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Tinubu Has No Plans To Extend Tenure Beyond 2031, Presidency Replies El-Rufai

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Tinubu Has No Plans To Extend Tenure Beyond 2031, Presidency Replies El-Rufai

The Presidency has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that President Bola Tinubu plans to extend his tenure beyond 2031, describing the allegation as “baseless and absurd.”

In a statement on Monday, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu remains committed to democratic principles and will not remain in office beyond May 28, 2031, if re-elected in 2027.

El-Rufai, during a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accused the Tinubu administration of veering toward authoritarianism and compared the President to Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.

He also alleged that Tinubu’s government was centralizing power at the expense of federal principles, warning that such a trend threatened Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

Onanuga countered that El-Rufai’s claims were politically motivated and a reflection of the futility of his alleged plot to unseat the President in 2027. He said the massive reception Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday demonstrated the depth of support the President enjoys in the North, contrary to El-Rufai’s narrative.

“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027,” Onanuga stated. He added that El-Rufai may benefit from “professional counselling” to steer him away from “hallucinations and political fabrications” about Tinubu and 2027.

INEC’s Credibility At Stake, Any Election Where President Appoints Chairman Is A Sham — Usman Bugaje

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INEC’s Credibility At Stake, Any Election Where President Appoints Chairman Is A Sham — Usman Bugaje

Political activist and civil society leader, Dr Usman Bugaje, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy risks collapse if the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to be undermined and its chairman remains appointed by the president.

Speaking on ARISE News on Monday, Bugaje said, “INEC as a presidential constitution has lost a lot of credibility. It is very important that the institution gains this credibility. Otherwise, the stability of the country is going to be threatened. If this failure continues, then it will erode not only confidence in INEC but confidence in democracy itself.”

He argued that reforms must insulate INEC from political interference, warning that any election where the president appoints the electoral umpire “is a sham.” He likened it to “Chelsea Football Club bringing the referee that will ref a match against Manchester United.”

Bugaje dismissed ongoing debates about zoning for the INEC chairmanship, insisting Nigeria needs competence, not geographical considerations. “We have zoned for the last 25 years. Where has that taken this country to? Down the drain. Therefore, it is time to stop this childish idea and really face the reality. We need competent people,” he said.

He also expressed concern over reports of alleged attempts by politicians to infiltrate INEC structures ahead of the 2027 elections, calling for immediate legal backing to deploy technology to safeguard the process. “This is something that can be done in the next one, two, three weeks if there is sufficient pressure from the public,” he said.

On former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s denial of a third-term bid, Bugaje insisted there was “overwhelming evidence” the former leader sought to extend his tenure, alleging that lawmakers were threatened and bribed during the attempt. “Let him take me up. Absolutely. Let him take me up,” Bugaje declared.

PSG–Marseille Derby To Clash With Ballon d’Or Gala In Paris

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PSG–Marseille Derby To Clash With Ballon d’Or Gala In Paris

Tonight’s rescheduled derby between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille will take place at the same time as the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, setting up a rare clash between two of French football’s biggest events.

The fixture, originally slated for the weekend, was moved to Monday night due to heavy storm warnings in southern France. It now coincides with the prestigious awards gala at the Théâtre du Châtelet, where several PSG players are expected to be honoured.

Among them is Ousmane Dembélé, widely regarded as one of the frontrunners for the men’s Ballon d’Or. Nine other PSG players are also on the shortlist. However, with Le Classique unfolding in Marseille at the same time, focus is expected to be split between the pitch and the red carpet.

Dembélé, along with teammate Désiré Doué, has been ruled out of the derby through injury and was not included in Luis Enrique’s squad.

Last year’s Ballon d’Or gala was overshadowed by Real Madrid’s boycott after Vinícius Júnior missed out on the award, which was eventually won by Manchester City’s Rodri.

Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele Tipped For Top Men’s Prize As Lionesses Dominate Women’s Awards

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Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele Tipped For Top Men’s Prize As Lionesses Dominate Women’s Awards

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele is the bookmakers’ favourite to lift his first Ballon d’Or on Monday night in Paris, following a standout season in which he contributed 43 goals and assists across Ligue 1 and the Champions League as part of PSG’s historic treble.

Dembele, 28, is expected to face stiff competition from Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, who led Barca to a domestic double with 18 goals and 25 assists, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, the Premier League’s top scorer with 29 goals last season.

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, also nominated, publicly backed Dembele to win, telling French TV: “If it were up to me, I’d deliver it to his house.”

PSG dominate the 30-man shortlist, with nine players nominated, including Portugal’s Nations League winners Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves. Five British players are also in contention: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Napoli’s Scott McTominay — the first Scot shortlisted since 1987 and the reigning Serie A Player of the Year.

In the women’s category, the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph has propelled five England stars into contention for the Ballon d’Or Féminin, including Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo. Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton are also nominated, with Hampton tipped for the Women’s Yashin Award for best goalkeeper.

Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, the Euro 2025 Player of the Tournament, is bidding for a third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, while Lionesses’ manager Sarina Wiegman is among the frontrunners for the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coach after guiding England to a third straight European title.

Other key categories feature Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly among nominees for the Men’s Kopa Trophy (best under-21 player), and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez alongside Alisson Becker, Gianluigi Donnarumma, David Raya and Matz Sels in the Men’s Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

The awards ceremony will take place Monday night in Paris.

Man Goes On Trial In France For Cold-Case Murder Of Schoolgirl

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Man Goes On Trial In France For Cold-Case Murder Of Schoolgirl

A 58-year-old man accused of murdering a schoolgirl in northern France more than three decades ago went on trial Monday in one of the country’s oldest cold cases to reach court in recent years.

Pascal Lafolie is facing charges over the 1994 killing of 17-year-old Nadege Desnoix in the Aisne region. Her stabbed body was discovered under foliage near her high school in Chateau-Thierry, alongside a nylon cord and a freshly picked rose.

For years, the case remained unsolved until DNA evidence linked Lafolie to the crime. His DNA, collected during a domestic violence case in 2021, matched samples found on a hairband the victim was wearing when she died.

Lafolie, who has previous convictions for rape and sexual assault, initially confessed but later retracted his statement, claiming memory lapses. He now says he was present at the scene with his brother, but denies killing Desnoix.

Investigators have ruled out his brother’s involvement, as he died months before Lafolie’s arrest.

If convicted by the criminal court in Laon, Lafolie faces up to 30 years in prison. A verdict is expected on Wednesday.

Shettima Arrives In New York For 80th UNGA

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Shettima Arrives In New York For 80th UNGA

Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, champion global tax reforms, and unveil the country’s new climate commitments at the UN General Assembly.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), holding from Monday, September 22 to Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level general debates, announce the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and participate in several bilateral meetings and side events.

He is also scheduled to attend the high-level roundtable of the Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing, push Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and engage in discussions on peacekeeping, global tax reform, and conflict resolution in Gaza, Sudan, and Eastern Congo.

The Vice President was received on arrival by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji; Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires at the UN Amb. Samson Itegboje; and senior defence and diplomatic officials.

Speaking on Nigeria’s priorities at UNGA, Ambassador Tuggar said the country is leading advocacy for a UN Global Convention on Taxation and for Africa to secure at least two permanent seats on the Security Council in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who is part of the delegation, said Nigeria’s presence at UNGA will “further reposition the country as a prime investment destination” in sectors including solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Olajumoke Oduwole said Nigeria will host a “Nigeria Investment Day” on Monday to showcase opportunities in priority sectors such as solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology, and to highlight reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Vice President is expected to present Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday.

Shettima, Akpabio, Governors, Leaders Hail Oluremi Tinubu at 65

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Shettima, Akpabio, Governors, Leaders Hail Oluremi Tinubu at 65

Nigeria’s political class showered glowing tributes on First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, praising her service, compassion, and enduring national impact.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, his wife Nana Shettima, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, have joined prominent politicians and governors to celebrate the 65th birthday of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In separate messages issued on Sunday, they commended the First Lady’s decades of public service, philanthropy, and dedication to national development.

Shettima, in a statement titled “Celebrating 65 Years of Grace, Service and Compassion,” described Mrs. Tinubu as “an inestimable mother of the nation” whose life reflects “brilliant motherhood, exemplary service, compassion, and unwavering support for her husband and Nigeria.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio hailed Mrs. Tinubu as a “pillar of love and strength” whose contributions transcend politics and gender, lauding her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) as a continuation of her longstanding service to the underprivileged.

Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, praised the First Lady as “a symbol of dignity and a true matriarch” whose compassion “inspires hope and touches lives across the country.”

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo described her as “an Amazon and a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians,” while Nana Shettima noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative has “redefined women’s leadership and inspired a generation.”

Gbajabiamila highlighted Mrs. Tinubu’s devotion to the elderly, children, and women, saying her efforts “continue to inspire hope and transform lives.”

Other notable figures, including Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senator Solomon Adeola, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru with his wife Feyisola, joined in celebrating the First Lady’s humility, resilience, and “historic feats” as the first Nigerian woman to serve as both state and federal First Lady and a three-term senator.

Governor Yahaya reaffirmed the Northern Governors Forum’s commitment to supporting initiatives from the Office of the First Lady aimed at promoting unity and social welfare.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a former Lagos Central Senator, currently leads the Renewed Hope Initiative, which has provided support to thousands of women, children, and vulnerable families nationwide.

El-Rufai Accuses Tinubu Of Plotting Life Presidency, Says President Not A True Democrat

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El-Rufai Accuses Tinubu Of Plotting Life Presidency, Says President Not A True Democrat

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused President Bola Tinubu of plotting to remain in office for life, describing him as a “fake democrat” who is centralising power instead of devolving it.

Speaking during a solidarity visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja over a recent altercation at an African Democratic Congress (ADC) meeting in Kaduna, El-Rufai said Tinubu was taking after African leaders who refused to vacate power after decades in office.

El-Rufai, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who supported Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid, said:
“We are facing an evil of such a large proportion in the history of this country that if we don’t all come together and end this Tinubu administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya. He will stay, he will be president for life. All the signs are there. This is how Paul Biya started.”

He alleged that the Tinubu administration’s attacks on opposition parties were proof of its anti-democratic tendencies, adding:


“All the years of saying we are pro-democracy, NADECO, it was all pretence, it was all fake.”

El-Rufai urged Atiku to lead a united opposition to prevent Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, saying Nigerians were looking up to the ADC to provide leadership and an alternative platform.

Atiku, in response, lauded El-Rufai’s courage and agreed on the need for opposition unity. On his social media handles, he described those who allegedly attacked El-Rufai at the ADC event in Kaduna as “APC-sponsored thugs” and warned that Tinubu’s administration posed “the greatest risk to Nigeria’s democracy since the return of democratic governance.”

Meanwhile, Reno Omokri, a supporter of President Tinubu, said in a Channels TV interview that despite his closeness to former President Goodluck Jonathan, he would campaign “vigorously” for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, expressing confidence that the President would win a second term.

“They Will Not Succeed” – Governor Umo Eno Rejects Calls for Creation of New State from Akwa Ibom

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“They Will Not Succeed” – Governor Umo Eno Rejects Calls for Creation of New State from Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has strongly rejected calls for the creation of a new state from Akwa Ibom, saying “They will not succeed.”

The Governor made this statement during a Special Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held on Sunday to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria’s 65th Independence. The theme of the event was “Behold How Good and How Pleasant…”

While addressing the issue, Governor Eno said:

“You will not have any other state, other than this Akwa Ibom. Those struggling to create another state – they will not succeed. Akwa Ibom remains one.”

He added that as long as he remains Governor, Akwa Ibom will not be divided.

Background: Calls for Obolo State
The Governor’s remarks come amid renewed agitations for the creation of Obolo State, which is proposed to be carved out of parts of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.

In July 2025, the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution confirmed that it is reviewing a list of 46 new state creation proposals, including Obolo.

The committee, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, also revealed that it had received 117 requests for new local governments and two boundary adjustment proposals.

Obolo State is among several high-profile requests, alongside:

Savannah (from Borno)
Katagum (from Bauchi)
Okun and Okura (from Kogi)
Anioma (from Delta)
Adada (from Enugu)
Lagoon (from Lagos and Ogun)
The push for Obolo State is supported by some riverine communities in both Akwa Ibom and Rivers, who say they have been fighting for self-determination and better political representation for decades.

Opposition to Obolo State
However, several prominent Akwa Ibom leaders, including former Minister Chief Nduese Essien, have publicly rejected the idea.

Speaking earlier in August during the installation of Dr. Solomon Daniel Etuk as the 4th Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Chief Essien described the campaign for Obolo State as an attempt at land grabbing.

He said:

“No state will be created out of Ibibio land. This land has been defended for over a century, even up to the Privy Council in London.”

Tinubu Arrives In Kaduna For One-Day Visit

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Tinubu Arrives In Kaduna For One-Day Visit

President Bola Tinubu on Friday arrived in Kaduna State for a one-day working visit.

The President’s aircraft landed at the Kaduna International Airport at about 1 p.m., where he was received by Governor Uba Sani, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, ministers, senators, and other top government officials.

Tinubu is in the state to attend the wedding ceremony of Nasirudeen Yari, son of former Zamfara State governor and current senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Safiyya Idris.

During the visit, the President is also expected to pay a courtesy visit to Aisha, widow of former President Muhammadu Buhari, at the family residence in Kaduna.

Nigeria Can Now Deliver 5,000 Passports In Five Hours — Tunji-Ojo

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Nigeria Can Now Deliver 5,000 Passports In Five Hours — Tunji-Ojo

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) can now deliver between 4,000 and 5,000 passports within five hours, marking a first in the agency’s 62-year history.

Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Thursday after inspecting the newly built Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the new infrastructure enables the Service to personalise over 1,000 passports in one hour, up from the previous 250 to 300 passports produced daily.

“With these strategic infrastructural investments, which did not cost a kobo to the government, the NIS can now personalise over 1,000 passports in one hour,” he said.

He noted that the centralisation ends the production of Nigerian passports at multiple centres across the world, significantly improving efficiency and turnaround time for passport delivery.

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