Author: Damilola

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has rejected suggestions to adjust the 2027 general election timetable because it overlaps with the Ramadan fasting period, cautioning that such a move could undermine Nigeria’s secular framework. The National Secretary of the PFN, Bishop David Bakare, argued that altering election dates on religious grounds would raise fresh doubts about the country’s neutrality in matters of faith. He said repeated timetable changes tied to religious observances could open the door to constitutional challenges. Bakare maintained that the growing debate gives the impression that religion is being accorded undue influence in public affairs. “All the noise…

The Obidient Movement has expressed alarm over what it described as a possible technical failure affecting the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Results Viewing Portal (IREV), alleging that results transmitted from certain polling units were not appearing on the system. The concerns surfaced as voting and collation continued in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. Residents across the six area councils — Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali — are choosing chairmen and councillors in polls seen as a key measure of grassroots political influence in the capital. In a statement issued on Saturday…

Werder Bremen have abandoned plans for a summer trip to the United States, citing a mix of sporting, financial and political considerations. The Bundesliga side had been arranging friendlies in Minneapolis and Detroit in May as part of preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the club confirmed on Saturday that the tour will no longer go ahead. A club spokesperson told AFP that the decision was taken for “sporting, economic and political reasons”, stressing that the situation in Minneapolis weighed heavily in their thinking. “Playing in…

The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has called on Sally Tibbot Ltd to issue a formal apology following a payroll audit report that allegedly identified 250 university employees as “ghost workers.” Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Saturday, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, said the institution would not rule out legal action if the consulting firm fails to retract its claims and apologise. Adebooye revealed that despite undergoing physical verification during the audit, his name still appeared on the list of alleged ghost workers. He noted that 249 other staff members were similarly classified, a development he described…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing Area Council elections across Abuja, describing the process as peaceful despite pockets of low voter participation. After touring several polling units and engaging with residents on Saturday, Wike said security agencies had ensured a calm environment throughout the exercise. However, he acknowledged that turnout in parts of the city centre was below expectations. “We thank God that everywhere is peaceful. The challenge we have is low voter turnout, particularly in the city centre, and that has always been the case. But going…

Nigeria’s total public debt climbed to N153.29 trillion as of September 30, 2025, reflecting continued growth in both domestic and external obligations, according to fresh data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO). The new figure represents a quarter-on-quarter increase of N893.87 billion from the N152.40 trillion recorded at the end of June 2025. In dollar terms, the country’s debt stock rose from $99.66 billion in June to $103.94 billion in September — a $4.28 billion increase, equivalent to a 4.29 percent rise over the three-month period. As of September, total external debt stood at $48.46 billion (N71.48 trillion), accounting…

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged traders and food vendors to refrain from hoarding essential commodities or inflating prices during the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons. In a statement released on Thursday, the agency’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said reports reaching the NOA indicate that some market operators are deliberately withholding staple food items commonly consumed during fasting, thereby creating artificial shortages and driving up prices. Issa-Onilu condemned the development, describing it as damaging to both the economy and societal values, particularly at a time when religious observances promote selflessness and compassion. “This is a period that calls for reflection,…

At least 33 residents have been confirmed dead following coordinated attacks by suspected Lakurawa terrorists on several communities in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The assault, which occurred on Wednesday, reportedly began as a cattle-rustling operation before escalating into deadly violence. In a statement issued Thursday, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Kebbi State, Superintendent Bashir Usman, said the gunmen stormed the affected villages after crossing into the area from Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to him, the attackers met resistance from residents who mobilised to defend their communities. “The command deeply regrets…

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to voters, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure orderly and peaceful conduct during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers and Kano states. The polls, slated for February 21, 2026, are coming shortly after the president assented to the Electoral Act 2026. In a statement issued Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu encouraged eligible citizens to participate freely, stressing that democracy flourishes in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect. He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun…

The Nigerian currency strengthened to N1,340 per dollar at the parallel segment of the foreign exchange market on Friday, marking a 1.12 percent appreciation from N1,355/$ recorded on February 19. The latest figure represents the naira’s best showing since April 2024, when it traded within the N1,300/$ range. Earlier in the week, the currency posted steady gains in the black market, appreciating to N1,385/$ on February 16, N1,380/$ on February 17, and N1,365/$ on February 18. However, at the official window — the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) — the naira weakened slightly. It fell by 0.37 percent to N1,346.32…