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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Gumi Defends Ibadan Visit, Dismisses Claims of Islamisation Agenda

    Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has defended his visit to Ibadan last year, dismissing allegations that he was attempting to promote an Islamisation agenda in Oyo State.

    Gumi made the clarification in a Facebook post on Tuesday, insisting that his trip to the South-West was not at the invitation of any Muslim organisation or individual in the region.

    Gumi Explains Purpose of Visit

    According to the cleric, he attended the event in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not on behalf of any local group.

    He questioned attempts to politicise his visit and maintained that every Nigerian has the right to travel freely across the country.

    “I was in Ibadan not at the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama,” he stated.

    “Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”

    Gumi added that the controversy surrounding his visit made him realise the extent to which, in his view, Islamophobia influences political discourse in parts of the South-West.

    Comments Follow Kidnap Victim’s Video

    His remarks came shortly after a video surfaced showing one of the victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State disputing reports that the kidnappers demanded the introduction of Sharia law as a condition for their release.

    The victim, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, said the abductors were not demanding Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom.

    According to her, the kidnappers were seeking the release of some of their associates currently in government custody.

    MURIC Rejects Sharia Claims

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also rejected reports linking the kidnappers to demands for Sharia law.

    In a statement issued on Monday, the group described the allegation as false and argued that the claim was designed to portray Islam negatively.

    Background to Ibadan Visit

    Gumi visited Ibadan on November 19, 2025, as a guest speaker at the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan.

    During the visit, he also participated in a meeting attended by Muslim scholars from northern and southern Nigeria.

    The visit generated public debate at the time, with some critics questioning its purpose, while supporters described it as a routine religious engagement aimed at fostering dialogue among Islamic scholars.

  • INEC Holds Party Stakeholders Meeting Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election, Appeals Court Judgments on Election Timetable

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has held a consultative meeting with political party leaders ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026, as part of final preparations for the poll.

    The meeting, which took place in Abuja, brought together INEC officials, national commissioners, and representatives of political parties to review readiness for the election and address outstanding concerns.

    Stakeholders Review Election Preparedness

    INEC said the engagement was part of its scheduled consultations with political parties aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process in Ekiti State.

    The Commission noted that the discussions were focused on strengthening coordination and ensuring that all parties are aligned ahead of the poll, which is now about eleven days away.

    Officials said the meeting also provided an opportunity to fine-tune logistical arrangements and address operational issues ahead of the governorship election.

    INEC Defends Election Timetable

    Meanwhile, INEC has confirmed that it has filed appeals against two Federal High Court judgments that questioned parts of its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the Commission believes the electoral timetable is a structured and interconnected process that cannot be selectively altered without affecting the entire electoral calendar.

    He made the remarks during the Commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja.

    Court Judgments Under Review

    The Commission is appealing a May 20, 2026 ruling in a case filed by the Youth Party, as well as a May 26, 2026 judgment involving the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    While the SDP ruling affirmed INEC’s authority to issue an electoral timetable, it also nullified certain timelines related to candidate nomination and substitution.

    INEC said the judgments raise important legal questions about its constitutional and statutory powers in managing elections and has therefore taken steps to seek clarification from higher courts.

    INEC Lists Key Electoral Processes

    Prof. Amupitan explained that several electoral activities operate within the broader timetable, including party primaries, nomination processes, voter education, material deployment, and configuration of election technology systems such as BVAS.

    He stressed that these processes must be harmonised to ensure transparency, efficiency and equal treatment of all political parties.

    INEC maintained that despite the legal challenges, it remains committed to conducting elections in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    Preparations for Candidate Nomination Portal

    The Commission also announced that it will issue access codes to political parties on June 26, 2026, to enable them upload candidate details through its nomination portal.

    INEC warned that the system is fully automated and will close once the submission window expires.

    The electoral body assured stakeholders that preparations for both the Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 general elections are ongoing as scheduled.

  • Residents of Ngoshe Recount Three Months in Terrorist Captivity, Say They Survived on Guinea Corn

    Freed residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State have shared disturbing accounts of their three-month captivity in the hands of terrorists, describing starvation, deaths and inhumane conditions during their ordeal.

    The victims, who were recently reunited with their families, were among hundreds abducted during a March 2026 attack on the community.

    Survivors Describe Harsh Living Conditions

    One of the survivors, Halima Musa, said the captives survived mainly on guinea corn, which was provided by their abductors but cooked by the victims themselves.

    She explained that food was limited to once a day, leaving them to endure long hours of hunger.

    “We ate only guinea corn, once a day. If you ate around 2 p.m., you would have to wait until the next day before eating again. Sometimes, there was no soup,” she said.

    According to her, the captives slept on bare floors in mountainous terrain and had limited access to water throughout their captivity.

    Children Died During Captivity

    Another freed captive disclosed that at least six children died while in captivity due to illness and poor living conditions.

    “While in captivity, we lost six children — two boys and four girls. They died after falling sick,” she said.

    Some of the victims also alleged that their abductors had a system of food distribution, suggesting possible supply networks supporting the group across different locations.

    One source said they observed food being dropped and redistributed, raising suspicions about organised logistics behind the terrorists’ operations.

    Mass Abduction and Release

    Recall that about 360 people were abducted during the attack on Ngoshe on March 4, 2026, with women and children making up the majority of the victims.

    Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum confirmed that a total of 357 captives were recently released, while others had regained freedom in smaller batches over time.

    According to the governor, the total number of those freed now stands at 434, following coordinated efforts involving security agencies and local vigilante groups.

    Government and Security Response

    Zulum commended President Bola Tinubu, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Civilian Joint Task Force, forest guards, vigilantes and hunters for their roles in securing the victims’ release.

    He also announced plans for the rehabilitation of Ngoshe community and support for displaced residents, including food and medical assistance for those recently freed.

    The victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and psychosocial support before being fully reintegrated into their communities.

    The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Borno State, where communities continue to face repeated attacks despite ongoing military operations.

  • Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Rising Debt Profile, Questions Borrowing Transparency

    The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has raised concerns over what he described as excessive borrowing by the Federal Government, alleging that Nigeria’s debt profile has climbed to about N200 trillion within three years.

    Obi made the claims in a statement shared on his verified X account, where he questioned the transparency and accountability surrounding the utilisation of borrowed funds.

    Concerns Over Rising Debt

    He alleged that Nigeria’s total debt has increased by over N100 trillion under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, comparing it with borrowing levels recorded under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Obi described the trend as unsustainable, warning that it could place additional pressure on the country’s economy and future generations.

    Borrowing Targets and Fiscal Questions

    Citing data from the Budget Office of the Federation, Obi claimed the government borrowed about N11.89 trillion between January and September 2025, exceeding its projected target of N10.34 trillion.

    He questioned the rationale behind the additional borrowing, arguing that such deviations should require public explanation and scrutiny.

    Questions on Capital Spending

    The former Anambra State governor also claimed that only a fraction of the borrowed funds was directed towards capital projects within the same period.

    He said about N3.10 trillion was allocated to capital expenditure, raising concerns over how the remaining funds were utilised.

    According to him, the gap between borrowing and infrastructure spending raises accountability questions that Nigerians deserve answers to.

    Call for Accountability

    Obi further questioned what became of the unaccounted portion of the borrowed funds, insisting that transparency is essential in public financial management.

    He called for greater scrutiny of government borrowing and expenditure practices.

    The Federal Government has not responded directly to the specific allegations at the time of filing this report.

    Ongoing Debt Debate

    Nigeria’s debt profile continues to generate national debate, with supporters of government borrowing arguing it is necessary for development financing, while critics warn of long-term fiscal risks.

    The discussion remains central to ongoing conversations about economic reforms and public accountability.

  • INEC Registration Centres Hit by Network Glitches as PVC Applicants Face Delays

    Many Nigerians seeking to register for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or complete voter registration processes were left stranded on Monday following network disruptions at several offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The situation reportedly affected registration activities in multiple locations, forcing applicants to wait for hours without being attended to.

    Applicants Lament Delays

    A viral video circulating on social media showed large crowds gathered outside an INEC office, with many applicants sitting on staircases and pavements while waiting for the registration system to come back online.

    Some of those affected said they had visited the registration centre on previous occasions but were unable to complete the process due to similar technical issues.

    Several applicants expressed frustration over the repeated delays, saying they had spent valuable time and resources travelling to the centres without success.

    Citizens Express Frustration

    In the video, some applicants questioned why registration activities could not proceed despite the growing demand for PVCs ahead of future elections.

    Others appealed to INEC to improve its infrastructure and address the recurring challenges affecting voter registration.

    The incident generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians criticising the disruption and calling for a more efficient registration process.

    Concerns Ahead of Future Elections

    The development has renewed concerns about the readiness of electoral infrastructure to support voter registration and other election-related activities.

    Some social media users alleged that the persistent network issues could discourage eligible voters from registering, while others called for urgent intervention to prevent further disruptions.

    As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement regarding the reported network failures.

    Calls for Improved Service Delivery

    The latest disruption has added to ongoing conversations about the need for improved digital infrastructure and service delivery within the electoral process.

    Despite the setbacks, many Nigerians have continued to express determination to obtain their PVCs and participate in future elections.

  • Motorist Challenges Civilian Working With Police at Checkpoint, Video Draws Reactions

    A video showing a motorist confronting a civilian assisting police officers at a roadside checkpoint has generated widespread reactions on social media.

    The incident, which was captured in a now-viral clip, highlights growing concerns among Nigerians about the presence of unidentified civilians at security checkpoints.

    Motorist Demands Identification

    In the video, the motorist repeatedly questioned a man dressed in Ankara attire who was helping to stop vehicles alongside uniformed police officers.

    The civilian, who was seen holding a wooden stick, reportedly claimed that his identification card was with the police officers at the checkpoint but failed to produce any form of identification during the exchange.

    The motorist insisted on knowing the man’s authority to stop motorists, attracting the attention of bystanders who gathered around the scene.

    Video Triggers Online Debate

    The incident quickly gained attention online, with many social media users praising the motorist for challenging what they described as the involvement of unofficial personnel in police operations.

    Several commenters identified such individuals as “camp boys,” a term often used to describe civilians who allegedly assist security personnel at checkpoints.

    Some users claimed they had witnessed similar situations on major roads across the country, expressing concerns about accountability and transparency during roadside checks.

    Concerns Over Checkpoint Operations

    The video has also renewed discussions about the role of civilians in law enforcement activities and the need for proper identification of anyone involved in security operations.

    Critics argued that the presence of unidentified individuals at checkpoints could create opportunities for abuse and undermine public confidence in security agencies.

    Others stressed the importance of citizens knowing their rights and seeking clarification when approached by persons whose official status is unclear.

    Calls for Greater Accountability

    The incident has further fuelled conversations about police reform and checkpoint practices in Nigeria.

    As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement regarding the viral video.

    The clip continues to attract reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for stricter enforcement of rules governing checkpoint operations and the activities of individuals working alongside security personnel.

     

  • Dangote Refinery Drives 96% Drop in Nigeria’s Petrol Imports as Trade Surplus Climbs

    Nigeria recorded a significant decline in petrol imports in the first quarter of 2026, with import expenditure falling by 96 per cent to ₦87.4 billion from ₦2.27 trillion recorded during the same period in 2025.

    The sharp reduction has been linked to increased domestic refining capacity, particularly the growing output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has become a major supplier of fuel to the local market.

    Domestic Refining Reduces Dependence on Imports

    The 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery is now estimated to be supplying about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s petrol requirements, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imported fuel.

    Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that local refineries supplied approximately 3.18 billion litres of petrol during the first quarter of 2026, while imports accounted for about 965 million litres.

    The development marks a major shift for Nigeria, which for decades depended heavily on imported refined petroleum products despite being one of Africa’s leading crude oil producers.

    Trade Surplus Records Major Growth

    The reduction in petrol imports also contributed to an improvement in Nigeria’s external trade performance.

    According to available data, the country’s trade surplus rose by 341 per cent to ₦7.55 trillion during the quarter, supported by crude oil exports, agricultural exports and growing contributions from refined petroleum products.

    Analysts say lower fuel imports are helping Nigeria conserve foreign exchange and reduce pressure on the naira by cutting demand for dollars used to finance fuel purchases abroad.

    Benefits Yet to Reflect Fully on Consumers

    Despite the gains recorded at the macroeconomic level, many Nigerians continue to face high petrol prices.

    Industry observers note that global oil market conditions, exchange rate pressures and distribution costs remain factors affecting pump prices across the country.

    As a result, many consumers say the reduction in imports and increased local refining have yet to translate into noticeable relief in transportation and living costs.

    Outlook for the Sector

    The expansion of domestic refining is widely seen as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.

    With the Dangote Refinery expected to sustain production and potentially expand capacity in the future, experts believe Nigeria could further reduce fuel imports and strengthen its position as a supplier of refined petroleum products to neighbouring countries.

  • Bovi Says Some Divorces Are Necessary, Opens Up on Marriage Challenges

    Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi has shared his views on marriage and divorce, stating that some separations are necessary when relationships become unhealthy for those involved.

    The entertainer made the remarks during a conversation with media personality Morayo Afolabi-Brown, where he discussed the realities of married life and the growing number of divorces in society.

    Why Some Divorces Are Necessary

    According to Bovi, not every divorce should be seen as a failure, as some marriages can become difficult environments where one or both partners struggle to thrive.

    “I celebrate when people get divorced because I feel it means one or both people were not breathing well in the marriage,” he said.

    He explained that while divorce is often viewed negatively, it can sometimes be the healthiest option for individuals whose wellbeing is affected by a troubled relationship.

    Reflection on His Own Marriage

    Bovi also spoke about his personal experience as a married man, acknowledging that marriage comes with challenges and requires effort from both partners.

    “My own marriage hasn’t been easy, but I would never make life difficult for anyone, and I wouldn’t want anyone to make my life difficult,” he said.

    The comedian has been married to Kris Asimonye since 2009, and the couple have three children together.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    His comments have generated varied reactions on social media, with some Nigerians agreeing that leaving unhealthy marriages can be beneficial for those involved.

    Others argued that couples should make every effort to resolve their differences before deciding to end a marriage.

    The discussion has continued to fuel conversations about relationships, compatibility, emotional wellbeing and the realities of married life.

  • Kwankwasiyya Faction Denies Report of Kwankwaso’s Planned Exit From NDC Over Kano Candidate List

    The Kwankwasiyya faction has dismissed reports claiming that former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is planning to leave the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over alleged disputes surrounding candidate lists in Kano State.

    The clarification comes amid reports suggesting tensions within the party following the replacement of some candidates reportedly backed by the Kwankwasiyya political movement.

    Dispute Over Candidate List

    According to earlier reports, the changes in the Kano State candidate list were made as part of efforts to implement a power-sharing arrangement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the existing party structure.

    Party documents reportedly indicated a 60-40 arrangement between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the original NDC structure to balance influence within the state chapter.

    The adjustment allegedly triggered speculation about internal disagreements over control of party positions.

    Faction Dismisses Exit Rumours

    Reacting to the reports, Kwankwasiyya spokesperson, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, described the claims as unfounded and based on social media speculation.

    “Well, this is still a rumour. It is just being circulated on social media,” he said.

    He maintained that the faction conducted its primaries in line with legal provisions and the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Primaries Conducted Without Crisis

    Mohammed explained that the primaries were held on May 29 following a consensus-building process that produced candidates for various positions.

    He said there were no objections from party members during the exercise and that the process was concluded smoothly.

    “Before that date, there were processes that led to consensus and candidates emerged for different positions. There were no complaints from party members or aspirants,” he stated.

    Kwankwaso Not Planning Exit

    The faction also insisted that there has been no internal discussion suggesting that Kwankwaso intends to leave the NDC.

    Mohammed added that the matter remains based on speculation circulating online, stressing that the leadership remains focused on party activities and ongoing political processes.

  • NYSC Corps Member-to-Be Sparks Debate After Rejecting Posting to Kano Over Security Fears

    A prospective member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sparked mixed reactions online after expressing frustration over being posted to Kano State for her mandatory national service.

    In a video circulating on social media, the corps member, who resides in Owerri, questioned the deployment, arguing that the posting placed her far from home and raised personal safety concerns.

    Concerns Over Posting

    The young woman said she was uncomfortable with the relocation, stressing that fears about insecurity and kidnapping influenced her decision to reject the posting.

    She questioned the rationale behind being deployed to a distant state despite her current location in the South-East.

    “NYSC called me but I won’t be going, tell me why you’re posting me to Kano State out of all the 36 states… with the whole insecurity,” she said in the viral clip.

    She also referenced financial concerns, suggesting that kidnapping risks made her uneasy about travelling to the region.

    Reactions Trail Viral Video

    The video has since generated widespread debate across social media platforms, with Nigerians sharing divided opinions on the matter.

    Some users defended Kano State, describing it as peaceful and culturally welcoming, while encouraging Nigerians to visit and experience the state firsthand.

    Others sympathised with her concerns, arguing that insecurity fears continue to shape public perception of certain regions in the country.

    Ongoing Debate on NYSC Postings

    The incident has once again revived conversations around NYSC postings, especially concerns about safety, distance, and the emotional readiness of graduates deployed to unfamiliar environments.

    The NYSC scheme, established to promote national unity, continues to generate debate among young Nigerians over its relevance and structure in today’s security climate.