Author: Olóyè Gbenga

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an upward review of the national minimum wage to N154,000, citing worsening economic conditions and declining purchasing power among Nigerian workers. The demand was formally conveyed through a letter issued by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), a branch of the NLC, and signed by Benjamin Anthony and Olowoyo Gbenga. The letter emphasised the “urgent necessity for an upward review of salaries and allowances” across the public service sector. According to the council, the current minimum wage no longer reflects economic realities, as persistent inflation, escalating food prices, and rising…

Fresh concerns have emerged over deepening divisions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, warned that the party is now split into rival factions following a controversial coalition arrangement. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Abejide said the ADC had enjoyed relative stability prior to the coalition initiative, which he blamed for triggering internal discord and the emergence of parallel party structures. “Our party was very quiet before the issue of coalition came into place. Since the coalition started, we’ve been having issues,” he said. “We have two…

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, despite ongoing political tensions within the state. Speaking in Osogbo on Tuesday during a meeting with cabinet members, special advisers and senior government officials, Adeleke said recent challenges, including the crisis affecting local governments in Osun, had not changed his political stance. The remarks were conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. “We have no problem with President Tinubu. He is our leader,” the governor stated, emphasising regional solidarity. “He represents the South-West, and I reaffirm our endorsement of…

Nigeria’s political landscape has been stirred by a controversial amendment to the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, as lawmakers in the House of Representatives push to criminalise membership of more than one political party. The proposal, which prescribes a fine of N10 million or up to two years’ imprisonment for offenders, has sparked intense debate among politicians, legal experts and the wider public. The amendment, introduced shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act into law, seeks to tighten regulations around party membership ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sponsored by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, the bill adds new…

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday struck out an alleged N20 billion money laundering charge brought against retired company director Taiwo Ibitola and her firm, Lexhan Investment Ltd. The case, which had been filed by the police, involved four counts of conspiracy, fraud, conversion, and retention of proceeds of crime. Justice Akintoye Aluko struck out the charges following a request by the prosecution to withdraw the case in the interest of justice. The matter first came before the court on 13 November 2025 for arraignment, but proceedings were stalled due to the absence of both the defendants and…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that its existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee (NWC) positions will remain in effect ahead of the party’s 2026 National Convention. In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, emphasised that the decision is aimed at guiding aspirants and maintaining stability within the party as it prepares for key internal elections. According to the statement, the zoning formula outlined in the published 2026 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses, National Convention and Related Activities remains valid and will be strictly applied throughout the convention process. “The existing…

A former Governor of Bayelsa State and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has said growing frustration among Nigerians is fuelling a strong desire for political change ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dickson made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during the unveiling of the digital membership registration portal of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Describing the platform as a milestone for the party, he said it would enhance participation and strengthen its organisational structure nationwide. The unveiling ceremony was attended by key party figures, including National Chairman Cleopas Moses and National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu, alongside other stakeholders. Speaking…

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hakeem Jamiu, has dismissed reports claiming that he endorsed Boluwatife Fayose as the consensus candidate for the Irepodun/Ifelodun State Constituency II seat. Jamiu, a former deputy speaker of the Assembly, insisted that the party had not approved any consensus arrangement for selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 state and National Assembly primaries. In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Monday, he denied being part of any endorsement during a constituency stakeholders’ meeting held in Iworoko Ekiti on 14 March 2026. Although he…

A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed deep sorrow following a series of suicide bombings in Maiduguri that reportedly killed 23 people and injured more than 100 others. In a statement released on Tuesday, Kwankwaso described the coordinated attacks as “horrific” and warned that they represent a troubling setback to the relative peace the region has experienced in recent years. According to the Nigeria Police Force, the victims included innocent civilians caught in the explosions. “I am deeply saddened by the horrific multiple suicide bombings… which claimed the lives of 23 innocent people and injured over 100…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed reports that the Bala Mohammed is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The clarification was made amid ongoing concerns over defections that have affected the party in recent months. Speculation about the Bauchi State governor’s alleged defection emerged on Sunday, following a year that saw 10 PDP governors switch allegiance to the APC. Most recently, the Dauda Lawal formally joined the APC after a court ruling invalidated last year’s PDP national convention in Ibadan The PDP, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has been engaged in reconciliation talks following the…