Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The family of the late Chief Moshood Abiola has demanded clarification on the reported N45 billion debt allegedly owed to them by the Federal Government. The demand follows a recent statement by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who called on President Bola Tinubu to compensate the family as a gesture of national healing and justice. Lamido reignited the dispute over the unpaid money, insisting the government owes the late business mogul’s heirs about N45 billion. Speaking in Abuja at the launch of his memoir, Being True to Myself, Lamido said Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph, completed significant communications…

Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has criticised Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, over his recent remarks about the Bola Tinubu administration. Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, questioned Obi’s right to comment on the June 12, 1993 democratic struggle, stating that Obi was in Asia at the time, engaged in business activities, with no record of involvement in the struggle. During the Democracy Day celebrations, Obi urged President Tinubu to follow the examples of former presidents Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan. He suggested Tinubu should acknowledge that the process through which he assumed power…

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has warned that despite nearly three decades of uninterrupted civil rule, Nigeria’s democracy remains dangerously underdeveloped. Delivering a paper titled “Required Reforms for Stronger Democratic Institutions in Nigeria” at The Platform Nigeria: June 12 Edition, organised by The Covenant Nation Global in Lagos, Professor Jega criticised the country’s failure to transform democratic rituals into meaningful governance. “We have perfected the rituals of democracy – elections, campaigns, political handovers – but failed to build its substance: institutions that work, leaders who serve, and a citizenry that trusts,” the political…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre in Abuja, describing the project as both “necessary” and “comprehensive.” Speaking at the commissioning of the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway on Friday, Wike stated that aside from the structure’s blockwork, everything within the centre was replaced. “Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed,” Wike said. Originally built in 1991 for ₦240 million during the Babangida regime, the conference centre was recently refurbished and renamed after President Bola Tinubu, who inaugurated the facility on 10 June…

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reportedly held another meeting with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Abuja. According to sources quoted by New Daily Prime, the meeting took place at Wike’s residence on Monday, despite viral photos circulating online being described as “old images.” One insider confirmed: “The photograph is an old image, but I can inform you that he (Fubara) came to see the Minister this week Monday.” The meeting is understood to be part of Fubara’s ongoing attempts to reconcile with Wike and other key stakeholders in Rivers State following months of political…

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has reportedly dismissed an application by the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking to relist its appeal against a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the October 15, 2022, local government elections in Osun State. According to New Daily Prime, the Federal High Court in Osogbo had earlier declared the controversial elections through which APC chairmen were elected null and void. Although the APC has claimed that a subsequent Appeal Court ruling reinstated the sacked chairmen, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has consistently refuted this interpretation. Delivering the lead judgement on Friday, Justice Peter…

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed his commitment to lead the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun and return the party to power in the 2026 governorship election. Speaking through Mr Richard Tinubu, former Director-General of the State Bureau of Social Services, at an event organised by the APC-affiliated Iron Ladies Group in Osogbo, Oyetola called for unity within the party ahead of the crucial poll scheduled for 8 August 2026. “I will provide leadership for APC and work hard to return the party to power in 2026,” he said.…

Chief Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and 1999 presidential candidate, has claimed he was the true winner of the election that marked Nigeria’s return to civilian rule—not General Olusegun Obasanjo. Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show during a special Democracy Day broadcast, Falae alleged the 1999 election results were manipulated in favour of Obasanjo. Quoting the findings of his late legal counsel, Chief J.O.K. Ajayi, Falae said: “I was told by my lawyer… that I won the election by over a million votes after a meticulous assessment of the figures declared.” READ ALSO: To become…

Retired Major Hamza Al-Mustapha has formally declared his intention to contest in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, saying this time his ambition is “serious and unwavering.” Speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Al-Mustapha who once served as Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha spoke extensively on issues of democracy, security, and governance in Nigeria. “God willing, I only tested it, but this time I’m serious about running,” he said, in a clear departure from previous campaigns in 2019 and 2023 where he failed to secure victory. Al-Mustapha noted that preparations are already…

Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North, has publicly expressed regret for his past criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan, admitting that he was naive at the time. The Kaduna lawmaker noted that he failed to realise that Nigeria had a good governance under Jonathan due to his naivety. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Bello, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, said he has since gained a deeper understanding of governance and now recognises the value of Jonathan’s leadership. Bello said his naivety came to the fore when he saw…