Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the presidency will return to the northern region after President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Ganduje spoke on Tuesday when he received a delegation from a support group named Tinubu Northern Youth Forum (TNYF) at the APC secretariat in Abuja.

The APC chairman’s comments came in the wake of reports that some politicians are scheming to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections to wrest power from the ruling party.

Ganduje dismissed notions of a northern presidency in 2027, describing such aspirations as “dead on arrival”.

“When a leader from the northern part of this country was in office for eight years, we advocated that the next president in our party should come from the south. And luckily enough, we worked very hard with the cooperation of Nigerians,” Ganduje said.

“Our president has come from the south and is going, Insha Allah, for a second term, 2027. And then after that, it will be the turn of the northern part of this country.”

He described Tinubu as a “reformer, visionary leader” who is focused on repositioning the country for sustainable growth and development.

The former governor of Kano added that the president deserves appreciation for his precise approach to addressing the challenges he inherited upon assuming office.

“We are happy with his reforms because his reforms are absolutely necessary for the social and economic development of this country,” Ganduje said.

“There is no doubt so many things went wrong over a long period of time, and there is no doubt it requires surgery before we can get it right.

“But we are happy that we have started seeing the outcome of the reforms, especially on the economic side, and we believe this will continue to yield positive results so that the legacy and the renewed hope agenda will be achieved.

“There is no doubt that many things went wrong over a long period, and it requires precision surgery to set things right. But we are happy that we have started seeing the results of these reforms, especially in the economic sector.”

Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says the amendment to the Police Act 2020 validates Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay in office as the inspector-general of police (IGP).

In a legal opinion, Ozekhome said the Police Act 2020 is the only extant law governing Egbetokun’s appointment and tenure of office.

Egbetokun’s tenure as the IGP has recently sparked controversy on whether the police chief should have retired after clocking 60 years old in September 2024.

However, Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, had said the continuous stay of Egbetokun in office is lawful.

Fagbemi added that the IGP’s appointment, which took effect on October 31, 2023, remains valid for four years.

The AGF had said since the amendment of the Police Act by the national assembly in 2024, the IGP would stay in office for four years “notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years”.

The civil service rules stipulate that civil servants should retire at the age of 60 years or after attaining 35 years of service.

Reacting to the controversy, Ozekhome said the legality of Egbetokun’s tenure is now governed by the amended Police Act.

The senior advocate said until a judicial pronouncement is made on the legality of the amended act, the continuous stay of Egbetokun remains legal.

He added that since the 1999 Constitution (as amended) did not stipulate the duration of the tenure of an IGP, the Police Act prevails.

“For the avoidance of doubt, IGP Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is legal and is in line with the provisions of the constitution and the Police Act as amended in 2024, which allows the occupant of the office (Egbetokun) to enjoy a term of four years certain effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, the 31st day of October, 2023,” Ozekhome said.

“This advisory is necessary for the kind guidance of the general public and stakeholders.

“Meanwhile, I believe it would have been much better and contextual if the AGF had put forward this sole ground of the amendment to the Police Act as being enough justification for an extension to the tenure of Kayode Egbetokun as IGP, without more.

“My take on this debate, therefore, is that the Police Act, 2020 (as amended in 2024) is the only extant law governing Egbetokun’s appointment and tenure of office.

“It remains so until it is successfully challenged and a judicial interpretation upturns it.

“The entire Act or its provisions, including amendments as enacted by the NASS, remain constitutional, legal, and valid for all time until pronounced otherwise by the courts.

“I have read with calmness and deep research the argument that an extension of IGP’s tenure can only be done through the Constitution.

“No. Rather, any fault inherent in the Police Act (as amended), if there be any, can only be set aside by a competent court of law.

“It is therefore not correct to argue that any alteration to the IGP’s tenure can only be made through an amendment of the 1999 Constitution.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended the implementation of a 4 percent charge on the free-on-board (FOB) value of imports.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abdullahi Maiwasa, assistant comptroller of NCS, said the suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the implementation framework.

Maiwasa said the decision aligns with Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, which outlines the charge’s legal framework.

He added that the move follows ongoing consultations with Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy.

“The timing of this suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the Service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS),” Maisawa said.

“This presents an opportunity to review our revenue framework holistically.

“Under the previous funding arrangement repealed by the NCSA 2023, separating the 1% CISS and 7% cost of collection created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in customs modernisation efforts.

“The new Act addresses these challenges by consolidating “not less than 4% of the Free-on-Board value of imports,” designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernisation initiatives.

“This transition period will allow the Service to optimise the management of these frameworks to serve our stakeholders and the nation’s interests better.”

Maiwasa also said the Act further empowers customs to modernise its operations through various technological innovations.

“Specifically, Section 28 of the NCSA 2023 authorises developing and maintaining electronic systems for information exchange between the Service, Other Government Agencies, and traders,” he said.

“The Service is already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed B’Odogwu clearance system, which stakeholders are benefiting from through faster clearance times and improved transparency.

“Other innovative solutions authorised by the Act include; Single Window implementation (Section 33), Risk management systems (Section 32), Non-intrusive inspection equipment (Section 59) and Electronic data exchange facilities (Section 33(3)).”

On February 5, the NCS announced it will implement a 4 percent charge on the FOB value of imports

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another reduction in the prices of diesel from N1,075 to N1,020.80 per litre.

The development comes weeks after the refinery reduced its ex-depot price for petrol to N890 per litre.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company said the move is in an effort to better serve its customers and Nigerians in general.

“Since it began diesel production in January 2024, the refinery has reduced the price of diesel more than three times, from an initial N1,700 per litre to the current rate, thus providing much-needed relief to manufacturers and consumers alike,” the statement reads.

‘DANGOTE SACRIFICED N10BN TO ENSURE AVAILABILITY’

Speaking on the development on Arise TV, Ken Ife, a development economist and public policy analyst, said the refinery sacrificed over N10 billion to ensure the availability of petrol at a uniform price across the country during the yuletide period. 

Ife also praised the refinery for setting a new benchmark in Nigeria’s energy sector by unlocking vast opportunities for export revenue. 

He said that for years, the equalisation fund had been responsible for managing the price differentials and transportation costs involved in distributing petrol across the country.

“What has actually happened is that the president has shifted the subsidy burden away from the public purse and onto the private sector,” Ife said.

“The equalisation fund, which was meant to cover the price differential and transportation costs, plays a crucial role. 

“If petroleum is to be sold across the country at a set price, then transportation costs must be accounted for to ensure this is possible. 

“That’s the purpose of equalisation. However, the equalisation fund is reported to owe around N80 billion to the marketers, and this issue is still under discussion.

“During the Christmas season, which is traditionally the most challenging period, we often face shortages of petroleum, petrol hoarding, and arbitrary price hikes, all of which impact the cost of food. 

“In response, during this last yuletide, the Dangote Group made the decision to absorb the costs. 

“They equalised the price themselves, at a cost of over N10 billion. In doing so, they effectively absorbed the subsidy.”

Ife added that with major international players such as BP and Saudi Aramco purchasing refined products from Nigeria, the country is swiftly becoming a key player in the global petroleum market.

The analyst expressed confidence that Nigeria is on the path to self-sufficiency in petroleum products, while simultaneously positioning itself as an energy export powerhouse

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Directorate on Wednesday arraigned one Precious Uzondu, on a two-count charge bordering on his alleged refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.

This was made known in a statement shared on the commissions X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday.

According to the charge, Uzondu, refused to accept Naira, Nigeria’s official currency, as a means of payment. Instead, he allegedly accepted the sum of $5,700 (Five Thousand Seven Hundred U.S. Dollars) as payment for the purchase of a Carter diamond bracelet with serial number 12345678. His actions were said to be in violation of Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

The staement said, “The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, arraigned one Precious Chimaobi Uzondu on a two-count charge bordering on alleged refusal to accept Naira as a legal tender before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi , Lagos.

“One of the count reads: “That you, Precious Chimaobi Uzondu, on the 10th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5700 (Five Thousand Seven Hundred USD) as a means of payment for a purchase of a Carter diamond bracelet with serial number (12345678) and you thereby lcommitted an offence contrary to Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

“The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

“In view of his pleas, prosecution counsel, Hannatu U. Kofar Naisa, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a Correctional Centre.

“Counsel to the defendant, Jennifer Achinuagole, informed the court of a pending bail application and prayed the court to adopt the same as her oral application.

“Responding, Kofar Naisa informed the court about a counter-affidavit to the application and a written address. She prayed the court to accept the same and discountenance the application by the defendant.

“After listening to both parties, Justice Owoeye admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5m, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own landed properties in Lagos, which must be verified by the court, and also swear to an affidavit of means.

“The Judge also ordered the remand of the defendant in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned till April 8, 2025 for commencement of trial.”

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed concerns over a potential alliance between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, stating that it poses no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Naija News reports that the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, made this statement in an interview with The PUNCH while reacting to a meeting between Obasanjo and Atiku, which took place on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Atiku, accompanied by a high-profile delegation including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke, and other political figures, arrived at Obasanjo’s residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library at 12:37 p.m., where they were received by elder statesman Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.

While details of the meeting remain unclear, speculation suggests it may be linked to Atiku’s potential 2027 presidential ambition. However, Atiku downplayed the rumors, stating, “I am here on a courtesy call. I am not here to talk politics.”

Despite this, sources privy to the discussions confirmed that the meeting was part of a broader plan to build a coalition for the 2027 elections. One source stated, “Yes, we are trying to see how we can collectively work together to salvage this country ahead of 2027.”

Responding to the development, Basiru dismissed the meeting as insignificant, calling it a gathering of “indolent and lazy” politicians.

He emphasized that the APC was more focused on governance and strategizing for the upcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

“We don’t react to other people’s acts as a political party. We only do our own things. Presently, our plate is full. We are focusing on winning and bringing Anambra on board for the APC. So, we don’t have time for talks on any political meetings. We also have a responsibility to run the government,” he stated.

He added, “They (Atiku and Obasanjo) are indolent; they don’t have anything to do. So, they can meet any day, any time. Our government is concentrating on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We don’t have an issue with some indolent people meeting anybody they want to meet.”

“How can people who are in disarray be a threat to a solid political party like the APC? We are talking about a party that is not embedded in any crisis and has high-caliber people who can win elections. So, we are not worried. We are concentrating on winning the Anambra governorship election on November 8. That’s where our concentration lies for now,” he added.

Atiku has previously sought to build opposition alliances, including a similar appeal in November 2024, where he warned against allowing the APC to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape as a one-party state.

Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, recently stated that he was open to the idea of a political coalition but insisted that it must be driven by national interest rather than mere power acquisition. Obi made this stance clear during a two-day national conference on democracy in Nigeria.

His media aide, Ibrahim Umar, reiterated that any coalition must align with Obi’s principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

“While we appreciate the efforts of various stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo in promoting national unity and progress, our participation in any coalition would depend on its alignment with our values and vision for a better Nigeria,” Umar stated.

However, the Labour Party itself distanced itself from discussions on coalition talks.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, stated that no official discussions had taken place regarding such an alliance.

“Labour Party has no agenda for a coalition. Even if we are going to do it, it is not going to be a unilateral decision. All the stakeholders in the party will have to agree through NEC. Our party is a very big one. That discussion is not on our table for now,” he said.

Conversely, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) expressed openness to the idea of a coalition led by a credible leader like Obasanjo.

The party’s spokesman, Ladipo Johnson, stated that a meaningful coalition could offer renewed hope to Nigerians.

“We are open to any meaningful coalition that would bring hope to Nigerians. By God’s Grace, we will have like-minded people in the same team. That is what building a coalition is about, and Obasanjo is a patriot and revered elder statesman,” he said.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has denied allegations suggesting he is responsible for the pregnancy of former Big Brother Naija housemate, Nengi Rebecca Hampson.

Naija News reports that Diri attributed the viral claims to political opponents attempting to tarnish his reputation.

The rumor gained traction after a popular blogging platform alleged that Governor Diri was involved in the ex-BBN star’s pregnancy. However, Nengi has publicly debunked the speculation on her social media accounts.

Reacting to the reports, Governor Diri expressed shock and disappointment, questioning why such falsehoods were being spread, particularly on the day his administration marked its 5th anniversary.

His Director of New Media, Dr. Kola Oredipe, addressed the claims in a post on social media, dismissing them as baseless fabrications.

Oredipe said: “Nengi Rebecca Hampson has no personal relationship with Governor Diri. It is regrettable that purveyors of fake news are not happy with the towering political profile of the governor.”

Oredipe further criticized the spread of misinformation on social media, calling it an attempt to distract from the administration’s achievements.

“This is a distraction, and some of us are very justified in the many reasons offered to regulate the use of various social media platforms,” the Governor’s aide added.

“Sadly, while we were inaugurating a brand new road in Yenagoa, social media e-rats were spreading falsehoods about the governor.”

Describing Governor Diri as a man of honor and dignity, Oredipe reaffirmed that the allegations were politically motivated and had no factual basis.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, to prove his innocence in court rather than through public statements.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, made this statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. 

Oyekanmi stated that now that Yunusa-Ari has returned to the country, he should take the opportunity to defend himself legally regarding his alleged role in electoral irregularities during the 2023 Adamawa governorship election.

Yunusa-Ari faces a six-count charge related to unlawful actions in the March 18, 2023, election. He was suspended in April 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari after he prematurely declared Aisha Dahiru (Binani) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner while collation was still ongoing.

INEC immediately nullified the declaration, summoned Yunusa-Ari to its headquarters in Abuja, and subsequently suspended him.

At a news conference in Bauchi State on Saturday, Yunusa-Ari criticized his suspension, claiming he was not given a fair hearing and insisting that Binani won the election.

Reacting to Yunusa-Ari’s claims, Oyekanmi dismissed them as nothing new, urging him to present his defense in court instead of through media engagements.

“The substantive matter of the 2023 Adamawa governorship election has already been determined through the judicial process, from the trial tribunal to the appeal tribunal, and finally settled by the Supreme Court,” he said.

“Now that he is back in the country, the right place to prove his innocence and justify his actions is through the due process of law, not a press conference.”

Yunusa-Ari previously filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja in February 2024, seeking protection from arrest, detention, or prosecution. However, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case, ruling that there were no legal grounds to grant him immunity from prosecution.

Additionally, in January 2025, Yunusa-Ari pleaded with the Adamawa High Court to adjourn the case against him indefinitely (sine die).

Recently, the Senate approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to dismiss Yunusa-Ari, alongside the RECs of Abia and Sokoto States, over allegations of misconduct.

At his Bauchi news conference, Yunusa-Ari stated that he had made several attempts to explain his actions to INEC through letters, but he claimed that pressure was mounted on officials to declare Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has established a 97-member local organizing coronation committee to oversee preparations for the ceremony scheduled for April 5, 2025.

In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Rotimi Osuntola, in Ibadan, the state capital, the monarch announced former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Kunle Ogunmola, as the committee chairman, with Adediwura Owoade serving as vice chairman. 

Naija News reports that other notable members include the State Chief of Protocol to President Bola Tinubu, Victor Adeleke; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; two Oyomesi members, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin) and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale (Saamu); former Oyo Central Senatorial District lawmaker, Monsurat Sunmonu; current Oyo Central Senatorial District lawmaker, Dr. Yunus Akintunde; and House of Representatives member, Akeem Adeyemi.

The committee also comprises traditional rulers such as High Chief Samuel Olu Odurinde (Alajagba), High Chief Mukaila Afonja (Baba Iyaji), High Chief Isiaka Tella (Ona ‘Sokun), High Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye (Oloja of Ago Oja), High Chief Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo), and High Chief Taiwo Olabanji (Baale Onigbanla of Gbanla). Additionally, Barejiroro Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gbenga Eko, will represent Aare Ona Kakanfo, Iba Gani Adams.

Additional members include Olayide Owoade, Ayoade Owoade, Tolani Owoade, Taiwo Owoade, Azeez Fatimo (née Owoade), Rotimi Osuntola, as well as Oyo State House of Assembly members Gbenga Oyekola, Olorunpoto Rahaman, and Oladeji Oparinde. Others are Segun Taiwo, Akeem Owoade, Oke Adejare Adisa, Oyedemi Olutunde Ojolowo (Mogba Koso), Yakubu Mustafa (Otun Efa), Oladele Kolade, Akintayo Suulola (Akure), Olaleye Ismail (Imam Agure), and Lati Eleyele (acting Imam of Oyo land).

The committee also includes local government and local council development area chairmen within Oyo, Iyaloja of Oyo Adijat Bakare, and representatives from various professional and security bodies, including doctors, nurses, Amotekun, the Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Divisional Police Officers from Atiba, Oyo-West, Oyo-East, and Afijio local government areas, as well as the Department of State Security (DSS) at Atiba.

The committee will work in conjunction with the 25-member committee previously inaugurated by the Oyo State government, led by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Ademola Ojo.

Recall that Oba Owoade had earlier distanced himself from an unauthorized committee claiming to organize the coronation, assuring the public that he would personally appoint an official body for the task.

The 97-member committee, officially approved by Oba Owoade on Monday, is set to be inaugurated on Wednesday, February 12, at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo.

Osuntola emphasized that the local committee will collaborate with Governor Seyi Makinde’s state-appointed committee to ensure seamless planning and execution of the historic event.

“This momentous occasion aims to unite Yoruba land, encouraging the active participation of stakeholders from within and beyond the region.

“The ultimate goal is to deliver an all-inclusive, epoch-making, grand, and hitch-free coronation that proudly showcases the rich Yoruba cultural heritage to the world,” the statement read.

President Bola Tinubu‘s government has raised the processing fees for setting up new private universities from ₦5 million to ₦25 million.

Additionally, the fee for application forms has increased from ₦1 million to ₦5 million.

Naija News reports that this information was outlined in a memo released on Monday, February 10, 2025, by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu.

The commission stated that this action is part of its strategy to enhance private universities in Nigeria, ensuring they better serve the needs of the populace and improve the coordination of the Private University Education sector within the Nigerian University System.

Furthermore, it noted that there is a necessity to reassess the guidelines for establishing private universities.

The memo reads: “This is to ensure that newly established private universities are positioned to meet the challenges of the 21 Century. Pursuant to the above and in line with the directive of the Honourable Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission hereby informs promoters of proposed private universities in particular and the general public as follows:

“The Commission hereby suspends further processing of all inactive applications including those of private open universities (i.e. those that have not made progress on their applications or made submissions to the Commission for upwards of two years), and applications at the stage of submission of Letters of Intent only.

“The fee for purchase of application forms for the establishment of a private university is hereby reviewed from ₦1,000,000.00 to ₦5,000,000.00. The processing fee for application for the establishment of a private university is hereby reviewed from ₦5,000,000.00 to ₦25,000,000.00.

“The NUC will convey the reviewed processing fee of ₦25,000,000.00 to applicants that have purchased Application Forms only. They are also expected to effect payments within a period of thirty (30) working days or risk forfeiture of their pending application.