Author: Opalim Lifted

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a fresh list of high-profile nominations to the Senate for confirmation, including Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The request, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the resumption of plenary yesterday, urged the red chamber to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations in line with constitutional provisions. “In accordance with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Prof Joash Amupitan as Chairman of INEC,” the President’s letter reads. Tinubu expressed confidence…

Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has stated the need to ensure consistency in the application of rules and governance policies as a crucial step toward preventing the frequent and disruptive reversal of projects in Nigeria. Speaking at the 19th Annual Lecture organised by Aelex in Lagos yesterday with the theme “Rule of Law and Economic Development: The Nigerian Experience,” Osinbajo stated that such inconsistency had become a significant barrier to sustainable development and economic growth. According to him, it is imperative that comprehensive reforms be instituted to ensure policy continuity across various institutions and government agencies. He said the…

The 2025 Felabration festival, marking the 25th anniversary, has officially begun with a week-long celebration of the life, music, and radical spirit of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. This year’s theme ‘Shakara’ channels the confidence, rebellion, and creative fire that defined Fela’s enduring legacy. The week of events, running from October 13 to 19, launched with a debate at NECA Hall in Ikeja. Moderated by former senator Ben Murray-Bruce, the debate was themed ‘Water No Get Enemy’, one of Fela’s most poignant songs. The conversation delved into the critical intersection of art, governance, and sustainability, exploring how these forces…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday defeated Benin 4-0 in Uyo to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Nigeria, managed by Eric Chelle, had Victor Osimhen to thank as his hat-trick, added to by Frank Onyeka’s late goal, gave the Super Eagles the three points they needed to finish as runners-up in Group C. Nigeria needed South Africa to drop points against Rwanda in Nelspruit, but the Bafana Bafana ran out 3-0 victors to jump above Benin and top the group. In the African qualifying stages, only the group winners qualify directly for next year’s World Cup in the…

Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended their CAF Group C World Cup qualifying campaign on a high note with a dominant 4–0 win over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday evening. A brilliant hat-trick from Osimhen and a stoppage-time strike from Frank Onyeka sealed the emphatic victory, ensuring Nigeria finished second in the group and progressed to the interconfederation playoffs for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Osimhen opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé after connecting with a precise through ball from Samuel Chukwueze.…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted the consensus mode for its 2026 governorship primary election in Ekiti State, following the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo. Omolayo, in a letter to the party, announced her decision to step down and endorse Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the consensus candidate. She also expressed full support for any process the APC adopts in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and the party’s constitution. The development prompted the APC to shift from the earlier direct primary option to the consensus arrangement. The party confirmed that…

In a political climate where sensationalism often overshadows substance, it has become increasingly common to see young, reform-driven leaders attacked, not for what they have done wrong, but for daring to do things differently, like Interior Nigeria’s minister. The recent publication against the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is a classic example of that unfortunate reality: long on accusations, short on evidence, and completely devoid of context. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s public service record speaks far louder than politically motivated commentaries. Within a short time at the Ministry of Interior, the ministry has witnessed the most comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s passport…

Nigeria’s National Assembly is proposing a major shake-up to the country’s electoral law one that could make the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) optional in future elections. The proposed amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act argues that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the technology used to verify voters does not actually recognise the microchip in PVCs, rendering them less essential. Under the draft changes to Sections 18 and 47, voters would instead be allowed to download and print their voter’s card anytime, using their National Identification Number (NIN), birth certificate, or Nigerian passport for registration. Lawmakers say the…

Nigeria’s election calendar is set for a dramatic overhaul as the National Assembly proposes shifting the 2027 presidential and governorship polls to November 2026, six months before the current administration’s tenure ends. The proposal, contained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, seeks to ensure that all election disputes are resolved before the next swearing-in on May 29, 2027. It aims to end the long-standing problem of court cases lingering into new administrations. Unveiled at a public hearing in Abuja by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, the draft law has already drawn keen interest from politicians, civil…

Frank Edwards, the Nigerian gospel singer, has shared a testimony of his “miraculous healing” through Uma Ukpai, the late evangelist. The renowned cleric and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association died at the age of 80. Paying tribute on his Instagram page on Monday, Edwards revealed that as a child, he was healed of two life-threatening illnesses during one of Ukpai’s crusades. The ‘Okaka’ hitmaker also expressed gratitude to the late clergy for “impacting the world in a special way”. “At age 8 I got healed of asthma and pneumonia in one of your crusades in Enugu!! Thank you…