The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ondo State chapter, and the All Progressives Congress, the interceptioAPC) on Monday engaged in a war of words over the thank-you tour embarked upon by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa across the state.

According to the PDP, Aiyedatiwa’s decision to arrange the tour after two years as substantive governor reveals that he is not taking governance seriously.

Aiyedatiwa had on Monday commenced a statewide tour of local government areas to appreciate grassroots supporters and to galvanise backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Taking a swipe at the governor, the opposition party, in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Wande Ajayi, described the move as a charade.
Ajayi, who emphasised that governance under the APC in the state has been reduced to optics, handouts and tokenism, stressed that the governor ought to be commissioning completed projects instead, but there is nothing to show for his two years in office.

The PDP further insisted that the tour indicates a government that has lost direction and exhibits misplaced priorities.
“Across the length and breadth of the state, public schools are collapsing, healthcare facilities are in a state of ruin, roads have become death traps, and civil servants and pensioners continue to suffer under harsh economic realities.”

However, APC, responding to the PDP’s criticism of the governor’s thank-you tour, maintained that Aiyedatiwa’s decision to personally visit communities across the state reflects humility and accessibility.

In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC in the state, Steve Otaloro, it was stated that the administration of Aiyedatiwa has continued to pilot the affairs of the state with a high level of responsibility.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has indicated plans to enter into an alliance with another political party yet to be announced ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The move was disclosed by a PDP stalwart and former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, while addressing party caucus members during a special meeting held at his residence.

Lamido clarified that the PDP was not pursuing a coalition but an alliance, which he described as a strategic decision aimed at strengthening the party’s chances in the next general elections.

He said he was fully aware of the concerns and anxieties among party members, noting that the prevailing situation within the PDP had compelled him to consult widely with key stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the party’s crisis.

“I have met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and other prominent leaders of the party. I appealed to them to set aside grievances and personal differences and focus on the survival of the PDP and the millions of members across the country who are worried and confused,” Lamido stated.

According to him, the resolution of the party’s crisis largely rests on the shoulders of four influential figures which are Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“If they so wish, the PDP crisis can be resolved instantly,” he said.

Lamido assured that efforts were ongoing at the national level to address the challenges confronting the party and chart a way forward for members and supporters nationwide.

“At the national front, we are doing the needful to find solutions and a clear path forward for all members and supporters. Very soon, progress will be evident,” he added.

He also revealed that a crucial meeting had been scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, which he described as a potentially final effort to resolve lingering differences within the party, urging members to remain patient.

Speaking on the party’s strategy in Jigawa State, Lamido described the planned alliance as a pragmatic approach to reviving the PDP’s electoral fortunes.

“In Jigawa, we have opted for an alliance going into 2027. Given the realities on ground, this is the most viable path to victory,” he said.

The former governor attributed the party’s internal challenges, particularly at the regional level, to leadership disputes and post-election disagreements, including contentious candidate selections that had deepened divisions.

“Some national decisions affected the states negatively and created cracks within the party, but we are now mending fences,” he explained.

Lamido, however, stressed that the success of the alliance would depend largely on the support and cooperation of grassroots members.

“Our members and supporters in Jigawa must remain calm, united and ready. They are the backbone of the PDP, and this alliance will strengthen their voice in 2027,” he urged.

He concluded by assuring party faithful that the moves were part of deliberate actions to reposition the PDP in Jigawa State and across the country, expressing optimism that national-level breakthroughs would soon reinforce state-level efforts.

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Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not secure a second term in office in 2027.

The Abia South lawmaker insisted that the president never truly won the 2023 presidential election and will face a tougher political battle ahead.

Speaking on the prospects of the next general election, Abaribe said the mood across the country shows growing anger and frustration among Nigerians.

According to him, the level of hardship being experienced nationwide has strengthened the resolve of voters to reject Tinubu at the polls in 2027.

The senator dismissed claims that the president has never lost an election. He argued that no politician is immune to defeat, especially when public sentiment has turned against an administration.

Abaribe said Nigerians are already making up their minds and that the outcome in 2027 will reflect their lived realities.

During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Abaribe stated, “I do not think so. Everybody loses elections, and you will see when the time comes. He will lose in 2027 because I know what Nigerians are feeling outside.”

He went further to challenge the legitimacy of the 2023 election outcome, saying, “Tinubu never won the 2023 election, and everybody knows it. But we said fine, he has been declared the winner, no problem. We acknowledge him as president, but we are going to meet him in the field, and I will see how he is going to cobble together what will make him win again.”

Abaribe insisted that the next election will not follow the same pattern as the last. He claimed the opposition and ordinary Nigerians are now more alert and prepared to defend their votes.

According to him, “It won’t work because this time everybody will be ready. It will no longer be an announcement at 3 a.m. before people wake up in the morning. This time, people are ready, we are ready, and the masses are even more ready.”

The lawmaker also blamed the Tinubu administration for what he described as a collapsed economy and worsening insecurity across the country.

He questioned how the president intends to convince voters to renew his mandate amid rising cost of living, unemployment, and persistent safety concerns.

Abaribe also spoke on the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He made it clear that he has no intention of joining the ruling party, insisting he would remain with the opposition regardless of political pressure.

He said, “If there is anybody who is going to defect to the APC, I think I should be the very, very last one. By the time I defect, it would mean there are no parties left in Nigeria, including the APC.”

According to him, the defections do not strengthen the APC but instead create internal crises. He argued that the ruling party is absorbing unresolved political conflicts that will eventually weaken it from within.

The senator noted that leadership struggles are already emerging in states where high-profile defections have taken place.

Abaribe added that the opposition stands to benefit from the situation, as the APC’s internal disagreements will become more pronounced ahead of future elections.

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Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has been named a joint recipient of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Award.

Ezekwesili announced the honour in a post on X on Tuesday.

She said the award recognises her “resolute character” and years of consistent work on transparency, accountability, good governance and institution-building.

“It is encouraging to see that my resolute character, consistent work on transparency, accountability, good governance, institution-building, sound economic, human capital and extractive sector policies; and building values-anchored leaders that serve people are what the award values and celebrates,” she said.

Ezekwesili said the recognition was not a personal achievement, noting that the fight against corruption and the quest for good governance are collective efforts.

“And of course, none of these works was or is ever done alone. I always say that the fight against corruption and for good governance are inherently collective and so, this honour belongs to all citizens and reformers who insist that public power must serve the public good.

“Anti-corruption and good governance works are not just about individuals, but ultimately about building institutions and norms that outlive any one person,” she said.

Ezekwesili expressed gratitude to God, her family and supporters for their role in her journey.

“Grateful to God, my unforgettable parents, my incomparable husband, our wonderful daughter and sons; and my loving siblings for being integral to the journey that brought me this honour,” she said.

She thanked those who sent prayers and goodwill messages following the announcement.

“Thanks to all who have celebrated and sent their prayers and well wishes. I am truly grateful,” she said.

Ezekwesili said the push for good governance must continue until Nigeria and Africa achieve lasting institutional reform.

“Our collective dedication to emerge good governance must continue until Nigeria and Africa become,” she said.

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The Nigeria Police Force has announced that it will resume nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit from January 2, 2026.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to the police, the decision follows a review of escalating security concerns, particularly the increasing use of vehicles with unauthorised tinted glass to facilitate crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent offences.

The Force noted that criminals had exploited the enforcement gap to conceal their identities, making the resumption of enforcement urgent and necessary to strengthen public safety.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court. This decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens,” the statement read in part.

It added, “In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.” 

More insights 

The Force clarified that no court order barred it from enforcing the tinted glass law, noting that enforcement was earlier suspended to allow motorists sufficient time to regularise their documentation in the interest of public convenience and transparency.

• The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assured the public that the renewed enforcement would be carried out professionally, with respect for citizens’ rights and in strict compliance with existing laws, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Motorists who require tinted glass for legitimate reasons were advised to apply through approved channels and ensure full compliance ahead of the resumption date.

What you should know 

Ahead of the January 2, 2026 enforcement date, the Nigeria Police Force had previously suspended tinted glass permit enforcement on October 9, 2025, following a meeting between IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and a NBA delegation led by President Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, to address enforcement concerns and improve police–bar collaboration.

• Enforcement had initially been scheduled for August 11, 2025, later shifted to October 2, 2025. The Police had earlier halted tinted glass permit issuance in June 2022 to prevent criminal misuse.
• In February 2024, the Force announced plans to resume issuance under a revamped digital permit system, supported by nationwide training for ICT and enforcement officers.
• The new system features QR codes, unique serial numbers, and digital holograms to prevent forgery, with applications processed exclusively via www.possap.gov.ng.

Applicants must provide NIN and TIN details, biometric data, and undergo background checks; approved permits are issued digitally within 72 hours.

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The stock market traded 553.2 million shares valued at N13.3 billion in 28,907 transactions on Monday.

This is compared with 571.7 million shares valued at N29.04 billion recorded on Friday across 20,418 deals.

This revealed 54 per cent and 3 per cent decline in turnover and volume respectively with 42 per cent growth in deals.

Meanwhile, FCMB recorded the highest volume, with 92.04 million shares traded, while VITAFOAM recorded the highest value, at N1.77 billion.

The equities market opened the week slightly positive, extending the gains of the previous week as investors gained N3 billion in value.

Market capitalisation rose by N3 billion or 0.003 per cent, closing at N95.267 trillion from N95.264 trillion on Friday.

Also, the All-Share Index (ASI) climbed 4.62 points or 0.003 per cent, ending at 149,437.88 up from 149,443.26.

This led the year-to-date (YTD) return increase to 45.19 per cent, while the market breadth closed positive, recording 28 gainers and 23 losers.

On the gainers’ chart, Sovereign Trust Insurance led by 10 per cent, ending the session at N3.74, Guinness Nigeria followed by 9.96 per cent, settling at N239.50, while Mecure Industries grew by 9.88 per cent, closing at N41.70 per share.

Similarly, AIICO Insurance and First Holding Company increased by 9.86 per cent each, finishing at N3.79 and N34.55 per share.

On the other hand, Prestige Assurance led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent, settling at N1.53, FTN Cocoa Processors trailed by 8.16 per cent, finishing at N4.50 and Guinea Insurance dipped by 7.69 per cent, closing at N1.08 per share.

Royal Exchange dipped by 7.25 per cent, ending the session at N1.79, while Nigerian Breweries fell by 6.86 per cent, closing at N76.75 per share. (NAN)

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Africa’s startup ecosystem took center stage in Lagos as the Africa Startup Festival (ASF) Lagos 2025 brought together innovators, investors, and business leaders in one of the year’s most anticipated tech gatherings. 

Held at the Balmoral Convention Center, Federal Palace, Victoria Island, the festival attracted a diverse mix of founders, venture capitalists, development finance institutions, and ecosystem enablers focused on driving Africa’s next phase of economic growth. 

Key discussions examined the evolving nature of venture capital on the continent, the role of patient and blended finance, and the realities founders face while building in volatile markets. Sessions such as “Beyond the Hype: Building the Evidence for African Venture” and “The Dangerous Capital” sparked candid conversations around accountability, impact, and long-term value creation. 

A major highlight was the Antler Super Day, where startups pitched live to investors, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on execution and capital access rather than theory. The Mentor Hours sessions also stood out, offering founders and operators direct access to experienced leaders for practical guidance. 

Beyond content, ASF Lagos featured a vibrant exhibition showcasing African companies across fintech, logistics, education, payments, and enterprise technology. The event wrapped up with the ASF Night Festival, creating space for informal networking and relationship-building among attendees. 

With strong turnout and engagement, ASF Lagos 2025 underscored the growing appetite for platforms that connect capital, ideas, and execution within Africa’s innovation economy.

The post ASF Lagos 2025 signals growing momentum for Africa’s startup ecosystem body  appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Kogi State Government has confirmed an attack by suspected bandits on Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, revealing that four of the assailants were neutralised by local hunters during a fierce gun battle.

Speaking on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the attack occurred in Ayetoro Kiri, a rural farming community.

Fanwo explained that sustained onslaughts by bandits in neighbouring Niger and Kwara states have pushed criminal elements into Kogi. He noted that the state government had already established a coordinated security architecture to counter such threats, though the affected area still requires additional reinforcement.

According to the commissioner, local hunters in the community courageously resisted the attack, engaging the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire that resulted in the neutralisation of four assailants, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

He disclosed that 13 persons were kidnapped during the incident but assured that hunters and other security operatives are pursuing the fleeing bandits within the forest, with ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.

“We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued,” Fanwo said.

The commissioner confirmed that troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Kogi State Police Command have been deployed to the community. He added that the state would maintain a strong joint security presence to safeguard lives and property.

He further revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) is actively supporting the operation through intelligence gathering and processing.

Fanwo also appealed to the Nigerian Air Force for air support to complement ongoing ground operations and strengthen the security response.

“The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, is engaging the service chiefs to ensure an air raid on the forest by the Air Force to support the ground operations of the Army, Police, and local hunters,” he said.

Commending the bravery and patriotism of the local hunters, the commissioner reassured residents that the government remains firmly in control of the situation.

He stressed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to the protection of lives and property across Kogi State, assuring Kogites that the government is steadily winning the battle against criminal elements.

“Their movement has been restricted by our security network. Currently, they are targeting soft targets such as churches. We have implemented measures to tighten security across the state. We are grateful for the cooperation of security agencies and our local hunters. We are winning this battle already,” he assured.

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As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned Judges against conflicting interim orders, forum shopping and abuse of ex parte applications, particularly in pre-election disputes.

Speaking at a special court session to mark the ceremonial commencement of the Federal High Court 2025/2026 legal year and the 41st annual Judges Conference in Abuja on Monday, the CJN urged firm enforcement of procedural discipline to ensure that the Judiciary is not perceived as a tool for political gamesmanship.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed the persistent issue of delay in justice delivery, stressing that Judges must actively manage cases and guide proceedings.

According to her, the National Judicial Council (NJC) would continue to strengthen oversight of case progression to support efficiency and institutional discipline.

On welfare and security, the CJN reaffirmed the commitment of the Judiciary to improving working conditions, infrastructure, research support and safety of judicial officers, noting that a Judge who feels insecure cannot dispense justice confidently.

She called for renewed institutional discipline, deeper digitisation, and unwavering commitment to integrity in the administration of justice.

While commending the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for his leadership, Justice Kekere-Ekun said the Court occupies a central place in Nigeria’s constitutional and legal architecture, with jurisdiction over critical national matters such as revenue, taxation, immigration, maritime operations and intellectual property.

She said, “The Federal High Court was not conceived as a court of peripheral jurisdiction. Its decisions directly shape national policy and public perception of the rule of law”, and acknowledged that public confidence in the Judiciary remains fragile.

The CJN warned that unpredictable or inefficient court processes could undermine even well-reasoned judgments, emphasising that punctuality, consistency in court sittings, and transparent communication with litigants and counsel were essential components of justice delivery.

“Our judgments constitute our voice, and the manner in which we discharge our duties defines the authority and credibility of that voice,” she stated.

The CJN stressed the need for judicial independence anchored on responsibility, courage and moral clarity, while also commending judges of the Federal High Court for continuing to discharge their duties with professionalism despite mounting pressure and public scrutiny.

On reforms, Justice Kekere-Ekun identified digitisation as no longer optional but a core institutional priority and advocated the expansion of virtual hearings, e-filing, electronic case tracking and secure digital records to enhance speed, accountability and public trust in the courts.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho said, the court fared well in the efforts to enhance efficient and effective service delivery in the past legal year.

At the end of the 2023/2024 legal year, he said a total of 161,999 cases were pending and carried over to the 2024/2025 legal year, adding that, within the period, a total of 19,925 cases were filed, which brought the total number of pending cases to 181,924.

“From this number, a total of 16,019 were disposed of, leaving 165,905 pending cases”, he said and added that of the 16,019 cases disposed of, 3,113 are civil cases, 5,818 are criminal cases, 3,724 are motions and 3,364 are fundamental human rights cases.

The Chief Judge said a total of 44,650 civil cases, 44,078 criminal cases, 46,228 motions and 30,949 fundamental rights enforcement applications remained pending at the end of the last legal year.

He disclosed that the process of appointing 14 additional Judges to the Bench of the court has reached an advanced stage following the approval and support of the CJN and chairman of the NJC.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN said, the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court over matters that define the country’s economic, regulatory and constitutional framework, places it at the center of national development and investor confidence.

While urging Judges of the court to remain vigilant against any actual or perceived political capture or manipulation, he said, any perception that judicial processes are shaped by partisanship undermines the foundation of the rule of law.

The NBA boss said, the judiciary must guard its independence with utmost vigilance as its authority rests on public confidence in its neutrality.

He said, the Federal High Court must insist that its jurisdiction cannot be manipulated as a substitute for political will, party leadership, party discipline or internal democracy adding that, “Not every quarrel within a political party is justiciable and not every grievance constitutes a legal dispute.

“The court’s docket should not become a political theatre or a stagging ground for political leadership or factional dominance”, he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN
urged Judges to be bold, strong and of good courage in the discharge of their duties, adding that, “the Law is what the Judges say”.

Agabi said, the dominance of one political party as it is now: which has virtually eliminated opposition makes the work of the Judiciary more urgent and important.

He called on Judges to be bold, honest and innovative in the adjudication of political matters as the hope of the nation is in the judiciary.

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Olanrewaju Farinloye has emerged as the the Action Alliance (AA) flag-bearer candidate for August 8, 2026 gubernatorial in Osun State following a consensus primary election held on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Osogbo.

Farinloye emerged unopposed, with all 150 accredited delegates endorsing his candidacy.

The formal presentation of the party’s flag was conducted by the National Secretary and Chairman of the AA Electoral Committee, Nernimbe A. James.

In his acceptance speech, Farinloye thanked the party leadership at the national, state, and grassroots levels for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a reflection of unity and shared conviction within the party.

“I am deeply honoured that you have chosen me as your unopposed candidate. This implies trust, and I promise you, I will not betray that trust,” Farinloye said. “This moment is not about ambition. It is about duty.”

He emphasised that the AA campaign would focus on practical solutions for the people, listing priorities such as job creation, education and skills development, accessible healthcare, support for agriculture and rural economies, strategic infrastructure development, and social protection for vulnerable groups.

“The people of Osun are resilient and hardworking, yet many continue to struggle. Leadership must respond to these legitimate expectations with practical solutions,” he said.

He stressed that success in elections depends not solely on party size, but on collaboration, accountability, and policies that benefit the people.

“It’s not about numbers. It’s about collaboration, structure, and accountability to the people. It’s about policies that favour the people of the state,” he said.

Farinloye acknowledged that the AA may not be as large as some other parties but expressed confidence in the party’s internal structures and organisational capacity.

“With the support of our party members, we have the knowledge, the know-how, and the structures to deliver good governance and rebuild our beloved state,” he added.

He concluded by urging party members, youths, women, elders, and professionals to join the AA campaign, which he said would focus on ideas, hope, and achievable solutions rather than personal attacks.

“From today, our campaign begins, not with insults, but with ideas; not with bitterness, but with hope; not with empty promises, but with a clear and achievable plan,” Farinloye said.

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