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President Bola Tinubu is reportedly considering Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This comes as the current chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, nears the end of his 10-year tenure.

A presidency source confirmed that Amupitan is being strongly considered. A close associate of the professor also confirmed the development, although no official announcement has been made yet.

Yakubu, appointed in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was expected to step down in June but stayed on while the presidency searched for a replacement. His time as chairman saw both innovations and controversies.

He introduced BVAS, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and simultaneous accreditation and voting. However, he faced criticism for frequent inconclusive elections.

If confirmed, Amupitan will oversee major upcoming polls, including the Anambra governorship election in November 2026, the FCT council elections in February 2026, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections in 2026, and the 2027 general election.

Who is Amupitan?

Professor Amupitan, born in 1967 in Kogi State, is a legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

He studied law at the University of Jos, where he graduated as the best student in 1987.

He later obtained his Master’s and PhD in Law.

He has worked at the University of Jos since 1989, becoming a professor in 2008. He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the university and also serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University.

Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Corporate Governance, and Law of Evidence.

He has written several books and published more than 70 academic papers.

He has also served on boards of companies, worked as a government consultant, and been involved in several important legal cases.

He was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014 and has held various leadership roles in academia and law.

Would you like me to make this even shorter, like a news brief of under 300 words, or keep the full profile style?

A 22-year-old graduate, Femi Ayoade has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling a four-year-old girl inside a tricycle at Eti-Osa area of Lagos State.

Ayoade was jailed by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court presided over by Justice Abiola Soladoye on Tuesday.

The court ruled that the prosecution had proven the one-count charge of defilement against Ayoade beyond reasonable doubt.

Soladoye described Ayoade as a ‘criminally audacious man who turned a child’s vagina into a playground.’

‘It is indeed a shameless act.

‘The prosecution has successfully presented compelling evidence against the defendant.

‘Consequently, the defendant is hereby found guilty of the charge of defilement and is sentenced to life imprisonment,’ she held.

The judge further ordered that the convict’s name be entered into the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.

Lagos State Counsel, Mrs Olufunke Alebiosu, presented two witnesses during the trial, the survivor and her father, while the convict testified as the sole witness for the defence.

The prosecution had submitted that the convict committed the offence in September 2021, at about 11.10 a.m., at No. 19, Milestone Close, Infinity Estate, Skido Bus Stop, Eti-Osa, Lagos.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law, Chapter C17, Volume 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged false claims against President Bola Tinubu until October 27.

Justice Mohammed Umar granted the adjournment on Tuesday to give Sowore sufficient time to prepare his defence.

Sowore, who ran for president under the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019 and 2023, faces a five-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government. X Incorp. (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Inc. are listed as co-defendants.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 and dated September 16, 2025, alleges that Sowore referred to President Tinubu as ‘a criminal’ on his X and Facebook accounts.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Sowore was present, as was counsel for Meta. There was no legal representation for X. DSS counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, requested the charge be read to all defendants for them to take their plea. Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, opposed, noting that the court bailiff had yet to serve the charge on his client and stressing the importance of proper representation for all defendants in a criminal trial.

The court confirmed that X and Meta had been served electronically. DSS then sought to serve Sowore in open court, which was granted by Justice Umar.

Sowore’s lawyer requested an adjournment to ensure the defendant had adequate opportunity to defend himself under Section 282(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. The court subsequently fixed October 27 for arraignment.

The charges follow an earlier DSS request for Sowore’s alleged defamatory posts to be removed from social media. Under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, Sowore is accused of posting a message on August 25 via his X handle, @YeleSowore, claiming:

‘THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!’

The DSS alleges the post was knowingly false and intended ‘to cause a breakdown of law and order,’ particularly among individuals holding differing views on President Tinubu. The alleged acts are contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.

Nollywood actor and producer, Afeez Owo, has spoken glowingly about his wife and colleague, Mide Martins, as the couple continues to celebrate their enduring 22-year marriage.

In a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, Afeez debunked misconceptions about his wife’s personality, describing her as a wonderful partner who is neither strict nor ‘wicked,’ both at home and in public.

He revealed that their marriage thrives on balance and mutual understanding rather than stereotypes of dominance or calmness.

‘Our marriage isn’t the kind where the husband has to be overly strict or the wife has to remain overly calm. We’ve built it on balance, and God has been faithful to us,’ he said.

Speaking further, Afeez shared details about their unique bond, disclosing the unconventional pet names they call each other.

‘I call her Iya Alekuleja, and she calls me Baba Elere. Those aren’t the usual pet names like dear or honey, but it works for us because of the closeness we share,’ he added with a smile.

Reflecting on their journey together since tying the knot in 2003, Afeez expressed gratitude to Mide, publicly thanking her for her patience and love.

’22 years of marriage is no small thing. Ajoke, thank you for putting up with me. I swear to God, my wife is not a wicked woman, whether at home or in public,’ he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disowned former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, over his claim that former President Goodluck Jonathan would emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027.

The party leadership stated that Gana lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the PDP regarding its presidential ticket, insisting that the party has competent governors and other qualified members who could contest the election.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, clarified:

‘Professor Jerry Gana doesn’t speak for the PDP.

People are free to express opinions, but the party has eminently qualified Nigerians, particularly at the governors’ level, who have demonstrated capacity and performance.

When the time comes, our convention will decide.’

Ologunagba stressed that Jonathan remains a member of the party but has not declared any intention to contest.

On the purported state congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, over the weekend, Ologunagba dismissed it as unauthorised.

He explained that the National Working Committee (NWC) had not constituted any electoral panel to conduct such an exercise.

‘There was no state congress in Cross River for the PDP. What happened, if anything at all, could best be described as a carnival gathering, not a congress.

For emphasis, the congress in Cross River has been postponed, along with those of Plateau and Kebbi States,’ he said.

Ologunagba added that disciplinary measures would be taken against those behind the exercise, warning that the party would maintain internal order and due process

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has warned that the ongoing industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) could damage job creation, investment flows, and national economic stability if not quickly nipped in the bud.

NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, made this known in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

He expressed concern about the potential economic impact of the union’s ongoing strike.

Oyerinde stated that while trade unions had the right to protest and strike, such rights must be exercised responsibly, within legal boundaries, and without harming enterprises or workers’ long-term interests.

‘Disputes should be resolved through statutory institutions like the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN),’ he said.

According to him, coercing unwilling parties or disrupting lawful business operations contradicts international labour conventions and poses serious risks to enterprise survival and national security.

He stressed that disruptive actions that threatened national interest were unacceptable in modern labour relations, and NECA would not remain silent as Nigeria’s labour framework faced erosion.

Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards and promoting decent work but warned that such standards did not legitimise sabotage, coercion, or economic harm by unions.

He said Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery should not be endangered by reckless industrial actions that risked scaring off investors and ultimately harming the very workers unions claimed to protect.

Oyerinde urged the Minister of Labour and Employment, along with other relevant authorities, to act swiftly to end the strike.

Recall that the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) had in an earlier statement said industrial action by PENGASSAN resulted in reduction in power generation by more than 1,100MW on Sept 28.

NISO’s Management in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, available generation in the National Grid fell sharply from over 4,300MW in the early hours of Sept. 28, to about 3,200MW at the lowest point.

‘NISO wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

‘These disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours Sept. 28th to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point”it said.

NISO said that the development heightened pressure on the grid, prompting emergency measures to stabilise supply and avert a nationwide blackout.

‘To mitigate the crisis, the system operator said that it ramped up generation from major hydropower stations, injecting over 400MW to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

The agency said that it also implemented real-time load adjustments, frequency support measures, and selective load shedding to preserve operational security.

NISO said it promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid. Key interventions which include

‘Hydropower Optimisation: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

‘Generation Dispatch and Load Balancing: Real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse.

‘Voltage and Frequency Support: Continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity.

‘Demand-Side Management: Selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution,’it said.

According to NISO, these timely actions enabled the it and National Control Centre (NCC) to minimise the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.

The system operator however reaffirmed its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the application of best-in-class practices to guarantee a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation’.

PENGASSAN attributed its latest action to Dangote Refinery’s alleged unilateral action in sacking over 800 staff members for joining the Association.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of PENGASSAN held an emergency meeting of all its branches on Saturday, and resolved that members should withdraw all services effective 00:01 on Monday..

The federal government has waded into the face-off between the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN .

A meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, underscored two recent developments, including the purported suspension of the Naira-for-Crude oil arrangement by the Dangote Refinery, and the concerns raised by PENGASSAN regarding the refinery

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has described the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as ‘Sommie’, a news anchor and reporter with Arise News through a robbery attack as stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the streets.

The NGE said this in a statement by its President, Mr Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, issued on Tuesday while expressing sadness over the death of news anchor, lawyer and reporter.

The Guild described the death of the 29-year-old broadcaster in an armed robbery incident at her Katampe, Abuja residence on Monday, Sept. 29 as ‘senseless’.

‘By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional, who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country.

‘The loss of this dedicated journalist from an armed robbery incident. We cannot help but reflect on the issue of insecurity that plagues our nation.

‘The rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes, have created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists,’ the NGE stated.

The guild consequently called on the Federal Government to expedite action, in addressing the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

According to the NGE, those responsible for Maduagwu’s death must be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law.

‘At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Arise News and the broadcast journalism community.

‘We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime, inspire excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity.

‘May the memory of this vibrant journalist be a blessing to all who knew her,’ it added

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, blasted those peddling allegations of religious genocide in the country, saying no religion is under siege.

He said the allegations were unfounded and misleading, as citizens focus more on harmony and shared prosperity.

The President noted that Nigerians, after 65 years of Independence, had grown to appreciate religious and cultural differences and explore the advantages of diversity in terms of educational, economic, and other productive gains.

President Tinubu allayed fears of religious intolerance in the country at the unveiling of a book on the 10 years of the APC government in Nigeria. It was authored by the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.

President Tinubu commissioned the Owerri-Mbaise-Umahia road, the Assumpta Twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuayanwu Convention Centre.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, two former APC Chairmen, Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje, governors of APC States, and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, attended the commissioning of the projects and the book launch.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Senate President, former Senate Presidents, Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, and Sen. Ahmad Lawan, were also at the event.

Others include the founding Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, as well as traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, student unions, and market associations.

President Tinubu told the crowd at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre: ‘Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

‘We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.

‘Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength and when Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,’ he added.

On the impact of the All Progressives Congress in running Nigeria since 2015, President Tinubu said: ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised a change, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over.

‘Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), came into power on the wings of change. Nigeria was at a crossroads. A break from the old order was not only desirable; it had become inevitable to steer our nation away from collapse.

‘Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance. Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good,’ he added.

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‘APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift,’ the President said.

‘We are not yet where we want to be, but we are no longer where we were. We are building a Nigeria that values productivity above handouts and is a nation prepared for a sustainable future.

The President has a message for the critics of the APC administration: ‘And to those who today parade themselves as prophets of solutions, let me say this: those who wasted sixteen years had their chance. Nigerians remember the broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions using corrupt practices and subterfuge.’

President Tinubu commended Governor Uzodimma for his scholarship documenting this decade of progressive governance.

‘Hope has given Nigeria a gift: a reminder that nations must write their own stories, and leaders must account for their stewardship.’

The President stated that the outlook for the economy had improved across various indicators.

‘I am honoured to stand here in Owerri, in the heart of the South-East, a land of industry, intellect, and resilience. I know there were times when this region felt left out. But under Renewed Hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned. The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth.

‘Believing in true federalism and decentralisation, I have created regional development commissions to bring progress closer to the people. Nigerians have the right to hold leaders at every level (federal, state, and local) accountable. And as leaders, we have the duty to deliver,’ he added.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thanked the President for the initiative of NELFUND, which had encouraged more underprivileged children to pursue their education in higher institutions.

‘Mr President, you have given hope to many young people through the Education funds you provide. You have invested in agriculture to provide food for millions of Nigerians.

‘On behalf of the entire National Assembly, we want to congratulate the performing governor,’ the Senate President said.

The Governor of Imo State, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, stated that the sub-national governments had consistently received increased allocations, enabling infrastructure construction and improving sectors such as education and health.

‘Mr President, we are grateful for your support. It is through your courage and bold policies that our economy is stabilised today. Most of the projects we undertake in Imo are made possible by the continuous funding we receive from time to time.

‘Your consistency in the political trajectory of Nigeria made it possible for the formation of APC, which became a force in the build-up to the 2015 elections. This inspired me to document all these remarkable efforts into a book titled ‘A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria’.

Prof. Benett Chima Nwanguma reviewed the book.

The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday arraigned Samsideen Oladiti, 55, a prominent member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) popularly known as Shamelon, over the alleged murder of a dispatch rider.

Oladiti appeared before Ebute Metta Magistrate Court 2 following his arrest over assault and murder allegations.

According to the Lagos State Police Command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, Oladiti allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island on September 17, 2025, using a helmet and his fists, inflicting serious injuries. The victim was rushed to the hospital, placed on oxygen, and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Oluseyi added that the suspect had been linked to a prior violent incident on August 28, which also resulted in the death of another man. In that case, Oladiti allegedly struck the victim with a metallic ring to the head and face, causing severe injuries. Despite medical intervention, the victim was pronounced dead on September 17, and the body was deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.

The arraignment follows protests by sympathizers of the deceased at Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island, where two of Oladiti’s motorcycles were set ablaze, escalating tensions in the area.

The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, personally responded to the unrest, ensuring order while the suspect was taken into custody.

Oladiti faces further investigation and prosecution as the Lagos State Police continue to probe his alleged involvement in violent crimes across the island.

US President Donald Trump has set a strict three-to-four-day deadline for Hamas to respond to his 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the 23-month war in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn, Trump said all other parties including Israel and Arab nations, have signed on, leaving Hamas as the last obstacle.

Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the proposal, ‘it’s going to be a very sad end,’ and pledged full US backing for Israel to act as it sees fit, without specifying the measures. ‘With Hamas, it’s very simple,’ he added. ‘We want the hostages back immediately and we want some good behaviour.’

The plan calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours of an agreement, and a phased Israeli troop withdrawal. It also demands Hamas disarm-an element the group has previously rejected without guarantees of Palestinian statehood.

Qatar, which hosts the Hamas political bureau, said the group is studying the proposal responsibly, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apology for a recent strike on Qatari soil. Netanyahu, who supports the plan, has insisted Israeli forces will remain in most of Gaza.

The US-backed initiative faces internal challenges. Key Israeli ministers, including far-right hardliner Bezalel Smotrich, have criticised it, calling the plan a ‘resounding diplomatic failure.’ Meanwhile, Palestinians in the West Bank have urged action, highlighting the urgency of the conflict.