A 39-year-old entrepreneur, Olajide Esan, on Saturday emerged as the governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) for 2026 Osun State Governorship election. 

Esan, who is also a car dealer, emerged through a consensus arrangement of the party which was monitored by the officials of Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC). 

The Osun State Chairman of AAC, Tayo Adeyemi, addressing newsmen after the primary held at the party’s secretariat, Powerline area, Osogbo, declared that Esan emerged with the backing of party members across the state. 

He noted that the exercise is free, fair and credible which is a reflection of the party’s democratic ideal. 

In his acceptance speech, Esan said, “The big political parties are oppressing us in this nation. Their type of leadership has weaponise poverty, they have subjugated the public by oppressing them. We have a systemic problem in Nigeria. The system of this country has set us all up to become criminals. 

“We must fight this. The current leadership will not do the right thing for us as citizens because it will not pay them. We must collectively enthroned good leadership. 

When elected, I will create a ministry to check every citizen, to advocate for good welfare.”

He charged Osun residents and electorate to enthrone AAC in 2026 contest by uniting against APC, PDP Accord party, saying, “AAC will embark on voter education. Don’t think that saviour is coming from outside. I am here for service. 

“My government will create a website that we will display all the public funds. You will all see how money is been spent. We must condemn vote buying at all costs. We have arrangement within our party to fight vote buying. 

“The system of this country will frustrate potential in youths. Our mission is to take government from criminals and give it to the general public,” he added.

SOURCE PAGE

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has finally reacted to claims of a northern plot against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Tambuwal made it clear that while he is not part of any regional conspiracy, he is fully committed to ending the rule of the All Progressives Congress at the polls.

Speaking publicly, the former governor said he should not be counted among northerners allegedly working together to force President Tinubu out of office.

However, he stressed that his political objective remains clear and firm.

According to him, the Tinubu administration and the APC must be removed through democratic means in 2027.

Tambuwal spoke during an interview where he addressed his recent encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He claimed that the federal government is uncomfortable with his growing role in opposition politics, particularly his involvement with the African Democratic Party.

When asked directly if his EFCC ordeal was politically motivated, he responded without hesitation, saying, “Yes”.
Pressed further on who he believes is behind the pressure, Tambuwal stated, “Those who are concerned are worried about my activities.”

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives linked the situation to his political engagement and future plans.

He dismissed suggestions that it was a personal issue, insisting it was about his active role in mobilising opposition forces.

Explaining his position, Tambuwal said, “It’s because I’m fully involved in a process that would democratically and lawfully, by the grace of God, send this government out of office. [I’m] 100 percent committed to it.”

He added that his resolve would not be shaken, declaring, “By the grace of God we’ll chase this government out of power, with the help of God and Nigerians.”

Tambuwal also reacted to reports that northern political leaders are unhappy with the current administration and are plotting against it.

He acknowledged widespread public dissatisfaction but rejected claims of a regional agenda.

Responding to the allegation, he said, “It’s true that Nigerians are not happy.”

He clarified his stance further, stating, “I’m not among some people in the North coming together to say that Tinubu must go. I’m involved in the national coalition that there should be a change of guard in Aso Rock through a constitutional democratic process on May 29.”

Tambuwal’s comments come at a time when opposition parties are intensifying talks on alliances ahead of 2027.

SOURCE PAGE

• APC chieftain, Ayodele Arise, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a military option to secure the release of 11 Nigerian soldiers being held in Burkina Faso.
• Speaking on Arise TV, Arise argued that a decisive show of force could compel the Burkinabe authorities to rethink their stance, citing Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid as precedent.

Former Senator and APC chieftain, Ayodele Arise, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider military intervention in Burkina Faso to secure the release of 11 Nigerian soldiers currently being held there.

Speaking on Arise TV, the former Ekiti North Senator suggested that a bold, decisive move could pressure the Burkinabe junta to release the personnel. Referencing Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid, Arise argued that military action has proven effective in such hostage situations.

He stated, “I think we should move and do something. As a matter of fact, once they are aware that we want to do that, I am sure that the man who is President there will have a rethink because they are our neighbours,”. He added, “Yes, we should be friendly with our neighbours, but at the same time we should let them know that they can’t be messing with our country,”.

Arise’s comments follow confirmation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, that the 11 Nigerian military personnel remain in custody. Tuggar confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the situation, stating, “We are discussing how we can resolve this delicate matter as quickly as possible, and we’re talking. So it’s something that is being handled diplomatically,”.

The soldiers were arrested after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft landed in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, which the Burkinabe Minister of Territorial Administration claimed was a violation of national airspace regulations without proper clearance.

Separately, Arise weighed in on the Senate’s screening of ambassadorial nominees, criticizing the practice of allowing candidates to “take a bow and go”. He noted that while the President and security agencies might have done their due diligence, the practice leads to a lost opportunity for public engagement and for Senators to be educated.

He concluded, “But many of us will prefer that the Senate ask questions. Let the nominees justify the nomination from Mr President because he himself can’t know every one of them. He is going to rely on the security report and the reference from those who work around him,”.

SOURCE PAGE

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given a detailed explanation on why former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), remains in its custody.

The anti-graft agency dismissed claims that Malami’s detention has anything to do with politics or his presence at a recent gathering in Kebbi State.

It said his continued detention is strictly linked to his failure to meet bail conditions earlier granted to him.

In a statement issued on Saturday, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said Malami was granted administrative bail on November 28, 2025, after a brief interrogation.

The bail, according to the commission, was temporary and clearly tied to specific conditions.

“Administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending conclusion of the investigation and arraignment in court. To this effect, after his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was offered provisional bail hinged on five requirements. He has neither met any of the requirements nor shown readiness to keep faith with them.”

Oyewale explained that Malami was expected to resume for further questioning on December 1, 2025.

However, the former minister requested a postponement, citing health challenges in a letter dated December 4.

The commission said it granted the request despite the fact that Malami had not fulfilled any of the bail conditions attached to his release.

“He was due back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025, but in a curious twist, the former Minister pleaded with his investigators through a letter written to the Commission on December 4, 2025, to allow him to attend to his ‘ill-health’. The Commission compassionately granted his plea even while his bail conditions had not been met,” Oyewale said.

The EFCC further disclosed that Malami failed to provide any medical report or verifiable evidence to back his health claims. As a result, his reporting date was adjusted from December 1 to December 4 to accommodate him.

According to the commission, Malami was later invited again on December 8 for continued interrogation. He was subsequently detained due to his non-compliance with the outstanding bail terms.

“He was initially required to commence reporting for further investigations on December 1, 2025, but this had to be deferred to December 4, 2025, largely owing to his ‘Request for an Adjournment on Grounds of Ill- Health’. He neither provided a medical report nor credible proof of ill-health to the Commission.

“The EFCC cannot allow the latitude granted the former Minister on his health stand in the way of investigations. On this score, he was invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and detained until the pending bail conditions are met.”

Oyewale described Malami’s claim that his bail was revoked as false. He also rejected allegations that the EFCC barred him from speaking to the media or engaging in political activities.

“Evidently, the former minister’s claims of revocation of bail by the EFCC are untenable. It is equally ridiculous to insinuate that the Commission barred him from granting media interviews and from participating in political activities in Kebbi State. Such bogus claims from a former chief law officer of the nation are strange, as the EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects.”

The commission advised Malami to comply with the bail conditions he signed and cooperate fully with investigators to allow the process to move forward.

Malami has remained in EFCC custody since Monday over his failure to meet the agreed bail requirements.

He is currently under investigation for multiple alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing.

Meanwhile, POLITICS NIGERIA previously reported that the African Democratic Congress has accused the EFCC of politicising the matter, claiming that the former minister’s detention is politically motivated.

SOURCE PAGE

Zedcrest Wealth has maintained its BUY rating on Seplat Energy Plc, setting a target price of N8,049.46.

The firm says this valuation is supported by a mix of macroeconomic factors and the company’s improving financial position.

At Seplat’s current market price of N5,809.00, the target implies an upside of about 38.6%, based on a blend of Net Asset Value (NAV) and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation models.

Similarly, Zedcrest maintained a BUY recommendation on Aradel Holdings, projecting a 17% upside to a target price of N798.35 per share.

Both calls were part of its 2026 financial year outlook titled “Weak Global Pressures Meet Domestic Realities.” 

The analysts highlighted positive factors, such as a 16-year low in crude oil theft due to improved security, Nigeria’s crude output recovery toward the 2.5 million barrels per day target, and strong midstream sentiment around the Assa North–Ohaji South (ANOH) gas processing plant.

Improved macroeconomic factors 

According to Zedcrest, the first gas from the Assa North–Ohaji South (ANOH) project is expected by Q4 2025, with full ramp-up planned for Q1 2026.

• Phase 1 will deliver 300 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), expanding to 600 mmscfd in subsequent phases.

The project, jointly developed by the Nigerian government (57.5%), has Seplat as the second-largest stakeholder (20%) and is expected to shift domestic energy consumption from traditional fuels to compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for transport, power generation, and industrial use.

On the upstream front, Nigeria’s crude production is projected to rebound to 2.5 million barrels per day by the end of 2026, a level last seen in 2005.

With a stable financial position, Seplat is well-positioned to benefit from these developments, reinforcing hope for its performance in 2026.

Latest performance 

Seplat Energy Plc delivered one of its strongest performances to date, with revenue soaring 213% year-on-year to N3.3 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, surpassing the company’s total revenue from 2020 to 2024 combined.

Operating profit also rose sharply, settling at N1.09 trillion, up from N411.3 billion after accounting for expenses.

• Despite higher finance costs, the company recorded a pretax profit of N878.9 billion, more than double the N366.7 billion achieved in the prior year.

On the balance sheet, retained earnings stood at N314 billion, while shareholders’ equity was N2.6 trillion, down 4.6%. Total assets reached N9 trillion, slightly lower than N9.8 trillion reported in the previous year.

Follow us for Breaking News and Market Intelligence.




SOURCE PAGE

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (LFC), has ruled out joining partisan politics, insisting that no amount of money can change his decision.

The cleric made the statement while speaking at the ongoing Shiloh 2025 annual convention of the church, held at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.

“It’s Off My Course,” Oyedepo Declares

Addressing worshippers during the impartation service, Oyedepo stated plainly that politics is not part of his divine assignment.

He said: “Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it’s off my course.”

He urged members of the church to remain focused on their God-given purpose, stressing that authority comes from operating within one’s calling.

Cleric Warns Against Leaving One’s Calling

The bishop reminded the congregation that believers are meant to function where they are most effective, describing the church as God’s end-time army.

He said the church must stay committed to its mission rather than chasing power or influence outside its spiritual mandate.

“The World Is Groaning in Darkness”

Speaking on the state of the nation and the world, Oyedepo noted that society is facing deep challenges that require divine solutions.

He said “the world is groaning in darkness”, referencing Romans 8:19, which speaks about creation waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Oyedepo Predicts Rise of God’s Army

The bishop also spoke prophetically about a new move of God, comparing what is coming to biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel.

 “The army of God is about to emerge to proffer solutions to national crises in the order of Joseph and Daniel. It is the day of what eyes have not seen or ears heard,” he added.

Governor Oborevwori Trends at Shiloh 2025

Beyond Oyedepo’s message, Shiloh 2025 also stirred reactions online after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was spotted doing ushering duties at the event.

Photos and videos of the governor assisting worshippers circulated widely, sparking mixed reactions across social media.

The moment attracted even more attention due to Oborevwori’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Shiloh 2025 Comes to an End

Shiloh 2025, themed “Breaking New Grounds,” began on Tuesday, December 9, and ended on Friday, December 12.

Prominent ministers such as Pastor Paul Enenche and Pastor David Ibiyeomie attended the event.

Oyedepo’s sons, David Oyedepo Jr. and Isaac Oyedepo, were also present with their families.

The annual convention drew members from across the world for days of prayer, worship, and spiritual teaching at the Faith Tabernacle auditorium.

SOURCE PAGE

Cole Palmer returned with a much-needed goal as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday to end a run of four games without a win in all competitions.

Victory at Stamford Bridge lifted Chelsea back into the top four.

Injury-plagued attacking midfielder Cole missed Chelsea’s loss away to Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday as part of his recovery from a two-month spell on the sidelines.

Palmer was initially troubled by a groin problem and then fractured his toe after stubbing it on a door at home.

The 23-year-old made his first start for the Blues since September in last weekend’s goalless draw at Bournemouth.

The England international broke the deadlock against Everton in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge.

Malo Gusto played in Palmer with a fine pass and he beat fellow England international Jordan Pickford at the goalkeeper’s near post.

Everton dominated possession, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saving well from Jack Grealish.

All of Everton’s pressure failed to yield an equaliser and Chelsea, against the run of play, doubled their lead in first half stoppage-time when a counter-attack ended with Gusto turning in a cut-back from Pedro Neto.

Everton had a chance to make it 2-1 when Carlos Alcaraz curled in a cross to the back post only for the unmarked Grealish to divert the ball well wide.

Chelsea almost added a third when Reece James’s quick free-kick was only just tipped over the bar by Pickford.

Everton nearly gave themselves a lifeline when Iliman Ndiaye burst into the box only for his shot to bounce off the inside of the post.

The post Palmer strikes as Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

Operation HADIN KAI troops have repelled ISWAP terrorists’ coordinated attack on Forward Operating Base Mairari in Borno, delivering a decisive blow to the group’s operational capability in the area.

This is contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer, OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, on Saturday.
Uba said the assault, which began late Friday and continued into the early hours of Friday, was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations.

He said the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).

According to him, both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the base.

“CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded.

“Following the failed assault, OPHK troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, Nigeria Police Crack Team, and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a thorough exploitation of the area.

“The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during their retreat.

“Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials indicative of sustained terrorist operations,” he said.

Uba said the successful recovery of the terrorists’ equipment and logistics had further degraded their operational capacity and deny them freedom of action in the area.

He said the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by OPHK defensive fire, causing damage to two points along the road.

According to him, there was no breach of the FOB, highlighting the preparedness, vigilance, and resilience of the troops.

Uba said the troops were currently conducting aggressive patrols in the area to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of the continued security presence.

“Troops remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East.

“The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our men and women in uniform.

“Troops of OPHK have continued to prioritise the protection of civilians, the disruption of terrorist networks, and the restoration of peace across the region.”

SOURCE PAGE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as one of the shining stars of his cabinet.

Tinubu, in a congratulatory message to Honourable Wike on the occasion of the latter’s birthday described the FCT Minister “as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.”

In the statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, Tinubu specifically acknowledged the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.

Tinubu maintained that Wike’s performance in the FCT has proved beyond doubts that his “moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.”

The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.

“President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.

“The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.

“President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.

“The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.

“President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.

“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.

“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey.”

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

SOURCE PAGE

…Vows Zero-Tolerance For Corruption

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, pledging that the 2025 Licensing Round would be conducted with the same transparency and integrity that defined the landmark 2024 exercise.

The Commission Chief Executive, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, made this commitment during an event commemorating the International Anti-Corruption Day, organised by the Commission’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

Addressing stakeholders, Komolafe warned that corruption poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity, particularly in the oil and gas sector, where financial stakes are high, and the consequences of misconduct could be severe.

He stressed that the strategic role of the NUPRC in national development makes transparency and accountability non-negotiable, noting that the Commission has deliberately reduced human interference through the deployment of technology.

A statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja by the Head, Media and Strategic Communication at the NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu, quoted the CCE as stating that the 2024 Licensing Round marked a turning point in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

He said, “The most compelling illustration of this reality was the Nigeria 2024 Licensing Round. For the first time in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, bid submissions were conducted fully online; commercial bidding was digital and real-time.

“Evaluation processes were automated, measurable, and auditable; human interference was deliberately minimised to near-zero levels. The outcome was a bidding exercise governed by competence instead of connection, process instead of persuasion, and merit instead of influence.

“This achievement did not go unnoticed. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) formally commended the process, verifying that the Nigeria 2024 Licensing Round was conducted free of corruption and procedural compromise.”

Speaking on the theme, ‘Uniting with the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,’ Komolafe said the transparent licensing process offers renewed hope to young Nigerians who have grown sceptical of public institutions.

He noted that preparations for the 2025 Licensing Round are firmly anchored on the same digital architecture that delivered credibility in 2024.

“That is why preparations for the Nigeria 2025 Licensing Round continue under the same digital framework, unchanged and uncompromised: This continuity answers a fundamental question asked by young Nigerians, which is: Is good governance temporary or permanent? Our response is clear. Integrity at the Commission is not episodic but institutional.”

Delivering a lecture at the event, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie (JCA), underscored the central role of the NUPRC in Nigeria’s economic destiny as regulator of the upstream petroleum sector.

She said, “The NUPRC regulates the wealth of Nigeria because oil accounts for over 80% of Nigeria’s FX and 70% of government revenue. It is a gatekeeper of Nigeria’s wealth. The Commission doesn’t just process documents but destiny. With this great duty comes great responsibility.”

While commending the Commission for the transparency of the 2024 Licensing Round, Justice Adefope-Okojie urged the NUPRC to deliberately expand youth participation in the 2025 round.

“With the recent announcement of the 2025 licensing round, there is an opportunity for fresh players to step forward and demonstrate their capability. The time for the youth is now.

“Building on the success of the 2024 licensing round, I believe it will be transparent, where the younger generation, who are frustrated, will be given more opportunities to participate in the award of licenses and leases.

“I believe it should be a deliberate policy; we need to give youths a chance to participate. They have done this in the tech space. They have produced the top unicorns in Africa. They can bring in the right partners to help Nigeria’s goal of increasing oil production.”

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE