The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against proceeding with the proposed $5 billion borrowing arrangement with the First Abu Dhabi Bank of the United Arab Emirates under the Total Return Swap (TRS) financing structure. The warning was issued on Tuesday by the IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, during the presentation of the Fund’s 2026 Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria. According to the IMF, the proposed financing arrangement lacks transparency and could expose Nigeria to significant financial risks. Ebeke explained that such financing structures are often opaque and may leave…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Gunmen have killed a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Ayo Olukotun, and abducted his daughter along with several other residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. Residents said the attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday when the assailants invaded the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents. According to eyewitnesses, many residents fled their homes for safety as the gunmen operated in the area. Amid the confusion, the attackers reportedly forced their way into the residence of the NSCDC officer, shot…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has invalidated 2,103 cases of double registration from the Ekiti State voter register ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of registered political parties held at its headquarters. Amupitan said the removal of duplicate registrations was part of the commission’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the electoral process as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum. According to him, the final register of voters for the Ekiti governorship election now stands…
The Federal Government has said that the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, was among political leaders who supported the adoption of rotational presidency in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, disclosed this on Tuesday during a World Press Conference in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary. Akume described the decision to adopt rotational presidency as a difficult but necessary step aimed at preserving national unity in the aftermath of the June 12 crisis. According to…
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for its decision to appeal court rulings that struck out aspects of the commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections. Speaking after a meeting between INEC and leaders of registered political parties in Abuja on Tuesday, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the electoral body should not challenge the judgments, arguing that they would provide political parties and candidates with more time to prepare for the elections. Gombe said the court decisions would create additional opportunities for political campaigns and allow candidates who lost party primaries…
Several farmers were reportedly killed and others injured after suspected bandits attacked communities in Zamfara State. The attack occurred on Friday afternoon in Lugga, Gwabro and Gwammanan communities, where the victims were said to be clearing and preparing their farmlands ahead of the farming season. The incident was disclosed on Sunday by journalist Bakatsine, who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region, in a post on X. According to him, the assailants stormed the communities and attacked farmers while they were working on their farms, resulting in multiple casualties. The exact number of those killed and injured could…
Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State have reportedly arrested a social media activist, Akaninyene Udo, over allegations of raising false security alarms that caused panic among residents. Udo was said to have been taken into custody after allegedly posting misleading updates online suggesting an imminent security threat in parts of the state. The posts reportedly triggered tension among residents and prompted emergency responses from security agencies. Confirming the arrest, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the action was taken to prevent the spread of misinformation capable of disturbing public peace. In a statement issued on Monday in Uyo, the…
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has declared that the party was the only political platform that conducted its primary elections in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Mark made the assertion while receiving members of the House of Representatives led by Abdulsamad Dasuki at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The former Senate President urged members and candidates of the party to remain focused and intensify efforts ahead of forthcoming elections. He stressed the need for party members to return to their constituencies and engage with the electorate in preparation for the…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has expressed confidence that it will secure victory in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections. The party also dismissed opposition parties in the state as lacking the capacity to challenge its dominance, insisting that it remains a formidable political force with credible candidates. The APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, stated this while speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on Monday. Emegha argued that some politicians currently contesting elections under opposition platforms had previously contested on the APC platform during the 2023 general elections but were…
A Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo, Taraba State, has adjourned until July 1, 2026, for the definite hearing of a suit seeking the nullification of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primary election in the state. Justice Mashkur Salisu fixed the date on Monday following the alleged failure of the defendants to file and serve their statements of defence. The suit was instituted by an APC chairmanship aspirant, Abdulhadi Lau, who is challenging the conduct and outcome of the party’s primary election. Lau is asking the court to invalidate the exercise, alleging that he was unlawfully excluded from participating…
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed speculation of a rift between him and his former running mate, Peter Obi, insisting that their relationship remains cordial despite belonging to different political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Baba-Ahmed made the clarification on Sunday during an interview on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television. The former senator said no individual or political development would create problems between him and Obi, stressing that he still holds the former Anambra State governor in high regard. “Let me say that nobody will cause a problem between me and my…
The Lagos State chapter of the Accord Party has formally unveiled its candidates for the 2027 general elections, presenting contenders for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly seats. The party also reaffirmed its support for Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The unveiling ceremony, held in Lagos, saw 27 candidates receive Certificates of Return, officially confirming them as the party’s flag bearers for various elective positions across the state. Addressing party members and supporters at the event, the Lagos State Chairman of the Accord Party, Dele Oladeji, described the presentation…
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State, Musa Ibrahim Nabanki, has said Nigerians have become disillusioned with the administration of President Bola Tinubu and would vote the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) out of office in the 2027 general elections. Nabanki made the remark during an ADC stakeholders’ meeting held in Kano on Saturday. According to him, the turnout and participation at the meeting reflected growing support for the opposition party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. “The meeting we have today in Kano has proved to us that people love the ADC. People love Atiku…
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents to disregard attempts to create fear and uncertainty ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, expressing confidence that his political movement will secure victory at the polls. The governor also stated that the Accord platform remains open to new entrants, inviting politicians, stakeholders and non-political actors to join his camp as preparations for the election gather momentum. Adeleke made the remarks in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, while addressing concerns over possible electoral malpractice and violence during the election period. According to the governor, measures are…
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, insisting that recent resignations by some members will not affect the party’s chances at the polls. The party stated that it remains united, focused, and determined to secure victory in the forthcoming election despite the departure of some members. In a statement issued on Sunday by the APC Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party described the resignations as an orchestrated attempt to create a false impression of instability within its ranks. “The party remains undaunted and…
Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly arrested a suspected bandit identified as Sule Yellow, popularly known on social media as a TikTok celebrity bandit. According to reports, the suspect was intercepted by military personnel while returning to a forest hideout after allegedly collecting ransom from the family of a kidnapped victim. Sule Yellow reportedly gained notoriety on social media for allegedly displaying large sums of money believed to be proceeds from ransom payments in videos posted on TikTok. The suspect is said to have built a significant online following through content in which he allegedly flaunted cash and a…
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has cleared former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The clearance followed the conclusion of the review of the party’s recent primary elections by the Primaries Appeal Committee, whose report was subsequently approved by the NWC. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq. According to Ishaq, the NWC also ratified the results of the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly primaries conducted across the country.…
A support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Grassroots Mobilization Network (GMN), has expressed concerns over ongoing legal disputes involving the party, urging the judiciary to uphold fairness, due process, and the rule of law. Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, the group’s spokesperson, Peter Emeka, called on all stakeholders to work towards protecting democratic institutions and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process. Emeka alleged that efforts were being made to undermine opposition participation in future elections, while urging the courts to remain impartial in handling political cases. “The ruling party doesn’t want anyone on the ballot,” he…
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to support President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections rather than pursue another presidential bid. Bwala made the remarks during an interview on Symfoni TV, where he questioned Atiku’s current political strength and prospects in the next election cycle. According to him, Atiku has historically relied on a broad national appeal rather than a dominant regional voting base. “Historically, Atiku has never commanded more votes from the Northwest. His votes are usually spread across the nation because of…
The Agbo Major-led faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, of undermining Nigeria’s democracy. Major made the allegation on Friday while speaking during an interview on News Central Television. The factional NNPP leader also reiterated his group’s call for the resignation of the INEC chairman over what it described as the commission’s failure to comply with court judgments relating to the party’s leadership dispute. According to Major, the NNPP’s original political strategy ahead of the 2023 general election was focused on securing legislative positions before…