‎Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has reportedly been removed as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
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The development comes just hours after Uzodimma spoke on behalf of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the submission of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja on Thursday.
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‎Sources disclosed that the decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting of about 20 APC governors held Thursday night at the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
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‎Governors from several states, including Ogun, Bayelsa, and Enugu, were reportedly in attendance at the high-level meeting. A new chairman of the forum is expected to be announced shortly.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Thursday night, the Director-general of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Folorunso Aluko, dismissed the report, describing it as false and misleading.

He added that governor Hope UzodiMma remains the chairman of the forum.

“No meeting of the forum was held at which any such decision was taken. The PGF Secretariat has no record of, and is not aware of,any resolution removing Senator Hope Uzodinma.

“The forum remains united, focused, and committed of the party’s faithful and the media are therefore advised to disregard the said report in it’s entirety,” he said.

The campaign council of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of withholding critical documents required for the payment of local government workers’ salaries.

The allegation was made in a statement issued in Osogbo on Thursday by the Co-Chairman (Print), Media Committee of the AMBO Governorship Election Council, Kola Olabisi.

The council, which is backing APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, alleged that the governor’s actions had disrupted the smooth administration of local government affairs across the state.

It accused the governor of “personalising the local government administration,” stating that the situation had caused hardship and confusion among residents, particularly those dependent on local government salaries.

According to the statement, “It is astonishing that a governor could deliberately withdraw all the documents from the local government council areas that could enable the Court of Appeal-reinstated local government council chairmen and councillors to effectively fulfil the payment of salaries and allowances.”

The council added that the development had affected not only council workers but also auxiliary staff whose livelihoods depend on timely salary payments.

“It is worthwhile to pointedly tell Governor Adeleke that he could only run, but it would be pretty impossible for him to perpetually hide under the constitutional provision of the immunity clause,” the statement said.

The APC campaign council also questioned the rationale behind the alleged withholding of documents, describing the action as unacceptable and suggesting it could warrant serious constitutional consequences.

In response, the Osun State chapter of the Accord dismissed the allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.

The state chairman of the party, Victor Akande, said the claims were “a poorly scripted hogwash aimed at diverting public attention from monumental financial atrocities already perpetrated in the state local government system by APC political actors.”

Akande accused members of the APC of attempting to blackmail the Adeleke administration through what he described as “emotional propaganda and empty noise.”

He maintained that the people of the state deserved transparency, accountability and development, adding that any attempt to derail progress in the state would be firmly resisted.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 2 for continuation of hearing in a suit filed by a passenger, Mr Amechi Michael, against British Airways⁠ over alleged missing carry-on luggage.

At the resumed hearing of the matter, the plaintiff, Amechi Michael, was cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr John Godwin.

The plaintiff told the court during the cross examination that he reported the incident to the airline’s customer care service.

He said he was subsequently referred to the UK-based Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) for resolution.

He also told the court that the arbitrator issued an award in his favour in respect of the flight delay but did not address the issue of the missing carry-on luggage.

Amechi said that since he was dissatisfied with the arbitral decision, he rejected the award and approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking redress over the alleged loss of the luggage.

He contended that British Airways owed him a duty of care to return the luggage and alleged that the airline’s staff acted negligently.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister Abiola Olaitan subsequently informed the court of her intention to close her client’s case.

The judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu thereafter adjourned the matter to July 2 for defence and continuation of trial.

The plaintiff instituted the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1293/2025 against British Airways, seeking recovery of his carry-on luggage allegedly lost during a delayed boarding process.

He said this was after a cabin crew member requested that the luggage be handed over for safekeeping.

The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has demanded the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

This comes amid tension over the recent amendment of the Senate Standing Orders governing the election of presiding and principal officers in the upper chamber.

Oshiomhole, speaking to reports in Abuja, described the amended rules as being rooted in what he called a “moral crisis”.

He claimed that Akpabio, under the new framework being debated, no longer meets the moral and procedural threshold to continue presiding over the chamber.

Oshiomhole said, “This rule has serious moral crisis.

“The senate president became minority leader on his first term. He is now the one presiding and asking us to change those rules even those who have done one term can’t even contest.

“As we speak today, the senate president has not done eight years in office even if you count the previous one plus the current one.

“So if we pass the rule that we must do eight consecutive years before you can become senate president, it means he has to leave by example by vacating because he is presiding without acquiring necessary qualifications.”

DAILY POST reported that the Nigerian Senate has withdrawn its amendment to the Senate Standing Orders. 

The reversal followed a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and adopted under the supervision of Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau.

Under the previous rules, only senators who had served two terms were eligible to contest for principal offices, and one of the two terms had to be the immediate term preceding the nomination, effectively narrowing the field of contenders.

Three terrorists have been neutralized by troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, while a cache of arms and ammunition were recovered during a fighting patrol in Zamfara state.

A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday, in Abuja, explained that the troops conducted the fighting patrol in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, covering Birnin Tsaba, Tsanu and Dumburum villages.

According to the report, contact was established with the terrorists at Dumburum village, explaining that during the encounter, troops neutralised three terrorists and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition.

The report said, Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one SK-21 A1 machine gun, a locally fabricated handgun, six AK-47 magazines and one FN rifle magazine.

Also recovered, the report stated are 123 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 179 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition on links, and 269 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

Meanwhile no casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.

A member of House of Representatives representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central federal constituency, Anthony Adepoju has announced his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Adepoju, who is currently serving his second term in the office, announced this decision in a letter of resignation addressed to the PDP Chairman in his ward.

The lawmaker, in the letter obtained by DAILY POST on Thursday, cited the prolonged internal crises as the reason for his decision.

He said that the PDP crises had affected his performance negatively.

Adepoju also disclosed that the crises had created cracks within the party.

He said, “I regret how this resignation may be received by my millions of followers at home and abroad and I assure everyone that my next political move will be made known in due course”.

Kebbi State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has urged political parties yet to conduct congresses, as well as those that have concluded theirs, to ensure strict compliance with Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, guidelines and constitutional provisions ahead of party primaries.

The call was made in a statement on Wednesday by the Kebbi State IPAC Chairman, Faruku Garba, NATO, who stressed the need for transparent and credible congresses to strengthen internal democracy within political parties.

Garba said prompt, genuine, and impartial congresses serve as a “litmus test” for credible primary elections, noting that internal party democracy remains key to producing quality leadership.

According to him, “good leaders are produced through fair congresses,” adding that credible processes are essential tools political parties can use to achieve success in elections.

He warned that poorly conducted congresses often lead to litigation, which could jeopardise parties’ chances at the polls and create avoidable tensions within the democratic system.

Garba also urged all political parties in Kebbi State and across Nigeria to ensure their internal activities comply strictly with INEC laws and guidelines.

“We watch closely as events unfold in political party congresses, and we admonish them to ensure seamless congresses to avoid political rancour, or parties may risk being delisted for refusing to follow laid down rules provided in the constitution and INEC,” he said.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, along with his delegation, met at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to establish a strategic plan aimed at ensuring peaceful elections.

The meeting was attended by the Force Management Team and other distinguished representatives from the commission, including the National Commissioner for the North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed; the National Commissioners for the North-East Region, Mrs. Jamila Abubakar Malafa, and Dr. Baba Bila; the National Commissioner for the South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; the National Commissioner for the South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi; as well as senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The discussions centered on the security framework necessary for the forthcoming electoral cycle, particularly in light of the current national security challenges affecting the imminent Ekiti and Osun off-cycle elections, the upcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 General Elections.

During his address, Professor Amupitan emphasized the critical importance of implementing proactive security measures and providing specialized training for personnel.

He specifically called for the establishment of a secure environment that allows Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Persons Living with Disabilities, PWDs, to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or obstruction.

In his reply, IGP Olatunji Disu characterized the visit as a timely contribution to democratic stability. He revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has already initiated strategic actions, including precision intelligence mapping to counter political violence, cult-related activities, and intimidation; comprehensive planning for the secure transportation of electoral materials and personnel; coordinated communication with allied security agencies to ensure a unified operational front; and efforts to combat misinformation.

The IGP further assured the delegation that all officers assigned to election duty will be strictly guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

He emphasized that personnel are currently undergoing comprehensive training on the rules of engagement and the safeguarding of human rights.

As the primary agency responsible for election management, IGP Disu stated that the Force is dedicated to upholding public order with a strict policy of zero tolerance for professional misconduct.

He also assured that any officer found lacking in their responsibilities or engaging in actions that compromise the integrity of the elections will face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.

In his concluding remarks, the IGP reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens, with special consideration for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Persons with Disabilities, PWDs.

While pledging the full support of the Nigeria Police Force to INEC, he called for unreserved cooperation from the Commission and other stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and successful transition for the nation.

 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at closing regulatory gaps and strengthening enforcement against unsafe products and unfair market practices.

The agreement, signed in Abuja on Wednesday, is expected to deepen collaboration between both agencies in areas such as product safety, consumer protection, and enforcement of standards.

The agreement also introduced a structured system for information exchange between both regulators, aimed at eliminating delays that often hinder investigations and enforcement.

Speaking at the event held at the commission’s corporate headquarters, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji Bello, said the pact marks a deliberate step towards coordinated regulation in Nigeria’s consumer market.

He said, “This event marks a deliberate step towards strengthening collaboration in the service of Nigerian consumers, particularly in areas where product safety and consumer protection overlap and require coordinated action.

“The mandates of the FCCPC and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, are clearly set out in law, although their functions increasingly overlap in practice.”

Bello explained that while both agencies have distinct legal mandates, their responsibilities increasingly intersect in practice, especially in dealing with substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and misleading product claims.

According to him, “FCCPC focuses on protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive, or exploitative market behaviour. It also promotes competition, investigates complaints, and enforces remedies where consumer welfare has been undermined. NAFDAC’s responsibilities are more product-specific.

“It regulates the manufacture, importation, distribution, advertisement, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water. Its central concern is safety and quality, ensuring that regulated products meet required standards both before and after they enter the market.”

Bello acknowledged that their regulatory functions increasingly overlap in practice, particularly in areas affecting both product safety and consumer rights.

He noted that issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising often cut across the mandates of both agencies, requiring coordinated intervention.

He further explained that a harmful product in the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction, but also a consumer protection issue that falls within the enforcement scope of the FCCPC.

Similarly, cases involving false or misleading advertising of regulated products typically demand joint action from both institutions.

Against this backdrop, the agencies said the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding provides a structured framework to address these overlaps, enabling more effective collaboration, clearer responsibilities, and improved regulatory outcomes.

The FCCPC boss stated, “In reality, the work of both agencies often converges. Issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising raise questions that fall within both product safety and consumer protection. For instance, a harmful product that reaches the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s remit, but also a consumer protection issue for FCCPC.

“The same applies to false advertising of regulated products, which typically requires input from both bodies. Given this overlap, a formal Memorandum of Understanding provides a practical basis for cooperation. The MoU being executed today, therefore, establishes a clearer and more workable framework for collaboration between the two institutions.”

He added that the new framework would eliminate confusion for consumers and improve response time to complaints.

“Rather than leaving consumers to decide which agency to approach, complaints can now be received and reviewed in one place, and then directed through clearly defined channels. This will make the system more efficient and more responsive,” Bello said.

The FCCPC boss also disclosed that the agreement provides for data sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions, as well as capacity building through training and technical collaboration.

He stressed that the ultimate goal is to build trust in the market.

“Effective regulation is not just about enforcement. It builds confidence. When consumers trust that products are safe and their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently,” he added.

In a stern warning to violators, Bello said the collaboration would strengthen oversight and deter non-compliance.

“This will send shivers down the spine of those who are mischievous in our society, those who try to circumvent the rules. The message is clear: enforcement will be stronger and more coordinated,” he said.

On her part, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, described the agreement as critical to protecting Nigerians from harmful products and ensuring that consumer rights are upheld.

She said the partnership goes beyond documentation and must translate into action.

“This MoU is extremely important for the nation. But beyond the document, what matters is action. We do not need theory when it comes to consumer protection, we need results,”* she said.

Adeyeye recounted instances where FCCPC responded swiftly to complaints she personally raised as a consumer, leading to immediate corrective actions by erring businesses.

“The two times that I complained, he responded almost immediately, and the enterprise made amends. That is the way it is supposed to be. That is the kind of leadership we need,” she said.

She emphasised that while NAFDAC ensures product safety and quality, FCCPC plays a critical role in protecting the rights of consumers who use those products.

“NAFDAC is about the safety and efficacy of products, but it is people who use those products. That is where FCCPC comes in. Consumers have the right to complain, and we must ensure those complaints lead to action,” she added.

The NAFDAC boss further noted that the collaboration would strengthen enforcement tools, including sanctions against violators, while enhancing public awareness through coordinated communication.

She said, “NAFDAC has the mandate to act against violators, FCCPC will fight for the consumer, and together we will ensure that Nigerians are protected. For our people that are watching us. Because this will be televised. Just know that you are on our mind.

“In terms of product quality, safety and efficacy. In terms of your rights as a consumer to complain. We are watching your back.”

The MoU is expected to streamline complaint handling, improve regulatory coordination, and ensure faster resolution of consumer issues, while also creating a more predictable compliance environment for businesses.

The move comes at a time when Nigeria is battling the proliferation of substandard products, fake drugs, and deceptive advertising, all of which have continued to undermine consumer confidence and public health.

With both agencies now working under a unified framework, stakeholders say the success of the agreement will depend on sustained implementation and consistent enforcement.