Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is not planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite ongoing talks about a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

His spokesperson, Paul Ibe, made the statement on Thursday while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

According to Ibe, Atiku is committed to the PDP and has already made that clear.

“My principal has said that he wasn’t leaving the PDP and you have to respect what he has said. I don’t need to come here to speak about it. It is an issue he has spoken of,” Ibe stated.

He also confirmed that Atiku has been holding talks with other opposition figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

“There is an ongoing discussion between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai. Yes, it’s out there in the open. Discussion is still ongoing. At the end of that discussion, they will come out with a position and a direction that we’re going to follow based on the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

“To also answer your question, yes, Peter Obi and Atiku are involved. And they are also talking,” he added.

Recall that last month, the PDP Governors Forum announced that the party would not join any coalition or alliance with other opposition parties

A former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political Affairs, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has demanded explanation on ₦6.93 trillion allegedly padded into the 2025 budget.

Naija News reported that non-governmental civic and transparency organisation, BudgIT Nigeria, alleged that the 10th National Assembly (NASS) inserted 11,122 projects worth ₦6.93 trillion in the 2025 budget.

BudgIT said analysis showed that 238 projects valued above ₦5 billion each, with a cumulative value of ₦2 trillion, were inserted with little to no justification.

According to BudgIT, 984 projects worth ₦1.71 trillion and 1,119 projects within the range of ₦500 million to ₦1 billion, totaling ₦641.38 billion, were indiscriminately inserted.

The report published on Tuesday stated that a closer look showed that 3,573 projects worth ₦653.19 billion were assigned directly to federal constituencies and 1,972 projects worth ₦444.04 billion to senatorial districts.

Reacting to BudgIT’s report, Baba-Ahmed said NASS and the Presidency have to explain to Nigerians how trillions were inserted into the budget.

He also advised the federal government to sue BudgIT if it claims the latter’s report was false.

“NASS and the Presidency should sue BudgIT for reporting the insertion of trillions into the 2025 budget if its claim amounts to falsehood. The alternative suggests accepting the genuineness of the published findings. In any case, govt owes Nigerians an explanation,” he wrote on his ? handle on Thursday.

A past statement credited to Senate President Godswill Akpabio has resurfaced online amid a wave of defections currently rocking the Nigerian Senate.

The statement, believed to be from November 2016 when Akpabio was a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declared that any senator who defects from the party on whose platform they were elected must forfeit their seat.

“As lawmakers, Senators must not encourage political rascality. That is why PDP Senators today staged a walkout to protest the purported defection of Senator Yele Omogunwa, who was elected on the platform of the PDP but claimed he wants to defect to the APC to support the Governor-elect of his state. The constitution is clear on this: if a Senator defects to another political party, he loses his seat,” Akpabio posted on his official Facebook page at the time.

Nearly a decade later, Akpabio, now Senate President under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is under fire for allegedly shielding senators defecting from opposition parties, particularly the PDP, into the APC fold.

In recent weeks, the Senate has witnessed a string of high-profile defections from the PDP to the APC. On May 9, 2025, all three serving PDP senators from Kebbi State announced their defection to the APC after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The defecting senators are Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South).

In February, Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta North, also formally joined the APC.

Despite these defections, Akpabio has not called for any of the senators’ seats to be declared vacant, drawing criticism and accusations of double standards.

In a symbolic protest reminiscent of Akpabio’s 2016 stance, PDP senators recently walked out of plenary in protest, demanding that the Senate leadership uphold constitutional provisions and address what they described as “legislative banditry”.

Speaking on behalf of the protesting lawmakers, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) said: “We cannot stand by and watch as the sanctity of our democratic institutions is eroded by political expediency. If the Senate President once believed in protecting party mandates, he must now prove it by his actions.”

The resurfaced Facebook post has triggered widespread reactions, with many Nigerians accusing Akpabio of hypocrisy and questioning his consistency on constitutional matters

Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, ignoring his father’s recent move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Bello, a member of the House of Representatives for Kaduna North, was at the APC National Summit in Abuja, where Tinubu was endorsed as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 election.

This comes after his father, Nasir El-Rufai, left the APC in March 2025, saying the party no longer reflects his values.

He joined the SDP and promised to unite the opposition to defeat APC in 2027.

Bello’s support for Tinubu has sparked reactions.

Activist Reno Omokri mocked the situation, saying, “If El-Rufai can’t convince his son to leave Tinubu, how will he convince Nigerians?”

The family’s political split deepened last year when another El-Rufai son, Bashir, attacked Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani on social media.

He said both would lose in 2027 and claimed the probe into his father over alleged mismanagement of N423 billion was politically motivated.

He tweeted, “Nobody is too big to be ‘elected out of office’ by the people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen. So forget all these intimidations flying up and down. Let us be patient.”

A former deputy governor of Sokoto State, Muktar Shagari, has said the North will give President Bola Tinubu all the support he needs to win the 2027 election.

Shagari claimed that Tinubu has performed very well, especially in the area of of security.

He stated this on Friday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

According to him, Tinubu has been able to implement the programs he promised Nigerians, insisting that the President needs a second term.

He said: “We in the APC, we have absolute confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to run this country effectively. You would agree with me when he came into power, you people did say that there are problems, particularly the economy of the country and so on and so forth, which requires some sort of drastic decisions to be taken.

“The President is doing everything he can to make this country better, and results are now being seen that the country is gradually moving, and I believe we’ll get there.

“So for President Tinubu to be able to implement the programs he promised Nigerians, he needs a second term, and we in the APC believe in him, and we believe that he has the ability and capability to do that.

“What we can do is to give him the moral support, the political support, and ensure that nobody distracts him by contesting against him. So what the party did at the North-West level and at the national level yesterday is completely correct and right, and it’s constitutional, and we will give him all the support he needs to win this election.

“And I want to say that there are people who are saying that, “Oh no, Nigerians will not vote for him, northerners and so on.”

In the north, we have nothing against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He’s doing very well in the area of of security. I can tell security is getting better and better. And there are so many things that he is doing. So as far as I’m concerned and as far as we are all concerned in the APC, we are going to support Tinubu, and I feel confident that he win the election in 2027.”

A U.S. district court has sentenced a Nigerian man, Henry Ezeonyido, to 27 months in prison for orchestrating a health insurance fraud scheme that defrauded insurers of over $1 million through fake international medical claims.

The 37-year-old was also ordered to pay $655,313 in restitution and forfeit $396,998 in proceeds linked to the fraudulent scheme, and will serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.

According to a statement by the US department of justice, from October 2019 to February 2022, Ezeonyido submitted false claims to five insurance companies, claiming that he and at least seven others had received emergency medical treatment overseas for severe injuries such as stabbings, gunshot wounds, and car accidents. 

The statement read, “Ezeonyido was arrested and charged in July 2024 along with co-conspirators Brendon Ashe, Aqiyla Atherton, Darline Cobbler and Ariel Lambert. Ezeonyido was later indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024. All four of Ezeonyido’s co-defendants pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and were subsequently sentenced to probation.

“From approximately October 2019 to February 2022, Ezeonyido submitted fraudulent health insurance claims – on his behalf and on behalf of at least seven other individuals, including Ashe, Atherton, Cobbler and Lambert – to five different health insurance companies for expensive medical treatment that they purportedly received and paid for out-of-pocket while travelling overseas.

“Many of the claims included fake traumatic injuries such as stabbings, gunshot wounds, and hit-and-run car accidents that the defendants and others purportedly suffered, requiring their hospitalisation abroad. In nearly all instances, the individuals were actually in the United States at the time of the purported international medical events.”

Following the submission of the false claims, the insurance companies disbursed approximately $655,313 to the individuals involved, some of whom reportedly paid kickbacks to Ezeonyido for orchestrating and facilitating the payouts.

It added, “As a result of these fraudulent claims, the victim’s health insurance companies were billed over $1m for services that were never provided, resulting in payments totalling approximately $655,313.

“Upon receiving these payments from their health insurance companies, Ashe, Cobbler, Lambert, and others paid a portion of the proceeds to Ezeonyido and other co-conspirators, including Atherton, who acted as an intermediary, bringing others into the scheme in exchange for a cut of their paid claims. In total, Ezeonyido retained approximately $396,998 in fraud proceeds.”

The US authorities emphasized the significance of the sentencing in combating healthcare fraud. “Healthcare fraud affects every American through increased premiums and reduced trust in the system,” said U.S. Attorney Foley

Nigerians are known for their deep love for cars. It’s rare to find a car model—luxury or otherwise—that doesn’t grace Nigerian roads. From sleek sedans to rugged SUVs and performance machines, the streets of cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are filled with a wide variety of vehicles. Some Nigerians will go to great lengths—financially and otherwise—to own the best models.

Cars as status symbols and necessity

While luxury car ownership often serves as a status symbol, cars in Nigeria are also a necessity due to the underdeveloped public transportation system. In cities like Lagos, Lekki, and Abuja, it’s not unusual to find exotic brands such as Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Maybach, and Rolls-Royce lined up outside nightclubs. These high-end machines, often brought out only at night, are a spectacle. The only vehicle classes yet to be spotted on Nigerian roads might be flying cars or fully autonomous vehicles.

However, while these luxury vehicles are owned by the wealthy elite—who can afford their high maintenance costs and keep backups—the real concern lies with middle- and lower-income Nigerians who can typically afford just one car. For these individuals and families, buying a used car is often the only viable option, especially amid worsening economic conditions.

The shift from tokunbo to Nigerian-used cars

In the past, imported used cars—popularly called tokunbo—were the go-to option for those who couldn’t afford new vehicles. But with the depreciation of the naira and rising import costs, more Nigerians are turning to locally used cars, which are significantly cheaper.

Yet, many buyers are unaware of the risks involved. Most car owners don’t sell their vehicles without a reason. It’s often due to recurring mechanical problems or high maintenance costs as the vehicle ages. While it’s possible to find a well-maintained car—for instance, when the owner is relocating abroad or downsizing their fleet—these are exceptions rather than the rule.

Key considerations before buying used car

Whether buying a locally used or imported car, several factors must be carefully evaluated:

Avoid Rare Car Models Steer clear of what is often referred to as “one-in-town” cars—models that are uncommon in Nigeria. These cars can be a nightmare to maintain due to the scarcity of spare parts. Even minor repairs can lead to long delays or hefty costs.

Go for Brands with Available Parts Stick with popular brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan (Japanese), Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz (German), or widely supported Korean brands like Kia and Hyundai. These have more accessible spare parts and trained mechanics across the country. American brands like Ford also fare well in terms of part availability.

Ensure Local Serviceability Avoid cars that can only be serviced in major cities. You don’t want to be stranded in a rural area with a car that no mechanic can fix.

Do a Thorough Physical Inspection According to experienced mechanic Mr. Henry Ogbonna, there are several red flags to look out for:

Inspect the car body: Look for signs of repainting or bodywork that might hide serious damage.

Check for accident damage: A car involved in a serious crash may have structural issues.

Inspect the chassis: Look for rust or signs of repair. A rusted chassis can compromise safety.

Examine the engine: If the engine is smoking, it’s a sign of weakness and impending failure.

Test drive the car: Pay attention to how the gear shifts and how the car moves. Any jerking or lag could signal transmission issues.

Verify Documentation Confirm that the car’s papers are genuine and that the seller is the rightful owner—or has legal authority to sell on the owner’s behalf. Buying a stolen car or one with tampered documents can land you in serious legal trouble.

Consider Resale Value Choose a car model that has a reasonable second-hand market. If you opt for a lesser-known brand, make sure it is in top condition so you can at least enjoy it before it begins to show signs of wear.

Final thoughts

Buying a used car in Nigeria is no longer just about affordability—it’s about survival in an economy where every naira counts. However, a good deal can quickly become a nightmare if due diligence isn’t followed. Always involve a trusted mechanic in the inspection process, and resist the temptation to buy solely based on appearance or price. With proper care and wise decision-making, even a used car can offer reliable service for years

Nigeria continues to face mounting visa hurdles in 2024, with its Schengen visa rejection rate rising to 45.9%, placing it among the top 10 African countries with the highest refusal rates.

According to the European Commission, this marks an increase from 40.8% in 2023 and positions Nigeria as third-highest globally after Bangladesh and Senegal.

The European Commission revealed that over 11.7 million applications for short-stay Schengen visas were submitted in 2024 — a 13.6% increase from 2023.

However, visa issuance remains below pre-pandemic levels, with 15 million visas granted in 2019 compared to 9.7 million in 2024.

The Schengen Zone, encompassing 29 countries including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, facilitates free travel across European borders.

For many Africans, securing a Schengen visa has become increasingly difficult, with some countries facing particularly steep rejection rates.

Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Schengen Visa Rejection Rates in 2024

1. Comoros – 62.8%

Small island nation Comoros tops the list with a staggering 62.8% rejection rate, making it the African country with the most Schengen visa denials in 2024.

2. Guinea-Bissau – 47.0%

Applicants from Guinea-Bissau also struggled, with nearly half of all visa applications rejected

3. Senegal – 46.8%

Senegal recorded the third-highest refusal rate in Africa, indicating persistent visa challenges for its citizens.

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4. Nigeria – 45.9%

With nearly 1 in 2 Nigerian applications denied, the country’s rising rejection rate signifies tighter scrutiny or documentation gaps.

5. Ghana – 45.5%

Ghanaian applicants were also heavily impacted, facing a rejection rate close to Nigeria’s.

6. Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) – 43.0%

Visa denials spiked in Congo-Brazzaville, up from previous years, reflecting a worsening approval landscape.

7. Mali – 42.9%

Mali follows closely, also hovering around the 43% mark, indicating ongoing challenges in visa processing.

8. Guinea – 41.1%

Citizens of Guinea saw over 4 in 10 applications denied, keeping the country high on the rejection list.

9. Burundi – 40.0%

Burundi joins the high-refusal group, with a flat 40% rejection rate for Schengen visas in 2024.

10. Ethiopia – 36.1%

Though slightly lower than others on the list, Ethiopia’s 36.1% refusal rate still places it among the top 10 most-affected countries on the continent.

Nigerians living abroad are now required to pay $50 (about N80,000) to register for the bank verification number (BVN), according to TheCable.

On May 13, the CBN, in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), launched the non-resident bank verification number (NRBVN) platform to ease access to financial services for Nigerians in the diaspora.

The NRBVN platform allows Nigerians abroad to obtain their BVN remotely, eliminating the long-standing requirement of physical presence in Nigeria.

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, said the NRBVN is aimed at increasing financial inclusion, particularly for Nigerians living outside the country.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NRBVN

Applicants can access the new platform and register with a recognised email by visiting the link https://nibss-plc.com.ng/nrbvn/.

After registration, a link is sent to the email address provided to activate the applicant’s account. The link also redirects the applicant to another page for password creation.

The next process requires them to scan a QRcode using any two-factor authentication (2FA) app like Google Authenticator.

When this is successfully achieved, applicants are taken to a page with options to “Onboard, Open Bank Account, or Remit Money.” From here, applicants select their appropriate user type status from three options: ‘Nigerian, no BVN’, ‘Nigerian, BVN’, and ‘Nigerian by descent’.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR NRBVN ISSUANCE 

To use any of the services on the platform, a valid passport is the primary requirement, according to the portal.  However, where this is not available, other documents that can be used are the Nigerian passport (valid or expired), proof of foreign residency (valid foreign passport, residence permit, green card etc.), utility bill, work permit and/or proof of employment, proof of tax payment in the country of residence, and foreign bank account statements.

N80,000 REGISTRATION FEE

On the new portal, applicants are notified of a mandatory $50 non-refundable fee to process their registration using either a Visa card or a Mastercard. This contrasts with the free BVN registration for Nigerians living in the country.

After confirming the information, users are redirected to a secure Tazapay checkout page to complete the transaction using their debit or credit cards.

The payment portal, powered by international gateway provider Tazapay, was launched to process applications from diaspora residents who are unable to travel to Nigeria for biometric enrollment.

Once all the required information and documents are provided and payments made, the NRBVN system will validate and screen the information. Once approved, an NRBVN will be provided within 72 hours.

As of May 2025, with the naira trading at around N1,600 to the dollar, the BVN registration fee represents a cost of approximately N80,000 per applicant.

The initiative is expected to enhance know-your-customer (KYC) compliance and reduce identity fraud across Nigeria’s banking system, particularly in the face of tightening regulatory oversight over fintech operations, foreign exchange (FX) inflows, and diaspora remittances.

A federal judge in the United States has blocked the department of homeland security order barring Harvard University from enrolling international students.

Jeffrey White, the US district judge, halted the decision as Kristi Noem, secretary of the department of homeland security, made the order public on Thursday.

White also barred the US government from arresting, incarcerating or transferring foreign students elsewhere, pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the termination of the legal status of several such students.

Between March and April, over 4,700 international students had their permission to study in the US cancelled abruptly.

Some two dozen students filed a court case to challenge the decision.

The move to bar foreign students came days after US Vice-President JD Vance said immigrants on student visas would be deported if the US determined that their stay was not in the best interest of the country.

Vance blamed foreign students for taking up spots in high-ranking universities at the expense of native Americans, a development he vowed that the Donald Trump-led administration would rectify.

The US government’s clash with Harvard University is part of broader discontent over rising immigration levels.