Author: Gbenga Olaleye

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…

Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, has reportedly sustained serious injuries while in police custody, with his right hand allegedly broken by a police team early Thursday morning. The incident is said to have taken place at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where Sowore was being held after honouring an invitation from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit on Wednesday. A statement posted on Sowore’s verified Instagram account alleged that a police team, led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) from the IGP Monitoring Unit, forcibly entered…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may offer former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 presidential election, according to the party’s National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro. Speaking in an interview, Woyengikuro expressed strong support for Jonathan’s potential return to active politics, describing him as the most suitable candidate to lead both the party and the nation at this time. “Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now,” Woyengikuro said. “Aside from [former President Olusegun] Obasanjo, the next person in…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the Labour Party will not be participating in the forthcoming National Assembly by-elections in Edo State, scheduled for next week. The confirmation was made during a press briefing in Benin City by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Professor Anugbum Onuoha. According to him, a total of nine political parties successfully submitted candidates for the elections, which aim to fill vacant seats in the Edo Central Senatorial District and the Ovia Federal Constituency. The vacancies were created following the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Honourable Dennis Idahosa as…

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has challenged the practice of rotational presidency in Nigeria, insisting that the country should focus on effective leadership rather than regional rotation. Speaking on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Sowore said Nigerians want a president who can govern well, irrespective of their place of origin. “If I have a good President in Nigeria, who can run this country very well, I don’t care where he comes from,” he stated. “That is what the majority of the Nigerian people are aspiring for. That is the idea of this…