Ridoola's blog

Former Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed he may consider running for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027—if key figures, including Peter Obi, decline to contest. In an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, July 22, Baba-Ahmed said his interest in the presidency would only be activated if Obi and another unnamed southern politician opt out of the race. He stressed that personal ambition is not his driving force. “Look at my trajectory, and I’ve said this repeatedly, that in 2019 I aspired for the presidency and I lost, together with 11 others,” he said. “I religiously supported Peter Obi and I would do so again in 2027.” READ ALSO: Datti shuts down rumours of rift with Obi - drops hint of 2027 game plan Baba-Ahmed declared his unwavering loyalty to Obi, describing the Labour Party presidential candidate as someone firmly in the game. “Peter will contest for sure because he’s in the game, he contested before, I’ll support him. I...

Beyond recipe development and branding, successful operators must navigate complex permit requirements, unpredictable power supply, fluctuating ingredient prices and fierce local competition. Renting a space in a popular area can feel affordable until you factor in generator fuel, security levies and market association dues. Online delivery partnerships boost orders yet involve commission structures that erode margins. Staffing can pose unexpected headaches, from training kitchen hands to retaining reliable delivery riders. Understanding these realities upfront helps aspiring restaurateurs plan for operational costs, compliance hurdles and customer expectations in Lagos’s dynamic food scene. RECOMMENDED: 6 steps to starting a food business in Nigeria 1. Securing multiple permits and clearances Food businesses require a combination of health inspection certificates, trade licences, fire safety approval and environmental health permits. Each agency operates its own process, and fe...

President Bola Tinubu hosted former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, July 21, for a private meeting, sparking renewed speculation about behind-the-scenes political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections. The closed-door engagement took place at the president’s official residence, away from media scrutiny, shortly after Kwankwaso attended the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit 2025 at the State House Conference Centre. It marked the second publicly known meeting between the two political heavyweights since Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023. Kwankwaso, 67, a prominent northern political figure and founder of the influential “Kwankwasiyya” movement, previously met Tinubu on June 9, 2023 , becoming the first presidential candidate to do so after the election. At that time, he told State House correspondents: “We discussed issues of governance and politics. There’s the possibility of working together in the interest of the natio...

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to retrieve his international passport for medical treatment abroad, citing an unsigned medical report as the reason for denial. Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case on Monday, ruled that the medical document submitted as evidence lacked legal weight due to the absence of the author’s signature. “An unsigned document carries no legal weight and is considered worthless,” the judge declared. Bello, currently facing trial over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had requested permission to travel to the United Kingdom for treatment. He made a similar request before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court, Maitama, but it was denied on the grounds that the passport was in the custody of the Federal High Court. While the EFCC opposed the application , describing it as an abuse of court process, Just...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, remains eligible to contest its presidential ticket in the 2027 general elections, even as he retains his membership in the LP. Addressing growing speculation over Obi’s standing within the newly formed opposition coalition, the ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that the party had granted Obi a “special concession ” due to ongoing political strategy. “ Peter Obi is part of the Coalition,” Abdullahi stated in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune. “He and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai were given special concessions by the party because their followers were given tickets to contest elections.” Candidacy Dilemma for ADC Concerns had emerged following the high-profile resignations of other coalition members, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-APC chieftain Rotimi Amaechi, prompting debates over whether ...

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has been hospitalised following a road accident that occurred on Sunday along the Daura–Katsina highway while on official duty. A statement from his spokesperson, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed , described the incident as “a minor road accident” and sought to allay public concern, confirming that the governor did not sustain serious injuries. “We are pleased to confirm that the Governor is in good health and stable condition. Governor Radda remains in high spirits and expresses his gratitude to Almighty Allah for His protection, as well as Katsina citizens and well-wishers for their prayers and concern,” Mr Mohammed said. To further reassure the public, Mr Mohammed posted a video of the governor speaking in Hausa on Facebook. In the footage, Governor Radda confirmed he was “hale and hearty” but currently receiving medical attention. He also expressed appreciation to citizens and supporters for their outpouring of concern. The circumstances s...

Senator Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, has berated those criticising President Bola Tinubu's actions in the aftermath of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari's death. He argued that the President has honoured the memory of his predecessor in a manner the deceased never accorded anyone of similar status. Recall that Tinubu gave Buhari a state burial , including a declaration of a public holiday on the day of the burial. He also personally attended his burial in Daura, Katsina State, and subsequently named a University of Maiduguri after him , among other recognitions. He subsequently convened a Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) with the deceased's family members present, and named the University of Maiduguri after the late Nigerian leader. ALSO READ: Love or hate him, these 3 Buhari legacies will be hard to erase However, some Nigerians, including the coalition-backed All Democratic Congress (ADC),...