Author: Opalim Lifted

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended the pastoral status of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, amid growing public scrutiny. Speaking at the church’s May Holy Ghost Service themed “Excellent Counsel” in Simawa, Ogun State, Adeboye said Tinubu earned her position long before her husband rose to power. He explained that the First Lady was ordained as an assistant pastor about ten years ago after completing the RCCG’s full spiritual training process, including baptismal classes, Workers in Training, and the School of Disciples. “She did not become a pastor because she…

Nigerian doctors are set for renewed opportunities in the United States after a quiet policy reversal allows physicians to resume visa applications and processing. Earlier in the year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) imposed a broad visa restriction affecting several countries, including Nigeria, citing national security concerns. The move disrupted foreign medical professionals, many of whom rely on visa renewals to continue practising. The policy hit international doctors hard, with Nigerian physicians among those most affected. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) shows that international medical graduates make up 25.6 per cent of active…

A civil society group, Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy (NDRA), has raised alarm over an alleged breach of Nigeria’s amended Electoral Act, warning against dual political party membership. In a statement issued on Sunday, NDRA said it uncovered “disturbing inconsistencies” in party records involving Reuben Egwuaba. The records reportedly list him as National Legal Adviser in both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with one entry said to be backed by a court order. The statement, signed by General Secretary Julius Aondowase, described the situation as more than an administrative error, warning of serious constitutional implications.…

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has called on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to avoid internal disputes and litigation as preparations for the 2027 general election gather pace. Obi made the appeal on Sunday in Abuja, where he formally joined the party alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, at the NDC national secretariat. The former Anambra governor recently confirmed his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Kwankwaso had earlier disclosed ongoing consultations with the NDC leadership. Addressing supporters, Obi cautioned that legal battles within the party could undermine efforts…

The Labour Party (LP) has granted Alex Otti, Abia governor, a waiver on expression of interest and nomination fees ahead of his second-term bid, while fixing its presidential nomination form at N50 million. In a statement issued on Sunday, Ken Asogwa, the party’s national publicity secretary, unveiled the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 primary elections. According to the party, the sale of nomination forms will run from May 6 to May 16, with submission scheduled for May 17 and May 18. Screening of aspirants is set for May 20 for house of assembly and governorship positions, and…

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has debunked social media posts alleging that Tony Elumelu, its group chairman, divorced his wife, Awele. In a statement on Sunday, Alero Ladipo, group head of brand, marketing, and corporate communications, said the claims are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis. “The claims are a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm,” the statement reads. Ladipo said the matter has been referred to relevant law enforcement authorities, who have commenced action. She added that three individuals directly connected to the creation and dissemination of the false posts have been…

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano governor has moved to calm rising political speculation, insisting no decision has been made about his next move ahead of the 2027 elections. The former Kano governor revealed he has begun “wide-ranging consultations” following the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruling that deepened the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In recent weeks, Kwankwaso has been linked with a potential presidential ticket alongside Peter Obi. The speculation gained momentum after opposition figures met in Ibadan and supporters circulated joint campaign posters online. There were also reports suggesting both politicians were preparing to dump the ADC…

Peter Obi, Former Anambra State governor has opened up on his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a hostile political environment and growing internal crises within opposition spaces. In a reflective message shared on Sunday via his official X page, the former Labour Party presidential candidate described Nigeria’s political atmosphere as “increasingly toxic”, marked by intimidation, insecurity, and persistent internal divisions. ‘System working against the people’ Obi said many Nigerians are unaware of the “silent pains” and pressures faced by individuals trying to serve sincerely within the system. According to him, the structures meant to protect citizens…

As the international community marks the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, state governors, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to urgently ensure press freedom, protect journalists, and bring an end to escalating insecurity and widespread human rights violations across parts of northern Nigeria, including Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau, and Sokoto states. SERAP and NGE made the call on Sunday in a statement issued following a conference and interactive session on “The Role of the…

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, has dismissed claims that the church is aligned with any political party, insisting that it remains a place of worship open to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation. Speaking during the May monthly Holy Ghost Service tagged “Excellent Counsel,” Adeboye said suggestions that RCCG is linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are unfounded, noting that members of different political parties freely worship together. “Some people are saying RCCG is an APC church. I just smile. In RCCG, you will find a governor from the Peoples…