₦airaland Forum

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBLuSXN3RvA

With days to its pivotal March 29–30, 2026 national convention, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is witnessing renewed efforts at reconciliation, even as one faction insists the party remains united despite lingering tensions.

The bloc aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports of a split within the party, maintaining that disagreements among stakeholders do not amount to factionalisation.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting infrastructure projects, Wike said the PDP remains one indivisible entity.

“We have only one PDP. I don’t know which faction you are referring to. Some persons may be aggrieved, yes, but that does not translate to division,” he stated.

His remarks come amid intensified reconciliation moves by another powerful bloc within the party, believed to be backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other influential leaders.

The Makinde-aligned camp, working through a high-level committee led by former Minister Tanimu Turaki (SAN), confirmed that fresh peace talks commenced earlier this week in Abuja, following months of internal disputes and legal battles.

Turaki, who addressed reporters on Wednesday, said the initiative was in response to a recent advisory by the Court of Appeal urging aggrieved parties to pursue amicable settlement in the interest of the party’s survival and democratic stability.

According to him, the PDP’s Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Senator Adolphus Wabara, set up a reconciliation committee to engage estranged members and chart a path toward unity.

“In obedience to the court’s advisory, we have opened discussions aimed at resolving all outstanding issues and repositioning the party for the forthcoming elections,” Turaki said.

He disclosed that as part of confidence-building measures, the National Working Committee postponed scheduled meetings of key party organs and toned down confrontational rhetoric.

However, he expressed concern that some actors have continued to escalate tensions through “derogatory statements,” warning that such actions could undermine ongoing peace efforts.

Despite this, Turaki struck an optimistic tone, revealing that both sides have now “broken the ice” and are exploring options for a comprehensive settlement.

“We are willing to make sacrifices. We are ready to bend as far as necessary in the overall interest of the party. What is important is that PDP survives and remains competitive,” he said.

He further assured party faithful that the PDP would field candidates for all elective offices, noting that compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements remains a priority.

Turaki also indicated that all pending litigations across various courts would be withdrawn once a consensus is reached.

“As lawyers, we understand that prolonged litigation often deepens divisions. Once we reach agreement, all cases will be withdrawn to give peace a chance,” he added.

The ongoing crisis within the PDP has been marked by competing interests, leadership disputes, and a series of court cases, raising concerns about the party’s readiness for future elections.

Political observers say the outcome of the current reconciliation efforts could determine the PDP’s strength as Nigeria’s leading opposition party, especially as the 2027 electoral cycle gradually comes into focus.

While Wike’s camp continues to downplay the extent of the crisis, the push for dialogue by the Makinde-aligned faction signals a recognition that unresolved differences could have far-reaching consequences.

As the national convention draws closer, attention remains fixed on whether the renewed peace talks will produce a unified front—or merely a temporary truce in a deeply divided party.

https://voicenews.com.ng/pdp-crisis-wike-faction-denies-division-as-makinde-bloc-pushes-fresh-peace-talks-ahead-of-convention/

Segunbabba:
https://thesun.ng/peter-obi-slams-el-rufais-detention-raises-rule-of-law-concerns/

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUEPl9QZgX4

President Bola Tinubu on Monday administered the oath of office to Taiwo Oyedele, the newly appointed Minister of State for Finance, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, charging him with the execution of Nigeria’s revamped tax policies.

Oyedele, a 50-year-old tax expert and former chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, pledged to ensure that Nigeria’s tax reforms move from policy formulation to effective implementation, emphasizing that “reforms are only as good as the paper on which they are written.”

Speaking to State House correspondents after the ceremony, Oyedele outlined his immediate priorities, which include revenue mobilisation, spending efficiency, debt management, and fiscal sustainability. “What is really important is diligent execution. We are committed to generating sufficient revenue to meet the increasing public demands on the treasury while optimising spending efficiency,” he said.

President Tinubu commended Oyedele for overhauling the country’s tax framework, which he described as “obsolete, archaic, and fundamentally against every progressive thinker.” He lauded Oyedele as “a very dedicated and highly determined individual” while acknowledging the challenges of the role, noting that Nigeria currently enjoys economic stability, but not exponential growth.

Oyedele’s reforms, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, have consolidated over 60 taxes into fewer than 10 statutes. Key measures include zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less annually and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N100 million.

The new minister also highlighted the need for proactive fiscal strategies, stating, “How do we position Nigeria to best manage challenges and headwinds while optimising opportunities both within Nigeria and globally?” He expressed confidence that, with his team at the Ministry of Finance, the objectives of the reforms are achievable.

Oyedele replaces Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. The Senate confirmed his nomination last Wednesday after a rigorous screening session.

The President also thanked Oyedele’s wife for supporting him through long working hours and warned that the role would require additional commitment.

https://voicenews.com.ng/tinubu-swears-in-taiwo-oyedele-as-minister-of-state-for-finance-tasked-with-implementing-tax-reforms/

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKnyh5UlWdY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala’s Interview on Head to Head hosted by Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera has gone viral on social media.

Mehdi Hasan confronted Bwala with statements he made in 2023 while speaking for Atiku Abubakar. Bwala denied the claims, but the broadcast later showed archival clips of his earlier remarks, sparking reactions online.

In response, Bwala accused Hasan of “opposition research-style journalism,” saying the producers never disclosed they would challenge his past statements.

He insisted he accepted the interview, believing the focus would be Nigeria’s security, economy and corruption, while claiming some of the quotes used in the interview were inaccurate.

The presidential aide has since released his own clip attempting to fact-check parts of the interview and challenge some of Hasan’s claims about Nigeria.

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKnyh5UlWdY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala’s Interview on Head to Head hosted by Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera has gone viral on social media.

Mehdi Hasan confronted Bwala with statements he made in 2023 while speaking for Atiku Abubakar. Bwala denied the claims, but the broadcast later showed archival clips of his earlier remarks, sparking reactions online.

In response, Bwala accused Hasan of “opposition research-style journalism,” saying the producers never disclosed they would challenge his past statements.

He insisted he accepted the interview, believing the focus would be Nigeria’s security, economy and corruption, while claiming some of the quotes used in the interview were inaccurate.

The presidential aide has since released his own clip attempting to fact-check parts of the interview and challenge some of Hasan’s claims about Nigeria.

uche87:
https://www.facebook.com/thevillagetowncrier/posts/pfbid02nkSeSrc1YQNWRmB8Zyik8Ehs1xhAPtC6useqxhKbgJcrkF1A5jeZacoFtwj9xCKpl

Pakute:
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/862086-psc-approves-promotion-of-seven-aigs-to-digs.html

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEF4UcCxrIs

Oluremi Tinubu has raised concerns over what she described as the increasing trend of revealing fashion among young Nigerian women, stressing that modesty remains an important value in Nigerian culture.

Speaking during a public engagement, the First Lady criticized outfits such as backless, plunge, and overly revealing dresses, stating that dressing should reflect decency and cultural values.

According to her, beauty should not come at the expense of modesty.

“unclothedness is not acceptable in our culture. Beauty should be accompanied by decency,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu also called on community leaders, parents, and mentors to guide young people by promoting good behavior, leadership, and responsible dressing.

She encouraged Nigerians who have the means to support young people through mentorship and scholarships, noting that proper guidance could help shape the next generation.

“Help them even if it’s to give a scholarship, teach them leadership, teach them how to be of good behaviour. Teach them how to dress well,” she added.

The First Lady further advised young people to embrace modesty, saying revealing clothing should not be mistaken for beauty.

In addition, she urged Nigerians to use the ongoing periods of Ramadan and Lent for spiritual reflection and prayers for national unity and prosperity.

She emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among citizens of different religious backgrounds and called for collective prayers for the country.

https://voicenews.com.ng/remi-tinubu-speaks-on-indecent-dressing-among-nigerian-girls/

Celebrityblog:
Source




https://www.google.com/amp/s/tribuneonlineng.com/national-grid-shares-new-update-on-electricity-supply/amp/%3futm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg3UdLtZb9A

Media personality Rufai Oseni has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as the administration’s failure to deliver consistent electricity to Nigerians, a key promise made during the campaign period.

Speaking Oseni questioned the pace and direction of reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, arguing that stable electricity remains one of the most urgent needs of citizens and businesses across the country.

“Electricity is not a luxury,” Oseni said. “It is the backbone of economic productivity, job creation, and national development. Nigerians were promised improvement. Where are we now?”

fergie001:
Earlier, there was a rowdy session in the House of Representatives as Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive (APC - Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency) had moved a motion for the rescission of the earlier passed Electoral Amendment Bill 2026.

Recall that the House of Representatives earlier passed the Bill on 23rd December 2025, backing Article 60(3): mandatory real-time transmission of results through the IReV portal, a move the Senate passed with a proviso (manual voting when network fails).

Calls by Hon. Waive to recall the Bill caused an uproar in the green chamber prompting an Executive session (behind closed doors).

Returning to resume plenary, the House dissolved into a Committee of the whole chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu. The Bende-born lawmaker however chose to carry the clauses in 10s (Clause 40-50, Clause 50-60), and hitting the gavel continuously with lawmakers in complete disarray.

Majority lawmakers called for a clause-by-clause review which the Deputy Speaker acceded to. Nonetheless, he however hit the gavel on Clause 60 with a proviso as passed by the Senate (manual transmission where network fails), causing chaos and protest from lawmakers who are demanding he turns down amendments to Clause 60.

They are standing and protesting. An unidentified Reps member shouting 'Ole' into the microphone....there is chaos in the green chamber.

Bamidele Salam (PDP- Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency) moves a motion to remove the proviso, seconded by Kingsley Chinda (PDP - Obi-Akpor), it fails with majority 'nays'.

Ugochinyere Ikenga (Imo) moves a motion for an amendment that results transmitted to IReV if successful must tally with Form EC8A, seconded by Ginger Onwusibe (Abia), amendment fails with majority 'nays'.

An unidentified member shouts into the microphone "they have collected money", and members stage walkout.

Minority caucus of the House of Representatives have stage a walkout chanting "APC OLE"

The House subsequently passed the manual and electronic transmission of results.

otrasane:
Watch full video 👆
BREAKING: Fresh tension at the National Assembly as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is reportedly involved in another confrontation at the office of Senator Titus Zam, where her aide allegedly assaulted the senator’s secretary

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6vORLbVf1c

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Federal Government of orchestrating what he described as an attempted “abduction” at the Abuja International Airport, alleging that security agencies are being deployed for political ends against opposition figures.

Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Friday, El-Rufai insisted that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) tried to detain him without a warrant upon his return from Cairo, despite prior communication with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“It wasn’t the EFCC,” he said. “It was the DSS. But the DSS were procured to abduct me by the ICPC that has never communicated with me ever.”

Recounting the airport incident, the former governor said he was approached by a DSS operative shortly after disembarking.

“Well, I came out of the plane, and a young man that is well dressed with a nice suit came to me and said, ‘I am from the DSS, Department of State Services. I would like to meet with you in our office.’ I said, ‘That’s fine. Where is the letter of invitation?’ He said, ‘My bosses have it. I will escort you to them.’ I said, ‘I’m going through immigration. Just get me the letter.’”

El-Rufai claimed more operatives emerged as he proceeded towards immigration.

“Apparently, they had moved about 50 DSS operatives to the airport with the specific instructions that I should be detained, I should be abducted and detained,” he alleged.

According to him, he refused to accompany the officers without a formal letter.

“They said, ‘We are from the DSS, sir, we are going this way. We need to go to your office.’ I said, ‘I’m not going to your office. I’m not going anywhere until you show me a letter of invitation.’”

He added: “I said, ‘Even the president cannot tell me I have to do anything. It’s a free country, it’s a democratic country, and I don’t have to do anything that I do not wish to do. So you are just a middle-level or senior civil servant. The president cannot tell me what to do. Don’t say I have to. It’s inappropriate language.’”

El-Rufai said he proceeded through immigration, had his passport stamped and exited the airport, alleging that operatives later assaulted one of his aides and seized the passport.

“That’s the aide that got beaten up and they seized the passport from him. If I had the passport with me, I would not be talking this,” he said.

He added that he was “quite touched” by what he described as spontaneous resistance from other passengers.

“Once people begin to lose confidence in the neutrality of such institutions, we are on our way to anarchy,” he warned.

Clarifying earlier statements by his lawyers, El-Rufai said the EFCC had formally written to him while he was abroad and that he had responded through his lawyers.

“The EFCC had written to me while I was away and said, ‘We would like to have a chat with you over certain issues.’ And my lawyers replied that I’m not in the country, I’m on my annual vacation. Once I know the date of return, I will let you know. We have written to the EFCC to say I will come and see you at 10am on the 16th of February.”

He alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was instead behind the airport episode.

“Subsequently, we found out that it was the ICPC that procured the DSS to abduct me and then hand over to them. And this is a modus operandi of the ICPC that increasingly has become a personal tool of Nuhu Ribadu. Nuhu made the call and made the order that I must be in custody yesterday.”

When challenged on how he knew this, he replied: “He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks that they are the only ones that listen to calls. But we also have our ways.”

El-Rufai said the ICPC later delivered a letter inviting him for questioning.

“Yesterday around 5pm, the ICPC finally did the right thing by bringing a letter to my house to say we want to see you on Friday the 13th. My lawyer wrote back to say my client is not an idle person that has no programme. We’ve received your letter. We will honour the invitation. But on Monday we are going to the EFCC that has written before. After the EFCC, we will go to the ICPC.”

The former governor described the investigations as politically motivated.

“In civilised countries, you don’t start investigation by abducting a person or even arresting a person and keeping him while you’re investigating. It’s violation of human rights. You do your investigation.”

Pressed on whether political motives were at play, he responded: “Absolutely.”

“Some of the professionals in these institutions feel very bad that they are being compelled. When some of my people face them, they tell them, ‘Look, we’re sorry, but this is all political. Why don’t you guys go and settle with them?’ Settling with them means what? Submit to be a member of APC, agree that Tinubu will have a second term.”

El-Rufai defended his record in office, challenging anyone to produce evidence of wrongdoing.

“I have 16 years’ record of public service and I have challenged every Nigerian that has worked with me or knows me to come forward and expose me if I’ve ever taken a bribe or demanded a bribe or done anything unlawful in the course of my duties. I have said that on national television — there are 250 million Nigerians — to come forward and prove me wrong.”

He referenced previous investigations under former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying they yielded no convictions.

“They investigated me at length and found nothing. In the end, I was charged to court for one alleged offence — that in my tenure as Minister of the FCT, one of 27,000 plots was allocated to my wife. They lost. The judge warned the EFCC not to do things like that.”

On ongoing scrutiny of his tenure in Kaduna, he said: “They have investigated me since June 2023 in Kaduna and have come up with nothing. They have arrested my former chief of staff, my commissioner of finance, my commissioner of local government, virtually all our senior officials. Most of the charges are frivolous and I’m quite confident they will lose.”

He added: “I’m not afraid of scrutiny, but I am suspicious of malicious scrutiny.”

Responding to allegations that his administration paid armed groups, El-Rufai was categorical.

“I am probably one of the few governors that from day one took the position on the advice of my security council that we must never negotiate with cattle rustlers, with bandits. The position of the Kaduna State Government when I was governor is the only repentant bandit is a dead one. We never negotiated. We never paid any group for kidnapping anyone.”

He acknowledged that security funds were disbursed through established channels.

“The commissioner of internal security brings me proposals for security spending. There is a standing order every month. If there is any special emergency, he brings it and I approve. He decides what he does with it. If he chooses on his own to go and give money to armed groups, I don’t know about that. But to the best of my knowledge, the position of our government is that we don’t negotiate with bandits. We don’t pay them.”

On accusations that dissenting voices were harassed under his watch, he defended his record.

“Our security strategy in the state was two-pronged. We inherited communal violence and tribal intolerance. We developed a strategy of zero tolerance to any nonsense from any group that thinks it can advance its interest through violence. I was very hard on that.”

He said that when individuals published what his government considered inflammatory falsehoods, the Attorney General would petition the police.

“Anyone that does something that we think is likely to cause criminal violence, from previous history, the Attorney General writes to the police and says, ‘Look, this person has published A, B, C. We’ve asked him to retract. He has refused to retract. Please investigate him for injurious falsehood, incitement, under the Penal Code.’ That’s what happened.”

El-Rufai maintained that what occurred at the airport did not amount to a lawful arrest.

“Arrest has a legal meaning. Arrest means a lawful activity with a warrant. The police have, under the Police Act, the power to arrest without a warrant. But every other agency must go to a judge and show cause. So when you try to take a person without a valid order, it’s not an arrest, it’s an abduction.”

He concluded: “I will go to them. I have nothing to hide. But I will not submit to being abducted. There is a difference between lawful process and political intimidation.”

https://www.arise.tv/nasir-el-rufai-even-the-president-cannot-order-my-arrest-without-due-process/

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh0GHIrVNg0

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that the vast majority of federal lawmakers and other elected officials in Nigeria would not retain their seats if elections were conducted transparently.

Sowore made the assertion while reacting to the controversy surrounding proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly provisions relating to the electronic transmission of election results.

According to him, many lawmakers are hesitant to pass reforms that would entrench full electoral transparency because such measures could jeopardize their political futures.

He dismissed claims that poor network coverage in some parts of the country justifies the retention of manual collation of results, describing the argument as a mere excuse.

“This excuse that there is no network in some states is just another balloon air on the part of these guys. They don’t want transparent elections because if elections are transparent, 90 per cent of them will not make it to the National Assembly — and of course the presidency and other elected positions, they know that,” Sowore said.

The activist further described the Senate’s decision to retain manual collation of election results as “clever by half.”

He argued that the provision was deliberately inserted to create room for what he termed a return to the “hardcoded way of reporting elections,” a system he claimed has eroded public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The debate over the Electoral Act amendment has continued to generate public reactions, with political stakeholders and civil society groups divided over the implications of electronic transmission and the integrity of future elections.

https://voicenews.com.ng/sowore-90-of-lawmakers-would-lose-seats-if-elections-were-transparent/

Giftimoni:
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined protesters at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, demanding the mandatory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the proposed Electoral Act amendment.

Amaechi was seen alongside demonstrators as they pressed lawmakers to explicitly include the provision in the bill, arguing that it is critical to safeguarding electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The protest is part of a growing pushback against aspects of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, particularly concerns over whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be compelled to transmit election results electronically and in real time from polling units.

On Monday, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also joined the protesters, amplifying calls for transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The demonstration attracted widespread attention after protesters were seen carrying mattresses and pillows to the National Assembly, a symbolic gesture many interpreted as a sign of their resolve to remain until their demands are met.

The protesters, drawn from civil society organisations, youth groups and concerned citizens, insist that the bill must clearly state “real-time electronic transmission” to eliminate any ambiguity that could be exploited to undermine election outcomes.

While a significant number of Nigerians support making electronic transmission compulsory, some lawmakers have expressed reservations, citing logistical and infrastructural challenges. The Senate has repeatedly denied claims that it rejected the clause, issuing clarifications to counter what it described as misinformation.

Despite these assurances, protesters have remained firm, arguing that only clear and mandatory language in the law can prevent manipulation and ensure that INEC does not have discretionary powers over the transmission of election results.

https://voicenews.com.ng/amaechi-joins-protest-at-national-assembly-over-real-time-electronic-transmission-of-election-results/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEuI3k9RhO0
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined protesters at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, demanding the mandatory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the proposed Electoral Act amendment.

Amaechi was seen alongside demonstrators as they pressed lawmakers to explicitly include the provision in the bill, arguing that it is critical to safeguarding electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The protest is part of a growing pushback against aspects of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, particularly concerns over whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be compelled to transmit election results electronically and in real time from polling units.

On Monday, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also joined the protesters, amplifying calls for transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The demonstration attracted widespread attention after protesters were seen carrying mattresses and pillows to the National Assembly, a symbolic gesture many interpreted as a sign of their resolve to remain until their demands are met.

The protesters, drawn from civil society organisations, youth groups and concerned citizens, insist that the bill must clearly state “real-time electronic transmission” to eliminate any ambiguity that could be exploited to undermine election outcomes.

While a significant number of Nigerians support making electronic transmission compulsory, some lawmakers have expressed reservations, citing logistical and infrastructural challenges. The Senate has repeatedly denied claims that it rejected the clause, issuing clarifications to counter what it described as misinformation.

Despite these assurances, protesters have remained firm, arguing that only clear and mandatory language in the law can prevent manipulation and ensure that INEC does not have discretionary powers over the transmission of election results.

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PpqFB_rlGg

Peter Obi Addressing journalists at the protest ground, Obi condemned what he described as the steady erosion of democratic gains in the country, warning that credible elections remain the foundation of national stability and development.

“We must dismantle this criminality and prove that we are now a nation that shows light in Africa,” he charged.

He urged the National Assembly to enact laws mandating electronic transmission of election results.

“The danger was clear. We have suffered the danger. That’s what we have suffered before. We don’t want any glitch again. This is finished. We want things to come back to normal. No more glitch,” the former Anambra governor said.

Obi’s appearance at the protest further galvanised the crowd, many of whom view him as a symbol of the 2023 youth-driven political awakening that challenged Nigeria’s traditional political order.

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said the agitation would continue until the National Assembly explicitly restores real-time electronic transmission of results in the amended law.

“If there is no electronic transmission of results, there will be no election. Our elections must be credible,” he said.

https://voicenews.com.ng/nigerians-dont-want-glitches-again-the-danger-was-clear-peter-obi/

Tanko argued that past elections had been marred by manual interference during result collation, a problem electronic transmission was meant to address following reforms introduced after the 2011 and 2015 elections.