Torchlight News

 Torchlight news. Presidency defends Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia The Presidency has dismissed criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, describing detractors as “misguided, mischievous and uninformed.” In a statement issued by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the trip is a historic first for a Nigerian leader and is anchored in “deep ancestral, diplomatic, economic and cultural ties” with the Caribbean nation. Saint Lucia—a 179,000-strong island economy built on tourism and agriculture—belongs to both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). CARICOM’s combined GDP of more than $130 billion, the statement noted, offers fertile ground for South-South trade and development. Shared history and people-to-people links Large waves of migrants from present-day Nigeria settled in Saint Lucia in the mid-19th century, leaving cultural and religious traditions that still fl...

 Torchlight news. 2027: I’ll Honour Coalition Deal to Serve One Term, Hand Over to North – Peter Obi Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has pledged to honour any coalition agreement that requires him to serve only one term and hand over power to the North in 2031. Speaking during an X (formerly Twitter) Space session titled #PeterObiOnParallelFacts , Obi emphasized that he is driven by a desire to see Nigeria work, not by a hunger for power. The session drew over 10,000 live listeners and nearly 3,000 audience comments. “If the agreement is for one term, I will leave on May 28, 2031 — not even May 29,” Obi said in response to a question from a user identified as Balactic. He stressed that character, integrity, and commitment to national progress were his priorities, adding that respecting zoning and honouring coalition agreements is a mark of political maturity.

 Torchlight news. Court Grants Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Bail on Self-Recognisance The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail on self-recognisance to the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her arraignment on a six-count charge related to alleged cybercrime. Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty to all charges after they were read in court. The charges stem from alleged false and defamatory statements she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. According to the prosecution, the senator was quoted as saying: “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello… that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done in Kogi, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me.” She allegedly repeated this claim during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today , stating that it was part of a plan to eliminate her. The Federal Government, which broug...

 Torchlight news. Obi Commends Ganduje’s Resignation as APC Chairman The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has praised Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje for stepping down as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, tendered his resignation to the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) through the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, citing health concerns. Reacting in a post on his official X handle on Friday, Obi lauded Ganduje for putting his health first. "I must commend Dr. Ganduje for prioritising his health above all else," Obi stated. "Given the reported decline in his health, stepping down was both a wise and honourable decision, especially if he feels unable to continue providing the level of service required by the party, the people, and the country." Obi described the resignation as a powerful example to other leaders who, despite health challenges, remain in ...

 Torchlight news. Doubt Continues to Surround Favour Ofili’s Rumoured Switch from Nigeria to Turkey Reports surfaced earlier in the week claiming Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili had filed paperwork with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to transfer her allegiance to Turkey. According to those reports, the 22-year-old was fed up with what she sees as neglect and repeated administrative lapses by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC). The breaking point, the stories said, came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Ofili was left off the 100 metres start list despite meeting the qualifying mark—a déjà-vu of the Tokyo 2020 fiasco in which a similar clerical blunder cost her a place. Yet Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) insists no formal notice has landed on its desk. “As far as we are concerned, Favour is still a Nigerian athlete,” NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade told reporters on Wednesday. Olopade noted that Ofili is part o...

  Wike-Fubara Feud: Supporters Divided Over Peace Deal Supporters of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are at odds over his recent reconciliation with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. While some have welcomed the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu, others dismissed it as a weak compromise, describing it as a capitulation by Fubara. The closed-door meeting, held Thursday night at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, brought together Tinubu, Wike, Fubara, suspended Rivers Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and a few lawmakers. The aim was to put an end to the prolonged political feud between the governor and his former political godfather. Terms of the Agreement According to sources within the presidency, Fubara agreed not to seek re-election in 2027 and accepted to complete his current term peacefully. A presidency insider said, “That was the core of the agreement. He promised to step aside after his term ends.” Additionally, Fubara repo...

 Torchlight news. Tinubu: New tax laws will unlock the economy • Pro-poor exemptions begin January 2026 • FIRS re-christened Nigerian Revenue Service President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday signed four landmark tax bills, heralding what he called “a new economy and fresh business opportunities” for Nigeria. “This tells the world Nigeria is truly open for business,” Tinubu declared during the ceremony at the State House, Abuja, calling the assent a turning-point in the nation’s modernisation drive. What the new laws do The Nigeria Tax Reform Act, Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act consolidate more than 70 scattered federal, state and local taxes into a coherent framework. They promise to: Protect low-income earners – one-third of workers will be exempt from PAYE; micro and small businesses will no longer face corporate, VAT or withholding taxes. Remove VAT on essentials – food, education, health...

  Wike Confirms Reconciliation With Fubara After Presidential Intervention Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the resolution of his long-standing political dispute with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking to journalists Thursday night after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Wike said the peace deal was facilitated by President Bola Tinubu and had brought an end to months of political tension in Rivers State. “We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has also agreed to work with us. We are one political family,” Wike stated. Describing the development as a final resolution, he added, “Yes, like any group of people, disagreements happen, but we’ve now settled our differences. This is conclusive, and we’ve reported our decision to Mr. President. As far as I’m concerned, the matter is closed.” Wike urged his supporters and all stakeholders in the state to embra...

 Torchlight news. Six Dead as IED Detonates in Imo Market OWERRI—Panic gripped Awo-Idemili in Orsu LGA, Imo State, yesterday after an improvised explosive device (IED) went off at the busy Eke Ubaheze market, killing six people and wounding several others. Witnesses said the blast occurred when a middle-aged trader, Ngozi Umeh, unknowingly stepped on the device. The explosion instantly claimed her life and those of five bystanders, while many shoppers sustained varying injuries. Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said detectives have opened a full investigation. “At about 2:30 p.m. on 24 June 2025, an IED detonated at Eke Ubaheze Market Square, Awo-Idemili,” he said. “Preliminary findings indicate that Mrs Umeh stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN terrorists. She later died in hospital; five others are receiving treatment.” Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma immediately deployed Explosive Ordnanc...

 Torchlight news. Court Shifts Judgment in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Case to July 4 The Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled its judgment in the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her suspension from the National Assembly. Originally set for June 27, the judgment will now be delivered on July 4 , according to a notice sent to the legal teams involved. No official reason was provided for the change. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, filed the suit challenging her six-month suspension by the Senate on March 5 , describing it as unlawful and unconstitutional. Her suspension followed her refusal to relocate to a new seat in the Senate chamber and a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which included allegations of sexual harassment. The case lists Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole plaintiff, with the Clerk of the National Assembly , the Senate , Senate President Godswill Akpabio , and the Chairman of the Senate Committe...

Torchlight news. Ahead of 2027 Elections: INEC Publishes List of 110 Groups Seeking Political Party Registration The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a list of 110 political associations that have applied for registration in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. According to INEC, these applications are under review in accordance with relevant legal frameworks and the Commission’s guidelines for registering political parties. Here is the full list of 110 political associations that have applied to INEC for registration ahead of the 2027 general elections. Key of Freedom Party (KFP) Absolute Congress (ABC) All Grassroots Party (AGP) Congress Action Party (CAP) United Social Democrats (USDP) National Action Congress Party (NACP) Great Alliance Party (GAP) New Nigeria Congress (NNC) United Peoples Victory Party (UPVP) Allied Conservative Congress (ACC) Peoples Freedom Party (PFP) All Nigerians’ Party (AND) Abundant Social Party (ASP) C...

 Torchlight news. YAYA TOURE SET FOR FIRST MANGERIAL ROLE AS A HEAD COACH Manchester City great Yaya Touré is poised to take his first senior head-coach post with Belgian second-tier side Daring Brussels, a club in John Textor’s multi-club stable. The 42-year-old Ivorian—currently assistant to Hervé Renard with Saudi Arabia and previously on the staffs at Standard Liège, Akhmat Grozny, Olimpik Donetsk and Tottenham’s U-16s—has reportedly accepted the offer, according to Sport. Touré, who ended his playing career in 2019 and has campaigned for greater opportunities for black coaches, knows Belgian football well: he debuted there with Beveren at 18 and returned as a Standard Liège assistant two seasons ago. His brother Kolo, now on Manchester City’s academy staff after a brief spell in charge of Wigan (2022/23), has likewise spoken of breaking barriers for African managers. Touré inherits a club that finished third last season, lost promotion in the play-offs and is embroiled in ...

Torchlight news. Coalition Crisis: Uncertainty Over Atiku's Role and ADA Adoption Confusion surrounds the emerging opposition coalition led by figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, especially over the adoption of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as its political platform. Though ADA has been submitted for registration with INEC by the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), the electoral body has stated it doesn't yet meet the necessary requirements. Meanwhile, El-Rufai has pitched the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as a better fit, dismissing reports that the coalition had settled on ADA or the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Activist Maduabuchi Idam has called ADA the "baptismal name" of the coalition but warned that Nigerians won’t tolerate failure if the alliance takes power in 2027. Atiku’s camp, however, has distanced itself from ADA, stressing that the former Vice President has not endorsed any party f...

 Torchlight news. 2027 VP Slot: I’ll Follow Tinubu’s Lead, Says Barau Jibrin Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has pledged unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that he would fully back any decision the President makes — including being selected as running mate. Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, Barau responded to growing calls from political groups urging Tinubu to choose him as his vice-presidential candidate. “Whatever the President asks me to do, I will do — 100 per cent,” Barau said. “He is my political father. If he calls on me to work with him, I’ll simply say, ‘Thank you, sir,’ and I’ll do it.” However, the Kano-born lawmaker cautioned against premature politicking, emphasizing that the focus should remain on supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to address national challenges. “President Tinubu is working hard to reposition the country and tackle the problems he inherited. He’s a kind and open-mind...

Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Trial Adjourned to October 8 The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has postponed the hearing in the money laundering case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and two others, until October and November 2025. The new dates set by Justice Maryanne Anenih are October 8 and 9, and November 12 and 13, for further proceedings in the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During Wednesday’s resumed hearing, the EFCC’s second witness, Segun Adeleke, submitted multiple documents to support the prosecution’s claims. However, under cross-examination, Adeleke, a manager at Efab Property Limited, told the court he had no direct interactions with Bello or the two co-defendants, Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, and that their names were absent from any transaction records. He added that this was his first time seeing Yahaya Bello in person. Earlier, the EFCC’s first witness, Fabian Nwora—CEO of Efab Propert...

Torchlight news. El-Rufai: I’m Not Pursuing Politics—Just Righting a Wrong I Helped Cause Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that he holds no political ambitions, but is instead driven by a sense of responsibility to help fix what he calls a national disaster—one he feels complicit in due to his past support for President Bola Tinubu. “I have no personal ambition,” El-Rufai said in an interview on Arise Television. “But since I played a role in bringing about this hardship by backing Tinubu, I feel compelled to help remove what I now see as a dangerous regime that could ruin Nigeria if left unchecked.” Speaking during the Monday interview, El-Rufai revealed that he is now working with an opposition coalition that plans to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 elections. He said the group is considering both adopting an existing party and forming a new one as possible platforms for the contest. “You can’t go into battle with only one strategy,” he said. “From...

Benue: Tinubu Chose Pageantry Over Mourning – Peter Obi Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his conduct during a visit to Benue State following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of about 200 people in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area. Obi faulted Tinubu for arriving in what he described as celebratory attire, rather than dressing in mourning to reflect the gravity of the tragedy. He said the visit, meant to console grieving families, was turned into a festive spectacle rather than a solemn moment of national grief. Expressing his disappointment on social media, Obi said: “Where is our humanity? The president was urged to show genuine leadership by visiting Benue and Niger states to comfort victims of a massacre and deadly flooding. Instead, what we witnessed in Benue resembled a celebratory event—more fitting for a road commissioning than a condolence visit.” He criticized the president’s agbada outfi...

From Pulpit to Parade: The Tragedy of Governor Alia’s Celebration Amid Benue’s Massacre By Fidelis Toochukwu Okoro Torchlight News | June 18, 2025 In moments of profound national grief, the soul of leadership is tested—not just in policy, but in posture. And in Benue State today, the people are not just mourning the dead of Yelwata; they are mourning the silence of their government’s conscience. In the aftermath of the gruesome massacre in Yelwata, Guma LGA—where over 100 lives were lost to suspected Fulani herdsmen—the expectation across the state was clear: Benue should mourn . Instead, Governor Hyacinth Alia, a Catholic priest turned politician, declared a public holiday and organized a ceremonial welcome for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There were no flags at half-mast . No statewide moments of silence. Instead, schoolchildren were lined up to wave at the President , as if nothing had happened, as if Benue wasn’t still burying its dead. This is not just poor optics. It is ...

Torchlight news. 2027: Tensions in APC Over Alleged Plan to Drop Shettima With the 2027 elections still two years away, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal conflict over a reported plan to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate. At a North-East APC stakeholders meeting in Gombe, violence broke out after the party’s Zonal Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, failed to mention Shettima during an endorsement speech for Tinubu’s re-election. Supporters of the Vice President reacted angrily, chanting his name and physically attacking Salihu, prompting police intervention with teargas to restore order. The event, intended to reaffirm support for Tinubu, descended into chaos when Salihu emphasized only the President’s candidacy. Despite efforts from other leaders like Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, to calm the crowd, tensions escalated. A delegate from Borno condemned the omission, calling it a deliberate insult...

Peter Obi Blasts Tinubu for Ignoring Benue Killings: Says Human Life Holds No Value in Nigeria Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lambasted President Bola Tinubu for failing to visit Benue State following the massacre of over 200 people by suspected herders. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) Monday morning, Obi said the president’s silence and absence reflect a disturbing disregard for human life. Obi contrasted Nigeria’s leadership with global examples, citing how Indian and South African leaders swiftly responded to tragedies in their countries with compassion and physical presence. He recalled how President Tinubu neither visited Niger State after floods killed nearly 200 people nor showed up in Benue to console victims’ families. “No presidential visit. No show of empathy. No national mourning,” Obi wrote. “In other countries, leaders act. Here, leadership is detached, lacking compassion, accountability, and a human face.” He concluded by sta...

 Torchlight news. Obi: Tinubu Borrowed More in 2 Years Than 3 Presidents Combined Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of dragging Nigeria’s democracy backwards and overseeing a period of severe national decline. In a statement titled "Democracy in Decline: Reflecting on Two Years of Tinubu’s Governance" , Obi offered a sweeping critique of Tinubu’s administration, marking its second anniversary with claims of economic collapse, policy failure, widespread corruption, and democratic backsliding. “A comprehensive review of the past two years under President Tinubu shows that governance and policy delivery have drastically failed,” Obi said. Democracy in Recession Obi alleged that the core pillars of democracy—popular representation, rule of law, and transparency—have collapsed under Tinubu, citing state capture, impunity, and disregard for electoral norms. “Our democracy is in recession....

IPMAN: Dangote Refinery Should Sell Petrol Below N800/Litre The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) believes that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery should reduce the price of petrol (Premium Motor Spirit) below the current N825 per litre rate. IPMAN’s Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, in an interview, said the refinery has the right conditions to offer lower prices, especially considering the naira-for-crude oil policy introduced by the Federal Government. This initiative allows Dangote to buy crude oil in naira, which should cut out the foreign exchange burden tied to pricing. Ukadike acknowledged Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote’s claim that Nigerians currently pay about 55% less for petrol compared to citizens in other West African nations. However, he argued that since Nigeria produces its own crude oil and the refinery operates in local currency, petrol should retail for around N750 per litre. He pointed out that many countries Dangote referen...

  Trump-Musk Alliance Implodes in Public Clash Over Debt and Spending Bill President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have publicly severed ties, ending a once-powerful political alliance amid a heated dispute over Trump’s hallmark legislation, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The rupture followed days of mounting tension, with Musk repeatedly criticizing the bill’s projected impact on the national debt. His calls to “kill the bill” triggered a swift and pointed response from Trump, who addressed the feud during a press briefing in the Oval Office on Thursday. “Elon and I had a great relationship — I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said. “He hasn’t attacked me personally yet, but I’m sure that’s coming. I’m very disappointed in Elon.” The  President’s remarks came after Musk, on his social media platform X, took a swipe at Trump’s leadership and claimed credit for Trump’s election victory. Musk also suggested that Trump’s alleged involvement in the Ep...

NLC: Two Years of Tinubu’s Presidency Marked by Suffering, Not Progress The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration for delivering widespread hardship instead of the promised economic revival. NLC President Joe Ajaero said Tinubu’s reforms—particularly the fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation—have deepened poverty, inflated living costs, and destroyed real wages, with little to no visible benefit. Ajaero noted that the government’s policies have triggered mass inflation, job losses, and business closures. Promises of dialogue with labour unions have given way to repression and unfulfilled wage commitments. The only visible intervention—CNG buses—remains grossly inadequate. He further criticized the worsening insecurity across the country, saying economic debates are meaningless while citizens live in fear. Ajaero described Tinubu’s policies as recycled failures from the past, benefiting elites and foreign interests at the expense of ...

Torchlight news. Orji Kalu Alleges Political Elites Fueling Boko Haram to Undermine Tinubu Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) has alleged that elements within Nigeria’s political elite are actively supporting Boko Haram in a calculated attempt to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today , a Channels Television programme aired Monday, Kalu claimed the recent surge in terrorist activities was not coincidental, but part of a deliberate, politically driven campaign. “The political class is behind Boko Haram. They are using terrorism as a tool to fight Tinubu, just like they did with past administrations,” Kalu asserted. When pressed to clarify who he referred to as the “political class,” the former Abia State governor pointed to a coalition of politicians, influential business figures, and high-ranking civil servants. He accused them of manipulating the country’s security challenges for personal and political gain. “Some ...

  Defamation Case: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Set to Appear in Court Tuesday Suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, following a summons issued by the Federal Capital Territory High Court. Her lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), confirmed the court appearance on Sunday but noted uncertainty over whether the Federal Government plans to formally arraign her. “Whatever the government’s plan, our client is a law-abiding citizen and will comply fully with the court’s directive,” Idahosa said. The Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, has filed criminal charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The charges stem from alleged defamatory statements she made during a live television appearance and a private phone call. The remarks reportedly targeted Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. According to court documents (Charge No. CR/297/25) fi...

  PDP Spokesman Cautions Tinubu, APC: 2027 Won’t Be Defined by Defections Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has cautioned President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that the 2027 elections will be judged by governance performance, not political defections. Speaking during an interview on AIT’s Focus Nigeria , Ologunagba criticized the APC for celebrating defections from opposition parties—particularly the PDP and Labour Party—as though they were policy achievements. He emphasized that recent high-profile defections, including that of former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa and all PDP National Assembly members from Delta State, do not reflect genuine political realignments but are driven by pressure and political coercion. He accused the Tinubu administration of undermining Nigeria’s democratic diversity by subtly pushing for a one-party state, calling it an unrealistic and dangerous il...