Author: Opalim Lifted

A federal high court in Abuja has asked the senate to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, from suspension. In a judgment delivered on Friday, Binta Nyako, presiding judge, described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension by the senate as “excessive”. Nyako faulted the provision of Chapter 8 of the senate Standing Rules as well as section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, declaring both as “overreaching”. The court observed that the two relevant laws did not define the maximum duration for which a serving lawmaker can be suspended from office. It held that since lawmakers are constitutionally required…

The national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released its timetable for its activities ahead of the by-elections for vacant positions in the national and state houses of assembly. In June, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed August 16 as the date for by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states. In a recent statement, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said interested party members can obtain and return their completed forms at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja. The PDP pegged the expression of interest form for the senate at N500,000, while the nomination form cost N3…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigerian football icon, Peter Rufai, hailing the late Super Eagles goalkeeper as a patriotic sportsman who etched his name in gold in Nigeria’s football history. Rufai, fondly called Dodomayana by fans, died aged 61 after a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of an era for many Nigerians who still cherish his heroic performances during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and Nigeria’s historic debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year. “I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic…

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, is dead. Rufai passed away on Thursday after battling with a prolonged illness. He was 61 years. Dodomayana, as he is fondly called, was widely regarded as of the best goalkeepers Nigeria has produced. During his playing career that lasted two decades, Rufai played in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. He also represented Nigeria at two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Waidi Akanni, a former teammate and associate, confirmed the legendary goalkeeper’s death on Thursday. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), also confirmed the news on its official X…

Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Tems has unveiled a bold new initiative designed to uplift and empower African women pursuing careers in the music industry. The project, called ‘The Leading Vibe’, was officially launched on Wednesday via her Instagram page. Aimed at bridging the gender gap in Africa’s male-dominated music scene, the initiative will provide training, tools, and a supportive community for aspiring female music creators. “From my self-taught journey with no roadmap, I created this initiative to support African women in music—those breaking barriers, building boldly, and leading the next wave,” said the 30-year-old singer. In a heartfelt video accompanying…

At least four occupants of the building have been rescued and taken to the hospital shortly after the structure crumbled on Thursday. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos state commissioner for information, confirmed the incident in a post on Facebook, noting that the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined. “A three-storey building has collapsed on Lagos Island,” Omotoso said. “It is not yet clear why 2/4, Asesi Lane, Sasi Lane, (SASI Palace), Adeniji Adele Road went down. Four persons have been rescued from the rubble. They have been taken to hospital.” He said agencies at the scene include the Lagos…

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash, aged 28. The Portugal forward’s brother Andre Silva also died in the accident, which took place in the Spanish province of Zamora. The 26-year-old was also a professional footballer, with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel. The Guardia Civil has told BBC Sport that Jota and his brother died at about 00:30 local time on Thursday. They said that their car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire. Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children,…

In May 2018, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political vehicle to oppose President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 elections. The announcement was made during a press conference on May 10, 2018, where Obasanjo, alongside CNM co-convener and former Osun State governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, officially unveiled the African Democratic Congress as the movement’s chosen platform. Obasanjo had initially introduced the CNM as a non-partisan initiative aimed at “rescuing” Nigeria from what he described as the Buhari administration’s poor performance and governance failures. He said the movement adopted ADC to…

In a major political shakeup ahead of the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi has confirmed that the opposition coalition has formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform. The move signals a bold realignment aimed at challenging Nigeria’s dominant political order. Obi made the announcement via his official X account on Thursday, revealing that former Senate President David Mark will serve as National Chairman, while ex-Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola takes the mantle of National Secretary. “This decision was not made lightly,” Obi noted. “It comes from deep reflection on where we are as a country and…

Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga has dismissed the recent defection of several former APC chieftains to the opposition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC), branding them “desperados” and accusing them of chasing power for selfish reasons. In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Onanuga said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will not mourn the departure of individuals who, according to him, had long abandoned the party in spirit and in action. “Some members of the hijacked ADC, reported as APC defectors, left the party years ago,” he declared. “Rotimi Amaechi’s soul departed in 2022 after he lost the presidential primary. Malami…