National Council of State Confirms Tinubu’s Nomination for INEC Chairman
The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Tinubu presented Amupitan, a nominee from Kogi State and the first from the North-Central to be considered for the role, to the council on Thursday.
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who concluded his 10-year tenure earlier in the week. Council members described him as a man of integrity.
His nomination will now be forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Reps to Probe $18bn Spent on Non-Functional Refineries
The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to investigate the non-functionality of Nigeria’s refineries despite $18 billion spent on rehabilitation in the past two decades.
The decision followed a motion by Lagos lawmaker Oluwaseun Whingan, who noted that the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries remain idle.
The House mandated its relevant committees to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Tinubu Grants Presidential Pardon to 175, Including Herbert Macaulay and Mamman Vatsa
President Bola Tinubu has granted presidential pardon to 175 persons, including Nigeria’s foremost nationalist Herbert Macaulay and former FCT Minister Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (rtd).
The approval, given at Thursday’s Council of State meeting in Abuja, followed recommendations from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
Members of the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four were also among the beneficiaries.
Veteran Broadcaster Christopher Kolade Dies at 92
Dr. Christopher Kolade, former broadcaster, diplomat, and Nigeria’s ex-High Commissioner to the UK, has died at the age of 92.
His family announced his death in a statement on Thursday, describing him as an elder statesman of exceptional service to Nigeria.
Two Ondo PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC
Two opposition lawmakers in Ondo State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Hon. Oladiji Oguntudo of Akure South Constituency I and Hon. Raymond Daodu, Deputy Minority Leader representing Akoko South West Constituency I, announced their defection during Thursday’s plenary in Akure.
Governor Umo Eno Signs N69bn Supplementary Budget in Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed a N69 billion supplementary budget into law.
According to the Government House Press Unit, the signing took place on Wednesday during the October State Project Delivery Meeting at Government House, Uyo.
Police Arrest 12 Over Abuja Robbery That Killed Journalist
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with a violent robbery that killed Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
The incident occurred at Unique Apartment in Gishiri village, Katampe District, Abuja.
Makinde Says Oyo People Will Decide His Successor in 2027
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said the choice of his successor in 2027 lies with the people, not political godfathers.
He stated this in Ibadan on Thursday while flagging off the 2026 budget stakeholders’ consultative forum.
Senate Says Terrorism in Nigeria Not Religion-Driven
The Senate has declared that terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria are not religiously motivated but shaped by geography and circumstance.
Lawmakers resolved on Thursday to hold an executive session to address international claims that Nigeria persecutes Christians.
APC Disqualifies Kayode Ojo From Ekiti Governorship Primary
The All Progressives Congress has disqualified governorship aspirant Engr. Kayode Ojo from contesting in its October 27 primary in Ekiti State.
APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, announced on Thursday that Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and Omolayo Oluremi had been cleared to participate.
Presidency Rejects World Bank’s Poverty Report on Nigeria
The Presidency has faulted a World Bank report claiming that 139 million Nigerians live in poverty, describing the figure as exaggerated and detached from reality.
Tinubu’s media aide, Sunday Dare, said on Thursday that the global benchmark of $2.15 per person daily fails to account for Nigeria’s unique economy and informal sector.
He added that the report relied on outdated 2018/2019 household survey data that does not reflect current conditions.
Atiku Backs Sowore, Demands Release of Nnamdi Kanu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of pro-Biafra activist Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement on Thursday, Atiku said defying court orders granting Kanu bail is an abuse of power.
His comments followed a call by Omoyele Sowore urging South East leaders to join protests demanding Kanu’s release from DSS custody.
ASUU Says Government’s Appeal to Halt Strike Came Too Late
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has said the Federal Government’s attempt to stop its planned warning strike came too late.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said on Thursday that the union had given three weeks’ notice without response.
He maintained that the strike would proceed unless the government offers concrete solutions before Sunday’s deadline.
Ireti Doyle Explains Exit From Social Media
Veteran Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle has revealed she left social media due to online toxicity.
In a post on Thursday, the actress said she needed a break for her “quiet soul,” urging fans to protect themselves from negativity.
Adekunle Gold Says Family More Important Than Music
Singer Adekunle Gold has said he can afford to be a failed musician but not a failed father or husband.
Speaking on the NotJustOk podcast, the artiste said his wife Simi and daughter Adejare are his priority, and his music is inspired by his desire to be a good father.
Eguavoen Denies Interest in Super Eagles Job
Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has denied reports linking him to the Super Eagles coaching job.
In a statement on Thursday, Eguavoen described the rumours as “baseless” and urged against attempts to create division in the national team.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Broos Mocks Nigeria, Benin Republic
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has downplayed FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from his team for fielding an ineligible player.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s qualifier against Zimbabwe, Broos said his players remain focused and mentally strong, while mocking rivals Nigeria and Benin Republic, insisting Bafana Bafana will still qualify.