Author: Damilola

Former Ogun governorship aspirant, Iyabo Obasanjo, has expressed reservations about how the All Progressives Congress (APC) arrived at its consensus candidate for the 2027 election in the state. On April 13, Governor Dapo Abiodun announced Solomon Adeola, the senator representing Ogun West, as the party’s preferred flagbearer following a caucus meeting in Abeokuta. He said the decision was reached after consultations aimed at promoting unity and continuity within the party. Iyabo, daughter of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, subsequently stepped down from the race after the announcement. READ RELATED STORY Iyabo Obasanjo shelves Ogun gov ambition Iyabo Obasanjo returns to politics,…

Fresh concerns over xenophobia have emerged in South Africa following the circulation of viral videos showing hostility towards African migrants in different parts of the country. In one widely shared clip, a group of locals confronted a Ghanaian national, questioning his presence and accusing migrants of abandoning their home countries instead of improving them. “This thing of you guys moving from one country to the other, its no longer working,” a woman said on behalf of the group. “We don’t want these African people anymore. We’re tired of seeing African migrants moving all over the world, refusing to fix your…

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over a provision in Nigeria’s Electoral Act that allows a returning officer to decide whether a ballot paper without an official mark should be counted, describing the clause as a serious threat to credible elections. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar criticised Section 63 of the Act, warning that it introduces a level of subjectivity that could undermine the electoral process. According to Atiku, the issue goes beyond a simple drafting oversight and has far-reaching implications for the integrity of elections in the country.…

The interim National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Nenadi Usman, has indicated that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may be unable to run under its platform in the 2027 elections due to statutory membership rules. Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday, Usman explained that provisions in the Electoral Act require political parties to finalise and submit their membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of primaries effectively shutting out late entrants. She said, “Well it will be too late actually for him to come back because if you look at the…

The Nigerian Naira weakened marginally against the US Dollar in early trading on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as pressure from mid-week demand continued to shape movements across both official and parallel foreign exchange markets. At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the local currency opened softer, with data from the FMDQ Securities Exchange indicating an average rate of 1,351.59 Naira to the dollar. This represents a slight drop compared to earlier in the week, when the currency traded closer to the 1,347 mark. Activity at the official window remains closely watched by investors, particularly in light of the Central Bank…

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El- Rufai has been docked on a five count charge for alleged phone tapping. He was taken before a Federal High Court in Abuja by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday. He was accused of illegally tapping the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. His charge sheet was marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026. The DSS had in the charge that was endorsed by a team of five prosecutors led by M. E. Ernest, alleged that he committed the crime with some people who are currently on the run. It alleged…

The Cross River State Government says it has identified and placed under observation 10 individuals who had contact with a foreign national linked to a recent COVID-19 case in the state. The state epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, said the individuals were discovered during ongoing contact tracing efforts. According to her, health officials visited the patient’s workplace in Akamkpa Local Government Area as part of containment measures. READ RELATED STORY COVID-19: FG orders compulsory health declaration forinbound passengers New COVID-19 variant, XEC confirmed in 29 countries, FG alerts Nigerians Global COVID-19 activity: WHO calls for vigilance, continued vaccination “We’ve restricted their…

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stepped down from the Federal Executive Council to focus on his ambition to contest the Oyo State governorship election in 2027. In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said his exit will take effect from April 30 to ensure a seamless transition and proper handover of duties. He expressed appreciation to the president for the opportunity to serve, noting that his appointment allowed him to contribute to reforms in Nigeria’s power sector. Adelabu explained that his decision was driven by his desire to fully concentrate on…

Chelsea Football Club have dismissed head coach Liam Rosenior after just over three months at the helm, following a disappointing run of form in the league. In a statement released on Wednesday, the club said the decision, though difficult, was driven by “recent results and performances” that fell “below the necessary standards”. “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior. “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. “Liam has always conducted himself…

Troops of the Nigerian military have reportedly eliminated more than 30 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province following coordinated airstrikes in the Lake Chad region of Borno State. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation was launched after “credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs” pointed to increased terrorist movements, including the transportation of supplies through waterways near Kaniram Island. “An ISR platform was deployed to the general area where it established overhead presence and confirmed the sighting of approximately 31 boats dispersed along the riverbank, with associated human activity consistent with ISWAP fighters,” Zagazola said. READ…