Tinubu Arrives Nairobi for Africa-France Summit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, early Monday ahead of the Africa-France Summit scheduled to hold between Tuesday and Wednesday in the East African nation.
The presidential aircraft landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at about 12:15 a.m. local time, where the Nigerian leader was received by government officials from both Nigeria and Kenya.
The summit is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic and security cooperation between African countries and France.
Tinubu is also expected to engage in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit as part of efforts to deepen regional partnerships and attract investment opportunities for Nigeria.
Atiku Rejects NDC South Zoning Formula
African Democratic Congress presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has faulted the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
Atiku described the move as a setback to opposition efforts aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election.
He argued that the opposition should focus on presenting a formidable and broadly acceptable candidate capable of defeating the ruling party rather than adopting restrictive zoning arrangements.
The former Vice President maintained that unity among opposition parties remained crucial ahead of the 2027 elections.
Court Convicts Briton, Firm Over P&ID Money Laundering
A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted a British citizen, James Nolan, and Micad Project City Services Ltd over money laundering offences linked to the controversial Process and Industrial Development Ltd scandal.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Monday, convicting Nolan in absentia alongside his co-defendant company.
The court held that the prosecution established the offences beyond reasonable doubt.
The conviction is part of ongoing legal actions connected to the P&ID contract dispute that previously exposed Nigeria to multi-billion-dollar arbitration liabilities.
Naira Falls at Parallel Market, Gains at Official Window
The naira depreciated to N1,387 per dollar at the parallel market on Monday from N1,383 traded last Friday.
However, the local currency appreciated at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, closing at N1,367.5 per dollar.
Currency traders attributed the fluctuations to varying levels of foreign exchange demand and supply across the market segments.
Financial analysts said continued reforms and improved liquidity could help stabilise the exchange rate in the coming weeks.
Wike Distances Self from Rivers APC Screening Dispute
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the screening of aspirants by the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.
Speaking on Monday, Wike said he was not a member of the APC and therefore could not interfere in the party’s internal affairs.
On political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, the former Rivers governor stated that his coalition would be guided by electoral realities rather than rigid party loyalty.
He maintained that political decisions would be based on strategies capable of delivering electoral victory.
Rivers APC Rejects Purported Aspirants Screening List
The All Progressives Congress screening committee for the Rivers State House of Assembly elections has dismissed reports of a list showing cleared and disqualified aspirants for the 2027 polls.
The committee said the circulating document did not originate from it and should be disregarded by party members and the public.
Earlier reports had claimed that 98 aspirants were screened, with several allegedly linked to Governor Siminalayi Fubara disqualified.
In a statement signed by committee secretary, Hon. Tanko Yamowa, the APC described the publication as false and unauthorised.
Court Watches Coup Trial Video Evidence
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday viewed a video recording involving an Islamic cleric standing trial over an alleged coup plot.
In the recording, the cleric reportedly told investigators that he warned suspected conspirators their plan would fail and that they would eventually be betrayed.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also ordered a joint trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of statements and video evidence the prosecution intends to tender against six defendants.
The case was adjourned for continuation of proceedings.
Kwankwaso Says Opposition Still United Ahead of 2027
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed suggestions that his exit from the African Democratic Congress weakened the opposition coalition.
Kwankwaso said he still shares common political goals with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and hinted at possible collaboration before the 2027 elections.
He maintained that opposition leaders remained focused on building a strong alliance capable of challenging the ruling party.
The former governor urged supporters not to interpret political realignments as signs of disunity.
INEC to Deploy 1.4 Million Corps Members for 2027 Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission says more than 1.4 million National Youth Service Corps members will participate in the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the NYSC leadership in Abuja on Monday.
He said the commission was strengthening collaboration with the scheme to ensure smooth conduct of the elections nationwide.
Amupitan noted that corps members remained critical to election management, particularly in areas of voter accreditation and polling administration.
ASUU Warns of Possible Strike Over Agreement Implementation
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned that poor implementation of its 2025 agreement with the Federal Government could trigger fresh industrial action across public universities.
ASUU President, Mr Christopher Piwuna, issued the warning on Monday after the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Yola.
He accused the government of failing to fully implement key aspects of the agreement, including funding commitments and welfare issues.
Piwuna urged the Federal Government to address the concerns promptly to avoid disruption of academic activities nationwide.
Tinubu Appoints Fadewa as Homeland Security Adviser
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka A. Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.
A statement issued Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening internal security coordination.
The Presidency described Fadewa as a highly decorated retired military officer with extensive experience in intelligence, counter-terrorism and national security strategy.
Officials said he would help deepen collaboration among security agencies in addressing emerging threats across the country.
JAMB Fixes 150 Cut-off for University Admissions
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has approved 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for university admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The decision was reached during JAMB’s policy meeting held in Abuja on Monday with vice-chancellors and other education stakeholders in attendance.
The board also approved 100 as the minimum score for polytechnic admissions and 150 for Colleges of Nursing.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, attended the meeting alongside other sector stakeholders.
Edo Governor Condemns Killing Near UNIBEN Gate
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the killing of a youth near the main gate of the University of Benin in Benin City.
The victim was reportedly shot dead by gunmen in broad daylight on Sunday.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor described the attack as “brazen and cold-blooded.”
Okpebholo assured residents that security agencies would bring those responsible to justice and reiterated his administration’s commitment to public safety.
Court Adjourns Jonathan Eligibility Suit to May 15
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in the suit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election until May 15.
Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date following the absence of the plaintiff and counsel during Monday’s sitting.
The judge warned that punitive costs could be imposed if the plaintiff fails to appear again.
Counsel to Jonathan, Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that the matter had earlier been adjourned at the plaintiff’s instance.
FG Exempts Colleges of Education Candidates from UTME
The Federal Government has announced that candidates seeking admission into Federal Colleges of Education will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the policy on Monday during JAMB’s 2026 policy meeting in Abuja.
He said the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into technology, agriculture and related programmes.
According to the minister, the policy is aimed at expanding access to skills-based and teacher education programmes while maintaining basic O’Level requirements.
Don Jazzy Hails Johnny Drille as Nigeria’s Best Musician
Music executive Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has described singer Johnny Drille as the best musician in the Nigerian music industry.
Speaking on the Crea8torium podcast, the Mavin Records boss said Johnny Drille stands out for his versatility and musical depth.
“He is like the best musician – the complete musician that I know,” Don Jazzy said.
He praised the singer’s songwriting, production skills and live performances, noting that his studio quality matches his stage delivery.
Ilebaye’s Father Speaks on Rift with Reality Star
Hon. Godson Odiniya, father of BBNaija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, has explained the circumstances behind his disagreement with his daughter.
In an audio recording shared online, Odiniya said he approached Ilebaye for temporary financial assistance ahead of a planned medical trip to Dubai, but she allegedly declined.
The controversy followed reports of his arrest over the alleged assault of the reality star at their Abuja residence.
A viral video circulating online showed Ilebaye in tears with visible facial swelling during the incident.
Arsenal’s David Raya Wins Third Straight Golden Glove
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has secured the Premier League Golden Glove award for a third consecutive season.
The Spaniard has kept 18 clean sheets in 36 league appearances, leaving his closest challenger trailing with three matches remaining.
Raya sealed the achievement during Arsenal’s dramatic victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The goalkeeper produced several crucial saves, including a late intervention before Arsenal scored through Leandro Trossard.
Flick Dedicates Barcelona Title to Late Father
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has dedicated the club’s La Liga triumph to his late father after sealing the title with victory over Real Madrid.
Flick became emotional while reflecting on the achievement, revealing that his father died shortly before the decisive El Clásico encounter.
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 to secure the title with three matches remaining.
Despite the celebrations at Camp Nou, Flick admitted the moment carried deep personal significance as he paid tribute to his father.
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