Category: Politics

The United States Department of State has announced an update to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians. According to a press release issued by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.” The new visa restrictions take immediate effect. However, the embassy clarified that, “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.” The statement emphasised that this move is part of the Department’s global visa…

Barely hours after the passing of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, royal drummers have relocated to the Bodija residence of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja in Ibadan, Oyo State. The symbolic move signals that Ladoja, the current Otun Olubadan, is next in line to ascend the throne in accordance with Ibadan’s time-honoured succession system. Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State (2003–2006), is the highest-ranking chief in the civil line and widely regarded for his leadership, dedication to Ibadan’s cultural heritage, and efforts to promote unity across the…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has defended his lifestyle and ownership of a Rolls Royce, insisting that his wealth did not come from public office but a comfortable family background. In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike dismissed allegations of corruption and extravagance, stating that nobody can do without money and that liking money does not make him corrupt. The remarks were a response to former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who had earlier questioned Wike’s source of wealth, particularly his ability to afford…

Bayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State Governorship election in 2027. He made this known on Friday while addressing party members at the residence of one of the party’s leaders, Ayoade Adeseun, in Ogbomoso. According to the minister, the meeting was part of his consultations across geopolitical zones in the state towards the realisation of his governorship ambition in 2027. “I’m here to tell you that I want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027. I’m ready to put to…

A Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has hinted at running for the Presidency again. Atiku has been eyeing the Presidency since 2007. Atiku, who ran against ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, and challenged President Bola Tinubu in 2023, gave the indication when he received a delegation led by a former Minister Idris Abdullahi. He had said stealing and any form of corrupt practice will have no place in the government he leads. In a video he shared on his X handle, Atiku said “enough is enough”. Dalung to Tinubu: Even…

Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State is set to mount the exalted throne of Olubadan of Ibadan land following the passing on of the incumbent occupier, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin at the age of 90. The monarch died in the early hours of Monday, during the ongoing 90th birthday and first anniversary coronation celebrations. A source close to the Olubadan-In-Council confided that “we received the message that the paramount ruler passed away this morning. He has joined his forefathers. Though it has to be officially announced by the…

A Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Ralph Nwosu, has listed at least seven prominent figures in the coalition movement being pushed by supporters to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Nwosu said seven coalition leaders were being tipped to replace Tinubu in 2027, but the ADC would embrace an open selection process. Aside from Obi, he said supporters of Atiku, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna and Osun states governors, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, and those of the Oyo…

Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party has confirmed that he is in the emerging political coalition to run for Presidency and not eyeing the slot as running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Obi stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, aired on Sunday. “I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” Obi said. Responding to rumours that he may pair up with Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party,…

Veteran politician and a former chairman f the ruling All Progressives’ Congress in Ekiti State, High Chief Olajide Awe, has described the ongoing massive endorsement of the state governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as unprecedented in Ekiti state’s political history, citing the governor’s all inclusive style of governance as the clincher. Awe, the pioneer chairman of Action Congress, later Action Congress of Nigeria and later the All Progressives’ Congress in Ekiti State, spoke to National Infinity Magazine in Ado-Ekiti, stated that Gov. Oyebanji’s relationship with past political and economic leaders in…

The State Endorsement Committee for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has officially announced Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as the date for the statewide endorsement event in support of a second term for the Governor that has been adjudged by all strata of the society in the State and beyond as not only performing well but also a bridge that has united all past and present political leaders as well as connected all stakeholders in an inclusive government that transcends political, social and religious bias. The event is slated to hold…

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will remain closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, “in observance of the U.S. Independence Day.” This was confirmed in a statement released Thursday by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria. The closure aligns with the annual celebration of the United States’ independence from British rule in 1776—a historic milestone widely commemorated across the U.S. with “patriotic events, fireworks, and public gatherings.” Announcing the temporary shutdown on its official X handle, the U.S. Mission stated: “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja…

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday found Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, guilty of contempt over a satirical apology she posted on her Facebook page on April 27 and fined her N5m. The court also ruled that the Nigerian Senate acted beyond its powers by suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, ordering her immediate recall to the Red Chamber. Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgment, described the duration of the suspension as “excessive” and without a clear legal foundation. According to the court, both Chapter 8 of the Senate…

A prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, Ibrahim Ali Amin (Little), has resigned from the party, citing unresolved leadership crises and a breakdown of internal democracy. In a resignation letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of Tudun Wada Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area, Amin said his decision takes effect immediately. “I wish to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” the letter read. Amin, a long-time member of the PDP, expressed frustration…

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Malami announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, citing the party’s alignment with a new coalition aimed at res Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Malami announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, citing the party’s…

Abdullahi Ganduje has resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health grounds. However, sources suggest that his resignation was triggered by President Bola Tinubu’s alleged plan to bring former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso into the party. The two have a long-standing feud, dating back to when Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor in 2015. Key Details: – Ganduje’s Resignation: Effective immediately, with Ali Bukar Dalori set to assume the position of Acting National Chairman – Reason for Resignation: Officially cited as health concerns, but reportedly…

Following the resignation of the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, from his exhulted position, all remain calm at the head office of the ruling party. A source within the APC national headquarters, who does not want his name mentioned in print because he is not authorised to speak on the matter, said the National Working Committee will announce an acting chairman soon. As of Friday, details surrounding his resignation remain unclear at press time. However, a reliable source exclusively informed our correspondent that “Yes, Ganduje…

An unprecedented wave of endorsements came the way of Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, as numerous groups, comprising professional bodies, artisans, and trade associations, rose in unison to declare their support for his second-term bid. The Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), rising from its 36th National Conference in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, is backing Mr Oyebanji for re-election in 2026, based on the effectiveness of his administration’s policies for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the significant investment in special education. Speaking on behalf of the national…

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that will attract investors and drive economic growth in the state. Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Monday in his office in Ado Ekiti during the second quarter report of Ease of Doing Business Council (EoDB), said his administration is focused on removing every barrier to doing business in the state by implementing policies that would enhance ease of access for investors in the state. Identifying power and road infrastructure as two major barriers…

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has announced the suspension of further pilgrimages to Israel until the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is resolved. This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja. The statement was signed by Mr. Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations at the NCPC. Addressing widespread reports suggesting that Nigerian pilgrims are currently in Israel for pilgrimage activities, Adegbite dismissed the claims. He clarified:…

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) is in turmoil as staff have shut down the Commission’s head office in Abuja, protesting against the Federal Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, Aliyu Ahmed. The protesting staff are demanding Ahmed’s immediate removal, accusing him of “mismanagement, poor staff welfare, lack of transparency, and misuse of funds,” particularly to the Ecological Fund. The Guardian reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ahmed as CEO of the Commission in September 2023. Now, 21 months into his tenure, his leadership is “laced with…

Key political figures and traditional rulers gathered at the Benue State Government House banquet hall in Makurdi, the state capital and Yelewata, site of last Friday’s killings, as President Bola Tinubu is expected today. Wednesday’s visit is aimed at meeting with community leaders to address the prolonged communal violence that has claimed over 500 lives in 2025 alone. Upon his arrival, the President will first proceed to Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, the epicentre of the latest attack that claimed over 100 lives. Tinubu is scheduled to meet with…

Two days after he narrowly escaped a violent mob attack at the All Progressives Congress North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, on Monday, said President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional authority to choose his running mate for the 2027 elections. Salihu, who was attacked on stage during the event after allegedly omitting Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name in his endorsement speech for Tinubu, spoke during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. “There is no such thing as a joint ticket during…

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only known survivor of the tragic London-bound passenger plane that crashed Thursday in India’s western city of Ahmedabad, has shared his frightening experience. The London-bound Air India flight which crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, had 242 passengers and crew members on board and so far, at least 260 people have been confirmed dead. Vishwash, a 40-year-old British citizen, was returning to the UK after visiting his family in India. He was flying with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45. Speaking from…

President Bola Tinubu has declared that he is no longer angry with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, effectively ending weeks of speculation about a rift between the two leaders. According to THISDAY, Tinubu made the statement during a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday. He reportedly said that all of Sanwo-Olu’s “sins” had been forgiven. Sanwo-Olu and GAC members had visited the president amid persistent rumours of a fallout, particularly after Tinubu appeared to publicly snub the governor at recent official…

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday said it is a pleasure to see opposition parties in disarray and that it is none of his business to help them remedy the situation. “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” Tinubu said during his State of the Nation address at a joint session of the National Assembly, held to commemorate Democracy Day in response to…

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, said the 26 years of unbroken democracy have conferred respect on Nigeria. Oyebanji hailed patriotic Nigerians and pro-democracy activists for the roles they played in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in the country. The governor, who spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, on the occasion of this year’s June 12 Democracy Day, canvassed continuous defence of democracy in the country, which he said was hard-earned and purchased with the sweat and blood of…

Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major political development in the South-South region. The announcement was made on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, where Eno confirmed his switch to the ruling party after what he described as “three months of wide consultation” with stakeholders across the state. As a result of the defection, the Commissioner of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Ini Ememobong, resigned from the cabinet…

An air of Relative peace pervades the ancestral city of Kano as residents, on Friday, joined millions of Muslims across the world to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, marking the start of the annual festival with the traditional slaughtering of sacrificial animals at two separate Eid prayer grounds by the 15th and 16th Emirs of Kano—Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II. Ado Bayero, who was deposed and later reinstated through a controversial court order, observed his prayers at the Nassarawa mini palace. The prayers were led by the…

The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed sorrow over the passing of a former CJN, Justice Mohammed Uwais, describing him as an erudite jurist and visionary reformer. In a statement she signed on Friday, Kekere-Ekun said she received with sadness but also with gratitude to God for a life of immense impact, the news of Justice Uwais’ death. She said, “Hon. Justice Uwais was a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and judicial history—an erudite jurist, visionary reformer, and statesman whose…

The Federal Government has announced Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays in celebration of this year’s Eid-ul-Adha. This declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government on Monday. The minister extended his congratulations to all Muslims in Nigeria and across the Diaspora, encouraging the Ummah to continue reflecting the values of sacrifice, obedience, and faith exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him). Tunji-Ojo further urged Nigerians to use the Eid occasion to…

Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday congratulated his friend and course mate in the military, Major-General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar who secured a Supreme Court victory following a 20-year battle for the throne against a deposed emir, Major Haruna Jokolo (retd.) “I hope you will continue to promote peace, happiness, and prosperity of the people in Gwandu Emirate and beyond,” a statement by Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, quoted the ex-president as saying in a phone call. The statement is titled ‘In a phone call, ex-president Buhari welcomes stunning SC victory of…