Author: Gbenga Olaleye

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has extended warm birthday wishes to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on the occasion of his 57th birthday. In a statement issued on Friday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, Nwoko described Yilwatda as a principled and visionary leader whose career has reflected unwavering dedication to service and nation-building. He praised Yilwatda’s emergence as APC National Chairman as both a recognition of his proven leadership capacity and a challenge to guide the ruling party towards unity and effective governance. “At 57, you…

Ayo Oyalowo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asserted that President Bola Tinubu retains strong support in northern Nigeria despite claims to the contrary. Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Oyalowo dismissed speculation that Tinubu’s popularity is waning in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Tinubu has no problem with the North. Today, the North is well represented in this government,” Oyalowo stated, citing key appointments such as the recent naming of the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), who hails from Kano State. He argued that criticisms…

Prominent political figures have strongly condemned the arrest and reported mistreatment of former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police Force. Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate and one of the declared aspirants for the 2027 elections, described the arrest as a “miscarriage of justice” and “an abuse of state power”. Sowore was reportedly arrested on Thursday after voluntarily honouring an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja. According to multiple accounts, the activist was assaulted, had his arm broken, and was sprayed with chemicals by officers believed to be acting on the orders…

Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan is the only southern politician capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. Adeyanju made the claim in a post on X (formerly Twitter), though he acknowledged that Jonathan is unlikely to run. “GEJ is the only southern candidate that can defeat Tinubu but I don’t think he will run against Tinubu,” he wrote. Addressing questions about Jonathan’s eligibility, Adeyanju insisted that the constitution does not bar the former president from contesting again. “GEJ is not constitutionally barred from contesting. Our laws forbid…

Nigerian billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has lifted the lid on a dramatic clash with former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the controversial deregulation of diesel imports in 2004, in his soon-to-be-released memoir Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business. In excerpts from the book shared ahead of its official release, Otedola recounts a tense confrontation with President Obasanjo amid widespread reports of diesel scarcity across Nigeria shortly after the government deregulated the market. The policy shift had been strongly backed by Otedola and other key players in the private sector, who argued that private companies were well-positioned to meet…

Following the arrest of pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Arewa Youth Ambassadors have both called for his immediate and unconditional release. In separate statements on Thursday, both organisations strongly condemned the arrest, describing it as a violation of Sowore’s constitutional rights and a blatant abuse of police power. Peter Ameh, National Secretary of CUPP, emphasised that the detention breaches Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and opinion. He criticised the police for transforming from protectors of citizens into instruments of oppression, demanding…

Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan needs to make a stronger case if he intends to run in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Muhammad-Baba said Jonathan must “sell himself” as a credible alternative and demonstrate that he is different from the Jonathan the public previously knew. His comments come amid growing speculation that the former Bayelsa State governor is preparing to contest the 2027 presidency, potentially facing off against incumbent President Bola Tinubu. There is also ongoing debate…

Paris, France – 7 August 2025 – France Football, the prestigious organiser of the Ballon d’Or, has officially released the 30-man shortlist for the 2025 edition of the award, set to be presented on 22 September 2025 at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The list was curated with input from top international journalists and was shared via France Football’s official social media platforms. Among the most notable names are players who have had standout seasons across European leagues and international competitions. Top Contenders This year’s favourites include: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain): Instrumental in PSG’s treble-winning season, including their…

The Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Rufus Bature, has subtly expressed interest in a ministerial appointment, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider him for the vacant slot left by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who was recently appointed National Chairman of the ruling party. Bature made the remarks on Wednesday during a media briefing at the APC state secretariat in Jos. He highlighted his qualifications and readiness to serve, noting that the final decision rests with the President. “Appointing a minister is at the discretion of President Bola Tinubu and if…

Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has described former President Goodluck Jonathan as an “attractive” potential candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Muhammad-Baba said Jonathan had gained considerable political capital since his exit from office in 2015, especially due to his peaceful concession and subsequent international engagements. “On the surface of it, Goodluck Jonathan is attractive. Since 2015, he’s accumulated a number of positives, he accepted defeat quietly, has lived a calm life, and enjoys international recognition,” Muhammad-Baba stated. He also noted that Jonathan…