Category: PM News

By Victor Okoye

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed social media speculation suggesting that the Super Eagles were staying in substandard accommodation ahead of their 2026 CAF World Cup playoff semifinal against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.

The controversy arose after midfielder Alex Iwobi shared a short video on Monday showing what appeared to be a rundown building, sparking public criticism over the alleged quality of the team’s lodging.

However, the NFF clarified that the footage was misinterpreted and did not reflect the team’s actual hotel.

Promise Efoghe, the Super Eagles Media Officer, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the team is comfortably housed at the Rive Hotel, a modern four-star facility.

“The Super Eagles are camped at Rive Hotel. What trended earlier was the view of an old building visible from a window,” Efoghe explained.

“Rive was chosen because of its proximity to the team’s training facility and the stadium here in Rabat.”

Efoghe confirmed that the Rive Hotel is approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), meeting all required standards for amenities, security, and convenience relative to training and match venues.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the CAF World Cup playoff semifinal on Thursday, with the winner set to meet either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.

The eventual champion will represent Africa at the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.

By Habibu Harisu

The family of former Nigerian President Shehu Shagari has announced the death of his last surviving wife, Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, at the age of 89.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the eldest son of the former President and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, Capt. Bala Shagari.

He disclosed that Hajiya Saratu passed away around 3 p.m. on Monday after a prolonged illness.

“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hajiya Saratu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sokoto,” the statement read.

Capt. Bala Shagari described her as “an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength who lived a life of dignity.”

Hajiya Saratu Shagari’s death marks the end of an era for the family of Nigeria’s first democratically elected president of the Second Republic, remembered for her poise and support throughout the former President’s life and political career.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family in due course.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a major reduction in the 2026 Hajj fare, offering financial relief to intending pilgrims across the country.

The downward review follows the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ease the financial burden on Nigerians planning to embark on the holy pilgrimage.

According to the revised figures released by the commission, the fare has been reduced by as much as 792,943.83, depending on the pilgrim’s departure zone.

Pilgrims from the Southern Zone will benefit the most, as the fare has been cut from 8,784,085.59 to 7,991,141.76.

Those departing from the Northern Zone will now pay 7,696,769.76, following a reduction of 760,915.83, while pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa Zone–the region with the lowest fare nationwide–will pay 7,579,020.96, saving 748,104.63.

NAHCON, which operates under the Presidency, described the review as a reflection of the government’s commitment to supporting religious obligations and easing economic strain.

The commission also announced December 5 as the deadline for intending pilgrims to complete payment for the 2026 exercise.

By Bamidele Atoyebi

In every political season, loyalty becomes a popular currency. Names are invoked, alliances are declared, and suddenly everyone becomes a disciple of whoever holds power. Today, we hear countless voices proclaiming allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, the political architect whose mastery of strategy has shaped Nigeria’s modern political landscape.

But let us pause and ask: how many of these so-called Tinubu loyalists truly understand the man, his philosophy, or his political essence?

The uncomfortable truth is that many who wrap themselves in the BAT banner are not followers of his ideology; they are beneficiaries of his victory. They do not emulate his principles; they only admire his power. Their loyalty is not born out of conviction but of convenience. They are not loyal to Tinubu’s vision; they are loyal to Tinubu’s success.

The spirit of Jagaban: Builder of men and women, not collector of wealth

Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political strength has never been about money or titles. It lies in his ability to build men and women, to identify potential, nurture leadership, and create platforms for others to rise. His story is one of deliberate mentorship and structured empowerment–a political culture built on ideas, not impulse.

Yet today, we have governors, senators, ministers, and advisers who claim to be his loyalists but have failed to reproduce this same spirit. They hold offices without building successors. They enjoy privileges without transferring opportunities. They shout “Jagaban” with passion, but their actions contradict everything Jagaban stands for.

How can you say you follow Tinubu when you have not built a single man or woman capable of taking your place? How can you claim to be a disciple when you do not invest in the people around you, when you use power to enrich yourself instead of empowering others?

The crisis of shallow loyalty

Our nation stands at a dangerous intersection where shallow loyalty threatens to replace deep understanding. Many are drawn to Tinubu’s movement not because they share his ideology, but because they see it as a ladder to their ambitions. But a ladder without a foundation will collapse under its own weight.

To be a true BAT loyalist is not to chant slogans or wear campaign insignia. It is to embody the ideology that made Tinubu a political institution–resilience, structure, inclusivity, mentorship, and strategic foresight. The same discipline that turned political opposition into opportunity, the same mindset that built leaders out of ordinary men and women.

A call to rediscover the BAT Ideology

Nigeria cannot afford a generation of Tinubu loyalists who only know how to shout his name but cannot explain his philosophy. You cannot build a nation on borrowed glory. You cannot transform a society by imitating gestures without grasping the ideas behind them.

Every self-proclaimed loyalist must go beyond flattery and fanfare. Study the BAT Ideology Handbook. Join the BAT Ideology Group. Do this not just for knowledge, but for impartation–so that the same spirit of strategic thinking, political discipline, and leadership development that defines Asiwaju can be transferred into your own approach to governance and public service.

You need to join for the following reasons:

Impartation of the Asiwaju spirit: To understand how to think, plan, and build like Tinubu.

Mentorship and growth: To learn how to raise leaders, not just followers.

Ideological grounding: So your political loyalty is based on understanding, not emotion or gain.

Networking with like minds: To connect with people genuinely driven by service and transformation.

Sustainability of legacy: To ensure Tinubu’s principles outlive his political era through those who truly embody them.

Because loyalty without learning is empty, and admiration without understanding is dangerous. If you truly believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then prove it–not by the volume of your praise, but by the quality of your leadership.

Conclusion

Tinubu’s greatness is not in how many followers he has, but in how many leaders he has created. If you truly wish to honor him, then build people. Raise thinkers. Create opportunities. Mentor the next generation.

Because the loudest “Jagaban” is not the one shouted at rallies; it is the one echoed in your actions, your service, and your legacy.

Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring, and Publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting.

Nigeria’s aspiration for sustainable food security is said to be threatened by insufficient food storage facilities and a poor rural-urban road network.

Mr Adewumi Abas, the Chairman of the Oyo State All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), stated this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday.

bas called for government assistance to save farmers from the horror of watching their perishable goods, such as tomatoes and peppers, being destroyed helplessly due to inadequate storage facilities.

ccording to him, some perishable crops must be harvested almost every three days, whether there is a market for them or not.

“Once the quality of such crops starts diminishing, their market value will start declining, leading to shortages for farmers.

“This, among others, contributes to the high cost of food in the country.

“Our prayer is that the government would invest in storage and food preservation facilities; farmers’ associations will gladly key into the project through acquisition or the rental of such facilities,” he said.

The chairman also lamented that the nation’s poor rural-urban road network has been a major excuse for transporters to exploit farmers during the harvest period.

In addition, he said, farmers were confronted with the inadequacy of vehicles to get their crops to markets at the appropriate time.

ccording to him, transporters always avoid bad rural roads, claiming that the roads can damage their vehicles.

“Most times, farmers face the task of using their heads to carry harvested crops to nearby locations where vehicles can reach and take them to the markets.

“This always leads to double expenses because labourers who would carry the goods with head pans will collect money as well as the drivers.

“This has been one of the factors reducing farmers’ profit margin, adding to the cost of foodstuffs in the market because farmers would definitely spread all the expenses on the market price,” he said.

Nevertheless, he lauded the Oyo State Government for improving security, especially for farmers in the state’s rural areas.

bas noted that the Western Nigerian Security Network, codenamed ‘Amotekun’, and the NSCDC Agro-Ranger Squad had brought relative peace across rural areas in the state.

He, however, urged the government not to relent on farmers’ security, particularly during the dry season when herdsmen usually move around in search of green grass for their animals.

The chairman also lamented that many farmers could not recoup their investment due to the sharp drop in produce prices.

He attributed this to the government policy that permitted mass importation of foodstuffs with little or no consideration for local farmers.

He noted that many cassava farmers lost their investments in the current harvest season.

(NAN)

American actor Jesse Adam Eisenberg, has confirmed the reports about his plans to donate one of his kidneys.

While speaking with Craig Melvin, Eisenberg shocked his fans, revealing that he loves donating blood to organisations and persons in need.

He also disclosed that his Kidney donation is set to happen in the next six weeks, expressing his excitement for the procedure.

“Yeah that’s true. I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks. I really am. I don’t know why. I got bitten by the blood donation bug. Yeah, I love it. I’m so excited to do it. It’s essentially risk-free and so needed. I think people will realize that it’s a no-brainer, if you have the time and the inclination,” he said.

Nigerian politician, businessman, and social reform advocate, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has officially resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the move as “a strategic and patriotic step toward rebuilding Nigeria’s unity and hope.”

The announcement was confirmed on Monday, November 10, 2025, after Ajadi had sent his resignation letter to the Ward Chairman of NNPP, Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, the Ogun State NNPP Chairman, the Southwest Chairman, and the National Chairman.

In his resignation letter, Ajadi noted that his decision followed deep reflection on Nigeria’s political direction and the need to work within a broader platform capable of driving genuine national transformation.

“My decision to join the Peoples Democratic Party is both strategic and patriotic,” Ajadi stated. “I have great respect for the NNPP and what it stands for, but at this point in Nigeria’s history, I believe the PDP offers a wider and stronger platform for national reconciliation, youth empowerment, and true federalism.”

Ajadi, who was the NNPP governorship candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 general elections after stepping down as a presidential aspirant in solidarity with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, clarified that his departure from the NNPP was not borne out of animosity but guided by conviction and renewed purpose.

“There is no bad blood between me and my former party,” he emphasized. “I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served under its banner. However, as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship, unemployment, and leadership challenges, it is time for like-minded patriots to close ranks and rebuild trust in governance.”

However, political observers have described Ajadi’s defection as one of the most strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, a period expected to redefine Nigeria’s political alliances and ideological coalitions.

Beyond politics, Amb. Ajadi is widely known for his humanitarian and youth development initiatives.

Through the Olufemi Ajadi Foundation, he has supported widows, artisans, and small-scale farmers across several states with training, micro-grants, and empowerment programmes. His advocacy for youth inclusion, entrepreneurship, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities has earned him national recognition.

A consistent voice for press freedom, security reform, and good governance, Ajadi has long championed responsive leadership and civic accountability.

“Nigeria is at a crossroads,” he noted. “We need leaders who can listen to the people and act selflessly. I am confident that my entry into the PDP will strengthen the party’s grassroots base and reawaken hope among ordinary Nigerians.”

PDP officials in the South-West region described Ajadi’s defection as a “boost to the PDP’s democratic family,” lauding his record of integrity, youth mobilization, and social impact as valuable assets that would strengthen the party’s vision.

Reaffirming his commitment to national service, Ajadi pledged to work closely with PDP leaders at all levels to promote transparency, peace-building, and inclusive governance.

“This is not just about party politics,” he concluded. “It is about rekindling the faith of Nigerians in democracy and ensuring that our people begin to feel the real dividends of good governance.”

By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko has alleged that there is a coordinated gang up to criminalise him in the international community using his ongoing spat with his wife, Regina Daniels.

He, however, said he current stories being circulated about his spat with Regina Daniels are fabricated and amount to criminal defamation, and those behind the smear campaign will have their day to prove their claims.

Nwoko who is the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District said this in reaction to interventions of activist, Omoyele Sowore and US based Jebose in his ongoing dispute with Regina Daniels

He described Sowore and Jebose, who he claimed have hunted him for years as members of a “syndicate of pull down Ned” taking advantage of his wife Regina Daniels.

”What we are seeing is a regrouping of individuals taking advantage of a young woman who is unwell and has admitted to using drugs,” Nwoko said in a statement by his Communication/Technical Action Team issued in Abuja on Monday.

He claimed Sowore and Jebose were now using his marital challenge to criminalise him in the international community in a coordinated gang up.

”Beyond this, the talk about me grabbing lands in my hometown is false and unfortunate. The truth is that I was allocated a piece of land, for which I made a genuine offer of payment to establish the University of Sports, a project that exists today and serves the community.

”Unfortunately, anyone who seeks progress in our society is often attacked and torn down by their own people. That is the sad difference between us and other ethnic groups.

”The facts are there. Those exploiting her present condition to settle old scores, knowing they have no case against me will eventually face justice.

”They must also be careful with the defamatory statements they continue to make because they will be required to prove them.

”If by now she has not brought up any credible allegation against me, it means there is nothing illegal about me except that I wants her to seek help for rehabilitation, a condition that existed long before their marriage,” he said.

The lawmaker added that it was on record that she started using drugs from an early age, and these facts could be verified by her medical history and in a court of law.

”The whole world has read her own accounts of substance use, and her former schoolmates have testified online that she and her sister dropped out of school because of drug related issues.

”Yet some people keep pushing this false narrative to damage my reputation. She openly admitted to using drugs and said she was on bipolar medication.

”Her medical records are verifiable, but the enemies of progress are now manipulating her to achieve their aims. If she had any secrets to reveal, she would have done so. She has nothing.

”All the current stories being circulated are fabricated and amount to criminal defamation, and those behind this smear campaign will have their day to prove their claims.

”For clarity, Regina Daniels was born on October 10, 2000. If she has been married for six years, that means she got married at 19 years old, not 17,” he further said.

Nwoko also said noted that the public witnessed her family giving her out in marriage, and there were witnesses to the fact that her mother personally brought her to me.

He emphasised that he never went after her, ”Our customs and traditions do not frown upon polygamy. What I did was to marry her honorably, give her a name, and treat her with dignity.

”Their marriage has been public and transparent. Beyond the social media lifestyle, my world revolved around Regina. I pampered her and cared for her deeply, something everyone who has worked with me across Delta, Abuja, and beyond can testify to.

”It is therefore disheartening to read all this filth being spread online. As the saying goes, when a wall cracks, the lizard finds its way in. Regina has become a weak point through which my political and personal enemies are attacking me.

”My decision to marry her properly according to tradition, is now being twisted into a tool for political blackmail. This is a witch hunt that has been ongoing for years, an attempt to stop my developmental strides and tarnish me now that I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Recall that Sowore had on Sunday demanded that Nwoko should be held accountable for alleged crimes against a minor and abuse of power over his messy spat with Regina Daniels.

ccording to Sowore, in a social media post, Regina was only 17 years old when she was married to the senator.

But the activists highlighted that under UK law, where Nwoko is a registered legal practitioner, any sexual activity involving a minor constitutes statutory rape.

Sowore also described allegations by Regina that Nwoko introduced her to hard drugs while she was underage and repeatedly forced himself on her as serious.

The activist said the allegations should trigger urgent investigation and prosecution.

According to Sowore, it is unacceptable for Nwoko to continue practicing law in the United Kingdom while facing these accusations.

The activist therefore called on the Law Society of England and Wales and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to commence disciplinary proceedings before the Independent Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) to determine Nwoko’s fitness to practice.

Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has responded to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that a Christian genocide is taking place in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with Democracy Now, Soyinka said Trump’s statement gives a wrong impression of Nigeria’s situation and could increase religious tension in the country.

According to him, the conflict in Nigeria should not be described as a war between Christians and Muslims, but rather as a fight against extremists who use religion for political and economic purposes.

“We must separate Nigeria’s long-standing internal problems from President Trump’s recent comments,” Soyinka said.

“The ChristianIslam or Islam-versus-the-rest kind of division has existed for decades. It became truly dangerous when politics became mixed with religion.”

The 90-year-old author added that political leaders have taken advantage of religious differences to gain power while refusing to punish extremists. This, he said, has allowed impunity and violence to grow across the country.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison, just three weeks into a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy related to his 2007 election campaign.

Sarkozy, 70, was sentenced on October 21 for allegedly accepting funds from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to finance his campaign. He will now remain under strict judicial supervision and is barred from leaving France ahead of an appeal trial scheduled for March 2026.

A court granted Sarkozy early release following a request from his legal team. Speaking on social media after leaving La Sante prison in Paris, Sarkozy said his “energy is focused solely on the single goal of proving my innocence” and added: “The truth will prevail The end of the story is yet to be written.”

Sarkozy described his time in solitary confinement as “gruelling” and “a nightmare,” but praised prison staff for their “exceptional humanity.” During his incarceration, he had access to a cell with basic facilities, limited daily exercise, family visits, and monitored phone and written communication.

Christina Ingrain, one of Sarkozy’s lawyers, called the release “a step forward” and confirmed the legal team would focus on preparing for the appeal.

His wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and two of his sons, Jean and Pierre, were present at the court to support him.

Sarkozy is the first French ex-leader jailed since World War Two, when Philippe Petain was imprisoned for treason in 1945. Since leaving office in 2012, Sarkozy has faced multiple criminal inquiries, including a conviction last December for attempting to bribe a magistrate.