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A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Sowunmi has urged Nigerians to disregard rumours being peddled about the state of health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sowunmi who is the convener of The Alternatives said this in reaction to concerns over President Tinubu’s health.

The concerns followed the president’s physical absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with Vice-President Kashim Shettima leading Nigeria’s delegation and delivering the country’s national statement.

Tinubu’s absence marked the third consecutive UN General Assembly he did not attend in person, having also been represented by Shettima at the 79th and 80th sessions.

The Presidency said the President was on annual leave, while officials subsequently described his absence as a working vacation.

Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after spending about four weeks abroad.

Upon his return, the President himself said he was healthy and ready to work, while describing concerns about his health as rumours associated with politics.

Speaking to journalists at Ojowo in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun East Senatorial District on Thursday, the convener affirmed that President is healthy and mentally sound.

He therefore called on Nigerians to disregard what he described as rumours surrounding the President’s health.

Sowunmi also noted that Tinubu had personally dismissed speculation about his wellbeing.

‘The President is in good health, the President is in sound mind,’ Sowunmi said, urging Nigerians not to focus on what he described as negative reports about the President.

The PDP chieftain also pointed to Tinubu’s appearance upon returning from his overseas trip as evidence, asking whether his physical demeanour suggested that he was unwell.

The Ogun politician also defended Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UNGA personally, arguing that Nigeria remained represented through the Vice-President.

He said the Vice-President’s presence at the global gathering was sufficient to represent the country and the President, noting that Shettima participated in high-level engagements and delivered Nigeria’s national statement.

The Presidency had similarly maintained that Tinubu’s absence did not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing, stressing that Shettima carried the President’s mandate at the UNGA.

Sowunmi further argued that Tinubu’s presence was needed to pursue domestic economic priorities, rather than attending the UN gathering simply for ceremonial purposes.

He cited major investment opportunities involving Nigeria, including proposed investments in the gas sector and a deep-sea port project in Ogun State, as examples of economic engagements he said should receive the President’s attention.

Sowunmi while addressing his supporters, urge them all to give a massive vote to all APC candidates in Ogun East senatorial district most especially Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Lagos State has received 20 high-capacity Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as the Federal Government steps up efforts to reduce public transportation costs across the country.

The buses were delivered to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The buses, including units made by IVM and TATA, were handed over at LAMATA’s headquarters in Lagos.

The development came one day before the Federal Government’s October 1 target for Nigerians to begin seeing reductions in public transport fares through the increased use of CNG and electric buses.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, LAMATA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abimbola Akinajo, said the buses would help improve public transportation in Lagos.

She said the additional buses would provide more capacity, improve reliability and help connect communities across the state.

Akinajo also urged the operators receiving the buses to ensure that they are properly deployed and maintained.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the high-capacity buses would allow more passengers to be transported with fewer vehicles.

He added that the buses could also help reduce waiting times on routes where they are deployed.

The Chief Operations Officer of the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, Tosin Coker, said Lagos remained important to Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy in public transportation.

He urged operators to maintain the buses properly to ensure they continue to serve commuters effectively.

20 buses increase Lagos CNG fleet

The 20 new buses bring the number of CNG buses operating within Lagos’ regulated public transport system to about 170.

Akinajo said the new buses would be deployed to routes with high passenger demand, particularly the Ikorodu to TBS corridor.

Lagos introduced CNG buses into its regulated transport system in 2024 as part of efforts to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel and lower the cost of operating public transportation.

Akinajo said the lower operating cost of CNG and electric buses had helped LAMATA keep fares within the regulated system from rising despite the increase in diesel prices.

According to her, diesel, which sold for about N950 per litre at the beginning of the year, now costs between N1,950 and N2,100 per litre.

She said the use of CNG and electric buses had helped LAMATA manage the higher operating costs without transferring the full burden to commuters through higher fares.

The Lagos State Transport Policy targets having 52 per cent of buses in the Bus Rapid Transit system powered by clean energy by 2050.

FG targets cheaper transportation

The delivery of the buses comes as the Federal Government pushes states to use CNG and electric vehicles to reduce transportation costs.

President Bola Tinubu had said state governors agreed under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to take steps to reduce transport fares by taking advantage of the lower operating costs of CNG and electric vehicles.

Tinubu has also cited savings recorded from the use of CNG-powered public transportation in different states.

He said 100 CNG buses in Kaduna transported about 3.2 million passengers during their first year of operation and saved commuters more than N3.5 billion.

He also mentioned fare reductions linked to CNG and alternative-energy transportation in Oyo, Enugu, Plateau, Abuja, Niger and Abia.

120,000 vehicles converted to CNG

The Federal Government is also expanding CNG infrastructure across the country.

The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund is financing more than 100 gas projects, including 15 CNG mother stations and 86 daughter stations.

The government plans to add another 500 CNG refuelling stations to the 500 already ordered, bringing the planned nationwide total to 1,000 stations.

The Federal Government had also set a target of converting one million commercial petrol vehicles to CNG by 2027.

Data from the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles shows that about 120,000 vehicles have so far been converted.

The CNG initiative was introduced in 2023 following the removal of the petrol subsidy, with the government promoting CNG as a cheaper and cleaner alternative for transportation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reinstated Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru as the chairman of its Kebbi chapter with immediate effect.

Kana-Zuru was suspended last June following internal rift within the party.

His reinstatement was announced in a statement by the spokesperson of Kebbi APC, Alhaji Isah Assalafi at a press conference held at the party’s state secretariat in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

Assalafi said the Kebbi State Working Committee (KSWC), at its meeting on Oct. 1, considered the circumstances and developments surrounding the suspension and resolved to revoke it.

He recalled that the KSWC had, at its meeting on June 20, adopted Resolution No. KSWC/010/2026, suspending Kana-Zuru from office as the state chairman.

‘Having considered the subsequent circumstances and developments relating to the said suspension, the State Working Committee has deemed it appropriate to revoke the same.

‘Accordingly, the suspension of Alhaji Kana-Zuru from the office of State Chairman of the APC in the state, pursuant to Resolution No. KSWC/010/2026 dated June 20, is hereby revoked with immediate effect,’ he revealed.

According to him, Kana-Zuru is hereby reinstated as state chairman and shall immediately resume the full functions, powers, duties and responsibilities of the office.

He added that the interim arrangement under which Alhaji Adamu Mudi-Augie had been performing the functions of acting state chairman had also been terminated with immediate effect.

Assalafi said Mudi-Augie would consequently cease to act as chairman and resume his substantive position as Deputy State Chairman.

He further said that all official records, documents, correspondence, instruments and other affairs of the office of the state chairman would be handed over to Kana-Zuru.

The PRO said the State Secretary had been directed to communicate the resolution to the appropriate organs of the party.

‘Such organs include the national headquarters of the party, for information, records and necessary action in accordance with the party’s constitution and applicable directives.

‘The resolution takes effect immediately upon its adoption by the KSWC at its meeting on Oct. 1, at the APC state secretariat in Birnin Kebbi,’ the PRO said.

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, on his 50th birthday, praising the presidential aide for his work in communicating the administration’s policies and programmes.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Ajayi as an accomplished journalist, entrepreneur, and media and communications professional.

In the statement signed by Onanuga and dated September 30, 2026, the The President commended Ajayi’s diligence and highlighted his writings on key government policies, as well as his engagement with the media.

Ajayi, who has worked in mainstream journalism, also held strategic positions in publishing, advertising, and public relations before joining the presidential media team.

He studied Literature in English at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Literature in English from the University of Lagos in 2005.

Tinubu joined Ajayi’s family, friends, associates, and colleagues in the State House media department to mark his 50th birthday.

The President wished the presidential aide continued good health and renewed strength as he continues in public service.

The Federal Government is working with electricity distribution companies to establish dedicated 24-hour power supply zones in major commercial and industrial centres across Nigeria.

The proposed initiative is designed to improve electricity reliability for households, businesses and industries while enabling DisCos to maximise the power available to them and strengthen their delivery networks.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed the plan during a strategic meeting with the management of selected electricity distribution companies on the proposed energy zones.

Under the initial phase, the government plans to focus on three major economic corridors: Lagos; Abuja-Kaduna-Kano; and Enugu-Port Harcourt.

Tegbe said improving electricity generation and transmission alone would not resolve the country’s power challenges, stressing that distribution remained a critical part of the sector.

According to him, the ability of DisCos to receive available electricity and distribute it efficiently to consumers was central to improving power supply.

The minister said the proposed zones would help tackle distribution bottlenecks in areas with strong electricity demand, particularly locations with significant commercial and industrial activity.

He added that the initiative could also help unlock demand for electricity while improving the revenue and collection performance of DisCos.

Tegbe reaffirmed the Federal Government’s intention to expand and strengthen electricity infrastructure in areas where demand is high, saying infrastructure development must keep pace with the requirements of a growing economy.

He said the engagement with the DisCos formed part of the ‘disciplined and sequenced approach’ to resolving the challenges confronting the power sector, which he had committed to upon assuming office.

The initiative is also being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the Ministry of Power linking reliable electricity supply to economic expansion, industrialisation and job creation.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Sahara Energy Group.

The ministry said further discussions would be held on the infrastructure, commercial and operational requirements needed to establish and sustain the proposed 24-hour electricity zones.

The proposed arrangement is therefore expected to focus not only on making more electricity available, but also on ensuring that power can be effectively moved through distribution networks to consumers in areas where demand is highest.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has approved a petition from the family of late Afrobeats singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, ordering a fresh and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death

The new development was disclosed in a statement released by Oladayo Ogungbe, the family’s lawyer. It came days after the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a separate suit seeking to compel the police to reopen investigations into the singer’s death. The family stressed that the court case was unrelated to its petition and that the police re-investigation remains ongoing.

Ogungbe explained that the Aloba family submitted its petition to the IGP on April 14, 2026, while it was received at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on May 7. The lawyer also said the petition raised concerns over inconsistencies in the earlier investigative process and called for a comprehensive forensic reconstruction of the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

‘The family’s representative has since been invited and has engaged with the new team of investigators assigned to the matter. The Aloba Family therefore does not wish the public to conflate the dismissal of that suit with the separate investigative process already commenced pursuant to the Family’s petition to the Inspector-General of Police. The re-investigation is ongoing. The Aloba Family remains fully engaged. The pursuit of justice for Mohbad continues,’ the statement said in part.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, triggering widespread public concern over the circumstances surrounding his death. His remains were exhumed days later for an autopsy, but questions surrounding the case have continued to generate public interest.

As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Osun State Directorate, Mr. Adebiyi, Adefarasin Stephen, has felicitated government and the people of Osun State and Nigerians at large.

In his Independence message, Mr. Adebiyi said the anniversary offers an opportunity for sober reflection, renewed patriotism and collective commitment to a nation building. He urged citizens to uphold unity, peace, tolerance and civic responsibility for national development.

The NOA boss commended the Osun State Government for inaugurating the Special Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation chaired by the Head of Service, Mr. Samuel Ayanleye Aina, describing it as a timely intervention to curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, road medians and drains.

Adebiyi said the NOA, Osun Directorate will collaborate with the state government and the taskforce to sustain public sensitisation on proper waste disposal, clearing of drainage channels and the dangers of building on waterways.

He called on residents to support government efforts by adopting responsible environmental practices.

Mr. Adebiyi, Adefarasin also commiserated with residents and business owners affected by recent flooding in Oke-Ijetu, Fountain University axis, Ilesa Garage, Koka-Ijesa, Ogo-Oluwa and other parts of the state.

He appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to urgently assess the affected communities and provide relief materials to victims to ameliorate their hardship.

He advised residents in flood-prone areas to heed early warnings, avoid dumping refuse in drains and desist from erecting structures on waterways.

He wished all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence celebration.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that opposition parties cannot afford to relax ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing legal battles and internal crises threatening some political platforms.

Baba-Ahmed, who spoke during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, alleged that several opposition parties were currently struggling with court cases and factional disputes that could affect their participation in the election.

According to him, the opposition has learnt from past experiences and must ensure that candidates presented for the 2027 elections can survive possible legal challenges.

‘The APC is not innocent when it comes to playing dirty. We, the opposition, don’t sleep with both eyes closed,’ he said.

Baba-Ahmed claimed that out of the eight political parties considered part of the opposition bloc, about five or six were dealing with legal issues.

‘There are about eight political parties, and five or six of them have court cases. Some have been factionalised, and at this point, we don’t know if some candidates will be on the ballot or not,’ he said.

He warned that unresolved disputes within political parties could create uncertainty ahead of the elections.

‘Too many political parties in the opposition are limping from legal issues and factionalisation. Which faction is going to be there?’ he asked.

The PRP chairman said the challenges forced opposition actors to be more careful in selecting candidates capable of overcoming legal hurdles before the election.

‘It was better to put forward only a candidate we are sure can survive all the legal hurdles. So, we think these issues are behind us now,’ he said.

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in protecting the freedom secured through the struggles of previous generations.

Otti made the call in his 2026 Independence Day anniversary message on Thursday in Umuahia, saying the gains of the past could only be sustained through collective vigilance.

According to him, citizens must not take their freedoms and democratic achievements for granted, warning that complacency can create opportunities for their erosion.

‘The fruits of yesterday’s struggles can only be sustained by the collective vigilance of our generation and those coming after us,’ Otti said.

He expressed appreciation to citizens of the state for their ‘unshakable faith’ in Nigeria, in spite of its difficult historical experiences and thanked them for their support for his administration.

The governor restated his administration’s commitment to the rapid socio-economic transformation of Abia, saying systems and institutions would be developed to meet the state’s aspirations.

‘Together, we shall build systems and institutions that answer to our development aspirations,’ he said.

Otti said the security and welfare of Abians would remain the administration’s foremost priority, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

He also pledged the state’s contribution toward actualising the aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers and their pursuit of freedom and national sovereignty.

The governor however warned that failure to remain vigilant could expose the country’s cherished freedom to threats.

‘We are therefore invited to take nothing for granted for when we do, we unwittingly open the gates for the enemies of freedom to jump in and steal that which we cherish the most,’ he said.

Otti ???????urged Nigerians to embrace active citizenship, vote responsibly and remain vigilant to protect democracy and sustain the gains of independence.

He noted that Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or nativity, remained stakeholders in the national project and must contribute to changing the country’s trajectory.

‘If then we wish to see a different outcome, the first order of duty would be to accept that we are all stakeholders in the Nigerian project,’ he said.

Otti said nation-building required citizens to use legitimate means, including voting, participating in public discourse, paying taxes and obeying laws.

‘The patriotic thing to do is to boldly confront the situation headlong, using every legitimate tool available to us, refusing any temptation to surrender, until we achieve the outcomes that we seek,’ he said.

The governor urged Nigerians to reject vote-selling, political apathy, dishonesty, mediocrity, greed, nepotism and clannishness, describing them as obstacles to national development.

According to him, democracy has provided Nigerians with the opportunity to determine who governs them, urging citizens to make effective use of their democratic rights.

‘The superior appeal of democracy is the freedom it offers ordinary men and women to have a direct say in who governs them,’ Otti said.

He added that Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past 27 years remained significant, in spite of the challenges experienced since independence.

Otti said the country had potential for greatness, but stressed that potential alone could not transform Nigeria without citizens’ commitment and hard work.

‘The fact is that we have the potential to be a truly great nation, the other truth, which perhaps is our lived experience, is that potential, in themselves, are not enough to turn things around,’ he said.

He commended security personnel, teachers, health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, entrepreneurs, farmers and other Nigerians, contributing to nation-building.

Otti also praised artists, sportspeople, diplomats, scientists and others promoting Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual heritage locally and internationally.

He urged Nigerians not to surrender to present difficulties, saying perseverance remained essential to overcoming the country’s challenges.

‘The message that I leave you with remains what it has always been; do not give up, keep pushing and never surrender to the vicissitudes of the time,’ he said.

Otti congratulated Nigerians on the 66th independence anniversary and called for renewed commitment to the country’s development and democratic future.

Police authorities have confirmed abduction of passengers, including some prospective corps members travelling in two branded commercial buses by gunmen within Umunoha axis, of the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Imo State.

Imo Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen in Owerri.

Okoye said that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the suspects.

‘Two buses, conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, and Bende in Abia, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men.

‘Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered, and 10 victims were rescued at the scene,’ he stated.

He further stated that the rescued victims were in safe hands and being attended to.

The statement also disclosed that the exact number of persons abducted was being verified and would be made public, once confirmed.

‘Operatives are conducting coordinated search and rescue operation, backed by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects.

‘The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, alongside other Service Commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give operational direction,’ he added.

He assured the public that the command would sustain the operation until all the victims had been safely rescued and the suspects brought to justice.

Okoye also hinted that the command was collaborating with the NYSC Directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who would be informed as developments unfolded.

He said the affected section of the expressway had been reopened to ensure free flow of traffic, while security personnel had been deployed to the road to protect commuters.

‘The command appeals for calm and urges the public to remain vigilant.

‘Anyone with credible information should report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines.

‘All information will be treated in utmost confidentiality,’ he further stated.

An eyewitness told newsmen, on the condition of anonymity, that the hoodlums attacked the travellers around 6:00am.

The eyewitness further explained that the victims were on a night journey, when their vehicle was attacked by the hoodlums.

The victims were said to have been forcefully marched into the bush at gun point.

‘This is a terrible incident that has continued to recur unabated on this particular road.

‘The Onitsha Road and the Ogbaku – Ejemkwuru-Izombe have become a dangerous route due to the activities of these criminals,’ the account further explained.

Another account stated that no week would pass without one or multiple violent attacks and abduction of unsuspecting travellers.

The eyewitness, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, urged the Commissioner of Police to deploy anti-kidnapping operatives in the area to beef up security and safeguard the lives of travellers.