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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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Former Nigeria women’s national team players have cautioned that the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill promises made to the Super Falcons could jeopardize the team’s pursuit of an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and qualification for the next FIFA Women’s 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’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, received their promised $100,000 and housing units after winning the 2025 Women’s 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
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule stated his desire for Nigeria to one day elect an all-Christian presidential ticket, expressing confidence in its potential success. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sule addressed concerns raised by Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, regarding the possibility of another same-faith presidential ticket in 2027. The governor dismissed claims that the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket indicated religious exclusion, suggesting that the country is ready for a Christian-Christian pairing to test electoral fortunes, similar to past Muslim-Muslim tickets. He referenced the 1993 election with Chief Moshood Abiola as an example of a successful Muslim-Muslim ticket. Sule acknowledged Kwankwaso’s opposition stance as the reason for his concerns, noting that no governor within the APC had made similar allegations. He cited Section 143 of the constitution, which he said promotes inclusiveness and representation across all parts of the country, and Section 15, which establishes the federal character principle based on ethnicity, clarifying that neither section mentions religion. When asked about his deputy, Sule confirmed that Emmanuel Akabe, a Christian, has served as his deputy throughout his tenure in Nasarawa State. He clarified that the choice was based on competence rather than religious balancing, noting that political arrangements vary by state, citing Enugu and Bayelsa as examples of Christi
Must ReadNigeria's federal tax revenue, collected by the Nigeria Revenue Service NRS, rose from N14.27 trillion in the first half of 2025 to N21.6 trillion in the first half of 2026. This represents an increase of approximately 51–52 percent in nominal terms, according to an economic report from the Presidency. The growth is attributed to tax reforms, digitalization, and tighter oil-revenue controls. The Corporate Affairs Commission is also moving to deregister 100,000 companies for failing to file annual returns, an action taken pursuant to Section 692 3 and 4 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020. These companies have 90 days to regularize their records. Additionally, the Federal Government plans to review 270 taxes, levies, and statutory charges in the oil and gas industry, engaging PwC for this assignment. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil, Heineken Lokpobiri, acknowledged concerns about the multiplicity of charges. The NRS is also intensifying efforts to enforce its electronic invoicing policy, directing all large taxpayers to migrate to its digital platform by July 31, 2026, with compliance monitoring already underway.