Category: News

President Bola Tinubu has publicly stated that he bears no resentment towards Stanley Osifo, the sole challenger in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries. Tinubu made this declaration on Sunday while addressing party leaders and supporters after officially being declared the winner of the primaries.

During his speech, Tinubu also conveyed a willingness to engage in dialogue with political adversaries and critics of his administration. He emphasized that democracy thrives on diversity of ideas, not uniformity, and is anchored by a shared belief in the nation’s potential.

“To those who despise our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, not anger, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the result of our work will speak for themselves,” Tinubu stated.

Directly addressing his rival, he added, “I owe you no grudge, including Osifo, who spent his money.” This statement underscores a reconciliatory tone as the party moves forward after the primaries.

Tinubu’s remarks highlight his commitment to inclusive politics and his confidence in the achievements of his administration to win over skeptics.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of banditry, kidnapping, and violent killings across the nation. The organization declared that the security situation has reached an unbearable level, requiring immediate divine intervention and decisive government measures.

Speaking after a three-day national fasting and prayer program, the PFN National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, highlighted the plight of many victims. He noted that several Chibok schoolgirls remain in captivity years after their abduction by Boko Haram. Leah Sharibu continues to be held hostage for refusing to deny her Christian faith, while justice has not been served in the murder of Deborah Samuel, who was killed by a mob in Sokoto for mentioning Jesus’ name.

Bishop Oke, represented by Kaduna State PFN Chairman Bishop Musa Dasikwo, recounted that Taraba, Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna have become daily sites of bloodshed. Edo, Kogi, and Ondo states have also experienced attacks. He reported that communities in Kwara State have been overrun by armed bandits wielding sophisticated weapons.

The cleric lamented the widespread kidnapping, rape, and killings in Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, and other states. He pointed out that Oyo State has become a new hotspot, where teachers and students were abducted, with one teacher beheaded and another shot dead. The PFN mourned what it called a lack of political will by the government to crush these evils, stating that allowing such violence to fester amounts to empty promises.

Bishop Oke criticized the government for focusing on winning elections rather than deploying the full force of law to stop the killers. He condemned the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram fighters and their integration into security forces. The insecurity, he argued, fractures national unity, scares investors, drives away skilled citizens, and breaks the bond between the people and the state, leaving Nigerians feeling unsafe.

The PFN called on the federal government to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect every citizen regardless of tribe or religion, so that Nigeria can become a nation where no one is oppressed.

President Bola Tinubu officially received his certificate of return on Sunday after securing victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary for the 2027 general elections. He garnered 10.99 million votes, decisively defeating his sole opponent, Stanley Osifo, who managed only 16,504 votes in the primaries held across 8,809 wards nationwide.

In his acceptance address, Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s democratic progress and outlined his vision for the upcoming election. He emphasized the significance of the moment, not as a personal triumph but as a testament to the nation’s collective commitment to building a stable and prosperous society.

Recalling the 2022 primaries, Tinubu noted how he stood alongside former President Muhammadu Buhari and other aspirants. He expressed gratitude for the support that led to his emergence as the party’s candidate and later as president. Now, as the incumbent, he feels humbled by the continued confidence and energized for the challenges ahead.

He stressed that in 2022, the goal was to chart a new direction, but today’s focus is on consolidating reforms, securing progress, and strengthening Nigeria’s foundations. With humility, he accepted the party’s nomination to run again in 2027.

Thanking party leaders, governors, the National Working Committee, legislators, and loyal members, he acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerians who have supported the difficult reform path. He highlighted significant changes since June 2022, including electoral reforms that bolstered democratic credibility, structural economic changes, new tax laws, and improved fiscal policies that boosted federation revenue.

Tinubu pointed to achievements such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has disbursed over N282 billion to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries, removing financial barriers to higher education. In the power sector, he noted that 2.5 million meters were supplied through the Presidential Metering Initiative, ending estimated billing. A N4 trillion bond program was established to settle legacy debts to power generation companies, and peak generation reached 6000MW, a 50% increase from inherited levels.

The president also cited the removal of wasteful fuel subsidies, stabilization of exchange rates, and infrastructure investments in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation. He mentioned ongoing construction of durable roads and superhighways, airport and seaport upgrades, and oil and gas reforms attracting billions in fresh investment.

On social programs, he emphasized support for vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses. He called for national unity, referencing the revived national anthem that celebrates diversity while promoting brotherhood: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand.”

Acknowledging ongoing challenges, Tinubu admitted that many Nigerians still face rising costs and economic adjustments. He assured that his government understands these struggles and governs with honesty and action. On security, he recognized the challenges in parts of the country and pledged to strengthen security architecture, support armed forces and police, and foster community partnerships. He called for constitutional amendments to allow state police as a national emergency measure.

Tinubu renewed his commitment to serve with greater determination, aiming to place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialization, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation. He extended a hand of partnership to political opponents and offered dialogue to those with differing philosophies, confident in the sincerity of his purpose and results.

He urged Nigerians to come together across regions to consolidate gains and tackle challenges, framing the next election as a reaffirmation of democratic maturity rather than a mere contest. He warned against complacency and politicians with no clear alternative vision.

Concluding with faith in God and confidence in the people, he accepted the nomination as the party’s torchbearer for the January 2027 election, pledging to build a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria with an inclusive government that listens, learns, and leads.

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.