₦airaland Forum

Global press freedom has dropped to its lowest level in 25 years, according to a new report released on Thursday by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The report raised new concerns over rising attacks on journalism and a shrinking civic space globally. Tracking media freedom across countries, it warned that more than half of the world now falls into “difficult” or “very serious” categories, signalling a historic decline in global press freedom.

“For the first time in the Index’s 25-year history, more than half the world’s countries now fall into the ‘difficult’ or ‘very serious’ categories for press freedom,” the organisation said in a statement.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/rsf-press-freedom-falls-to-lowest-level-in-25-years/

The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver judgment today on the leadership crises in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The verdict, scheduled for 2pm, follows the conclusion of hearings on 22 April by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, and comes amid intense political manoeuvring and legal battles over party leadership.

Ahead of the ruling, ADC leaders reportedly held a closed-door emergency strategy meeting on Wednesday night to review possible outcomes and determine the next course of action for the opposition coalition.

Political commentator Imran Wakili confirmed the development, noting the absence of key figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the high-level meeting.

Court orders deepen crisis

In a parallel development, the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising ADC congresses conducted under the leadership of David Mark.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/2027-adc-pdp-await-supreme-court-verdict-today/

The senior pastor and general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Johnson Suleman, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s ambition to seek re-election amid worsening economic pressures, persistent insecurity, and other pressing national concerns.

It has been reported that ahead of the 2027 presidential election, governors, elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and political heavyweights in several states have endorsed Mr Tinubu for a second term.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/what-are-you-coming-back-to-do-you-did-nothing-in-4-years-apostle-suleman/

Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers.

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 pm during a church programme, has raised fresh concerns over security in the area, with residents expressing fears over the safety of lives and property.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/gunmen-kill-pastor-abduct-worshippers-in-ekiti-church-attack/

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure a $516.33 million loan from Deutsche Bank to finance Section I of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, a flagship infrastructure project under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The approval followed consideration of the request by the Committee of Supply during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/reps-approve-president-tinubus-516-33m-loan-for-sokoto-badagry-superhighway/

Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has announced his resignation from the party and his decision to join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), citing internal crises and political interference.

Mr Baba-Ahmed made the disclosure on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today, confirming that his exit from the Labour Party Nigeria would take effect at midnight.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/datti-dumps-lp-for-prp/

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called on the South African government to take decisive steps to end xenophobic violence and protect foreign nationals amid renewed attacks in parts of the country.

The appeal was made in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, in which Mr Guterres expressed deep concern and strongly condemned rising incidents of intimidation and violence targeting migrants.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/no-place-for-hate-un-chief-slams-xenophobic-attacks-in-south-africa/

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has set a target to secure international healthcare certification for three major hospitals in Abia State as part of ongoing reforms to upgrade medical infrastructure and service delivery.

The governor disclosed this on Monday while receiving the Managing Director of JNCI, Clare Omatseye, and her team, who briefed him on progress in the reconstruction and upgrading of key health facilities across the state.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/alex-otti-targets-global-certification-for-three-abia-hospitals/

A senior official of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery says the refinery is effectively subsidising petrol and diesel in the Nigerian market to cushion the impact of rising global crude oil prices.

Diesel, Aviation fuel dynamics Industry dispute over pricingvThe official, who spoke on Monday on condition of anonymity, said the refinery’s N1,200 per litre ex-depot price for petrol remains below prevailing market rates despite a sharp increase in crude oil prices triggered by geopolitical tensions.

According to the source, crude oil prices surged significantly following tensions involving Iran and the United States, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude reportedly rose from $66 per barrel on 28 February to over $100, driving up production costs across petroleum products.

“As crude prices moved up steeply, we tried to optimise the price of PMS (petrol) as much as possible to help the public,” the official said.

When asked if “optimisation” implied subsidy, the source answered in the affirmative.

https://vop.ng/dangote-refinery-subsidises-petrol-diesel-amid-price-surge

The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally recognised a factional leadership of the Social Democratic Party, triggering a fresh crisis within the party.

The development followed INEC’s updated listing on its official website, where Shehu Gabam was named National Chairman, sparking immediate rejection from the party’s existing leadership.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/illegal-unconstitutional-sdp-slams-inec-over-gabam-support/

Former Governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have intensified efforts to secure a joint presidential ticket from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party, mobilising northern leaders around a proposed one-term power rotation deal ahead of the 2027 elections.

The push, which gathered pace in recent weeks, is aimed at weakening the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party, according to multiple insiders familiar with the ongoing consultations.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/adc-obi-kwankwaso-rally-northern-leaders-against-atiku-ahead-of-primaries/

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned a wave of coordinated attacks in Mali, calling for urgent international action to tackle rising insecurity in the Sahel.

The condemnation was issued on Saturday through his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, following reports of large-scale assaults by jihadist groups and Tuareg rebels across the country.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/un-chief-dondemns-mali-attacks-urges-coordinated-global-response/

According to a report by SCORENigeria on Friday, Eneramo reportedly slumped and died while playing a football match in Kaduna State.

The 40-year-old was said to be featuring at the Angwan Yelwa pitch in the Television area of Kaduna when the incident occurred.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/ex-super-eagles-striker-collapses-during-match-dies-at-40/

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and several economists have raised concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for Senate approval of a $516 million external loan to fund sections of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project.

In a statement signed by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the transparency and sustainability of the borrowing plan.

“At a time when Nigeria is already groaning under the weight of unsustainable debt, the resort to yet another foreign loan—without transparent terms, clear cost-benefit analysis, and a credible repayment framework—raises profound questions about prudence and accountability,” he said.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/atiku-economists-question-tinubus-516m-loan-request-for-sokoto-badagry-highway/

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Henrich Akomolafe, says the anticipated re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in 2026 will serve as a measure of President Bola Tinubu’s political influence.

Speaking with journalists during a political consultation meeting on Tuesday, Akomolafe said the 20 June 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State goes beyond a state contest, describing it as a broader test of confidence in the leadership of the APC at the national level.
Read more here: https://vop.ng/oyebanjis-re-election-will-reflect-tinubus-influence-apc-chieftain/

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from office after securing the consent of President Bola Tinubu to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

The development followed a meeting on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Mr Adelabu briefed the President on his stewardship in the power sector over the past two and a half years.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/adelabu-set-to-resign-as-power-minister-over-oyo-governorship-ambition/

Nigerian comedian, Kevin Chinedu, popularly known as Kevinblak, has alleged that officials of a political party offered him dollars to modify his satirical skits critical of governance.

Mr Chinedu made the disclosure on Monday during an interview on Arise 360 on Arise TV, where he spoke about pressures faced by content creators who use humour to hold public officials accountable.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/they-offered-me-dollars-kevinblak-alleges-dollar-offer-to-alter-skits/

The Peoples Democratic Party is facing renewed internal turmoil after the camp backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, unveiled plans to commence party primaries, even as a rival faction rejected the move.

Leaders of the Wike-backed bloc made the announcement on Monday during the party’s 108th National Executive Committee meeting held at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/pdp-crisis-deepens-as-wike-camp-pushes-primaries/

The All Progressives Congress has fixed a tight two-week window for the sale and submission of nomination forms for presidential, governorship, and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

The timetable was announced on Monday by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, based on a schedule signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/apc-sets-two-week-deadline-for-presidential-gov-nass-forms-ahead-of-2027/

A 31-year-old man, Shamar Elkins, has killed eight children, seven of them his own, in a shooting rampage across multiple locations in Shreveport.

Authorities said the incident unfolded on Sunday morning and involved at least three locations, leaving two additional victims critically injured, including the suspect’s wife.

Police confirmed that Mr Elkins shot the children, aged between three and 11, at close range in what officials described as an execution-style killing.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/louisiana-father-kills-eight-children-in-shreveport-shooting-spree/

Political analyst Dr. Peter Anosike has raised concerns over Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, warning that the build-up to the 2027 general elections is increasingly shaped by alleged state capture, weakening institutions, and rising political impunity.

The concerns were voiced during Frontpage review programme on Voice of the people 90.FM, where Mr Anosike described the current system as a “theatre of the absurd,” alleging that democratic principles are being undermined.

“The emperor has not yet made his decision… In Rivers State, both PDP and APC were in the same hall to select local government chairmen. They should just convene in that same hall to select the next governor,” Mr Anosike said.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/nigeria-is-a-joke-anosike-oseni-warn-of-state-capture-shrinking-democracy-ahead-of-2027/

The Ghana Football Association has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement on Monday, the GFA said the decision was approved by its Executive Council in collaboration with key stakeholders, with Queiroz expected to take charge of preparations for the tournament immediately.
Read more here: [url]https://vop.ng/ghana-appoints-c…f-2026-world-cup/[/url]

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Nasarawa State have staged a solidarity rally in support of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada’s governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The rally, described as a massive show of support, took place in Lafia on Monday, with party faithful marching to the APC state secretariat and Government House.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/2027-apc-stakeholders-back-wadada-for-nasarawa-governor/

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According to a Reuters report on Monday, the agreement will formalise political and regulatory commitments for the pipeline, which is designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria across West Africa to Morocco and onward to Europe.

The 6,900-kilometre project, known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, is expected to strengthen regional energy integration and boost export capacity.

Director-General of the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines, Amina Benkhadra, said the agreement would enhance institutional coordination among participating countries.

“An intergovernmental agreement… will be signed this year,” she said, adding that a joint regulatory authority would be established in Nigeria involving representatives from the 13 participating countries.

Project structure
The pipeline, first conceived about a decade ago, has progressed through feasibility studies and front-end engineering design, reflecting renewed momentum despite global financing challenges.

Mrs Benkhadra explained that the project would be executed in phases, allowing segments to become operational independently and deliver early economic benefits.

“The project does not rely on a single global final investment decision… each segment is designed to be developed as a standalone system,” she said.

The pipeline is expected to have a capacity of 30 billion cubic metres annually, with about half allocated for domestic use in Morocco and exports to Europe.

Implementation plan
A joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Morocco’s hydrocarbons agency will establish a project company to oversee execution, financing, and construction.

While investor interest remains strong, no final funding commitments have been secured, with financing expected to combine equity and debt.

Regional impact
The project, backed by the Economic Community of West African States, is expected to boost electricity generation, industrialization, and economic integration across West Africa.

Initial phases will link Morocco to gas fields in Mauritania and Senegal, while other segments will connect Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire and eventually to Nigeria’s gas reserves.

First gas from the project is projected by 2031.

Strategic significance
The pipeline is seen as a strategic alternative for global gas supply, particularly as Europe seeks to diversify energy sources amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

For Nigeria, the initiative offers an opportunity to monetise its vast gas reserves, increase non-oil revenue, and strengthen its regional influence.

The planned agreement signals renewed political will to deliver one of Africa’s most ambitious energy infrastructure projects, with the potential to reshape regional energy trade, enhance energy security, and position West Africa as a key player in the global gas market.

Read More here: https://vop.ng/nigeria-morocco-advance-25bn-transcontinental-gas-pipeline-deal/

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested an Ivorian national and a Nigerian medical doctor over alleged involvement in cocaine trafficking.

The agency disclosed that the Ivorian suspect, Gohouri Michael, 41, was apprehended at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan, Italy, via Addis Ababa.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/ndlea-arrests-doctor-ivorian-over-cocaine-trafficking/

Youths of the All Progressives Congress in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State have protested against an alleged plan to impose a consensus candidate for the Ado/Irepodun–Ifelodun Federal Constituency.
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‎The protesters, drawn from 13 wards, took to the streets on Saturday with placards rejecting consensus arrangements and demanding direct primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/2027-no-to-consensus-apc-youths-demand-direct-primaries/

Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited Borno State to condole with the Nigerian Army and government following a deadly attack on troops in Benisheikh.

The visit to Maiduguri was made on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Vice President’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/shettima-visits-borno-condoles-army-over-deadly-benisheikh-attack/

The Christian Association of Nigeria in Borno State has urged Christians to actively participate in politics, rejecting the belief that the system is inherently corrupt or unsafe.

The Chairman of the association in the state, John Bakeni, made the call on Saturday while addressing journalists at the Gwoza Christian National Conference in Maiduguri.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/politics-is-not-dirty-borno-can-urges-christians-to-get-involved/

Arsenal FC suffered a setback in the Premier League title race after a 2-1 home loss to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, boosting Manchester City’s hopes of closing the gap.

The visitors stunned the home crowd at the Emirates Stadium, taking the lead through teenage forward Junior Kroupi in the 17th minute.

Read more here: https://vop.ng/epl-arsenals-title-lead-cut-after-2-1-home-defeat-to-bournemouth/

Lagos remains Nigeria’s undisputed media capital, home to a dynamic mix of radio stations shaping public opinion, entertainment, and culture. In this competitive landscape, one station is rapidly gaining recognition for its innovation, inclusivity, and audience connection—VOP 90.3FM.
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‎With a growing listenership and expanding global reach, VOP 90.3FM is redefining what it means to be a truly modern radio station.
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Read more here: https://vop.ng/top-radio-stations-in-lagos-why-vop-90-3fm-is-setting-the-pace-in-modern-broadcasting/

‎We know that you can't follow the news all the time,so VOP media keeps you ahead of the news.

Get more updates here: [url]‎https://vop.ng/why-vop-media-is-different/[/url]

The Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected moves to admit Governor Bala Mohammed into the party amid ongoing political realignments.
The position was announced on Tuesday night after a caucus meeting held in Abuja, where members unanimously opposed the governor’s proposed defection into the party.
The development follows reports that Mr Mohammed had earlier disclosed plans on March 31, 2026, to defect to the African Democratic Congress.


Read more here: https://vop.ng/bauchi-apc-caucus-rejects-move-to-admit-bala-mohammed/