
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, engaged in a verbal dispute regarding the African Democratic Congress ADC presidential primaries, which resulted in Atiku's victory. Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, surpassing former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman-politician Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. Lawal, who recently resigned from the ADC, accused Atiku of influencing the primary outcomes, alleging that results were manipulated to favor him. He stated his exit from the party was due to the "massively rigged" primaries, which he described as a "disgraceful charade." Lawal also vowed not to participate in any rigging for the 2027 elections, asserting that supporting Atiku would be akin to giving President Bola Tinubu a second term. In response, Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, denied the manipulation claims, stating the primaries reflected the will of party members. Shaibu accused Lawal of making unsubstantiated allegations and highlighted Lawal's alleged political inconsistency, questioning why he accepted primary results in Adamawa State where his cousin became a governorship candidate. Shaibu also referenced Lawal's past involvement in the "grass-cutting scandal" during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, suggesting Lawal's criticisms stemmed from dissatisfaction with the outcome rather than genuine concerns about electoral integrity. Meanwh
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Must ReadThe Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience OSPRE and CONCORD, a non-profit organization, have called for enhanced interfaith collaboration and collective action to combat insecurity and social division in Nigeria. This appeal was made during a strategic interfaith roundtable in Abuja, themed "Safeguarding Nigeria’s Religious Pluralism: Faith, Dialogue and National Cohesion." The event gathered faith leaders, peacebuilding experts, community organizers, policymakers, and civil society actors to discuss narratives surrounding religion and violence in Nigeria and explore ways to strengthen social cohesion. Participants emphasized the need for constructive engagement and coordinated responses to the drivers of insecurity and social fragmentation. Mr. Chris Ngwodo, Director-General of OSPRE, urged a nationwide commitment to protecting vulnerable rural communities and stressed that sustainable peace requires inclusive strategies addressing root causes like governance failures, injustice, and underdevelopment. Ms. Fatima Madaki, Director of Integrative Missions and Dialogue at CONCORD, highlighted the importance of balanced, locally driven engagement amidst international scrutiny of religious freedom issues, referencing Nigeria's designation as a "Country of Particular Concern" by the United States Government. She warned that misinformation and external narratives could exacerbate mistrust, emphasizing that Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity and ability to coexist. O
Must ReadThe Nigerian capital market has successfully transitioned to a T+1 settlement cycle, becoming the first market in Africa to implement this shortened framework. This move is designed to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and improve global competitiveness. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, described it as a defining moment, noting Nigeria's rapid progress from T+2 to T+1 in six months. He stated that this reform aligns Nigeria's capital market with global best practices, improving post-trade efficiency, reducing counterparty risk, and strengthening investor confidence. Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, called the transition a key step in the market's transformation, reinforcing confidence in institutions and demonstrating a commitment to a more efficient market. Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, emphasized that this is part of a broader journey to build a deeper, more liquid, and globally competitive market. Shehu Shantali, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CSCS Plc, highlighted that the new cycle enhances transaction speed, improves liquidity, and reduces settlement exposure, representing a strategic upgrade to market infrastructure. The transition followed six months of coordinated preparations involving various market participants.
Must ReadWorkers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission NUPRC have begun an indefinite nationwide strike, closing the commission's offices on Monday due to unresolved welfare and administrative grievances. Operational staff are exempt from the industrial action while discussions are ongoing. Negotiations between staff representatives and management regarding institutional governance, staff welfare, promotions, and training opportunities failed to reach an agreement, leading to the strike. The workers are demanding a review of the current cost-of-collection structure, specifically the one percent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which they claim has weakened the upstream regulator's operational and financial capacity. They also accuse the commission of an operator-style regulatory approach, causing overlapping responsibilities. Other demands include wages reflecting the oil and gas industry's remuneration structures and addressing concerns about staff development, career progression, and capacity building, particularly the commission's preference for local over overseas training programs. The NUPRC confirmed the strike but stated it has not impacted oil and gas facilities or production, with top management meeting unions to resolve the issue.

Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Chancellor of Lagos State University, has detailed his vision for the institution, which includes forging partnerships with Ivy League and other prominent international universities. Speaking at the Commonwealth Institute Universities Leaders Conference in Lagos, Ogunsanwo emphasized that fostering relationships with top global universities will be a priority. He also aims to promote technology-driven learning, leverage Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communications Technology, and ensure balanced development across all of LASU's four campuses. Appointed in February by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oba Ogunsanwo stated that while his role is advisory, he intends to support the university's growth and development. He highlighted the need for increased funding, revenue generation, and improved infrastructure, particularly student accommodation. The Chancellor also pledged to promote industrial harmony among staff, which he considers crucial for the university's continued progress.