Nigeria: Obi-Kwankwaso alliance faces northern resistance, VIO powers debated, and other top stories
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Discussions continue regarding a potential alliance between former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for the 2027 elections, with reports indicating resistance from some northern political stakeholders who question its viability and power-sharing arrangements. Separately, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Joe Igbokwe, alleged that a recent mob incident in Lagos was politically motivated, fueling discussions about rising political tensions. Motorists and transport operators are debating the implications of a Court of Appeal judgment that upheld an earlier ruling stating Vehicle Inspection Officers in the Federal Capital Territory lack legal authority to stop, impound, or fine motorists. However, the Lagos State Government clarified that this ruling does not automatically apply to Lagos due to its own transport laws. Additionally, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is under scrutiny following the death of a 16-year-old suspect, and bandits have demanded the release of three detained fighters and seized livestock for the freedom of abducted former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar retd, and his wife.
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Lebanon has announced that citizens from 13 African countries are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival. This policy allows travelers from these nations to enter Lebanon without obtaining a visa from a Lebanese embassy prior to their departure. The eligible countries include Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia from North Africa; Ghana, C么te d鈥橧voire, and Nigeria from West Africa; and Comoros, Djibouti, and Somalia from East Africa. Upon arrival at Lebanese airports or land border crossings, eligible travelers will be issued a one-month tourist visa, provided they meet specific entry conditions. These conditions include presenting a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, proof of accommodation such as a confirmed hotel booking or a verified residential address with the host's contact number, and evidence of sufficient financial means, specifically at least $2,000 in cash or a certified bank cheque of the same value. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to refusal of entry, even if the traveler is from an eligible country.
Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, has voiced concerns regarding the proposed 2026 federal budget, advocating for increased transparency, accountability, and robust oversight in public fund management. In a statement, Frank highlighted that the ongoing public debate surrounding the budget has intensified scrutiny of government spending, emphasizing the need for financial management institutions to uphold openness and accountability. He urged the Federal Government to enhance accountability mechanisms to rebuild public trust and ensure prudent management of resources. Frank stated that recent revelations and controversies around the 2026 budget reinforce the perception of the current administration as one of Nigeria鈥檚 most troubling in recent history. He added that allegations of inflated budgetary provisions and questionable expenditures raise new concerns about the budgeting process's credibility. The former APC spokesman also called on the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional duty of scrutinizing government expenditure and providing effective oversight. He noted that public perception of the legislature's lack of independence could weaken democratic institutions and public trust. Frank appealed to Nigeria鈥檚 international development partners to continue support while encouraging stricter safeguards to ensure transparent management of development assistance. He also urged Nigerians to peacefully demand greater
Former Nigeria women鈥檚 national team players have cautioned that the Federal Government鈥檚 failure to fulfill promises made to the Super Falcons could jeopardize the team鈥檚 pursuit of an 11th Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations title and qualification for the next FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup. Members of the United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide, meeting in Chicago, expressed concern that the government has not yet delivered on promises of $100,000, land allocations, and other rewards for each player, a year after the team's success. Former player Patience Avre stated that the uncertainty surrounding these unfulfilled promises has negatively impacted the morale of current players preparing for the tournament in Morocco. She added that players are hesitant to complain openly for fear of being dropped. The former players are appealing to the Federal Government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to motivate the current squad and ensure both past and present Super Falcons players benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing historical poor treatment of ex-players. In contrast, Nigeria鈥檚 women鈥檚 basketball team, D鈥橳igress, received their promised $100,000 and housing units after winning the 2025 Women鈥檚 AfroBasket. The National Sports Commission attributed the delay for the Super Falcons to the postponement of their camping program ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, noting that the Super Eagles received their land documents and national honors certificates before