1. Tinubu Names Yari as APC 2027 Campaign DG
President Bola Tinubu has constituted the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, appointing former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General.
Tinubu will chair the council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda will serve as vice chairmen. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was named secretary.
Other senior appointments include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni as deputy directors-general responsible for regional coordination.
The council will oversee mobilisation, election planning and other campaign activities as the ruling party begins its formal preparations for the 2027 presidential contest.
2. Over 500 Islamic Scholars Endorse Tinubu for 2027
More than 500 Islamic scholars, preachers and clerics from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
The endorsement was made during a meeting of the Muslim Intellectual Forum in Dutse, Jigawa State, attended by six northern APC governors and other senior political figures.
The group cited the administration’s performance in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and the economy as reasons for backing the President.
The development comes as political parties and potential presidential candidates intensify consultations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
3. Atiku Rejects Tinubu’s Criticism of Fuel Subsidy Plan
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s criticism of his proposal to restore a form of petrol subsidy.
Atiku said the administration’s reforms had increased hardship for Nigerians while government revenues continued to rise. He argued that his proposal was not a return to the previous open-ended subsidy system.
According to him, the proposed mechanism would be targeted, capped, budgeted and time-bound, with emphasis on supporting domestic refining and ensuring accountability.
The exchange has placed fuel prices, subsidy policy and the rising cost of living at the centre of the emerging 2027 political debate.
4. Lakurawa Fighters Kill, Abduct Residents in Niger State
Armed fighters identified by survivors as members of the Lakurawa group attacked several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State during and after Friday prayers, killing and abducting residents.
The attackers reportedly stormed Dikera and nearby communities, including Binzi, armed with guns, knives and machetes. Some residents escaped after a rival militant group, identified as Mahmuda, engaged the attackers in a confrontation.
Police confirmed attacks on multiple communities and a mosque but said the exact number of casualties remained unclear because of the difficult terrain.
The incident has renewed concerns over the spread of Sahel-linked armed groups into parts of North-Central Nigeria.
5. Tinubu Orders Arrest, Suspends Three Permanent Secretaries
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and suspended three permanent secretaries following the discovery of another unauthorised agency operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The entity, identified as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, had reportedly obtained office space without presidential approval and established a structure involving zonal directors, state coordinators and foreign representatives.
The suspended officials are M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.
ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed the development after briefing the President, saying the discovery emerged during investigations into earlier unauthorised government structures. Tinubu has ordered further forensic checks as the investigation continues.
6. US Court Blocks Trump Visa Suspension Affecting Nigerians
A United States District Court in Manhattan has struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Nigeria.
Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the policy was unlawful and exceeded the authority of the US Secretary of State. The policy had blocked visa processing based on nationality and concerns over public charges.
The ruling requires affected applications to be considered individually rather than through a blanket nationality-based suspension.
The decision could provide relief for eligible Nigerian applicants, families and sponsors affected by the policy.
7. ExxonMobil Deploys Drillship for $1 Billion Nigeria Oil Project
ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria has announced the arrival of the Noble Gerry de Souza ultra-deepwater drillship in Nigerian waters for the Usan Infill Project.
The project, backed by about $1 billion in partner investment, is expected to add up to 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day within 18 months by using existing infrastructure at the Usan field.
The development marks renewed drilling activity in Nigeria’s deepwater oil sector after years of limited investment.
The project is also expected to support government revenue and national efforts to increase crude production.
8. Edo Government Denies Banning Davido
The Edo State Government has denied reports that Afrobeats star Davido has been banned from entering or performing in the state.
Commissioner for Information Kassim Afegbua said the government did not authorise the declaration made by a senior aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The government described Davido as an illustrious son of Edo State and said the state remains open to everyone regardless of political affiliation.
The controversy followed the singer’s public criticism of Okpebholo during discussions surrounding the Osun governorship election.
9. Osimhen Becomes Third-Highest Foreign Scorer at Galatasaray
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has become the third-highest scoring foreign player in Galatasaray’s history following his impressive run with the Turkish champions.
The Nigerian forward has continued to play a key role for the club since joining, contributing goals and assists across competitions.
His performances have also kept him at the centre of transfer speculation involving major European clubs, although Galatasaray has resisted major offers for the striker.
Osimhen’s latest milestone further strengthens his status as one of the most influential Nigerian footballers playing in Europe.
10. Phyna, Sheggz Clash Over Bella Relationship Dispute
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Phyna has publicly criticised Sheggz over his relationship with fellow reality star Bella Okagbue, accusing him of owing Bella more than N30 million and making claims about their personal dispute.
Phyna also denied allegations that she smoked in Sheggz’s house, saying she only stayed at Bella’s residence and supported her friend during a difficult period.
Sheggz had previously spoken about aspects of his relationship with Bella, including issues surrounding trust and respect.
The exchange has generated widespread discussion on social media, adding another major controversy involving former BBNaija housemates to Nigeria’s entertainment conversation.
