Author: Gbenga Olaleye

Joseph Bagudu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s supplementary by-election for Kaduna’s Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, has praised what he described as a “massive turnout” of voters. Speaking after casting his vote at Polling Unit 003, Ungwan Madaki in Kajuru Local Government Area, Bagudu said the process was peaceful and orderly, commending both the electorate and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their conduct. The election was held to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Labour Party lawmaker Ekene Adams, who represented the constituency until his passing in July 2024. Bagudu linked the strong voter…

Barcelona have successfully registered Marcus Rashford with LaLiga, clearing him to feature in their opening fixture against Mallorca on Saturday. The Spanish champions confirmed the England international’s inclusion in the matchday squad after resolving registration issues that had cast doubt on his availability. Manager Hansi Flick admitted earlier on Friday that he was concerned about the uncertainty surrounding Rashford’s status. However, late deals concluded by the club ensured the necessary salary space was created. Barcelona finalised the transfer of the remaining 50% of Francisco Trincão’s rights to Sporting CP for €11 million and agreed a contract extension with defender Jules…

The by-election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency began sluggishly on Saturday as low voter turnout and delayed arrival of officials disrupted early voting. The election, held to fill the seat vacated by the late APC lawmaker Olajide Akinremi, saw INEC officials arrive promptly at some polling units, but voters were noticeably absent. At Bodija Ward 10, Unit 26 and Ward 5, Unit 19, INEC personnel were on the ground by 7:30 a.m., setting up for the day’s activities. “We are 100 per cent ready,” an INEC official, Omolara Gbamigbade, confirmed. “We’re just waiting for voters.” Party agents also confirmed…

Former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has fired back at critics and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying he cannot be intimidated or blackmailed into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Tambuwal, who returned to a hero’s welcome in Sokoto following his recent interrogation by the EFCC over alleged ₦189 billion fraud, told supporters at his residence that the investigation was politically motivated. “What they failed to realise is that I cannot be intimidated, I cannot be blackmailed, and no one can tarnish my records that God has given…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), now the flagship party of a coalition of major opposition figures, has declared its readiness to win multiple seats in today’s by-elections across 16 constituencies in 12 states, in what is widely seen as a litmus test for its 2027 ambitions. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats at both national and state levels. These include two Senate seats in Edo Central and Anambra South, five House of Representatives seats, and nine State Assembly constituencies across states like Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, and Zamfara. The ADC’s participation in…

Umar Sani, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former media aide to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, has dismissed speculation that Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi is planning to return to the PDP. Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, Sani said recent developments indicate Obi is unlikely to rejoin his former party, despite ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. “Peter Obi has just, of late, yesterday, directed all his supporters to vote for an African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate while he is still in the Labour Party,” Sani noted. “The…

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve longstanding issues affecting polytechnic education, warning that failure to act could trigger a nationwide strike disrupting academic activities. Speaking on Friday, ASUP President Shammah Kpanja outlined key demands, including the urgent establishment of the National Polytechnics Commission, a dedicated regulatory body for polytechnics similar to those for universities and colleges of education. He expressed frustration over delays in the legislative process to create the commission. Kpanja also criticised the ongoing reliance on external consultants for accreditation exercises, questioning the competence and background…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied claims that its recent sting operation, which led to the arrest of 93 suspected internet fraudsters, targeted the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The rebuttal follows strong condemnation by the OOPL management on Wednesday, which accused the EFCC of violating the rights of guests at the OOPL Guest House and described the late-night raid as a “calculated attack” on former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The management demanded ₦3.5 billion in compensation and a public apology within seven days, threatening legal action if their demands are not met. In…

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has restated his administration’s unwavering position against negotiating with bandits, declaring that his government will not legitimise criminality by engaging with those responsible for terrorising the state. Speaking on Thursday during a visit to several communities recently attacked by gunmen, the governor made clear that his administration would neither offer dialogue nor concessions to armed groups. His remarks come amid renewed attacks in parts of the state, which have left dozens dead and thousands displaced in recent weeks. “I made it very clear from day one — we will never negotiate with bandits,” Lawal…

The recent arrest of former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has drawn sharp reactions from prominent figures across Northern Nigeria, sparking debate over the impartiality of Nigeria’s anti-corruption war and raising fears of political witch-hunting. Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and two-term governor, was detained on Monday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion during his tenure. Investigators claim he violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. However, the arrest has triggered widespread controversy, with…