Category: PM News

Captain William Ekong, ace forward Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey have been included in Nigeria’s 24-man list for next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.

Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle has also included 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, exciting young defender Benjamin Fredericks, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman.

Nigeria will take on Gabon in the first semi-final scheduled for the22,000 capacityComplexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, with Cameroon confronting the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other semi-final at the18,000 capacity El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat.

Chelle has also recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke, with midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams and Olusegun Olakunle also on the roster.

Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, suspended for one game after accumulating two yellow cards in the 10-match qualifying campaign, will miss the clash with the Panthers on Thursday.

The players are scheduled to fly into Morocco from their different bases in Europe and elsewhere, to converge in Rabat on Monday, 10thNovember.

24 SUPER EAGLES FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP AFRICA PLAY-OFF TOURNAMENT

oalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (Udinese FC, Italy)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Kano state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has reacted to the controversy trailing the appointment of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, as the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), calling for calm.

The state APC chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, in a Statement on Friday, responded to the ongoing accusations and counter-accusations surrounding the confirmation of Engr. Ramat as NERC Executive Chairman.

Prince Abbas, cautioned party members in the state against actions and utterances that could create divisions within the party.

He expressed serious concern that the controversy, “is threatening to sow a seed of discord among party members and their various support groups in the state.”

The Kano APC chairman further noted that, “some of the remarks being circulated by supporters of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and those aligned with the APC gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, respectively, are unhelpful and detrimental to the unity of the party.

“The issue at hand falls squarely within the constitutional responsibilities of the Presidency and the Nigerian Senate.

“While it is the prerogative of the Presidency to make nominations for appointments, it is the duty of the Senate to screen and confirm such nominees in line with constitutional provisions.”

The party chairman reminded party members that despite the differences that often arise in politics, the APC has always been a united and cohesive family.

He urged members not to allow disagreements over a single appointment to weaken the bond that has held the party together over the years.

Prince Abbas called for restraint, urging all sides to respect due process and allow the relevant institutions to perform their constitutional roles.

He expressed confidence that both the Presidency and the National Assembly would handle the matter appropriately and in the best interest of the nation and the party.

Our Correspondent reports that the All Tinubu/Barau Support Groups Coalition, described as “blatant lies and cheap blackmail,” allegations that the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Obot Akpabio and the Deputy Senate President, Dr. Barau Ibrahim Jibrin, received $10 million, as bribe to subvert the confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat, as the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The Convener/Director General of the Coalition, Comrade Hafizu Sani Liman, during a Press Conference in Kano, accused a group he described as “defunct” Gawuna Campaign Organization, of masterminding the “blackmail” designed to tarnish the image of Dr. Barau Ibrahim Jibrin, before the people of Kano.

Liman insisted that, “Senator Barau remains a beacon of unity, integrity, and progress in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“No amount of blackmail or propaganda can distract him from his constitutional responsibilities or his mission to advance the welfare of the people of Kano North and the Nigerian nation at large. We stand firmly with him today, tomorrow, and always.”

Liman further dismissed what he described as, “the false, malicious, and politically motivated allegations made against the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, by the defunct Gawuna Campaign Organisation on the confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“They organized the press conference solely to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the Deputy President of the Senate and portray him in a bad light in the face of the good people of Kano State, who are solidly behind him.

“The press conference, jointly addressed by Hon. Muhammadu Badaru Umar and Alwan Hassan, was filled with lies, mischief, misinformation, and fabrication by the leadership of the Gawuna Campaign Organisation, who by virtue of their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should team up with the Deputy President of the Senate to restore the glorious days of our party in Kano.”

ccording to him: “As Nigerians, we are all aware that, in line with our country’s constitution, it is the prerogative of the President to appoint whomever he wants to hold any public office in the country, including that of NERC.

“Following the nomination of Engineer Ramat, His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, has lobbied his colleagues to ensure the successful screening and confirmation of the nominee. The nominee can attest to this fact, as he has been involved in the process.

“It is, therefore, mischievous and laughable for anyone to suggest that Senator Barau is scheming to subvert the confirmation. The confirmation process route has not been completed.

“The screening has been carried out by the Senate Committee on Power under the Chairmanship of Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe. The report is expected to be presented on the Senate floor soon.”

Everton bounced back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Fulham at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, ending their three-game winless streak in the Premier League.

Idrissa Gueye broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, smashing home a rebound after the Toffees had seen two earlier goals disallowed for offside.

The hosts thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside — Everton’s third disallowed goal of the day.

Fulham struggled to create clear chances, with Rodrigo Muniz forcing Jordan Pickford into a fine save, while Iliman Ndiaye made a crucial clearance to deny Kevin from close range.

Everton sealed the win in the 81st minute when Michael Keane rose highest to head home Dewsbury-Hall’s corner, securing all three points for David Moyes’ men.

The result lifts Everton to within a point of ninth-placed Crystal Palace, while Fulham remain hovering just above the relegation zone.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Nnamdi Stanley Chibuike, who allegedly concealed a pistol inside a loaf of bread in a bid to outsmart security operatives.

Spokesperson of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday in Asaba, said the suspect was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad at Koka Roundabout.

ccording to Edafe, Chibuike’s suspicious behaviour prompted a search, leading to the shocking discovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol carefully hidden inside the loaf.

“The suspect was immediately arrested and taken into custody. The recovered weapon has been secured as an exhibit, while investigations are ongoing to determine his possible connection with incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping within the Asaba metropolis and neighbouring communities,” Edafe stated.

He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, as commending the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, describing the discovery as proof of the Command’s sustained intelligence-driven operations.

Olufemi also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to fishing out criminal elements “no matter how clever their tricks,” while urging residents to remain vigilant and share credible information with law enforcement.

By Ayox Ojo

President Bola Tinubu has described the feat of Ms Omoyemi Akerele, founder of the Lagos Fashion Week, on winning the 2025 Earthshot Prize as a clear demonstration of the audacity of vision and purpose.

The President said this in a congratulatory message to Akerele contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga on Friday.

The President added that the entrepreneur stands as an inspiration to many women and men.

He also commended Ms Akerele for her visionary enterprise, noting that the Lagos Fashion Week has not only become a platform for innovation but also for environmentally sustainable creativity.

“The President describes the feat as a clear demonstration of the audacity of vision and purpose, stating that the entrepreneur stands as an inspiration to many women and men.

“President Tinubu wishes Ms Akerele more success in her endeavours and encourages other Nigerian innovators not to relent on their dreams but to keep pressing forward until they reach the tape of success.

Ms Akerele’s Lagos Fashion Week emerged as the only African enterprise and one of the five winners of the Pound 5 million Earthshot Prize for 2025 at the award ceremony held at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Wednesday.

The innovative platform beat 2,500 nominees from 72 countries to clinch the prize and will receive Pound 1 million, about N1.9 billion.

The Earthshot Prize is one of the world’s prestigious environmental awards dedicated to discovering and scaling innovative climate solutions. The Pound 50 million prize was instituted in 2020 by Britain’s Prince William.

Lagos Fashion Week won the award in the ‘Build a Waste-Free World’ category for redefining Africa’s fashion industry through sustainability.

By Obinna Unaeze and Monday Ajogun

Residents and commercial vehicle operators in some parts of Anambra on Saturday defied the restriction of movement ordered by the Police during the ongoing governorship election.

The Police had on Friday announced total restriction of movement in the state from the midnight to 6.00 p.m. on Saturday.

However vehicles were seen plying the express way from the Awka axis, the capital down, to Amawbia and Enugwu-Ukwu Communities in Awka South and Njikoka LGA of Anambra.

ccording to report, no fewer than 30 vehicles were seen by 7:20 am on Saturday plying the express way from the Awka axis, the capital down, to Amawbia and Enugwu-Ukwu Communities in Awka South and Njikoka LGA of Anambra.

The correspondent who monitored compliance with non-vehicular movement order by the police observed that there was no 100 percent compliance.

Commercial buses and private cars were seen driving round unhindered and conveying passengers standing on the roadside to Onitsha, Nkpor- Enugwu-Ukwu and Abagana axis of the state.

lso security vehicles were seen driving along the road to their various locations while at Abagana police station the officers are yet to be deployed to their various duty areas.

lso, some petty traders shops were open to willing customers.

Mrs Theresa Chinweuko who was frying bean cake(Akara) told the correspondent that she needed to make quick sales today to feed her family.

Chinweuko said that many people have patronized her this morning as people needed to eat before voting.

lso around the Abagana area before the Oye Agu market, police were seen stopping vehicles and demanding their movement locations and parking some vehicles and cyclists who were unable to explain their movement.

It was also observed that most restaurants within the Abagana area were making foods and chasing people not patronising them away.

t St. Michael Church, Nawfia ward 2 that acts as Super Rack for ward 1 and 2 with 14 polling units each, INEC officials were present at 7.47a.m.

The supervisor was on ground arranging with the bus drivers to start going to their post with officers on ground.

The correspondent also observed that commercial vehicles were operating freely in some parts of Awka, the state capital, while commuters boarding the vehicles.

The situation was the same from Ogidi Local Government Area to Nkpor junction.

It was also observed the presence of security personnel on the popular Nkpor road as well as other spots and popular junctions across the state capital.

Late arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in some polling units in Awka and Onitsha were also observed.

For instance, the INEC officials manning Agwuoka polling unit 008 were seen being dropped at their duty posts at exactly 8:40 a.m while their counterparts in Aroma polling unit 022 were seeing setting up their stand about the same time.

lso, at the Awka South Local Government Area, an INEC official monitoring the exercise, Mrs Mary Fajoye, said that election materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, had left the INEC office in the council area since yesterday.

Fajoye said although there were initial hitches by polling officers in locating some of their registration areas, she, however, said that the matter had been sorted out.

lso at Amawbia 02, Polling Unit 3, Central School 111, Awka South, officials and materials were already set as 8:19 a.m. awaiting official commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Mark Kalu, of Polling Unit 3, was seen addressing the electorate on the preparedness and process for the conduct of the poll.

Kalu, who appealed for decorum, informed the voters that priority would be given to albinos, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the aged.

s at the time of filing this report, accreditation of voters had commenced at the Polling Unit, Eze Chima Primary School on Awka Road.

(NAN)

By Ayox Ojo

The Iseyin campus of Ladoke Akintola University, (LAUTECH) has been shut for two weeks after a 200 level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics of was killed by a vehicle.

The killing of the student by a hit-and-run driver in Iseyin town led to protests by the students, forcing the management to close the institution for two weeks

However, LAUTECH did not disclose the name of the student.

The Registrar of the Institution, Mrs Olayinka Balogun, confirmed the incident in a statement of Saturday.

Balogu said the management of the Institution has approved a two-week suspension of the activity at the Iseyin campus following the death of the victim.

The statement reads: “The Management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology ( LAUTECH), Ogbomoso deeply regrets to announce the tragic passing of a 200 Level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, who was fatally wounded by a hit- and run driver in Iseyin.

“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow over our University Community, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

‘In light of this grievous loss, and in recognition of the emotional toll it has taken on our students and staff, the University Management has approved a two-week suspension of academic activities at the Iseyin Campus, effective immediately.

“Consequently, all students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources are to proceed on a two-week break.

“While students will be expected back in their classrooms on Monday, 24th November, 2025 when academic activities resume, officers on essential services who may be required to be on duty will be informed in the usual manner.

“We urge all students to remain safe, support one another, and honour the memory of their departed colleague”.

Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2025 Anambra State election, has claimed a decisive win at his own polling unit.

Uachukwu cast his vote at Polling Unit12, Ward2, Umudiala village, Osumenyi, NnewiSouth Local Government Area, where he accumulated 108 votes, defeating the incumbent and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Charles Soludo, who managed just 4 votes.

The result signals robust support for Ukachukwu within his local community, reinforcing his standing in the race even as full statewide collation of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues.

The polling unit outcome is part of several similar local strongshowings by various candidates across the state. Observers note that while pollingunit victories are not determinative of the overall contest, they provide early indicators of grassroots momentum and local alliances.

With the Anambra governorship election drawing heightened national attention, results like this one will be closely watched as the tallying progresses.

Would you like a breakdown of his performance across other units or a comparison with his main rivals’ pollingunit results?

By Ayorinde Oluokun/ Abuja

The Senate has threatened to take legal action against those alleging that its members collected $10 million bribe to suspend the screening and confirmation of Mr. Abdullahi Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The upper legislative chamber described the allegation made by a group led by former presidential aide, Alwan Hassan as “false and reckless”.

The Senate’s denial was contained in a statement by Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu on Friday night.

daramodu said the Senate acted solely in response to “a weight of public and private petitions” trailing the nominee.

“The decision to step down Mr. Ramat’s screening was purely guided by public outcry and complaints against his nomination,” Adaramodu said.

“This is not the first time the Senate has taken such a position in deference to public concerns.”

The Senate spokesperson accused Hassan of being “a hired hand” attempting to blackmail the legislature, warning that the Senate would not allow itself to be dragged into disrepute.

“The Senate will not be intimidated by political mercenaries or satanic fabrications,” the statement read.

“Mr. Ramat carries a baggage of complaints, and the Senate is bound to act responsibly when such concerns are raised.”

daramodu further revealed that the Senate would institute legal action against Hassan to compel him to substantiate his bribery allegation before Nigerians.

“No one can tarnish the image of the National Assembly with baseless claims. We will meet him in court,” he said.

daramodu reaffirmed Senate’s commitment to transparent legislative processes.

He vowed that the Senate would ensure that every nominee passes through “a watertight and credible” confirmation exercise.

President Bola Tinubu had early last month written to the Senate, Seeking the confirmation of the appointment of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman/CEO of NERC.

The letter was read at the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by the Senate President, Senator Godwill Akpabio.

The President had in August this year appointed Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman/CEO, NERC, subject to Senate confirmation.

He was appointed following the retirement of Engr. Sanusi Garba, who served as the NERC Chairman for the period of five years.

The delay in the screening of the 39 years old electrical engineer has also divided the Kano chapter of APC.

Tension may be brewing in Bergamo as Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has unfollowed Atalanta on Instagram and archived all club-related posts from his page, days after his heated touchline exchange with head coach Ivan Juric.

The incident occurred during Atalanta’s 1-0 win over Olympique Marseille on Wednesday night, when Lookman, visibly upset, reacted angrily to being substituted in the 75th minute. Juric was seen grabbing the Nigerian’s arm before other backroom staff stepped in to de-escalate the situation.

lthough the Atalanta boss downplayed the clash, describing it as “normal football emotion” that would be resolved internally, Lookman’s latest social media move has reignited speculation about a possible rift between the player and the coach.

“It’s the usual thing we’ve been commenting on every Sunday,” Juric said after the game. “Some players are not happy to be substituted. They don’t react well, and we sort these things out in the locker room. What matters is Atalanta, the club, the team, and the fans.”

Fans, however, are not taking it lightly. Many took to social media to question whether the rift has gone beyond the dressing room, especially with Lookman’s recent online purge hinting at deeper frustration.

demola Lookman, who played a crucial role in Atalanta’s Europa League success last season, has struggled to find consistent scoring form this term, a situation that may be adding to the tension.