Author: Aminu Imam

British, Chinese envoys attend ADC convention

Aminu Imam
British, Chinese envoys

Representatives of the British High Commission in Nigeria yesterday attended the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) organised by the faction led by David Mark. The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, also attended the event, which was held at Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja. The faction’s National Secretary, Ra’uf Aregbesola, confirmed their presence at the convention. The British High Commission was represented by a three-member delegation led by its Secretary (Political), Thomas Samson. A Nigerian staff member of the High Commission, Damilola Oyedele, was also announced as part…

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FG removes import duties on electric vehicles, transit buses

Aminu Imam
FG removes import duties

Federal Government has granted a waiver on import duties for electric vehicles and mass transit buses as measures to ease inflation caused by the ongoing Middle-East crisis on Nigerians and boost affordability. The development is contained in a statement in an 𝕏 post on Monday, by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun. Olusegun noted that the move was part of the new fiscal measures aimed at easing economic pressure on Nigerians and curbing inflationary pressures following the President’s directive to key economic officials. Olusegun said…

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2027: “Field Muslim candidates if you want our votes in S’West” – MURIC tells parties

Aminu Imam
MURIC tells S'West parties

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised political parties seeking votes from Muslims in the South-West geo-political zone to field Muslim candidates in the 2027 general elections. In an issued statement signed by the organisation’s Executive Director, Professor Is’haq Akintola, the group specifically urged parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and others to present Muslim candidates for governorship positions in Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo States. MURIC warned that parties that fail to field Muslim…

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El-Rufa’i secures bail after intense court battle

Aminu Imam
El Rufa'i secures bail

Justice Rilwan Aikawa, of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State, has granted the former governor of the state, Nasir el-Rufa’i, bail. He is being charged for alleged financial misconduct, including deposits into his domiciliary account and how his earnings were handled by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC). However, El-Rufa’i’s bail application was stalled at the Kaduna State High Court, as the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, has reserved ruling on the bail application to April 21, 2026. The former governor is being arraigned…

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Borno abductions: Ndume demands urgent rescue, says insecurity can end in 6 months

Aminu Imam
Ndume demands urgent rescue

Senator Ali Ndume has raised fresh alarm over the abduction of more than 400 residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza local government area of Borno State, urging swift federal intervention while insisting Nigeria can defeat insecurity within six months if decisive action is taken. The lawmaker, who represents Borno-South Senatorial District, disclosed that the victims – mostly women and children – were kidnapped last month by insurgents linked to Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS). He said the attackers not only abducted residents but also destroyed homes and military posts during…

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Nigeria debt pressure rises, as FG borrows ₦8.1tr in just 3 months

Aminu Imam
9ja rising debt profile

Nigeria’s rising debt profile came under fresh scrutiny, as the Federal Government ramped-up domestic borrowing to ₦8.1 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 7.4% increase from ₦7.5 trillion recorded in the same period last year. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBNM and the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that the increase was largely driven by higher issuances of FGN Bonds and Savings Bonds, even as borrowing through Treasury Bills declined. Analysts say the trend reflects persistent revenue shortfalls and weak fiscal discipline, warning that the…

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Cement price hits ₦12,000, as fuel, logistics costs soar

Aminu Imam
Cement price hike

Stakeholders in cement distribution have blamed the surge in cement prices on rising fuel and transportation costs, citing global geopolitical tensions as a major factor. According to some of the stakeholders, including the Ondo State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun, attributed the recent increase in cement prices in Nigeria from about ₦11,000 and ₦11,500, depending on location, to around ₦12,000 per bag to rising energy and logistics costs. Ademuwagun said that although factory production costs remain relatively stable, high petrol prices have significantly increased the…

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ICPC slams 9-count charge on el-Rufa’i; court fixes bail ruling today

Aminu Imam
el Rufa'i, court fixes bail ruling

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, appeared before the Kaduna State High Court yesterday under heavy security, as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) slammed an amended nine-count charge against him over alleged fraud, abuse of office, and corruption. Security was visibly heightened around the court premises, with operatives deployed at strategic points as el-Rufa’i, dressed in traditional attire, made his way through a crowded corridor of supporters, lawyers, and observers. During the proceedings, counsel to the former governor, Ukpong Abang, revealed that the prosecution had…

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Alleged partisanship: ADC Reps. caucus demands INEC Chair’s removal 

Aminu Imam
ADC Reps. caucus demands

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship ahead of the 2027 general elections. The caucus made the demand after its inaugural meeting held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where members reviewed recent political developments and expressed concern about the credibility of the electoral umpire. In a resolution issued after the meeting, the ADC lawmakers accused the INEC chairman of actions and statements…

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NAF launches probe into Jilli market airstrike 

Aminu Imam
NAF launches probe

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated an investigation into reports of an accidental airstrike on a weekly market in Jilli, a community located along the Borno–Yobe border. The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, on Sunday ordered an immediate probe, emphasising that the Nigerian Air Force treats any report of civilian casualties with “utmost seriousness and empathy”. This was disclosed by NAF spokesman, Ehimen Ejodame, in response to inquiries over the incident. Recall that at least 56 people – mostly traders – were feared killed, while 14 others sustained…

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