The Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has disclosed that the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, signed a formal agreement to serve only one term if elected president.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Kwankwaso said the agreement forms a key part of the alliance established within the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, he is confident Obi will honour the pact, describing the former Anambra State governor as a principled and dependable politician committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“I personally believe him. Based on what I now know about him, I don’t think he will renege. I don’t think he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen, even though we have accepted to put it on paper,” Kwankwaso said.
He explained that the agreement provides for power to return to the North after a four-year administration, stressing that the arrangement was reached collectively by party leaders.
“We will work together as a group, as a party, as friends and brothers, involving everyone to ensure that after our four-year term in 2031, the presidency returns to the North. That is the general agreement,” he added.
Kwankwaso also revealed that his perception of Obi had changed significantly since the 2023 elections, describing him as a serious politician with genuine concern for Nigeria’s future.
“I now know that Peter is a very serious politician. He has this country in mind and is someone who can be relied upon,” he said.
He noted that both leaders discovered they shared similar policy objectives after comparing their development blueprints, making it easier for them to forge a political partnership.
According to Kwankwaso, the similarities in their vision and mission for the country laid the foundation for their alliance within the NDC.
Obi has on several occasions maintained that he would serve only one term if elected president in 2027, insisting that the pledge reflects his commitment to the zoning principle and the need to promote national unity, fairness and political stability by ensuring power returns to the North in 2031.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of N2 billion over alleged money laundering charges.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered Bodejo to provide two sureties in the same amount. The court directed that one surety must be an Abuja resident with three years’ tax clearance, while the second must own landed property in Abuja valued at N2 billion.
Justice Ekwo also ordered the defendant to surrender his international passport to the court registrar and prohibited him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s approval.
The judge held that the offences against Bodejo are bailable under the law and exercised the court’s discretion in granting his application.
The case was adjourned to October 5, 6 and 7 for the commencement of trial.
Bodejo was remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on July 9 after being arraigned on alleged money laundering charges.
The EFCC, through its counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), filed the charges on June 25, naming Bodejo as the sole defendant. He pleaded not guilty to all counts when they were read in court.
Defence counsel Ahmed Raji (SAN) urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the alleged offences are bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). However, the prosecution opposed the application before the court eventually ruled in Bodejo’s favour.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), taking over the leadership of the regional bloc for the next one year.
Faye was elected on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone. He succeeds Sierra Leonean PresidentJulius Maada Bio, who previously chaired the organisation.
In another significant achievement for Senegal, General Birame Diop, the country’s former Minister of the Armed Forces, was elected President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term. It marks the first time Senegal will head the commission since ECOWAS was established in 1975.
Diop succeeds Gambian diplomat Omar Touray, who has served as President of the ECOWAS Commission since 2022.
As the new ECOWAS chairman, the 46-year-old Faye will oversee the affairs of the regional body for the next year. According to a statement from the Senegalese presidency, his administration will prioritise collective security, economic sovereignty, and upholding the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS.
Speaking after his election, President Faye expressed gratitude to his fellow West African leaders for the confidence reposed in Senegal.
“It is with humility that I welcome the trust placed in our country, called to the presiding presidency of ECOWAS. I thank my peers, Heads of State and Government, for this mark of trust and for the spirit of fraternity that presided over our work,” he said.
Faye also congratulated General Birame Diop on his election as President of the ECOWAS Commission and pledged his full support.
The Senegalese leader reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and working towards a more united and peaceful West Africa, describing his vision as one of a “reconciled and united” sub-region.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has been elected the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becoming the second woman to lead the association after defeating two other senior lawyers in the 2026 national officers’ election.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), Aham Ejelam, SAN, announced the results on Sunday at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja after voting was delayed by technical issues and a cyberattack.
Badejo-Okusanya secured 12,317 votes (47.18%) to defeat her closest rival, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who polled 7,934 votes (30.39%), while Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, received 5,855 votes (22.43%). A total of 26,106 votes were cast in the election.
She will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, becoming only the second female NBA president after Priscilla Kuye, who led the association between 1991 and 1992.
Other elected national officers include Oghenero Okoro as First Vice-President, Afam Okeke as General Secretary, Aghogho Gladys as Assistant General Secretary, and Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam as Welfare Secretary.
Although the president-elect was absent during the announcement of the results, a member of her campaign team, Aminu Gadanya, SAN, explained that she was delayed by a flight and remained committed to uniting the Bar by extending a hand of friendship to all contestants.
Speaking after the declaration, outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the election overcame several attempts to disrupt the process, including a cyberattack that forced the ECNBA to migrate its ICT infrastructure to a more secure server.
He urged the newly elected officials to be gracious in victory while encouraging unsuccessful candidates to support the incoming leadership in the interest of the association.
Osigwe also revealed that the Electoral Committee would conduct a comprehensive review of the election to address the challenges encountered, strengthen cybersecurity, and enhance the credibility and integrity of future NBA electoral processes.
Paul University, Awka, has suspended a member of its academic staff, Venerable Cornelius Eze, over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student.
Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, was placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of the university’s internal disciplinary process and investigations by relevant law enforcement agencies.
In a statement issued on Friday, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Rev. Godisplan Onukwufor, said management became aware of the allegations on July 14, 2026, and immediately notified security authorities to prevent a breakdown of law and order after tensions reportedly escalated among students.
A video circulating on social media allegedly shows the suspended staff member fleeing his office while dressed only in boxer shorts following the incident.
The university stated that the suspension is a precautionary administrative measure and does not imply guilt, emphasizing that due process will be followed throughout the investigations.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a safe and morally sound academic environment, Paul University stressed that it has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, abuse of office, immoral conduct, or any behaviour that threatens the dignity and welfare of students and staff.
The institution also disclosed that counselling and psychological support would be provided to affected students and other members of the university community. It urged the public to avoid spreading speculation or misinformation that could interfere with ongoing investigations, assuring parents, students, and staff that further updates would be released as appropriate.
Afrobeats giant Burna Boy and Colombian pop superstar Shakira have joined forces on “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The collaboration blends Burna Boy’s signature African rhythms with Shakira’s energetic Latin pop style, creating an uplifting song that celebrates football, culture, and global unity.
Since its release, Dai Dai has generated excitement among music lovers and football fans worldwide. The song’s catchy chorus, vibrant production, and multicultural sound perfectly capture the spirit of the world’s biggest football tournament. It has also enjoyed strong chart success, reaching No. 1 on Spain’s LOS40 chart and performing strongly on global music platforms.
For Burna Boy, the collaboration marks another milestone in his remarkable international career, further showcasing Afrobeats on one of the world’s biggest stages. Meanwhile, Shakira continues her long-standing legacy of delivering unforgettable World Cup anthems, following the global success of Waka Waka.
Dai Dai is more than just a football song, it’s a celebration of diversity, unity, and the universal language of music. As the FIFA World Cup unfolds, this cross-continental collaboration is proving that great music has the power to bring the world together.
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the 11th season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) will premiere on July 26, 2026, with the eventual winner taking home a record-breaking grand prize worth ₦160 million.
The announcement was made during a media briefing on Wednesday, where organisers revealed that the prize package, consisting of ₦100 million in cash and a brand-new SUV, is the largest ever offered in the history of the reality television show.
The launch show will air from 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. Fans will also be able to follow the 24-hour live broadcast on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, as well as via the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream platforms.
Preparations for the new season began with physical auditions held between May 22 and 24 in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu after shortlisted applicants were invited to participate. Auditions were free and open to Nigerians aged 21 and above with valid means of identification.
Speaking on the upcoming edition, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Atinuke Babatunde, said Season 11 would raise the bar with fresh twists, bigger rewards and a dynamic mix of contestants.
She noted that BBNaija has continued to redefine entertainment across Africa through authentic storytelling and engaging personalities, adding that the new season promises more excitement from the opening night to the grand finale.
The organisers also unveiled betting company betPawa as the headline sponsor for Season 11, while Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor and Minimie joins as an Associate Sponsor.
Head of Local Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility at betPawa, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, described the partnership as an opportunity to reward fans and enhance audience engagement throughout the season.
Since its revival in 2017, Big Brother Naija has evolved into one of Africa’s biggest entertainment platforms, producing several stars, creating employment opportunities within the creative industry and influencing popular culture across the continent.
Popular media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu will return as host for the new season, while viewers will be able to vote for their favourite housemates through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps. Subscribers can also increase their voting benefits by upgrading or renewing their subscriptions for multiple months.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over allegations of money laundering.
Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the properties, said to have been acquired with proceeds of crime, should be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court held that Malami, who served as Justice Minister between November 11, 2015, and May 29, 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, failed to disprove the reasonable suspicion that the assets were unlawfully acquired.
It also dismissed claims that some of the affected properties belonged to the extended Malami family in Kebbi State.
According to the judge, the key legal question was not ownership of the properties but whether the funds used to acquire them were legitimately obtained.
Justice Abdulmalik further ruled that Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act empowers the court to order the permanent forfeiture of assets traced to illicit activities.
The judgment followed an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Although the EFCC sought the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to the former minister, the court found sufficient evidence confirming the legitimate ownership of nine of the assets.
Both the EFCC and Malami adopted their final written addresses on May 26.
The anti-graft agency had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order covering the assets, valued at more than N212 billion.
According to the EFCC, the properties, located across Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, were believed to have been purchased with proceeds of crime.
In its ex parte application, the commission argued that the interim order was necessary before seeking a final forfeiture.
Malami is currently standing trial on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering.
He was arraigned alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and one of his wives, Hajia Bashir Asabe.
The defendants are accused of laundering public funds amounting to about N9 billion.
The EFCC alleged that the former Justice Minister concealed the proceeds of crime by acquiring high-value properties across different states.
After granting the interim forfeiture order, the court directed the commission to publish a notice within 14 days inviting interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited.
Opposing the application, Malami’s legal team urged the court to set aside the order, insisting the assets were lawfully acquired.
He maintained that the properties were duly declared in asset declaration forms submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), arguing that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case linking them to criminal proceeds.
Malami further accused the commission of suppressing material facts, insisting the properties were legally acquired after his appointment and declared to the CCB in 2019 and 2023 in compliance with constitutional requirements.
He also argued that the interim forfeiture order was obtained through exaggerated valuations and misleading facts intended to influence the court.
Counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), urged the court to grant the final forfeiture order, relying on a 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 exhibits, arguing that Malami failed to satisfactorily explain the legitimate sources of the assets.
In response, Malami’s lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), asked the court to dismiss the application, contending that the EFCC’s case was based on suspicion rather than credible evidence.
Among the properties listed by the EFCC were luxury homes, hotels, commercial buildings, shopping plazas, warehouses, farmlands and residential estates located in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi, including assets allegedly acquired through the Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative and several housing projects.
The Kedrick Scribner Foundation (KSF) has empowered 94 widows and orphans of fallen Nigerian police officers through vocational training and business startup support during the seventh edition of its annual Widows Mite Programme held in Lagos.
The event, themed “Vocational Skills Empowerment for Widows and Orphans of the Fallen Heroes of the Nigerian Police Force,” took place on June 28, 2026, at the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (HEKAN Church), Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, bringing together government officials, security personnel, religious leaders, development partners, media representatives, and community stakeholders.
Widows Mite 7.0 reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to reducing poverty among families of deceased police officers by equipping beneficiaries with vocational skills, entrepreneurship training, and practical resources to achieve financial independence.
A major highlight of the programme was the graduation of 94 beneficiaries who successfully completed between six and twelve months of vocational training at the KSF Vocational Centre.
The graduates were trained in three key disciplines, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tailoring, and bead making. Of the total graduates, 44 completed ICT training, 28 graduated from tailoring, while 22 specialized in bead making.
To ensure that the training translates into sustainable livelihoods, the Foundation also distributed business startup equipment to 25 outstanding graduates.
The beneficiaries received 13 HP laptops for ICT graduates, nine sewing machines for tailoring graduates, and three bead-making starter kits for graduates in the bead-making department.
According to the Foundation, the equipment is intended to enable recipients to immediately establish businesses, generate income, and become financially self-reliant while reducing dependence on external support.
Speaking during the programme, Executive Director of the Kedrick Scribner Foundation, Dr. Kedrick Scribner, described the event as a celebration of hope, resilience, and God’s faithfulness.
Joined by his wife, Mrs. Victoria Scribner, and members of the Foundation’s vocational training team, Dr. Scribner thanked God for the success of the initiative, emphasizing that the Foundation exists to serve humanity through compassion and practical empowerment.
“I am only a servant of God, privileged to be used as an instrument to bless humanity,” he said.
He reiterated that the Foundation’s mission is anchored on its guiding principle, “Serving People Is What We Do, Because We Love,” adding that genuine service to humanity remains one of the greatest expressions of faith.
Beyond the graduation ceremony, attendees were inspired by a sermon delivered by Dr. Scribner titled “The Blessing of Saying Thank You,” based on the biblical account of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19.
The message highlighted the importance of gratitude, with three key lessons focusing on how thanksgiving invites divine intervention, identifies believers as true worshippers, and brings complete restoration beyond physical healing.
The sermon resonated strongly with participants and became one of the emotional highlights of the event.
Several dignitaries attended the programme to demonstrate support for the Foundation’s humanitarian efforts.
Among them were Resident Pastor of HEKAN Church, Rev. Yakubu Solomon; Rev. Oluwabukola Fajinmi of DIOS International Missionary Church Incorporated; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Force Animal Branch, ACP Flang Bulus Musa; Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Patrick Okorie; representatives of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Mrs. Steve Sanni Jennifer and Mrs. Olajumoye; Corporate and Intellectual Property Lawyer, Barrister Moyo Maku; alongside media partners Den Africa and News Central.
The programme featured opening prayers, welcome remarks, inspirational speeches on entrepreneurship and resilience, certificate presentations to all graduates, distribution of business equipment, recognition of partners and sponsors, media interviews, networking sessions, and group photographs.
According to the Foundation, the impact of Widows Mite 7.0 extends beyond vocational training.
The initiative has enhanced digital literacy among participants, promoted entrepreneurship, improved household income prospects, restored dignity to widows and orphans, and strengthened the economic resilience of families whose loved ones died in the line of duty.
The Foundation expressed appreciation to its donors, volunteers, government agencies, faith-based organizations, development partners, media organizations, and supporters whose contributions made the programme successful.
Looking ahead, the Kedrick Scribner Foundation announced that Widows Mite 8.0 Theme: Medical Outreach / Health Renewal & Enrollment / Seminars: “Widow’s Story to Glory” 📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026 ⛪ Thanksgiving Service: Sunday, September 20, 2026 📍 HEKAN Church, Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos
“Widow’s Story to Glory” will be a moving and powerful seminar experience where widows share personal accounts of their journey after losing their husbands, the struggles, the fears, and ultimately the triumph, made possible through the compassionate support of the Kedrick Scribner Foundation Inc.
“Orphans Rejoice” will be a joyful celebration dedicated entirely to the orphans of the Fallen Heroes of the Nigerian Police Force, a special day filled with fun, games, music, and the powerful opportunity to hear their stories.
The Foundation also disclosed plans to host its annual Back-to-School Empowerment Programme in Parkville, Maryland, United States, where children will receive free school supplies, branded backpacks, and complimentary haircuts in preparation for the new academic session.
Through the Widows Mite initiative, the Kedrick Scribner Foundation continues to provide vulnerable widows and orphans with opportunities to rebuild their lives, achieve economic independence, and preserve the legacy of Nigeria’s fallen police heroes through sustainable empowerment.
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