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  • Top 10 News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. Inflation Rises to 15.93% as Food Prices Continue to Climb

    Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 15.93 per cent in May 2026, up from 15.69 per cent recorded in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The latest figure marks the third consecutive monthly increase and highlights the continued pressure facing households across the country.

    Food inflation remained the biggest driver, rising to 16.96 per cent due to higher prices of staples such as onions, maize, yams, tomatoes, and peppers. While economists note that the monthly inflation rate slowed slightly, many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs as policymakers search for ways to ease economic pressure.

    2. Senate Clears Customs Over ₦62.2 Billion Audit Query

    The Senate has dismissed a ₦62.2 billion under-remittance allegation against the Nigeria Customs Service and established a committee to review dozens of other outstanding audit issues.

    Lawmakers said the decision followed detailed scrutiny by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts. The newly constituted committee is expected to examine 76 unresolved cases and recommend measures to improve transparency, accountability, and revenue generation within the customs system.

    3. FG Identifies 470 Grazing Reserves Nationwide

    The Federal Government has identified 470 gazetted grazing reserves across the country as part of efforts to modernise livestock production and address recurring clashes between farmers and herders.

    Officials say the initiative forms part of broader plans to reduce open grazing, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen food security. Stakeholders have welcomed the move but stressed that successful implementation will require funding, infrastructure development, and cooperation between federal and state governments.

    4. Tinubu Congratulates Muslims on Islamic New Year

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as the Islamic New Year, 1st Muharram 1448AH, begins.

    In his message, the President encouraged Nigerians to draw lessons from the Hijrah by embracing patriotism, peace, and responsible citizenship. Religious leaders also used the occasion to call for tolerance, national unity, and continued prayers for the country’s progress.

    5. Naira Records Slight Decline at Official Market

    The naira weakened marginally at the official foreign exchange market, closing at about N1,357.18 to the US dollar compared to N1,356.27 recorded previously.

    Despite the slight depreciation, analysts say Nigeria’s strong foreign reserves continue to provide support for the currency. Market observers believe long-term stability will depend on sustained reforms, stronger exports, and improvements in foreign exchange inflows.

    6. Troops Record Fresh Successes Against Bandits

    Security forces have intensified operations against criminal groups in the North-West, leading to the elimination of a suspected bandit kingpin and the rescue of several kidnapped victims.

    The Defence Headquarters described the development as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across vulnerable communities. Security analysts say sustained military pressure, alongside economic and social interventions, remains essential to achieving lasting peace in affected areas.

    7. UK Names Peter Vowles as New High Commissioner to Nigeria

    The United Kingdom has appointed Peter Vowles as its new High Commissioner to Nigeria, signalling a continuation of diplomatic engagement between both countries.

    The appointment comes at a time when Nigeria and the UK are deepening cooperation in areas including trade, security, migration, investment, and development. Analysts expect the new envoy to play a key role in advancing economic partnerships and strengthening bilateral relations.

    8. Labour Moves to Reopen Minimum Wage Discussions

    Nigeria Labour Congress has announced plans to engage the Federal Government on a review of the national minimum wage amid rising inflation and increasing living costs.

    Labour leaders argue that workers require additional support to cope with current economic realities, while government officials have indicated a willingness to continue dialogue. The discussions could shape industrial relations and worker welfare debates in the months ahead.

    9. Court Awards Passenger ₦13 Million Against Virgin Atlantic

    A Nigerian court has ordered Virgin Atlantic to pay ₦13 million in compensation to a passenger over a missed flight, reinforcing consumer protection within the aviation sector.

    Legal experts say the judgment could influence future disputes involving airlines and passengers by highlighting the responsibilities carriers owe to travellers. Industry observers believe operators may review customer service policies to reduce similar liabilities.

    10. Nigerian Fans Follow African Teams at World Cup 2026

    Although Nigeria is not participating in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, many football fans across the country continue to closely follow the performances of African representatives at the tournament.

    The competition has generated discussions about player development, coaching standards, and lessons that could benefit the Super Eagles. Sports administrators and supporters alike are watching closely as African teams seek to make history on football’s biggest stage.

     

  • Labour Party Admits Peter Obi’s Exit Left Major Vacuum in Party

    The Labour Party has admitted that the exit of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, dealt a major blow to the party’s structure and political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The party’s National Spokesman, Ken Asogwa, made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, describing Obi as a “colossus” whose popularity greatly strengthened the party nationwide.

    Labour Party speaks on Obi’s departure

    According to Asogwa, the party was aware for months that Obi was preparing to leave before his eventual exit at the end of 2025.

    “We lost a colossus within the party, but the party envisaged it. Remember that before his departure, the rumour was already out there that he was leaving, and he eventually left on December 31, 2025,” he said.

    He admitted that the Labour Party could not pretend Obi’s departure had no impact on its political fortunes.

    Obi’s political movement continues to spark reactions

    Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, officially dumped the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on December 31, 2025.

    However, political developments later shifted again after Obi reportedly left the ADC in April 2026 to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Reports indicated that unresolved internal crises and disagreements within the ADC influenced his decision to leave the party.

    Obi’s repeated political realignments have continued to generate discussions across Nigeria’s political space, especially among young voters and urban supporters who strongly backed him during the 2023 presidential election.

    Party begins rebuilding process

    Despite acknowledging the setback caused by Obi’s exit, Asogwa maintained that the Labour Party has already started restructuring efforts to remain competitive.

    According to him, party leaders have gone back to the drawing board to strengthen internal structures and reposition the party ahead of future elections.

    He expressed confidence that the Labour Party would recover and remain relevant despite losing one of its biggest political figures.

  • Otti Says Labour Party Opted Out of Opposition Coalition Talks in Ibadan

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the Labour Party (LP) did not participate in the opposition political summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where talks were held on presenting a joint presidential candidate for 2027.

    LP distances itself from Ibadan coalition meeting

    Speaking in Umuahia on Wednesday, Otti clarified that the Labour Party was not part of the gathering attended by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    He said the party remains focused on strengthening its internal structure nationwide rather than joining any external political arrangement.

    Party insists on independent presidential ticket

    Otti stressed that the Labour Party will not collapse its structure into any coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He added that the party is preparing to field its own presidential candidate and will continue to build its grassroots base across the country.

    “We were not part of it” — Otti

    Addressing journalists, the governor said the party had no involvement in the Ibadan summit.

    “Unfortunately, we were not part of the summit. We will hold a convention. So, we are not bound by what happened there. We did not attend,” he said.

    He added that any eligible party member interested in contesting would be given the opportunity to run under the party’s platform.

    Reconciliation within Labour Party

    Otti also spoke on ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party, noting that steps are being taken to rebuild unity among members.

    He said the party is working to reintegrate aggrieved members, including former national chairman Julius Abure, as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal cohesion.

    Focus on party structure ahead of 2027

    The governor reaffirmed confidence in the current National Working Committee, led by the Usman faction, to steer the party forward in the coming years.

    He also dismissed suggestions of any merger or alignment with other political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • Labour Party Elects Nenadi Usman as National Chairman, Makes History at Umuahia Convention

    The Labour Party (LP) has elected Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman at its national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State. Her emergence marks a major leadership shift within the party as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.

    Usman becomes the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria, a development party members described as a defining moment for internal party democracy.

    From Caretaker Leader to Substantive Chairman

    Usman had been leading the party as Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee since September 4, 2024. She was appointed at a NEC meeting in Umuahia following the expiration of the tenure of the former National Working Committee.

    During that period, she oversaw the party through internal leadership disputes that were eventually resolved in her favour through court rulings. Her leadership was later recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a Federal High Court judgement delivered on January 21, 2026.

    That decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal on April 21, 2026, further strengthening her position within the party ahead of the convention.

    Legal Backing Strengthens Leadership Position

    The court rulings played a key role in stabilising the party’s leadership structure after months of uncertainty. With both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal affirming her leadership, Usman entered the convention with significant institutional backing.

    Her emergence as substantive chairman is seen as the formal consolidation of that leadership, transitioning from a caretaker arrangement to a fully recognised party structure.

    Usman Promises Unity, Party Repositioning

    In her acceptance speech, Usman thanked party members for their support and pledged to reposition the Labour Party for future electoral success. She emphasised the need for unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party.

    She also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his role and assured members that her leadership would focus on strengthening internal cohesion ahead of the next general elections.

    Otti Urges Strong Leadership as New NWC Emerges

    Speaking at the convention, Governor Otti called on the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and deepen the party’s structures nationwide. He stressed the importance of building a strong and united platform capable of competing effectively in future elections.

    The convention also produced other key members of the National Working Committee, including Iheanacho Obioma as National Secretary, Nike Oriola as Deputy National Chairman, and Ken Eluma Asogwa as National Publicity Secretary.

    Others include Oluchi Oparah as National Organising Secretary, Anslem Eragbe as National Financial Secretary, and Hilda Dokubo as National Women Leader. The newly elected officials were sworn in at the convention.

    Labour Party Enters New Phase Ahead of 2027

    Usman’s emergence signals a new phase for the Labour Party as it moves to stabilise its internal structure and prepare for the 2027 elections. With leadership disputes largely resolved, attention is expected to shift to party expansion, voter mobilisation, and national positioning.

    The coming months will test the party’s ability to maintain unity and translate its internal reorganisation into broader political relevance.

  • LP Chair Nenadi Usman Says It’s “Too Late” for Peter Obi to Return for 2027 Ticket

    Labour Party Chairman Nenadi Usman has said it would be too late for the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return and contest under its platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

    “It will be too late” — Usman explains

    Speaking on Prime Time on Arise Television, Usman said party procedures and electoral guidelines would prevent any late return.

    “Well, it will be too late, actually for him to come back… once we close the register 21 days before primaries and submit the e-register to INEC, you can’t come from behind the door,” she said.

    She stressed that the timeline makes it impossible for new entrants to be registered and cleared to contest once the process is closed.

    Acknowledges Obi’s impact on party

    Despite her position, Usman admitted that Obi played a major role in building the Labour Party’s current profile.

    “Even me, he convinced me to come with him… many people that are in Labour Party today were convinced by Peter because we believed in equity and fairness,” she said.

    She added that no current party member commands the same level of political momentum Obi brought during the 2023 election.

    Explains defection from PDP

    Usman also spoke on her decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, linking it to disagreements over zoning.

    “We believed that PDP should have zoned the seat to the south… though I’m a Northerner, I felt it was not fair,” she said.

    Her stance, she noted, led to her move to the Labour Party alongside others who shared similar concerns.

    Focus on party ideology and leadership

    Looking ahead, the LP chairman said the party would return to its core principles of social justice and equal opportunity.

    She pointed to Abia State Governor Alex Otti as a leading example of the party’s ideals in practice.

    “He is what I would say is the ambassador of the Labour Party… and he’s doing very well,” she said.

    Call for political participation

    Usman also urged Nigerians, particularly activists and unionists, to participate more actively in politics.

    “If you think you’re an activist… come contest elections, because you cannot change from outside,” she said.

    The comments have added to ongoing discussions around party alignments and preparations for the next election cycle in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

  • Labour Party Rejects Obi’s Return, Backs Tinubu for Second Term — Arabambi

    The Labour Party (LP) has ruled out any possibility of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, returning to the party, as a top official declares support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid amid ongoing internal realignments.

    Party leadership takes position

    Abayomi Arabambi, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West), made the position known during an interview on News Central on Thursday.

    He said the party leadership had already reached a consensus on its political direction after months of internal crisis and consultations involving key stakeholders.

    According to him, discussions across factions within the party influenced the decision to move forward without revisiting past alliances.

    Obi’s return dismissed

    Arabambi dismissed speculations that efforts were underway to bring Obi back into the party, insisting such moves would not succeed.

    Reacting to reported attempts by Nenadi Usman, he said any push to reintegrate the former candidate was not in the party’s interest.

    He added that the leadership had no plans to reopen talks on Obi’s return.

    Blame over 2023 elections

    The LP chieftain also criticised Obi and his supporters over the party’s performance in the 2023 general election.

    He alleged that internal lapses, particularly logistical challenges at polling units, contributed to the party’s outcome, rejecting claims that external forces were solely responsible.

    Shift towards Tinubu

    In a significant development, Arabambi disclosed that the party had agreed to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

    He said the decision reflects a new political direction aimed at avoiding past mistakes.

    According to him, members of the party are now committed to working towards Tinubu’s re-election.

    What it means

    The stance signals a major shift within the Labour Party, marking a clear break from its 2023 presidential campaign and indicating fresh alignments ahead of future elections.