The Ekiti PDP Primary Ruling and Its Political Implications

Editorial: The Ekiti PDP Primary Ruling and Its Political Implications

The recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, which nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election in Ekiti State and ordered a fresh exercise, is more than a legal pronouncement, it is a turning point in the state’s political trajectory. Justice Babs Kuewumi’s ruling, which invalidated the emergence of Wole Oluyede as the PDP candidate, has sent ripples across the party’s structures, raising questions about internal democracy, credibility, and the party’s readiness for the electoral battles ahead.

The Evolution of Nigeria’s Tax Policy - From Burden to Fairness

The Evolution of Nigeria’s Tax Policy - From Burden to Fairness

Taxation has long been one of the most contentious aspects of Nigeria’s economic governance. For decades, citizens and businesses alike have complained about the complexity, duplication, and perceived inequities of the system.

The 2025 reforms, as explained by Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, represent a deliberate attempt to shift the narrative from taxation as a burden to taxation as a fair and transparent civic duty.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s Thank You Visit to Obio-Akpor LGA

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s Thank You Visit to Obio-Akpor LGA

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, concluded his statewide “Thank You” tour with a grand finale in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he was received by thousands of supporters in a show of loyalty and political solidarity. The event underscored Obio-Akpor’s strategic electoral importance and Wike’s continued influence in Rivers politics.

The thank-you visit, held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Obio-Akpor, drew an unprecedented crowd of political leaders, party faithful, youths, women’s groups, and community stakeholders. 

The atmosphere was charged with chants of solidarity songs, banners, and displays of support for Wike, who hails from Obio-Akpor himself. 

The Minister expressed deep gratitude to the people of the local government, commending their loyalty and describing them as “grateful people” whose political weight cannot be underestimated. He emphasized that Obio-Akpor alone accounts for about 40 percent of the votes in Rivers State, making it a decisive force in shaping electoral outcomes.

Pope Leo XIV meets with Venezuelan opposition leader, Nobel laureate María Corina Machado

Report on the Meeting Between Pope Leo XIV and Venezuelan Opposition Leader, Nobel Laureate María Corina Machado

On January 12, 2026, Pope Leo XIV held a significant meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

The encounter, which was not initially part of the pope’s official schedule, took place in the library of the Apostolic Palace and was later confirmed by the Vatican. A brief video released by Vatican officials showed the two leaders warmly greeting each other, shaking hands, and engaging in conversation at the pope’s desk.

Carter Efe’s Break-Up, Career Resurgence, and the Social Media Storm

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Carter Efe’s Break-Up, Career Resurgence, and the Social Media Storm

Carter Efe’s recent openness about his break-up with Ella has become more than a personal revelation; it has evolved into a cultural flashpoint that intertwines fame, controversy, and the power of digital platforms.

His story is not just about heartbreak but about resilience, counter-narratives, and the way social media magnifies every twist in celebrity life.

Following his separation from Ella, Carter admitted to enduring one of the most difficult periods of his life. He described losing focus, financial stability, and creative drive during the relationship. Yet, in the aftermath of the break-up, he experienced a remarkable resurgence. His streaming career flourished, breaking African records on Twitch and attracting hundreds of thousands of followers.

Bloc Voting in Nigeria-Lessons from Other Regions and the South-East’s Gamble in 2027

Bloc Voting in Nigeria-Lessons from Other Regions and the South-East’s Gamble in 2027

The South-East APC governors’ endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 elections, coupled with their pledge of bloc votes, is a bold declaration that seeks to reposition the region within Nigeria’s political mainstream.

Yet, to fully grasp the weight of this promise, it is essential to situate it within the broader history of bloc voting in Nigeria’s electoral politics, particularly in regions such as the North-West and South-West, where bloc voting has often been decisive in shaping national outcomes.

The North-West has historically been the most reliable bloc in Nigerian elections. Its vast population and voter turnout have consistently delivered decisive margins for candidates with strong grassroots networks. In 2015, Muhammadu Buhari’s sweeping victory was anchored on the North-West’s overwhelming support, which provided the numerical strength to secure the presidency.

South-East Endorsement of Tinubu in 2027 and Historical Voting Patterns

South-East Endorsement of Tinubu in 2027 and Historical Voting Patterns

The endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by APC governors in the South-East ahead of the 2027 elections is a striking development in Nigeria’s political trajectory.

For decades, the South-East has been a stronghold of opposition politics, consistently delivering votes to the Peoples Democratic Party and, more recently, to the Labour Party.

The promise of bloc votes for Tinubu represents not only a tactical shift but also a symbolic break from entrenched traditions of dissent against the ruling party.

Historically, the South-East’s voting behavior has been shaped by a sense of marginalization and exclusion from the political mainstream.

South-East Endorsement of Tinubu and the Shifting Sands of 2027

 

South-East Endorsement of Tinubu and the Shifting Sands of 2027

The recent declaration by APC governors in the South-East to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 elections is more than a routine political gesture; it is a watershed moment in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. 

For decades, the South-East has been a bastion of opposition politics, often aligning with the Peoples Democratic Party and, more recently, the Labour Party.

The promise of bloc votes for Tinubu represents a deliberate recalibration of regional strategy, one that could redefine the balance of power in the coming election.

At the heart of this endorsement lies a pragmatic recognition of political realities. Governors Hope Uzodimma, Francis Nwifuru, and Peter Mbah have argued that aligning with the ruling party is essential for the South-East to secure tangible benefits in infrastructure, economic development, and federal appointments.

Their message is clear: political relevance requires engagement, not isolation. By pledging bloc votes, they are signaling to their constituents that the region’s fortunes are tied to the center, and that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda offers a pathway to inclusion.

Yet, this endorsement is not without its challenges. The South-East electorate has historically been skeptical of APC, viewing it as a party that has marginalized the region. 

The governors’ promise of bloc votes may therefore be aspirational rather than guaranteed. Grassroots loyalty to opposition parties remains strong, and the memory of past political disappointments lingers.

The real test will be whether the governors can translate elite consensus into popular support, convincing ordinary voters that Tinubu’s administration has delivered enough to warrant their trust.

Tinubu’s achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda will be central to this persuasion. His administration has prioritized infrastructure expansion, energy reforms, and industrial growth, with projects in the South-East cited as evidence of inclusivity.

Roads, power initiatives, and industrial hubs are being showcased as proof that the region is not forgotten. If these projects materialize into visible improvements in daily life, the governors’ endorsement could resonate more deeply with the electorate.

The broader implication of this move is the potential reshaping of Nigeria’s electoral map. Should the South-East deliver substantial votes to Tinubu, it would mark a historic departure from entrenched voting patterns and signal a new era of political pragmatism. It would also strengthen Tinubu’s hand in consolidating national unity, presenting him as a leader capable of bridging regional divides.

Still, skepticism remains warranted. Endorsements are easy; delivering bloc votes is far harder. The South-East’s political identity has long been defined by resistance to the ruling party, and shifting that identity will require more than promises. It will demand sustained engagement, visible development, and a narrative that convinces voters that their future is safer with Tinubu than with the opposition.

In the end, the endorsement of Tinubu by South-East APC governors is both a gamble and a statement of intent. It is a gamble because it risks alienating voters who remain unconvinced of APC’s sincerity. It is a statement of intent because it reflects a desire to reposition the region within Nigeria’s political mainstream.

Whether this gamble pays off will be determined not in the halls of Enugu hotels but in the ballot boxes of 2027.

Echoes of Triumph and Despair - Nigeria and Algeria React to AFCON Quarter-Final Clash

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Echoes of Triumph and Despair - Nigeria and Algeria React to AFCON Quarter-Final Clash

Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Algeria in the AFCON quarter-final has sparked jubilation among Nigerians and disappointment among Algerians, reflecting the contrasting emotions of triumph and heartbreak.

In Nigeria, the mood was electric. From Lagos to Abuja, fans poured into the streets celebrating what many described as a “statement win.” Victor Osimhen’s header and Akor Adams’ composed finish were hailed as symbols of Nigeria’s resurgence on the continental stage.

Social media erupted with praise for the Super Eagles, with hashtags like #SoarSuperEagles trending across platforms. Supporters lauded the team’s discipline, attacking flair, and defensive solidity, noting that this was the kind of performance that rekindled memories of Nigeria’s golden era in African football.

Wike’s Gambit and the APC’s Rivers Dilemma

Wike’s Gambit and the APC’s Rivers Dilemma

The unfolding drama between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become more than a local skirmish, it is a test case for the balance of power within Nigeria’s ruling party.

Wike’s sharp rebuke to APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to “hands off Rivers politics” is not merely a defensive gesture; it is a calculated move to preserve his political relevance in a state that has long been his stronghold.

Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties Linked To Malami

Special report: Court orders interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami

Case overview and court directive

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activities and linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as well as two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru‑Rahman Malami. 

The order followed an ex‑parte application moved by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho. The assets, described as multi‑billion naira land and commercial holdings, are to be forfeited on an interim basis pending the outcome of further proceedings. 

Nakuru man finally marries mzungu fiancée in colourful wedding after family opposed union

Nakuru Man Marries Mzungu Fiancée in Colourful Wedding After Family Opposition

A young man from Nakuru County, Kenya, has triumphed over cultural barriers and family resistance to marry his German fiancée in a vibrant ceremony that has captured public attention.  

The story centers on Gideon Kirui, a native of Boror Village in Rongai, Nakuru County, who recently exchanged vows with Tabea Jasmin Schumann, a woman from Hannover, Germany. Their union comes after two years of dating and navigating the complexities of cultural differences and family opposition.  

Venezuela: Nigeria’s Silence Is Embarrassing, Not Befitting As Africa’s Leader - ADC

Special Report: Venezuela Crisis and Nigeria’s Silence - ADC’s Rebuke

In the wake of the United States’ dramatic military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized Nigeria’s failure to issue an official response.

The operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved coordinated airstrikes and ground raids across several Venezuelan states, culminating in Maduro’s arrest at Fort Tiuna in Caracas. Both Maduro and Flores were subsequently transferred to New York, indicted on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and drug trafficking, with Maduro pleading not guilty and describing himself as a “prisoner of war.”

Background Story: “Terrorist - I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb”

SUMMARY

The background story of “I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb” comes from the confession of a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, who admitted he was recruited and paid ₦100,000 to carry out a bombing attack on worshippers in Maiduguri, Borno State. He was arrested by Nigerian troops working with local hunters in Yobe State in late December 2025.

Background Story: “Terrorist - I Was Paid N100,000 to Bomb”

The phrase originates from the confession of Ibrahim Mohammed, a suspected Boko Haram operative from Michika in Adamawa State.

He was captured by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with local hunters, during a raid in Yobe State. His arrest followed suspicions raised by his unusual presence among a group of Almajirai in Damaturu.

Echoes from the Highway: Voices of Zamfara’s Survivors

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Echoes from the Highway: Voices of Zamfara’s Survivors

The blast on the Magami–Dansadau highway was more than an explosion, it was a rupture in the lives of ordinary people.

Survivors speak of the moment as if time itself split in two: before the deafening roar, and after, when silence was filled with screams and dust.

The Legend of the White-Robed Spirits: A Rekindling of Culture

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The Legend of the White-Robed Spirits: A Rekindling of Culture

Long ago, in the bustling land by the lagoon, the people of Lagos carried within them a sacred tradition, the Eyo Festival, known as the Adamu Orisha Play.

It was said that when the white-robed spirits, the Eyo masqueraders, marched through the streets with their staffs called opambata, the city itself breathed with ancestral power.

Their presence was not mere pageantry; it was a living bond between the past and the present, a reminder that the Yoruba heritage was eternal.

Condoms and the Human Attitude: An Editorial Reflection

Condoms and the Human Attitude: An Editorial Reflection

Condoms, though small and simple in design, carry immense weight in the story of human health, intimacy, and responsibility. They are not merely latex barriers; they symbolize a negotiation between pleasure and protection, between personal freedom and collective responsibility. 

The human attitude toward condoms has always been complex, shaped by cultural norms, religious beliefs, gender dynamics, and the tension between desire and caution.

Special Report: Mixed Reactions Trail U.S. Strikes in Nigeria

Special Report: Mixed Reactions Trail U.S. Strikes in Nigeria

Summary: The recent U.S. airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria have sparked a wave of mixed emotions across the country, ranging from cautious support to deep concern. While some citizens welcome the intervention as a step toward stability, others fear it may worsen insecurity and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

On December 25, 2025, the United States launched targeted airstrikes in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, against militants allegedly linked to the Islamic State.

The strikes, which occurred in villages such as Jabo and Tangaza, surprised residents who initially feared they were under attack by local armed groups.

Christmas Today

Christmas 2025 is being observed today across Nigeria and the world with a mix of solemn worship, family gatherings, and public festivities; in Abuja many Christians attend midnight or morning services while cities worldwide mark the day with lights, markets, and local customs.

Special Report: Christmas Today

Christmas remains primarily a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25 by the majority of Western churches and by many communities globally, though the date and emphasis vary by tradition and region. The season now blends liturgical observance with cultural practices that range from quiet prayer to large-scale public celebrations.

From Niger Tanker Explosion In “Jan” To Sack of NMDPRA Boss In “Dec”: Biggest Events That Shaped Each Month In 2025

From Niger Tanker Explosion in January to Sack of NMDPRA Boss in December: The Biggest Events That Shaped Each Month in 2025

Nigeria’s 2025 was a year defined by tragedy, political upheaval, and institutional shake-ups. From the devastating fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that opened the year to the dramatic dismissal of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) boss that closed it, each month carried events that shaped the nation’s discourse and direction.

January began with horror as a petrol tanker overturned near Suleja, Niger State, spilling thousands of liters of fuel. Local residents rushed to scoop petrol, but a generator used during transloading sparked an inferno. The explosion killed over 100 people and injured dozens more, leaving charred remains and a community in mourning. The tragedy prompted immediate calls for stricter regulation of petroleum transport, with the Minister of Petroleum Resources directing NMDPRA to investigatenewtelegraphng.com.