Category: PM News

The spokesman of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, has accused African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of trying to discredit Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mohammed made the allegation on Monday during an interview with Trust TV.

He criticised Atiku’s approach to political campaigning, accusing him of making statements aimed at misleading Nigerians rather than addressing important issues.

According to Mohammed, Atiku’s strategy is to damage the public image of Obi, whom he described as the presidential candidate, and Kwankwaso, his running mate.

He said Atiku’s statements were intended to discredit the two politicians and mislead Nigerians who were unhappy with the current administration.

Mohammed also questioned Atiku’s campaign activities, claiming that he had not made enough efforts to meet Nigerians directly or visit different states to seek their support.

He contrasted Atiku’s approach with that of Obi and Kwankwaso, whom he said had been travelling across the country to meet people and make commitments to them.

Mohammed maintained that Obi and Kwankwaso were making efforts to connect with Nigerians as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has sworn in Mr Olayemi Sanusi and Mrs Adenike Ademokun as commissioners, charging them to place the interest of the state above personal considerations, political differences and sectional loyalties.

Abiodun gave the charge on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where he urged the new commissioners to demonstrate integrity, humility, fairness and commitment to public service.

The governor charged them to remain accessible to the people, listen attentively to their concerns and exercise prudence in the management of public resources, stressing that their appointments must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

LLHe also emphasised the importance of continuity in governance, urging the commissioners to preserve institutional knowledge, maintain proper records and ensure that ongoing projects and programmes were completed.

Abiodun advised them to familiarise themselves with the priorities of his administration, understand the status of existing projects and bring fresh energy, sound judgment and a strong sense of responsibility to their assignments.

‘Public confidence grows when citizens can see that those they entrusted with leadership understand their needs and act to address them,’ he said.

The governor further urged the new commissioners to embrace teamwork, respect the professionalism of the public service and collaborate effectively with the ministries, departments and agencies under their supervision.

‘Your ability to listen, inspire confidence, make informed decisions and translate policies into outcomes will determine the contribution you make to our collective mission.

‘Bring your experience to bear, remain willing to learn and support your colleagues in the pursuit of common objectives,’ he said.

Abiodun noted that the value of public office should be measured by the problems it helps to solve and the opportunities it creates, adding that the responsibility before members of the State Executive Council was to consolidate existing achievements, address unfinished priorities and leave behind a stronger and more prosperous Ogun State.

Describing the period as the final lap of his administration, the governor said the remaining months required urgency, discipline, political maturity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

‘We are now in the final lap of this administration. This period demands urgency, discipline, political maturity and a steadfast pursuit of excellence.

‘Your appointments, therefore, come at a very significant moment. You are joining a government with substantial achievements and important responsibilities still to fulfil.

History will assess our stewardship through the consequences of our decisions and the difference our service has made in the lives of the people.

‘Let us, therefore, approach the months ahead with a clear sense of purpose and a determination to make every opportunity count,’ he said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in commissioners, Mrs Adenike Ademokun expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them, assuring the governor that they would not take the appointments for granted.

She pledged their commitment to giving their best in support of the administration’s efforts to sustain development and improve the welfare of residents across the state.

The Edo State House of Assembly has approved a supplementary budget of ?939.85 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.

The approval was granted during Monday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yekini Idiaye, following the consideration of a report by the House Committee on Supply.

Presenting the report, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Sunday Fada, outlined its findings to the lawmakers, after which the House dissolved into a Committee of the Whole to consider the bill clause by clause.

The lawmakers subsequently adopted the committee’s recommendations, paving the way for the bill to scale third reading and secure passage.

Under the supplementary appropriation, ?351.5 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ?588.3 billion is allocated to capital projects, bringing the total proposed spending to ?939.85 billion.

Following the passage, Speaker Idiaye directed the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Yahaya Audu Omogbai, to forward clean copies of the bill to Governor Monday Okpebholo for assent.

In a related development, the lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims of the Oluku fire incident.

The House adjourned plenary until November 9, 2026.

President Bola Tinubu has approved an 18-month extension of the tenures of the heads of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), allowing both service chiefs to remain in office until 2028.

Under the approval, the tenure of the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has been extended until May 26, 2028, while that of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, will now end on June 30, 2028.

The presidency said the extensions followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to address a succession gap in the two services and give their respective boards sufficient time to appoint successors.

Tinubu commended both officials for the reforms recorded under their leadership and charged them to consolidate the gains made in their respective agencies.

The development was announced on Monday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Nwakuche was nominated by Tinubu as Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service in December 2024 and was confirmed by the Senate in March 2025.

Similarly, Nandap was nominated as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service on February 21, 2024, and received Senate confirmation on March 1, 2024.

The extensions will allow both officials to continue overseeing their respective services while the process of appointing their successors is given additional time.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to respond to a suit seeking to compel the release of records of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order when the matter came up for hearing.

The Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation had filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1812/2026.

The group prayed the court to compel the NYSC to disclose documents supporting the minister’s claim that he completed the mandatory one-year national service.

The foundation also sought an order of mandamus directing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the 2nd respondent, to produce records showing that the minister did his primary assignment at the FCTA.

When the case was called, counsel to the applicant, Chief Solomon Akuma, SAN, told the court he was ready to proceed with the hearing.

However, Abiola Olaniji, who appeared for the minister, said he had filed an application for Tunji-Ojo to be joined as the 3rd respondent.

Olaniji said the applicant (foundation) had responded with a counter affidavit raising serious issues, to which he needed time to reply.

The lawyer stated that the minister was ready to take part in the proceedings as an interested party.

But Akuma opposed the application, arguing that the minister was not a proper party.

He said the suit only sought an order of mandamus compelling the respondents (NYSC and FCTA) to produce documents that are not in the minister’s custody.

Justice Ibrahim directed the minister to file and serve his reply to the applicant’s counter affidavit, which opposed his application to be joined as a party in the suit before the next hearing date.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Oct. 18 for hearing.

The applicant had sought from the NYSC the mobilisation or call-up letter issued to Tunji-Ojo in 2006 or any other year; the posting letter to the FCTA in 2006 or any other year; and his application for mobilisation.

It also sought the evidence of approval of his remobilisation by the NYSC’s Director-General; evidence of payment of allowances to him; the record of his Community Development Service and his discharge certificate.

The foundation equally sought from the FCTA, the mobilisation or call-up letter, the posting letter, his attendance record during the service year, evidence of any allowance paid to him, among others.

It said the application was brought under Section 14 of the Federal High Court Act, Order 34 Rules 1, 2 and 5 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.

It also cited Sections 20, 21 and 25 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

Another confrontation erupted around human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after a lawyer allegedly described him as a ‘tout’, provoking an angry reaction from his supporters.

The incident occurred before proceedings began in Sowore’s ongoing cybercrime trial over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a ‘criminal’.

The lawyer, identified only as Yakubu, reportedly made the derogatory remark, triggering a heated exchange with Sowore’s supporters.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a shouting match, with some supporters allegedly threatening to teach the lawyer a ‘lesson’ after the day’s hearing.

The incident unfolded ahead of proceedings presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar.

Monday’s confrontation follows a similar incident on March 24, 2026, when Sowore engaged in a heated argument with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Musibau Adetunbi at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Adetunbi had challenged the activist for granting an interview to journalists inside a courtroom, insisting that the venue was not meant for press briefings.

Sowore rejected the objection, accusing the senior lawyer of attempting to intimidate him.

The confrontation subsequently drew criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which backed Adetunbi and called for respect for courtroom decorum.

Another heated exchange occurred on August 3 during Sowore’s trial, when his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, clashed with prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, over allegations that the defence was deliberately delaying proceedings.

Justice Umar cautioned both lawyers over their conduct before adjourning the case.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations arising from his social media criticism of President Tinubu.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced that its verdict on Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip them of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco is expected at the end of November 2026.

Senegal are challenging the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which overturned their victory in the January 18 final and declared Morocco the champions.

In a statement on Monday, CAS confirmed that the hearing on the dispute took place behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 8.

The court said the panel of arbitrators had started deliberations and was continuing to examine the case before reaching a final decision.

CAS explained that it would issue a complete ruling, including the legal reasons behind its decision. Such a ruling is known as a CAS Award.

The court added that the process would require several weeks, with the final verdict expected towards the end of November.

The outcome will determine whether CAF’s decision to award Morocco the title stands or Senegal can reclaim the trophy they initially won on the pitch.

Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026.

The match was decided by Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal, which appeared to have secured Senegal’s victory and their place in AFCON history.

However, the final was overshadowed by controversy towards the end of normal time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty while the score remained goalless.

The decision triggered strong protests from Senegal’s players, many of whom walked off the pitch in disagreement with the referee’s call.

Some Senegalese supporters also attempted to invade the pitch, creating further tension inside the stadium.

The situation forced the match to be suspended for almost 20 minutes before the Senegalese players returned to continue the game.

Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Senegal eventually scored in extra time to win the match 1-0.

Despite Senegal’s victory on the night, the controversy surrounding the final continued after the tournament.

In March 2026, CAF overturned the original result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, making the North African country the official winner of the competition.

The decision changed the outcome of the final and sparked widespread debate over the circumstances surrounding the match and the disciplinary rules applied by the African football governing body.

Senegal subsequently challenged CAF’s decision at CAS, the independent body responsible for resolving disputes in international sport.

The appeal seeks to overturn CAF’s ruling and restore Senegal’s status as AFCON champions.

The case has attracted considerable attention from football supporters in both countries, with the decision carrying major implications for the two national teams.

For Senegal, a favourable ruling would mean regaining the title they celebrated after defeating Morocco in the final. For Morocco, the CAS decision could determine whether they retain the championship awarded to them by CAF.

The dispute also places the spotlight on the authority of CAF to review match results and the role of CAS in resolving disagreements involving international football competitions.

CAS has not announced a specific date for the release of its verdict but has indicated that the decision should be ready by the end of November.

Until the ruling is delivered, uncertainty will remain over the official outcome of the AFCON final and which country will ultimately be recognised as the champion.

The decision is expected to bring clarity to the dispute, although its implications could continue to generate debate among football officials, players and supporters.

The Federal Government has released ?4.04 billion in severance benefits for 600 former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited, ending another phase of the workers’ prolonged struggle for their outstanding entitlements.

The Federal Ministry of Finance announced the release on Monday, October 19, 2026, in a statement signed by Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

According to the ministry, the payment covers Batches 010 and 011 of verified beneficiaries and represents the second tranche of the government’s severance settlement programme.

The ministry disclosed that the gross entitlements of the 600 beneficiaries amounted to ?4,251,043,000.19, from which ?212,552,150.01 was deducted, leaving a net payment of ?4,038,490,850.18.

The latest release follows the ?18 billion severance settlement announced in September for 2,700 former Nigeria Airways workers across the first nine batches.

The government explained that payments were being processed in batches to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries with verified records received their entitlements.

‘The Federal Government recognises the prolonged wait experienced by former employees and their families and remains committed to resolving legitimate outstanding claims through an orderly and transparent process, while safeguarding public funds through appropriate verification,’ the statement read.

Nigeria Airways, once Nigeria’s national carrier, ceased operations in 2003 and was subsequently liquidated in 2004, leaving thousands of former employees pursuing unpaid severance benefits for more than two decades.

The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to settling outstanding obligations through established payment procedures.

‘The Ministry of Finance will continue to support the implementation of approved government obligations in line with established procedures and the applicable payment process,’ it added.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed an application by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, seeking an order compelling the Director-General (DG) of Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, to testify in his defence.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling, held that the application by Sowore, the presidential candidate of Action Action Congress (AAC), would not serve the interest of justice.

The Judge added that the DSS DG or any designated officer of the service who had full knowledge of its official and other relevant business could testify before this court for the defendant (Sowore).

Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS on allegations bordering on cybercrime.

The defendant was alleged to have, in August 2025, published posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, describing President Bola Tinubu as a ‘criminal’ and accusing him of lying about the level of corruption in the country.

Sowore, through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide Fusika, SAN, had sought an order of the court compelling the DG’s appearance to testify relating to the cyberbullying case instituted against him.

The DSS’ lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, had opposed the move, arguing that another official of the agency could testify on his behalf.

The senior lawyer argued that it was absurd for Sowore to insist on the DSS DG’s appearance in court in an action that was purely official and not personal.

In his ruling, Justice Umar agreed with Kehinde’s argument that the subpoena concerned an official act of the DSS and that the expected testimony was not personal to the DG.

According to the judge the testimony that is expected from the Director General is not personal, but in respect of an official act or engagement.

Justice Umar consequently ruled that another DSS official could appear to give evidence on the agency’s behalf.

Following the ruling, defence counsel called the 3rd defence witness, Michael Jego, an investigating officer with the DSS.

Jego said he was a member of the DSS investigation team which flagged the controversial post of Sowore on X and Facebook and subsequently advised him to retract it.

ý

ýThe witness said the posts made on 26 Aug. 26, 2025 had the potential of posing a significant threat to national security.

The witness told the court that he was part of an investigation team that monitored reactions with relation to the post.

The United Nations has highlighted Nigeria’s rural electrification programme as a successful example of expanding electricity access through targeted subsidies and private investment.

The recognition is contained in the World Social Report 2026, released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

The report identifies Nigeria’s Electrification Project as an example of how developing countries can expand access to affordable energy among underserved populations.

Citing earlier World Bank data, the UN said the programme supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of more than one million solar home systems.

It said these interventions provided electricity access to more than five million Nigerians and supported the creation of over 5,000 green jobs.

The report described Nigeria’s use of subsidies for rural mini-grids as a successful policy experience in combining affordable electricity with private-sector participation.

It explained that targeted financial support could help lower electricity costs for poorer households while encouraging investment in underserved communities.

The UN also identified Nigeria and Ghana as countries pioneering the integration of solar panels into agricultural land.

According to the report, such initiatives could enable farmers to generate electricity while continuing food production on the same land.

It said integrating renewable energy with agriculture could strengthen food security, improve water management and expand economic opportunities in rural communities.

The report also assessed Nigeria’s performance in a new framework measuring economic transformation alongside social inclusion.

Nigeria recorded a transformation score of 44.30 and an inclusiveness score of 56.36, producing a combined index score of 100.67.

The assessment forms part of a comparative analysis covering 168 countries and examining economic, digital, energy and social development over 2000-2024.

The UN emphasised that economic growth and technological progress did not automatically guarantee that vulnerable populations would benefit from development.