Author: Damilola Olufemi

Former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his intention to run in the 2027 presidential election, saying alleged efforts to sideline him will not deter his ambition. He made the declaration at the OBIDIENT Conference and formal unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Obi, who recently defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, explained that his departure followed claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would withhold recognition of the party’s leadership as long as he remained a member. “I left LP when I got informed that as long as I…

Arsenal booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in six years with a ruthless 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s side effectively settled the fourth-round tie within 27 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, racing into a four-goal lead. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli struck early before an own goal from Jack Hunt and a composed finish from Gabriel Jesus completed the demolition. The win sends the Gunners into the last 16 for the first time since lifting the FA Cup in 2020 — still the only major trophy of Arteta’s tenure.…

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said Nigeria currently lacks the communications and power infrastructure required to support compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results nationwide. In a statement released on Sunday by his directorate of media and public affairs, Bamidele cited data indicating that the country’s existing infrastructure is insufficient for seamless nationwide uploads from polling units. The Senate had earlier rejected clause 60(3) of the Electoral Bill, 2026, which proposed that the presiding officer “shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time.” Following further deliberations, the upper chamber…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for attending the Argungu Fishing Festival, describing the visit as poorly timed amid rising insecurity across parts of the country. In a statement issued Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that terrorists are steadily gaining ground in sections of Kwara State. Tinubu had travelled to Kebbi State on Saturday for a one-day working visit during which he commissioned projects and participated in the Argungu Fishing Festival. Reacting to the trip, the ADC said it was troubled that the President attended a celebratory event while security…

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has written to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, requesting clarification over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) procured about 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate. In a letter dated January 30 and addressed to Ribadu, El-Rufai said information available to opposition figures indicated that the substance was sourced from a supplier in Poland. “I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National…

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the south-east geopolitical zone will deliver 90 percent of its votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Umahi made the declaration on Saturday during an inspection of the Alaoji section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. He argued that the region must adopt a strategic political approach, adding that it is not yet the turn of the south-east to produce Nigeria’s president. Praising Tinubu’s infrastructure drive in the region, Umahi said the president had addressed longstanding complaints of marginalisation. “All the marginalisation we complain about has been addressed by the…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will back only candidates aligned with President Bola Tinubu in the February 21 area council elections. Wike made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja at the 60th birthday celebration of Sandy Onor, a former senator who represented Cross River Central. Addressing guests at the event, the minister said his decision would not be guided by party loyalty but by support for the president’s administration. “We have the FCT area council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to present Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sani Zaria, before it on February 18 in connection with allegations linking him to a purported coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The ruling follows confirmation by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in January that 16 military officers were arrested in the first week of the month over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Friday while hearing a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the cleric, who has reportedly been in custody…

The 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing Festival kicked off on Saturday at Mata Fada in Argungu, Kebbi State, with a massive 59-kilogram fish emerging as the biggest catch of the day. Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, disclosed the milestone in a statement on Saturday afternoon, underscoring the scale of this year’s event. “61st Argungu fishing festival, biggest fish caught 59Kg,” Dare said. The annual spectacle attracted thousands of fishermen, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Anticipation reached fever pitch as a large crowd of the estimated 40,000 participants plunged into…

Governor Douye Diri on Saturday commemorated six years in office with a thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Bayelsa State. The anniversary was observed in a sombre mood in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who recently passed away. Diri reflected on their shared political journey, noting that Ewhrudjakpo joined him at the outset of the administration in 2020. During the service, the governor read the only Bible lesson of the day from Psalm 23:1–6 and expressed appreciation to the people of Bayelsa and other arms of government for their cooperation and support, which…