and 26, followed by primaries for various positions on May 27 and 28. The presidential primary election is scheduled to take place in Abuja on May 29, 2026.

Governorship primaries will be conducted at the local government level, while State House of Assembly aspirants will be screened in their respective states. Screening for National Assembly and presidential candidates will occur at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The NDC emphasized that all aspirants must sign undertakings compliant with the party’s code of conduct and electoral guidelines. The party assured members of a transparent and democratic process, stating its commitment to fairness and internal democracy.

An open secret ballot system will be used during the primaries to enhance credibility. The breakdown of fees shows presidential aspirants paying N20 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N40 million for the Nomination Form. Gubernatorial aspirants will pay N10 million and N20 million respectively, while Senate candidates pay N3 million and N5 million. House of Representatives aspirants face N2 million and N4 million, and State House of Assembly aspirants pay N1 million and N1.5 million.

The party noted that its nomination fees are among the lowest charged by major political parties in the country. Additionally, female aspirants receive a 50 percent discount on approved fees, and persons with disabilities enjoy a 75 percent waiver across all categories. The NDC reiterated its dedication to fielding credible candidates for the 2027 elections.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has officially announced his candidacy for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, setting the stage for a competitive primary within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obasa made his intention public during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Agege, Lagos, on Tuesday. He revealed that leaders of the APC in the constituency encouraged him to vie for the federal legislative position.

At the gathering, the Speaker also urged party members and stakeholders to back the ambition of Ganiyu Egunjobi, a former Chairman of Agege Local Government Council, who is seeking to represent Agege Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Additionally, Obasa endorsed Azeez Oladapo Yusuf, popularly known as Ninolowo, for the Agege Constituency II seat in the state assembly.

This development is expected to intensify political activities in Agege as aspirants ramp up consultations and grassroots mobilization ahead of the APC primaries. Supporters and party loyalists across Agege and Orile-Agege have already begun efforts to rally delegates and residents as the contest for party tickets gains momentum.

Meanwhile, APC members in Agege, Orile-Agege, and other parts of Lagos are awaiting the outcome of the ongoing screening exercise conducted by the state and national leadership of the party, which will determine who is eligible to contest in the primaries.

The Imo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that the party remains structurally sound, ideologically consistent, and under strong leadership. This affirmation came in a communique issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi, following a State Executive Committee meeting held in Owerri.

The meeting was convened to evaluate the party’s current standing, strengthen internal unity, and formulate strategies for the 2027 general elections. The statement highlighted that the gathering occurred amid recent political shifts, and the committee took the opportunity to emphasize the party’s stability, focus, and commitment to principled, issue-driven politics.

According to the communique, any suggestions of division within the party are inaccurate. To sustain momentum, the committee resolved to boost grassroots outreach across all 27 local government areas of Imo State. This effort aims to expand the membership base, encourage civic engagement, and ensure the party enters the primaries and general elections with formidable organizational strength.

The committee expressed strong confidence in the leadership of former Governor Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and former Deputy Governor Hon. Engr. Gerald Irona, noting that their experience and stabilizing influence have been crucial in keeping the party united and focused. Additionally, the committee pledged unwavering loyalty to the national leadership of ADC under Senator David Mark’s chairmanship, aligning with the National Working Committee’s vision to position the party for a decisive victory in 2027.

Finally, the committee reaffirmed its dedication to a united Nigeria founded on justice, competence, and inclusive development. It described ADC as the most credible platform to bring about the renewal Nigerians seek, urging all members to remain steadfast, ignore distractions, and commit to building a party that restores confidence in governance and delivers tangible progress to the people.

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 presidential election, the opposition landscape has become increasingly fragmented. The recent departure of prominent figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised questions about the viability of a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung, the exit of Obi and Kwankwaso from the ADC was surprising and ill-advised. He argued that their move to the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) weakens their chances, as they abandoned a coalition that had the potential to unseat Tinubu. Dalung believes the ADC emerges stronger from this split, retaining key support bases from former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

However, political analyst Jide Ojo offers a different perspective. He maintains that the defection is a strategic move for Obi and Kwankwaso to pursue their presidential ambitions without being overshadowed by Atiku in the ADC. Ojo notes that both politicians see 2027 as their best opportunity, given age and regional rotation considerations.

Atiku’s supporters, like Dele Momodu, criticize the focus on zoning, arguing it distracts from critical issues like insecurity and economic challenges. Momodu accuses the Tinubu administration of using zoning to divide the opposition.

Meanwhile, APC chieftain Osita Okechukwu dismissed Atiku’s opposition to zoning, calling it hypocritical given Atiku’s past benefits from the arrangement. As the election approaches, the fragmented opposition faces an uphill battle against a well-entrenched ruling party.

Dele Momodu, a high-ranking member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticized Nigerian politicians for relying on zoning as their primary tactic to secure the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections. Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program on Tuesday, the Ovation Magazine publisher argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu are aware that without emphasizing zoning, their electoral success would be uncertain.

Momodu described the zoning debate as a diversion that prevents Nigerians from focusing on the country’s pressing challenges. He stated, “Politicians treat zoning as the sole qualification to become president. It is a distraction, and I confidently assert that this is not what we need right now.” He emphasized that winning elections requires strategy, not just zoning, but acknowledged the right of those who support zoning to their opinion.

Political science professor Jibrin Ibrahim has expressed disappointment over the divergence between Nigerian political realities and the principles taught in academic institutions.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Tuesday, Ibrahim noted that political parties have transformed into mere instruments for individuals to seize power.

He remarked, ‘As a political science scholar, it is disheartening to witness politics operating on an entirely different framework from what we learned in textbooks. We were raised to believe that democracy adhered to specific rules and norms, only to realize that actual practices bear little resemblance to the theories we studied.’

Ibrahim added, ‘My personal misfortune is that I studied classic political science, assuming that democratic politics would follow those established guidelines.’