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Lawan, APC, Yilwatda Oppose Suit Challenging Yobe North Primary

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Lawan, APC, Yilwatda Oppose Suit Challenging Yobe North Primary

Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, have faulted a suit seeking the nullification of the May 18 Yobe North Senatorial District primary election.

In separate preliminary objections, Lawan and APC queried the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear and determine the suit. They urged the court to dismiss it.

In a counter-affidavit he filed, Yilwatda queried the locus standi of the plaintiff – Hassan Kafayos – to file the suit, having been disqualified from participating in the primary election.

Lawan, APC, Yilwatda and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are listed as defendants in the suit filed for Kafayos by his lawyer, Francis Mgboh.

Kayafos claimed to have been unlawfully prevented from participating in the primary election, having allegedly met all the requirements.

Read Also: Reno Omokri Recants ‘Drug Lord’ Label Against Tinubu, Says ‘I Was Wrong’

In the objection filed by his lawyer, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), Lawan is contending that the court lacked the territorial jurisdiction to hear the case, having been filed in Abuja division instead of Damaturu division of the court.

Lawan, who classified Kafayos decision to approach the Federal High Court in Abuja as an abuse of processes, claimed the plaintiff admitted in his supporting affidavit that he was informed on May 18 that only Lawan was cleared by the APC to contest in the election.

The ex-Senate President stated that the plaintiff’s claim that he was deliberately excluded from lawfully participating in the primary election showed he was not an aspirant in the APC’s senatorial district election.

The APC stated, in documents filed by its lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), that the suit is statute-barred, as it was filed outside the mandatory 14-day period prescribed by Section 285(14) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Rule 9 of the Practice Directions, 2022.

In the counter-affidavit filed by his lawyer, Lovelyn Donatus, Yilwatda said the APC duly constituted the Primary Election Committee that conducted the election now being challenged.

He said the party also constituted a Screening Committee charged with the responsibility of screening and clearing the aspirants for the contest.

Yilwatda said Kafayos did not participate in the primary, having been disqualified by the duly constituted Screening Committee of the party.

Justice Salim Ibrahim has fixed hearing in the case for September 18.

BRICS Leaders Back Local Currency Use to Cut Trade Costs

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BRICS Leaders Back Local Currency Use to Cut Trade Costs

BRICS member states have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing the cost of trade among emerging economies by promoting the use of local currencies.

The bloc said the move is aimed at making intra-BRICS trade cheaper and more efficient, while deepening economic cooperation among member countries.

This was stated to journalists at the ongoing BRICS 2026 Summit, in India.

Speaking to Journalists, the India’s Secretary for Economic Relations, Shri Sudhakar Dalela, said the discussions are not aimed at creating a common BRICS currency, but at developing practical payment and settlement arrangements that can reduce transaction costs in bilateral trade.

“Discussion on trade settlement in local currency has been underway for some time. It is not a new subject,” Dalela said.

He explained that allowing countries to settle some trade transactions in their respective local currencies could improve trade efficiency while reducing costs associated with international payments.

Read Also: Reno Omokri Recants ‘Drug Lord’ Label Against Tinubu, Says ‘I Was Wrong’

According to him, the objective is to increase intra-BRICS trade, deepen economic engagement with the global business community and make cross-border transactions more efficient.

“The focus of ongoing discussions on local-currency trade and payment systems is to increase intra-BRICS trade, deepen engagement with the global business community and lower transaction costs,” he said.

Bilateral Arrangements

Dalela stressed that discussions were being pursued both through bilateral arrangements and within the broader BRICS framework.

“Financial issues relating to payment and settlement mechanisms fall under the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors track, which is responsible for advancing discussions on such initiatives. The renewed focus on trade settlement comes as BRICS seeks to strengthen its role as a major grouping of emerging markets and developing economies,” he stressed

Dalela said the grouping’s decisions were the result of sustained consultations among member countries involving Sherpas, foreign ministers and leaders.

“The extensive engagement throughout the year enabled members to reach a broad consensus reflected in the New Delhi Declaration. India’s chairmanship placed particular emphasis on “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with development outcomes designed to have a direct impact on ordinary citizens,” he said

Beyond financial cooperation, India used its BRICS chairmanship to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among member states.

Dalela highlighted initiatives such as the BRICS Incubator Network and a proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, saying India was keen to deepen cooperation with China and other BRICS members in the innovation sector.

“The initiatives are expected to create greater opportunities for collaboration among startups, entrepreneurs and businesses across member countries. Energy security and resilient supply chains also featured prominently in discussions among BRICS members, particularly against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and conflicts in West Asia,” he said

Dalela said member states had considered the economic consequences of global conflicts and supported efforts to maintain smooth international trade flows, resilient supply chains and reliable energy supplies. Sttressing that such efforts should be pursued in accordance with international law.

On global trade, he maintained that tariffs and other trade-related measures should comply with international law and World Trade Organisation rules.

He pointed to the New Delhi Declaration, which expresses opposition to unilateral measures that are inconsistent with international obligations.

The bloc also adopted a firm position against terrorism, with leaders condemning terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism.

To this, Dalela said the declaration demonstrated the collective commitment of BRICS members to combating the threat.

As BRICS marks two decades since its first meeting in 2006, India has sought to build on previous presidencies while introducing new areas of cooperation.

Dalela stated that, India had also proposed a mechanism to support seafarers in distress and expressed confidence that the initiative would attract broad international support.

“The overall direction of India’s BRICS presidency, is to pursue practical initiatives capable of strengthening cooperation among member states,” he explained.

While the bloc has no current proposal for a common currency, its continued discussions on local-currency settlement signal a broader effort to make trade among emerging economies more efficient, affordable and resilient.

Reno Omokri Recants ‘Drug Lord’ Label Against Tinubu, Says ‘I Was Wrong’

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Reno Omokri Recants ‘Drug Lord’ Label Against Tinubu, Says ‘I Was Wrong’

Former presidential aide and ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, has admitted that he was wrong to describe President Bola Tinubu as a “drug lord”.

It was reported that Omokri said his own investigation in the United States did not support the allegation.

He made the disclosure while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Omokri explained that he had travelled to Chicago in September 2022 to independently investigate claims surrounding Tinubu’s academic background and alleged involvement in drug-related activities.

Read Also: Real Warri Pikin Addresses Viral Video With Timaya, Offers Apology

According to him, he initially accepted reports questioning Tinubu’s academic credentials and linking him to drug trafficking.

However, he decided to travel to the United States to verify the claims for himself.

Omokri said he arrived in Chicago on September 18, 2022, and visited Chicago State University the following day.

He said officials at the institution provided him with documents, photographs and newspaper materials showing that Tinubu attended the university.

He revealed that the information he obtained during the visit changed his position and led him to publicly withdraw his earlier claims, despite the possible political consequences of doing so.

He said: “I honestly believed what the media reported. Like most Nigerians, probably you who believe me, but I did something that no other Nigerian did. I went to Chicago.

“They gave me documentary evidence, photographic evidence, newspaper clippings, and then they have a hall where the president is there because the president is an alumnus.

“Right there in Chicago, I came out, even though it was against my own political best interest, and I said, Look, it is not true.

“The results of the checks were negative for any criminal arrest records, once, or warrant, for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“There was an investigation. Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not the subject of the investigation. The president was not the person that was being investigated.

“The money was forfeited to the US government in a case connected to a wider investigation into heroin trafficking. The proceeding was a civil forfeiture case rather than a criminal conviction of Mr Tinubu.”

Real Warri Pikin Addresses Viral Video With Timaya, Offers Apology

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Real Warri Pikin Addresses Viral Video With Timaya, Offers Apology

Nigerian entertainer Warri Pikin has apologised after a video of her interaction with singer Timaya during a stage performance generated controversy online.

The comedienne, whose real name is Anita Asuoha, came under criticism after footage of her dancing with Timaya surfaced on social media.

Some viewers questioned the appropriateness of her conduct as a married woman, prompting the entertainer to explain what led to the incident.

In an apology video, Warri Pikin said she had been backstage watching Timaya perform when he invited a woman to join him during his “Ukwu” performance.

She said she became excited and immediately went onto the stage. However, when Timaya asked her to participate more closely in the performance, she initially refused.

Read Also: He’s A Noisemaker And Nobody – Nwifuru Knocks Chief Priest Over Calls To Step Down

According to her, she eventually agreed after being told that she had already come onto the stage and should not disrupt the singer’s performance.

Warri Pikin said she did not perceive the incident as problematic at the time because she considered it part of the entertainment.

However, she admitted that the situation appeared differently after the video was posted online and attracted widespread reactions.

The comedienne also revealed that her husband, Ikechukwu, was angry over the incident.

She pleaded with her fans, critics and social media followers to forgive her, saying she took full responsibility for what happened.

Warri Pikin maintained that such behaviour was not typical of her and reaffirmed her commitment to her marriage.

She also appealed to people who expressed concern over the video to understand that their reactions were not necessarily motivated by hatred.

The entertainer described the episode as an awkward moment and said she believed she owed her followers an apology because she understood their concerns.

She urged the public to be more forgiving while assuring them that her family and marriage remained important to her.

He’s A Noisemaker And Nobody – Nwifuru Knocks Chief Priest Over Calls To Step Down

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He’s A Noisemaker And Nobody – Nwifuru Knocks Chief Priest Over Calls To Step Down

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has dismissed criticism of his administration by businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.

The governor reacted to the comments while addressing supporters at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally on Sunday.

Cubana Chief Priest had called on Nwifuru to step aside, alleging that the governor had failed to deliver enough major projects despite spending almost three years in office.

The socialite questioned the absence of landmark projects that could leave a lasting legacy in Ebonyi, while also criticising the state’s development record.

He claimed that Ebonyi had lagged behind other South-East states and accused its political leaders of failing to embrace the level of thinking needed to transform the state.

Read Also: In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

Cubana Chief Priest is also supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, ahead of the February 2027 governorship election.

Responding to the criticism, Nwifuru said he was not interested in engaging the socialite, whom he described as a “noisemaker” and “nobody.”

The governor said Cubana Chief Priest was not important enough for him to spend time responding to his remarks.

Nwifuru added that he would only give the socialite attention if he happened to remember him.

“I don’t have time for Cubana Chief Priest. He’s a noisemaker and a nobody. But if I remember him… I’m sorry for him,” the governor said.

The verbal exchange comes as political activities intensify in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with rival political camps increasingly mobilising support across the state.

In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

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In Two Weeks, I Saw Someone Run Mad – Fireboy Reveals What Terrified Him After Relocating To Lagos

Afrobeats star Fireboy DML has recounted the unsettling experiences he had when he first moved to Lagos in pursuit of his music career, while also revealing how one social media post left his family deeply worried.

The singer, who relocated to Lagos in 2016, said his early days in the city were far from easy. Speaking during a recent livestream, he recalled being frightened by several things he encountered shortly after arriving in Surulere.

Fireboy said he witnessed disturbing incidents, including someone running mad and dead bodies on the streets. He also said the presence of cultists and the appearance of some residents made the city seem intimidating to him.

“I was so scared the first time I came to Lagos in 2016, in Surulere. People’s eyes were so red, and they looked scary,” he recalled.

According to the singer, he encountered several of the situations within just two weeks of arriving in the city. Despite the shock, however, Fireboy remained determined to establish himself in the Nigerian music industry.

He said he eventually adjusted to Lagos and its fast-paced lifestyle, joking that he now looks like the people he once found frightening.

Read Also: INEC Publishes Presidential Candidates for 2027 General Election

The ‘Vibration’ crooner also spoke about a separate incident involving his family and an Instagram post.

Fireboy revealed on the Afrobeats Podcast that his relatives became alarmed after he shared a snippet on his Instagram Story while holding a cigarette in his mouth.

He said the post triggered a reaction in the family WhatsApp group, with his mother becoming emotional and crying after seeing the image.

Fireboy explained that the cigarette was initially meant to form part of his showbiz presentation and assured his family that there was no reason for them to panic.

However, he admitted that he eventually smoked the cigarette despite initially telling his relatives it was only part of the act.

The singer said the incident showed how quickly his family could become concerned whenever they saw something unexpected about him online.

INEC Publishes Presidential Candidates for 2027 General Election

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INEC Publishes Presidential Candidates for 2027 General Election

Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race has taken shape following the release by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the final list of 18 presidential candidates and their running mates.

The commission made the disclosure in a statement signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

According to the electoral body, the field comprises 16 male candidates and two female candidates drawn from different political parties.

The list includes some of the country’s major political figures. President Bola Tinubu is representing the All Progressives Congress, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the African Democratic Congress candidate.

Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, is listed as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Oluseyi Makinde, the serving governor of Oyo State, is contesting on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement.

Read Also: Guinea, Ivory Coast Move to Strengthen Relations and Regional Cooperation

The Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate is Sandy Ojang Onor, while former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke is representing the Peoples Redemption Party.

INEC also named Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje of the Action Alliance, Abbas-Bin Aliyu of the Action Democratic Party, Yusuf Kabiru of the Action Peoples Party and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress.

The remaining candidates include Sunday Adenuga of the Boot Party, Adebisi Olusoji of the Democratic Labour Alliance, Sunday Okereke of the Labour Party, Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party, Peter Agada of the Young Progressive Party and Nwanyanwu Daberechukwu of the Zenith Labour Party.

Ada Elizabeth Frederick Okwori of the National Democratic Party and Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement are the two women on the presidential list.

The publication provides the official lineup of presidential contenders as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 election campaign.

Guinea, Ivory Coast Move to Strengthen Relations and Regional Cooperation

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Guinea, Ivory Coast Move to Strengthen Relations and Regional Cooperation

Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya and his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara, have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in security, trade and political affairs.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between the two leaders in Abidjan on Sunday, following Doumbouya’s arrival in the Ivorian capital on Friday.

Doumbouya called for closer intelligence cooperation to address growing security challenges in the region, including cross-border crime and terrorism.

“Like you, I am convinced that there can be no development without peace and stability,” Doumbouya said.

Read Also: Fuel Price Changes: NOA Calls for Calm Among Nigerians

He said Guinea was ready to work with Côte d’Ivoire on intelligence sharing and efforts to combat cross-border crime and terrorism.

According to a statement from Ouattara’s office, Doumbouya also stressed the need to intensify the fight against illegal gold mining, describing it as a strategic issue.

A 2024 report estimated that up to 40 per cent of gold produced in Africa is undeclared, depriving the continent of billions of dollars in potential revenue.

The discussions are expected to further strengthen relations between Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire and promote regional security and economic cooperation.

Fuel Price Changes: NOA Calls for Calm Among Nigerians

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Fuel Price Changes: NOA Calls for Calm Among Nigerians

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kebbi State Directorate, has appealed to Nigerians and people of the state to be patriotic and remain calm over the dynamic price adjustments of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The Director of the NOA in Kebbi State, Muhammed Nasir Karofi, made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

He explained that the current fluctuations in petrol retail pump prices are direct reflections of crude oil price movements on the international market.

According to him, “under the full deregulation framework of the petroleum downstream sector, local prices shift in tandem with global supply dynamics, market replacement costs, and foreign exchange factors.

“This economic reality is not isolated to Nigeria; neighbouring West African nations — including Benin, Niger, Togo, and Cameroon — are experiencing similar price recalibrations and inflationary pressures.

“While the Federal Government fully acknowledges the immediate economic hardship these price changes place on households and small businesses, these tough reforms are essential to securing the nation’s financial health. Eliminating unsustainable subsidies prevents fiscal drain and boosts government solvency, ensuring funds are redirected towards public infrastructure, security, education, and social welfare.”

Karofi noted that, in response to these national economic dynamics, the Kebbi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dr Nasir Idris, is implementing targeted social protection and mitigation measures across the state.

Read Also: Nigeria Has Lost a Statesman, Mark Laments Death of Bamanga Tukur

He disclosed that such social interventions include mass transit support: expanding public transport initiatives and upgrading major transport hubs, such as the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, to ease commuting costs for citizens.

Karofi said that the state government is also strengthening primary healthcare systems under the Harmonised Health Sector Operational Plan, expanding community health rehabilitation of health facilities and medical outreaches, as well as broadening coverage under the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.

He said: “Logistic support for security forces: sustaining logistical and operational backing for security agencies to maintain peace, secure farmlands, and safeguard lives and property throughout the state.”

He said the state government is also launching targeted welfare interventions, agricultural support schemes, and empowerment programmes for vulnerable groups, women, and youth across all 21 local government areas.

“At the national level, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to long-term structural improvements. Key achievements under these reforms include stabilising tertiary education funding through the Student Loan Scheme, strengthening national security infrastructure, and driving economic diversification.”

Karofi, who acknowledged the fact that economic policy shifts require time to mature, noted that the temporary difficulties experienced today pave the way for sustainable national development and enhanced public services.

He added that the NOA urged all community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, and citizens to maintain trust, embrace civic patience, and support ongoing government initiatives as these crucial reforms reach full fruition.

Nigeria Has Lost a Statesman, Mark Laments Death of Bamanga Tukur

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Nigeria Has Lost a Statesman, Mark Laments Death of Bamanga Tukur

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has expressed sadness over the death of former Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing his passing as a great loss to Nigeria.

Mark, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Tukur’s death came at a time when the country needed the wisdom, experience and counsel of its older generation of leaders.

Read Also: 19-Year-Old Appeals Against Father’s Jail Sentence After Revealing Years Of Abuse

He described the deceased as a prominent Nigerian whose contributions to the country’s political, administrative and economic development spanned several decades.

According to him, Tukur’s career in public service, business and politics reflected a long commitment to national development and institution-building.

Mark particularly recalled Tukur’s service as governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries and later National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said Tukur’s record of service went beyond partisan politics, noting that the former governor was also an accomplished businessman and international figure who contributed to Nigeria’s development in various capacities.

“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerians who devoted their lives to the service of the country. His journey through public service, business and politics was remarkable, and his counsel and experience will be greatly missed,” Mark said.

He added that Tukur’s death was a loss not only to his immediate family and the people of Adamawa State, but to the entire country.

“His death is not only a loss to his family and the people of Adamawa State, but also to Nigeria as a whole. At this difficult moment, we must remember and celebrate the values of service, patriotism and national unity that characterised his long public career,” he said.

Mark commiserated with members of the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as the deceased’s political associates, colleagues and friends.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Tukur’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest, while asking God to give his family the strength to bear the loss.

Tukur, who died at the age of 90, was a former governor of the old Gongola State and later served as a federal minister. He also served as National Chairman of the PDP before his death.

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