Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo An aspirant for the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Mahmud Sadis-Buba, has withdrawn from the race following reconciliation efforts by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State. Buba said his decision followed consultations with political associates and party stakeholders in the interest of party unity and support for a consensus arrangement ahead of the elections. The former aspirant, popularly known as Abin Al-Ajabin Zazzau, had drawn widespread attention after successfully passing the APC screening process, with supporters describing his ambition as a symbol of political inclusion for persons living…

By Peter Omopo Mohammed Bello, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying his father access to medical care and family members while in detention. El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations of financial misconduct linked to his administration between 2015 and 2023. The former governor was previously granted temporary leave to attend his mother’s funeral following his detention. His legal troubles stemmed from a 2024 indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused him of allegedly diverting N423 billion…

By Peter Omopo The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election process experienced delays in parts of Bayelsa State on Saturday, as party members waited for officials to arrive at designated venues before the commencement of accreditation and voting. At Ward 5 in Opolo, Yenagoa Local Government Area, party faithful were seen gathering at the venue of the exercise, while officials expected to coordinate the process had yet to arrive as of the time this report was filed. Similar situations were reported in other monitored centres across the state, where party members waited in anticipation for the commencement of the primaries.…

By Peter Omopo The Federal High Court in Abuja has criticised the delay in the prosecution of a suit seeking to disqualify former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, imposing a N1 million fine on the plaintiff and his counsel. Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the matter on Friday, faulted the conduct of the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, and his lawyer, Ndubuisi Ukpai, describing their actions as lacking diligence in a politically sensitive case requiring accelerated hearing. The judge noted that despite the suit being filed since October 6, 2025, the plaintiff had failed to properly serve…

By Peter Omopo Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as an assault on the rule of law and democratic principles. In a statement issued on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku called on the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to release El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The former vice president described the development as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling,” warning against the use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents. Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic…

By Peter Omopo The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals visiting Nigeria. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the development in a statement issued on Friday, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. According to the statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the policy grants Rwandan citizens visa-free access into Nigeria for lawful activities such as tourism, business and official engagements for a period not exceeding 30 days. The immigration service explained that the move is in reciprocation of Rwanda’s…

By Peter Omopo The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into allegations that its operatives assaulted medical workers during a controversial operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sparked widespread condemnation from medical professionals, civil society groups and members of the public, with many accusing the anti-graft agency of excessive use of force and abuse of power. Four hospital staff members, including the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Effiong Ekpe, were reportedly arrested during the operation. Witnesses alleged that the EFCC…

By Peter Omopo Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday paid glowing tribute to his late mother, Mrs. Rose Diri, describing her as a virtuous woman whose legacy of love and kindness continues to inspire many. The governor spoke during the 13th memorial service held in honour of the late matriarch at Ayamasa in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said mothers occupy special places in the hearts of their children because of the care, warmth and sacrifices they make. He noted that his late…

By Peter Omopo The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has called on African countries to strengthen financing structures and improve payment systems to unlock the continent’s vast gas potential and drive sustainable energy growth. The appeal was made by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, during a strategic roundtable organised by the African Oil and Gas Coalition at the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. Speaking at the session themed “Gas without Cash: Breaking the African Monetisation Deadlock,” Ogunleye said Africa must move beyond identifying challenges and focus on developing practical…

By Peter Omopo The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Daniel, has challenged Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to a live television debate over issues surrounding the 2027 Ogun East Senate race. Daniel threw the challenge during an interview on TVC’s “Beyond The Headlines” on Thursday, stating that any refusal by the governor to honour the invitation would be seen as an admission of defeat. The former Ogun State governor urged the programme’s host to arrange a joint appearance involving both political figures without delay. According to him, the debate would provide an opportunity for both sides to openly…