2027 Presidency: Peter Obi Declares He’s Running for President, Rules Out Vice-Presidential Slot

Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has confirmed he will contest the 2027 presidential election, firmly dismissing any plan to run as a vice-presidential candidate. Speaking during an X Spaces discussion on Sunday, Obi said his years of preparation, governance exposure, and business experience were aimed solely at leading Nigeria as president, not serving as a deputy. He expressed confidence in his capacity to turn the country around and appealed to supporters for prayers and backing ahead of the 2027 polls.

Nigeria Governed by Sick People’: Sowore Alleges Tinubu Was Flown to Europe for Medical Reasons, Raises Fresh Concerns Over Akpabio’s Health

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwell and was hurriedly flown to Europe for medical treatment. In a post on X, Sowore claimed the president had been “managing himself” before the sudden trip and also questioned the health of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging he is seriously ill. Sowore criticised what he described as a pattern of Nigerian leaders seeking medical care abroad while governing the country. The presidency, however, said Tinubu’s trip was part of his end-of-year break and ahead of his scheduled participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit. Akpabio has also previously denied reports of ill health, insisting he remains fit and active in his duties.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Lagos for Europe, according to the Presidency.

The disclosure was made on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. He said the President is proceeding to Europe to continue his end-of-year break, ahead of an official engagement in the Middle East.

From Europe, President Tinubu will travel to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following an invitation from the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Nigerian leader is expected to participate in the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) Summit, scheduled to hold in early January.

The summit is a global platform focused on sustainability, climate action, and economic development.

#Tinubu #NigeriaPolitics #Presidency #ADSW2026

Breaking: President Tinubu Departs Lagos for Europe Ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Lagos for Europe as part of his end-of-year break and in preparation for his official trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The presidency confirmed that Tinubu was invited by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed AlNahyan to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit scheduled for early January. The weeklong global summit will bring together leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss sustainable development, innovation, and finance, after which the president is expected to return to Nigeria.

Breaking: President Tinubu Departs Lagos for Europe Ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Lagos for Europe as part of his end-of-year break and in preparation for his official trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The presidency confirmed that Tinubu was invited by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed AlNahyan to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit scheduled for early January. The weeklong global summit will bring together leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss sustainable development, innovation, and finance, after which the president is expected to return to Nigeria.

Tinubu Says Nigerians Are “Prayer Warriors” as Presidency Vows to Surmount Insecurity With Security Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome its persistent insecurity challenges, describing Nigerians as deeply religious “prayer warriors” determined to surmount the crisis. Speaking during a meeting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos, Tinubu assured that ongoing security sector reforms, including plans for state and community policing, would soon yield results. He acknowledged the scale of ungoverned spaces and delays in acquiring military hardware but revealed that Nigeria has ordered attack helicopters from the United States and is engaging Turkey for further support. While urging religious leaders to support government efforts through prayers and vigilance, the President maintained that restoring peace and public confidence remains a top priority despite continued bandit attacks in parts of the country.

PRESIDENCY REWARDS MISTA-ALI FOR COMMITMENT TO PEACE

The Presidency has awarded with a cash prize award to Mista - Ali community leader, Bassa local government area of Plateau state, Sarki Danladi in recognition of their commitment to peace.

The award is in recognition of his outstanding performance in the Community Social Cohesion challenge by demonstrating peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines, while jointly addressing security challenges.

The challenge was organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on community engagement, North Central, Abiodun Essiet.

Sarki Danladi received a cash prize of #500,000 In addition to an intervention project to be channeled to the community to further support and sustain their efforts.

By the judgement of the organisers,
Mista Ali Community, Bassa LGA stands out for its remarkable interfaith solidarity.

During periods of unrest in surrounding areas, Christian youths voluntarily protect mosques, while Muslim youths safeguard churches. This practice of mutual protection continues to this day.

AAC Chairman Warns Against US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Cautions Nigeria on Sovereignty and Long-Term Instability

The African Action Congress (AAC) Chairman for the FCT, Agena A. Robert, has warned Nigerians against celebrating recent U.S. airstrikes on alleged terrorist targets in Sokoto State. He cautioned that foreign military intervention risks undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and could lead to long-term instability. In a statement titled “A Wake-Up Call for Nigerians: Don’t Trade Sovereignty for Short-Term Gains,” Robert argued that such strikes make Nigeria a potential battleground for global power interests and criticized the government for appearing merely “notified, not consulted.” He emphasized that foreign powers exploit conflicts rather than solve them, urging Nigerians to seek local solutions, strengthen regional cooperation via ECOWAS and Lake Chad Basin partners, and hold the Presidency accountable for approving foreign military operations. Robert stressed that addressing terrorism requires tackling root causes like poverty, corruption, and governance failures, rather than relying solely on airstrikes.

CHIEF OF STAFF GBAJABIAMILA NOT REPLACED BY MURI-OKUNOLA

The Presidency has dismissed reports that the Chief of Staff to the President has been replaced.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described as false and misleading claims circulating on social media that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.

The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.

The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.

We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.

ICPC Must Uphold Justice, Fairness, and Rule of Law

In this opinion piece, Muhammed Al-Ameen stresses the critical role of anti-corruption agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria’s fragile democracy. He argues that these institutions are vital to maintaining the integrity of the state, and their independence is non-negotiable.

Independence and integrity of anti-graft agencies are essential; any political manipulation threatens democracy.

ICPC under Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN—a Senior Advocate of Nigeria—is increasingly seen as politically biased, ignoring court orders and engaging in selective justice.

Senior Advocates are expected to uphold the law and serve as examples, but ICPC’s leadership has allegedly disregarded judicial processes, undermining public trust.

Mishandling Aliko Dangote’s petition against Farouk Ahmed (NMDPRA), effectively defending the accused instead of conducting an impartial investigation.

Ignoring an interim injunction by Kano State High Court protecting ALGON members from harassment.


Such actions signal institutionalized lawlessness, where those knowledgeable of the law use it selectively for political purposes.


Recommendations:

Immediate intervention by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) regarding petitions against Dr. Aliyu.

ICPC must comply with all outstanding court orders and rid itself of political interference.

The Presidency and judiciary should ensure the ICPC functions as a neutral, accountable watchdog.


Al-Ameen concludes that ICPC’s credibility and Nigeria’s democratic integrity are at stake. The agency must choose between strengthening the rule of law or becoming a tool for political vendettas.

The piece calls for restoration of institutional sanity, fair enforcement of laws, and prioritizing the public’s interest over political expediency.

Aisha Buhari Reveals Pneumonia as Cause of Late President Buhari’s Death in New Book"

Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has disclosed in her newly released book From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari that pneumonia was the immediate cause of her late husband’s death. She dismissed conspiracy theories suggesting poisoning or sabotage, stating that medical professionals clearly informed the family. Aisha Buhari also linked Buhari’s earlier health challenges to exhaustion and dietary imbalance. The book further reflects on governance challenges during his presidency, the DSS controversy, and her post-presidential humanitarian initiatives, including a cardiovascular and medical centre in Kano.

#AishaBuhari #MuhammaduBuhari #BuhariDeath #Pneumonia #NigeriaPolitics #NigerianPresidency #Governance

CISLAC Condemns Alleged Discrepancies Between Tax Law Passed by National Assembly and Version Assented to by Presidency, Warns of Constitutional Breach

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has raised alarm over allegations that the tax law recently assented to by the Presidency differs materially from the version passed by the National Assembly. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC warned that any alteration of legislation after parliamentary approval violates Nigeria’s constitutional law-making process and undermines legislative integrity. The organisation cautioned that uncertainty surrounding tax laws could erode investor confidence, worsen economic hardship, weaken voluntary tax compliance, and deepen public distrust. CISLAC called on the Presidency to immediately publish the exact version of the assented law alongside the authenticated copy passed by lawmakers and urged the National Assembly to confirm the authenticity of the legislation, stressing that any discrepancy must be addressed through lawful means.

Nigeria’s National Shame Deepens as Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Government Over Alleged Alteration of Tax Laws Passed by National Assembly

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the Federal Government over alleged alterations to tax-related laws passed by the National Assembly, describing the development as a national shame and a threat to constitutional governance. Obi said discrepancies between what lawmakers approved and what was later published as law point to a serious breakdown in legislative procedure, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. He warned that the alleged introduction of unapproved enforcement powers—such as mandatory deposits before appeals, asset seizures without court oversight, and arrest powers for tax authorities—could undermine taxpayers’ rights and access to justice, while criticising the Presidency’s silence on the matter.

PDP Slams Tinubu’s ₦58.47 Trillion 2026 Budget, Says It Consolidates Economic Hardship, Deepens Poverty And Reflects Policy Failure In Nigeria

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s ₦58.47 trillion 2026 budget proposal, describing it as a framework that entrenches hardship, worsens poverty and exposes failures in economic management. While the presidency projects the budget as one of “Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” the opposition party argues that Nigerians continue to face rising inflation, hunger and high living costs despite reported GDP growth of 3.98 per cent. The PDP faulted the government’s macroeconomic assumptions, questioned the inclusiveness of economic growth, and cited World Bank data showing that over 30.9 per cent of Nigerians live below the extreme poverty line. The party also raised concerns over security spending efficiency, alleged concurrent operation of multiple budgets, and warned that weak transparency and accountability would further erode public trust as lawmakers begin scrutiny of the proposal.

Buhari Presidency Was Ruled By Fear, Suspicion And Paranoia, Sowore Says, Extends Criticism To Tinubu’s Administration

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has described the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as one driven by fear, secrecy, suspicion and paranoia, arguing that these traits shaped what he called years of dysfunction and poor decision-making. In a statement posted on X, Sowore cited accounts from Buhari’s wife, aides, ministers and family members to support claims that the former president was deeply distrustful and disconnected from governance realities. He further alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration represents a continuation of Buhari’s failed legacy. Sowore’s remarks add to longstanding criticisms of Buhari’s tenure, which was marked by economic hardship, insecurity, prolonged medical absences and controversies over transparency and concentration of power.

El-Rufai Says Buhari’s Civilian Presidency Fell Short Of Expectations, Blames Powerful Inner Circle Of Relatives And Advisers For Administration’s Failures

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said the civilian presidency of the late President Muhammadu Buhari did not meet the expectations of many of his supporters, attributing the shortcomings to the influence and failures of a powerful inner circle of relatives, advisers and officials. In a statement following the launch of a book on Buhari’s legacy, El-Rufai criticised what he described as selective storytelling, political opportunism and revisionism by former critics now praising the ex-president. While acknowledging Buhari’s flaws in office, he defended his personal integrity and urged Nigerians to allow history to judge him fairly and let him rest in peace.

Aisha Buhari Reveals Why Late President Buhari Locked His Room, Debunks Poison Rumours

Former First Lady Aisha Buhari disclosed that her late husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, began locking his room after hearing false rumours that she was plotting to kill him. Speaking in the 600-page biography From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari by Dr. Charles Omole, she clarified that Buhari’s 2017 health challenges were due to disrupted nutrition and missed meals, not mysterious illness or poisoning.

Aisha Buhari explained that she had meticulously managed the former president’s meals and supplements for years, a routine that was disrupted after misinformation circulated within Aso Rock. The disruption led to delayed meals and missed supplements, culminating in Buhari’s 154-day medical leave in the UK, where he received specialised care including blood transfusions.

She refuted conspiracy theories, including claims of a body double, emphasizing that poor communication allowed minor events to spiral into rumours. The biography also highlights the climate of mistrust and surveillance within the presidency, showing how fear and misinformation affected Buhari’s health and personal life.

Tinubu Presidency Denies Using EFCC To Witch-Hunt Opposition Leaders, Says Defections To APC Are Voluntary

The Presidency under President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being used to target opposition politicians, describing such claims as unfounded and misleading. In a statement issued on Monday, the Presidency said recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were voluntary and protected by the constitutional right to freedom of association. It stressed that the EFCC operates independently and without political interference, noting that several individuals criticising the anti-graft agency were already under investigation before the current administration assumed office. Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the Presidency said only the courts can determine guilt or innocence and urged political actors to avoid politicising accountability efforts.

El-Rufai Denies Claim That 2027 Presidency Should Go To Southern Nigeria

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed reports suggesting he said the 2027 presidency should go to the South. He clarified that only statements made on his verified social media platforms or during interviews with recognized media should be attributed to him. El-Rufai stressed the importance of verifying information amid widespread misinformation and condemned the circulation of false claims by social media platforms.

I’ve Been Approached by Presidency, Lawmakers to Join APC but I Won’t Defect — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Reveals

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has revealed that she has faced repeated pressure from individuals within the Presidency and her colleagues in the National Assembly to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during an interview, the senator said she has firmly rejected the overtures, insisting she has no intention of returning to the APC. She also recounted gender-based challenges and intimidation she has faced in politics, urging women to remain resilient and undeterred in pursuing public office.