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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has rekindled hopes for further talks of a coalition among opposition parties, saying the decision lies with the parties involved.

The opposition parties had, on August 31, met at a summit in Abuja under the auspices of the G-100 to deliberate further on the coalition proposal, which had been on the table even before the parties conducted their presidential primaries.

However, not much has been heard from the major players since the summit.

Obi used an interview on Arise TV on Thursday to shed more light on his position as one of the frontline candidates in the 2027 election.

Asked whether he would step down for Atiku Abubakar or accept the vice-presidential slot if an alliance was reached, Obi said the discussion had gone beyond individual candidates.

‘I’m a candidate, yes. My leader, Atiku, is a candidate of another party and I am a candidate for another party,’ Obi explained. ‘So, you are talking about two parties coming together; it is no longer him or me.’

Comparing potential political mergers to corporate acquisitions, Obi said party leaderships, rather than just the leading candidates, must structure any working agreement.

According to him, realignment requires formal consensus across party structures, not informal agreements between presidential contenders.

He said any viable opposition coalition must prioritise good governance, national security, job creation and economic productivity over the sharing of positions.

Obi served as Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 before both contested the 2023 presidential election on separate platforms.

Obi reiterated his readiness to participate in any strategic alignment aimed at tackling the country’s challenges, saying his ultimate goal remained to build a coalition capable of lifting Nigerians out of poverty and fixing public infrastructure.

‘I was not offered VP ticket’

The NDC presidential candidate also dismissed reports that he rejected an offer to serve as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi clarified that no such proposal had formally been extended to him, dismissing claims that he turned down a vice-presidential ticket.

‘I don’t know where that was said. I wasn’t even in a position where that was being offered, and I refused,’ Obi said during the interview.

Kwankwaso urges Atiku to quit 2027 presidential race

In another development, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

Kwankwaso made the call on Thursday while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his Abuja residence.

He said Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), should devote his energy to his traditional role as Wazirin Adamawa, citing his age and health concerns.

‘Go to the Wazirin of Adamawa’s house and tell him in Fulfulde that he needs to focus on his traditional title, given his age and health. If Allah grants us success, we will take good care of him. An apology should be offered to him,’ Kwankwaso told the delegation.

Atiku, who will turn 80 in 2027, had earlier admitted that the election could be his last attempt at the presidency.

‘Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,’ he said in April.

The former vice-president has made several unsuccessful bids for the presidency since the 1990s, contesting under different political platforms, including the Social Democratic Party, Action Congress and Peoples Democratic Party. In 2023, he contested under the PDP and lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku has advocated restructuring, economic liberalisation and private sector-driven growth.

Obi says ‘fuel subsidy savings wasted, national debt soaring’

In the same interview, the NDC presidential candidate launched a strong criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing the Federal Government of impoverishing Nigerians despite generating trillions of naira from the removal of the petrol subsidy.

The former Anambra State governor argued that although the subsidy regime had historically been plagued by corruption, the current administration had failed to deploy the resulting savings productively.

‘What we are having today is that we have impoverished ourselves because we removed subsidy and no gain is seen,’ Obi said. ‘Because the money we say we have borrowed, we borrowed more.’

Obi challenged the government’s accounting of the trillions of naira saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy, saying the funds should have been channelled into critical infrastructure and productive sectors such as agriculture and small businesses.

He promised to redirect subsidies away from consumption towards production, particularly farming, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and education, to stimulate economic growth in northern Nigeria.

He contrasted government spending choices, saying the construction of 25 cancer treatment centres across the country would cost about N100 billion, describing it as a fraction of the funds saved from subsidy removal that could have been invested in critical sectors.

Obi also criticised the government’s spending priorities, arguing that essential infrastructure had been neglected while luxury items, such as new presidential aircraft, were prioritised.

He stressed that as an oil-producing nation, Nigeria should stabilise local energy prices by ensuring a steady supply of crude oil to domestic refineries rather than allowing fuel prices to rise sharply.

Describing the Tinubu administration’s financial decisions as ‘reckless’, Obi questioned whether the President was fully in charge of state affairs, pointing to what he described as a lack of direct accountability to the public.

He pledged that, under his leadership, the government would freeze unnecessary capital projects, such as presidential estate expansions, and focus on fixing existing roads, schools and health facilities.

He also promised to spend all presidential vacations within Nigeria and personally oversee security responses on the ground rather than remain in Abuja during crises.

On national security, Obi advocated the immediate implementation of state police, stronger satellite surveillance technology and an absolute rejection of ransom payments to kidnappers.

He promised to complete a single four-year term if elected, arguing that four years would be sufficient to reverse the country’s current trajectory, restore economic stability and hand over a functioning nation to the next generation.

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against China PR in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday evening at the Arena Sosnowiec.

Coach Moses Aduku’s side started with intent and created the first clear opportunity through Janet Akekoromowei in the 17th minute.

China also posed a threat before the break. Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi, and Song Lijuan tested the Nigerian defense with efforts on goal, while Xue Sifan delivered two dangerous corners. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was equal to the task as the Falconets’ backline held firm to keep the scores level at halftime.

The second half opened with China PR making a tactical change, introducing Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei. The substitution added impetus to their attack, with Chen, Xue, and Huang all registering attempts on goal.

The Falconets responded with urgency, as Precious Oscar (54th minute), Oluchi Mafisere (56th and 60th minutes), and Queen Joseph (58th minute) all went close.

Nigeria thought they had a chance to take the lead in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review as the tie ended in a 0-0 draw.

The result leaves the Falconets with one point from two games in Group F.

Coach Aduku’s team will now turn their focus to their final group match against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in Lódz as they fight to secure a place in the knockout rounds and keep Nigeria’s campaign alive.

The death toll from the suspected consumption of a locally made alcoholic drink in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 30, while about 50 others are receiving treatment in hospitals across the area.

Daily Trust had earlier reported that 24 persons died under mysterious circumstances linked to the consumption of a locally produced herbal-alcoholic mixture popularly known as ‘Monkey Tail.’

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the latest casualty figures and said families of the deceased had been directed not to bury the victims until necessary medical examinations were completed.

According to him, the council has approached the court to seek a coroner’s inquest into the deaths, while laboratory analyses, toxicological examinations and autopsies are being conducted to establish the actual cause.

The chairman disclosed that the council had released N2 million to support the emergency medical response and had sought additional financial assistance to tackle the crisis.

‘As of now, the death toll is over 30. We have not confirmed the source of death,’ he said.

He explained that samples of the suspected substance had been collected for laboratory analysis, while blood and urine samples were being obtained from surviving patients.

According to the commissioner, post-mortem examinations will also be conducted on some of the victims as part of efforts to determine the medical cause of death.

He warned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic mixtures, herbal preparations and unidentified concoctions, noting that some could have fatal consequences.

One of the survivors, 32-year-old Shola Adebayo, speaking with Daily Trust, recounted how he narrowly escaped death after consuming the suspected drink.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Adebayo said he took two shots of the substance on Friday after a friend invited him to drink.

‘A friend brought it and asked that we drink together. I took two shots and went home,’ he said.

According to him, he woke up the following day with severe vision problems.

‘On Saturday, I discovered that I could not see very well. I called my sister, and she rushed me to the hospital. I am getting better now, but I am praying that I regain my sight completely.’

The traditional ruler of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, described the number of deaths recorded in the community as alarming.

The monarch said concerns over the unusual fatalities prompted consultations with health authorities and local government officials.

Oba Akinrinmade called for intensified public enlightenment campaigns, particularly among young people, on the dangers of consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command was collaborating with the state government and health authorities to determine the cause of the deaths.

According to him, officers from the Police Medical Services are working alongside officials of the Ministry of Health and Odigbo Local Government to gather evidence and relevant information.

Jimoh said medical and toxicological examinations were ongoing to determine whether any substance was responsible for the fatalities.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators while advising members of the public to avoid consuming unregulated alcoholic and herbal mixtures pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ohagwu, assured residents that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice once investigations are concluded.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Bala Tinka, has received a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Hon. Adamu Abdullahi Masad, into the party.

Tinka welcomed Masad into the ADC on Thursday and expressed optimism about his contribution to the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governorship candidate described Masad, a member of Birin Bolawa Ward in Nafada Local Government Area, as a grassroots politician with experience in party administration.

Tinka said Masad’s decision to join the ADC reflected growing interest in the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He assured the new member of equal opportunities, inclusivity and full participation in the activities of the ADC in Gombe State.

Masad previously served the APC in various capacities, including First Financial Secretary of APC Gombe State, Assistant Organising Secretary, Liaison Officer for Gombe North and Chairman of the party in Nafada Local Government Area.

He is currently serving as Senior Special Assistant, SSA II.

In his resignation letter dated September 7, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Bolawa Ward, Masad said his decision to leave the party followed consultations and his personal conviction about seeking a better future.

He, however, appreciated the APC leadership at the ward, local government and state levels for the support he received during his years of service.

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has stated that the refinery pegged minimum Initial Public Offering (IPO) subscription to 10 shares to allow more participation from ordinary Nigerians.

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the Investor Roadshow Forum for the Dangote Refinery IPO tagged ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ even as global leaders described the impending IPO as a game-changer and a wealth creator.

Represented by Regional Director, Senior Adviser to the Group President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman Dangote also stated that the gathering is a prelude to the historic initial public offering of the 700,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, the largest refinery in Africa, and soon to be the largest in the world.

‘I believe that the development of Africa lies in the hands of Africans, and at the Dangote Group, we are privileged to be able to contribute to this process as co-creators of value. As Nigerians and Africans, we must spearhead the charge to develop our economies and our continent, in a bid to provide opportunities for our people. The potential is immense!

‘Our Vision 2030 mantra at the Dangote Group is ‘accelerating Africa’s industrialisation’ and aside from our investments in Nigeria as our hub, we have also initiated expansion plans in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and some other African nations. Our hope is that other African entrepreneurs would join us in this journey of industrialising our continent.

‘In the approaching Dangote Refinery IPO, we intend to raise N2.15 trillion Naira ($1.6 billion) – at an offer price of N525, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares – to fund the expansion programme of the refinery. The offer price, and minimum subscription level is to allow for wider participation as we want every Nigerian to own a piece of this asset.

‘That is why we have called it The IPO for the People. We want every human being living on the African continent to be part of the action and reap the resultant benefits,’ he explained.

Also speaking, Prof Uche Uwaleke of Nasarawa State University urged investors to buy and retain their shares as a long-term investment.

Uwaleke said the IPO prospectus provided for an additional share as a bonus for investors who held their shares for at least one year. He called for greater participation by retail investors, particularly artisans, workers and small-business owners, stressing the need to take the investment opportunity to ordinary Nigerians.

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Oluwagbenga Oyebode, said the offer comprised 4.1 billion ordinary shares at N525 per share, with expected net proceeds of about N2.1tn, representing 3.3 per cent of the refinery’s issued capital. He said the proceeds would be used entirely as growth capital to finance the next phase of the refinery’s expansion rather than repair its balance sheet.

In his presentation, economist and Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company, FDC, Mr Bismarck Rewane, said the proposed N2.15 trillion IPO could help increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, from about $278 billion to $600 billion by 2030.

According to him, Nigeria’s GDP, estimated at $278 billion in 2025, could rise to about $600 billion following the investment, while consumer spending could increase from $166 billion to $240 billion and investment from $72 billion to $216 billion. He added that higher net exports could strengthen the naira and further increase the value of economic output.

Meanwhile, Prominent African and international leaders, say opening Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals to wider ownership through the

proposed initial public offering could mark a new vista in African wealth creation, industrialisation and economic sovereignty.

They spoke at the 2026 ADF Africa Diaspora Leadership Programme Young Global Leaders Convening in Lagos on Thursday.

According to the leaders, the refinery had already demonstrated Africa’s capacity to build at global scale, while its proposed IPO could allow ordinary Africans, pension funds, institutional investors and the diaspora to participate directly in the wealth created by one of the continent’s biggest industrial investments.

President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, explained that the philosophy behind the IPO was to extend the prosperity created by the refinery beyond its promoters and give ordinary Africans an opportunity to become owners.

‘I want drivers, cooks, the women selling food on the streets of Ghana, Rwanda and South Africa to invest so they can share in this prosperity,’ Dangote said during a fireside chat. ‘We are doing the IPO to pass this prosperity to Africans.’

He hinted that his ambition had always gone beyond accumulating wealth to building enterprises capable of creating jobs, opportunities and prosperity across the continent. ‘I am wealthy, not rich. A wealthy man creates wealth, while a rich man makes money and keeps it for himself,’ he said. ‘What keeps me going is that we must industrialise Africa. There is no amount of hurdle that will stop us. If you put a brick wall in front of me, I will make a hole and pass through.’

He expressed confidence that the refinery could eventually become Africa’s largest company by size and profitability, drawing parallels with global corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla and Alibaba, which grew substantially after entering the public markets. ‘By the grace of God, this refinery will be the largest company in Africa by size and profitability,’ he said.

He said the Group’s wider mission was to reduce the perceived risks associated with investing in Africa and demonstrate that globally competitive enterprises could be built successfully on the continent. ‘Our job is to derisk Africa, encourage more investors, create jobs and create more opportunities. That is how we will transform Africa,’ Dangote said.

Speaking, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Co Chair of The Africa Center, Ambassador Jendayi Frazer, said the proposed IPO could connect African industrial production with African and diaspora capital, broadening participation in the value created by the continent’s strategic assets. ‘The refinery connects us all through the proposed IPO that creates broader ownership,’ Frazer said. ‘It can broaden participation in the value created by African industry. It can connect investment with African production to scale with African institutions, pension funds, savers, individual investors, including the African diaspora coming into this, owning a stake in Africa’s growth.’

Frazer said the refinery had already ‘changed the equation’ for Africa, with implications extending far beyond petroleum production into the continent’s geopolitical standing.