Category: News

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has revealed a tense episode where he came close to losing his position due to the actions of Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Elliot. The incident unfolded during the controversy surrounding the impeachment of Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Gbajabiamila shared this story while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress. He explained that President Tinubu summoned him to his residence in Abuja and expressed concern that Elliot was among those causing unrest in the Lagos Assembly. Despite Gbajabiamila’s attempts to defend Elliot, the president insisted that intelligence reports indicated otherwise.

Following the meeting, Gbajabiamila contacted Elliot and urged him to distance himself from the group if he was involved. However, three days later, the Director General of the Department of State Services informed Gbajabiamila that his name was being linked to the impeachment saga and that he was allegedly backing Elliot.

Gbajabiamila recounted that he pleaded with Elliot to issue a public denial of his involvement, but the lawmaker never did. This unresolved issue nearly cost Gbajabiamila his job, as the president held him accountable for his association with Elliot. Ultimately, the Speaker was reinstated after President Tinubu intervened, restoring order in the Assembly.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar held discussions with aides of Congressman Riley Moore on Thursday, focusing on electoral fairness and security challenges in Nigeria. The meeting, orchestrated by Washington lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., aimed to address concerns surrounding the upcoming 2027 general elections.

In a statement released by the firm, it was emphasized that the dialogue underscored the necessity of safeguarding every Nigerian’s right to participate in free and fair elections. Such elections, the statement noted, are crucial for choosing leaders capable of tackling the nation’s persistent security issues.

The firm described the session as constructive, highlighting the shared commitment to election integrity, peace, and long-term stability in Nigeria. Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. was retained to enhance Atiku’s image in the United States as he prepares for the 2027 presidential race.

This development follows Atiku’s submission of his presidential nomination forms with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He has called on Nigerians to join him in restoring the country to its former glory, referring to the need to bring back the ‘good old days.’

Kabiru Umar, widely recognized as Kabiru Sokoto, has lodged an appeal challenging his conviction in connection with the 2011 attack on St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla. His legal representative, Don Akaegbu, announced the move in a statement, explaining that the decision to appeal came after a thorough review of court proceedings and the judgment handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 20, 2013.

The defense team also submitted a request for an extension of time, citing delays in initiating the appeal process. They emphasized that the charges brought against their client did not accuse him of directly carrying out or orchestrating the church bombing. According to the lawyers, the specific count in question alleged that Umar possessed information about the incident and failed to report it to law enforcement.

“It is crucial, for the sake of accuracy and fairness, to point out that the charges on which our client was tried and convicted did not allege he executed or masterminded the bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla. Instead, the relevant count claimed he had knowledge of the event and did not disclose it to authorities,” the statement read.

The legal team underscored that the difference between direct involvement and alleged prior knowledge is legally significant, and this matter is a central issue in the pending appeal. The appeal raises questions about the evidence used to secure the conviction and the trial court’s handling of Umar’s defense.

The lawyers further argued that criminal liability must be determined solely based on charges and evidence presented in court. They also revealed that while in custody, Umar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the National Open University of Nigeria, reflecting his continued efforts at self-improvement despite his circumstances.

“The goal of this appeal is to enable our client to establish and prove his innocence in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.

In a recent administrative adjustment, Ahmadu Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State, has implemented a targeted reshuffle within his executive council. The changes see two commissioners swapping portfolios to different departments, a move aimed at revitalizing government operations.

Under the revised configuration, Joab Sahma transitions from the Lands and Survey department to oversee Commerce, Trade, and Industry. Concurrently, Dr. John Ishaya Dabari leaves his position at Commerce, Trade, and Industry to take charge of the Lands and Survey ministry.

The governor’s chief press secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, confirmed these changes, emphasizing that they are effective immediately. Governor Fintiri described the redeployment as a strategy to infuse new momentum into the administration, reinforcing its dedication to efficient public service.

He encouraged the affected officials to embrace their new roles with commitment and a fresh perspective, highlighting the importance of executing programs that deliver tangible benefits to the state’s residents.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged that Nigeria’s youth could remove him from office if he does not resolve the nation’s economic problems. Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum on Thursday, Tinubu described the country’s young population as highly dynamic, restless, and intolerant of excuses.

“As a politician, if I don’t prepare them for that, they will vote me out,” the president stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing their expectations.

Tinubu also addressed questions about economic reforms and investment strategies. He highlighted his achievements in improving tax collection during his tenure as Lagos State governor, noting that Lagos is now the fifth-largest economy in Africa. “I’m very proud of the legacy I left behind there, and I’m still monitoring it,” he said.

The president stressed that eliminating bureaucratic hurdles would attract more foreign direct investment. “This year alone, I can beat my chest that Nigeria is attracting close to $20 billion in foreign direct investments,” he claimed.

Tinubu further remarked that investment is “very cowardly” without transparency and accountability. He called on African nations to pool resources together to negotiate better terms globally, citing his article in the Financial Times about international rating agencies.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a directive to all Resident Electoral Commissioners across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to gear up for monitoring political party primaries in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

This instruction was communicated through a letter dated May 11, 2026, signed by the Commission Secretary, Rose Oriaran Anthony. The document, titled ‘Notice of Political Party Primaries Ahead of the 2027 General Elections’, outlines the next steps for the electoral body.

According to the attached timetable, a total of 19 political parties—including major players like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and Nigeria Democratic Congress—have already submitted their activity schedules to INEC, in compliance with the 2026 Electoral Act.

In the correspondence addressed to all Resident Electoral Commissioners, INEC stated: ‘I write to notify all Resident Electoral Commissioners that Political Party Primaries for the nomination of candidates for the Presidential, Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly elections ahead of the 2027 General Election are scheduled to hold within the period approved by the Commission.’

The commission further emphasized: ‘Accordingly, you are hereby requested to make the necessary arrangements for the monitoring of the primaries in your respective states and the Federal Capital Territory, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026; the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); as well as the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.’

INEC also noted that the timetable and schedules submitted by political parties may still be subject to review where necessary.

The newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Aminu Idris, has formally assumed his role at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), vowing to uphold the integrity of the 2027 general elections. In a media briefing in Makurdi, Idris emphasized that every eligible Nigerian citizen deserves the chance to vote freely and fairly.

Idris underscored the media’s critical role in strengthening democracy by providing accurate electoral updates and educating the public on INEC’s initiatives. He called on journalists to work closely with the commission to ensure transparency throughout the electoral process.

The commissioner also updated citizens on the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive, now in its final phase. He urged all unregistered eligible residents to seize the opportunity before the deadline. On the restoration of state constituencies, Idris reported that work has been completed in four out of five affected local government areas, with the remaining one soon to be finalized.

Reassuring Benue residents, Idris affirmed that INEC remains committed to conducting its duties with impartiality, transparency, and professionalism, strictly adhering to its constitutional mandate.

The industrial action that paralyzed judicial activities in Abia State for two months has been called off. The Abia State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) announced the end of the strike on Thursday, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government.

The strike, which started on March 15, 2026, was suspended immediately after the union’s congress ratified the agreement. The union’s chairman, Chinedu Ezeh, and secretary, Chibueze Nwachukwu, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the MoU substantially addressed the workers’ demands.

The union expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for his intervention and commitment to improving the welfare of judiciary workers. JUSUN also thanked the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, judges, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the public for their support during the strike.

The union called for the full implementation of all agreements to strengthen the judiciary and enhance justice delivery across the state.

China has once again underscored its unwavering adherence to the One-China policy, emphasizing that Taiwan is not a sovereign state but rather an integral component of Chinese land. This assertion was delivered by Dong Hairong, Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, during a media gathering in Abuja on Thursday.

The event, hosted by the Centre for China Studies and the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, served as a platform for Hairong to call for enhanced global comprehension of the Taiwan issue and China’s territorial stance. She highlighted recent events, such as Taiwanese regional leader Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini and reports of interactions between Nigerian journalists and Taiwanese representatives, as instances of efforts to promote separatist viewpoints.

“Since ancient times, Taiwan has been an inseparable part of Chinese territory,” Hairong declared. “Taiwan has never been a country, is not one now, and will never become one.”

Echoing this sentiment, Otunba Segun Showunmi, Convener of The Alternative Movement, urged Nigeria to deepen strategic collaboration with China, citing Beijing’s rise as a global economic and technological powerhouse. Showunmi argued that Abuja would derive greater benefits from robust ties with China than from separate dealings with Taiwan. “In another century, the advantages Nigeria will gain from a solid partnership with China far exceed what Taiwan could offer in a millennium,” he stated.

Furthermore, Prof. Ghali Ibrahim, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Director of the Centre for China-Africa Research, affirmed that the One-China principle enjoys widespread international acceptance due to Taiwan’s lack of sovereign legal status. “Taiwan is not an independent sovereign entity; it is a territory belonging to China,” Ibrahim noted.

President Bola Tinubu continues to enjoy firm backing from the North, according to Abdullahi Yakasai, his Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the Northwest region. Yakasai made this known during a television interview, countering claims that the president has lost favor in the region.

Yakasai dismissed reports of waning support as politically motivated narratives spread by opposition parties as the 2027 elections approach. He argued that suggesting Tinubu no longer has a political base in the Northwest is baseless and merely negative talk.

He emphasized that the president’s initiatives should make the northern part of the country appreciative. When questioned about persistent hardships under Tinubu’s administration, Yakasai pointed to efforts aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and development.

He further explained that many responsibilities affecting citizens’ welfare fall under state and local governments, not just the federal government. This, he said, shifts the blame for living conditions away from the presidency.

Yakasai’s remarks come amid rising political activities and speculation about alliances shaping up for the next general election. His statements are expected to reassure APC supporters in the North.