Category: Nigeria

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INEC publishes Tinubu, Obi, Atiku, others’ credentials for 2027 General Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday commenced the public display of the personal particulars of candidates nominated by political parties for the 2027 General Elections.

It said this complies with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The move, which is in line with its revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, forms part of the nomination papers filed by candidates seeking to contest the January 16, 2027, presidential election.

In a statement on Saturday, INEC said the exercise took place at the State Head Office in Abuja and simultaneously across the six Area Council offices of the FCT and is targeted at promoting transparency and providing members of the public with the opportunity to scrutinise the credentials and other particulars submitted by candidates seeking elective offices.

Representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), FCT, during the exercise, the Administrative Secretary, Bimbo Oladunjoye, stated that the publication of candidates’ particulars is a statutory requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates the Commission to display the personal particulars, affidavits and other relevant documents of candidates in the constituencies where they intend to contest elections.

Oladunjoye explained that the display covers Presidential candidates and National Assembly candidates contesting elections in the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the exercise is being conducted simultaneously at all INEC offices across the six Area Councils to ensure easy access for members of the public.

She said that the display of candidates’ particulars is an important aspect of the electoral process, as it enhances openness, accountability and public confidence in the conduct of elections. She encouraged citizens, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to take advantage of the exercise by carefully examining the information displayed.

According to her, the Commission remains committed to strict compliance with the law and the implementation of its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.

“The Commission is on course with its preparations for the 2027 General Elections and will continue to carry out every stage of the electoral process in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines,” she said. (Channels)

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Tinubu, Obasanjo, Otti call for National Unity as Abia honours Aguiyi-Ironsi

President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other eminent Nigerians have called for renewed commitment to national unity and patriotism as Abia marks the 60th memorial anniversary of the country’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

The leaders made the call in Umuahia, Abia State, during a memorial ceremony to commemorate the late military leader, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966, urging Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of history and work collectively towards building a more peaceful, united and prosperous nation.

President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a courageous and disciplined officer who assumed leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

He said although the late Head of State’s tenure was brief, his commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and safeguarding the integrity of the country remains worthy of emulation.

The President said the values of patriotism, discipline, integrity and selfless service exemplified by Aguiyi-Ironsi remain relevant to Nigeria’s development, urging citizens to embrace the nation’s diversity as a source of strength.

He also commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as visionary leadership and quality governance in Abia State.

Governor Alex Otti said the memorial was not only to honour a fallen leader but also to remind Nigerians of the importance of unity, merit and sacrifice.

According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s willingness to lay down his life for the country should inspire leaders and citizens alike to place national interest above personal or ethnic considerations.

He maintained that appointments in his administration are based on competence and integrity rather than state of origin, stressing that Nigeria stands to gain more as one united nation.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), and former First Lady Patience Jonathan described the late Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriotic Nigerian whose sacrifice should never be forgotten. They commended the Abia State Government for preserving the nation’s history and urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, unity and selfless service.

Presenting the citation of the late military leader, his daughter, Mrs. Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, said the commemoration was intended to preserve the legacy of a leader who made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria’s unity and not to reopen old divisions.

She called on present and future leaders to embrace justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good in nation-building.

The ceremony featured prayers and the consecration of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tomb by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony led by the President’s representative, Governor Alex Otti, representatives of other state governments, Dame Patience Jonathan and several distinguished guests.

The event attracted serving and former public officials, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community and the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, who all paid tribute to the late Head of State’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity and nation-building. (Channels)

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Oyedele sets up new VAT Modification Order C’ttee

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to develop the 2026 Value Added Tax (VAT) Modification Order.

The Ministry’s Head , Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, in a statement, this morning said the committee was Inaugurated in Abuja, on Friday, in a move aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws.

Mr. Oyedele was quoted as saying the committee’s work would “provide greater certainty for businesses, investors and tax administrators,” and thst the assignment was critical to the successful implementation of the Tax Reform Acts, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

Mr. Raymond Omachi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance was named the Chairman of the committee.

The minister described the reforms as the most far-reaching overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades, noting that they were designed to simplify tax administration, improve certainty, enhance the country’s competitiveness, protect vulnerable Nigerians and lay a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.

According to him, the previous VAT Modification Order, which was issued under the now repealed VAT Act, had served its purpose, but a new Order had become necessary to align with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025.

“This is not about reproducing an old document. It is about developing a VAT Modification Order that is clear, practical and responsive to the needs of a changing economy,” Oyedele said.

He explained that the new Order should eliminate ambiguity, simplify compliance for taxpayers, support investment decisions and provide tax administrators with clearer guidance for implementing the law.

The Minister directed the committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the legal framework, administrative practices and policy directives governing VAT administration, with particular attention to VAT-exempt and zero-rated provisions contained in Part IV of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025.

He tasked members with identifying areas requiring further clarification and engaging extensively with stakeholders across government, the organised private sector, professional bodies and other interest groups to validate classifications and resolve implementation concerns.

Oyedele also instructed the committee to recommend a comprehensive schedule of VAT-exempt and zero-rated supplies, taking into account revenue implications, social impact, Nigeria’s treaty obligations and regional integration commitments.

In addition, the committee is expected to prepare a practical VAT Modification Order that aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act and recommend amendments to the Tax Reform Acts and other enabling laws where necessary to strengthen implementation.

The Minister urged members to ensure that their recommendations remained faithful to both the letter and spirit of the new tax laws, adding that the Order should promote industrial growth, attract investment, encourage exports, strengthen food security, foster innovation and support Nigeria’s energy transition without undermining the integrity of the VAT system. (Vanguard)

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Tinubu approves 12 divisions for Nigerian Army, recruitment of 28,000 personnel

In a bid to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to 12 divisions.

The presidency, in a statement, said that the expansion builds on the administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.

It explained that the approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions, strategically positioned across the country.

They are: 1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States); 2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States); 3 Division Headquarters – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States); 5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States); 6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States); and 7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States).

Others are 8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States); 9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States); 10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States); 81 Division Headquarters – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States); 82 Division Headquarters – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States); and 83 Division Headquarters – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States).

“The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide,” the statement signed by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, partly read.

The presidency further explained that the implementation of the new force structure would be done in two phases, with the first phase covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, which will be completed by September 2026.

The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians. (Channels)

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Oluremi Tinubu urges Burna Boy, Davido others to help poor Nigerians

Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Afrobeats superstars Burna Boy, Davido and Asake to lend a helping hand to the people in Nigeria through foundations.

She said that Nigeria has an abundance of wealthy people and called on them to offer assistance to those in need, as “the burden on the government is huge”.

“Nigeria is a great country. We have a lot of wealthy people. But our priorities are different. And I think it’s high time we started helping those who need help in the country.

“I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry. I’ve mentioned it before, and I will use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work,” Mrs. Tinubu said in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Saturday, where she launched the national community food bank.

“The Burna Boys of this world, Asake, all of them, Davido. We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money.

“Good cars are good; a Maybach is good. Rolls-Royce is good, but still you can still help. The burden on the government is huge.

“You can still help. There are pepper sellers. There are vegetable sellers. There are okra sellers, melon sellers, akara kulikuli. Ankara is delicious. I can tell you that,” she added.

The first lady also urged Nigerians not to look down on legitimate means of eking out a living.

“And there was once I read an article about a young graduate who said he didn’t get a job. And he said he sells Zakara because he couldn’t get a job and he’s in Abuja.

“We approached him, but I didn’t put my name to it. We equipped him more. He now has 12 workers working under him, and he’s doing very, very well. So our people should never despise jobs,” she said.

Speaking on empowerment programmes in Kogi, Tinubu announced the donation of ₦100,000 to empower another 2,000 petty traders in the state.

She also commended the beneficiaries for their efforts.

“Today in that same spirit, the Renewed Hope Initiative has donated ₦100 million to the First Lady of Kogi State and RHI coordinator to empower another 2,000 petty traders in Kogi State with the sum of ₦50,000 each to recapitalise their existing businesses.

“And I’m glad that the women who are beneficiaries, they got the idea because I saw them bringing their tray of different food items, very small items, to welcome me today, and I think the message is quite received no matter how people want to turn it around,” Mrs. Tinubu added. (Channels)

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Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers regain freedom – Presidency

The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.

According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.

He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.

He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.

In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.

“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.

Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.

President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.

The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.

He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal.

The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal. (Channels)

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Three-storey building collapses in Lagos

Tragedy struck in Lagos when a three-storey building located in the Alakija axis, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, collapsed, which has thrown the entire area into panic mode.

As of press time, the number of casualties could not be ascertained, as there are victims said to be trapped under the rubble.

According to reports, the incident occurred unexpectedly and sent shockwaves through the community, as residents and passers-by rushed to the scene in fear of possible casualties and further structural failure.

An eyewitness account stated that the building suddenly collapsed at about 11:40 a.m. on Thursday. The incident disrupted normal activities in the neighbourhood, with people fleeing surrounding buildings for safety.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, who confirmed the unfortunate incident, said the rescue mission has begun. (Vanguard)

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Ogun APC unveils Yayi’s running mate

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has unveiled Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, a chartered accountant and daughter of industrialist, Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa, as the party’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced her emergence on Sunday during the APC Strategic Caucus Meeting held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta.

Abiodun said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state.

Adegunwa-Balogun will run alongside the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

Her emergence follows the zoning of the deputy governorship position to Ogun East Senatorial District and its subsequent micro-zoning to the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

The 51-year-old finance expert currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, at Rite Foods Limited.

Political observers view her nomination as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the APC’s appeal among professionals, women and voters in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking at the event, Abiodun commended party leaders and members for maintaining unity throughout the recently concluded primary elections, describing the process as unprecedented in the state’s political history.

According to him, the APC successfully produced candidates for elective positions without major disputes, litigation or factional crises.

“I have never witnessed anything like this in my years in politics in Ogun State. For the first time, leaders across generations came together to collectively endorse a successor, and that decision was accepted peacefully by all stakeholders,” Abiodun said.

He added that the consensus approach adopted during the governorship primary contributed to the smooth conduct of other primaries across the state.

“What we achieved reflects the true Ogun spirit. History will be kind to all of us because we have demonstrated that peaceful succession and consensus-building are possible in our politics,” he said.

The governor also praised aspirants who stepped aside for the sake of party unity, describing their sacrifices as critical to the APC’s stability and readiness for the 2027 elections.

Explaining the choice of Adegunwa-Balogun, Abiodun said the party considered equity and fairness in allocating the deputy governorship slot.

“If the government is coming from the West, we felt that for equity and fairness, the government should come from the East,” he said.

“So today, it gives me great pleasure to announce to us who our deputy governor will be by the grace of God. Today, we have amongst us Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun and by the grace of God, Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun will be our deputy governor.”

Also speaking, Adeola expressed confidence in Adegunwa-Balogun’s capacity to complement his administration if elected, citing her professional achievements, leadership experience and commitment to public service.

In her acceptance speech, Adegunwa-Balogun described her nomination as a call to service and pledged to deploy her experience in support of Ogun State’s development.

“I see this nomination as a call to duty and a privilege to serve. My over three decades of experience in various leadership and governance roles in the corporate world have prepared me for this moment,” she said.

She noted that her exposure to governance dates back to 1999 and said those experiences had given her valuable insight into public administration and service delivery.

“Since 1999, I have been closely associated with governance. These experiences have given me valuable insight into public service, its challenges, its impact and its sacred responsibility,” she stated. (Punch)

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Tinubu arrives in Kenya for Africa/France Summit

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya, in the early hours of Monday to participate in the Africa/France Summit.

Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at approximately 00:18 a.m. local time. He was received on arrival by the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi; the High Commissioner of Kenya in Nigeria, Isaac Parashina; along with senior Kenyan government officials and members of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Kenya.

The Africa/France Summit will be co-hosted by William Ruto of Kenya and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Tinubu’s participation, according to the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, highlights Nigeria’s enduring commitment to advancing African unity, deepening regional economic cooperation, and fostering strategic partnerships to accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

The summit brings together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on innovative pathways for economic transformation, trade expansion, digital innovation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and collective prosperity for the continent.

During the event, Tinubu is expected to engage in high-level bilateral and multilateral discussions to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with fellow African nations while reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping the continent’s future.

His attendance reflects the administration’s steadfast dedication to promoting Africa-driven solutions to continental challenges and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through strategic international engagement.

The President is accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

Others are the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPCO); the Minister of State designate for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Omotenioye Majekodunmi; and the Nigerian Ambassador to France, Amb. Ayodele Oke. (Channels)

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APC waives Tinubu screening, mocks opposition’s divisions ahead of 2027

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has waived the screening requirement for President Bola Tinubu, declaring him cleared to participate in the party’s primary elections without appearing before a screening committee.

The decision was taken at the NWC’s 188th meeting on Wednesday and announced by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

“This decision was made pursuant to the powers conferred on the NWC under Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the Constitution of APC to organise and supervise the party’s primaries and, in special circumstances, grant waivers, in the best interest of the party,” Morka said.

The NWC said the decision followed endorsements from key stakeholders, including the Progressive Governors Forum, National Assembly members and other party organs at the APC National Summit of May 22, 2025.

It added that as an incumbent who had already been screened ahead of the 2022 primaries, requiring another appearance would be unnecessary.

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, told journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja that the influx of aspirants reflected the party’s strength ahead of 2027.

“As you can see, this place is a beehive of activities… people are here in their numbers, trying to submit their forms,” he said.

He noted that interest cuts across all geopolitical zones, with aspirants contesting various offices, including the presidency.

“We have a sitting President, yet people are buying forms to contest. We allowed it. We opened our party for competition,” he said.

On whether the sale of forms would be extended, he said the timeline remains fixed due to provisions of the Electoral Act.

“We would have loved to extend, but we are time-bound,” he added.

Addressing concerns over tensions surrounding primary modes in some states, Yilwatda acknowledged the issue but said measures were in place to ensure a smooth process.

On the emergence of the New Democrats Coalition (NDC) and recent defections, he downplayed their impact on the party.

“Seventeen out of 459 lawmakers is less than five per cent. Should I be worried? I am not,” he said.

He argued that challenges within opposition ranks were internal, not driven by APC.

“Nigerians are seeing that the contest is not APC versus opposition; it is opposition versus opposition,” he said.

Yilwatda maintained that APC remains united and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in 2027.

“When you aggregate these numbers, you can be sure that APC will win most of the seats,” he said. (Vanguard)