Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Peter Obi Emerges NDC Presidential Candidate, Names Kwankwaso as Running Mate

By
Justice Oladapo
-
Peter Obi flies the NDC flag as the party unveils him as its presidential candidate. Photo: X | NigeriaNDCHQ

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, setting the stage for a potentially explosive three-way contest against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The NDC formally unveiled Obi as its presidential standard-bearer on Saturday during an event attended by party leaders and supporters, with the party’s national leadership led by former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator, Seriake Dickson, presenting him as its candidate for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

In a move expected to reshape the opposition landscape, Obi also announced former Kano State Governor and former Minister of Defence, Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate. The alliance brings together two of Nigeria’s most influential political movements—the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement—under the NDC platform.

Obi’s emergence comes just days after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secured the presidential ticket of the ADC. The party announced on Wednesday that Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who garnered 504,117 votes in the primary election.

The latest development marks a dramatic shift in the opposition coalition that began taking shape in 2025. Both Obi and Atiku had joined the ADC in July 2025 as part of a broader alliance aimed at challenging President Tinubu and the ruling APC in the 2027 elections. However, Obi later parted ways with the coalition and moved to the NDC alongside Kwankwaso, a decision that has significantly elevated the profile of the relatively lesser-known party.

Political observers say the defection of Obi and Kwankwaso has transformed the NDC into a formidable opposition force, with supporters from both camps now rallying behind the party ahead of the election campaign.

The contest for Aso Rock is now shaping up as a rematch of familiar rivals, with Tinubu already emerging as the APC’s presidential candidate and Atiku securing the ADC ticket. Obi’s emergence completes a trio of heavyweight contenders expected to dominate the political conversation in the months leading up to the polls.

The former Anambra governor, who finished strongly in the 2023 presidential election, has repeatedly stated at various public engagements that he would serve only a single term if elected president. The position has generated debate across the political spectrum, drawing criticism from some members of the ruling APC while earning support from sections of the electorate who view it as a commitment to power rotation and national inclusiveness.

With the APC, ADC and NDC now having unveiled their presidential candidates, attention is expected to shift to nationwide campaigns, policy debates and coalition-building efforts as the race for Nigeria’s highest office gathers momentum.

PSG Edge Arsenal on Penalties to Retain Champions League Crown

By
Agency Report
-
PSG manager Luis Enrique (top) celebrates with his players after retaining the UCL title on Saturday. Photo: AP

Paris Saint-Germain cemented its place among European football’s elite on Saturday night after defeating Arsenal F.C. 4-3 on penalties to successfully defend the UEFA Champions League title in a thrilling final that ended 1-1 after extra time in Budapest.

The dramatic victory at the Puskás Aréna made PSG only the second club in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy after Real Madrid C.F., further underlining the French club’s emergence as the dominant force in European football.

The decisive moment came during the penalty shootout when Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães blasted his spot-kick over the crossbar, sparking wild celebrations among PSG players and supporters.

Captain Marquinhos hailed his side’s achievement after lifting the trophy for a second consecutive year.

“It’s incredible,” Marquinhos said.

“From the very first day of this season, the coach said it’s hard to win, and winning twice is even more difficult. So we all had to get back to work. That was the mentality.”

The triumph also marked a third Champions League title as a coach for Luis Enrique, placing him alongside some of the greatest managers in the competition’s history.

By securing another European crown, Enrique joined an exclusive group that includes Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola as coaches with at least three European Cup or Champions League titles.

“It’s even more special because we knew before the match how difficult it would be,” Luis Enrique said.

“I think it’s deserved over the course of the whole season, even if the final was very closely contested.”

Unlike last year’s emphatic 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final, PSG faced a far sterner challenge against an Arsenal side that arrived in Budapest as Premier League champions and one of Europe’s most formidable defensive units.

Arsenal stunned the holders by taking the lead after just six minutes through Kai Havertz, whose finish capped a swift counter-attacking move and put Mikel Arteta’s men in control.

The early goal forced PSG to dominate possession for long periods, but clear-cut opportunities proved difficult to create against Arsenal’s disciplined defensive structure.

The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when referee Daniel Siebert awarded PSG a penalty after defender Cristhian Mosquera brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the area.

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé calmly converted from the spot to level the contest and send the Champions League final into extra time for the first time in a decade.

PSG came close to winning before penalties, with Kvaratskhelia striking the post in the 77th minute and substitute Bradley Barcola squandering a late opportunity when he fired wide.

Arsenal, despite controlling only 24.7 per cent possession—the lowest recorded in a Champions League final since Opta began tracking the statistic in 2004—continued to frustrate PSG and remained firmly in the contest until the shootout.

The penalty drama saw Eberechi Eze miss an early effort for Arsenal, while goalkeeper David Raya kept his team alive by saving from Nuno Mendes.

However, PSG regained the advantage when Lucas Beraldo converted his kick, leaving Gabriel needing to score to force sudden death. The Brazilian defender instead sent his effort high over the bar and into a section packed with jubilant PSG supporters.

The latest triumph reinforces PSG’s growing dynasty under Luis Enrique, whose youthful squad continues to mature and dominate at the highest level.

Teenage star Désiré Doué warned that the newly crowned champions have no intention of slowing down.

“It’s crazy, it’s crazy. We’re going to enjoy it first, and after we’re going to work and work again because we want more,” Doué told TNT Sports.

“We are really hungry. We are a young team, and we know we are really ambitious. So next season we have to go again.”

For Arsenal, the defeat extends one of the most painful records in European football history. The North London club has now played 226 matches in the European Cup and Champions League without ever lifting the trophy, more than any other club in the competition’s history. Despite winning the Premier League and reaching the final, Mikel Arteta’s side must once again wait for a breakthrough on Europe’s biggest stage.

AP

Tinubu Promises Stronger Security, Youth Empowerment as Nigeria Battles Terrorism, Economic Hardship

By
Laziz Olatunde
-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged intensified action against insecurity, expanded youth empowerment programmes and deeper investments in technology and education as his administration marks three years in office.

Speaking during a nationwide broadcast commemorating his third anniversary as president, Tinubu said security remains central to his government’s vision for national recovery and economic prosperity.

“Security remains central to our national mission and to the creation of a virile and prosperous society,” the president said.

According to him, Nigerian security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and bandit groups across the country.

“Our Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks,” Tinubu stated.

“While challenges remain, many communities and highways are becoming safer and more economically active.”

The president said government was investing heavily in intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, logistics and inter-agency cooperation to improve national security and reclaim areas threatened by criminal activity.

“We are improving the capabilities of our armed forces and security agencies, and reclaiming the authority of the Nigerian state wherever criminality threatens peace and order,” he said.

Tinubu also used the anniversary address to directly appeal to young Nigerians, describing them as central to the country’s future development.

“To our young people, I want you to know this nation believes in you,” he said.

“You are not a problem to be managed. You are the engine of Nigeria’s future.”

The president said his administration was expanding opportunities for youths across technology, sports, agriculture, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and the creative sector.

He noted that government investments in digital skills, technical education, innovation and enterprise support were designed to prepare young Nigerians for a more competitive global economy.

“We are investing in digital skills, technical education, innovation, student financing, and enterprise support because the future must be driven by Nigerian talent, creativity, and productivity,” Tinubu said.

The president also highlighted efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, describing digital infrastructure as critical to national productivity and economic growth.

“Telecom operators are expanding networks, investing in infrastructure, recruiting Nigerian talent, and widening digital access across the country,” he stated.

“A connected Nigeria is a more competitive Nigeria.”

Tinubu further defended the administration’s education interventions, revealing that over 1.5 million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has provided over 1.5 million students with access to higher education,” he said.

In the healthcare sector, the president disclosed that thousands of primary healthcare centres were being revitalised while health insurance coverage for vulnerable Nigerians was expanding nationwide.

Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties many Nigerians continue to face but urged citizens not to lose faith in the country’s future.

“History teaches us that great nations are not built in comfort,” he said.

“They are built through sacrifice, resilience, courage, and collective purpose.”

The president appealed for national unity across ethnic, religious and regional lines, insisting that no group should feel excluded from Nigeria’s progress.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us—no region, faith, or group should feel marginalised or forgotten,” Tinubu declared.

“Our diversity is a source of strength.”

He concluded the address by urging Nigerians to reject division and remain committed to nation-building despite ongoing economic and security challenges.

“History tests nations before it elevates them,” Tinubu said.

“But I believe with all my heart that we shall emerge stronger, fairer, more united, and more prosperous than ever before.”

First Ebola Patient Recovers in DRC Outbreak as WHO Highlights Hope Amid Rising Toll

By
Agency Report
-
Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

The World Health Organization announced on Friday the first confirmed recovery of a patient with laboratory-verified Ebola in the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering a cautious sign of progress in a rapidly evolving public health crisis.

“The DRC has said that on May 27, a patient recovered and left the hospital and has been discharged into the community,” WHO technical officer on viral haemorrhagic fevers Anais Legand told reporters at a briefing in Geneva.

Legand described the development as the first documented discharge of a confirmed case following two negative tests. She noted it marked “the first” among patients who had been laboratory-confirmed to have Ebola, while stressing expectations of additional recoveries among unconfirmed suspected cases.

“This is the first one” to be discharged from a care centre “following two negative tests,” she added.

The recovery comes as the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment exists, continues to challenge responders in conflict-affected eastern DRC. The strain has a historical case fatality rate of up to 50 percent, though current data for known cases in this outbreak shows a lower rate that remains under review.

As of the latest figures cited by the WHO, DRC has recorded 125 confirmed cases and 17 confirmed deaths, alongside 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15. The virus has spread across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces.

Legand emphasized the importance of early medical intervention. “We are expecting more people to recover,” she said, adding that “early access to care can greatly improve survival rates” and that optimized supportive care could further reduce fatalities.

The outbreak has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO. It has also spilled into Uganda, where authorities have reported nine confirmed cases, including one death, with several linked to travel from DRC and no evidence of broader community transmission at this stage.

Sixteen of the confirmed cases in DRC have been among healthcare workers, underscoring the risks faced by those on the front lines. Legand described Ebola as “a terrible disease,” noting transmission often occurs through close contact while caring for the sick or handling bodies.

Response efforts are complicated by ongoing conflict, population displacement, and insecurity in the epicenter around Ituri province. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has visited the region to bolster containment measures, warning of a “catastrophic collision” between disease and war.

No international travel or trade restrictions have been recommended by WHO, though exit screening is in place and symptomatic individuals or contacts are advised against travel. Strong surveillance, infection prevention, safe burials, and community engagement remain central to controlling transmission.

FG Considers Flight Restrictions as Nigeria Intensifies Ebola Surveillance at Borders

By
Justice Oladapo
-
Femi Gbajabiamila

Federal Government of Nigeria is considering imposing travel restrictions on flights arriving from Ebola-affected countries as authorities step up emergency preparedness measures to prevent a possible outbreak in the country.

The move follows a high-level strategic meeting held in Victoria Island, Lagos, where top government officials, health authorities, security agencies and emergency response stakeholders reviewed Nigeria’s Ebola preparedness and response framework amid rising concerns over the outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa.

The emergency meeting was convened on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and chaired by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Speaking after the meeting, Gbajabiamila said the Federal Government was examining several preventive measures, including possible restrictions on flights from countries currently battling Ebola outbreaks.

“We have a health scare, which is Ebola, and we all know what happened the last time,” Gbajabiamila said.

“The cases are getting worse, internationally and worldwide, and we don’t want to leave anything to chance.”

He disclosed that discussions at the meeting focused on tightening border surveillance and establishing stronger isolation protocols at Nigeria’s airports and other entry points.

“There were three, four areas we looked at. We looked at the issue of possibility, as of now, of restricting flights from countries of interest,” he said.

“We looked at the possibilities of isolating passengers who may exhibit symptoms of Ebola.”

Gbajabiamila added that authorities were also considering using cargo terminals for processing passengers arriving from high-risk countries while enhancing health protocols at ports of entry.

“We believe that prevention is better than cure, and where some passengers slip through the cracks, then we must have ways of dealing with situations such as that,” he stated.

The meeting was attended by key officials including Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Jide Idris and Akin Abayomi.

Tunji-Ojo later confirmed that all points of entry into Nigeria would be placed under strict surveillance to prevent any possible importation of the virus.

“As the Minister of Interior, I joined key stakeholders in Lagos today for a critical high-level emergency preparedness meeting convened on the directive of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the minister said in a statement posted on his official X account.

“While there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria, we are not leaving anything to chance.”

The minister said the Ministry of Interior was prioritising border control and intensified screening operations at airports, seaports and land borders.

“At the Ministry of Interior, our focus remains firm on border control and robust screening at all points of entry; airports, seaports, and land borders,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

“We are enhancing monitoring and surveillance protocols using available technology and structured decision-making mechanisms to prevent the virus from entering the country.”

He added that the Nigeria Immigration Service would work closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies to strengthen early detection and rapid response mechanisms.

Tunji-Ojo also referenced Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, expressing confidence that the country could effectively respond again if necessary.

“Together, drawing lessons from our successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, we are confident that Nigeria will once again rise to the challenge and protect our country,” he said.

Meanwhile, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris warned that Ebola remains one of the world’s most dangerous viral diseases, stressing that vigilance and rapid detection remain critical because there is currently no approved cure or vaccine for the strain involved in the latest outbreak.

“This particular virus has no treatment, no vaccines,” Idris said.

“So it’s the public health measures that need to be done — isolation, quick detection, public enlightenment, infection prevention, and control.”

According to him, preparedness plans have already been activated across all 36 states and at all ports of entry nationwide.

“We have our preparedness plan; it’s covering all state governments, all ports of entry,” he added.

Idris further disclosed that public awareness campaigns would be intensified while healthcare workers across the country are being placed on heightened alert because of their vulnerability to infection.

The renewed alert follows worsening Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,000 confirmed and suspected Ebola cases have been recorded in DR Congo since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.

WHO said at least 10 confirmed deaths and 223 suspected deaths have already been linked to the outbreak.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that insecurity and prolonged conflict in eastern Congo were complicating containment efforts and increasing the risk of wider transmission.

Tinubu Defends Tough Reforms, Says Nigeria’s Economy Has Stabilised

By
Kazeem Busari
-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s economy has stabilised and is gradually recovering after what he described as difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by his administration over the last three years.

In a nationwide address marking the third anniversary of his administration, President Tinubu defended key policy decisions including the removal of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, insisting the measures prevented Nigeria from sliding into deeper economic crisis.

Addressing Nigerians on Thursday, Tinubu acknowledged the hardship experienced by citizens following the reforms but maintained that the sacrifices were beginning to yield results.

“I remain deeply conscious of those sacrifices, and I assure you: your sacrifice has not been in vain,” the president said.

“And today, I can say with confidence that Nigeria has stabilised and is moving forward again. Across the country, visible progress is taking shape.”

Tinubu said his administration inherited severe fiscal and structural challenges, including mounting debt-servicing costs, exchange-rate distortions, insecurity, declining revenues and unsustainable subsidy payments.

“At the height of the subsidy regime, Nigeria was spending as much as ₦18.4 billion daily to sustain petrol subsidies—over ₦4 trillion in 2022 alone,” he said.

He added that multiple foreign exchange windows and arbitrage practices cost Nigeria more than ₦8 trillion over three years due to speculative activities and rent-seeking.

“The situation demanded urgent and courageous action,” Tinubu stated.

“The easy choices would have been politically convenient. But leadership demands courage, especially when the right decisions are difficult.”

The president argued that refusing to implement the reforms would have led to fiscal breakdown and worsening poverty.

“Together, we chose reform over ruin and decisiveness over hesitation,” he said.

Tinubu pointed to several economic indicators which he said reflected improving investor confidence and economic recovery, including growth in the capital market.

According to him, the Nigerian stock market’s All Share Index rose from 53,000 in 2023 to 250,000 in 2026, while market capitalisation increased from ₦30 trillion to ₦160 trillion.

“Our economy is now more competitive and better positioned for sustainable growth than it was in 2023,” he said.

The president also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the country, saying more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and roads are under construction or rehabilitation.

He listed major projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road and the East-West Road as evidence of accelerated infrastructure development.

Tinubu further disclosed that reforms in the oil and gas sector had attracted renewed international investment, while local refining capacity was helping reduce dependence on imported fuel.

“The $5 billion NLNG Train 7 project is nearing completion to boost LNG production capacity, exports, and dividends,” he said.

On power supply, Tinubu admitted that the electricity sector continued to face major challenges but said his administration was investing heavily in transmission infrastructure, renewable energy and grid expansion.

“No modern economy can grow in darkness,” the president said.

“When power improves, businesses expand, industries grow, jobs are created, and families prosper.”

He also said government interventions in agriculture were supporting millions of farmers through improved seedlings, fertilisers, mechanisation and access to finance.

Tinubu noted that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had disbursed over ₦282 billion to more than 1.5 million students to improve access to higher education.

The president added that the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and projects by the Federal Housing Authority were delivering more than 10,000 housing units nationwide while creating over 300,000 jobs.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and united as the administration continues implementing reforms.

“We have not solved every problem, and we are not yet where we want to be,” Tinubu admitted.

“But the foundation for recovery has been laid.”

The president also assured investors and the international community that Nigeria remains committed to democratic stability, responsible governance and economic reforms aimed at long-term prosperity.

Messi Suffers Hamstring Fatigue Scare Ahead of World Cup 

By
Justice Oladapo
-
Lionel Messi. Photo: Inter Miami CF

Lionel Messi has suffered a fresh injury concern just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Inter Miami CF confirmed the Argentine captain is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.

The Major League Soccer club released an official medical update on Monday following Messi’s early exit during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday, May 24.

According to the club, Messi was forced off the pitch after experiencing physical discomfort during the game, prompting immediate medical evaluation.

“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in a statement.

The club added that Messi’s recovery timeline remains uncertain and will depend on how he responds to treatment in the coming days.

“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” the statement added.

The development is likely to raise concerns in Argentina ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the reigning champions are preparing to defend the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.

At this stage, there is no indication that the injury is severe enough to rule Messi out of the tournament. The diagnosis points to muscle overload and fatigue rather than a major tear or long-term hamstring damage, which means the situation is currently being treated as a precautionary concern.

However, with the World Cup only a few weeks away, Argentina’s medical staff and coaching crew are expected to closely monitor the 38-year-old’s condition to avoid aggravating the injury.

Messi remains central to Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup and is expected to captain the side in what could be his final appearance at the tournament.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to play a pivotal role for both club and country despite his advancing age, although concerns over workload and fitness management have increased in recent months due to his demanding schedule.

Nigeria’s Economy Grows 3.89% in Q1 2026 as Telecoms, Agriculture, Construction Drive Expansion

By
Laziz Olatunde
-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Nigeria’s economy expanded by 3.89 per cent in real terms in the first quarter of 2026, marking an improvement from the 3.13 per cent growth recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics has announced.

According to the latest Gross Domestic Product report released by the bureau, the stronger performance was driven largely by growth in agriculture, telecommunications, finance, construction and trade activities, reinforcing signs of gradual economic recovery despite persistent challenges in the oil and power sectors.

The report showed that the services sector remained the dominant contributor to the economy, accounting for 57.73 per cent of total GDP in Q1 2026, slightly higher than the 57.50 per cent recorded in the same quarter last year.

Agriculture contributed 23.16 per cent to total GDP, while the oil sector accounted for 3.92 per cent during the period under review.

In nominal terms, Nigeria’s aggregate GDP rose to ₦110.79 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 17.79 per cent increase from the ₦94.05 trillion posted in Q1 2025.

The NBS noted that the non-oil sector remained the major driver of economic growth, expanding by 3.94 per cent in real terms compared to 3.19 per cent in the corresponding quarter of last year.

The bureau attributed the improved performance largely to stronger output in telecommunications, crop production, trade, cement manufacturing, financial services, real estate, construction and road transport.

According to the report, the non-oil sector contributed 96.08 per cent to total GDP in Q1 2026, slightly above the 96.03 per cent contribution recorded in the same period of 2025.

Despite the broader economic expansion, Nigeria’s crude oil production declined during the quarter. Average daily crude oil output stood at 1.55 million barrels per day, down from 1.62 million barrels per day in Q1 2025 and 1.58 million barrels per day recorded in the previous quarter.

However, the oil sector still posted a year-on-year real growth rate of 2.57 per cent, improving from the 1.87 per cent growth recorded in the first quarter of 2025.

Sectoral analysis released by the statistics agency revealed mixed performances across major segments of the economy.

The agriculture sector recorded real growth of 3.15 per cent, a sharp rise from the marginal 0.07 per cent growth posted in the corresponding period last year, with crop production remaining the backbone of the sector.

Manufacturing activity also improved, expanding by 3.29 per cent in real terms compared to 1.69 per cent in Q1 2025.

The information and communication sector emerged as one of the strongest-performing sectors during the quarter, recording a real growth rate of 10.98 per cent while contributing 11.31 per cent to total GDP.

Telecommunications and information services were identified as the primary drivers behind the sector’s robust expansion.

Similarly, the finance and insurance sector grew by 8.54 per cent in real terms, while the construction sector recorded 6.38 per cent year-on-year growth.

Trade maintained its position as the largest contributor to GDP with a 17.89 per cent share, although the sector posted relatively modest real growth of 2.08 per cent during the quarter.

On the downside, the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector contracted sharply by 15.30 per cent in real terms, underscoring ongoing structural challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.

Senegal Parliament Elects Ousmane Sonko Speaker After Dramatic Ouster as Prime Minister

By
Agency Report
-
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye

Ousmane Sonko has been elected speaker of Senegal’s parliament just days after being dismissed as prime minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, deepening political tensions at the top of the country’s leadership.

Lawmakers on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted Sonko into the powerful parliamentary position with 132 votes in favour, despite his removal from government on Friday amid mounting speculation over a growing rift between the president and his former political ally.

The dramatic political turnaround came after parliament reinstated Sonko as a lawmaker earlier in the day before proceeding with the vote for speaker.

Sonko, who remains the dominant figure within the ruling Pastef party, received a prolonged standing ovation after the result was announced. According to the session’s presiding member, Ismael Diallo, no legislator voted against Sonko while one abstained.

The former prime minister was the sole candidate for the position.

Sonko replaces El Malick Ndiaye, a close ally who resigned from the role on Sunday, paving the way for Sonko’s return to frontline institutional politics.

The development marks a significant setback for President Faye, who had dissolved the cabinet and removed Sonko from office in what many observers viewed as an attempt to assert control over the government amid disagreements over how to address Senegal’s worsening debt crisis and economic challenges.

Faye had appointed Sonko prime minister in April 2024 shortly after winning the presidency, a victory widely seen as heavily influenced by Sonko’s popularity and political machinery.

Sonko, once regarded as Faye’s mentor, was unable to contest the presidential election himself because of a defamation conviction that barred him from running.

The latest developments have now fuelled concerns about a power struggle at the heart of Senegal’s ruling establishment.

Opposition leader Aissata Tall Sall condemned Sonko’s election as an “institutional coup,” arguing that procedural rules had been manipulated to facilitate his rapid return to parliament and subsequent elevation as speaker.

Sall said the process had been prepared under “pressure that the majority wants to impose.”

She also questioned the legality of Sonko’s reinstatement as a lawmaker, insisting he should first have formally resigned as prime minister before temporarily taking a parliamentary seat.

Despite the controversy, Sonko’s emergence as speaker places him in charge of Senegal’s only legislative chamber, where Pastef controls 130 of the 165 seats, potentially giving him a formidable platform from which to shape national politics and challenge the presidency.

Meanwhile, President Faye has moved quickly to stabilise his administration following the cabinet shake-up by appointing senior economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo as the country’s new prime minister.

Faye said the new appointee possesses the expertise required to help steer Senegal through mounting economic pressures and a crippling debt burden that has become one of the defining challenges facing the government.

Dangote Group Moves Ahead With Ogun Deep Seaport Plan, Engages Ode Omi Community

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Managing Director, Infrastructure and Logistics, Captain Jamil Abubakar, leading the delegation hosted by Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan on Monday.

Dangote Group has intensified preparations for its proposed deep seaport project in Ogun State, opening discussions with residents and traditional leaders in Ode Omi as part of efforts to build community support for the massive infrastructure development.

The company’s delegation, led by the Managing Director for Infrastructure and Logistics, Captain Jamil Abubakar, visited the coastal community for a sensitisation engagement hosted by Oba Folailu Adekunle Hassan.

According to the Dangote Group, the meeting underscored the importance of dialogue, partnership and collaboration between the company and host communities ahead of the commencement of the proposed seaport project along the Ogun waterside.

The conglomerate said the initiative is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities in the region through expanded trade, logistics operations, industrial growth and employment generation.

“A new chapter of growth and opportunity is beginning to take shape along the Ogun State waterside,” the company said.

The firm added that beyond the physical infrastructure, the deep seaport project is envisioned as a long-term economic catalyst capable of driving regional development and strengthening commercial activities across Nigeria’s maritime corridor.

“Projects of this scale represent long-term economic opportunity, creating pathways for trade, logistics, industrial expansion, job creation, and regional development,” the statement added.

Dangote Group also noted that the reception from residents and community leaders reflected optimism over the proposed development and confidence in the benefits the project could deliver to the area.

“The warm reception and optimism from the community reflect a shared belief in what is possible when development is approached collaboratively and with long-term vision,” the company said.

1...202122...89Page 21 of 89

EDITOR PICKS

Recent Posts

© 2026 Metro-Standard