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FG Opens 2026 PTDF Scholarship Applications for Study in UK, Germany, France, Malaysia

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The 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which offers Nigerian postgraduate students the chance to study in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia, is now accepting applications, according to the Federal Government.

Dada Olusegun, Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, made the statement on Monday via X (previously Twitter).

The post said, “FG has announced that the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas are now accepting applications.”

Benefits include tuition, return flights, housing, living allowances, health insurance, and, if appropriate, bench fees. The program targets MSc and PhD applicants in fields related to the oil and gas industry.

The initiative seeks to develop domestic capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry while giving access to top-notch training, research facilities, and international expertise, according to a statement on the PTDF scholarship board website.

Scholarships for PhD candidates in the UK will be split-site, enabling research to be carried out at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) as well as a few UK partner universities, such as Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth.

The PTDF emphasized that the scholarships are extremely competitive, and candidates are evaluated based on their academic background, research projects, professional body membership, and how applicable their studies are to the oil and gas sector.

Requirements for Eligibility:

MSc candidates must have finished the NYSC program and have at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) or higher in their first degree.

A five-page research proposal detailing the goals, methods, and data collection strategies must be submitted by PhD candidates.

Every applicant must have a valid National Identity Number (NIN), and submitting false documents or submitting repeated applications will result in instant disqualification.

For authorized programs at PTDF partner universities, interested individuals are encouraged to apply online at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng. The application deadline is February 27, 2026.

ADC-Obidient Partnership May Break APC’s Grip in 2027 — Odigie-Oyegun

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Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a well-known leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that he is confident that the growing cooperation between the ADC and the Obidient Movement could cause the APC to lose the 2027 general elections.

During an official welcoming for members of the Obidient Movement who recently defected in large numbers to the ADC, Odigie-Oyegun made the statements on Monday in Benin City, Edo State.

The defection comes after Mr. Peter Obi, a previous presidential contender for the Labour Party, recently joined the ADC.

Speaking to the crowd, Odigie-Oyegun stated that the Obidient Movement’s choice to join the ADC is indicative of Nigerians’ growing determination to seek political reform and national revitalization, particularly among young people.

“My belief that a new Nigeria is within reach is strengthened by the caliber and dedication of new members joining our party,” he stated.

“A few days ago, I witnessed the entry of Dele Momodu, a prominent figure, into the party,” he continued, recalling recent events. I see a lot of young people nowadays who are sincerely dedicated to the development of their country. I am convinced that young people are prepared to take significant political action after meeting so many members of the Obidient Movement.

He explained that the mass defection was an intentional and calculated decision made by the Obidient Movement to actively engage in the fight for social and political change.

“I am happy that you have decided to join the ADC in order to take up this fight. I have been certain that we are headed in the correct direction from the coalition’s founding, Odigie-Oyegun stated.

Additionally, he maintained that individuals should band together for collective political action in response to growing unhappiness with both national and Edo State governance.

“We have a country to save, and that is our obvious mission. We can create a new Nigeria through the ADC,” he continued.

Kwankwaso in High-Level Talks With Obi, Amaechi, PDP, Other Opposition Figures

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Prior to the 2027 general elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is now in negotiations with prominent opposition personalities.

According to a high-ranking source in Kwankwaso’s inner circle who spoke to Leadership, the former governor of Kano State has been interacting with important opposition figures in an attempt to create a cohesive political front against the ruling party.

The source claims that Kwankwaso has had conversations with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Transportation Minister Chibuike Amaechi, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender.

The engagements are part of larger consultations aimed at creating a powerful opposition coalition, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Kwankwaso works in politics. He is addressing each group. I am aware that he is speaking with Amaechi, Obi, and members of ADC. The insider stated, “He is speaking with the PDP.”

According to the source, Kwankwaso is also in communication with opposition leaders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and talks are still going on.

“We are talking with the intention of uniting all the opposition,” he continued.

The insider went on to say that Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, and other well-known Nigerians who are unhappy with the current government are involved in the growing opposition movement.

“Obasanjo is not the only one. There is unanimity among Nigerian leaders on a change in government. Everyone thinks that the current administration is failing, according to the source.

He clarified that because Obasanjo is prepared to speak candidly about national issues, his name is frequently used.

The source went on, “Obasanjo is mentioned because he is the only one that is outspoken.”

Ajiboye: ADC Is Evil, They Might Destroy Nigeria’s Future

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Biodun Ajiboye, a leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has called the African Democratic Congress (ADC) a wicked alliance.

He bemoaned the possibility that the ADC will destroy Nigeria during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

He questioned what the coalition had done incorrectly and chastised them for denouncing the current administration.

“If Nigerians are not careful with these people called the ADC, they will destroy Nigeria’s future,” declared Ajiboye.

In Nigeria, there is a broad insurgency led by ISIS, ISWAP, and other groups.

Is it improper to hire public relations professionals? Is engaging in lobbying illegal? In the field of public relations, which I am well-versed in, you need some specialists to break the ice when things are getting worse and there isn’t much room for conviction.

“What has gone wrong with the Nigerian government? You see, these individuals are quite bad, and Nigerians must realize that the ADC coalition is terrible.

“One of them claims that famine exists in Nigeria. Why pay $9 million for PR? For heaven’s sake, we prevented Nigeria from suffering unnecessary devastation at the hands of a single individual whose actions are unpredictable.

Rivers Political Turmoil: Oseni Says Fubara Impeachment Bid Shows Tinubu Can’t Protect APC Governors

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President Bola Tinubu has been encouraged by Arise Television personality Rufai Oseni to prevent the impeachment of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara from proceeding.

Oseni revealed that the impeachment of Fubara is an indictment of Tinubu’s failure to defend governors on the All Progressives Congress, or APC, platform.

“If Fubara is impeached, then it’s a big indictment on President Tinubu’s ability to protect APC governors,” Oseni posted on Facebook.

Additionally, this impeachment notice invalidates the claim made by government authorities that the state of emergency was necessary to save Fubara.

“President Tinubu’s state of emergency did not save Fubara because an impeachment is still pending despite the state of emergency, no peace, and no settlement.

Right now, there is no doubt that Wike is in the lead in this battle. President Tinubu is 50, Wike 100.

Will President Tinubu be able to prevent Wike from harming Fubara? Is President Tinubu going to support Fubara?

Will the Chief Judge carry out the procedure? Does the court’s order stand?

Will Wike join the opposition and work against Tinubu? We’ll see in time.

Araraume Declares Support for Tinubu’s Re-Election

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection is supported by Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.

Speaking to reporters at his country home in the Isiebu community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Araraume asserted that Tinubu has the constitutional right to run for a second term and that the president has done a good job and should be given an additional four years to complete current reforms.

Araraume praised the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in a statement signed by Jimmy Enyeh, the lawmaker’s media assistant. He described it as a transformative framework that will positively influence Nigeria’s development.

“First, by directing the funds to the two levels of government, President Tinubu eliminated the subsidy and put an end to subsidy scams, something that some of his predecessors were unable to accomplish. The money should be used by the subnationals for the benefit of the populace at large.

Araraume also stated that the president pushed for the nation’s Local Government (LG) autonomy and forced state governors to abide by a Supreme Court decision requiring direct funding to councils.

According to Mr. President, it is essential for genuine federalism, improved service delivery, and grassroots development. If the governors don’t comply, he said, the federal government will step in.

“This is another victory for Mr. President because it has highlighted financial independence, enabling LGs to manage funds directly without intervention from the state—a crucial step in enabling them to effectively address local needs.”

“President Tinubu’s reforms are repositioning our country for sustainable growth and stability,” Araraume added.

He emphasized the administration’s major policy accomplishments, including economic revival, the unification of exchange rates to stabilize the financial system, and the introduction of new tax measures to increase the national income base and streamline the budgetary framework.

Araraume also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s social investment initiative.

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was established to expand youth initiatives, strengthen social intervention programs, and encourage access to higher education.”

He emphasized that Nigeria is not a one-party state and warned against what he called false narratives about the country’s political system and the ruling party.

He claims that Nigeria is a multiparty democracy with over 40 registered political parties, a phenomenon that amply demonstrates political pluralism and democratic freedom.

Every Nigerian has the right to join any political party they choose, according to Araraume, who also noted that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were not persuaded or compelled to join.

He clarified that political realignments are not new in the nation, pointing out that such moves had place during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) era.

According to Araraume, the APC operates as a single family, working together at the federal, state, and local levels of government. The party is still in support of President Tinubu’s reelection campaign.

He said that the APC has started an electronic registration process, encouraging new members to sign up and asking current members to verify their membership.

Speaking on Imo State, Araraume stated that Governor Hope Uzodimma is now serving out his last term and expressed confidence in the ability and acceptability of the candidate the party chooses.

Although there is always space for improvement in governance, he added that the party would support its final candidates at all state levels and that any flaws found would be constructively handled.

Recalling his involvement in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, Araraume stated that the president had appointed him as national director of trade and economy for Southern Nigeria, which included the South East, South South, and South West. He added that Tinubu would perform even better if given another chance.

Judges Appointment: Allegations In Petition Against CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, Others, Frivolous, Unfounded, Group Tells NJC, FJSC, Others

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The Africa Centre For Good Governance And Corruption Free Communities has called on the National Judicial Council, NJC, and the Federal Judicial Service, FJSC, to to be mindful of conspiracy and frivolous petitions against nominees for the appointnent judges to Federal High Court.

The group said the allegations in petition against CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala and others before the NJC and the FJSC are frivolous, unfounded.

The group said it is in possession of the petition written against Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, who was accused of compromise in the discharge of her duties, asking why it was leaked to the media, if it was not for conspiracy purpose.

The group, in a statement, Sunday, told the judicial bodies to investigate how some petitions against the nominees leaked to the media and should not be considered.

According to the Convener of the group,
Temitope Olubunmi Joseph, the NJC should invoke it’s rules on leaked petitions by discarding them.

The group said, “Our organisation is in possession of the petition against Blessing Nkechi Ezeala and we can confidently confirm that the petition against Blessing Nkechi Ezeala was leaked to the media with an already prepared news report on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at about 3pm.

“Again, at this point, may we ask, what is motive of the petitioner by leaking the petition to the media. We would have thought that since the petition had been submitted to the relevant judicial bodies and individuals, the petitioner would have left it there and allow them to take a look at it and consider it one way or the other.

“We challenge the petitioner to prove some the allegations contained in the petition”.

He said the NJC, the FJSC and other relevant judical bodies should bear in mind that once members of the public are called upon to make comments and observations about an individual for an exalted position, such as was done by the FJSC, all manner of allegations will be flying, both true and untrue.

He said thorough investigations should be conducted on petitions submitted against nominees to ascertain those with genuine case amd those that are frivolous.

“We make bold to say that the sole aim of leaking the petitions was to paint CSP Nkechi Blessing Ezeala and others black in the eyes of the members of the public.

“A move our organisation condemn in its entirety and we call on the the NJC and other bodies in line with its National Judicial Policy and Judicial Discipline Regulations of Nigeria to discard the petition against CSP Nkechi Blessing Ezeala, and others, having been leaked to the public.

“Our organisation has reliably gathered that some very powerful forces have ganged up and are bent on stopping CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, from being appointed to the position of a Judge of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based on enforcement of judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over a property in Wuse, Abuja, for which the Petitioner grossly violated the Order of Court by forcefully regaining possession of the property after he was evicted by the Court, which led to his lawful arrest by the Police.

“The petitioner failed to show that the CSP compromised in the discharge of her duty or that the investigation conducted by the Inspector General of Police into the case found her culpable. If the FJSC considered the Petition, would it not have asked for the Police investigation report on the case? Adopting the leaked Petition and allegations of the petitioner, without thorough investigation, clearly supports the theory of grand conspiracy against the CSP”, he also said.

It would be recalled that based on the National Judicial Policy and Judicial Discipline Regulations of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council (NJC) generally will not look into or will discontinue a petition that has been leaked to the public or discussed in the media. The NJC policy emphasizes strict confidentiality to protect the integrity of the judiciary and the reputation of judicial officers against frivolous or malicious complaints.

“The NJC, the FJSC, and other relevant judicial bodies should particularly, be concerned and careful in considering the petitions made against nominees because not only are the petitions full of falsehood against the nominees, they were also deliberately leaked to the public, particularly, the media to tarnish and stop the process for the appointment of some of the nominees.

“From our investigation, since the FJSC published the names of the nominees and called for public comments, and observations on the nominees, many interested Nigerians and organisations have filed petitions to the NJC, FJSC and other relevant bodies.

“Our organisation was able to lay our hands on one of such petitions to the FJSC, NJC and other judicial bodies, which was filed against a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Blessing Nkechi Ezeala.

“In the petition dated September 22, 2025, signed by Sanni Abass Esq., on behalf of his client, one Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, whom from our investigation has been a very dutiful officer, who carries out her duties without fear or favour, was said to have compromised in the discharge of her duty.

“Like we observed earlier, the petitions are full of lies and was deliberately leaked to the public and the media to paint CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala and other nominees with similar petitions in bad light”, the group emphasized.

Wike’s Aide Lere Mocks Fubara, Tells Him ‘If You Can’t Play Politics, Stay with Your Wife

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Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has been compared as a weak politician by Lere Olayinka, a media assistant to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Olayinka cited the governor’s failure to get the support of at least 12 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly after two years.

In a post on his official Facebook page on Saturday, Lere stated that the governor should return home and live with his wife if he is incapable of playing politics.

Lere described how the former governor of Ekiti State handled the confrontation between the assembly members and the governor as soon as he took office.

He claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held just one of the 26 seats in the state House of Assembly when Fayose was elected governor in 2014, but the then-governor quickly altered the perception.

By the time Fayose “was being sworn in on October 16, 2014, the PDP had seven members of the House of Assembly, with two more APC lawmakers working with him underground,” he claimed. How did Fayose persuade six members of the APC House of Assembly to defect to the PDP?

“Nine members of the House of Assembly are needed in Ekiti to form a quorum to sit, and Fayose obtained the necessary number.”

However, a member of the House of Assembly in Rivers State is unable to win over 12 of the 32 members.

He chose to designate one of the four as his Chief of Staff, bringing the total down to three, rather than searching for eight more.

“How logical? Go home and stay with your wife if you are incapable of engaging in politics.

Defence Minister Musa: Nigerian Government Won’t Negotiate Ransom with Kidnappers

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General Christopher Musa, the minister of defense, has reiterated that the federal government does not negotiate with terrorist organizations or kidnappers or pay ransom to them.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Musa clarified that reliable intelligence and prompt action are key factors in the military’s rescue efforts.

He claims that paying ransom to criminal organizations just makes the issue worse.

“The government doesn’t pay ransom to save people from terrorists.” The people who make these payments are individuals. The military always intervenes when a kidnapping occurs.

“I oppose paying ransom because once kidnappers and terrorists realize money is guaranteed, more people will be drawn into such crimes,” he stated.

He emphasized that the government does not pay ransom to ensure the release of kidnapped people, pointing out that private individuals typically make such payments.

Musa went on to say that the military reacts quickly to kidnapping events.

“In many instances, our forces enter the place after we determine its position. He claimed that the abductors frequently escape into the bush, leaving their victims behind, who subsequently recover.

The defense minister addressed worries about terrorists’ ongoing activities by explaining that Nigeria’s large geography makes it easy for criminal organizations to shift anytime security forces step up operations in a particular area.

This nation is quite big. He said, “Terrorists just relocate when troops crack down on one area.

In order to prevent terrorists from entering the nation, Musa also stressed the significance of bolstering border security, which includes building barriers.

He stated that in order to guarantee appropriate documents, the government is dedicated to keeping an eye on those arriving from nearby countries.

He claimed that border walls will aid in preventing the smuggling of illicit goods and stop criminals from entering the nation to launch attacks and flee.

Police Give Reasons for Halting Rape Investigation Linked to Chris Okafor

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The Lagos State Police Command has revealed the rationale behind the temporary suspension of the several rape accusations against well-known preacher Chris Okafor.

According to reports, Olohundare Jimoh, the Commissioner of Police, had already directed an inquiry into the accusations made against Okafor.

He ordered the troubled clergyman to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti and subsequently revealed that the case had been forwarded to Sylvester Alabi, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, for additional action.

However, the command’s spokesman, Abimbola Adebisi, gave an update on the situation and stated that the investigation was stopped because the police-invited complainants did not show up.

Additionally, she stated that while the Zone 2 Command was managing the case under the direction of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, the command could not conduct a concurrent investigation.

“There has not been further investigation from the command,” she said.

He was invited, but I’m not sure if you know that. We found out that he had comparable requests, which are still being looked into, when they came around. So we were told to stop by the CP. We will reopen ours once theirs in Zone 2 is finished.

Additionally, none of the complainants we have been contacting have shown up. As of right now, we are not moving forward. We’re not pressuring the complainants any more. All we do is wait. After Zone 2 is finished, we’ll wait to see what happens. And the next course of action will be known to us. On his own initiative, he was freed to go to Zone 2 for additional inquiry.