Politics

The Nigeria Tax Act 2025 has clarified that amounts wagered on gaming and lottery activities commonly referred to as “stakes” will be exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT), removing a source of uncertainty that previously affected operators in the betting, gaming and lottery sectors. Under Section 185, Subsection M of the newly enacted tax law, “money, stakes or securities including interest in money or securities” are explicitly listed among items exempt from VAT. The provisio

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, a former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has denied that he recently declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election, saying reports suggesting otherwise misrepresented his comments. Baba-Ahmed spoke on Channels Television on Friday, explaining that what he said had been widely misunderstood amid early positioning ahead of the next elections and ongoing discussions within opposition circles. “I never dec

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have finalised a joint framework aimed at resolving consumer complaints arising from failed airtime and data transactions, particularly cases where subscribers are debited without receiving value. The development was announced in a press release dated January 8, 2026, issued by the NCC and signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Head of the Commission’s Public Affairs Department. According to the statement, th

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s rising poverty levels, warning that political infighting and competition for power are occurring alongside deepening economic hardship for millions of citizens. In a statement shared on his verified X handle on Thursday, Obi said political actors are increasingly focused on internal party contests and power struggles while the number of Nigerians living in poverty continues to rise sharply. “As w

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised what he described as growing fiscal indiscipline in Nigeria, raising concerns over the Federal Government’s reported approval of a large-scale debt write-off involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). In a statement posted on his official X handle on Wednesday, Obi said the decision signalled an “era of financial recklessness,” warning that such actions undermine transparency and public accounta

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected claims that it deliberately denied the Labour Party access codes to upload candidates for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, citing unresolved leadership disputes and ongoing court cases. The clarification was contained in a press statement released on Wednesday by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Esa-Messi, on behalf of the Commission. INEC was respondin

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has issued a stern warning to counsel and litigants involved in the trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, cautioning them against attempting to approach him for favours. The warning was delivered on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, during proceedings in the ongoing trial in which Malami is being prosecuted alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and son, Abuba

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains alive, strong, and resilient, dismissing speculation about the party’s decline, as he received members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja. Jonathan made the remarks on Tuesday during a consultative meeting with the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki–led NWC at his private office in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory. Addressing the delegation, Jonathan said the PDP r

The Federal Government has unveiled a set of reforms aimed at eliminating examination malpractice in WAEC and NECO examinations from 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s assessment system. The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folashade. The measures were disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr Maru

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to resign from his cabinet position, accusing him of interfering in the internal affairs of the ruling party. Basiru’s demand followed comments made earlier by Wike during a thank-you visit to supporters in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where the minister warned the APC national secretary to “leave Riv

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic direction following the announcement that India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan in nominal GDP. In a post shared on Monday via his X handle, Obi cited International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates projecting India’s 2025 nominal GDP at $4.187 trillion, slightly above Japan’s $4.186 trillion, and noted that India is now positioning itself to overtake Germany as t

FCT Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, with Rivers State APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha (left) and PDP State Chairman, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron on Monday morning in Port Harcourt The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, to refrain from making comments about Rivers State, warning him to be mindful of his public statements. Wike issued the warning during a thank-you visit t

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has implemented a minor cabinet reshuffle, making key changes to his executive team as part of ongoing efforts to reposition governance and improve administrative performance. In a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo was relieved of her position as Secretary to the State Government with immediate effect. In her place, Makinde appointed Professor Musiba

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the deadly attacks on communities in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, describing the incident as a disturbing assault on innocent and defenceless citizens. In a statement released on Sunday via his official X handle, Atiku said he was “deeply saddened by the heinous attacks on communities in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State,” noting that the violence resulted in the killing of sc

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate security crackdown on the gunmen responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State, directing the military, police and intelligence agencies to ensure the perpetrators are captured and prosecuted without delay. The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following reports of killings and abductions carried

Federal Capital Territory Minister and former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike has warned that his political future could be severely damaged if Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara secures a second term in office, a statement that underlines ongoing tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Addressing supporters and stakeholders in Okrika Local Government Area on Saturday, Wike said a clear political choice has already been made regarding support for President Bola T

The African Democratic Congress has raised strong objections to President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the cancellation of what it described as legacy debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to the Federation Account, warning that the move undermines constitutional provisions on revenue sharing. In a statement issued on Saturday via X by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it was “deeply alarmed” by the presid

The Rivers State Executive Council has approved a proposed N1.85 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a roadmap for recovery, stability and long-term development across the state. The approval was granted on Friday, January 2, 2026, during the first EXCO meeting of the year held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt. The meeting was presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, in att

The Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Friday paid a New Year courtesy visit to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, describing the engagement as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration for the development of the South East. Uzodimma, who spoke to journalists after the visit, said the meeting was not driven by politics but by the need to foster goodwill and regional cooperation at the start of the year. Accor

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has faulted Nigeria’s new tax direction, warning that economic recovery cannot be achieved by placing heavier burdens on citizens already struggling to survive. In a statement shared on his official X handle on Friday, Obi argued that meaningful development is built on trust, transparency and national consensus, not policies that deepen hardship. Drawing from his engagements with global leaders, he said soci