Ridoola's blog

A former Zamfara State governorship candidate and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Sani Shinkafi, has thrown his weight behind the zoning of the 2027 governorship ticket to Zamfara Central, insisting that Governor Dauda Lawal deserves a second term. Lawal, who hails from Zamfara Central, is the first governor from the senatorial zone since the state's creation in 1996. Shinkafi stated that the governor's administration has outperformed its predecessors and should be allowed to continue for the sake of justice, equity, and sustained development. “From his achievements so far and in the interest of justice, equity, and unity, the 2027 governorship slot again should go to Zamfara Central Senatorial District, where Lawal hails from, to enable him to complete his two terms in office,” Shinkafi stated in a release signed personally on Monday, June 30. Massive Projects, Zero Loans Shinkafi commended Lawal’s infrastructural strides, noting that the transformat...

DOHS Cares Foundation is sounding the alarm on an urgent national tragedy: 88 Nigerian women have been killed between January and June 2025 — an average of one woman every 49 hours. These are not just numbers. These are Grandmothers , Mothers, Daughters , Sisters , Partners , and Friends who are Business Women , Bankers , Nurses , Housewives , Stylists , Models , Nutritionists , Politicians , Realtors , Students , Women and Girls with full lives-lives now lost to gender-based violence and femicide, a crime that continues to ravage homes, communities, and our national conscience with little to no accountability. “Every week, three to four women are violently erased from our society,” says Ajayi Ololade , Founder of DOHS Cares . “This is not a crisis we can afford to normalize or ignore. Femicide is the ultimate form of gender-based violence, and Nigeria must respond with urgency.” RELATED: Court hands death sentence to Salome Adaidu’s killer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi Despite constitu...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced internal consultations to fill the position of National Chairman, following the sudden resignation of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Ganduje stepped down from the party’s top role last week, citing "urgent and personal matters", less than a year after assuming office. He had taken over from Abdullahi Adamu in August 2023. Speaking on the development, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed during a Channels Television interview on Sunday that the party was already working to address the vacancy without delay. “We will take steps immediately to fill that vacancy,” Morka stated, noting that the APC leadership was moving with speed to prevent a prolonged vacuum in the party’s hierarchy. Consultations Underway for New Leadership Although no date has been fixed yet for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to formalise the transition, Morka assured that arrangements are in motion. “As we speak, that...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved new thresholds for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project approvals, empowering the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to lead a more decentralised and efficient delivery system. The new directive allows Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to approve PPP projects valued under ₦20 billion, subject to ICRC certification and guidelines. This policy shift removes the mandatory Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for all PPP projects, a move that had previously prolonged timelines and hindered smaller-scale initiatives. According to the ICRC Director General, Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, projects under ₦10 billion for parastatals and ₦20 billion for ministries can now be approved by newly constituted Project Approval Boards (PABs), as long as they are entirely privately funded. “This approval is a game-changer. We expect to see investments in rural diagnostic centres, classroom blocks, hostels, and affordable...

As Nigeria marked the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Olalekan Abiola, son of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, spoke candidly about the unhealed wounds left behind by the political tragedy that altered both his family’s fate and Nigeria’s democratic history. A Family Torn Apart by History For Olalekan, the past 27 years have been marked by deep trauma and loss. The family didn’t just lose their patriarch to political imprisonment and eventual death in 1998; they also lost their matriarch, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola , to an assassination while MKO was still in detention. “One minute my mom was at home, in good health, and the next minute she had been shot,” Olalekan recounted during an interview at the Abiola family residence in Ikeja, Lagos. “ So that was more painful, more traumatic than the fate my father suffered.” ALSO READ: Nigeria took too long to honour my parents’ sacrifice - Abiola’s son on Jun 12 legacy With both parent...

Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has told his loyalists that accepting a peace deal with his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, felt like a kick in the teeth. Fubara disclosed this during a meeting with his support base in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. He noted that, even though the reconciliation feels “heavy” and “bitter,” it is a necessary sacrifice to restore stability and development to Rivers. He, therefore, urged his loyalists, otherwise known as the ‘Simplified Family,' to align with the peace accord. Last week, President Bola Tinubu brokered a peace deal between the suspended Governor and his predecessor's camp, signalling an end to a protracted political feud that has impacted governance in the oil-rich state. ALSO READ: Tinubu set to lift emergency in Rivers as Wike, Fubara seal peace deal “After the meeting we had before May 29th, we’ve had a series of meetings and o...

President Tinubu was unusually exuberant in his June 12 Democracy Day speech, openly revelling in his opponents' troubles. “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.” Sure enough, just days after the president’s victory dance, the supposedly “peaceful home” began to show cracks — from within. In Gombe, the APC found itself “collecting,” in classic street parlance, as violence erupted during a stakeholders' meeting. The cause? The announcement of Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for 2027 — with no mention of Vice President Shettima. What was meant to be a show of unity quickly turned chaotic, with Shettima’s absence interpreted by many in the North East as a snub — or worse, a warning. Now, while the opposition battles over who should carry the flag, the ruling party faces a different dilemma: who should hold the ladder? As the old Fela tune goes — “double wahala f...

Bukola Saraki, former Senate President and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation and Convention Committee, says political elites largely drive the recent wave of defections from the party. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Friday, Saraki acknowledged that the PDP is going through a challenging phase. However, he maintained that the party’s grassroots support remains solid and loyal. “When you go round the country, the state chapters, the local government chapters, the party is still very strong in the grassroots,” he said. “In some areas in the country, they are not even aware of what is happening at our level, in Abuja. ALSO READ: Saraki gives fresh update as PDP stakeholders hold crucial meeting in Abuja “The reactions we are seeing at the grassroots give us a lot of encouragement. But what we need to do is to get to the bottom, and start to build.” Saraki, however, warned that more high-profile exits may occur if the party does...

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the resignation of its national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State. On Friday, June 27, 2025, Ganduje announced his resignation to the party, citing health concerns as the reason for his departure from the position. Reacting to the development in a statement on Friday night, Felix Morka , the national publicity secretary of the APC, confirmed Ganduje’s resignation. According to Morka, the resignation, which takes immediate effect, was to enable the former chairman to attend to “urgent and important” personal matters. ALSO READ: There’s nothing wrong with a one-party state- Ganduje His resignation letter was addressed to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) through Ajibola Basiru , the National Secretary. “ Throughout his tenure, he dedicated himself to strengthening the party’s unity and cohesion, expounding its democratic ideals and enhancing the party’s electoral competitiveness,”...

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a scam alert to Nigerians, warning the public against investing in the Value Growth Platform. The warning is contained in a statement issued by the capital market regulator on Friday, June 27, 2025, noting that the platform is unauthorised to operate in the country . Although Value Growth Platform claims to provide market analysis and investment services, the SEC insisted that it's not registered to operate within Nigeria’s capital market. “Investigations have revealed that Value Growth Platform’s operations exhibit typical indicators of a fraudulent ponzi scheme,” the commission noted. ALSO READ: CBEX $1bn crypto scam traced to 4 countries - EFCC confirms “These include promises of guaranteed returns, a heavy reliance on referrals with monetary incentives, and repeated requests for subscribers to fund trading accounts.” SEC says victims are on their own According to the capital market regulator, anyone who transacts ...

Aliyu Audu, the former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, has expressed deep frustration over what he described as a lack of recognition and access during his nearly two-year stint in the presidency. In a candid interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday, June 27, Audu said he never had a one-on-one meeting with Tinubu throughout his service , despite being one of the president’s official spokesmen. “I worked for the President for nearly two years. I didn’t have a sit-down with him. I’m one of his spokespersons, but he sat with Davido, who insulted him a couple of weeks before. "Then he sat with that Jandor, who didn’t even come second in the Lagos election. It doesn’t make sense,” Audu lamented. Presidential Meetings With Davido, Jandor Sparked Resentment Audu’s comments follow his recent resignation from the Tinubu administration. His remarks appeared to reference the president’s recent meetings with singer David Adeleke, po...

In a decisive move to end the prolonged political turmoil in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted a closed-door reconciliation meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday night, June 26. The high-level session brought together key political rivals , including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,  Nyesom Wike,  and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. The session also included embattled Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule , and all lawmakers involved in the deepening rift that has engulfed the state’s political landscape for nearly a year. Confirming the meeting, Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “President Bola Tinubu hosted a reconciliation meeting on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing together all the figures in the Rivers State political crisis. "Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nye...

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC) has been sold out till 2027. President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the conference centre, previously known as the Abuja International Conference Centre, on June 10, 2025, as part of projects to mark his second anniversary in office. However, the inauguration attracted widespread criticism from influential Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi , who faulted the N39bn spent on the renovation of the ICC. The critics argued that the sum could have been utilised on other development projects, particularly in the Education Sector. ALSO READ: We spent ₦39bn on Conference Centre renovation to meet Tinubu's taste - Wike Wike says Nigerians are jostling to use the ICC However, Wike said , despite the criticisms, the ICC had been booked until 2027. He added he's seekin...

Civil society groups and community stakeholders have commended Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for promoting transparency and compliance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The praise came during a sensitisation forum held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, focused on the role of media and civil society in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The event, organised by Kaima Pearl Limited in partnership with local organisations, brought together traditional leaders, religious groups, journalists, and oil-producing communities. Mallam Nasir Abdulquadri , Project Manager at Kaima Pearl, said the PIA is a landmark reform that risks falling short without grassroots involvement. “ That’s why we’re here — to build a bridge between policy and people,” he said, describing Komolafe’s leadership as “ a model of regulatory integrity.” Community leaders echoed this, praising NUPRC’s efforts to dece...

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has dismissed speculations surrounding his possible emergence as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 elections, reaffirming his absolute loyalty to the President. Speaking during a media briefing on the forthcoming zonal public hearings of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, which he chairs, Jibrin said now is not the time for political distractions. “Mr. President is my political father. You’ll be surprised if I start telling you what he has done for me and my people. "So, whenever he asks me to do something when the time comes, I’ll do it. I’m very loyal to him. If the time comes and he says I should work with him, I will do it, whatever he asks me to do, ” Barau stated. The comment comes amidst growing speculation about Tinubu’s choice of a running mate in the next general election. Barau noted that while several groups had approached him about the matter, he had cautioned them against premature politicking....

Religious clerics and lawyers have joined the third day of protests demanding the removal of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), was accused of corruption and abuse of office. Led by the Concerned Young Professionals Network (CYPN), the demonstrators gathered in Abuja to amplify calls for Ahmed’s dismissal and a formal investigation into the alleged diversion of over $5 million in public funds, reportedly used to finance the foreign education of his children. Prominent figures, including Bishop Abel King and legal practitioners, have now joined the protest, signaling a broader societal concern. “This is no longer just a youth movement. Religious leaders, lawyers, and citizens from all walks of life are demanding justice,” said CYPN President Dan Okwa. Among the allegations fueling the protests is the controversial employment of Ahmed’s son, Faisal, at Oando PLC, a company under the regulato...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the reception of intent letters from 110 associations seeking to register as political parties. The commission's chairman, Mahmood Yakubu , disclosed the development on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Yakubu said INEC has acknowledged the applications , and processing has begun in line with the relevant laws and the commission's guidelines and regulations. “As of Monday, 23rd June 2025, the Commission has received letters of intent from 110 associations that wish to register as political parties. We are diligently processing the requests in line with the procedure outlined in the law as well as our regulations and guidelines. We have acknowledged all requests received. ALSO READ: ADA: Atiku, El-Rufai’s coalition commits blunder in party registration request to INEC “So far, we have acknowledged all applications received, except for six, which were submitted recently. These will be acknowledged before the end of ...

Fierce gun battles between Nigerian troops and armed bandits have left several soldiers and terrorists dead in separate incidents across Kaduna and Niger States, the Nigerian Army confirmed on Wednesday, June 25. According to a statement posted on the Army Headquarters’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the attacks occurred in Kwanar Dutse Mairiga and Boka areas of Niger State, as well as Aungwan Turai in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The military said the terrorists launched unprovoked attacks on the affected communities, prompting a swift response by both land and air components of the Nigerian Armed Forces. “In response to the attacks, land and air component troops launched several counter-attacks that eliminated scores of bandits in the encounters,” the statement noted. Military Suffers Losses in Operation Despite the success in neutralising many of the attackers , the Army confirmed the loss of some of its personnel in the operation. “Sadly, some gallan...

Former presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as “coordinated lawlessness” after a property owned by his younger brother was demolished in Lagos without any formal notice or legal order. In a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, June 25, Obi revealed that his brother arrived at the company’s premises in Ikeja, Lagos, only to find demolition underway. He said security personnel at the scene claimed they were acting on a court judgment, yet failed to produce any legal documents or demolition order. “How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a farce of a case?” Obi queried, disclosing that the judgment cited was allegedly against “unknown persons and squatters,” despite the property being a registered company site for over 15 years. ‘No Permit, No Names, No Justice’ – Obi Questions Due Process Obi said he rushed from Abuja to Lagos upon receiving a distress call, only to be shocked by...

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has again taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, insisting that the President would have led street protests if he were in the opposition and faced the same circumstances Nigerians are currently enduring. Speaking during an interview with Arise News , the four-term lawmaker declared his intention to continue holding the government accountable, even if it means standing alone. Ndume, who was once the Senate Majority Whip, said he has no intention of crossing over to the President’s camp despite mounting pressure. “I’m not one of his dependents. I’m his ally. If we were to swap positions, and I’m the President doing what he’s doing now, Tinubu would have been on the street. He has done it before — protesting even against governments he supported, ” Ndume said. “I’m Not a Dependent of Tinubu” Ndume stressed that as a senator, he is not subordinate to the President and should be lobbied by the executive rather than coe...

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been accused of spewing bitterness following his latest criticism of President Bola Tinubu's administration. Appearing on an Arise Television programme on Monday, June 23, 2025, El-Rufai doubled down on his anti-Tinubu rhetoric , claiming that the President would require a “ miracle ” to win re-election in 2027. The former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also cited polling figures suggesting a 91% disapproval rating for the President, stressing that the chances of him getting re-elected in 2027 are almost non-existent. In a statement on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the Citizens Collective for Good Governance (CCGG) described El-Rufai's comments against Tinubu as a product of bitterness and frustration over his exclusion from the federal cabinet. ALSO READ: There's no pathway for Tinubu to be re-elected in 2027 - El-Rufai insists Signed by the group's president, Dr Gambo Abdulkadri , the statement dismissed t...

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has revealed that he and former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce played a key role in the selection of Peter Obi as Atiku Abubakar's vice-presidential candidate during the 2019 general elections. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Omokri claimed that Peter Obi actively lobbied for the position, including sending his curriculum vitae (CV) without solicitation and persistently following up. “Peter Obi sent me his CV and called to ask, ‘Reno, have you gotten the CV? Check. Refresh.’ He was sending me CV unsolicited,” Omokri wrote. According to Omokri, Atiku personally asked him to recommend a running mate ahead of the 2019 elections. Jonathan's Directive and Omokri's Role He disclosed that after receiving the request, he immediately contacted former President Goodluck Jonathan, who instructed him to back Obi. “Atiku called me and said I should headhunt a vice presidential candidate for him. As he dropped the phone, the next person ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, made headlines after publicly identifying a former classmate from his university days in the United States.  The moment came during the launch of the Renewed Hope Agriculture Mechanisation Programme in Abuja, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s food production capacity. The programme saw the unveiling of 2,000 tractors and 9,000 specialised farming implements, with the goal of modernising the country’s agricultural sector and creating thousands of jobs.  Top government officials, dignitaries, and foreign partners were in attendance at the event, held in the Federal Capital Territory. While delivering his speech, President Tinubu paused briefly to acknowledge a man in the audience he said he once shared a neighbourhood with while studying at Chicago State University (CSU) in the United States. “To all of you, Alex was my very good neighbor, and went to the same school with me in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would be in this position as...

Experts and civil society representatives have commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for driving transparency in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), describing the Commission under Gbenga Komolafe’s leadership as key to realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in the oil and gas sector. The commendation was made during a recent one-day stakeholder forum in Warri, Delta state, themed ‘Situation Room on Monitoring of PIA’. The Centre organised the event for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) in partnership with Shafana Enterprises Limited. The forum brought together policy experts, petroleum law scholars, traditional rulers, students and civil society groups to assess the implementation of the PIA and identify opportunities to strengthen transparency, regulatory oversight, and community engagement. In his keynote address, Dr. Henry Efemona Idudje of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun,...

Nigerian football stars Victor Boniface, Frank Onyeka , and Wilfred Ndidi are set to host a new talk show, "The Culture League," which promises to uniquely blend the worlds of football, music, fashion, and film. This refreshing mix of conversation and entertainment will offer a platform where sports, art, and culture converge, showcasing the creativity and talent of Nigeria's most exciting voices.  The Culture League is a weekly series featuring unfiltered conversations between Nigerian footballers and top entertainment icons from music, film, fashion, and beyond. Hosted by the charismatic trio of Super Eagles stars, the show offers a refreshing mix of humor, authenticity, and deep insights into the lives of Nigeria's most influential personalities.  From viral moments to behind-the-scenes stories, The Culture League captures the energy and diversity shaping modern Nigerian identity. With a focus on all-Nigerian talent, the show celebrates the rich culture, creati...

There’s hustle and then there’s hustle with a plan. In a world where everyone’s chasing opportunities , the ones who rise are those with the right mix of drive, direction, and the tools to make things happen. That’s what Cardtonic’s Upskill 3.0 is all about.  This year, Cardtonic is giving young Nigerians a real shot at progress, with 20 brand-new MacBook M4 laptops up for grabs, plus cash prizes and even a chance at job opportunities for a few standout participants. So if you’re building, designing, creating, or coding with more ambition than resources, Upskill 3.0 is proof that sometimes the right support really does open new doors. Dreams are good. But the right tools to build them? Even better. Upskill’s Track Record: Real Impact, Real Stories Before talking about this year’s edition, here’s a quick look at how far Upskill has come and the difference it’s already made for young Nigerians. Upskill 1.0 – 2022 It all began in 2022 with the very first Upskill. The mission w...

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for Peter Obi and prominent Labour Party member, has stirred political waters with his latest endorsement. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, Okonkwo dismissed the viability of younger presidential hopefuls , warning that Nigeria’s political terrain is too hostile for them. “If you are expecting a younger person to come in, in the midst of these sharks, they will swallow him up,” he declared. Is Okonkwo endorsing Atiku for 2027? According to him, only a seasoned political figure can mount a credible challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He pointed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as an example of the kind of candidate who could rally support and possibly return Nigeria to a period of stability. “Assuming an Atiku comes into power and takes us back to the Obasanjo years, he would have been a hero. “He would have ...

Tragedy struck in Plateau State on Friday evening after a mob in Mangun District, Mangu LGA, killed 12 passengers traveling for a wedding. The victims, who were reportedly heading from Zaria in Kaduna State to Quan’pan LGA in Plateau, were said to have lost their way and ended up in Mangun, where they were ambushed and lynched by a mob around 6 pm. The horrifying attack has sparked outrage and sadness across the state. Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang , who visited the scene, described the killings as “ totally condemnable and avoidable,” especially in a region already grappling with terrorist assaults. ALSO READ: 18 cows die after grazing on farmland in Plateau State “This is a tragic day for Plateau,” he said. “ It’s disheartening that the same youths who have shown courage defending this community could turn around and commit such a senseless act.” Governor Mutfwang emphasised that his administration is committed to making Plateau a peaceful and safe destination for all tra...

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri may soon dump the PDP and join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpabio made the comment during a ceremony in Uyo to welcome Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno into the APC on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The event, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima , APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje , and several governors and senators of the ruling party. Governor Eno officially defected from the PDP to the APC on June 6, 2925. Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, said the move was more than a defection, describing it as a “reunification of Akwa Ibom with Nigeria.” ALSO READ: Kenneth Okonkwo is still living in bondage, Gov. Eno blasts actor for calling him “transgenderic He also praised Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori , noting that he had also joined the APC camp. According to him, the South-South gradually aligns with t...