A former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2023 general election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has dumped the party.

Jandor announced his resignation at a press briefing held at Liberty Place, Ikeja, in Lagos on Monday.

According to him, his reasons for leaving the party are not unconnected to indiscipline and anti-party activities, which have become the norm in his erstwhile party.

The ex-PDP governorship candidate, who a large group of supporters accompanied, revealed that the decision to part ways with the PDP stemmed from actions taken by some of the party’s leaders, including the former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George.

According to Jandor, these leaders actively worked against the PDP in the 2023 elections.

He said, “I am here before you today with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. We have dedicated ourselves to the ideals of democracy, good governance and a pursuit of a better Lagos.

“However, it has been found evident that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, both at the national and state levels, has failed to uphold these principles. The persistent anti-party activities, internal sabotage and lack of discipline have led me and my supporters to leave.

“We will consult widely with everybody and then take the decision to collapse our structure to another platform. What is majority on the ground now is that we have left the Peoples Democratic Party,” Jandor stated.

The PUNCH reports that Jandor had, in preparation for the 2023 general election, tackled the chieftain of their party in Lagos, Chief Bode George because he didn’t support his ambition due to his choice of running mate.

George, who supported Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party candidate in the election, claimed that he had no regrets about not supporting Jandor.

However, in a statement signed by Gbenga Ogunleye, Head, Media and Communications, JANDOR4Governor Campaign Organisation, Jandor said Bode George’s modus operandi during each election cycle is to attack the PDP candidate and destabilise the party, thus paving the way for the APC to remain in power.

The full statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a statement made by Chief Olabode George justifying his treacherous action during the recently held governorship election in Lagos State”.

“Chief George, while fielding questions on national television yesterday, said he had no regret for supporting and voting for the Labour Party governorship candidate against the candidate of his supposed political party, the Peoples Democratic Party”.

“It is not surprising that Chief Bode George, as his usual practice, worked against the interest of the PDP again, but his attempt to blame the infighting in the party as an excuse and a justification for his action is a failed attempt to hide behind a finger.”

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye says power for a good ending – a greater tomorrow is very vital to humans.

This is as he emphasises that life’s ending can far surpass its beginning.

Speaking during the Church’s monthly Thanksgiving Service at its Lagos headquarters on Sunday which coincides with the cleric’s 83rd birthday, Adeboye used biblical teachings and personal insights to inspire his audience.

He also urged them to focus on building a glorious future.

Quoting the Bible, he said, “The book of Isaiah 3:10 says, ‘Say to the righteous, it shall be well with him.’”

He explained life as a three-phased journey—past, present, and future—emphasising the importance of planning today for a better tomorrow.

“The past is the mother of today. The present has the DNA of the past. You’re who you are today because of certain decisions you took in the past.

“You are a medical doctor today because you chose to go to a medical school in the past. The decisions you take today will invariably affect your tomorrow,” he remarked.

Highlighting the significance of the future, Adeboye added, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof. It is how you end that matters.

“The Almighty God has the ability to guarantee your future. He can make sure that your tomorrow is great.”

Example of Abraham

To illustrate, Adeboye referenced the story of Abraham, saying, “God blessed Abraham in all things and made him great. Isaac, his son, was very great.

“Jacob, the son of Isaac, was exceedingly great. God can take you from great to greater to exceedingly great.”

He noted the generational growth of Abraham’s lineage: “Abraham had one child that God recognised. Isaac had two sons. Jacob had 12 sons. These 12 multiplied.

“By the time they were going to Egypt, they were 70, and when they were leaving Egypt, they had become 600,000 people.”

Keys to a Greater Future

Adeboye urged his audience to embrace preparation and discipline for a greater tomorrow, particularly in raising children.

“Train your children because they are your tomorrow. The Yorubas say a child you don’t train will sell the house you are building.

“God vouched for Abraham because He knew Abraham would train his children in the way of the Lord,” he said.

He warned parents against laxity, advising, “Don’t allow your children to do whatever they like.

“If you allow them, you are ruining your future. Be firm when it comes to your children serving the Lord.”

To children, Adeboye gave a stern reminder: “You’re not only to obey your parents; you are to honour them.

“It is by honouring your parents that you will live long. If you think you know more than your parents, you may never live long.”

Diligence and Humility

For a greater future, Adeboye highlighted the principles of sowing, diligence, and humility.

“Learn to sow. It is what you sow in the present that will be your harvest in the future. Also, be diligent. God is a rewarder of those who are diligent,” he counselled.

On humility, he said, “Pride is a killer. God resists the proud. You can’t have a future if God is constantly resisting you.

“Submit to God, and He will make sure no one tampers with your destiny.”

Promise of a Glorious Future

Concluding, Adeboye underscored that a glorious future is only guaranteed for those in Christ. “You have a glorious future if Christ lives in you,” he affirmed.

Veteran Nollywood star, Norbert Young and his wife, Gloria, have shared their journey through seven years of childlessness, revealing how the experience affected them individually and as a couple.

In an interview with Tope on Love Notes which with Tope which started trending on Sunday, the couple reflected on the emotional weight of that period, with Gloria expressing how deeply it affected her, while Norbert maintained that he never saw it as a challenge.

When asked about difficulties in their marriage, Norbert initially struggled to pinpoint one.

But Gloria quickly reminded him, saying, “I was childless for seven years, Norbert.”

Norbert, however, insisted that he never viewed it as a challenge, explaining his perspective, “I didn’t see it as a challenge, you see, because I kept telling her, ‘What are you worried about? What is it? Be calming down.’

“How can I see it as a challenge? I had a sister who was married for 16 years without a child, and on the 17th year, she had a child.

“Her husband never told her to leave. That child today is a medical doctor—a big man too. So what’s the big deal? It didn’t threaten our union at all.”

Despite his confidence, Gloria admitted she felt the pressure saying, “He never did. But I was the one feeling it, and I was the one seeing things. And he was the one telling me, ‘What is it? Stop worrying about such things.’”

Norbert acknowledged her anxiety, saying, “She was anxious about it—being childless for that long. Like I said, it wasn’t a challenge for me, but it was for her. As a couple, it was challenging, but personally, I didn’t see it that way.”

Gloria then brought up societal pressure, asking Norbert if anyone had ever questioned him about their lack of children.

His response was firm: “Them born you well come ask me that? Nobody in my family asked me.”

Gloria, however, had a different experience.

She recalled how, at family gatherings, she would often be subjected to silence but pointed stares from relatives.

She said, “Nobody in his family did. But I would go to my own family gatherings, and not asking per se, but imagine you’re walking into the room, and one aunty looks at you—makes sure that you know she’s looking at you—then her eyes go down to your stomach.

“And as you walk away, her eyes are still there. What is she telling you? Like, ‘How far na? E don tey oh! E don pass one, two, three…’ Without saying a word. Oh, I had those kind of aunties.”

Click the link below to watch the video

Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in the Kingdom.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth of the 12 months of the Islamic calendar.

PUNCH Online reports that the Saudi Royal Court said Taraweeh prayer will be held this evening at Masjid Bin Bāz after Easha Prayer.

‎Also, countries including Qatar, Oman officially announced that Ramadan would be observed on Saturday, March 1.

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, is yet to announce the sighting of the crescent moon as of the time of filing this report.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered mandatory for all healthy Muslims.

However, young children, sick individuals, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating are exempt.

Muslims have followed the tradition of looking for the crescent moon for thousands of years to determine the start of Ramadan as well as the two major holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

During Ramadan, working hours for private and public employees and schoolchildren are typically reduced.

Wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment leveled against her husband, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as false and unfounded.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, stating that he is a disciplined and jovial man who respects women.

Earlier, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that her ordeal in the Senate began after she rejected Akpabio’s sexual advances.

Reacting to the claim, Mrs. Akpabio recounted the cordial relationship between both families, dismissing the allegations as a figment of Natasha’s wild imagination.

She also pointed out that she was present at their family residence on December 8, 2023, the alleged date of the incident while emphasising that their families have maintained a long-standing relationship, even before Senator Natasha’s marriage.

Mrs. Akpabio further praised her husband’s discipline, highlighting his track record of supporting women’s inclusion in government, even before becoming Senate President.

Urging women to desist from making false accusations, she vowed to seek legal redress on the matter.

Singer Paul Okoye aka RudeBoy has accused his twin brother Peter of being responsible for the case of fraud instituted against their elder brother Jude.

On Wednesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Jude, the former manager of Paul and Peter who made up the defunct group P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦ 1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59.

Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge. He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

Justice Owoeye remanded Jude in the Ikoyi correctional facility pending hearing for his bail application after the prosecuting lawyer Larry Aso countered Jude’s lawyer Inibehe Effiong who wanted his client remanded in the EFCC’s custody.

In a trending video recorded at the court’s premises on Friday, Paul promised to secure his release.

He told journalists that he and Peter were guilty of what Jude was being accused of.

“I’m supporting him because I know the truth,” said Paul.

“The truth is Peter is the one putting Jude through these things. It’s Peter who is doing these. He is putting him in prison and I’m here to bring him out.

“I’m only standing for the truth because the same crime that they accused him of doing, then Peter is guilty, Paul is also guilty too.”

A widespread electricity blackout has hit Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, leaving several key areas, including the Presidential Villa, in darkness.

The disruption, according to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), was caused by faults in several feeders supplying power to parts of the city.

The seat of power, the Presidential Villa, was affected due to a fault at the R4 Injection substation located near the Three Arms Zone on Aso Drive.

In addition to the Villa, several estates and communities, including suburban areas like Lugbe and Kubwa, have been without electricity for days.

AEDC in a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, listed affected areas as CKC Gwagwalada, Kuje Road, Almat Farms, Kiran Farm, Efugo, Kwali Road, L5 Injection Substation, Chukuku Environs, Premium Farm, El-Rufai Estate, and Daghiri.

Other areas hit by the blackout include Kuje Extension, John Calvin Estate, Kings Court, Karmo District, Idu Industrial, Urban Shelter Katampe, Living Faith Church Katampe, Jahi Village, Katampe Extension, Jahi by Gilmore, Gishiri, Mabushi, Kadokuchi, Navy Estate, and Anan House.

The blackout has also affected several other locations such as NAF Conference, Lake View Phase 1 & 2, Custom Quarter, Chida Hotel, Dakibiu, Brains and Hammers City Estate, Today Estate, Dape District, Katsina Estate, Paradise Estate, Ochacho Estate, Kafe District, American Embassy Estate, and parts of Gwarinpa, including Zones C, D, and E.

Additionally, parts of the city served by the Dantata and R3 Injection Substations, along with sectors around Lugbe FHA 1, FHA 2, Tudunwada, and Naff Valley Estate, are also experiencing outages.

Also, critical institutions, including hotels, schools, and hospitals, have been left in darkness, causing widespread disruption.

AEDC, however, urged affected customers to remain patient as engineers are working tirelessly to restore electricity

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, before the Abia State High Court over alleged misappropriation of N47bn during his time in office.

Orji, alongside his son, Chinedum Orji, a former Commissioner of Finance for Abia State, Dr Philip Nto, a government contractor, Obioma King, and a former Director of Finance for Abia State, Romas Madu, were arraigned on a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.

The anti-graft agency accused them of conspiring to steal and convert for personal use billions of naira meant for various government projects in the state.

The EFCC accused them of misappropriating N22.5bn allocated for security votes from 2011 to 2015.

They were also accused of stealing N13bn from a loan facility granted by a defunct bank and illegally converting N12bn from the Paris Club refund.

The defendants were also accused of converting N10.5bn from another bank meant for the state, along with N2bn from the Central Bank of Nigeria designated for small and medium enterprises in the state.

However, when the charges were read to the defendants on Friday, they pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts.

Bode Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the first defendant (Orji), moved a motion for bail on behalf of his client.

In the same vein, Chikaosulu Ojukwu, K.I. Oleh, Okey Amechi, and Isaac Anya, all senior advocates, filed bail applications on behalf of their clients.

EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, did not object to the bail applications but asked the court to use its discretion.

The Chief Justice of Abia State and Presiding Judge, Justice Lilian Abai, granted the defendants bail and adjourned till June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.

The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC on Thursday 27th February 2025 welcomes former governorship candidate of the Advance Allied Party (AAP) in 2019 Oyo state governorship election and the Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of Young Progressive Party in the 2023 Senatorial election to the party alongside hundreds of her former party members and followers.

In her acceptance speech, Rev Dr. Adenike
Victor -Tade popularly called Mama Empowerment due to her many skill acquisition trainings and Empowerment for both youth and women in particular, appreciated the party members for their love and acceptance into the party APC.
She then pledged to bring in her expertise: skill training, mentorship, grassroots and human development among others to the development of the party in the local, state and National level.

Mama Empowerment emphasised why she joined the party, it was as a result of the share values, progressive ideals, leadership and integrity uphold by the Party members and most importantly the Party leaders led by The President Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu GCOFR.

As the National President of Ultimate Total Life Concept with network in the 33 local governments of Oyo state as well as in the south west region of Nigeria. The South West Zonal coordinator of Progressive Empowerment for Nigerian Women. The State coordinator of No Women, No Nation
(Renewed Hope) all that contributed to the success of the election of the Asiwaju/Shettima ticket. All these she promised to use for the Party in the state and at federal level.

She then call for the corporation of the party members as she joined for a more vibrant collaboration in order to capture Oyo State for the next election come 2027 and beyond.

The Ibadan South West APC Chairman, Arch. Omoniyi Joseph in his address Promised Rev Dr Mrs Adenike Victor Tade a full support as she joined the party to realizing her dream and a strong collaboration to making the State and indeed the nation a place for all to live an enjoyable life.

The event was witnessed by all leaders of the party at her local government Ibadan south West where she was warmly welcomed

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation must halt the release of funds to the Rivers State Government until the Rivers House of Assembly is properly constituted in line with the 1999 Constitution.

The apex court also affirmed the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly members as the valid lawmakers.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, declared that no funds should be disbursed to the Rivers State Government until a lawful Appropriation Act is enacted in the state.

Justice Agim specifically upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, which barred the allocation of funds to the state government.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on October 24, 2024, issued an order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria from further disbursing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.

In her ruling, the judge also barred the Accountant-General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank, where the state holds accounts, from releasing funds to the government.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s receipt and use of the state’s monthly allocations since January 2024 constituted a violation of the Constitution that could not be permitted to continue.

She also condemned Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Rivers House of Assembly, stating that it was a direct violation of constitutional requirements.

Delivering judgment on the appeal brought before it by the 27 lawmakers, Justice Agim overturned the Court of Appeal ruling that had nullified the Federal High Court judgment on jurisdictional grounds and restored the trial court’s decision.

He declared, “The judgment of the Federal High Court is hereby affirmed.”
The Supreme Court further ruled, “The Rivers State allocation fund is to be withheld until the unconstitutional actions are rectified.”

Referring to the Appeal Court judgment that criticised Fubara for presenting the 2024 budget before only four Assembly members, Justice Akomaye likened the governor’s actions to “bigamy.”

The court reaffirmed that the presentation of the 2024 budget before four out of 31 members of the House of Assembly was unconstitutional and, therefore, void.

The justices criticised Fubara for demolishing the Rivers House of Assembly building, allegedly to prevent the 27 defected lawmakers from sitting, thereby forcing them to convene elsewhere to carry out legislative duties.

The court noted that it was becoming a pattern for those in executive power, when feeling threatened by impeachment, to resort to tactics such as demolishing buildings or other unconstitutional actions.

The court ruled, “Four members sitting as purported members of the House of Assembly in defiance of a subsisting court order is a nullity.”

The justices further stressed that the legislature is the core institution of governance and must be protected at all costs.

Justice Agim ordered that the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, who were unlawfully redeployed from the House of Assembly, be reinstated along with other Assembly staff.

The court criticised Fubara for using his immunity under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to justify unconstitutional actions, including demolishing the Assembly, working with only four lawmakers, disobeying court orders, and disregarding constitutional provisions.

“In my view, this is an act of indiscipline born out of executive power,” Justice Agim said.

“This is a joke taken too far,” he added.

Justice Agim further ruled that the 27 members of the House of Assembly must be allowed to resume their duties without interference.

“Government cannot function without one of its three arms. The governor’s illegal actions cannot be justified,” the court declared.

The Supreme Court also imposed a fine of ₦5 million against Fubara.