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2027: Peter Obi’s Southwest ally, Ebiseni, joins APC, declares support for Tinubu

Sola Ebiseni, a prominent ally of Peter Obi in the Southwest and Secretary-General of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has joined the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ebiseni, who served as the Southwest Coordinator of Obi’s Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 election, also declared full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He made his position known when he met with Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Government House in Akure in the early hours of Thursday.

The APC State Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, attended the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Ebiseni said his decision to join the APC was partly based on the argument that the presidency should remain in the South in the interest of political stability.

The Afenifere scribe, while declaring his support for Tinubu’s second term, said the incumbent President has reformed the country’s economy and deserves re-election.

‘First and foremost and for the avoidance of any doubt, our declaration today for the President’s second term is in tandem with the views of most Nigerians and political gladiators that the office of the President should still be in southern Nigeria in the interest of the political stability of the federation,’ he said.

Ebiseni, a former Labour Party (LP) chieftain, further noted that Tinubu was not the only presidential aspirant from the South, but argued that the President’s existing policies and programmes provided continuity that could be built upon during a second term.

According to him, replacing the administration with a new government could introduce new policies whose benefits might not mature within four years.

Ebiseni, however, backed the removal of the fuel subsidy, disclosing that major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had promised to end the subsidy regime.

‘Whatever anyone may say about the removal of subsidy, which all frontline Presidential candidates promised in 2023, its retention would have spelt doom, particularly for the states which were already lying prostrate in the discharge of their responsibilities to the citizens,’ he said.

He further argued that Tinubu needed another term to consolidate some of the administration’s socio-economic and security initiatives, including the proposed State Police and the expansion of Nigerian Army divisions.

On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Ebiseni described the project as particularly important to the people of the Ilaje coastal communities in Ondo State.

‘Politics is local, and as a leader of my Ilaje coastal people of Ondo State, this road is the most significant life-changing project for us, and I am here to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its full implementation, particularly its proper coastal alignment in the state.’

Ebiseni added, ‘To us, therefore, who are given much by the President, much more is expected in terms of support for his re-election.’

Earlier, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured Ebiseni and his supporters that they would be integrated into the APC campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor said Ebiseni’s political experience, grassroots presence and roles in socio-cultural organisations would add value to the campaign for Tinubu’s re-election.

Aiyedatiwa said, ‘We know you as one of our leaders in the state, and your political activities across the state, as well as your roles in Afenifere and other socio-cultural organisations in the country, will be an added advantage and value to the tasks ahead of us.’

He said the presence of the APC chairman at the meeting was to demonstrate the party’s readiness to integrate Ebiseni and his supporters into its campaign structure.

The Nation reports that the declaration marks a significant shift from his political role during the 2023 presidential election, when he served in Obi’s campaign structure in the Southwest.

WAFU B U-17: Golden Eaglets to release 26-man list after MRI clearance

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have completed their mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging screening as preparations intensify for the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship in Burkina Faso.

The MRI screening forms a key part of the age-verification process for players competing at U-17 level.

According to information from the team camp, the medical process has been concluded, with the technical crew expected to submit a final list of 26 players ahead of the regional tournament.

The five-time world champions have been camping in Abuja for several weeks, with the coaching crew assessing players and working towards a final squad.

Seven countries namely Nigeria, hosts Burkina Faso, Ghana, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger Republic and Togo are expected to participate in the WAFU B tournament in October.

Beyond regional honours, qualification for the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations will be the major target for the Golden Eaglets.

Nigeria will need to navigate the competition successfully and secure one of the qualification places available to the WAFU B zone.

FG slashes interest on late tax payment

The Federal Government has cut the interest charged on late payment of taxes, reducing the applicable spread on naira-denominated tax liabilities from five percentage points to one percentage point above the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR).

The new regime, which takes effect from October 1, 2026, is expected to lower the financing cost associated with delayed tax payments for businesses and individuals, while ensuring that the cost remains linked to prevailing market conditions.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, announced the change through the Nigeria Tax Administration (Interest on Late Payment of Tax) Order, 2026, issued under Section 65 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.

Under the new order, interest on tax payable in naira will be charged at the MPR plus one percentage point, subject to a floor of the yield on 364-day Treasury Bills.

For foreign currency tax liabilities, interest will be charged at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus six percentage points. If SOFR is discontinued, its officially designated successor rate will apply.

The change gives businesses greater certainty in calculating the cost of outstanding tax liabilities, with the applicable rate to be reviewed monthly rather than being fixed indefinitely.

The rate for each calendar month will be determined on the last business day of the preceding month and published by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) by the third business day of the month.

Interest will be calculated on a simple-interest basis and accrue daily from the tax due date until payment.

The new framework applies uniformly to self-assessment, the NRS, and State and FCT Internal Revenue Services.

For businesses, the reduction in the spread means that the additional interest burden on overdue naira tax obligations will now move more closely with monetary policy and government funding conditions.

Oyedele said the policy was designed to strike a balance between reducing uncertainty for taxpayers and discouraging the use of unpaid tax as a source of cheap financing.

‘Tax that is due belongs to the public. When it is paid late, Government may have to borrow to fill the gap, and the cost falls on everyone,’ he said.

The minister added that tying the cost of late payment to market rates would ensure that delaying tax payments does not become cheaper than borrowing from the market.

Beyond the reduction in the interest spread, the government said the monthly publication of rates would improve transparency and enable taxpayers to determine their potential liabilities in advance.

‘Every taxpayer, whether dealing with the Nigeria Revenue Service or a State revenue service, will know the rate in advance, see it published every month, and be charged in the same way,’ Oyedele said.

The order also provides transitional arrangements for outstanding tax liabilities.

The new rates will apply to interest arising from October 1, 2026, including interest on taxes that became due before that date. However, interest that arose before October 1 will remain governed by the rules applicable at the time, where specifically provided.

The order supersedes the 2017 notice on interest on unpaid taxes and other earlier notices on the subject.

The government stressed that the reduction in the interest rate does not affect the statutory 10 per cent penalty for late payment under Section 65 of the Act.

Tax authorities also retain the power under Section 66 to waive penalties or interest where good cause is established.

The Federal Government urged taxpayers with outstanding liabilities to settle them promptly or engage the relevant tax authority, while businesses and other taxpayers were advised to monitor the NRS website for the applicable monthly rates.

WNBA: Becky Hammon warns Las Vegas Aces ‘not a finished product’

Talent has never been a question regarding the Aces as they have built the WNBA’s newest dynasty, but that alone doesn’t explain their success.

Las Vegas has won three of the past four titles by also showing a mental toughness to overcome adversity, some of it the Aces’ own making and some foisted on them by events.

And now the Aces find themselves in the familiar position of being one of the favorites to win the title, but face a number of challenges that could prevent them from making more history when the playoffs begin Sunday.

‘I’m always concerned about something,’ coach Becky Hammon said. ‘You’re never comfortable. So I’m still pushing. I’m still demanding certain things to get done out there on the floor. Still encouraging, applauding certain things we’ve done. But we always have areas where we can get better and want to be sharper. We’re just not a finished product, nor do we want to be. We’re still working our way there.’

The Aces, with a game left in the regular season, have clinched home-court advantage through the first round of the playoffs by securing at least the third seed. They would move up to the second seed with a victory at Phoenix on Thursday and a Golden State loss to Los Angeles, which also would get the Aces home court through at least two rounds.

It would be easy to look at Las Vegas’ success and think it has all come easy, especially with four-time MVP A’ja Wilson leading the way.

And that was largely true when the Aces captured their first championship in 2022. The Aces tied Chicago for the best record in the regular season and then went 8-2 in the playoffs and didn’t face an elimination game.

But their title the following year came after six-time All-Star point guard Chelsea Gray and post player Kiah Stokes suffered foot injuries in the WNBA Finals against New York. The Aces somehow survived those losses to beat the Liberty by a point to go back-to-back as well as avoid a winner-take-all Game 5.

Their most difficult challenge came during last season’s title run when the Aces didn’t look anything like a championship team in losing at home by 53 points to Minnesota to fall to 14-14. They quickly regrouped and then won their final 16 regular-season games, but in the playoffs had to overcome Indiana in overtime of the deciding Game 5 to even make the Finals.

And now the Aces are playing in the shadow of the Lynx, the No. 1 seed and substantial consensus favorites to win the championship. Las Vegas has the second-best odds on the betting boards, riding a six-game winning streak against opponents that did not qualify for the playoffs. The Aces’ record this season against teams that make up the postseason field is a pedestrian 11-10.

‘I think we made some improvements on both ends of the floor,’ Gray said. ‘I think there’s moments where we can get better and get more consistent, but it’s go time, so everybody’s going to be locked in. We’ve been locked in about it, but it goes up another level.’

Nigeria’s power generation hits 5,403MW peak as DisCos get 4,379MW

Nigeria’s total available electricity generation stood at 5,403.3 megawatts (MW) as of 8:07pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, according to the latest load allocation schedule from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo.

The figure represents the total generation available for distribution and other approved electricity requirements, with 4,379.07MW allocated to the country’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

The NCC document showed that another 1,024.18MW was classified as exempted load, bringing the total available generation to 5,403.25MW, effectively corresponding with the reported 5,403.3MW total generation.

The development highlights the level of power generation currently available to the national grid, although a substantial portion of the available electricity is accounted for by transmission losses, auxiliary consumption and bilateral supplies to industrial customers.

Of the power allocated to DisCos, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) received the highest allocation of 700MW, followed by Ikeja DisCo with 581MW and Ibadan DisCo with 550MW.

Benin DisCo received 531MW, while Eko DisCo got 519MW and Enugu DisCo 512MW.

Port Harcourt DisCo received 466MW, while Kano, Kaduna and Jos were allocated 161MW, 155MW and 134MW, respectively.

Yola DisCo received the lowest allocation at 70MW.

The document showed that the 1,024.18MW exempted load included 108.07MW for power stations and auxiliary consumption and 367.87MW attributed to transmission losses and substation services.

It also included electricity supplied through bilateral arrangements and dedicated industrial connections.

Among the listed bilateral supplies were 65.70MW for PARAS, 69.75MW for AFPL, 45MW for Delta, 50MW for Odukpani NIPP/NDPHC and 99MW for Mainstream industrial customers.

Other dedicated supplies included 55MW for Penstock, 50MW for Niger, 20MW for TAOPEX and 40MW for GPAL, among others.

The figures suggest that while the country’s available generation had risen to about 5.4GW, not all of the power generated was available for direct allocation to residential and commercial consumers through the DisCos.

The latest generation figure also provides a snapshot of the gap between electricity available on the national grid and the amount ultimately delivered to distribution companies, with losses and other exempted requirements absorbing a significant portion of available supply.

For consumers, the critical issue remains how much of the available generation can ultimately reach homes, businesses and industries through the transmission and distribution networks.

The NCC schedule therefore puts Nigeria’s total available generation at about 5,403MW, rather than the 4,379MW delivered directly to DisCos.

Expert raises concern over consumer habits, poor hygiene fueling E.coli outbreaks

A global research team led by Dr Victor Oluwatomiwa Ajekiigbe, a public health researcher, has warned that consumer behaviour, unsafe fast-food preparation practices, and poor hygiene awareness are contributing to recurring Escherichia coli (E. coli) outbreaks and therefore called for stronger collaboration among food businesses, regulators, and the public to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases.

The warning is based on a new scientific review led by Dr Victor Oluwatomiwa Ajekiigbe, a medical doctor, public health researcher, and research leader at Imperial Research Academy and Helix Biogen Institute, together with an international team of researchers.

The study examines how modern lifestyles and increasing dependence on fast food have changed eating habits while exposing consumers to greater risks of bacterial contamination.

Although most E. coli strains naturally live in the human digestive system without causing harm, the researchers noted that dangerous strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe illness, including bloody diarrhoea, kidney failure, and, in some cases, death.

According to Dr Ajekiigbe and his research team, the rapid growth of the fast-food industry-driven by urbanisation, busy work schedules, and demand for convenience-has created new food safety challenges. Improper cooking, poor hygiene among food handlers, cross-contamination, and inadequate food storage remain major causes of E. coli transmission.

The research found that contaminated ingredients can enter the food chain at several stages, from farms and processing plants to restaurant kitchens. Even small amounts of harmful bacteria can trigger widespread outbreaks because of the low infectious dose of some E. coli strains.

The study reviewed several major outbreaks over the past four decades, including the 1993 Jack in the Box hamburger outbreak, the 2011 European outbreak linked to contaminated fenugreek sprouts, the 2018 romaine lettuce outbreak, and the 2024 McDonald’s outbreak linked to slivered onions used in Quarter Pounder burgers.

The 2024 outbreak affected 104 people across 14 U.S. states, leading to 34 hospitalisations, four cases of severe kidney complications, and one death. Investigators traced the contamination to fresh onions supplied to affected restaurants.

Dr Ajekiigbe said the findings highlight the importance of strengthening food safety systems, improving hygiene practices, and increasing public awareness to reduce the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks.

The research team said these outbreaks show how contaminated ingredients and weak food safety controls can quickly develop into major public health emergencies.

Beyond industry practices, the study found that consumer behaviour also plays an important role in both the spread and prevention of foodborne diseases. Following major outbreaks, many consumers avoid affected food products, choose restaurants with stronger food safety records, and pay closer attention to food labels and hygiene standards.

However, Dr Ajekiigbe and his colleagues cautioned that misinformation on social media can affect public understanding of food safety, leading to unnecessary panic or false confidence in products believed to be safer.

The researchers said preventing future E. coli outbreaks requires shared responsibility. They recommended that fast-food businesses strengthen hygiene practices, maintain proper cooking temperatures, prevent cross-contamination, and implement recognised food safety systems. Consumers should also practice good hand hygiene, cook food thoroughly, prevent cross-contamination at home, and choose restaurants with good food safety standards.

The research team also called for stronger enforcement of food safety regulations, particularly in developing countries where weak sanitation systems and limited regulatory oversight increase contamination risks. They recommended regular inspections, improved supplier monitoring, mandatory food safety training for food handlers, and rapid product recalls when contamination is suspected.

Dr Ajekiigbe and his team concluded that foodborne diseases remain a major global public health challenge. Citing estimates from the World Health Organisation, they noted that about 600 million people develop foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in approximately 420,000 deaths. They stressed that reducing future E. coli outbreaks will require stronger food safety practices, effective regulation, and greater public awareness.

Akwa Ibom at 39: Akpabio rallies support for Tinubu, Eno, predicts sweeping victory for APC

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, signalled a strategic shift in the nation’s political landscape, predicting a decisive victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the state’s 39th-anniversary celebrations, Akpabio, the country’s third-highest-ranking official, hailed the political stability achieved in the oil-rich Niger Delta region as a blueprint for the national electoral roadmap.

He explicitly called for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the incumbent state governor, Umo Eno, and himself.

Addressing a diverse crowd of stakeholders, Akpabio framed the 2027 election as a referendum on continuity and structural reform. He argued that the economic policies initiated by President Tinubu, while demanding significant sacrifice from the populace, are vital for Nigeria’s long-term industrialisation and infrastructure development.

‘The case for re-electing President Tinubu rests on national stabilisation and long-term economic reforms,’ Akpabio said. ‘The ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda is a trajectory that Nigeria must maintain to achieve sustained prosperity.’

For international observers, the Senate President’s endorsement of Governor Eno – a member of the opposition who has cultivated a non-partisan, pragmatic approach to local governance – highlights a growing trend of ‘developmental governance’ in which state-federal collaboration is prioritised over traditional partisan combat.

Akpabio lauded the governor for bridging historical political divides, effectively creating a unified front that local analysts believe is essential for regional stability in the Niger Delta.

Beyond the ballot box, Akpabio utilised the anniversary platform to advocate greater regional integration.

Drawing on the cultural and historical ties between Akwa Ibom and neighbouring Cross River State, the Senate President urged enhanced formal cooperation between the two states.

‘We are one people, one history, and one future,’ Akpabio declared, suggesting that the South-South zone’s economic potential could only be fully unlocked through cross-border collaboration and institutionalised regional partnership.

The anniversary served as both a political rally and a moment of historical reflection.

Founded on the dreams and advocacy of local leaders, Akwa Ibom has transformed from a modest administrative territory into one of Nigeria’s most consequential states.

Akpabio paid tribute to the state’s pioneers, noting that its development has been driven primarily by the resilience and intellectual capital of its citizens.

‘Our greatest resource has always been our people,’ he remarked, citing their achievements across sectors ranging from academia and sports to the global professional services industry.

By framing re-election not just as a partisan victory, but as a commitment to a unified national development strategy, the APC leadership is clearly aiming to preemptively consolidate support ahead of a contentious 2027 cycle.

As Akwa Ibom prepares to hit the four-decade milestone next year, the alignment between the Uyo local government and the federal administration in Abuja appears to be the primary pillar of the party’s upcoming campaign strategy.

Oyo ADC guber candidate pledges to boost agriculture with rail line to Oke-Ogun

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke, has promised to construct a rail line from Moniya to Saki to aid easy transportation of farm produce from Oke-Ogun to Ibadan and other areas of the South-West geopolitical zone.

Adegoke stated this on Wednesday while featuring on the ‘Good Morning Show’ programme on Arise News Television in Lagos.

In a statement issued by the Adegoke Campaign Media Team on Thursday, he said the rail line, to be constructed from Moniya in Ibadan to Saki, would ease the transportation of farm produce to markets across the region.

The ADC candidate explained that the proposed project, which is a Standard Single Gauge Rail Line of about 100 kilometres, would cost the state US$3 million per kilometre.

The statement quoted Adegoke as saying, ‘I am going to build a Standard Single Gauge Rail Line at circa US$3M per Kilometer for economic viability and feasibility we don’t need a Standard Double Gauge Rail Line which cost circa US$6M to US$6.9M per Kilometer.

‘It will be in three phases of Moniya to Iseyin; Iseyin to Okeho; and Okeho to Saki. Projects like these attract development partners and agencies. So, the entire burden will not be on the Oyo State government alone. Similar thing is being done with the ongoing Muritala Mohammed International Airport reconstruction in Lagos’.

He said the rail line project was becoming necessary and would be a top priority for his government because Oke-Ogun was the food basket of Oyo State, noting that the easy transportation of farm produce from the area to the market would be a win-win situation for farmers and the urban populace in Ibadan and other states, who were the major consumers.

Adegoke, a graduate of Agricultural Economics from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, said he would do everything possible to assist farmers in the state when he assumed power in 2027.

Speaking on his economic blueprint, the ADC governorship candidate stated that it was embedded in his political slogan, ‘SOLUTIONS 2027’, which comprised security of lives and property; organic development of agriculture; let there be jobs; urban renewal of major cities; and turning around of the health and education sectors.

Others are industrial revolution and infrastructure development; on-the-job training for teachers and special schemes/status for them; and the deployment of new technologies in every area of government business, in addition to socio-economic development.

Speaking on his candidature, Adegoke maintained that he was the best among the candidates of the three popular parties, without any blemishes, noting that the APM candidate was an extension of the current government, going by their slogan of Omituntun 3.0, while the issue of godfatherism was hanging on the neck of the APC candidate.

According to him, ‘out of the three popular candidates of the three major parties the APM, APC and ADC, I’m the beautiful bride, not tainted with no God Father but God Almighty is my father’.

NSCDC arrests three pipeline vandals in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Command has arrested three pipeline vandals in Kwali for vandalism of a pipeline supplying crude oil to Kaduna refinery.

The Commandant, FCT Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, announced this at a press conference in Abuja. He said four of the suspects were on the run, while various items have been recovered from those arrested.

The commandant listed the suspects as Maitama Inuwa, 30, from Rafin Dadi in Lere Local Government of Kaduna State; Yahuza Danlami, 32, from Anguwan Kataf, Mariri Lere Local Government of Kaduna State, and Yasir Abdulrahman, 26, from Gajiri Village, Suleja, Niger State.

Odumosu said the syndicate fell into the trap of his personnel weeks after they had vandalised the assets and returned to carry them away.

Odumosu said the operation had disrupted a major network responsible for sabotaging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) pipelines which was built to supply crude oil and other petroleum products to Kaduna Refinery and distribute the same to NNPC depots in the country.

He listed the items recovered from them as one commercial truck with registration number MAK 159 XA (Niger) loaded with vandalised NNPCL pipes and 17 pieces of vandalised NNPC petroleum pipes.

He said the suspects would be charged to court.

NSCDC CG condoles Minna Emir, families of 37 miners

The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has visited the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, and families affected by the deaths of 37 miners in Niger State.

Audi also visited the family of the survivor of the incident, where he expressed condolences and assured the affected families of the Corps’ commitment to justice and transparency.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The NSCDC boss said the Corps would not shield any personnel found culpable in the incident, stressing that anyone found to have acted wrongfully would be held accountable.

He said the Federal Government, following a directive from the Presidency, had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Audi assured that the NSCDC would provide the committee with full cooperation to enable it conduct a transparent investigation.

He disclosed that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody to ensure their availability to the investigative panel and facilitate the investigation process.

The Commandant-General said his visit was also intended to identify with the community and bereaved families during the period of mourning, noting the significance of the third and seventh-day prayers for the departed in the Muslim faith.

He joined the Muslim faithful in praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir of Minna appreciated the Commandant-General for personally visiting the community and identifying with them in their moment of grief.

He also commended the NSCDC leadership for the administrative measures taken so far and its willingness to cooperate with the presidential investigative committee.