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APC Sweeps Kaura-Namoda South As Wambai Coasts To Victory
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday night on an ultra-long-haul flight to Brazil, where he is scheduled to begin a state visit on August 24. According to reliable reports, Tinubu will make a stopover in Los Angeles before proceeding to Brasilia, the Brazilian capital. The President began his two-nation trip on August 15, departing Abuja with brief stops in Dubai and Yokohama. While in Japan, he attended the opening ceremony of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held bilateral meetings, and engaged Nigerians in the diaspora during an interactive session.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said no country enjoys complete peace, urging Nigerians to acknowledge ongoing progress in the fight against insecurity. Speaking in a televised interview, Musa highlighted notable successes by the Nigerian Armed Forces, including the arrest of the son of Boko Haram’s founder and senior Ansaru commanders. He cautioned that eradicating insecurity is a gradual process, stressing that no nation is completely free from security challenges.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that while some politicians choose to “go into the gutters,” he will not stoop to that level. Addressing newsmen after a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consultative summit in Lagos, Makinde reiterated that political disagreements should never be personal. He noted that last weekend’s bye-election results affirm the PDP’s relevance and expressed confidence that, with hard work, the party can regain public trust. On speculation regarding the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, Makinde clarified that no decision has been made as the party’s focus remains on rebuilding.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. In a public notice, the agency urged anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or EFCC office nationwide.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of reneging on agreements concerning revitalisation funding and lecturers’ welfare. ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, who addressed journalists in Jos, cited unresolved issues including renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, unpaid salary arrears, withheld promotions, and poor pension conditions for retired professors. The union has rejected a proposed government staff loan scheme as a “trap” and criticised the indiscriminate creation of universities without sustainable funding. ASUU said it would await the outcome of an August 28 meeting with government officials but will stage rallies on campuses next week to express its frustrations.
In a separate interview, General Musa also advised Nigerians to learn basic combat skills, describing it as an essential survival ability comparable to driving or swimming. He suggested that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) could train graduates in unarmed self-defence to enhance personal security and urged citizens to remain vigilant in identifying suspicious individuals in their surroundings.
Nigerian singer Keshinro Ololade, popularly known as Lil Kesh, has confirmed he is recovering after a robbery attack in Lagos in which he was stabbed in the neck and dispossessed of jewellery worth millions of naira. The artiste expressed gratitude to fans for their support and prayers, describing the incident as a “curveball” that he is thankful to have survived.
In Ghana, popular singer Charles Nii Armah, better known as Shatta Wale, has been detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over a tax-related investigation tied to his yellow Lamborghini. The luxury car has been linked by US authorities to a criminal network led by Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in the United States. Wale has denied any involvement in the alleged fraud, insisting that the issue relates solely to tax obligations. The car is expected to be returned to the US to help compensate victims of Amuah’s scams.
On the sports scene, Arsenal are racing to complete the signing of Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze before today’s noon deadline to ensure his eligibility for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Leeds United. The Gunners have reportedly edged out Tottenham Hotspur to secure the 27-year-old England international, who underwent medicals immediately after Palace’s Europa Conference League playoff on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, World Athletics has confirmed that quarter-miler Emmanuel Bamidele has switched allegiance from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates and will compete under his new flag at the Brussels Diamond League finale on Friday. The 26-year-old athlete, whose career has been marked by previous nationality changes, will make his debut in the men’s 400m invitational race against Jamaican and Belgian competitors.
That’s the latest roundup of major stories across Nigeria and beyond.
The Senate has dismissed claims by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Ireti Kingibe that Nigerians could be required to pay 25 per cent of their earnings in taxes if the All Progressives Congress (APC) retains power in 2027, describing the allegation as misleading.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu made the clarification in an interview with Sunday Punch, explaining that the tax legislation in question had been passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu nearly a year ago.
Adaramodu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, accused Kingibe of attempting to misrepresent the legislation for political purposes.
He maintained that the provisions contained in the enacted law should serve as the basis for any discussion about the tax reforms.
“Already, the tax law has been passed, and then it has become a public document.
“So, whatever is not in the tax law that is passed has never been included. Whatever is there is what has been passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“So, anybody bringing anything back from the tax reform or law is just becoming a revisionist. It’s only a revisionist that could still be talking about that. The tax law we are talking about was passed almost one year ago,” he stated.
The Senate spokesperson also clarified Kingibe’s position in the chamber, stressing that she was not the presiding officer but a senator representing the FCT.
“Point of correction, Senator Kingibe is not the presiding officer. She is just a Senator of the FCT,” he said.
Adaramodu added that the Senate would not engage in political exchanges over the matter, noting that lawmakers who had concerns about the legislation could formally raise them through the appropriate parliamentary procedures.
“If any senator feels so nibbled by whatever law we have passed and has been assented to, he or she can come to the floor of the Senate and raise a motion or send a petition.
“We cannot be reacting to somebody passing a political comment. So, we cannot be reacting to that,” he added.
Kingibe, who is seeking re-election to the Senate under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had earlier urged residents of the FCT not to vote for the APC in the 2027 elections.
In a widely circulated video delivered in Pidgin English, the senator called on Nigerians to take responsibility for the country’s future and demand political change.
“This is our country; we must claim it back. Nobody will do it for us. We are the ones to do it. As the country is not enjoyable for us, no one will change it except us. We must be the ones to stand up and say that enough is enough. We have had enough,” she said.
The FCT senator also alleged that lawmakers had approved a 25 per cent tax on earnings but that the government was delaying its implementation because of concerns about public reaction ahead of the elections.
“Tax will soon be increased to 25 per cent of everything you earn. The money you currently have is not even enough for you. And what I am telling you, it has been passed. We have passed it in the National Assembly, but they are scared to implement it. As soon as you make the mistake, the amount of suffering you would endure, you haven’t even started to imagine it,” Kingibe said.
Three opposition governorship candidates remain uncertain about their participation in the February 6, 2027, elections following the expiration of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for reporting omitted candidates on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the affected politicians include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in Gombe and Ogun states, Prof. Isa Pantami and Oladipupo Adebutu, respectively, as well as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate in Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo.
Although the PDP and NDC have formally protested the exclusion of their candidates from INEC’s final list, the commission has yet to indicate whether it will revise the list.
According to The Punch, findings revealed that neither discussions with the electoral body nor legal steps taken by the affected parties had produced a resolution as of Saturday.
INEC attributed the omissions to the Supreme Court’s September 24, 2026, judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, which upheld Sections 77(5), 77(6) and 77(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
These provisions require political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC within the stipulated period and conduct their primaries, congresses and conventions using those registers.
After publishing its final list of candidates on October 10, the commission, relying on Section 32(2) of the Act, directed political parties to report any candidates wrongly omitted from the list by October 24.
However, the affected parties insist they complied with all legal requirements and are demanding the reinstatement of their candidates.
PDP Files Affidavit At Federal High Court
The PDP maintained that it fulfilled all the necessary conditions for nominating its governorship candidates in Gombe and Ogun states.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo, told Sunday Punch that its leadership and the affected candidates’ lawyers had engaged INEC over the matter.
He warned that the party would pursue legal action if the issue remained unresolved within the 14-day period.
On October 15, the PDP, through its National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, filed an affidavit at the Federal High Court Registry in Abuja, challenging the exclusion of Pantami and Adebutu and calling on INEC to reinstate their names.
Adebutu’s Camp Reacts In Ogun
The Director of Media for the Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation, Afolabi Orekoya, said the campaign had taken all the necessary steps to address the omission.
“We have approached INEC, and we have done all the necessary things required of us. We are very confident that by October 24, the name of Hon. Ladi Adebutu will be published by INEC in the revised list of candidates,” he said.
Orekoya added that the former governorship candidate remained optimistic about his chances and had continued mobilising PDP members.
Similarly, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, described Adebutu’s omission as an error by INEC, insisting that the party submitted its complaint within the legally prescribed period.
“The party views the omission as an error by INEC; we are very confident and optimistic that INEC will restore the name because every requirement of the law has been fulfilled,” Tella said.
In Gombe State, an aide to Pantami disclosed that the former minister was determined to challenge his exclusion and that his lawyers had written to the electoral commission.
“Malam has chosen to fight this illegality. We have appealed this illegality. You saw the letter written by Senior Advocates of Nigeria and their 72-hour order. We have chosen to appeal this case, and until we get a solution, we will not back out,” the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated.
Pantami emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate following a court-ordered rerun of the party’s primary election on September 29.
Although his name appeared on INEC’s provisional list released on August 29, it was absent from the final list published on October 10.
NDC Awaits INEC’s Response
The NDC has also protested the exclusion of its Kano State governorship candidate, Aminu Gwarzo, and his running mate, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, from INEC’s final list.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the NDC had written to the commission and received acknowledgements of its letters but was still awaiting a substantive response.
He added that the party would consider legal options if INEC failed to address its complaint.
Popular Nigerian gospel singer Tope Alabi has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Canada-based preacher Tayo Kumuyi, demanding that he retract and apologise for social media posts allegedly linking her to the death of gospel singer Toluwanisings or face legal action.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Kumuyi operates a Facebook page known as Pastor Tayo Ministries, where the controversial allegations were published.
The ultimatum was contained in a cease-and-desist letter dated October 24, 2026, issued on Alabi’s behalf by her lawyers, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, and signed by Toluwanimi Okunade.
According to the letter, the cleric published a series of posts between October 20 and 24, accusing Alabi of murder and ritual killing and allegedly linking her to the deaths of Toluwanisings and other gospel ministers.
The singer’s legal representatives described the allegations as baseless and extremely damaging, stressing that accusing someone of murder and ritual killing was among the most serious claims that could be made against a person, particularly a gospel minister.
“These statements accuse our client of murder and of ritual killing. There is no more serious allegation that can be made against a person, least of all a minister of the gospel. They are false in every particular,” the lawyers stated.
They challenged Kumuyi to provide evidence supporting his claims, noting that no investigation, police report or court judgment had substantiated the allegations.
“You have produced no evidence, because none exists,” the letter added.
The lawyers maintained that Alabi had mourned Toluwanisings’ death both privately and publicly, insisting that she had no involvement in the circumstances surrounding the singer’s passing.
Oakmount Legal Practitioners also accused the preacher of exploiting the public grief surrounding Toluwanisings’ death to tarnish their client’s reputation.
“You have taken the grief of a bereaved family and a nation, and turned it into a weapon against an innocent woman, for reasons best known to you,” the letter read.
The law firm also rejected Kumuyi’s reported attempt to present his publications as divine revelations, arguing that such claims did not justify the dissemination of damaging allegations without evidence.
“Your conduct is not honest comment, and it is not ‘revelation’. It is a deliberate, reckless and malicious publication of falsehood to the world, repeated day after day, with a call to your followers to spread it further,” the lawyers stated.
They further noted that the posts had attracted hundreds of reactions and shares, while comments beneath them suggested that some readers believed the allegations.
The letter also referenced a post allegedly directed at Alabi after she issued a public warning against defamation on October 23.
The lawyers quoted the preacher as writing: “Tope Alabi, no letter will save you from my hand. Your only option is leaving your hiding place.”
Describing the statement as a threat, the legal representatives argued that it suggested the cleric intended to continue his alleged attacks against the singer.
“That is not a response to a legal notice. It is a threat of harm, and an open declaration that you will continue,” they said.
Alabi’s lawyers maintained that the publications amounted to libel because they accused her of serious criminal offences capable of damaging her reputation, career and gospel ministry.
They also argued that describing the allegations as spiritual messages did not exempt the preacher from potential legal liability. According to the firm, his residence in Canada would not automatically protect him from legal consequences, given that the publications allegedly targeted a Nigerian audience and harmed Alabi’s reputation in the country.
Among their demands, the lawyers instructed Kumuyi to delete the disputed posts, refrain from further publications and threats, and preserve all relevant evidence.
They also demanded an unconditional retraction and apology on the same Facebook page where the allegations appeared. The apology, they said, must remain pinned to the page for 14 consecutive days.
Additionally, the preacher was asked to provide evidence for any allegations he intended to maintain and clarify whether he had reported the claims to the police.
“Take notice that this is our client’s final demand,” the letter warned.
The law firm stated that failure to comply within the stipulated period would result in legal proceedings seeking injunctions, general and exemplary damages, and legal costs. It also threatened to file complaints with Meta Platforms and relevant law enforcement agencies.
However, the lawyers clarified that their letter was not intended to prevent truthful reporting or legitimate commentary.
Toluwanisings, whose real name was Olayemi Bolaji, died on October 14, 2026, at the age of 41.
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