In a recent statement from Lagos, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) revealed that its members would feel a great sense of relief if Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The statement was issued by NNPP National Secretary Mr. Oginni Olaposi on Sunday. The comments were made following the resignation of APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down last Friday citing health concerns. Reports have linked Ganduje’s resignation to a possible political arrangement involving Kwankwaso’s defection to the APC. Olaposi acknowledged that Ganduje’s resignation is an internal issue for the…
Author: Podium Reporters
The Nigerian Presidency has clarified the nature and significance of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as a critical diplomatic and cultural mission. The visit is intended to revive Nigeria’s ancestral connections and strengthen strategic partnerships with the Caribbean nation and the wider CARICOM bloc. In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the Presidency responded to criticism from some Nigerians who mischaracterized the visit as a leisure trip. Onanuga emphasized that the visit “paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic,…
In response to mounting pressure from business groups, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a temporary halt to the implementation of the Financial Reporting Council (Amendment) Act 2023, which introduced new annual fees for large private companies designated as Public Interest Entities (PIEs). The Act required these private PIEs to pay regulatory dues between 0.02% and 0.05% of their annual turnover without any ceiling, a policy that many stakeholders argued was unfair and financially risky. Publicly listed companies, by contrast, paid a flat annual fee of N25 million. The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, through Minister Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a renewed caution to travellers across Nigeria, urging them to refrain from carrying any luggage they did not pack themselves or whose contents they do not fully understand. This warning comes in light of recent arrests involving drug trafficking through unsuspecting carriers. Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, shared the warning on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, citing a recent incident where a suspect was detained at an airport for attempting to smuggle drugs concealed in a bag that was not his. In the shared video footage, the suspect…
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a formal call for Nigeria’s 36 governors to publicly disclose the details of their security vote expenditures since May 29, 2023. The organization also urged the governors to invite anti-corruption agencies to investigate the use of these funds. In a Freedom of Information request dated June 28, 2025, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP requested full transparency regarding security vote disbursements. The group specifically asked that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) be allowed to monitor the funds.…
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the security situation in the country, especially in the Northeast, is improving. He made this declaration on Saturday during a conference held in Maiduguri, Borno State, organised by the Kalthum Foundation for Peace, the Network of Civil Society Organisations, and the Borno State Youth Parliament. The conference, themed “Countering Violent Extremism: The Role of Educational Institutions and Students,” focused on the critical role of education and youth in combating violent extremism. General Musa appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope or relent in their support for security forces.…
In a major political development, opposition leaders have reportedly agreed to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their collective platform for the 2027 general elections. Former Senate President David Mark is set to serve as Interim National Chairman, according to insiders. The coalition includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi. After months of discussions, the group has rejected other platforms, including the Social Democratic Party, due to concerns about APC loyalist influence. Efforts to fill the National Secretary role have been unsuccessful so far, with Rauf Aregbesola…
Cold facts from the Presidential Media Centre confirm yesterday that Baàmẹ́kọ́ of Ibadanland and 2027 Oyo State gubernatorial aspirant, Saheed Oladele, has aligned his vision for local government autonomy directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national agenda . During a widely circulated video message, Oladele emphasized his commitment to transforming the grassroots levels of governance: “Any governor who does not allow LG autonomy is an enemy of the people, President Tinubu deserves accolades for making it possible.” This statement underscores a pivotal promise from the PDP—ensuring that LGAs in Oyo aren’t mere appendages of the state government but are…
Governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reiterated their unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, following the conclusion of a crucial two-day Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) meeting in Benin City, Edo State. The meeting, hosted by Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, culminated on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with the adoption of a communiqué outlining the Forum’s resolutions on Nigeria’s development, intergovernmental collaboration, and the APC’s future. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the PGF, read the communiqué, stating that the gathering provided “a crucial platform to harmonise development strategies, reinforce party cohesion, and…
Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation as APC National Chairman on Friday has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape. Sources at the APC secretariat disclosed that Ganduje made the decision to step down following internal developments within the party. By 3 p.m., insiders revealed that Ganduje was considering resignation due to ongoing discussions at the highest levels of the party. Despite attempts by party leaders, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, to dissuade him, Ganduje’s resignation became official by 4:15 p.m. A party insider explained, “He is upset that Kwankwaso is coming to the APC. I think the two of them are sworn enemies.…