Author: Gbenga Olaleye

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has formally abandoned his plan to call witnesses in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism-related charges, asserting that no legitimate case exists against him. Kanu had initially informed the court of his intention to summon witnesses in his defence by submitting a formal written request for witness summons. However, during proceedings on Monday, he stated that after reviewing the case file, he found no substantive charges and concluded that he had been subjected to an unfair trial. “I see no reason to present a defence as no valid charges have…

Paul Biya, 92, who has served as President of Cameroon since 1982, has been declared the winner of the country’s latest presidential election, securing an eighth consecutive term and extending his leadership until 2032. Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, defied widespread calls to step down and faced criticism for appearing at only one campaign rally, where he told voters, “the best is still to come.” With this victory, Biya could reach 50 years in power, ruling Cameroon into his late 90s. The Constitutional Council announced that Biya won with 53.66% of the vote, defeating runner-up Issa Tchrioma…

Former Jigawa State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has threatened to take legal action against the party if he is denied access to purchase nomination forms for the position of National Chairman ahead of the forthcoming national convention scheduled for 15 and 16 November in Ibadan, Oyo State. Lamido issued the threat while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday after his attempts to obtain the form at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, proved unsuccessful. The former governor said both the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature, had…

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the hearing of a preliminary objection filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her ongoing defamation trial until 1 December. Justice Chizoba Oji fixed the new date on Monday after the prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that although the matter was scheduled for a hearing, the prosecution had been unable to properly serve its response to the defence. He, however, noted that the response had already been filed with the court. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on 19 June before the FCT High Court on a three-count charge of…

Former National Officer of the Labour Party, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying intimidation tactics to stifle opposition activities in the build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Mr Okonkwo alleged that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), his current political platform, has been repeatedly targeted while holding meetings across various states. “ADC is on fire. The only thing is that we have an APC that is using every method to intimidate and scatter the plans of the opposition,” he stated. The actor-turned-politician cited incidents…

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been officially ratified as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 election in Ekiti State. The decision was confirmed on Monday following a consensus affirmation exercise held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti. The event, which drew party stalwarts, delegates and supporters from across the state, marked a significant step in the APC’s preparations for the forthcoming election. Governor Oyebanji’s endorsement as the consensus candidate is widely seen as a show of unity within the party and a vote of confidence in his leadership and performance since assuming office. Speaking after his…

Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, has said he feels “sorry” for men who have only one wife, claiming that polygamy provides men with greater stability and balance in marriage. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, the lawmaker, who is married to four wives, defended his belief in polygamy using a metaphor. “I feel sorry for those who have one wife. Just imagine standing on one leg; it’s difficult. But with two, three, or four, you’re more balanced. That’s the example I give,” Nwoko said. READ ALSO: Ned Nwoko, Regina Daniels expecting 3rd…

Lagos, Nigeria — The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East geo-political zone. According to a statement from the committee’s media unit, the decision was reached during a two-day retreat in Lagos on Saturday, where lawmakers reviewed 55 proposals for new states across the country. The session was chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and co-chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. Lawmakers agreed that the creation of an additional state in the South-East was…

The Dangote Refinery has announced a major expansion plan that will see its production capacity increase from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, positioning it as the largest refinery in the world once completed. The announcement was made by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday. Dangote, accompanied by his long-time associate and Chairman of First Bank, Mr Femi Otedola, revealed that construction work on the expansion project would commence immediately. “We are expanding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he rejected a proposal to make Nasir El-Rufai, then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, his successor at the end of his administration in 2007, citing concerns about El-Rufai’s readiness to lead Nigeria. Obasanjo revealed this on Friday during the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The former president explained that although El-Rufai had served under him as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and later as Minister of the FCT, he believed the minister “was not yet mature enough” to handle the complexities of…