Author: Damilola

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) says its Director-General, Mustapha Abdullahi, has resumed work at its Abuja headquarters after his recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering. In a post shared on X on Thursday, the commission referred to Abdullahi as its “capacity DG”, expressing excitement over his return. “Our Capacity DG is back!” the commission wrote. The ECN confirmed that the DG had resumed official duties at the headquarters and also expressed appreciation to God and President Bola Tinubu. Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja by EFCC operatives in connection with alleged…

The Nigerian naira posted a mixed performance against the United States dollar on Friday, May 15, 2026, across both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets as traders continued to monitor liquidity levels and demand pressures. At the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed the naira trading at about ₦1,371 per dollar, compared to approximately ₦1,368.95 in the previous trading session, indicating a slight depreciation of the local currency. In the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, the dollar exchanged between ₦1,392 and ₦1,395 depending on transaction size and…

Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the race for the 2027 presidency after submitting his nomination form under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. In a post shared on his X account alongside photos and video footage of the submission, the former vice-president described his latest political move as part of a broader push to “restore prosperity and better days” for Nigeria. He said the project goes beyond politics, framing it as a national effort anchored on renewal, hope, and collective action to address the country’s challenges. Read more news Atiku slams Tinubu’s security approach…

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Makinde announced at a political rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where he addressed supporters amid rising political realignments involving factions of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general elections. “I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, Excellency, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. The declaration comes shortly after Makinde was linked to a broader opposition arrangement involving a PDP faction and the APM, following…

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has again vowed to serve only one term of four years if elected president in 2027. Speaking during an interview scheduled to air on News Central TV on Thursday, the former Anambra governor said his decision was driven by the need for political stability and respect for power rotation. “I want to be a one-term president because of stability. “I would not stay a day longer than four years, even with a gun to my head,” Obi said. Obi also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s…

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party backed by Nyesom Wike has commenced the screening of aspirants seeking presidential, governorship, and national assembly tickets ahead of the 2027 general election. In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, the party said the exercise is being coordinated by the national working committee (NWC) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed. The statement was signed by Chinwe Nnorom on behalf of Jungudo Mohammed. According to the party, governorship aspirants were scheduled for screening at noon on Thursday at Legacy House, the PDP national secretariat annex in Maitama, Abuja, while presidential aspirants were expected to appear before…

A United States district court in Michigan has sentenced Nkechy Ezeh, a former executive director of Early Learning Neighbourhood Collaborative (ELNC), to 70 months in prison for orchestrating a fraud scheme involving $1.4 million meant for vulnerable preschool children. Delivering judgment, Judge Hala Jarbou described Ezeh as “a fraud and a thief” who carried out a “brazen and widespread” scheme that diverted funds intended for some of the most vulnerable children in West Michigan. Ezeh, an associate professor of education and founder of ELNC, headed the non-profit organisation that received funding from the US departments of health and education, as…

Saudi Arabia allegedly carried out covert airstrikes on Iranian territory in response to attacks launched against the kingdom during a recent Middle East war, according to a Reuters report. The report, citing two Western officials and two Iranian officials, said the operations were conducted by the Saudi air force in late March but were not publicly disclosed at the time. The strikes were reportedly kept secret as the kingdom, a close United States ally, maintained an official position of neutrality in the wider conflict. If confirmed, the operation would mark the first known instance of Saudi Arabia directly conducting military…

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially begun the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for aspirants preparing to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the party’s national chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, and national secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC said the process will begin on May 13, 2026, and end on May 18, 2026. According to the timetable, screening and interviews for all aspirants will be conducted between May 19 and May 21, with eligibility for purchasing nomination forms determined by performance in the exercise. The party directed…

The trial of former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has reached its final stage after both prosecution and defence formally closed their cases at the Southwark Crown Court. Alison-Madueke is being tried alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, on five counts of alleged bribery. All defendants have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege that during her tenure as petroleum minister from 2010 to 2015, Alison-Madueke received luxury items and other benefits from oil sector players who were seeking favourable treatment in securing government contracts. They claim the benefits included high-value properties and other inducements linked…