NEWS

The Peoples Democratic Party has announced adjustments to its timetable for pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.In a statement released on Wednesday and jointly signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Dakas Shan, the PDP disclosed that the sale of nomination forms will now close on May 15, 2026.The party also stated that completed forms must now be submitted on or before May 18, while the screening of aspirants has been scheduled for May 19, 2026.Under the revised timetable, aspirants contesting for National and State Assembly positions will undergo screening in their respective states, while governorship and presidential aspirants will be screened in Abuja.According to the PDP,...

Israel is concerned that US President Donald Trump may strike an agreement with Iran before addressing some of the key issues that drove the two countries to launch the war in the first place, multiple Israeli sources have told CNN.According to a new CNN report, a deal that leaves Tehran’s nuclear program partially intact while bypassing issues such as ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies would lead to Israel viewing the war as incomplete. “The primary concern is that Trump will grow tired of talks and cut a deal – any deal – with last-minute concessions,” one Israeli source said. While US officials have reassured Israel that the issue of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium will be addressed, the source said the apparent exclusion of ballistic missiles and Tehran’s p...

FIFA has unveiled an expanded anti-doping programme for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, introducing new partnerships and stricter testing measures across the tournament’s three host nations.The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico.According to FIFA, the initiative will rank among the most extensive anti-doping operations ever carried out in the history of the tournament, covering both pre-competition and in-tournament activities.In a statement released on Wednesday, May 13, FIFA confirmed it would maintain its partnership with the United States Anti-Doping Agency while also entering formal collaborations with Sport Integrity Canada and MEX-NADO.FIFA explained that the partnerships are designed to guarantee uniform testing standards across all venue...

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have reportedly arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, over allegations of money laundering involving approximately ₦500 billion.According to reports, Abdullahi was taken into custody in Abuja on Wednesday and is currently being questioned by EFCC investigators.A source within the commission disclosed to Punch that the investigation centres on huge sums of money allegedly handled in violation of financial regulations. The source added that the amount being examined is estimated at about ₦500 billion.The anti-corruption agency is yet to officially confirm the arrest through a formal statement.President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Co...

A coalition of 25 civil society organizations has urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Yomi Arowosafe, to publicly explain the whereabouts of N26.9 billion as flagged by the September 2025 Auditor-General’s report.The call is contained in a communique on Tuesday signed by Bilal Galadima and James Ogenyi on behalf of the Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability, following its emergency meeting in Abuja.The CSO claimed that the annual report published by the Auditor-General of the Federation raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of ‘N26.9 billion’ in public funds under the Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF.It claimed th...