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2027: Pin them down to MoU, record video of their promises – Shehu advises voters

A public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has advised Nigerians to be more careful and thoughtful in choosing their leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a post shared on X on Monday, Shehu urged voters not to be swayed by catchy campaign slogans, religious sentiments, or public displays of piety by politicians.

“As 2027 elections get closer, it will be important that voters are given a pro bono advisory,” he said.

He called on citizens to reflect deeply before deciding who to support.

He warned that many political slogans are misleading.

“Don’t be carried away by slogans, because almost all party slogans are deceptive and a trap to lure voters,” he said.

Shehu also cautioned against voting based on religion, noting that such appeals may not reflect the true character of candidates.

“Don’t be carried away by religious claims and sentiments,” he said, adding that such actions often contradict.

He further criticised politicians who suddenly become visibly religious during election periods, attending different mosques and churches with donations.

“Irrespective of party platforms, don’t be carried away by those politicians who begin to frequent Friday prayers in different mosques or Sunday services in different churches with donations,” he said

The commentator urged voters to investigate the background of candidates thoroughly before supporting them.

“Dig deep into their past history,” he said.

He stressed that aspirants should have no criminal convictions either in Nigeria or abroad.

He also advised Nigerians to check that candidates have no links to crimes such as human trafficking, organ harvesting, or drug trafficking, and that their sources of wealth are legitimate.

“Make sure that they have a clearly identified and verifiable family lineage and that their source of wealth is not rooted in fraud and such other crimes,” he added.

Shehu further warned against electing candidates who have a history of abandoning their constituencies after winning elections.

“Confirm that such an aspirant is not one of those who had in the past or who is likely in the future to abandon his constituency and relocate to Abuja after winning elections,” he said.

“Carry out a thorough personality and character audit. Don’t be carried away by their physical looks, mode of dressing and automobiles they parade,” he said.

In addition, he suggested that voters should demand written commitments from candidates.

“Pin them down to a written and enforceable Memorandum of Understanding and make a video recording of the same for rainy days,” he advised.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in News 0

Frustrating, sabotaging opposition parties is self-destructive – Abdullahi warns APC govt

The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as the most shameless government in Nigeria’s history.

Referring to the latest crisis in the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, Abdullahi warned that, a political strategy that is anchored on sabotaging every opposition platform is self-destructive.

Abdullahi made the remarks in a post shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, where he accused the government of undermining opposition parties and shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space.

According to him, recent developments within the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) point to a troubling pattern.

He explained that about three weeks ago, the PRP leadership, led by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the ADC leadership.

However, shortly after the visit, rumours began to spread that a political coalition was considering the PRP as an option.

“Although this is not true, it took only that single whiff of speculation for a faction to emerge almost overnight in what had been a historically tranquil political party, challenging the leadership of Baba-Ahmed,” he said.

Abdullahi argued that the situation reflects a wider trend under the APC-led government.

“This is the reality of Nigeria’s shrinking democratic space under the APC,” he stated.

He said while the government may deny involvement in internal crises within opposition parties, the pattern is becoming increasingly clear.

“The government may continue to deny any involvement in the crises within other parties, insisting that these are merely internal failures, but the pattern is visible. The world can see what is happening. More importantly, they can see where this path leads,” he said.

The ADC spokesman questioned whether there were voices within the ruling party willing to caution against such actions.

“But here is the question: is there no one within the APC who can caution those engineering crises in opposition parties that they are, in fact, sowing the seeds of national instability?” he asked.

He warned that a political approach focusing on weakening all opposition platforms could backfire.

“A political strategy that is anchored on sabotaging every opposition platform is ultimately self-destructive. When people are left with no options, they are, in reality, left with no choice,” he added.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in News 0

Amnesty International raises alarm over killing of 29 people by Boko Haram in Adamawa

Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least, 29 people following an attack by Boko Haram on Guyaku community in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The attack, which took place on Sunday, left many residents dead and others missing, as villagers fled for safety during the violence.

In a post shared on its official X handle on Monday, Amnesty International described the incident as vicious and raised concern over the continued targeting of civilians in the region.

According to the organisation, gunmen attacked the community and shot residents at close range.

The group added that beyond the killings, the attackers also destroyed properties, setting churches, classrooms, and motorcycles ablaze.

Survivors and witnesses recounted seeing bodies lying across the village after the attack, with some elderly residents unable to escape the violence.

“Older people who could not flee were slaughtered inside their homes,” the organisation said.

Amnesty International further highlighted that such attacks go beyond killings, noting that the armed group continues to abduct women and girls while looting properties in affected communities.

It warned that the persistence of such incidents shows that more needs to be done to protect civilians.

“The fact that such atrocities remain commonplace shows that more needs to be done to protect civilians and ensure that families of victims receive reparation and justice,” the statement added.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in News 0

Police fix April 28–30 for constable recruitment exam in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has announced that the written examination for successful applicants in the ongoing Police Constable Recruitment will take place from April 28 to April 30, 2026, in Makurdi.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command.

The examination follows the recently concluded physical and credentials screening exercise and is the next phase for qualified candidates.

The test, organised by the Police Service Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, will cover both General Duty and Specialist applicants from Benue State.

The venue has been fixed at Government Model Secondary School, located at High Level, Makurdi.

Applicants have been directed to visit the official recruitment portal to print their updated Examination Invitation Card, which contains their specific exam date, time, and other details.

Those who earlier printed slips with previous dates have been advised to reprint the updated version.

Candidates are required to come along with their printed invitation card, National Identification Number (NIN) slip with a clear photograph, a pen, and be dressed in white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.

The command stressed that the recruitment process is free of charge and warned applicants against dealing with fraudsters or individuals demanding payment for assistance, noting that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in News 0

Gov Adeleke directs permanent appointments to UNIOSUNTH casual staff

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed that casual staff members of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, be granted permanent appointments after years of service.

The directive was issued on Monday during the governor’s visit to the hospital.

According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the affected workers had served the institution as casual employees for about 12 years prior to the governor’s intervention.

Addressing the workers, Adeleke attributed the state’s financial difficulties to individuals he accused of instigating crises in local government areas.

He said, “They plotted against our government. Their goal is to stop Osun’s development. But despite their evil plans, Osun is growing and our projects are moving.”

The governor added that his administration remained focused on delivering good governance despite the alleged challenges.

“But by God and the people, we survive, our government is delivering good governance. I won’t stop serving and delivering good things for our people,” he said.

Announcing the conversion of the workers’ status, Rasheed noted that those affected had remained in casual positions for over a decade.

The labour leader at the teaching hospital, Olamide Faniran, commended the governor for the pro-labour decision.

Faniran also appealed for continued support for the administration, stating, “We appreciate your support and assistance to the Osun workers. We saw and felt your sacrifices to make life better for the Osun people.

“We will reciprocate by massively voting for your re-election on August 15.”

by admin — April 28, 2026 in News 0

Lagos govt denies report of Sanwo-Olu’s resignation on health grounds

The office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has dismissed reports claiming he was asked to resign on health grounds, describing the publication as false and misleading.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the Lagos State Government said the claims, attributed to Sahara Reporters, were fabricated.

Akosile maintained that the governor remains in good health and is fully engaged in his official duties.

“These reports are not only false, they are an intentional attempt to mislead the public.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is not under any pressure to resign, nor has anyone demanded his resignation. The Governor is well, in excellent health, and continues to fulfill his responsibilities with commitment,” he said.

The clarification followed an online report alleging that the governor had been pressured to step aside due to health concerns, with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat purportedly positioned to assume leadership.

Akosile, however, described the claim as baseless, noting that the governor had earlier held a routine meeting with his deputy, during which Hamzat formally communicated his intention to contest the governorship.

He said the meeting was cordial and part of normal political consultations, with no indication of any health-related issue affecting the governor.

The statement also criticised Sahara Reporters for what it described as a pattern of publishing sensational and misleading reports.

Akosile added that although the governor’s office does not usually respond to such claims, it was necessary to address the report in order to reassure residents.

“In light of the growing disinformation, we feel it is crucial to address these malicious rumors. The people of Lagos deserve to know the truth,” Akosile said.

The Governor’s office urged residents to ignore the report, describing it as false, and cautioned against the circulation of unverified information capable of eroding public confidence in the state’s leadership.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in News 0

CSCS shareholders approve N1.78 dividend

Shareholders of the Central Securities Clearing System Plc have approved a total dividend payout of N8.9bn, translating to N1.78 per share for the financial year ended 31 December 2025.

The approval was granted during the company’s 32nd Annual General Meeting held in Lagos, following a resilient financial performance despite significant macroeconomic pressures.

The company reported gross earnings of N28.67bn, representing a 10 per cent increase from the N26.09bn recorded in 2024.

Addressing the shareholders, the Chairman of the Board, Temi Popoola, noted that the growth was underpinned by increased market activity and disciplined execution, which also saw operating income rise 12 per cent to N24.86bn.

Popoola emphasised the board’s commitment to shareholder value, stating that the decision to pay N1.78 per share reflects a balanced approach between delivering consistent returns and reinvesting in long-term growth. He further asserted that increasing future dividends remains a ‘non-negotiable’ priority for the institution.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Chairman outlined a forward-looking strategy anchored on strengthening market infrastructure through technology and operational efficiency. The company plans to expand its service offerings across various asset classes and market segments while unlocking value from data and post-trade services to diversify revenue.

Managing Director of CSCS, Shehu Shantali, provided further insight into the performance, revealing that revenue surged 66 per cent to N23.21bn. This growth across core service lines pushed the company’s operating profit to N8.71bn, significantly expanding the operating margin to 37.5 per cent from 10.7 per cent in the previous year.

Shantali highlighted the strengthening of the balance sheet, with total equity increasing to N43.49bn. He credited the results to a focus on risk management and operational efficiency, ensuring that the business continues to grow responsibly amidst a complex global environment marked by geopolitical risks and trade uncertainties.

Reacting to the results, the National Coordinator of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, urged the company to adopt a more global outlook. While praising the smooth transition to the T+2 settlement cycle, he advised that the company focus its engagements on listed entities to maintain market integrity.

Similarly, the President of the New Dimension Shareholders Association, Patrick Ajudua, offered counsel regarding N390m in unclaimed dividends. He advised the management to enhance its communication strategies to ensure these funds reach their rightful owners, while also calling for continued improvements in shareholders’ funds.

During the proceedings, shareholders ratified the appointment of Shehu Shantali as an Executive Director and Kennedy Uzoka as a Non-Executive Director. The appointments are expected to bolster the board’s capacity as the company navigates the evolving financial landscape.

The meeting concluded with a vote of confidence from shareholders, who lauded the board’s attendance record and the company’s ability to remain profitable despite foreign exchange-related impacts and commodity price volatility during the 2025 financial year.

As Nigeria’s sole Central Securities Depository, the CSCS is responsible for the clearing, storage, and settlement of all securities traded on the Nigerian Exchange and other recognised trading floors.

Understanding its performance is a primary indicator of the ‘health’ of the Nigerian investment climate.

Moving to T+2 means that when an investor sells shares, they receive their money (and the buyer receives the shares) in two business days instead of three. This enhances market liquidity, reduces systemic risk, and aligns Nigeria with international best practices like those in the US and EU markets.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in Business 0

Nigeria’s petrol, diesel are subsidised – Dangote official

A senior management official of the Dangote Group on Monday revealed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has been subsidising the petrol and diesel it sells to the Nigerian market.

According to the official, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence due to the lack of authorisation to speak, the company’s N1,200/litre ex-depot price for petrol is below the competitive market price, considering the jump in crude prices following the US-Iran war.

The PUNCH reports that the war in the Middle East triggered an oil price surge when the Strait of Hormuz was blocked by Iran. From $66 per barrel on February 28, Brent, the global benchmark for crude, jumped above $100 a barrel.

As a result, Dangote raised its petrol gantry price from N774 to N1,200 as of the time of filing this report. The oil price hike also affected diesel and aviation fuel.

In the aviation sector, airlines are planning to shut down due to an over 350 per cent rise in Jet A-1 prices. Dangote supplies over 90 per cent of the country’s aviation fuel needs.

The Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Allen Onyema, recently disclosed that prices skyrocketed from about N900 per litre before the Iran crisis to between N2,700 and N2,900, with some marketers selling as high as N3,500.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Dangote refinery official said the $20bn plant has already optimised the prices of petrol and diesel, stressing that it couldn’t have subsidised aviation fuel too.

As a result, he stated that jet fuel is being sold by the refinery at the market price.

The official blamed the high crude prices for the rise in fuel prices. “With the crude price moving up steeply, we try to optimise the price of PMS (petrol) as much as possible to help the public. To some extent, we try to optimise the price of AGO (diesel) too. We can’t be subsidising everything, and so, we sell the jet fuel at the market price,” the source stated.

The official replied in the affirmative when asked if his use of the word ‘optimise’ means subsidy.

Another official of the Dangote Group disclosed that the company sells its aviation fuel to marketers below N2,000 per litre.

“I can confirm to you that our jet fuel price as of this (Monday) morning is N1,799. It was even lower before this time. That’s how much we sell to the marketers who later sell to the airlines. We are selling at less than N2,000 a litre,” the source disclosed.

Last week, a report by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria put Dangote’s jet fuel gantry price at N1,732 per litre, while the cost of imported aviation fuel was N1,835.

The PUNCH reports that fuel marketers have remained silent despite efforts to make them reveal how much they sell the product to the airlines.

Earlier, in a letter dated April 14, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, the President of AON, Abdulmunaf Sarina, said the surge in the price of Jet A1 had become unbearable for operators.

The PUNCH reports that AON had in its letter said “the price of Jet A1 as sold by marketers has risen significantly from the initial N900/litre as at February 28, 2026, to N3,300/litre as of today.

“This represents an increase of over 300 per cent. This astronomical and artificial increase is not commensurate with the rise in crude oil prices and is well above international market benchmarks, which reflect approximately a 30 per cent increase in crude oil cost. For the past weeks, airlines have endured this burden and continued operations out of patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation. However, the situation has now become unbearable and clearly unsustainable,” the letter stated.

It urged MEMAN to prevail on its members to proportionately adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, “as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current exorbitant rates”.

Responding, MEMAN attributed the rising cost of aviation turbine kerosene to global factors, particularly disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The marketers expressed surprise at the N3,300 per litre price referenced by airline operators, stating that their internal survey showed significantly lower prices. The marketers said they would not be able to disclose a particular price, but N3,300 is over N1,000 above the normal price.

”In light of the above, we must express our surprise at the price of N3,300 per litre stated in your letter as the price being charged to some airline operators. MEMAN members do not discuss pricing, as this will be against competition law; however, the price of N3,300 is over N1,000 higher than our average market survey price of Jet A1 carried out for this exercise, after receipt of your letter,” MEMAN explained.

It, therefore, advised operators to explore alternative suppliers offering more competitive rates, saying, “We would therefore strongly encourage any operators currently being charged at those levels to exercise their commercial right to seek alternative suppliers.”

Since April 16, it has been observed that the situation has remained the same as airlines threaten to shut down their operations due to higher fuel costs.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in Business 0

NGX defies inflation as investors gain N5.5tn

The Nigerian Exchange Limited concluded the trading week that ended 24 April 2026 on a significantly bullish note as total investor wealth surged by N5.5tn, representing a 3.94 per cent appreciation in market capitalisation.

This rally, which pushed the total market value to a historic N145.335tn, occurred despite persistent macroeconomic headwinds and inflationary pressures that have characterised the broader economy.

The benchmark All-Share Index mirrored this growth, climbing to a close of 225,722.49 points, up from the previous week’s position.

Market activity witnessed a substantial uptick as a total turnover of 3.805 billion shares worth N213.955bn exchanged hands in 297,202 deals. This performance surpassed the previous week’s total of 3.588 billion shares valued at N195.313bn, signalling a robust appetite among domestic and institutional investors

The Financial Services Industry remained the primary driver of market volume, accounting for 2.739 billion shares valued at N106.269bn. This sector alone contributed approximately 72 per cent to the total equity turnover volume, led by intensive trading in the shares of Access Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and FirstHoldCo Plc, which collectively bolstered the index.

Corporate actions also took centre stage during the week, highlighted by a major capital-raising move from Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. The company has formally applied for a Rights Issue of over 8.09 billion ordinary shares at N60.00 per share. This strategic move, offered on the basis of two new shares for every three existing shares held, is expected to significantly deepen the consumer goods sector’s liquidity once finalised.

Additionally, the debt market expanded with the listing of MeCure Industries Plc’s N13.45bn Series 6 Commercial Paper and Coleman Technical Industries’ massive dual-series issuance totalling over N66bn, providing sophisticated investors with diversified fixed-income options.

The fixed-income segment further received a boost with the supplementary listing of Federal Government of Nigeria Bonds for various issues spanning late 2025 into early 2026.

However, despite the massive gains in the headline index, the market breadth revealed a complex underlying sentiment as 53 equities depreciated compared to 46 gainers.

While the heavyweight stocks in the financial and industrial sectors drove the primary indices higher, mid-cap stocks faced selling pressure, resulting in slight depreciations in the NGX Growth and Commodity indices.

As the market transitions into a new month, analysts anticipate a period of portfolio rebalancing as investors weigh these capital gains against the prevailing high-interest-rate environment.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in Business 0

Transcorp Hotels posts N22.41bn Q1 revenue

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, has announced a robust start to the 2026 financial year, reporting a significant surge in revenue and profitability.

The company’s unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026 reveal a revenue of N22.41bn, representing a 9 per cent growth compared to the N20.64bn recorded during the same period in 2025. This performance highlights the continued dominance of the hospitality giant in the African market.

The management, in a statement, noted that the Q1 2026 performance underscores the strength of a strategy anchored on discipline, operational efficiency, and consistent value creation.

Beyond revenue growth, the company saw a 15 per cent increase in Profit Before Tax, while gross profit margins expanded to a healthy 77 per cent.

“Transcorp Hotels is not only growing; we are setting new benchmarks for world-class hospitality in Africa and remain committed to continuously elevating that standard,” the company stated, noting that the results reflect the resilience of its fundamentals and the deliberate execution of its growth agenda.

The Chief Finance Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Oluwatobiloba Ojediran, emphasised that the team’s commitment to efficiency did not come at the expense of the guest experience.

“These results reflect a clear and compelling story of a team deeply committed to operational efficiency and cost management without compromising our service standard,” Ojediran said.

The CFO further detailed the technical successes of the quarter: “In Q1 2026, we achieved revenue of N22.41bn… while effectively reducing our cost of sales margin from 25 per cent in Q1 2025 to 23 per cent in Q1 2026. This demonstrates the impact of disciplined execution across all areas of the business.”

Transcorp Hotels Plc remains a leader in the luxury hospitality space. As a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, a diversified conglomerate with interests in power and energy, the hotel group continues to leverage its parent company’s strategic positioning to redefine hospitality standards across the continent.

With a strong start to 2026, the company appears well-positioned to maintain its growth trajectory throughout the fiscal year.

by admin — April 28, 2026 in Business 0