Obasanjo Says Picking Atiku As Running Mate Was His Greatest Mistake
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has renewed his rift with ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing his choice of Atiku as running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake of his time in office. The elder statesman made the remark on Friday during a fireside chat with Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, in what appeared to be a response to recent comments from Atiku.
FG Rules Out Immediate Electricity Tariff Increase
The Federal Government has ruled out any immediate increase in electricity tariffs, reaffirming its commitment to improving power supply through ongoing reforms and strategic investments in the sector. The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement session held in Lagos.
CJN Kekere-Ekun Bars Lawyers From Using ‘Barrister’ Title At Supreme Court
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to immediately stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official dealings with the Supreme Court, describing the practice as inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the nation’s highest court.
INEC To Publish Names, Particulars Of 2027 Presidential, NASS Candidates Today
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is set to publish today the names and personal particulars of candidates contesting the January 16, 2027 presidential election, as well as elections into the Senate and House of Representatives. Voters and political opponents are expected to scrutinise the details for discrepancies in certificates, age declarations, affidavits or nomination procedures.
Soyinka Urges Tinubu To End Killings By State Actors
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has called on President Bola Tinubu to end all forms of killings by state actors, warning that public silence also worsens the situation. Soyinka dedicated his 2026 public lecture to victims of Nigeria’s extrajudicial killings and state excesses, declaring that the nation’s greatest failure is not only the killings but the collective silence that allows perpetrators to walk free.
2027 Election Could Be A ‘Coronation’ Without Opposition Unity — Lukman
A former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and leader of the African Democratic Congress, Salihu Lukman, has warned that the 2027 general election risks becoming “more of a coronation than an election” unless opposition parties set aside their differences to present a united front against the ruling APC.
Umahi Says He’s Urging South-East Not To Vote Obi, Not Attacking Him
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said he is not attacking the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, but is instead urging South-East residents not to vote for him. Umahi said he remains proud to work for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, citing infrastructural projects executed across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East.
South Africa Denies Denying Ayra Starr, Team Visas
The South African government has rejected claims that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied visas to enter the country. South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof Bobby Moroe, said in an interview on Friday that immigration authorities have no record of any visa application or rejection involving the singer or her team.
EFCC Secures Conviction Of Two Chinese Nationals Over Illegal Mining In Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentencing of two Chinese nationals, Zhang Lin and Gao Hai, before Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over conspiracy and illegal mining of solid minerals. The duo had been arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful possession of mineral resources intended for export without lawful authority.
IGP Deploys Etaifo As Osun Police Commissioner Ahead Of Governorship Poll
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Erale Samuel Etaifo to Osun State as Commissioner of Police to oversee security arrangements for the forthcoming governorship election. The deployment was announced in a statement signed by the Osun State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, and obtained in Osogbo on Friday.
‘Let’s Make Peter Obi President And See Everyone Becomes Millionaire’ – Presidency
The Presidency has mocked the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his repeated claims that the current administration has impoverished Nigerians.
The mockery followed Obi’s recent lament over the country’s worsening economic situation, in which he said poverty and hunger had reached alarming levels.
In a post on his X handle on Friday, President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said Obi talks about poverty as though he possesses a “magical wand” capable of eliminating it and turning Nigerians into millionaires if elected president.
Ajayi noted that poverty rates were high in Anambra State during Obi’s tenure as governor.
“With the way Mr Peter Obi talks about poverty everyday and makes it a sing-song, one would think he banished poverty in Anambra State for the 8 years he was governor. The paradox is that poverty rate ballooned under him in Anambra and went all time higher than any previous governors of the state,” he wrote.
“He talks about poverty every single day as if he has one magic wand that will make poverty disappear in Nigeria. Let’s sha make him President and see poverty disappear and everyone becomes a millionaire.”
‘I’m Asking People Of Southeast, Nigerians Not To Vote Peter Obi’ – Umahi
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has urged residents of the South-East and Nigerians at large not to vote for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Umahi made the appeal during an inspection of the Trans-Saharan Highway and Legacy projects spanning Cross River to Abuja.
He said he welcomes the criticism that has followed his attacks on Obi and vowed to continue working against his presidential ambition.
The former Ebonyi State governor said his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid stems from the infrastructural projects executed across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East region.
Expressing confidence that all projects awarded under Tinubu would be completed in a second term, Umahi insisted that the people of the South-East must not risk voting for another candidate.
They Said I Orchestrated The Kidnap – Makinde Reveals Reason For Judicial Probe Into Oyo Abduction
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said his decision to set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of students and teachers in Esiele and Yawata communities of Oriire Local Government Area was aimed at vindicating his administration.
Makinde lamented that the incident had been politicised, with some individuals alleging his administration masterminded the kidnapping.
He spoke on Friday while inaugurating the commission at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor stressed the need to uncover the truth and restore public confidence amid the allegations against his administration.
Although the victims were eventually rescued, Makinde maintained that government’s responsibility extended beyond merely securing their freedom.
He recounted a personal family experience to explain his decision to seek a comprehensive investigation, adding that his call for international support was not meant to undermine security agencies but to ensure every question surrounding the incident was answered.
Everybody In That Bush Will Come Out – Obi Reveals How He Would Have Handled Oyo Abduction
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he would have personally led an operation into the forest where abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were held, had he been Nigeria’s president.
Obi said he would not have allowed the victims to remain in captivity for weeks, adding that he would have acted swiftly to secure their release, even if the rescue mission carried risks.
He made the comment during an interview on “State of the Nation with Peter Obi,” aired on Afia TV’s Eastern Eye programme and hosted by Alex Ogbodo on Thursday.
The Oriire abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen seized several pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The victims were held for about 56 days before security agencies rescued them in July.
Obi criticised the Federal Government’s response, saying the president should have taken more direct action while the victims remained in captivity, and questioned why intervention was delayed despite the kidnappers’ location being known within Nigeria. He said he would have travelled to the area within days of the incident to press for a resolution.
Nigerian Lawyers Barred From Using ‘Barrister’ Title
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other staff of the Supreme Court to stop using the title “Barrister” before their names in all official activities and documents connected to the court.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. Although issued earlier in the month, the memo became public on Friday after it was seen by journalists.
According to the circular, the decision takes immediate effect and applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers who work with or appear before the Supreme Court. The memo stated that using “Barrister” as a prefix does not meet the level of professionalism expected at the country’s highest court.
All affected persons have been instructed to remove the title from official letters, records, documents, identity cards and other materials used for official purposes, a directive that also covers all formal engagements involving the Supreme Court. Heads of departments and unit heads have been directed to monitor compliance among officers under their supervision.
‘Tinubu Should Not Allow 2027 Election To Hold’ – Kenneth Okonkwo
African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said President Bola Tinubu should not allow the 2027 election to hold, but should instead resign peacefully and return to his Bourdillon residence in Lagos State.
Okonkwo made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, saying Tinubu should not wait to contest the 2027 election, citing the spate of insecurity across the country.
Why I Won’t Encourage My Kids To Pursue A Career In Music – Davido
Nigerian musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said he hopes none of his children pursues a career in music, citing his own experiences in the industry.
The father of six made the disclosure in a recent episode of The Vibe podcast, revealing that his second daughter, Hailey Veronica Adeleke, is already leaning toward music and has a good voice, but that he remains sceptical about supporting her.
“I don’t want any of my children to pursue music. My second daughter [Hailey] is already leaning towards music. She is the life of the party. She behaves just like me. She actually has a good voice. But I know what I went through. Can you go through what I go through? Knowing what I have been through, I’m sceptical about encouraging any of my children to do music,” he said.
Davido added, however, that because his own parents and family eventually allowed him to pursue his dreams, he would never block his children from chasing theirs.
My Mom Was A Pastor And I Was Singing In Strippers Club – Rudeboy Opens Up On Journey To Stardom
Nigerian music star Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy, has opened up on his path to fame, describing how his early life shifted from church ministry to nightlife entertainment.
Speaking during an interview on Yanga FM, the former P-Square member said his life took a dramatic turn during his teenage years despite his religious upbringing. Raised by a mother who was a pastor, Okoye was active in church from a young age, serving as a lead singer in the choir, preaching and teaching music.
However, at age 16, his life shifted abruptly from leading church services to performing in strip clubs and adult entertainment venues. Reflecting on that period, he acknowledged the stark contrast between his upbringing and his time in the nightlife scene, saying the experience helped shape his journey and contributed significantly to his later success in the music industry.
NFF Elections: Sale Of Nomination Forms Begins, September Poll Timetable Out
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Electoral Committee has released the timetable for the 2026 NFF Executive Committee elections, with the sale of nomination forms set to begin on Saturday, August 1.
According to the roadmap, the election will hold on September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital. Candidates have until August 12 to submit completed nomination forms following publication of the election rules and guidelines.
The committee said candidates would be notified of any irregularities in their documents between August 13 and 19, with a correction window running from August 20 to 27. Screening of candidates is scheduled for August 27 to 30, with a provisional list of cleared candidates to be published on August 31.
Disqualified candidates will have from September 1 to 3 to lodge appeals, with the appeals committee expected to conclude its work between September 4 and 10. The final list of eligible candidates will be released between September 11 and 12, followed by the delegates’ list on September 13. Approved candidates will campaign from September 14 to 24 ahead of the election, while September 30 has been fixed as the deadline for submission of election petitions.
Chelsea Hit With £10m FA Fine, Suspended Transfer Ban Over Historic Rule Breaches
Chelsea have been fined £10 million and handed a suspended two-window transfer ban by the Football Association after admitting 74 breaches of regulations covering football agents, intermediaries and third-party investment in players.
The sanctions bring the FA’s investigation into the club to a close, although the governing body confirmed it is still investigating individual misconduct linked to the case. All the breaches relate to the period between 2009 and 2022, when Roman Abramovich owned the club.
According to the FA, Chelsea’s current owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, voluntarily disclosed the breaches after completing their takeover of the club in 2022.
An independent Regulatory Commission initially imposed a £10 million fine and a six-point deduction, with the points penalty suspended until June 30, 2027. Chelsea appealed the sporting sanction, and an independent Appeal Board overturned the suspended points deduction, replacing it with a suspended ban on registering new players for two complete and consecutive transfer windows, also suspended until June 30, 2027. The £10 million fine was not appealed and will be invested in grassroots football.
Chelsea admitted making £47 million in undisclosed payments to unregistered agents and third parties in connection with player transfers between 2011 and 2018. The regulatory commission’s written reasons revealed the original financial penalty was assessed at £26 million before being reduced in recognition of Chelsea’s cooperation.
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