Author: Olóyè Gbenga

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has published a list of 47 senatorial aspirants who were not cleared to participate in its screening exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, in a development that has further heightened tensions within the party’s ranks. The affected aspirants cut across multiple states of the federation, including Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Taraba, Plateau, Rivers, Yobe and Zamfara States. The party’s screening outcome reflects ongoing internal restructuring and tightening of eligibility requirements as it prepares for its nationwide primaries. Among those not cleared…

Manchester United legend, Gary Neville, has suggested that incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is likely to strengthen key areas of the squad by signing at least four new players. Alonso, who has been confirmed as the new Chelsea boss, is expected to officially take charge on July 1. However, reports indicate that the former Real Madrid midfielder has already begun outlining his plans for squad reinforcement ahead of the new season. Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, said he expects Alonso to prioritise experience and balance in crucial positions, particularly in goal, defence and attack. According to Gary Neville, Chelsea’s…

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially announced that the Day of Arafah, regarded as the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, will be observed on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, while Eid-al-Adha celebrations will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The announcement followed the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, leading the Kingdom to declare Monday, 18 May 2026, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. In a statement released by the Supreme Court, the Crescent Sighting Department confirmed that the decision was reached after reviewing testimonies submitted by witnesses who observed the new moon marking…

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the sum of N100 million. Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the bail application with strict conditions attached, including the provision of one surety in like sum. According to the court, the surety must be a resident of either Maitama or Asokoro, two high-profile districts within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The judge further directed that the surety must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy for a landed property with the court registry as part of the bail requirements. In addition,…

The All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has disqualified Senator Ipalibo Banigo and three other aspirants ahead of the party’s primaries, a decision that could deepen internal tension in the state chapter before the 2027 elections. Banigo, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District, was listed among aspirants not cleared after the party’s screening exercise. Others affected were former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Tammy Wenike Danagogo; former Rivers APC chairman, Ojukaye Flag Amachree; and businessman and former APC presidential aspirant, Tein Jack-Rich. The Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, confirmed the screening outcome in a statement. The party urged…

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced plans to screen thousands of aspirants seeking elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to a statement released on the party’s official Facebook page on Sunday, the faction is expected to screen a total of 3,181 aspirants across various political positions nationwide. The breakdown of the figures released by the party shows that 2,122 aspirants will be screened for state houses of assembly seats, while 748 aspirants are seeking tickets for the House of Representatives. In addition, 198 senatorial aspirants and…

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has declared that it will not allow godfatherism to determine the affairs of the party as preparations intensify ahead of next year’s general elections. The National Chairman of the party, Yusuf Dantalle, made the declaration during an interview on Arise Television on Saturday, where he also defended the party’s recent political alliance and described it as a necessary step taken in the interest of survival and electoral readiness. According to Dantalle, the leadership of the party believed that time was running out due to uncertainties surrounding the legal status of some political arrangements and the…

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the forthcoming general elections. Obasa secured the party’s ticket unopposed during the APC primary election conducted across the 13 political wards within the constituency. His emergence followed what party officials described as a unanimous endorsement by delegates, party executives and grassroots members who participated in the exercise. The primary election, held amid tight security and widespread participation, was reportedly peaceful and orderly, attracting a significant…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed strong confidence in his position at Anfield, insisting he expects to remain in charge of the club beyond the current season as preparations for the next campaign intensify. Slot’s comments, reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Thursday, come amid growing attention on Liverpool’s long-term squad planning and upcoming summer transfer activities. The Dutch coach stated that he has no doubts about his future at the club, saying: “I have every reason to believe I will be the Liverpool manager next season.” He further revealed that Liverpool have already begun early strategic planning for…

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has described all aspirants of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party primaries as “all winners”, regardless of the eventual outcome of the internal contest. The governor made the remark while addressing House of Assembly aspirants at the APC secretariat in Ilorin, according to a statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola. AbdulRazaq said the increasing number of aspirants seeking elective positions under the APC reflected public confidence in the party and in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He argued that ongoing economic and infrastructure reforms at the federal…