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Goodluck Jonathan’s shadow looms over 2027 election race

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Goodluck Jonathan’s shadow looms over 2027 election race

With the 2027 presidential election approaching, a familiar name is once again at the center of Nigerian political discourse: Goodluck Jonathan. The former president, who left office in 2015, is being urged by various political factions and interest groups to make a comeback, sparking a new wave of debate over his eligibility and the future of the nation’s political opposition.

Jonathan has not officially declared his candidacy. His aides have said he is “consulting,” a common phrase in Nigerian politics that signals a potential bid. But the mere prospect of his return has already thrown the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into a state of internal division, particularly in his home region of the South-South.

The Return of Jonathan?

The push for Jonathan’s return is being led by a number of high-profile political figures. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has reportedly met with Jonathan to discuss a potential run. Similarly, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and ex-Minister of Information Jerry Gana have publicly called on him to contest under the PDP banner.

Many of Jonathan’s supporters hail his previous tenure as a period of “good governance” and “national cohesion.” Chris Nehikhare, the publicity secretary for the Edo State chapter of the PDP, described Jonathan as “one of the most qualified leaders in our nation’s history,” arguing that his potential return would be a “breath of fresh air.”

The Legal Hurdles

Despite the enthusiasm, a major legal question looms over Jonathan’s potential candidacy. A 2018 constitutional amendment prohibits anyone who has been sworn in twice as president from contesting the office again. Jonathan was first sworn in to complete the term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and then won a full term in 2011.

His supporters, however, point to a 2022 court judgment from a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, his home state, which affirmed his right to run again. The ruling stated that since the constitutional amendment was made after Jonathan’s previous tenures, it does not retroactively apply to him. This legal argument, however, is not universally accepted and would likely be challenged in court if he were to run.

A Divided Opposition

The Jonathan speculation has deepened existing fractures within the opposition. In Rivers State, the political divide between supporters of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara is on full display. Wike’s loyalists argue that Jonathan has been largely inactive in party affairs since 2015 and that his candidacy would be a setback. A Wike-aligned PDP official dismissed Jonathan as “a far cry from the reality on the ground now.”

Conversely, Fubara’s camp views a Jonathan candidacy as a viable move, citing his reputation for peaceful leadership. Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, a former federal lawmaker and Fubara ally, said Jonathan “has every right to contest” and that the growing calls for him to run reflect “the confidence the people have in him.”

Meanwhile, Jonathan has been holding private meetings with other key opposition figures, most notably Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party. The two men, who draw support from a similar base, are reportedly in talks to form a united front to challenge the incumbent President Bola Tinubu. Both camps are said to acknowledge that running independently would likely lead to a fragmented vote and hand Tinubu an easy victory. The outcome of their discussions could be a significant factor in shaping the 2027 race.

The coming months will determine whether Goodluck Jonathan’s potential return is a strategic move to unify the opposition or another chapter in the internal power struggles of Nigeria’s political parties.

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A Political Spat in Anambra, Nigeria escalates to an Offer of Paternity Tests

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A Political Spat in Anambra, Nigeria escalates to an Offer of Paternity Tests

In a political clash that has captivated Anambra State, the wife of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and a prominent senator are engaged in a bitter war of words, raising questions about decorum and the role of family in Nigeria’s often-combative political landscape.

The confrontation, which has devolved from policy critiques to deeply personal attacks, pits Senator Uche Ekwunife, a deputy governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), against Nonye Soludo, the First Lady of Anambra State.

The feud began when Senator Ekwunife, in a campaign rally, criticized Governor Soludo’s administration as an “abysmal failure” and suggested he was “panicky” about the upcoming election. In a video that went viral, the senator also claimed that Mrs. Soludo was a part of a previous, widely criticized state administration, and made a bombshell allegation about a past romantic relationship with a former governor.

The First Lady, who has largely maintained a quiet profile, swiftly pushed back. In a statement, she insisted she had never met the former governor in question, and dismissed the claims as “baseless rumours” and “fabrications.” She urged Senator Ekwunife to focus on her political campaign and to stop dragging her and her family into politics.

But the senator’s remarks hit a raw nerve. Mrs. Soludo escalated the feud by issuing a public challenge that has stunned many Nigerians. In a statement, she challenged Senator Ekwunife to take a public “oath of fidelity and chastity” before the Blessed Virgin Mary and to subject their children to paternity tests.

“I will swear (with my children) that in my 55 years on earth, I have known only one man—Chukwuma Soludo,” Mrs. Soludo said in her statement. She added that she would pay for the paternity tests in three reputable London hospitals, offering a cash award if the results confirmed Senator Ekwunife’s husband was the father of all her children.

Senator Ekwunife has not yet responded to the First Lady’s challenge. The ongoing dispute highlights the fraught and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics, where personal feuds can overshadow substantive policy debates. While the two women’s public squabble has drawn significant attention, it has also sparked a broader discussion about the boundaries of political rhetoric and the use of family in high-stakes electoral battles.

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The Big Picture for Tinubu tax reforms: Why This Matters and what’s in it for the average Nigerian?

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The Big Picture for Tinubu tax reforms: Why This Matters and what’s in it for the average Nigerian?

In an effort to overhaul Nigeria’s financial landscape, the government of President Bola Tinubu is pushing forward with sweeping tax reforms. A central pillar of this new policy is the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), a law designed to create a more transparent and equitable tax system.

While many Nigerians are concerned about what these changes mean for their daily lives and personal finances, the government’s message is clear: this is a necessary step to modernize the economy. Here’s a look at the key reforms and why they matter.

Your New Tax ID: What You Need to Know

At the heart of the NTAA is a push to link every taxable person to a unique Tax ID. This isn’t a completely new concept—previous laws have required a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for businesses. However, the new law aims to simplify this by making it mandatory for all “taxable persons” to have a Tax ID, which will be tied to existing national identity documents.

But what exactly is a “taxable person”? It’s anyone who earns income through a trade, business, or other economic activity. If you’re an individual who doesn’t earn income, you don’t need a Tax ID. The idea is to focus on those who are currently operating in the shadows, not those who are already struggling.

The government’s goal is to close loopholes that allow for widespread tax evasion and ensure that everyone who earns a taxable income contributes their fair share. For most Nigerians, this will mean their existing National Identification Number (NIN) will become their Tax ID. For companies, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will serve the same purpose. This move is intended to simplify compliance and prevent the duplication of multiple numbers and processes.

Is This Really New?

While the NTAA may feel like a major shift, it’s actually an evolution of existing tax policies. The requirement for a Tax ID has been in place for some time, particularly for those opening a business bank account. The new law simply standardizes the process, making it more efficient and difficult to avoid.

The government says this isn’t about creating new hurdles. In fact, they’ve made the process of obtaining a Tax ID straightforward and free of charge. You don’t need to get a new physical card or deal with complicated biometric registration. Instead, you can apply online or visit an official tax office with your NIN or CAC documents. The goal is to make it easier for people to comply with the law, not harder.

The Big Picture: Why This Matters

So, what’s in it for the average Nigerian? The government argues that these reforms will create a more level playing field. When everyone pays their fair share of taxes, the government has more resources to invest in essential services, infrastructure, and social programs. This could lead to a stronger economy, a better quality of life, and more opportunities for all Nigerians.

For a nation grappling with economic challenges, a more robust tax base is a critical step toward self-sufficiency. By closing the net on tax evasion and simplifying the system, the government hopes to build a more resilient financial future for Nigeria.

The reforms extend beyond just individuals and businesses. Even government ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises are now required to register and obtain a Tax ID. This sends a powerful signal that no one is exempt and that a new era of fiscal accountability has begun.

Ultimately, the success of these reforms will hinge on their implementation. If the system works as intended—by being transparent, accessible, and fair—it could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s economic development.

Police confirmed a man, identified as Taye, who went on the run after allegedly killing and burying his 13-year-old daughter, has turned himself in

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Police confirmed a man, identified as Taye, who went on the run after allegedly killing and burying his 13-year-old daughter, has turned himself in

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that a man, identified as Taye, who went on the run after allegedly killing and burying his 13-year-old daughter, has turned himself in.

Taye was alleged to have killed and buried his daughter, known as Davina, on September 7, 2027, after which he fled with members of his family.

He has, however, reported himself at the Ebrumede Police Division in Uvwie Local Government Area. This is coming after the police arrested his wife over the incident.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development in a WhatsApp message sent to our correspondent in Warri.

But he added that the investigation is ongoing to determine if the suspect killed his daughter.

“We can’t say he killed her for now till after the autopsy is carried out,” Edafe said.

Taye and members of his family ran away after the incident, but the police arrested his wife, who has been in custody.

The suspect’s wife, who claimed to have travelled for over a week, denied knowledge of the girl’s death, saying Davina was fine before she left the house.

Civil rights activists are demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. They insist that the victim’s wife also has questions to answer over the mysterious death of the little girl.

Meanwhile, sources in the community say the suspect, Taye, who is married to another woman, murdered his daughter, who was born by his baby mama, identified as Miss Dorcas.

It was gathered that the suspect had called Davina’s mother and requested that Davina come over for the holidays.

Narrating what happened, a source in the community said, “The mother, Miss Docas, who has been single-handedly taking care of her daughter for the past 13 years, obliged the father who is already married, to have the child at least for the holidays for father and daughter bonding.

“There are voice notes of calls the said father, his sister, and wife made to the mother of Davina saying they want to take care of the child and the mother would never set eyes on Davina again.

“The child was alleged to have been going through emotional stress, which she could not say out as she was caged in the house by her father, the wife, and others.

“Last week, they said Davina picked up the father’s phone and called the mother, Miss Dorcas, telling the mother to come carry her away from the fathers house but the father intercepted the call and told the mother not to mind her, that she would adapt to her new environment.

“The mother insisted that school would resume this Monday and she wants her daughter to return so she could resume with her mates being that she had been the only one struggling with her daughter for 13 years as the said father had never been concerned about her and the child since she was born.

“The family of the man told Miss Dorcas that they would not bring the child to her, but the mother insisted that the child should return on Sunday, 7th September, so she could resume school. That same Sunday, someone called the mother and informed her that her daughter, Davina, was about to be buried.

“She left Udu Road and rushed to the family compound of her baby father, requesting to carry her child, who wasn’t sick, only for the man and his sister to beat her up and later show her where they had just buried her daughter without any explanation.

“The devastated woman was confused, and she fainted. When she was resuscitated yesterday, I was contacted, and we lodged a complaint at the Ebrumede Police Station demanding an explanation as to the sudden death and burial of Davina.

“Late yesterday night, the police located the house at Ugbolokposo, but the entire family ran away, and the wife of Taye was arrested.

“She confessed to having left the house a week ago, saying Davina was fine and okay, but doesn’t know what happened to Davina. The husband who is on the run said the child took ill on Sunday, 7th September. 

According to him, he rushed her to the hospital, but she later died and was buried the same day. Yet, he is on the run.”

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Anambra doctors suspend strike

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Anambra doctors suspend strike

The Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, Awka in Anambra, has suspended its seven-day warning strike.

This is contained in a statement signed by the ARD-COOUTH President and Secretary, Dr Joy Okwumuo and Dr Chukwubuike Ifekudu, on Saturday in Awka.

The resident doctors embarked on a warning strike on Thursday to press for better working conditions.

The statement instructed members to resume their duties effective from 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, as the government had approved their demands.

“The decision to suspend the strike followed the approval for release of the Medical Residency Training Fund and a 100 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale by Governor Chukwuma Soludo by the end of September.

“The governor also approved allowances for house officers, rural posting for previously skipped departments, accouterments, and specialist allowances from CONMESS 5 step 5 for resident doctors.

“The government also approved payment of accumulated arrears, including the previously skipped approved 2024 hazard allowance arrears,” it said.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with the hospital’s Chief Medical Director to implement approved decisions.

It also emphasised the urgent need to recruit resident doctors and house officers to meet medical college staffing standards and curb brain drain.

The association reiterated its call for the accreditation of the Family Medicine, Radiology, and Anaesthesiology departments to enable members to sit for professional exams.

It, however, expressed gratitude to Soludo, the Head of Service, Commissioner for Health, COOUTH management, Nigerian Medical Association, and National Association of Resident Doctors for their support.

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Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has vowed that his party will unseat President Bola Tinubu and also take over Lagos state come 2027

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Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has vowed that his party will unseat President Bola Tinubu and also take over Lagos state come 2027

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has vowed that his party will unseat President Bola Tinubu and also take over Lagos state come 2027.

The former governor of Osun State pledged on Saturday, at an event where the leader of the Conscience Forum of the Labour Party (LP), Hon. Moshood Salvador, led members of the group to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The event which held in Lagos also marked the 25th anniversary of the Conscience Forum as a political group.

It had in attendance the National Secretary of the African Democratic Party, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, leadership of the ADC in Lagos state, and wards and zonal leaders of the Conscience Forum from the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 LCDAs in the state.

Addressing the new members, Aregbesola commended the leadership, executives and members of the Conscience Forum while tasking them on the need to take over the seat of power in Abuja and Lagos in 2027 general elections.

He pledged that the ADC will produce the next president of the country while charging the new intakes not to relent in their efforts to changing Nigeria for the better.

He said, “I am happy to be a part of this gathering. I am also happy to receive you into the ADC folds. We are the only one that can make it difficult to take over wherever we are if the Conscience Forum, good looking people with highly cultured leadership can organized this kind of event to make a declaration for the ADC and follow the line enunciated by the leader, surely, Alausa is a sure ticket for all of us.

“With our resolve, it won’t be difficult at all to take over the seat of power. It’s a simple strategy of one getting ten andeach of the ten will equally get ten. Its operation ten over ten. Once we are able to get this done, that’s the end of it. We will surely meet at the Aso Rock Villa and produce the next president of the country. Once again, I am happy to be here and we must not relax our efforts to change Nigeria.”

Speaking on the move to the ADC, Salvador said the problems confronting the Labour Party has shown that it is not a party for the future.

He said, “Today, we are marking the 25 anniversary of the Conscience Forum and at the same time, for a wise man or people of wisdom, we look back to what you’ve achieved and look forward to what we are aiming to become. Our members were in the Labour Party and the problem of the Labour Party has shown that they have lost the future. Its no more a party of the future and that is why we have to think of where next since we have the new wave and the formation of a coal ition of political party, for anyone who wants something good of its members, the best is to join the coalition.

“This is not just the ADC. The ADC is the symbol of the coalition, and that is why Conscience Forum, being a political group with over 400 000 members in Lagos, will have to showcase our structure, including our LGA and Ward officers and so on. This is necessary for them to know the size of the group they are taking in. We chose today, being our 25th anniversary to declare for the ADC so that our members will now join the ADC at their various ward levels.”

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One person has been confirmed dead following the collapse of a three-storey building in Yaba, Lagos State

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One person has been confirmed dead following the collapse of a three-storey building in Yaba, Lagos State

One person has been confirmed dead following the collapse of a three-storey building at Alagomeji, in the Yaba area of Lagos State.

The National Emergency Management Agency, in its Day 2 incident report on Saturday, said the body of a male victim was recovered from the rubble during ongoing search and rescue operations.

In an update on X, NEMA said, “The Search and rescue operation is still ongoing at the building collapse scene. NEMA, LASEMA, Fire Services, Police, FRSC and NSCDC are on the ground. The number of persons rescued remains four; they are in stable condition. No additional person has been rescued at the time of this report, but there is speculation of two more persons under the rubble.”

In a subsequent update, the agency confirmed that one body had been retrieved from the debris, even as efforts continue to ensure that no one is left trapped.

“One body (male) has just been recovered from the rubble. Search and Rescue operation is still ongoing,” NEMA said.

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Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has issued a challenge to Senator Uche Ekwunife, urging both of them to take an oath of fidelity

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Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has issued a challenge to Senator Uche Ekwunife, urging both of them to take an oath of fidelity

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has issued a challenge to Senator Uche Ekwunife, urging both of them to take an oath of fidelity before the Blessed Virgin Mary and to subject their children to paternity tests.

The challenge follows claims by Ekwunife, the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that Mrs Soludo was close to and worked with former governor, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju.

In a statement released on Friday, Mrs Soludo accused the senator of fabricating allegations and dragging her children into political disputes.

She described Ekwunife’s conduct as malicious and warned that legal action would follow unless the lawmaker withdrew her claims and issued an apology within 72 hours.

Mrs Soludo said a public oath would help settle questions of character once and for all.

“Since Uche Ekwunife claims to be a converted Catholic, I challenge her for both of us to swear an oath of fidelity and chastity at any cathedral in front of the Blessed Sacrament and the Bible.

“I will swear (with my children) that in my 55 years on earth, I have known only one man—Chukwuma Soludo. On your part, you should also swear (with your children or your political ambitions) that since you got married, you have never cheated on your husband,” she said.

The governor’s wife also further said: “I challenge you, Uche Ekwunife, for us to subject our children to paternity tests in three reputable hospitals in London. I will pay all the expenses, including travel for you and your family.”

She added that if the results confirmed that Ekwunife’s husband fathered all her children, she would not only congratulate her but also present a cash award.

Describing herself as a quiet family woman, Mrs Soludo stressed her Christian and conservative upbringing.

“I married him as a virgin, and my fidelity to him in 33 years of marriage and for life is ironclad,” she asserted.

She further noted that she had never worked for the government nor depended on public funds, even as First Lady of Anambra State.

Vowing to sustain her defence with dignity, Mrs Soludo likened the clash with Senator Ekwunife to a long-distance race.

“My weapons are decency, character, and grace. I am a long-distance runner, and I welcome you to the marathon,” she said.

The confrontation between the two women traces back to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s questions over Senator Ekwunife’s academic qualifications.

The senator responded with sharp criticisms, prompting the governor’s wife to step into the fray.

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Top 10 countries with the highest minimum wage in Europe

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Top 10 countries with the highest minimum wage in Europe

Minimum wages across Europe vary widely, shaped by each country’s cost of living, economic policies, and labour market strength. 

Some countries stand out for offering workers some of the best minimum pay in the world.

Here’s a look at the top 10 European countries leading the way.

1. Luxembourg – €2,638/month

Luxembourg tops the list of European countries offering the highest minimum wage. This small but wealthy nation has a strong financial sector, high GDP per capita, and a cost of living to match. Its wage policy ensures that even low-income earners can maintain a decent standard of living.

2. Ireland – €2,282/month

Ireland’s robust economy, powered by technology, pharmaceuticals, and foreign investment, supports one of the continent’s highest minimum wages. This pay floor reflects the country’s relatively high living expenses, especially in major cities like Dublin.

3. Netherlands – €2,193/month

The Netherlands combines strong social protections with a competitive economy. Its high minimum wage helps sustain one of the best standards of living in Europe, with a focus on work-life balance and worker welfare.

4. Germany – €2,161/month

Europe’s largest economy backs its workers with a strong wage floor. Germany’s industrial strength, export power, and collective bargaining traditions help keep wages high while maintaining competitiveness.

5. Belgium – €2,070/month

Belgium offers generous social benefits alongside a high minimum wage. The country’s strong unions and coordinated wage-setting system ensure pay keeps pace with living costs.

6. France – €1,802/month

The French SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance) is reviewed annually to track inflation and productivity. This keeps France among Europe’s best-paying countries for low-wage workers.

7. Spain – €1,381/month

  • Spain has made substantial increases to its minimum wage in recent years, part of a broader push to reduce inequality and improve living standards, particularly in its service and tourism sectors.

8. Slovenia – €1,278/month

Slovenia leads Central and Eastern Europe in minimum wage levels. Its steady wage growth reflects the country’s stable economy and integration into the EU’s single market.

9. Poland – €1,091/month

Poland’s rapid wage growth is part of an economic strategy to retain skilled workers and attract investment. While still lower than Western Europe, the figure marks significant progress in just a few years.

10. Lithuania – €1,038/month

Lithuania’s economy has been expanding at one of the fastest rates in the EU. Its increasing minimum wage reflects efforts to boost domestic consumption and reduce the income gap with richer member states.

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Temi Otedola: Biography, Age, Education, Husband, Children, Career, Net Worth, Controversy, and More

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Temi Otedola: Biography, Age, Education, Husband, Children, Career, Net Worth, Controversy, and More

Biography

Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola, widely known as Temi Otedola, is a Nigerian actress, fashion influencer, and digital brand ambassador. Born into the prominent Otedola family, she has successfully established her own career in the entertainment and fashion industries.

Biography

Born on March 20, 1996, Temi is the daughter of Nigerian business mogul Femi Otedola and the younger sister of musician and DJ Cuppy. She first gained public attention with her fashion blog, JTO Fashion, which she launched in 2014. The blog chronicled her personal style, travels, and beauty tips. Her career further expanded into acting with her critically acclaimed debut in the 2020 film Citation.

Age

As of 2025, Temi Otedola is 29 years old.

Education

Temi Otedola pursued her higher education at the University College London and the University of London.

Otedola and Eazi wedding

Husband

Temi Otedola is married to Nigerian music star Mr Eazi.

Children

Temi doesn’t have any child yet.

Career

Temi Otedola’s career spans several fields, including:

  • Fashion Blogging: She launched her blog, JTO Fashion, at the age of 17, which served as a platform for her to share her passion for fashion, beauty, and travel.
  • Acting: She made her Nollywood debut in Kunle Afolayan’s 2020 film Citation, for which she won the Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2021 Ghana Movie Awards. She also appeared in other films, including The Man for the Job.
  • Brand Ambassadorship: She has served as a digital brand ambassador for various companies, including L’Oréal Paris Makeup and a fintech company.

Net Worth

Temi Otedola’s net worth is not known but she is wealthy.

More

Temi Otedola’s engagement to Mr Eazi in April 2022 was a high-profile event. The couple’s wedding ceremonies took place in 2025. Her career trajectory demonstrates her ability to leverage her fashion and digital influence to create a successful acting career while maintaining a strong presence in the fashion industry.

Disclaimer

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

Always visit NewsWireNGR for the latest Naija news and updated Naija breaking news.

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The Rise of a New Coalition and the Politics of Exclusion

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The Rise of a New Coalition and the Politics of Exclusion

As Nigeria marches toward its 2027 general elections, the political landscape is being redrawn with a vigor that suggests the last vote never truly settled. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the narrow and contested victory in 2023, where he failed to win the popular vote in his own Lagos stronghold, appears to have instilled a perpetual campaign mode. The aftermath of that election, a mandate seen by many as fragile and highly scrutinized, has set a tone of aggressive political maneuvering that some critics argue has overshadowed the urgent task of governance.

The President’s actions, critics contend, reflect a deep-seated anxiety about his political base. This was exemplified in his administration’s intervention in the political affairs of Rivers State. When Governor Fubara, a political godson of the powerful FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, fell out with his patron, the conflict drew a swift and decisive response from the presidency. Observers noted that the federal government’s engagement in the Rivers crisis was seen as a move to secure a crucial political stronghold, a state that, like Lagos, was vital to the ruling party’s electoral math. This focus on internal party power dynamics, rather than the constitutional autonomy of a state government, has been a recurring theme.

The Rise of a New Coalition and the Politics of Exclusion

The political stage is being set for a dramatic showdown in 2027, with the emergence of a new opposition coalition. In a move that has sent ripples through the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), key figures from various political backgrounds have reportedly coalesced under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s acknowledgment of this new leadership is seen as a formal signal of a unified front aiming to challenge the APC’s dominance.

The key players in this new alliance, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, are seasoned politicians who have demonstrated their ability to command significant regional and national support. Their unity is particularly potent given the recent history of the opposition’s division, which many analysts believe handed President Tinubu his victory in 2023. The entry of Peter Obi, whose youth-driven campaign garnered an unprecedented surge in support in just six months, has only intensified the apprehension within the ruling party. Obi’s ‘Obidients’ movement, which drew millions of young voters into the political process, represents a formidable force that, when combined with the old guard of opposition politics, could pose a serious threat to the incumbent.

The ruling party’s jitters are not without cause. The country is grappling with severe economic hardship. High inflation and a volatile exchange rate have driven up the cost of living, while unemployment rates remain alarmingly high.According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate stands at a recent high, with food inflation being a major driver of the economic pain felt by citizens. In a recent poll by the Africa Polling Institute, 84% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation, with 81% believing the country is heading in the wrong direction.

A New Era of Nepotism?

Amid these economic woes, President Tinubu’s administration is facing sharp criticism for what many perceive as a clear pattern of ethnic favoritism. The appointments to key federal ministries, agencies, and parastatals have come under intense scrutiny for their perceived imbalance. A look at the distribution of appointments since President Tinubu took office reveals a significant concentration in favor of his Yoruba ethnic group. For a nation as ethnically diverse as Nigeria, this lopsided distribution has fueled accusations of nepotism and a disregard for the principles of federal character enshrined in the constitution.

The Igbo community in the Southeast, in particular, has voiced its frustration, feeling largely excluded from federal appointments and major infrastructure projects. While President Tinubu’s administration has defended the appointments as being based on merit, critics point to a historical context where no previous administration has concentrated power so narrowly. This perceived bias has exacerbated existing regional and ethnic tensions, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to national unity. The phrase “Emilokan,” a Yoruba term meaning “it is my turn,” which President Tinubu famously used during his campaign, has been weaponized by critics who see it not just as a declaration of his political ambition but as a blueprint for a government that favors his kinsmen.

The formation of the new opposition coalition is, in many ways, a direct response to these developments. Its core objective, beyond winning the 2027 election, is to re-establish a political culture where competence and national character, rather than ethnicity, are the primary criteria for leadership and the distribution of resources. The battle lines for 2027 are being drawn not just between political parties but between two competing visions for Nigeria’s future: one that critics see as a continuation of “winner-takes-all” politics and another that promises to be more inclusive and representative.

The stakes are higher than ever. If President Tinubu, in a bid to secure a second term, is perceived to be operating under a policy of ethnic favoritism, his actions in a second, unconstrained term are a source of profound concern for many Nigerians. The political stage is set, the players have begun their moves, and the fate of Nigeria’s unity and democratic health hangs in the balance.

Nigeria, a nation of over 250 million people, a dangerous vacuum has emerged in the public intellectual space

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iPhone 17: Everything You Need to Know

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iPhone 17: Everything You Need to Know

Apple is back with its latest innovation, the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series.

This new lineup promises a blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek design, featuring slimmer builds, enhanced cameras, and bigger batteries. 

The newmodels, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, are set to hit stores globally this month. Prices are expected to start at around $799 (?1.3 million) in Nigeria, with costs varying based on the specific model and storage capacity.

10 Key Features of the iPhone 17 Series

  1. Thinnest iPhone Ever: The new iPhone 17 Air is remarkably slim at just 5.5mm thick, setting a new record for Apple’s sleek design.
  3. Made in India: In a significant shift, all iPhone 17 models are being produced in India for the first time, a result of new partnerships with Foxconn and Tata.
  5. Superior Display: All models in the series are rumoured to feature a 120Hz OLED screen, ensuring a smoother, more fluid experience for scrolling and gaming.
  7. Enhanced Selfies: Apple is upgrading the front camera to 24 megapixels, promising sharper photos and clearer video calls.
  9. Camera Redesign: The Pro models will feature a distinctive new horizontal camera bar. They will also support 8K video recording with up to 8x zoom, offering professional-grade video capabilities.
  11. Largest Battery: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumoured to come with a massive 5,000mAh battery, the biggest ever on an iPhone, ensuring all-day power.
  13. New Frame Materials: Apple is expected to switch from titanium to an aluminium frame for the Pro models, aiming for a lighter design and improved heat dissipation.
  15. Faster Performance: The new A19 chip will power the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air, while the Pro versions will get the more advanced A19 Pro chip for even greater speed and efficiency.
  17. No More “Plus”: The Plus model has been discontinued, with the iPhone 17 Air filling its spot as the new mid-tier option between the base and Pro models.
  19. Fresh Colours: Rumours suggest the new series will introduce fresh color options, including vibrant purple and green.

As the iPhone 17 series prepares to ship, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike are eagerly waiting to get their hands onApple’s latest devices. The blend of innovative design and powerful performance aims to keep Apple at the forefront of the smartphone market.

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