Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The Sultanate Council in Sokoto has issued a call to all Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the new moon of Jumadal Ula 1447 AH on the evening of Tuesday, 21 October 2025, corresponding to the 29th day of Rabi’ul Assani 1447 AH. This was disclosed in a statement signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, on Monday. According to the statement, the moon sighting marks the beginning of a new lunar month in the Islamic calendar, which plays a key role in determining…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the suspension of its National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dr Usani Usani, over alleged actions deemed capable of undermining party unity and progress. The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was resolved during a meeting of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) of the party held on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, and made public in a statement on Monday by James Otudor, the State Publicity Secretary. According to Otudor, the SWC received multiple petitions against Dr Usani, citing anti-party activities, insubordination to constituted authority, and conduct detrimental to the image and electoral interests of…

The University of Ilorin has announced that a total of 11,886 students will graduate during its 40th Convocation Ceremonies, which will also mark the institution’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary, celebrating 50 years of academic excellence and service to humanity. The announcement was made on Monday by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), during a press briefing ahead of the convocation events scheduled for Sunday, 23 November to Friday, 28 November 2025. Professor Egbewole revealed that of the graduating cohort, 316 students earned First Class honours, while 4,120 and 5,939 students will graduate with Second Class Upper and Second Class Lower…

Security operatives on Monday fired multiple rounds of tear gas at demonstrators gathered in Abuja for the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest, which demanded the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The protest, led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, was scheduled to begin at the Transcorp Hilton area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but was forcefully disrupted by police before large crowds could assemble. Eyewitnesses reported that police and other security personnel arrived early and began dispersing people with tear gas, even before significant numbers of protesters had gathered. The Transcorp Hilton…

Organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest have vowed to proceed with a planned march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja today, despite a Federal High Court order restricting protests around key government locations. The protest, led by the Take It Back Movement and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently facing charges including terrorism and treason. On Friday, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim injunction restraining the organisers from protesting near the Villa, the…

The Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Party Chairmen in the Southwest Zone has thrown its full weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The declaration was made during the forum’s quarterly zonal meeting held on Saturday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The party leaders also pledged to launch an aggressive grassroots mobilisation campaign aimed at securing not only Tinubu’s return to office but also reclaiming Oyo and Osun States — both currently governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking at the event,…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has strongly refuted claims that it suspended the profile of a candidate, Monsuru Aduragbemi, labelling the reports as deliberate misinformation by individuals it described as “conflict entrepreneurs.” In a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the board dismissed allegations that it had violated a court order instructing all parties to maintain the status quo in a legal dispute involving Aduragbemi and two federal universities — Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG). JAMB clarified that as of 25 September 2025, when the legal case…

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has declared that the achievements of incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji over the past three years have vindicated the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to present him as its consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election. Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of the newly constructed Itapa-Ijelu-Omu Road in Ijelu-Ekiti, Fayemi praised Oyebanji’s administration for prioritising infrastructure development, particularly in the area of road construction and rehabilitation. According to him, these efforts have significantly enhanced connectivity, boosted local commerce, and eased transportation challenges across the state. “I want to thank our governor for…

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is plotting to hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. In an interview during his recent visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, Obi played down reports of political manoeuvring by Atiku, describing him as a “dear elder brother and respected leader.” “I have no fear about Atiku’s political moves,” Obi said. “For us to do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning people will have to come together to rescue Nigeria.” The speculation emerged…

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exhibiting blatant intolerance towards opposition voices and weaponising state power to stifle dissent. Speaking on Saturday at the unveiling of the ADC’s new state secretariat in Ilorin, Kwara State, Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior, lambasted the APC-led government, alleging that it had failed Nigerians through what he described as a dangerous mix of greed, incompetence, and authoritarianism. “Under the current administration, hunger has taken over the land. Governance has been reduced to personal enrichment and political intimidation. Nigerians…