Author: Opalim Lifted

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed by Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State governor, has appointed Kabiru Turaki as chairman of its interim National Working Committee (NWC). Turaki was appointed to lead the 13-member interim NWC on Monday at the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. Other members of the committee are Woyengikuro Daniel, Hamza Koshe, Ihediwa Nnabugwu, Isa Abubakar, Okechukwu Daniel, Theophilus Shan, Ini Ememobong, Aribisala Idowu, Bara’u Shafi’i, Ogbu Chinenyenwa, Umar Aji, and Arapaja Taofeek (secretary). Aziegbemi Anthony, the PDP chairman in Edo State, moved a motion for the appointment of the interim committee. On Thursday,…

Nigeria’s banking sector is under fresh strain as a massive distressed loan linked to Nestoil Limited forces top lenders to suspend dividend payments and overhaul their balance sheets. The crisis centres on an estimated $2 billion (about N2.9 trillion) exposure that has triggered sweeping loan loss provisions across the industry, hitting profitability and investor returns. Major lenders including United Bank for Africa, Access Holdings and FirstHoldCo have all reported sharp spikes in impairment charges in their 2025 full-year results, with several opting not to declare dividends. UBA booked N331 billion in loan loss provisions, with profit before tax dropping 47%…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is planning a visit to the United States, citing what he calls an “alarming deterioration” in Nigeria’s security, governance and economy. In a statement on Sunday, his media aide, Paul Ibe, said the trip will involve meetings with policy and institutional stakeholders. The date has not yet been fixed. Atiku described Nigeria as facing a “full-blown internal crisis” that can no longer be dismissed or politicised. He pointed to escalating violence in the North-West and North-East, ongoing bloodshed in the Middle Belt, and the spread of kidnapping and criminality nationwide. According to him, the situation…

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…