Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Citing subsisting court judgments and unresolved legal processes, the Independent National Electoral Commission has said it would not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The electoral body made its stand known in a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The commission explained that its position was clearly reiterated to the PDP leadership during a meeting held at INEC headquarters on Friday, December 19, 2025, underscoring its commitment to due process and respect for judicial authority.

However, INEC assured stakeholders of its continued resolve to act strictly within the confines of the Constitution and the rule of law.

Recall that the opposition party has been embroiled in internal disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with factions loyal to the minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state holding rival meetings and challenging the legitimacy of party structures.

Checks revealed that the Ibadan convention was held amid conflicting court orders.

Recall that key party leaders like Wike were suspended by the Makinde-led faction to further deepen the crisis in the party.

But the electoral body said it had received several requests from legal representatives of the PDP asking it to recognise and update on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the party’s National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

It added: “The requests were reviewed in the light of all material facts, extant laws, and subsisting court judgments touching directly on the subject matter,”

“Until the judgments are set aside or stayed by a competent court, the Commission remains bound to obey and give full effect to them in line with Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the letter read.

INEC noted that although notices of appeal had been filed against the judgments, the law is settled that an appeal does not operate as a stay of execution.

The commission also addressed references to interim orders issued by the Oyo State High Court, clarifying that INEC had since been struck out of the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

It added that interim orders cannot override or nullify subsisting final judgments of courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction.

The commission added that another suit filed by the PDP is pending before the Federal High Court in Ibadan, in which the party is seeking an order compelling the commission to recognise the NWC and members of the National Executive Committee allegedly elected at the Ibadan convention.

It said: “In light of the above pending suits, your request is prejudicial and cannot be acceded to until the determination of the pending appeals.

“In the circumstances, and in obedience to the rule of law and subsisting court orders, the Commission is unable to accede to the demand to recognise or update the list of the National Officers said to have emerged from the PDP National Convention of 15th–16th November, 2025.”

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  ITU plans to bridge the divide as part of sustainable development, writes  SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

 At a time when network connectivity locally is wobbling, Nigeria recently joined the rest of the world in formulating a road map to ensure global connectivity.

 Rising after 11 days of deliberations at the World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC 25) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the country’s representative, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), signed to ensure that digital benefits get to its population.
Of the 2.2billion global population that is offline, no fewer than 23 million reside in Nigeria, located in underserved and unserved communities across the country. ITU plans to bridge this divide by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Universal, meaningful connectivity at the centre of global strategy for human-centred digital development was the fulcrum of WTDC 25.

 ​Indeed, Member States of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) agreed on a roadmap to bring connectivity to everyone around the world as the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) closed in Baku on November 28, 2025.
 “The Baku Action Plan agreed at WTDC-25 sets the agenda for human-centred digital development driven by telecommunications and information and communication technologies with focus on the needs of developing countries, underserved communities and vulnerable populations, according to ITU documents.

It states that “with an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide still offline, the four-year plan spanning 2026 to 2029 supports efforts to advance universal, meaningful and affordable digital connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future.”

“As conveyed to the WTDC-25 Opening Ceremony on behalf of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Baku became the place where Member States and partners agreed on practical outcomes to guide ITU’s development work for the next four years,” said Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport. “Working alongside our partners, Azerbaijan has contributed to shaping these outcomes. The adoption of the Baku Declaration, which includes a reference to the COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action, reflects our shared commitment to an inclusive and sustainable digital future.”

The Baku Action Plan, the principal outcome document of WTDC-25, includes new and revised resolutions to guide ITU’s digital development work, recommendations for ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), and new initiatives addressing key digital development priorities in ITU-D regions. The plan also sets out new and revised questions on issues to be addressed by expert ITU-D study groups.

“The outcomes of WTDC-25, contained in the Baku Action Plan, reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of our membership in a forward-looking and results-oriented agenda for digital development and impact,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Bureau of Telecommunication Development. “The Plan outlines the roadmap of action to bridge the remaining digital divides, while addressing the unique needs of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. We look forward to delivering tangible results and accelerating digital transformation by working with governments and regulators to create an enabling policy and regulatory framework that paves the way for the industry and private sector to invest and contribute to our efforts to close infrastructural gaps so we may achieve meaningful connectivity and bring everyone online.

 ITU documents state that “WTDC-25 has brought us closer to our goal of making connectivity universal, meaningful and affordable for everyone, everywhere in this decade,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “The Baku Declaration and Action Plan is our roadmap towards human-centred digital development that leaves no one behind.”

Organised by the ITU and hosted in Baku by the Government of Azerbaijan, the two-week conference brought together over 2,000 participants representing 153 Member States and the State of Palestine under Resolution 99. Broad global representation at WTDC helped ensure a wide consensus on the priorities and approaches to extend the benefits of digital technology to all.
  During the conference, ITU issued the Global Connectivity Report 2025, offering recommendations to accelerate progress toward universal and meaningful connectivity.

 Based on ITU’s newly released Facts and Figures 2025 data, the Global Connectivity Report provides policy guidance, measurement frameworks and detailed analysis across the key dimensions of universal and meaningful connectivity: quality, availability, affordability, devices, skills and security.

 A two-year project to enhance the sustainability of national Smart Villages and Smart Islands programmes in the Asia-Pacific region: This project with Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA) will serve as a model to enhance digital skills and access to digital services in rural and remote communities, directly benefitting seven countries and 3,000 people.

 A project to promote capacity building and digital skills in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region: This project, with Intersputnik will benefit 300 professionals in the field of satellite communications and broadcasting technologies.

 A new partnership to strengthen gender-inclusive digital trade: This project with the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority of Senegal will empower young women entrepreneurs in textile and food processing with digital and soft skills to grow their businesses.
 With digital divides mirroring economic development challenges, WTDC-25 featured a High-Level Dialogue for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, where countries in those groups shared their plans to expand broadband coverage, advance people-centred sustainable development and ensure a secure future for all.

 Back home, nearly a  week ending December 12, 2025, poor and almost irredeemable services were observed in parts of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital,  Abuja. The regulator blamed poor logistics support of diesel supplies for the crisis.

Aragba-Akpore is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

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The quality of the politicians that are to be found in Nigerian opposition parties and the nature of their politics is an analyst’s nightmare. Their attitude complicates their arguments, which are almost always flawed, thereby making the analyst appear unduly critical. 

To be clear, as far as the executive goes, the opposition is today virtually non-existent, with 29 of the 36 states governors now part of the ruling party. Of the remaining eight, shame would probably not let the two from the North-East defect given how noisy one of them, Bala Mohammed, had been in his criticism of both the President and the ruling party. 

The other, like the first, is from the stronghold of the main opposition candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and would probably not want to be seen to have abandoned him. The third PDP governor, Seyi Makinde, is from the South-West, the president’s stronghold. Ademola Adeleke recently defected from the PDP to Accord Party. 

Seyi Makinde worked for the president in the 2023 election while Ademola Adeleke opposed him. Adeleke’s state was one of the two Yoruba-speaking states, including Lagos, that the President lost in 2023. He tried but in vain to join the APC before pitching tent with AP. He was rejected by leaders of the APC in the state. They would not have him disrupt their already settled plan. Makinde is only now spearheading what looks like a lost cause: the rehabilitation of the PDP. This should tell everyone the quality of their opposition or the kind of support they are likely to enjoy opposing the President in his stronghold in the march towards 2027. Which brings me back to the type of political leaders that see themselves as opposed to the President today. 

Their position, often bereft of both moral and intellectual rigour, is steeped in bluster. Not only do they oversimplify issues, they display a vexing lack of the basic knowledge that should undergird them. That is the manner they have generally responded to President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms. It’s for them simply a question of you against us, with northern political elements constituting the arrowhead of the opposition, while politicians in the other parties like LP, NNPP and, lately, ADC ride on their coattails. This attitude has made it difficult for them to take the government on about more substantial issues of governance. The tax reforms, absurdly reduced to the question of contribution to the generation of the VAT revenue and its distribution, were initially framed as targetted attacks on the interests of the northern states. The argument was not in the least nuanced. Just when you thought the disagreements had been resolved and all ambiguities cleared, then would something erupt from another direction. 

The latest is the observation of a member of the PDP from Sokoto, Mr. Abdussamad Dasuki, that there are marked differences between the gazetted copy of the tax reforms laws to which the President appended his signature and the harmonised version that was processed through the National Assembly. This is a very serious charge that hints at forgery but was typically started and communicated as a rumour. Sections of the tax document, the aggrieved legislator claims, were tampered with in a way that could undermine the civil liberties of Nigerians while raising questions of executive interference in legislative matters. The sections in question are, among other provisions, said to confer enforcement powers on the Nigerian Revenue Service in disregard of the powers of the courts to mandate such actions. The sub-text of this complaint that has not been revealed to Nigerians is probably the fear that this section of the law could be turned into a cudgel to bludgeon opposition figures, in one word, weaponised in the manner that Abuja has been accused of the weaponisation of the EFCC. That matter was addressed in this space last week. If Hon. Dasuki and his supporters are correct, the alleged forgery by the executive amounts to a usurpation of the legislative powers of the National Assembly, which in this context is an impeachable offense. Although it has denied the charge, the response of the executive has been mostly tepid, in fact bored, perhaps due to the fact that it views the allegations as a last-ditch attempt to stall the implementation of the tax laws which are to come into effect in just over a week. 

Dasuki’s seems to be the lone voice in the wilderness. While the usual suspects in the LP and ADC, the tweet-making Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, whose ADC has refused to gain traction, have amplified the complaint, the silence from the two chambers of the National Assembly has been deafening. But for one or two other voices that have joined that of Mr. Dasuki in the House, not one person has spoken from the Senate. Yet, the tax documents went through both chambers. What does this tell us? That the other legislators, who we must assume lack the painstaking attentiveness of Hon. Dasuki, think little of his fears or do not share them at all? If the response from Abuja, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is considered inadequate, what’s stopping Hon. Dasuki, Mr. Peter Obi or Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and their legion of supporters in and out of the National Assembly from publishing the contending documents to show where the discrepancies lie? Can’t he who alleges for once prove? But the opposition is obviously more concerned about the suspension of the implementation of the tax reforms as it has demanded than proving its allegation. 

One proof of its bad faith in all of this, which again harks back to my point about its uninformed opposition to the tax reforms right from the beginning of the debate, is its demand that the reforms in their entirety, rather than the sections in dispute, be suspended outright pending the resolution of the latest dispute. What is this reductive thinking aimed at? Taking a couple of sections for an entire body of laws! Sections of the reforms have before now been suspended until the dispute around them is resolved.

Why is the opposition demanding the outright suspension of the implementation of the tax laws on account of its unproven allegations against provisions in some sections? This again confirms the opposition’s unintelligent and, indeed, uneducated response to the reforms. It came to the discussions of the tax laws unprepared and has been intellectually outflanked by an executive that, if the truth must be told, has bent over backwards, over and above the call of duty, to carry along and explain its position and its planned tax reforms to an opposition that is proving not only to be deaf and dumb but is, in fact, incapable of anything except turn every issue to politics. Merry Christmas!

The post Another ambush of the tax reforms, by Rotimi Fasan appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Ondo State House of Assembly passed into law the ₦524.41 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill on Tuesday evening, marking an increase of ₦31.61 billion over the ₦492.79 billion proposal earlier submitted by the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The budget, tagged “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” provides for total expenditure of ₦524,410,590,939 in the 2026 fiscal year.

According to the budget, ₦220.83 billion, representing 42.11 per cent, was allocated to recurrent expenditure, while ₦303.58 billion, or 57.89 per cent, is earmarked for capital projects.

Before the Money Bill was passed into law, the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by its Chairman, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, stated that the fiscal document adequately reflected prevailing economic realities.

Presenting the committee’s report at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Ogunmolasuyi stated that the committee reviewed the proposal alongside the 2025 budget performance and observed shifts in fiscal priorities arising from the inability to access some donor-funded contributions and the impact of fluctuating exchange rates.

According to him, the committee exercised restraint in approving additional requests from MDAs, except in critical areas, a decision that led to the upward review of the budget by ₦31.61 billion.

Ogunmolasuyi further disclosed that the capital project execution in 2025 was constrained by limited funds and urged MDAs to strengthen revenue generation to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

In the approved budget, a total of ₦14.84 billion was allocated to the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) for recurrent and capital expenditures in 2026.

After an extensive debate, the committee’s report was subjected to a third reading and unanimously adopted through a voice vote.

A motion was moved by the Leader of the House, Chief Olatunji Oshati, and seconded by the member representing Ilaje Constituency, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan, for the adoption of the report.

The Assembly, however, passed into law the 2026 budget of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), totalling ₦5.56 billion, comprising ₦5.11 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦449.99 million for capital expenditure.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladiji who said the 2026 budget would further stimulate economic growth in the state, appreciated the harmonious collaboration between the executive and legislature.

He, however, promised that the gesture would continue in the overall interest of Ondo State.

Oladiji said the House recorded significant legislative achievements during the just-concluded session, including the passage of people-oriented and life-impacting bills addressing welfare, security and social order.

According to him, the laws include laws prohibiting harmful traditional practices, kidnapping and illegal adoption, as well as legislation providing for the registration of domestic staff across the state.

Oladiji also noted the passage of bills establishing the Ondo State Road Fund and the Ondo State Coastal and Waterways Management Agency, alongside amendments to the Ondo State Public Order Law, among others.

The Speaker, however, announced a six-week recess for the House, effective immediately, with plenary sessions scheduled to resume on February 9, 2026.

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Nigeria recorded 26,866 suspected measles cases and 153 deaths between January and November 2025, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The figures, contained in the NCDC’s Measles Situation Report for November 2025, show that while no death was recorded in November, measles outbreaks persisted in several parts of the country, largely affecting unvaccinated children.

The NCDC reported 71 suspected measles cases in November across 20 states and 47 local government areas (LGAs).
Of the suspected cases, only one (1.41%) was laboratory-confirmed during the month, while 63 cases (88.7%) remained pending classification. Seven cases were discarded.

The states with the highest number of suspected cases were Delta (13), Kwara (6), Bayelsa (6), Jigawa (6), and Akwa Ibom (5), together accounting for 50.7 per cent of all cases reported in November.

The agency said no death was recorded from confirmed measles cases during the month.

Cumulative burden in 2025

From January to November 2025, suspected measles cases were reported in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, spanning 507 LGAs, the NCDC report stated.

The most affected states, Borno (7,968), Zamfara (4,779), Yobe (2,076), Bauchi (1,574), and Kebbi (1,357), accounted for 66.1% of the 26,866 suspected cases recorded nationwide.

Out of these, 19,213 cases (71.5%) were confirmed, including 2,791 laboratory-confirmed, 2,013 epidemiologically linked, and 14,409 clinically compatible cases.

A total of 6,440 cases (23.8 per cent) were discarded, while 1,213 cases (3.4 per cent) remained under investigation.

Children and vaccination gaps

According to the NCDC, children aged 9 to 59 months accounted for 9,399 confirmed cases, representing 48.9% of all confirmed infections.

The report also highlighted vaccination gaps, noting that 14,801 confirmed cases (77 per cent) occurred among children who had not received any dose of the measles vaccine.

Overall, 153 deaths were recorded among confirmed cases during the period, resulting in a case fatality rate of 0.8 per cent, the same rate recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.

Outbreak status

The NCDC disclosed that 188 LGAs across 27 states recorded measles outbreaks between January and November 2025.

However, by the end of November, 187 LGAs had ended their outbreaks, leaving only Eti Osa Local Government Area in Lagos State with an ongoing outbreak. No new outbreak was recorded during the month.

The agency continues to emphasise the need for routine immunisation, improved surveillance, and timely response to prevent further spread of measles, particularly among young children.

READ ALSO: Nigeria records 195 Lassa fever deaths, higher fatality rate in 2025 — NCDC

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus. It mostly affects children, especially those who are not vaccinated, but adults can also become infected.

The illness usually begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body.

In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, blindness, and death, particularly among young children and people with weak immune systems.

Measles spreads very easily from person to person through the air. People can contract the virus by breathing in droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through close contact with an infected person, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

The virus can survive on surfaces or in the air for several hours, making it possible to become infected even without direct contact. Health experts say that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles, as unvaccinated individuals are at the highest risk of infection and severe illness.

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December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has distributed over 600 bags of rice to its members in Abuja as part of activities to mark the Christmas season, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of journalists.

The Chairman of the Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the annual welfare initiative was designed to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges on members while fostering unity, solidarity and a sense of belonging within the union.

Earlier, Comrade Ike, alongside members of the Executive Council, held an end-of-year interactive session with members of the State Executive Council (SEC), made up of chairmen and secretaries of the various chapels. During the meeting, she briefed members on achievements recorded by the council so far, with particular emphasis on the ongoing construction and remodelling of the NUJ Congress Hall. She called for sustained cooperation and collaboration among members to consolidate the gains already recorded.

Members at the meeting unanimously expressed confidence in her leadership, describing it as proactive, pragmatic and performance-driven.

Speaking during the rice distribution, Comrade Ike noted that the gesture went beyond a seasonal activity, describing it as a deliberate demonstration of the council’s dedication to members’ welfare. She explained that the initiative, now in its second year, was inspired by the positive impact of its maiden edition and the need to ensure that no member is left behind during the festive season.

According to her, the council remains resolute in supporting journalists who continue to face professional and personal challenges in the course of their duties, while upholding the core values of truth, accountability and public service.

She also commended sponsors, partners and members of the Executive Council for their support, describing their contributions as crucial to the success of the initiative and to strengthening the spirit of care and community within the NUJ FCT Council.

Comrade Ike urged members to embrace the spirit of the season, expressing optimism that the gesture would further reinforce unity and shared purpose among journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Christmas rice distribution, she said, underscores the NUJ FCT Council’s resolve to prioritise members’ welfare while promoting compassion, unity and collective responsibility within the union.

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• A lady did not take it lightly when some airport officials reportedly dismissed her nationality, insisting she was not Nigerian
• In a video trending online, she was seen arguing with the staff and trying her best to prove she was indeed Nigerian
• The video sparked massive reactions on TikTok, with social media users sharing various opinions in the comments

A heated confrontation ensued at Warri Airport after a female traveller became involved in a disagreement with airport officials over her national identity.

The incident, which quickly circulated online, showed the lady reacting angrily after staff members allegedly questioned her claim of being Nigerian.

Lady clashes with airport staff at Warri

The situation had drawn massive attention after a clip of the confrontation was shared on social media.

In the video shared on Instagram by @lindaikejisblog, the lady argued seriously with the airport officials who insisted that she wasn’t Nigerian.

Read also

Lady rolls out interesting question regarding case between Doris Ogala, Chris Okafor

According to the caption accompanying the video, the disagreement began when airport attendants reportedly challenged the lady’s nationality during routine travel checks.

Their stance was said to have been based on the fact that she was travelling with a passport issued by another country rather than a Nigerian one.

This reportedly led the officials to dismiss her claim of being Nigerian, and this did not sit well with her at all.

The lady, who appeared visibly angry in the clip, continued to assert her Nigerian roots despite the officials’ position.

She reportedly viewed the treatment she received as unjust and rooted in a lack of understanding of nationality and personal identity.

She said in the video:

“I am a Nigerian. Let me show you my passport. Do you know I can sue you for saying I am not a Nigerian? I am a Nigerian don’t do that. Don’t harass me. This is my country. Don’t do that with me. I am a Nigerian don’t do that. Are you okay? Meaning what? You’re harassing me in my own country. Telling me I’m not a Nigerian. You’re insulting me in my own fatherland. Are you okay?”

Read also

Lady who went to Chris Okafor’s church amid Doris Ogala’s saga posts rare moment of pastor

Reactions as lady clashes with airport staff

Nigerians stormed the comments section to react to the video.

Ruthiserma said:

“What is the business with passport and local flight? Even from her accent you’ll know she’s Nigerian by birth.”

Haju_73 said:

“Imagine d man saying he will slap her. Why??? Some men eeh need serious therapy.”

Onyiray asked:

“Are they immigration???’

Cdx2online said:

“Airport staffs and Lagos bus conductor are like family members, same attitude.”

Zappytechplug said:

“Touts all around the airport.”

Jorits said:

“Is Warri Airport now an international airport? She must have passed through Lagos or Abuja International Aiport with the said passport. so why do you now need a Nigerian passport to enter Warri?”

Cray_bird said:

“Prolly asked her for money and she refused. All this airport people sev.”

See the post below:

Ibom air passenger and flight attendant clash

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that an unexpected drama unfolded as an Ibom Air passenger was filmed slapping an air hostess on the plane.

The passenger also struggled with the security that confronted her at the Lagos airport in videos that emerged online.

Source: Legit.ng

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A Nigerian man has sparked conversation on social media after claiming his wife left him with their three-month-old baby following what he described as a “little misunderstanding.”

The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @Teniola, features the emotional man explaining that his wife has been away from home for four days, leaving him to care for their infant.

Married for barely a year, he said he is confused, heartbroken, and struggling to understand how a minor disagreement could escalate so quickly.

In his words, he said:

“My wife left me… at first, I thought it was a joke. I never wanted to make this video, but this situation has really choked me.

This baby has been crying, and she’s all I’ve been taking care of. She’s been gone for four to five days. Can you believe she left a three-month-old baby with me? How am I supposed to take care of her?”

What seemed like a small issue quickly became overwhelming, especially as he had no choice but to nurture the baby, putting his work and personal life on hold.

Reactions online have been divided. Some blamed the wife for leaving with a young baby, while others defended her, noting that a woman rarely walks away from her home without deep reasons.

Many users advised counseling, family intervention, and honest communication rather than public lamentation.

This situation has reopened discussions about marriage readiness, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, serving as a reminder that relationship issues are rarely one-sided.

Watch video below…

My wife has left me since 4 days now with a 3 month old baby just because of a little misunderstanding. We just got married last year and she is already tired” — Man cries out pic.twitter.com/QhpK0GnXXN

— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) December 23, 2025

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…says commission working with those who wants to kill party 

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias in the cup crisis rocking the party.

Reacting to a letter from the party explaining why it would not recognise the leadership of the faction, National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong accused the electoral umpire of working closely with those who wants to kill the party.

Comrade Ememobong alleged that the commission failed to, or refuse file documents that were in their possession and within their knowledge, obviously to aid those who are bent on killing the PDP and truncating democracy.  

He reminded the Commission of the recent supreme court judgement in the case of Social Democratic Party which provides that the Commission has no business in the internal affairs of political party, including their leadership.

The statement read, “The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party reiterates that in law and fact, there is no faction in the Peoples Democratic Party. This reiteration is necessary in the light of the INEC letter explaining their inability to recognise and upload the data of our legitimately elected leadership at the convention in Ibadan due to judgements of the Federal High Court.

“The said judgements have been appealed and an application for the stay of execution filed against the judgements, and very soon the Court of Appeal will hear and give judgement in the matters. 

“While that is being awaited, it is needful to state that INEC monitored and participated in the National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were unanimously agreed and was also in receipt of the notice of the convention- a fact the Commission has unconscionably suppressed in court in several cases. 

“Furthermore, the primaries in Ekiti and Osun were duly monitored by INEC, with communication emanating from the Turaki-led NWC. While we appreciate the monumental pressure that INEC has come under (after all he who pays the piper dictates the tune), we remind them that their constitutional responsibility is primarily to Nigerians and in the defence and protection of democracy.

“While INEC claims to be neutral and is awaiting the Judgement of the court on the matter, we hope that they are minded by the judgements of the Supreme Court, especially in the SDP case, being the latest delivered last week, barring INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.  

“The truth remains that there is no faction in the PDP as all the legitimate organs and the administrative structure of the Party are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN. In the past one month the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum, State Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Caucuses, former Governors and Ministers and many other notable stakeholder groups have all met with and acknowledged the leadership of the current National Working Committee, led by Turaki SAN. INEC must remember that democracy is hinged on majority rule, so the committee of friends of Wike and Anyanwu cannot be validly referred to as a faction of the PDP.

“Finally, having held a meeting with the Commission last week, and our correspondence, thereafter, further explaining relevant issues relating to the current situation, we should ordinarily not respond to this letter, except to point out the hypocrisy and consistent bias that has completely coloured the action of the electoral umpire. 

“INEC has continuously shown bias in this matter, even in the court, where they failed or refused to file documents that were in their possession and within their knowledge, obviously to aid those who are bent on killing the PDP and truncating democracy.  

“If INEC under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN knew the matter was in court, what was the rationale for the contrived meeting of Friday last week? Except to paint a false perception of faction to justify their actions and inactions.

“We therefore urge all Nigerians, particularly, our members to remain calm, resolute and continue to support the rebirth and renaissance moves of the party, as we reposition the party for electoral success in the coming elections.”

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The Federal Government has approved a 50 percent reduction in train fares nationwide to ease travel costs during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

Opeifa said the fare reduction took effect on Tuesday and has already recorded a high passenger turnout across major railway corridors.

“At major stations along the Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna routes, as well as key narrow-gauge corridors, passengers turned out in large numbers, with several departures operating at near full capacity as early bookings reflected strong public response to the 50 percent discount initiative,” he said.

He said the festive rail service will run from December 23 to January 4, 2026, during which passengers will enjoy a 50 percent discount on train fares nationwide.

“This is to ease the cost of festive travel during the yuletide period,” Opeifa said.

The NRC Managing Director said many passengers have commended the initiative, describing it as timely and economically relieving, particularly for families and group travellers seeking to reunite with loved ones.

He said the fare reduction aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a people-focused intervention aimed at reducing transportation costs and promoting inclusive mobility.

Opeifa assured passengers of the corporation’s readiness to sustain safe, efficient and customer-focused services throughout the festive season.

He said both standard-gauge and narrow-gauge train services are fully operational nationwide.

“It will come with enhanced security, safety and customer service arrangements in place across stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger traffic resulting from the 50 percent discount offer,” he said.

Opeifa advised passengers on standard-gauge routes to continue using NRC-approved online booking platforms, while those on narrow-gauge services should purchase tickets directly at designated railway stations.

He said the NRC remains committed to seamless festive operations and urged passengers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with travel guidelines to ensure smooth journeys during the yuletide period.

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The Federal Government and the World Bank have begun implementing a $500 million Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity–Governance (HOPE-GOV) programme to strengthen financial and human resource management in basic education and primary healthcare nationwide.

The HOPE-GOV National Coordinator, Assad Hassan, confirmed the programme’s launch on Tuesday in Abuja during a briefing with the Budget Ministry Permanent Secretary, Deborah Odoh.

HOPE-GOV is a results-based programme that ties funding to measurable improvements in education and health service delivery, especially at the state level.

What they are saying 

Hassan said the World Bank–assisted facility is structured into two components: a Programme-for-Results (PforR) window and an Investment Project Financing (IPF) component.

He said $480 million will incentivise states to meet disbursement-linked targets in education and primary healthcare, while $20 million will fund coordination, monitoring, verification and technical support.

“In terms of programme financing and scope, it’s a World Bank-assisted credit of $500 million, which is split into two components. One is the Programme for Results, while the second is Investment Project Financing. $480 million is earmarked to incentivise the States to achieve the Disbursement Linked Results in the two sectors, while the $20 million Investment Project Financing component has three key areas for implementation,” he said.

He added that implementing institutions include state governments, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Ministerial Oversight Committee of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Why it matters 

Nigeria continues to face deep human capital challenges, with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally and primary healthcare centres in many states remaining understaffed, underfunded and poorly equipped.

These challenges, according to programme officials, have been worsened by weak public financial management systems at the sub-national level, including poor budgeting, delayed audits and weak reporting structures.

Despite existing statutory funding mechanisms such as the Universal Basic Education Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, many states have struggled to access available resources due to counterpart funding gaps and weak planning processes.

Hassan said the programme targets higher funding for education and primary healthcare, stronger budget transparency, and better recruitment and retention of frontline workers.

Under the Programme-for-Results component, participating states are required to invest upfront in meeting agreed indicators before receiving performance-based incentives, creating a cycle of reform and reinvestment.

Providing further context, Hassan said the World Bank approved the HOPE-GOV Programme on September 26, 2024, following the negotiation of the financing agreement in August 2024.

The Federal Executive Council approved the agreement in February 2025, it was countersigned in April 2025, and declared effective in September 2025.

What you should know 

In February, the World Bank pledged $1.2 billion for investment in girls’ education in 18 Nigerian states, aiming to improve secondary education and empower adolescent girls.

The states include: Borno, Ekiti, Kebbi, Kaduna, Plateau, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Bauchi, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Gombe, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

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The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Temitope Fashedemi, has cautioned staff of the State House against unnecessary bickering and acrimony, warning that such conduct diminishes productivity, professionalism and institutional efficiency.

Fashedemi gave the admonition on Tuesday at the State House during a ceremony marking the retirement of two senior management staff, Sule Yusuf Tegina, Director of Finance and Accounts, and Ali Abu Sufiyan, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, who bowed out of service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years in line with Public Service rules.

In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Fashedemi stressed that adherence to ethical conduct, hard work and professionalism invariably yields rewards, noting that workplace harmony is critical to sustained output and excellence in public service delivery.

Commending the retiring directors for their years of service, Fashedemi described them as seasoned administrators whose dedication, competence and integrity significantly strengthened institutional operations at the State House. He urged them to remain useful to society and the service, even in retirement.

“I enjoyed working with you. Keep your brain active; do not retire to the village—stay around. You have added value to the State House workforce. I wish you well and I encourage staff to reach out to you for advice where necessary,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated his commitment to prioritising staff welfare, noting that rewards sometimes come unannounced. He added, however, that privilege carries responsibility. 

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

In his response, Tegina expressed appreciation to the State House management and colleagues for the opportunity to serve, describing his career as fulfilling. 

“I have worked in different places before I was posted here. I enjoyed working with you, Permanent Secretary, and all the staff of the State House. In fact, I have been lucky not to work in a toxic environment throughout my career,” he said.

Sufiyan, in his remarks, thanked the Permanent Secretary and members of his department for their support throughout his tenure.

The event featured the presentation of gifts as colleagues, family members and well-wishers gathered to honour the retirees for their meritorious service to the nation, offering prayers for good health, divine guidance and a fulfilling retirement life.

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Kepa Arrizabalaga was Arsenal’s League Cup quarter-final hero with the decisive penalty shoot-out save that completed a miserable evening for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix on Tuesday.

Lacroix’s own goal put Arsenal ahead with 10 minutes left at the Emirates Stadium before Marc Guehi snatched Palace’s stoppage-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

That set the stage for a shoot-out in which both teams scored their first seven penalties.

William Saliba converted Arsenal’s eighth kick and Kepa dived to his right to save Lacroix’s effort and secure an 8-7 victory.

It was a cathartic moment for the Spanish goalkeeper, who infamously refused to be substituted before Chelsea’s League Cup final penalty shoot-out defeat against Manchester City in 2019.

Kepa also missed a spot-kick in the 2022 League Cup final shoot-out loss to Liverpool.

The Gunners will play London rivals Chelsea in the semi-finals over two legs in January and February, with Manchester City facing holders Newcastle in the other last four clash.

Arsenal are into the League Cup semi-finals for a second successive year as they chase their first trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020.

The north Londoners have only won the League Cup twice, with their last triumph coming in 1992-93, before any of their current squad were born.

After celebrating Christmas on Thursday, Mikel Arteta’s men will turn their attention back to the title race with home games against Brighton and third-placed Aston Villa to close out 2025.

Winning their first English title since 2004 is clearly Arsenal’s main aim this season, but lifting the League Cup in March would be a significant boost to a club starved of silverware in recent years.

Thrashed at Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday, Palace were playing their third game in six days after a fixture pile-up caused by their involvement in the UEFA Conference League.

Arteta made eight changes to the side that won at Everton on Saturday, but still fielded a strong line-up featuring William Saliba, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January, started for the first time in 345 days after returning to action as a substitute against Club Brugge earlier this month.

– Kepa redemption –

Noni Madueke, another of Arteta’s changes, should have put Arsenal ahead after just three minutes, but the England winger shot straight at Walter Benitez after racing onto Martinelli’s pass.

Madueke was denied by Benitez again when Martinelli’s delicate chip picked him out in the six-yard box.

Benitez plunged to his left to keep out Jesus’s close-range header with another fine save.

Riccardo Calafiori squandered a good opportunity, poking over from 10 yards, before Benitez saved Madueke’s blast from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s cross.

By the time Jurrien Timber headed wastefully over from 10 yards, Arteta must have been wondering if Arsenal would ever make the breakthrough.

Arteta sent on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard in the second half, the latter making an immediate impact with a cross that Jesus nodded narrowly wide.

Arsenal finally broke the stalemate in the 80th minute.

Not for the first time this season, it was a Gunners set-piece that did the damage as Saka’s corner caused chaos and Lacroix, under pressure from Saliba, poked past Benitez as he tried to clear.

But Palace gave Arsenal a taste of their own set-piece medicine, equalising with their first shot on target in the 95th minute.

Adam Wharton’s free-kick was headed down by Jefferson Lerma and Guehi slotted home from close range.

After a host of nerveless penalties in the shoot-out, Kepa ended as Arsenal’s saviour.

The post Arsenal reach League Cup semis with shoot-out win over Palace appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Most federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) failed key ethics and compliance standards in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) 2025 assessment, with several agencies, including the Supreme Court, scoring zero.

The findings were revealed on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja by ICPC chairperson, Musa Aliyu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The results were drawn from the commission’s 2025 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) and the ACTU Effectiveness Index (AEI), which assess adherence to ethical standards and the effectiveness of internal control mechanisms across federal MDAs.

Key findings

No MDA achieved full compliance in the 2025 assessment. Out of 344 MDAs evaluated, 48 demonstrated substantial compliance, 132 recorded partial compliance, 141 showed poor compliance, 23 were outright non-compliant, and 13 failed to respond, earning a high-risk classification.

The assessment also exposed significant governance and administrative gaps across the public sector. A total of 169 MDAs lacked clearly defined core values, mission, and vision to guide their staff, while 191 had no policies regulating the acceptance of gifts, donations, or hospitality.

One hundred and two MDAs operated without strategic plans, and 154 did not monitor or evaluate their activities.

Furthermore, 289 MDAs failed to address corruption risk assessments, and 315 did not incorporate these assessments into their decision-making processes.

The report stated that financial accountability also suffered, as 114 MDAs did not submit financial reports and 96 failed to provide timely audited accounts. Whistleblowing frameworks remained weak, with 241 MDAs lacking functional policies and 269 maintaining inaccessible policies.

The ACTU Effectiveness Index, which measures the performance of internal control units, revealed that only 33 ACTUs were very effective, 83 were effective, 142 were ineffective, and 10 remained dormant. Alarmingly, 89 MDAs had no ACTU at all, constituting a direct breach of national anti-corruption standards.

Implications

Mr Aliyu warned that weak administrative systems, ineffective internal control units, and poor whistleblowing frameworks undermine transparency and expose MDAs to financial mismanagement, procurement distortions, and project failures.

“The widespread weaknesses in administrative and ethical systems highlight the urgent need for stronger leadership and more effective internal controls. Such outcomes fall below acceptable public service standards and are entirely unacceptable,” he said.

Background

The Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, launched in 2015 and fully institutionalised in 2019, monitors ethics, compliance, and integrity across Nigeria’s public sector. The ACTU Effectiveness Index complements the EICS by evaluating internal control units.

Last year, Nigeria’s Supreme Court and 14 other agencies failed the 2024 assessment, reflecting ongoing concerns about corruption and operational irregularities.

Retiring Supreme Court Justice Dattijo Muhammad criticised the judiciary’s handling of funds in his October 2024 valedictory remarks, while Justice Ejembi Eko urged anti-graft agencies to scrutinize financial records.

The 15 agencies that scored zero per cent in the 2024 assessment included the Supreme Court, Nigeria Press Council (NPC), Legal Aid Council (LAC), National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), and Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON).

READ ALSO: Court issues ICPC orders for final forfeiture of Goodluck Jonathan Estate land in Abuja

The rest are Federal Teaching Hospital (Gombe), National Obstetrics Fistula Centre (Ningi, Bauchi State), Institute of Archaeology and Museum Studies (Jos), Federal University of Agriculture (Umudike, Abia State), Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation (Mando, Kaduna State), Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife, Osun State), Federal Polytechnic (Ede, Osun State), and University of Ibadan (Oyo State).

High-performing agencies

Top-performing agencies included the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB, 89.75 per cent), Nigerian Railway Corporation with 88.73 per cent, and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc with 88.73 per cent.

The then ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said while the commission enforces penalties for non-compliance, its primary aim is to help agencies improve internal systems.

“Our approach is to support MDAs in aligning with ethical standards. But if they fail after due process, we will pursue legal action,” he said. “The Supreme Court, flagged for non-responsiveness, will be closely monitored.”

The ICPC also plans to launch sectoral rankings of government agencies, including corruption risk assessments, to identify high-risk institutions and guide them toward better compliance.

“We are taking a proactive approach by assessing corruption risks and enforcing accountability. These rankings will help prioritise reforms across the public sector,” Mr Bakare added.

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• A young man spoke his mind after a popular singer won a huge amount following the Super Eagles’ victory over Tanzania
• The young man took to the comment section of Davido’s post to share his observation about the singer and the money he won
• He explained several points in his post, and many others who saw Davido’s post also shared their thoughts

A Nigerian man has reacted after Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, won the sum of N141 million following the Nigerian Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the African Cup of Nations.

The young man took to the comment section of Davido’s post to share his thoughts after the singer updated his page to show he had won.

Nigerian man comments on Davido’s win following Super Eagles’ 2–1 victory. Middle photo for illustration purpose only. Photo Source: Business Post Nigeria, Twitter/@TheManAfricano/davido
Source: Twitter

Young man reacts after Davido wins

On 21st December 2025, Davido had placed a sum of $25,000, equivalent to N36.5 million, on the Nigerian Super Eagles to defeat Tanzania in the group stage AFCON match.

Read also

“My second home”: Davido meets Sierra Leone President in Freetown ahead of AFCON Concert

Days later, the Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 2-1 in a game played on 23rd December 2025.

Shortly after the match, Davido updated his followers on the outcome.

Seeing this, a man, @TheManAfrican, reacted to the post and commented on the risk Davido took.

Young man speaks on Davido’s huge win after Super Eagles defeat Tanzania. Photo Source: Twitter/@TheManAfricano/davido
Source: Twitter

In his statement, he shared that Davido took a very big risk because he is wealthy and in a position to do so, and it yielded results.

His statement read:

“This is why the wealthy will always continue to accumulate wealth. They possess sufficient resources to take risks, and even if those risks fail to yield returns, they remain financially secure.”

Several individuals also reacted to the viral post of the singer.

Reactions as Davido wins big money

@TheGistGiant shared:

“He staked ₦36 million just to make sure his ‘Detty December’ budget covers the after-party for his AFCON concert. That payout could buy a whole new squad for Tanzania.”

realfas_01 stated:

“Davido won 140 million on Nigeria Vs Tanzania , if you like dey Stan/follow broke mentor. 001 to the world.”

Read also

AFCON 2025: Davido predicts the teams he thinks will clash in the finals, video goes viral

@Richestmarvels stated:

“”Davido really is the only person who can bet $25,000 on ‘both teams to score’ and then watch the Super Eagles win 2-1 in a rainstorm. He’s not just an Afrobeats legend; he’s a professional profit architect!”

@realfas_01 added:

“You dey doubt 001 kee ??”

@scottceox shared;

““Let’s get the W Nigeria” but na both teams to score you carry.”

@Ashiru_AO stressed:

“Don’t pursue this? It’s a trick. Just continue your ad with them. Don’t stake regularly on football matches? Ask Drake.”

@solidStreams noted:

“Na welcome package. Na so e Dey be. First one Dey always come. Body go soon tell you.”

@GabrielLaw40232 said:

“1k dolls na him wizkid collect to perform for your boy wedding yesterday. This your post now go send am to depression. You no dey pity your colleague at all?”

Read the post below:

In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a mysterious cat, named Nimbus Pronos, predicted a draw between Nigeria and Tanzania in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on December 23.

Read also

AFCON 2025: “High risk, high reward” Davido stakes big on Super Eagles’ opener against Tanzania

Nigeria beats Tanzania 2-1 in AFCON match

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday, December 23.

Goals from Hull City defender Semi Ajayi and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman helped the Super Eagles overturn Charles Mombwa’s strike, putting Nigeria at the top of Group C.

Source: Legit.ng

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