Category: News

The Labour Party’s factional National Chairman, Julius Abure, has issued a warning to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the level of influence granted to former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and his supporters within the party. In a statement released on June 8, 2026, Abure responded to reports of internal disagreements over the distribution of elective positions in the NDC.

Abure praised the NDC leadership under Senator Seriake Dickson for not yielding to all demands made by Obi’s supporters for political slots. He argued that this decision was informed by the Labour Party’s unfortunate experience during and after the 2023 general elections. According to Abure, many candidates who won elections on the Labour Party’s platform later turned against the party’s leadership instead of working to strengthen it.

Reflecting on the past, Abure noted that history has a way of repeating itself, and he commended Dickson for learning from the Labour Party’s mistakes. He alleged that numerous politicians who obtained tickets from the Labour Party eventually aligned with Obi and engaged in disputes over the party’s governance structure.

Abure recounted that the Labour Party made significant sacrifices ahead of the 2023 elections, including accommodating Obi and his supporters. He claimed that most tickets were issued free of charge because the party believed it was investing in those individuals. However, after winning elections, many of these individuals supported efforts to challenge the party’s leadership. Abure stated, “All those elected under the party, Obi took them to fight the leadership.”

The Labour Party chairman emphasized that political parties must maintain a balance in distributing positions and influence to ensure internal stability. He asserted that Dickson’s refusal to grant all of Obi’s demands was prudent, as it allows Dickson to retain loyalists who will defend him when necessary.

Abure also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of exacerbating the Labour Party’s leadership crisis by acknowledging claims about the expiration of the party executives’ tenure. He further alleged that Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti attempted to take over the party’s leadership.

Abure clarified that his remarks were prompted by public inquiries about how the Labour Party managed its relationship with Obi and his supporters during the 2022/2023 election cycle.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has warned that escalating insecurity and economic difficulties may obstruct President Bola Tinubu’s path to reelection unless these issues are promptly tackled. In a recent interview with Seun Okibaloye, Dalung highlighted the growing frustration among Nigerians due to rising crime, joblessness, and financial struggles.

He identified these problems as the primary concerns for voters in upcoming elections. According to Dalung, the biggest political misstep by Tinubu’s administration has been its failure to curb insecurity. He also pointed to economic mismanagement, corruption, and unemployment as critical factors fueling public discontent.

“The only people who have prospered since 2023 are Tinubu and his inner circle,” Dalung asserted, claiming that ordinary citizens have not felt the benefits of government reforms. He further noted that the situation mirrors a broader sense of hopelessness among the populace.

Dalung expressed alarm over civil unrest in parts of the Southwest, particularly in Ibadan, where women have taken to the streets shouting “ole, ole” (thief). He urged the government to take these incidents seriously, warning that they could lead to predictable political turmoil if ignored.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has officially debunked claims that its leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is contemplating leaving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In a press release issued by its spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, the group dismissed the rumors as baseless and unfounded.

According to Mohammed, Senator Kwankwaso has never expressed any intention to quit the party over the replacement of candidates. The movement described the reports as mere speculation that lacks any factual backing.

“Senator Kwankwaso has not threatened to exit the NDC, and neither the Kwankwasiyya Movement nor its leader has any grievances about the party’s candidate selection process,” the statement clarified.

The rumors had suggested that the movement might withdraw from the NDC if candidates earlier nominated by the group were substituted. However, Mohammed stressed that such claims are entirely false.

He further explained that the party primaries, held on May 29, followed the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, with winners confirmed on the same day. Stakeholders and members had earlier agreed on a consensus where necessary, and the candidate list was submitted without any internal disputes.

“Kwankwaso has not communicated any dissatisfaction to the movement. The entire narrative is a product of misinformation,” Mohammed added.

The clarification comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the upcoming elections, with various parties working to solidify their internal structures.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has confirmed that 38 ships transporting petroleum products, food items, and other goods are scheduled to arrive at key Lagos ports during the current week. According to the authority’s Daily Shipping Position report, the vessels will dock at Apapa Port, Tincan Island Port, and Lekki Deep Sea Port between June 8 and June 13.

Of the incoming vessels, ten are carrying containerized cargo, while the remaining 28 ships are loaded with a diverse range of commodities, including frozen fish, bulk urea, premium motor spirit (petrol), condensate, gas oil, aviation fuel, bulk wheat, diesel, crude oil, and general cargo.

The NPA also noted that nine ships and tankers have already arrived and are waiting for berth allocation. These vessels are transporting containers, gasoline, petrol, bulk fertilizer, diesel, and crude oil. Furthermore, cargo operations are currently underway at all three ports, with 21 vessels actively discharging their loads.

Products being offloaded at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa Port, and Tincan Island Port include bulk urea, containers, petrol, fertilizer, frozen fish, gypsum, sugar, wheat, and bulk gas.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a company and two persons before a Lagos High Court for allegedly stealing N560 million. The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the anti-graft agency brought Olivia Dike, Azeez Muniru Siyanbola, and Eniafelamo Global Seven Nigeria Limited before Justice R.O. Oshodi on Monday, June 8, 2026.

According to the EFCC, the defendants fraudulently converted funds totaling N560 million belonging to Peachland West Africa Limited and Lyke Stephen Okpaji. The three-count charge includes stealing, contrary to Sections 278(1)(b) and 285(9) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. One count details that between July 2024 and February 2025, the defendants, along with a fugitive named Taoheed Lekan Abdrahman, dishonestly took the money.

All defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. Prosecution counsel Nnaemeka Omewa requested a trial date and asked for the defendants to be remanded in custody. Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to July 10, 2026, for hearing of bail applications and trial commencement. The first defendant, Olivia Dike, was ordered to be held at a female custodial center, while Siyanbola was remanded in a maximum security correctional facility.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally sworn in Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the Minister of Power and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The ceremony took place on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with family members, cabinet colleagues, and other senior government officials in attendance.

These appointments come after the departure of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who both stepped down to pursue gubernatorial ambitions in their home states. Following President Tinubu’s nomination, both Tegbe and Enikanolaiye underwent screening and were confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2026.

Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, originally from Ibadan, Oyo State, is recognized for his expertise in economic, fiscal, and institutional reforms. With over thirty years of experience spanning the public and private sectors, he brings a robust background in policy implementation and stakeholder engagement to his new role.

Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye hails from Igbagun in Kogi State. He earned a First Class degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was the best graduating student in his faculty and received the Dean’s Prize. He also holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, which he completed with distinction. Enikanolaiye is a seasoned diplomat who has represented Nigeria in various countries, including Ethiopia, Serbia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. His most recent posting was as Nigeria’s Head of Mission in New Delhi, India. Prior to joining the cabinet, he served as Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations in the Office of the Chief of Staff.

President Bola Tinubu is set to launch a series of key infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, beginning on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The announcement came from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who conducted a final inspection tour on Monday to ensure readiness for the commissioning events, which are part of the administration’s third anniversary celebrations.

During the tour, Wike confirmed that the President will first inaugurate the second phase of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) main carriageways, a project he described as fully completed. The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that contractors had met their deadlines and delivered on promises. He stated, “Tomorrow, the President will start the commissioning of the OSEX road, which was the first place we visited this morning.”

The commissioning schedule includes a packed itinerary over several days. On Wednesday, June 10, Tinubu will commission the Arterial Road N5 in Life Camp, followed by the dualized Highway 105 (Airport-to-Kuje carriageway) on Thursday. These roads are expected to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth in outlying areas. Wike emphasized that all three projects are 100 percent complete and ready for inauguration.

Beyond the city center, the President will also visit satellite towns to inaugurate projects in area councils, reflecting the government’s commitment to rural development. While specific locations were not disclosed, Wike highlighted that the spread of projects demonstrates the administration’s dedication to improving lives across all parts of the territory.

Wike credited President Tinubu for providing the necessary support and directive to complete these projects, which were initiated by previous administrations. He said, “The credit must go to Mr. President, who has given that directive and support for us to go this far. One of the things about leadership is the will to continue projects that may not have been initiated by you, but you continue and complete those projects.”

On the topic of newly built FCT bus terminals that have not yet opened, Wike urged patience, explaining that the government is following due process. He noted that the Federal Executive Council has approved a Public-Private Partnership lease, and the concessionaire is currently assembling a modern fleet of buses and taxis to ensure smooth operations. “Government process is not easy; bureaucracy is involved, and once you have achieved that, be patient,” he added.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated fresh legal proceedings against three senior directors of the National Assembly, accusing them of involvement in a fraud scheme worth N337.06 million. However, the re-arraignment, scheduled for Monday at a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jikwoyi, Abuja, was delayed due to preliminary objections raised by the defense.

The accused individuals are Aishatu Bappa El-Nafaty, Director of Public Affairs; Mamud Alhaji Abubakar, former Permanent Secretary; and Igba Ityoakura Joseph, Deputy Director of Procurement. The EFCC alleges they conspired between 2017 and 2019 to commit criminal breach of trust, forgery, official corruption, and diversion of funds.

During the court session, counsel for the second defendant, Muhammed Ndayako, filed a preliminary objection seeking to strike out six counts (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 18) of the amended charge. He argued that these counts are incompetent and attempt to revive charges previously quashed by the court on May 12, 2025.

In response, EFCC counsel Francis Usani stated that the prosecution received the objection only on June 5, 2026, just days before the hearing. He described the move as frivolous and aimed at obstructing the arraignment, urging the court to proceed with taking the defendants’ pleas.

The amended charge includes 23 counts, with one accusing El-Nafaty of dishonestly converting N89.87 million from National Assembly accounts into her personal account. Another count alleges she forged receipts from Fazah Integrated Services Limited between 2017 and 2018.

The first defendant also indicated plans to file a similar objection. Justice Muhammed Zubairu granted her 48 hours to do so and allowed the prosecution time to respond. The case was adjourned to September 23, 2026, for hearing on the preliminary objections.

The Nigerian Senate is set to deliberate on the final report regarding the establishment of state police within the week, according to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. He made this announcement during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, emphasizing that the initiative is part of the National Assembly’s broader strategy to tackle the country’s escalating security issues.

Bamidele, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, revealed that the committee is ready to present its findings and recommendations to the upper chamber. Once the proposal receives approval from the National Assembly, it will be forwarded to the 36 state legislatures for their consent, a critical step in the constitutional amendment process.

“We have resolved to move forward with the constitutional amendment that makes provision for state police, and I can confirm that this will be finalized this week without further delay,” Bamidele stated.

He disclosed that federal lawmakers have conducted multiple meetings with key stakeholders in recent weeks, including President Bola Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu. These consultations were aimed at refining the proposed state policing framework to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with national security goals.

The move has been widely anticipated as a potential solution to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, with proponents arguing that state-level policing could improve response times and local accountability. The Senate’s consideration this week marks a significant step toward potential implementation.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, has called on the nation’s banking sector to intensify efforts against terrorism financing and other illicit financial flows. During a Monday meeting with UBA Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba at Army Headquarters in Abuja, Shaibu emphasized the financial industry’s crucial role in maintaining national stability and economic resilience.

Shaibu encouraged Alawuba, as head of the Body of Bank CEOs, to rally the banking community toward enhanced financial oversight and intelligence sharing, aiming to identify and prevent transactions linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and similar crimes. He noted that cutting off the financial support for criminal groups is vital to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and security strategies.

The army chief also underscored the importance of improving personnel welfare as a foundation for operational effectiveness. In response, Alawuba pledged UBA’s continued support through specialized financial products, including mortgages, infrastructure funding, and welfare programs, as well as streamlined services for troops on peacekeeping missions abroad.