The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the coalition movement led by prominent party figures, including Atiku Abubakar and David Mark, clarifying that such efforts do not represent the party’s official position. In a statement released on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the party is currently focused on its preparations for the upcoming National Convention, rather than joining any coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The PDP has been dealing with internal strife since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election, with tensions escalating in 2024 over the National Secretary role. The…
Author: Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
In a dramatic development within Nigeria’s political landscape, the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, demanding his formal resignation from the party. This demand comes in response to Obi’s recent move to join the opposition coalition platform spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Peter Obi was officially presented on Wednesday as a leading figure in the ADC-led coalition, which has been formed to present a united front against President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections. However, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora…
In a tragic event, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain, alongside his brother Andre Silva. The crash took place early Thursday morning on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla in the Zamora region. The vehicle reportedly left the road and caught fire after a tyre burst during an overtaking maneuver. Jota, 28, was a prominent figure at Liverpool since his arrival in 2020 from Wolves, where he had impressed during his loan and subsequent permanent spell. He contributed significantly to Liverpool’s recent trophy haul, including the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season and the…
In a notable political development on Thursday, seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State’s delegation in the House of Representatives have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the federal level. These representatives, initially elected under the banners of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), formally declared their defection through letters addressed to the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas. The lawmakers involved are Unyime Idem, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Uduak Alphonsos, Eteh Ikpong, Emmanuel Udom, and Okon Bassey. Their move comes shortly after the state’s governor, Umo Eno, also switched allegiance from the PDP…
The Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Muibi Folawiyo, has clarified recent media reports suggesting his arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged corruption. According to a statement released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Olushoga Olushola, Folawiyo was only invited for questioning by the ICPC and was not arrested or detained. The questioning was related to a petition filed against him by what Folawiyo described as “detractors and enemies of progress,” who seek to undermine his leadership as the local government elections in Lagos State approach. The…
Peru’s President Dina Boluarte has doubled her monthly salary to approximately $10,000, a government announcement confirmed on Wednesday, despite her administration facing intense public protests and a surge in gang-related violence. The 63-year-old leader’s pay raise was justified by Economy Minister Raul Perez-Reyes, who explained the decision followed a comparative study of presidential salaries across twelve Latin American countries. Before this increase, Boluarte’s salary was ranked 11th, only higher than Bolivia’s president. This salary adjustment contradicts earlier presidential denials in May about any pay raise. The announcement has been met with widespread criticism given Boluarte’s approval rating of just 2…
President Bola Tinubu has informed Nigerians living in Saint Lucia that his administration inherited an economy on the brink of collapse but has successfully implemented reforms to restore stability and attract investment. Speaking at an event at the Windjammer Resort in Castries, the President outlined the economic challenges faced and the government’s response. “We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy,” Tinubu declared. “But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered. We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive. We have stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank of Nigeria.” Despite Nigeria’s still-low per…
The Nigeria Customs Service has proposed spending N14.39 billion on luxury vehicles for senior officers in 2025, forming a significant part of its total N35.27 billion budget for 579 official vehicles. According to the appropriation bill reviewed by Podium Reporters, the bulk of these vehicles will be allocated to high-ranking officials such as Comptrollers, Assistant Comptroller-Generals, and Deputy Comptroller-Generals. The planned purchases include high-end models from brands like BYD hybrids, CHANGAN, MAXUS D90, NISSAN MG5, MIKANO, and NORD. Notable allocations are 20 CHANGAN CS95 SUVs for ACGs at N68 million each, 15 MAXUS D90 SUVs for DCGs at N70 million…
The Federal Civil Service Commission has clarified that the primary challenge facing Nigeria’s civil service is a mismatch of skills and underutilisation of personnel, rather than an issue of overstaffing. This was disclosed by Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Commission, during the launch of the agency’s inaugural strategic plan in Abuja on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards reforming the civil service. Addressing the attendees at a three-day retreat held between June 30 and July 2, 2025, Prof. Olaopa highlighted that while Nigeria’s federal workforce is relatively small compared to global standards, many employees lack the skills necessary for…
The Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda Housing Scheme has officially begun in Calabar, Cross River State, following the donation of 25 acres of land by the state government in the Adiabo community. This gesture marks a significant milestone in the government’s effort to provide affordable housing nationwide. Rt Hon. Victor Udofia, Special Adviser to the President of the Senate and liaison with the Ministry of Housing, visited the Obong of Calabar to express gratitude for the land donation and warm reception. He reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to the project, which aligns with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,…