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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has warned that Nigeria cannot continue to rely on borrowing to fund development, stressing the need for a sustainable fiscal system.  He spoke at the 28th Annual Tax Conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria in Abuja.  “Nigeria cannot continue to finance development primarily through borrowing. We must build a fiscal system capable of sustainably supporting critical infrastructure, quality education, affordable healthcare, security, and social protection,” he said.  His remarks follow reports of ongoing Federal Government discussions with the World Bank over a proposed $1.25bn loan for reforms, job creation, and competitiveness.  Oyedele said sustainability goes beyond revenue, adding that it must also promote growth, reduce inequality, and protect vulnerable groups.  He explained that tax reforms are aimed at fixing structural issues like multiple ta...

Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has passed away at the age of 40.  The actor reportedly battled with stage 4 liver cancer until he passed away in the hospital.  The actor, known for his roles in romantic comedies and drama films, remains one of the prominent faces in the Nigerian film industry.

You’re Not a Goat, Stop Chewing Gum in Church— Pastor David Ibiyeomie Warns Members  Founder of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has cautioned members against chewing gum, drinking water, and using phones during church services, describing the acts as improper and disrespectful. Speaking during a church service, the cleric told members of Salvation Ministries that chewing gum in church is untidy and indecent, especially when worshippers dispose of the gum carelessly. He said, “Members of Salvation Message, nobody comes to Salvation Messages during service and chewing gum. People chew gum and drop on the floor, and most of the people make mistakes to match it. It’s not neat, it’s not ethical, it’s not decent.” The pastor added, “Stop chewing gum in church. You are not a goat. If you want to chew gum, chew at home. Or when you leave the church, chew.” Addressing those who claim chewing gum helps keep their breath fresh, Ibiyeomie advised them to use mouthwash instea...

The Federal Government is seeking a fresh $1.25bn loan from the World Bank to support economic reforms, job creation, and investment growth. The proposed facility, titled Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration, is expected to be presented for approval on June 26, 2026, months before the 2027 presidential election. If approved, the loan, estimated at about ₦1.7tn, would become one of the largest World Bank facilities secured under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and could push Nigeria’s total public debt above ₦160tn. According to the World Bank document, the facility is designed “to support the government’s efforts to expand access to finance, digital, and electricity services, and strengthen competitiveness through tax, trade, and agriculture reforms.” The report stated that the loan has reached the “decision meeting stage” of the World Bank approval process, indicating that negotiations and major conditions have largely been concluded ahead of final b...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee for the Rivers State House of Assembly has officially released its results , clearing 33 aspirants and disqualifying 65 others following a two-day exercise on May 9 and 10, 2026. The committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, evaluated a total of 98 aspirants at the State Secretariat in Port Harcourt. While the exercise was generally orderly, it was marked by a reported bribery attempt and security friction. THE CLEARED ASPIRANTS:  The following 33 individuals successfully verified their credentials and met the party's eligibility criteria to participate in the upcoming primaries: Maol Dumle Major M. Jack Nwabochi Frankline Ofiks K. Christopher Enemi Alabo George Tonye Smart Adoki Tekenari W. Granville Azeru Opara Igwe Obey Aforji Opuende Lolo Isaiah Ukalikpe Napoleon Hope Ugwumadu Kenneth Minimah Justina Aniton Okorji Onyema Rex Nwankwo Jumbo Soparagha Wami Solomon Gift Esede Ali Ejekwu Chisa Nathan Peter E. ...

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has declared that anyone claiming to perform miracles should prove it at Amaku General Hospital.  Speaking during a church event, the governor said his administration had arrested several “f@kepastors and bishops” in the state as part of efforts to sanitize religious practices. “We’ve arrested f@ke pastors and bishops. Whoever wants to perform a miracle should come to Amaku Hospital,” Soludo stated.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, has urged Nigerian youths to stop depending on politicians for money and instead focus on offering value, ideas, and skills that can help develop the country.  Speaking on Saturday in Abuja during the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria themed, “The Place of Nigerian Youths in the Political Discussions of 2027 and Beyond,” the minister said many young people only engage in politics for financial gains instead of contributing meaningful ideas.  “A lot of people don’t look at the vision; they look at immediate gratification. That’s why people come to campaigns just for money. After the campaign, that’s the end. They don’t contribute ideas,” he said.  Wisdom stressed that youths should learn to approach politicians with ideas and solutions rather than demands for money.  “So, let’s have something we want to discuss. If you go to a politician and don’t discuss ideas, if you put mon...

Beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in Anambra State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term and donated ₦10.7 million towards his 2027 expression of interest form.  The students made the presentation on Friday at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam campus, saying the gesture was in appreciation of the loan scheme’s impact on access to higher education and the easing of financial burdens on students.  Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council in Anambra, Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeka, said, “We, the beneficiaries of NELFUND scheme, are collectively endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.”  He added that the ₦10,735,500 donation was a “symbolic expression of gratitude” for Tinubu’s educational reforms and youth-focused policies.

Nigeria’s Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, has warned that the federal government may reconsider its loan arrangements with the World Bank if delays in approvals and disbursements continue to hinder project implementation.  The warning followed concerns over the slow pace at which loan facilities are being processed, despite their importance to national development projects. Ogunjimi stressed that the funds involved are repayable loans, not grants, and therefore should not be subjected to prolonged delays that could disrupt government planning and execution.  He noted that in some cases, approvals take more than six months, a situation he said could force Nigeria to reassess its participation in such financial agreements. According to him, timely access to funding is essential to ensure projects are delivered within schedule and development objectives are not compromised.  The Accountant-General also urged the World Bank to stream...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted a Screening Committee for incumbent governors seeking re-election and those aspiring to contest Senate seats ahead of the 2027 general elections. The committee is chaired by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, while the APC National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, Ph.D, serves as Secretary. Other members of the committee are drawn from the National Working Committee (NWC). Screening Schedule For Incumbent Governors (Re-election and Senate Aspirants): The screening exercise will hold from Friday, May 8 to Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Plateau State Governors Lodge. For Other Governorship Aspirants: Screening for all other governorship aspirants will take place from Saturday, May 9 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the NWC Hall, APC National Secretariat, Abuja.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made the statement as he submitted President Bola Tinubu’s nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC 2027 presidential primary  At the event, Shettima said the Tinubu administration has stabilised Nigeria and restored confidence in governance, insisting the country is now on a path of recovery.  “The President has delivered on the mandate of stability and national revival. The storms of the past years have not diminished him. They have made a party hero out of him,” he said.  He added that Tinubu made difficult but necessary economic decisions at the start of his administration, which he said helped restore investor confidence and reposition the economy.  “We have crossed the river. We are out of the dark tunnel. Nigeria is on a path to recovery and growth,” Shettima said, calling on Nigerians across political, religious and ethnic lines to support Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.

ABUJA — The Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Folorunsho Aluko, has dismissed reports alleging the removal of Hope Uzodimma as chairman of the forum. In a statement issued on Friday morning, Aluko said no such decision was taken, stressing that no meeting of the forum was held to that effect. “No meeting of the forum was held at which any such decision was taken. The PGF Secretariat has no record of, and is not aware of, any resolution removing the chairman,” he stated. He reaffirmed Uzodimma’s position, declaring that the Imo State governor remains firmly in charge of the forum. “His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, remains the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” Aluko added. The PGF DG also projected unity within the forum, noting that it “remains united, focused, and committed to its responsibilities.” The rebuttal follows a report by Arise News on Thursday night claiming that about 20 governors met at the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge ...

Moments after a closed door meeting of 20 progressive governors in Abuja, governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has been named to succeed the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma as  chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.  This was at an extraordinary meeting of about 20 progressive governors including governors of Ogun, Bayelsa, Enugu,and 17 others who met in Abuja.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will consult widely before deciding whether to contest the 2027 presidential election, amid growing calls for him to return to the political stage.  Speaking during interviews with several television stations, Jonathan stressed that the decision to seek the presidency is a serious one that cannot be taken lightly or treated like a “computer game.”  He explained that while he has received encouragement from many Nigerians, particularly young people, any decision on a political comeback would only come after proper consultations.  Jonathan also urged greater civic participation among youths, noting that many who demand leadership change are not fully engaged in the electoral process.  “Over 50% of Nigerians don’t have voter card but you are asking me to run for presidency,” he said. He added that he has listened to various calls and opinions from across the country and will continue to consult before making any...

Emeka Ihedioha has reaffirmed commitment to the ADC despite the recent defection of His Excellency Peter Obi to the NDC. According to his statement, the ADC coalition has spent the last one year building a strong alliance of well-meaning Nigerians committed to promoting good governance, accountability, inclusion, and national prosperity. Reacting to Obi’s move to the NDC on Sunday, May 3, 2026, the coalition member said although he would have preferred that Obi pursued his political ambition within the ADC, he respects the former presidential candidate’s democratic right to make political decisions based on conviction and wished him success. His statement emphasized that both leaders still share the same vision of building a better Nigeria that works for all citizens and respects the country’s diversity, noting that the mission goes beyond political party affiliations. Describing himself as a foundational member of the ADC coalition, he highlighted the sacrifices, strategic...

Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has highlighted a growing concern in Nigeria’s labour market, pointing to a mismatch between the number of job seekers and the availability of employable skills.  Speaking on Channels Television’s The Platform, Adeosun shared insights from a recent conversation with industrialist Aliko Dangote. According to her, Dangote expressed frustration over the difficulty of recruiting qualified staff locally, despite the large number of applicants in the country.  “I had a conversation with Dangote recently, and he told me it’s not that he want to employ foreigners but he can’t get staff in Nigeria. Meanwhile, we have an army of people. Every day I am seeing CVs, so then something is wrong,” she said.  Adeosun explained that the situation reflects a deeper structural issue, where many graduates lack the practical skills required by employers. She warned that unless the gap between education and industry needs is addressed, Niger...

The Federal Government has banned recipients of honorary degrees from prefixing “Dr” to their names in official, academic, or professional usage. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during a media briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. He said the decision was approved at the Federal Executive Council meeting held on April 30. According to him, the move is aimed at addressing the growing misuse and politicisation of honorary degrees, which are increasingly being awarded for patronage and financial influence. “The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing ab¥se and politicisation of this academic privilege. We’ve seen awards being used for political patronage, for financial gain, as well as the conferral of awards on serving public officials, which, as part of the ethics of honorary degree awards, should not happen.” He added that institutions that violate the directive will face sanctions, while Vice...

Dr. Douglas Fabeke has officially announced a change in his political ambition, declaring his intention to contest for the Senate seat representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District. In a statement released on May 5, 2026, Fabeke said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across the district. He noted that the move reflects a strategic effort to provide stronger and more effective representation for the people at the national level. According to him, the district is in need of focused leadership in the Senate to ensure that its interests are properly represented within Nigeria’s legislative system. He emphasized that the decision to step down from the governorship race is not a setback, but a calculated move aimed at delivering greater impact. Fabeke highlighted key priorities of his senatorial ambition, including advocating for the needs of Rivers South-East, contributing to impactful lawmaking, and attracting development opportunities to the ...

16 Reps Members Defect from ADC to NDC Today in the Green Chamber. List of Defectors with Constituencies (to NDC): 1.  Yusuf Datti (Datti Yusuf Umar) — Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency, Kano State 2.  Uchenna Okonkwo (Harris Uchenna Okonkwo) — Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency, Anambra State 3.  Adamu Wakili (Sani Adamu Wakili) — Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, Kano State 4.  Thaddeus Attah — Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Lagos State 5.  George Ozodinobi (George Ibezimako Ozodinobi) — Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal Constituency, Anambra State 6.  Lilian Orogbu (Prof. Lilian Obiageli Orogbu) — Awka North/Awka South Federal Constituency, Anambra State 7.  Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Seyi Sowunmi) — Ojo Federal Constituency, Lagos State 8.  Peter Aniekwe (Peter Udeogalanya Aniekwe) — Anambra East/Anambra West Federal Constituency, Anambra State 9.  Mukhtar Zakari (Muktar Umar Zakari) — Tarauni Federal Cons...

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate alongside Peter Obi, has criticised the former Anambra State governor over his political choices and approach to leadership.  In an interview shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Baba-Ahmed expressed disappointment over Obi’s exit from the Labour Party and his handling of internal party issues.  He argued that Obi should have stayed back to resolve challenges within the party rather than leaving, stressing that commitment is needed in political struggles.  He said: “As much as I dislike what the All Progressives Congress has done against Nigerians, someone who got the Labour Party’s ticket so easily should have stayed to fix the problem of the party no matter how difficult it is.  “My former leader (Peter Obi) saying that wherever there is a quarrel, he will walk away? So there is a quarrel in Nigeria, will he walk away? If you are not ready to fight, stay in your house,” he ...

Founder of Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, has sparked conversation online after opening up about the company’s struggle to find qualified Nigerian talent despite hundreds of job openings. Speaking candidly, Eniolorunda revealed that the fintech made a bold move in 2024 to hire only Nigerians, but the outcome has been tough. “In 2024, we made a decision that we will no longer hire from any other place than Nigeria. And we chopped the cane in 2025,” he said. According to him, the company currently has about 500 vacancies but is struggling to fill them. “Not only could we not find people at the quality and the quantity we needed them, the few people that we found were not up to the global standards,” he added. The tech boss stressed that the challenge goes beyond local competition, noting: “I’m competing globally, my biggest competition, they are from China.”  Eniolorunda didn’t hold back in pointing fingers at systemic issues, particularly Nigeria’s education system and s...

Former vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed doubts over the chances of Peter Obi securing northern support ahead of the 2027 elections.  “I as much as possible try to avoid names at this stage or the politics of everyone but it is very unlikely that the North will Rally around OK,” Datti said firmly. Speaking in a recent interview, Datti said his position remains a personal opinion, noting that he still maintains “an excellent relationship and much respect” for key political figures involved. He revealed that as far back as January 31, 2024, he had advised Obi to begin strategic political alignments. According to him, “I told him, ‘Your Excellency, from this point, there is Rabiu Kwankwaso, there is Nasir El-Rufai, I will like to suggest that you approach them.’” Datti added that his advice was rooted in long-term political planning, stressing, “If in 2024 you cannot plan 2027, I am sorry I can’t continue to be with you.” He noted that Obi is now...

Spanish citizen Ángeles Durán has once again revived her controversial claim of owning the Sun, stating that she intends to charge people for its use. However, legal experts have dismissed the assertion, emphasizing that it holds no weight under international space law. Durán’s claim has long been disputed, including a failed 2014 lawsuit against an online marketplace that blocked her attempt to sell “plots” of the Sun.

The former Miniter of power and an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally approved his decision to resign and contest the state’s top seat. Noting that he s Tinubu’s son, the former minister told his supporters that his delayed resignation was strategic, as he needed to meet with the president who appointed him before making his move. “I traveled because I had to see the person who appointed me before resigning,” Adelabu explained, adding that he eventually met Tinubu last week. According to him, the president gave his full backing: “Tinubu said, ‘Bayo, the time has come. I will not stop you from pursuing your ambition; resign as Minister and go start work immediately.’” Adelabu further claimed a close political bond with the president, declaring himself “the only true son of Asiwaju in Oyo State.” He also disclosed that Tinubu promised to facilitate a consensus candidate ...

Despite all denials, the two political heavyweights in the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi and Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso will formally join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, today (Sunday), paving way for their aspirations for 2027 Presidency. The announcement was contained in an invite sent to journalists on the NDC Media WhatsApp Group. The declaration would take place by 2:00pm in Abuja. They will be received by the National Leader of the NDC and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson and its National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC). The party leaders have described the new development as a growing wave of confidence in the NDC nationwide.

Peter announced his departure from ADC. He said, “Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them. “However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building.”

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has stirred fresh political debate after declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not win an election conducted online, but would secure a landslide victory through traditional voting at polling units. Speaking during a public engagement, Sani praised Tinubu’s leadership style, particularly his support for grassroots development and sub-national governments. “Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supporting sub-nationals more than any leader in the history of Nigeria. That is the truth,” he said. “And because he understands the situation, development must be at the grassroots.” The governor emphasized Tinubu’s long-standing advocacy for restructuring and true federalism, noting their shared political history.  “Here is a man who fought for true federalism. We were together with him in the trenches. He spent decades fighting for true federalism, and he understands it. Development must be from the grassroots,” Sani added.  However, it was his ...

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The embattled claimant to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has reportedly expressed regret over his involvement in the party’s internal crisis, blaming Hon. Leke Abejide and Babachir Lawal. According to his close associate, Nafiu Umaru, who spoke in Abuja, Nafiu lamented that since the crisis began, he and his family have faced threats, making it difficult for him to even attend congregational prayers due to safety concerns. Umaru said Nafiu claimed that promises made to him during the crisis were not fulfilled, adding that he now regrets his involvement in the situation. He further alleged that Hon. Abejide abandoned him after leaving the party, leaving him to face the consequences alone, while Babachir Lawal allegedly influenced him into actions that worsened the crisis. Nafiu also reportedly complained that despite expectations of political compensation, nothing meaningful materialised, except minor financial support for legal expense...

Rabiu Kwankwaso has asked his supporters to resign from the ADC ahead of his planned defection to the NDC next week The former NNPP leader, who joined the ADC a few weeks ago, will join the NDC with Peter Obi, who is also expected to announce his defection soon, as both men will be on the presidential ballot on an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.  Additionally, all lawmakers who defected to the ADC from the NNPP are expected to announce their resignations from the party as they will all be moving to the NDC. This move is also being discussed with the lawmakers who defected to the ADC with Peter Obi. Meanwhile, there are last-minute efforts by some of the coalition leaders to halt the planned defections but this is unlikely to be successful as Kwankwaso’s bloc held a meeting with NDC leaders last night to finalise discussions on their planned move.

“My supporters don’t engage in f!ghts on social media. The f!ght is between Atiku and Peter Obi’s people. Obi’s people are abus!ng me but I don’t reply them. The Obidients insist on ‘Obi or nothing,’ while Atiku’s supporters say ‘Atiku or nothing.’ But the question is, do they have the numbers? I’m confident I will win the ticket”  - Rotimi Amaechi

Rivers State Assembly Complex Gets a Fresh New Look

The board of trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed by Kabiru Turaki, says it has assumed leadership of the party following the ruling of the supreme court, which invalidated the national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025. The convention produced Turaki as the national chairman of the party. In a split judgement delivered on Thursday, three out of five justices of the apex court held that the appeal filed by the Turaki-led faction to validate the convention lacks merit.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed confidence that residents of the state will overwhelmingly support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, citing increased financial support from the federal government.  Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Okpebholo said Edo could deliver as many as 2.5 million votes for the president. He attributed this optimism to the funds being made available to state governments under Tinubu’s administration, which he said are driving visible development. “I will get the 2.5 million votes from Edo State; it’s already on the streets. Everybody is coming out to vote for Asiwaju on that day,” the governor stated, assuring that voters would turn out en masse. Okpebholo also reflected on the 2023 presidential election outcome in the state, where Peter Obi defeated Tinubu. He blamed the result on the performance of the previous administration led by former governor Godwin Obaseki, sugge...