A senior economist at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Wilson Erumebor has given his verdict on President Bola Tinubu's administration.

On Nigeria’s economy, he said it is worse under President Bola Tinubu’s administration than under his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

He disclosed this in a recent X space organised by financial analyst Kalu Aja.

According to him, Nigeria’s economy, gross domestic product, slumped to below $200 billion from $450 billion in 2023.

“It is economy; you can only have mixed pictures. There are areas with improvement and stagnation.

“For instance, as an example, If you go to the Ministry of Finance website, there is a document there. In 2030, Nigeria’s economy will be above $8 trillion in terms of size. At that time in 2023, the GDP was estimated at around $450 to $410 billion. So today that same GDP is under $200 billion. You can certainly say that this is not progress based on the goal and target they have set. It is worse off than when the government came in. If you look at the growth rate, it was 7 percent per annum. Recently we are doing 3.4 percent. The IMF outlook projects 3 percent growth.

“In thatt, they said they plan to lift 100 million out of poverty. In fact, from the reforms and what we have, more Nigerians have been thrown into poverty. 50 million jobs—I am sure we can see the jobs.

“N550-600 per dollar but now around N1,500 per dollar,” he stated.

He, however, noted that there was improvement in Nigeria’s external reserves, foreign exchange stability, balance of trade, and others in the last couple of months.

“But if you compare it with the last couple of months,. There are areas that have improved gradually. Looking at external reserves, we were doing $30 billion then, now around $38 billion. There is some stability in the exchange rate, the same with the balance of trade."

Recall that Tinubu was inaugurated as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023.

Recall that Tinubu’s presidency attacked the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Femi Adesina, over his comment that Nigeria’s per capita GDP will be worse in 2025 than in 1960.

Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has built a new Islamic learning centre in Kaduna State.

It named it, the Tinubu Centre for Islamic Studies.

The facility, which aims to promote education, religious harmony, and community development, was officially commissioned by the Sultan of Sokoto.

The Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, said the project is part of the agency’s broader strategy to counter terrorism and subversion through community engagement and social development. Represented by retired DSS Director Ahmed Zalmar at the commissioning, Ajayi explained that the agency is focusing on building schools, places of worship, and sporting facilities to reach vulnerable and underprivileged communities across Nigeria.

He stated that the newly commissioned, fully furnished Islamic school was made possible through the support of friends and associates, reflecting what he described as the core mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to Ajayi, the initiative is designed to build trust between the government and the public, and to reinforce internal security by fostering constructive citizen engagement.

“It is also part of my policies to improve the nation’s internal security architecture through conventional and non-conventional engagements,” he said.

Ajayi further added that he has consistently directed elements of corporate social responsibility and financial contributions from stakeholders toward such development efforts, as part of the DSS’s ongoing commitment to national stability and peacebuilding.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced it has recovered some funds and made arrests linked in the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) platform fraud.

The fraud tatalled a massive N1.3 trillion.

The revelation was made by the agency’s chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

In a recent interview with TVC, Olukoyede said the EFCC has made significant progress investigating the CBEX scam, which defrauded many Nigerians through its digital investment scheme.

“We have gone far with CBEX. We have been able to recover a reasonable amount of money,” Olukoyede stated.

Although the stolen funds were in cryptocurrency, the EFCC has traced and recovered part of the money.

However, he noted that converting crypto back to cash is complex due to the nature of digital currency.

“Even though it’s in the crypto wallet, the same way the money was taken from them, there is no way you will get it in dollars. There is no way you get the dollars in cash without necessarily going through the same process,” he explained.

The EFCC boss also confirmed that some suspects have been arrested, while others remain at large.

“We have made reasonable arrests. We are not going to give out much because we don’t want the process to be disrupted. We are still after quite a number of people we have declared wanted,” he added.

One major challenge in the investigation, Olukoyede explained, is that the fraudsters used “non-custodial wallets,” which do not require identity verification (KYC), making it difficult to trace the criminals.

“We are still investigating many wallets, and the wallets they created are called noncustodial wallets; in other words, no KYC. So, you can’t trace them to anybody.

“So, from the noncustodial wallets, they moved the money to wallets in Europe, Eastern Europe, particularly Cambodia, and from there, they dispersed the funds. We have been able to block some of these wallets where money has not been dispersed.

“That is as far as we have gone. I even learnt that there are still some of these perpetrators and Nigerians are still falling victim. I believe people should learn from this,” he said.

CBEX collapsed in April after users experienced repeated withdrawal problems, eventually losing access to their accounts and millions in funds.

The platform’s collapse led to losses estimated at over N1.3 trillion and sparked outrage among investors and social media users

Tension engulfed Rano Local Government Area of Kano State on Monday after a violent protest led to the death of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and one other individual, following the controversial death of a suspect in police custody.

According to a statement from the Kano State Police Command, the unrest began on Sunday evening when Abdullahi Musa, a motorcycle mechanic, was arrested for allegedly riding dangerously under the influence of intoxicants.

While in custody, Musa reportedly developed health complications and was taken to Rano General Hospital, where he died early Monday morning.

News of his death triggered outrage among local youths, who stormed the Rano Divisional Police Headquarters, setting parts of the facility ablaze and destroying multiple vehicles.

“The attackers looted and torched sections of the station, burned two vehicles, destroyed ten others, and seriously injured the DPO,” said SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Police Public Relations Officer for the Kano Command.

The DPO, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries.

In response, the police launched a crackdown and arrested 27 suspects linked to the violent attack. Authorities have since restored calm to the area.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, described the situation as tragic and assured the public of a transparent investigation.

He also visited the Emir of Rano, His Highness Mohammed Isah Umar, to express condolences and reaffirm law enforcement’s commitment to justice.

He said: “We are committed to uncovering both the remote and immediate causes of this tragic sequence of events.

“Those responsible—whether through direct action or incitement—will face justice.”

The police urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals, emphasizing that due process must take its course

Members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the United Kingdom have thrown their support behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 Presidential election.

The UK chapter of the APC said the second-term ambition of President Bola Tinubu is already sealed.

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The party members also said they are in full support of every career aspiration of the national secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru.

According to the APC, Basiru is qualified to vie for the position of governor of Osun State in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Momoh Obato, the secretary of the APC UK while speaking at a dinner on Sunday urged the president to contest for a second tenure.

In different letters addressed to the President and the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, the UK chapter of the APC said Nigeria is already on the path of progress with Tinubu in power.

Also passing a vote of confidence on Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee, the chapter’s leadership said it believes in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president.

“We commend the president for his ongoing efforts in national development and governance.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is working, we believe in it, and we are very positive that Nigeria is already on a path of progress and national recovery,” Obato said.

The Labour Party has distanced itself from its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent involvement in coalition talks and has reiterated its position on the process for selecting its 2027 presidential flagbearer.

In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party criticized reports suggesting that it was celebrating Obi’s alleged declaration to contest the 2027 presidential election under the Labour Party platform.

“The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to the news trending in the media that the party is ‘celebrating’ that its candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi has declared his intention to run on the platform of the party in 2027,” the statement read. “I want to state emphatically that I was quoted out of context and therefore, the impression conveyed by the news was erroneous, inaccurate and does not in any way reflect the position and mood in the party.”

The party emphasized that while it is not opposed to Obi or any other individual contesting under its platform, there would be no automatic ticket for any aspirant.

“First, while we are not opposed to anybody running under the platform of the Labour Party in the 2027 general election, we need to make it categorically clear that the party has a long standing rule on how its candidates shall emerge and automatic ticket is not one of the routes,” Ifoh stated.

The party recalled the 2024 National Convention, during which automatic tickets were erroneously granted to its former presidential candidate and the party’s only serving governor (Abia State governor Alex Otti). That decision, the statement confirmed, “has since been rescinded and reversed after consulting the statute books.”

The party also took issue with Obi’s appearance at a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja on Sunday, noting that it occurred “without the permission and consent of the Labour Party leadership.”

“This to us is really confusing and we think that Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” the party remarked.

The opposition party reiterated that it will not engage in any coalition or merger ahead of the next general election.

“We have consistently said that Labour Party will not go into any coalition or merger of any sort ahead of 2027 general election, therefore Obi’s continued association with the coalition is not only distasteful but unacceptable to the party.

“It is also an affront to the party leadership and we view his position as a total disregard to the party’s right to make decision bidding its affairs.”

“We are therefore by this statement letting Nigerians know that the presidency for 2027 is open to anyone who wants to run under the platform of the party,” the statement added.

The National Caucus meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday concluded without a resolution with the Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees leadership, and the peace committee headed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki set to meet on Tuesday (today) to decide the way forward for the stalled National Executive Committee meeting.

PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, told journalists after nearly three hours of the caucus meeting in Abuja on Monday that the discussions would resume today by 10am.

Meanwhile, several prominent members of the PDP National Caucus, including former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, as well as former Senate President David Mark and former Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal were absent from the meeting, which was intended to lay the groundwork for the 99th National Executive Committee meeting originally scheduled for May 27.

The PDP has been grappling with internal political unrest both before and after the 2023 elections.

Challenges such as the crisis in Rivers State, disputes over the South South Zonal Congress, the controversy surrounding the position of the party’s National Secretary, and most recently, the North Central Zonal Congress, have further destabilised the party.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Taraba), and others, are angered by decisions made by the National Working Committee and the PDP Governors’ Forum.

These decisions, largely shaped by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, were seen as undermining the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Despite efforts by major party bodies like the NWC, Board of Trustees, NEC, and Governors’ Forum to mediate, the internal conflicts have only deepened, spreading across states and geopolitical zones.

This unresolved tension has stalled the NEC meeting and obstructed vital decisions regarding the party’s future.

The 98th NEC meeting, held on April 18, 2024, failed to resolve key disputes, escalating the division within the party. Although the 99th NEC meeting was originally planned for August 15, it was repeatedly postponed—to October 24, then November 28—before being indefinitely suspended.

Facing mounting pressure, the PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor instructed the NWC in December 2024 to hold the NEC meeting by February 2025. This directive was reinforced during a January 31 meeting in Asaba, where March 13 was proposed. However, the date was again pushed to May 15 after further consultations.

Finally, during a meeting in Ibadan on April 11, a new date of May 27 was agreed upon. To ensure the meeting holds as scheduled, a seven-member committee composed of serving and former governors, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, was established to address outstanding issues.

In reaction to their refusal to recognise his allies, including Anyanwu as secretary, and to meet his demands, Wike on Sunday formally pulled out of all previous agreements intended to resolve the PDP’s internal crisis and pledged to continue the fight.

On Monday afternoon, around 2:06pm, the Federal Capital Territory Authority taskforce sealed several properties, including the PDP National Secretariat in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, over unpaid ground rent.

As a result, the BoT meeting, originally set to take place at Wadata Plaza by 3pm, was relocated to the party’s Legacy House office in Maitama for 4:30 p.m.

The meeting did not take place, and no additional explanation was given.

Additionally, after hours of discussion, the Governors, BoT leaders, and Saraki panel were unable to resolve the issues and postponed the meeting to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media, Damagum, accompanied by the PDP governors, stated that the results of today’s meeting would decide if the NEC meeting will take place.

He stated, “As you can see, we just adjourned our meeting for today (Monday) till tomorrow (today) 10am. This meeting is going to continue. We just set up a small committee that would give us a report and tomorrow (today) morning, we’ll continue.”

When asked whether NEC meeting would hold as scheduled, Damagum said, “When you come tomorrow (today), we will answer this question after our meeting.”

Reliable sources, who attended the National Caucus meeting, told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the issue, that the meeting was adjourned to allow Saraki’s panel meet with some party leaders Monday night.

He stated, “The meeting has been adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday. Tonight, some of the party leaders will meet. Saraki’s panel will also meet and present solution reports tomorrow.

“These solution-based reports will set the pace to reopen peace discussions and determine if the NEC meeting can hold as scheduled. If not, a new date for the NEC meeting will be announced.”

The PDP is facing one of its most difficult times since its formation in 1998. Having lost several members in the federal parliament, the latest being Oluwole Oke, a five-time member of the House of Representatives from Osun State, more defections, as being touted, would place the party at a competitive disadvantage with the ruling APC, with less than two years to the 2027 general election.

There’s also the dramatic defection of the PDP’s former vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa; the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire PDP party structure in Delta, one of the former ruling party’s strongholds, to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Delta Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, state commissioners, local government chairmen, and the state’s grassroots machinery all bowed to ‘Hurricane Tinubu’, which had swept the PDP apart, with the opposition claiming the country was drifting towards a one-party state.

Umar Damagum has faced intense criticisms since taking over from Iyorchia Ayu.

The crisis has disrupted operations at all levels, with most state chapters in disarray and zonal structures — particularly in the South-South — severely weakened.

Conflicts over the position of National Secretary have further split the National Working Committee, leaving it largely ineffective.

Additionally, the terms of many Board of Trustees members have lapsed without replacements, and the few remaining are split into opposing camps

Cristiano Ronaldo has ignited widespread speculation about his future at Saudi club Al Nassr with a cryptic message posted on X.

“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,” he posted late Monday night.

This statement comes as Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr approaches its end this summer.

The timing of his message has fueled rumors about a potential departure from the club.

So This Happened (EP 304) Reviews Man Arrest After Dumping Household Trash On Lagos Roadside| Punch0:00 / 0:00

So This Happened (EP 304) Reviews Man Arrest After Dumping Household Trash On Lagos Roadside| Punch0:00 / 0:00

PUNCH Online reports that this might be connected to a pivotal Saudi Pro League clash on Monday, May 26, 2025, where Al Nassr’s aspirations for AFC Champions League qualification were dashed following a 3-2 defeat to Al Fateh.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 25th goal of the season, bringing his tally to 99 goals for Al Nassr, but his efforts were insufficient to secure victory.

Despite leading at one point, Al Nassr’s defense faltered, allowing Al Fateh to capitalize and clinch the win.

This loss, coupled with Al Hilal’s triumph over Al Qadsiah, eliminated Al Nassr from Champions League contention. 

Their remaining hope for continental competition hinges on Al Ittihad winning the King Cup, which would grant Al Nassr a spot in the secondary AFC tournament.

The defeat marks a significant setback for Ronaldo and his team, who now face an uncertain path forward

Ronaldo’s illustrious career includes stints at Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, as well as a record-breaking international tenure with Portugal.

His recent achievements, such as reaching 900 career goals and playing his 1,200th professional match, underscore his enduring impact on the sport.

While Ronaldo has previously used similar language to signal transitions in his career, the current message leaves fans and analysts eager to see where his journey will lead next.

Whether it’s a return to European football, participation in the upcoming Club World Cup, or another venture, the football world awaits his next move with anticipation.

As Ronaldo himself puts it, “The story? Still being written.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo and Al Nassr have yet to release an official communication of the duo’s relationship and future

The Saudi Arabian government is set to provide the necessary funds for Al-Hilal to complete the signing of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in a deal worth up to €50m, with the player in advanced talks over a permanent move from Napoli.

Sky Sports Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri reports that Osimhen is in direct negotiations with Al-Hilal president Fahad bin Nafel, with personal terms close to being agreed on a contract that would see the 26-year-old earn an annual salary of up to €17.5m, including bonuses.

However, the completion of the transfer hinges on approval from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports, with the so-called ‘financial viability’ committee yet to give the green light to release the necessary government funds required to finalise the transaction.

“While personal terms are close to being reached between Osimhen and Fahad bin Nafel, Al Hilal cannot yet validate this transfer. Indeed, the Saudi club is waiting to receive the total amount expected from the Saudi government in order to finalise the transaction, and thus contact Napoli to conclude the agreement between the clubs,” Tavolieri reports.

“The so-called ‘financial viability’ committee within the Ministry of Sports has not yet given the green light to release the necessary funds. Without this, it will be impossible to finalise the transfer. 

Despite the bureaucratic hurdle, all parties involved remain confident that the move will be completed, with Osimhen having personally expressed his desire to join the Saudi Pro League champions to bin Nafel.

Should the transfer materialise, the Nigerian striker is expected to sign a three-season contract.

The development represents a dramatic shift in Osimhen’s summer transfer saga, with the former Lille striker having been linked with a string of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as Juventus before his wage demands proved prohibitive for European suitors.

Osimhen’s move towards Saudi Arabia comes after growing frustration with Manchester United’s lack of concrete interest in securing his services. According to Foot Mercato, the Nigerian forward opened discussions with Al-Hilal following what sources describe as an underwhelming pursuit from the Premier League side.

Osimhen remains under contract with Napoli until 2026, with the Italian club holding an option to extend until 2027 if no suitable offer materialises this summer. However, with the striker’s determination to secure a permanent move and Al-Hilal’s financial muscle, supported by government backing, a resolution appears increasingly likely.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the Federal Government following the sudden sealing of its national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The party described the move as a “brazen abuse of power” and “a reckless attempt to undermine democracy,” citing it as part of a broader political clampdown.

The FCTA reportedly shut down the building over unpaid ground rent accumulating for 28 years.

However, PDP leaders dismissed the action as politically motivated, especially given the sensitive timing amid deepening internal divisions and high-stakes strategic meetings within the opposition party.

Following the development, the party convened an emergency caucus meeting Monday evening at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja, where it temporarily relocated operations.

Speaking after the meeting, Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, decried the government’s actions.

“This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy, and we will hold them accountable. They could come and arrest all of us—we are prepared,” Damagum declared.

“If they are encouraging such actions, we do not take it lightly. This is a clear example of the irresponsibility exhibited by this government. We condemn this act in the strongest terms. It is a reckless display of irresponsibility, and we will not tolerate it.”

Damagum also stated that the party would ensure Nigerians fully understand the implications of what he described as executive overreach and political intimidation.

“We are putting Nigerians on notice. This is not about ground rent; this is about silencing opposition voices and crippling democratic institutions,” he added.

The emergency meeting, which started at 5:30 PM, was convened not only in response to the sealing of the party headquarters but also to address escalating internal crises. Key among these is the ongoing feud between the party leadership and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a former PDP stalwart.

Wike recently pulled out of reconciliation efforts and accused prominent party leaders—including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde—of dishonesty in negotiations. A party insider told Vanguard under anonymity:

“The BoT is trying to sort out the issues with Wike. He pulled out of the peace talks and accused leaders like Seyi Makinde of not being truthful.”

The worsening internal crisis has prompted fears over the PDP’s stability and electoral viability as Nigeria inches closer to crucial off-cycle elections and prepares for national political realignments.

Present at the emergency meeting were several PDP governors and influential party figures including:

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State (Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum),

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State,

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu,

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa,

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa,

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara,

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.

Also in attendance were former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, PDP BoT member Ben Obi, retired Navy Commodore Bode George, and other key stakeholders.

As the party grapples with both internal and external pressures, the PDP leadership has adjourned its caucus meeting until Tuesday morning. Damagum confirmed that a small committee has been constituted to present findings and recommendations for a way forward.

“We have just adjourned today’s meeting until tomorrow at 10 o’clock. A small committee has been established to present a report tomorrow morning, and we will resume discussions from there,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) is reportedly considering postponing the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday to allow more time for internal mediation and coordination.

The sealing of Wadata Plaza, a longstanding symbol of the PDP’s dominance in Nigeria’s political history, has drawn public scrutiny not only over its political implications but also regarding the party’s financial management and operational integrity.