The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is unmoved by the opposition’s plan to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, the governor asserted that Nigerians will decide the fate of the APC during the 2027 polls.

Uzodimma, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, argued that Nigeria is practising partisan democracy, and not coalition democracy.

He stated that the ruling party is alert and they would not allow any individual take power from their hands.

He said, “What is a coalition? We are practising partisan democracy, not coalition democracy. Partisan democracy requires belonging to a political party to contest elections. When your party is no longer viable and you seek political oxygen, you must first leave the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before discussing alliances.

“I began by stating that you don’t change a winning team. We have seen where we were, where we are now, and where we are headed. Ultimately, Nigerians will decide our fate but that decision is years away. As a government, we still have over two years remaining in our term.

“If you focus on winning the next election when Nigerians entrusted you with a four-year mandate and you’ve barely completed two years, that becomes a distraction. This government remains focused. The APC is alert, and we won’t let anyone take what is in our hands. We are not asleep.

“I began by stating that you don’t change a winning team. We have seen where we were, where we are now, and where we are headed. Ultimately, Nigerians will decide our fate but that decision is years away. As a government, we still have over two years remaining in our term.

“If you focus on winning the next election when Nigerians entrusted you with a four-year mandate and you’ve barely completed two years, that becomes a distraction. This government remains focused. The APC is alert, and we won’t let anyone take what is in our hands. We are not asleep.

“The APC is the ruling party, and one does not change a winning team. When a player is winning, they keep playing. While we welcome new ideas and collaboration, since no one, not even the president, can solve national problems alone, it is through unity that Nigeria grows safer and stronger. For me, the APC is a formidable party, and we are committed to progress. From 2020 to 2025, 79% of my former opponents in Imo have joined the APC. A party is nothing without its people, and today, the majority in Imo are APC members.”

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia has ordered that confidential information about Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, related to a purported federal investigation in the 1990s, be made public.

The order, issued on Tuesday by Judge Beryl Howell, demands that top U.S. law enforcement agencies release documents related to their investigation of Tinubu.

The decision follows a lawsuit filed in June 2023 by American citizen Aaron Greenspan under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Greenspan had sued multiple U.S. agencies, including the FBI, CIA, IRS, DEA, and the U.S. State Department, accusing them of failing to release documents concerning the investigation into Tinubu’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking during the 1990s.

According to Premium Times, Greenspan’s suit stemmed from FOIA requests he filed between 2022 and 2023, seeking information about a joint investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS, DEA, and U.S. Attorneys in Northern Indiana and Northern Illinois. He specifically requested criminal records related to four individuals allegedly associated with a heroin trafficking ring, including Bola Tinubu, Abiodun Agbele, Lee Andrew Edwards, and Mueez Abegboyega Akande.

In response, the agencies issued “Glomar” responses, refusing to confirm or deny the existence of the requested documents. Greenspan challenged these responses, claiming that the information was public and should not be withheld under FOIA exemptions.

Judge Howell’s ruling partially favored Greenspan, stating that the “Glomar” responses issued by the FBI and DEA were improper. The judge noted that the claim of protecting this information from public disclosure was “neither logical nor plausible” given that the investigation into Tinubu was already acknowledged by both agencies.

The judge emphasized that FOIA requests can challenge agencies’ assertions that confirming or denying the existence of records would result in harm, and that the FBI and DEA had effectively waived their right to withhold certain information. Howell pointed out that both agencies had previously acknowledged the investigation into Tinubu and Agbele, including confirmation that the FBI and DEA investigated Tinubu’s alleged links to drug trafficking.

In contrast, the CIA was not required to release its documents, as the court found that Greenspan had failed to show that the CIA had ever officially acknowledged the existence or nonexistence of the records related to his FOIA request.

The case revolves around a 1993 incident where Tinubu allegedly forfeited $460,000 to the U.S. government after it was linked to proceeds from narcotics trafficking. This issue had previously featured in legal challenges to Tinubu’s candidacy during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, with his opponents questioning his eligibility based on this matter. However, the Presidential Election Petition Court dismissed the challenges, affirming Tinubu’s eligibility.

Court documents filed by Greenspan included an affidavit detailing an investigation into Agbele’s involvement in a heroin trafficking ring, which allegedly involved Tinubu’s funds. The affidavit revealed that Agbele, who was arrested during a DEA operation, had cooperated with authorities and provided information linking Tinubu to the drug trade. Further investigation led to the identification of bank accounts controlled by Tinubu, which were suspected of being involved in money laundering related to the trafficking operation.

Judge Howell’s ruling allows for the release of documents related to Tinubu and Agbele, but with the CIA’s Glomar response upheld for now. The court has ordered the relevant U.S. agencies to file a report by May 2 on the status of any remaining issues in the case.

Veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) has shared his opinion about polygamy, advocating for its legitimacy.

In a recent appearance on ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask‘ hosted by Isbae U, Richard Mofe-Damijo revealed he believes it’s unfair for a man to be married to only one wife.

According to RMD, his father married five wives.

“I don’t have idea of how many women want me. I feel it’s unfair to be married to one woman”, She stated.

Furthermore, he opened up about his educational background, revealing that he studied Theatre and Media Arts at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and earned two law degrees from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has criticised Nigeria's Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, accusing him of being "naive" about the country's security situation.

The governor's statement came on the heels of an attack on the Damboa-Maiduguri road on Saturday, where eight people were killed by an explosive device planted by Boko Haram insurgents.

Governor Zulum made this known shortly after the deadly incident that left seven others severely injured and 14 others with minor injuries. 

The explosion, which occurred on a road connecting the state capital Maiduguri to Damboa, highlights the continuing security challenges faced by the state in the fight against Boko Haram.

In his response, Governor Zulum said, "I believe the Minister of Information is naive about what is happening in the country. He doesn't know what is ongoing in the country." 

He expressed concerns over the Minister’s recent comments regarding the state’s security and called for better understanding of the situation on the ground.

Zulum noted the need for resilience from both the local communities and the Nigerian military in the face of such threats. 

"I want to advise the communities to be resilient enough. I want to advise the Nigerian Army to be resilient enough because there’s no way people will travel a distance of 700 kilometers to go to Damboa. Ordinarily, they come here to Damboa, it's only about 100 kilometers," he said.

The Governor reiterated that the incident would not deter the state's commitment to ensuring the safety of the route. 

"We shall ensure that travel from Maiduguri to Damboa will continue. This will not deter us from following the road, artillery, and all other security agencies to give up security along the road so that such incidents will not happen again," he added.

Governor Zulum also explained his discussions with top military officials in Abuja, including the Chief of Army Staff, the Naval Staff, and the Air Staff, where they assured him that the Nigerian military would continue to work tirelessly to address the insurgency.

 "We are so happy with the response that we had from the service chiefs," he said.
Despite the ongoing threats posed by Boko Haram, the Governor expressed confidence that Borno State would not regress to the level of insurgency it experienced in the past. 

"I want to assure the people of Borno State that Insha Allah, under my watch, Boko Haram will not have the capacity to do what they did before," he stated, stating his commitment to strengthening the state's defences and bolstering local civilian efforts, such as the work of hunters and vigilantes.

The governor, however, promised to continue partnership with the federal government and the military, stressing that the security situation in Borno would be addressed thoroughly.

 "I will keep up to the expectations of the people of Borno State by completely addressing the problem of insecurity," he added.
Governor Zulum's statement underline the tense security situation in Borno State, where Boko Haram insurgents continue to carry out attacks despite military efforts to quell their activities.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that at least eight people have been confirmed dead after an explosive device, reportedly planted by Boko Haram terrorists, detonated on the Damboa-Maiduguri road in Borno State. 

SaharaReporters had gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday, and left several others injured and taken to the hospital.

Local sources, including Facebook user, Ibn Maigana, have confirmed the attack, shedding light on the long-standing dangers faced by residents in the area. 

Maigana, expressing grief, wrote, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raju'un. The road to my hometown, Damboa Local Government Area in Borno, has been dangerous and one of the riskiest roads in the country for years now. We've lost exceptional military staff and residents to the criminal elements called Boko Haram."

Maigana further stated, "And today, they planted explosives that claimed the lives of eight innocent individuals on the Maiduguri-Damboa road. This further justifies the call for the intensification of security measures to protect the lives and properties of the citizenry. May Allah protect us from being victimized by ungodly elements and rest the souls of the deceased." 
Another user on X, @OffucialAzzaki, also confirmed the attack, saying, "A bomb blast has just occurred along Damboa road to Maiduguri. Sadly, 8 lives were lost, and several others have been taken to the hospital with injuries. Please pray for the victims." 

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emphasized the urgent need to revamp Nigeria’s health sector for better service delivery.
The former Anambra State Governor lamented that Nigeria’s health sector is in a deplorable state at the moment despite heavy borrowings by the government to invest in the sector.

According to him, the most critical measures of development are not physical infrastructure, such as road construction or buildings, but health, which is measured by the Human Development Index (HDI).

He stressed that health, education and poverty alleviation are three pillars a country must focus on to achieve rapid growth and development.

Naija News reports that Obi made the submission in Lagos State on Saturday during an event with medical doctors where he was the keynote speaker.

He lamented that Nigeria has a poor doctor-to-population ratio, and over 70% of primary healthcare centres in the country are either not functional or lack adequate facilities and manpower.

Taking to his ? handle on Sunday, Peter Obi wrote:  “Yesterday, I honoured the invitation of ANAP Doctors in North America and the University of Nigeria Alumni for an event held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, where I served as the keynote speaker. The theme was: “Beyond Borders – Uniting for Medical Excellence, Strengthening Our Alumni, and Inspiring the Next Generation.

“I began by reminding everyone that the most critical measures of development are not physical infrastructure, such as road construction or buildings, but health, which is measured by the Human Development Index (HDI). This is why we say, “Health is wealth,” along with education and lifting people out of poverty.

“Countries that have focused on these three pillars have experienced consistent, upward growth.

“In Nigeria today, the healthcare system is in a very poor state. Over 70% of primary healthcare centres are non-functional, lacking both adequate facilities and manpower.

“Currently, Nigeria has only about 10% of the doctor-to-population ratio recommended by global standards.

“In contrast, countries like India, which once faced similar challenges, have made significant improvements. Despite having a population about seven times larger than Nigeria’s, India has achieved approximately 80% of the recommended doctor-to-population ratio and is actively expanding its network of medical colleges.

“Comparable nations, including several in Africa, have invested heavily in healthcare and education, recognising their critical roles in national development. For example, South Africa, with a population of about 63 million, has allocated a healthcare budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year that is more than twice Nigeria’s total healthcare budget for the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, despite Nigeria having a population of over 200 million.”

Heavy Borrowing, Little Progress
Obi lamented that very little can be shown as progress in the health sector despite heavy borrowings by the government.

While appealing for refocused efforts by the government, the former presidential candidate expressed belief in a better Nigeria where the system works for the citizens.

“We have borrowed heavily to support our healthcare system, securing several billions of dollars from multilateral agencies. However, these investments have not resulted in significant improvements.

“For instance, from the World Bank alone, Nigeria has borrowed over $11 billion between 2023 and now for healthcare and medical education.

“Our budgeting and borrowed funds should be directed towards the critical needs of healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. We must urgently realign our planning, budgeting, and expenditures to ensure that borrowed funds are channelled towards areas of critical need—such as healthcare, medical education, and access to quality care that will truly benefit the population and create a lasting, positive impact,” he submitted.

Controversial Nigerian relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro aka Blessing CEO, has shared ten reasons why she loves her man, Ikechukwu Ogbonna aka IVD.

Taking to Instagram, she shared a video of the car dealer and stated that she loves him because he is a hopeless romantic and a smart man.

She wrote;

‘’10 things I love about IVD. @ivd001

 I love guys with ink (tattoos)

 1) He is an Igbo boy , Abia state Arochukwu boy .

 2) na street boy, confirm street, wey be say if you come u collect.

 3) na smart boy, one boy wey I meet wey out smart me so I surrender .

 4) na calm badh boy, he does not talk too much but act . Him go just dey smile but him go run you better street .

 5) He is a hopeless romantic. Lover boy, lover boy wey dey drop tears if u hurt am ooooo.

 6) He is soft, Kia IVD is so soft, he no like stress but I sabi stress am .

7) Casanova in bed. Kia story for another day.

8) he is alpha male . Boo boo who called you? How can dey be calling my wife by this time , block them now.

9) He has fear of God . Boo boo let us pray, your prayer will work .

10) he is a giver . Except he does not have it, he can even borrow it to make you happy .

 Forget noise .

 He is actually a wonderful person.

Those who have met him can attest to that ...''

IVD used to be married to Bimbo until she d!ed in controversial circumstances. IVD and Blessing became an item after she stepped in as his therapist. She shared a video of them at the pool.

Africa’s richest man and industrial titan, Aliko Dangote, turned 68 on April 10, 2025, and received a lot of well wishes and accolades.

Leading the well-wishers was President Bola Tinubu, who acknowledged Dangote’s impact on Nigeria’s economy, and his legacy as a symbol of enterprise, innovation, and philanthropy.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Dangote as “Africa’s industrial icon” praising his unwavering commitment to nation-building.

“Aliko Dangote’s life embodies hard work, generosity, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His willingness to invest in people and nation-building reflects profound business ingenuity and love for humanity,” the statement read.

Beyond his industrial feats, President Tinubu used the opportunity to encourage young Nigerians, “Let Dangote’s story remind us that with vision, grit, and a sense of purpose, greatness is within reach,” Tinubu advised, urging youths to pursue enterprise with courage and consistency,”

Friends and family also gathered to celebrate the icon in his mansion.

The event was attended by billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, who also dedicated an Instagram post to celebrate his longtime friend.

He posted a picture of the celebrant with the caption, “Happy birthday Africa’s wealthiest entrepreneur! Your journey is inspiring.”

Other notable personalities, including boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, joined in the celebration, making the evening a blend of elegance and camaraderie.

The celebrant is known for his quiet and simple life. Though respected globally, Dangote remains deeply private.

As he turns 68, he is seen not just as a titan of industry, but as a beacon of hope to many.

As friends and family gathered, singing birthday songs with heartfelt joy, the host sat, smiling cheerfully and soaking in the love and admiration that filled the room.

In another show of extravagance, Nigeria’s top financial institutions joined the celebration with custom-made cakes.

GT Bank, Access Bank, and FCMB each presented bespoke birthday cakes inspired by the legendary business achievements of Aliko Dangote; one of the cakes was a towering depiction of a refinery, another was styled like a grand mosque, while yet another was designed in the shape of a cement factory.

A Scottish boarding school has become the first private school in the United Kingdom to allow parents to pay school fees using cryptocurrency.

Lomond School, located in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, said it would begin accepting Bitcoin payments for tuition starting from the autumn term.

Annual fees at the school go as high as £38,000, BBC reports on Saturday.

The school noted that the move followed requests from some parents and aligns with its “ethos of independent thinking and innovation”.

However, all Bitcoin payments will be immediately converted to British pounds to guard against cryptocurrency market volatility.

In a statement on Saturday, Head teacher Claire Chisholm said the school’s decision reflects its forward-looking values.

“For generations, this school has nurtured inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and open-minded risk-takers.

“It’s really no surprise then that the inventor of the television, John Logie Baird, is a former pupil,” she said.

Founded in 1977 through the merger of Larchfield School and St Bride’s School for Girls, Lomond caters to students from nursery age to 18.

The school said all Bitcoin transactions would be secure, transparent, and comply with UK financial regulations, including anti-money laundering and tax laws.

Bitcoin is a digital currency that operates outside traditional banking systems. While its value surged in 2024, it remains highly volatile and subject to rapid fluctuations.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned against the spraying, hawking, mutilation or counterfeiting the Naira. 

Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali gave the warning during the bank”s Special Day at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair.

She urged the public to see the Nigerian currency, the Naira as the nation’s critical symbol of national identity.

Mrs Ali assured that the apex bank will sustain its efforts towards ensuring the availability of clean currency notes with the right mix.

“The CBN will sustain its efforts towards ensuring the availability of clean currency notes with the right mix. We, however, urge you to see Naira as our critical symbol of national identity. Respect and keep it clean.

“Do not spray, hawk, mutilate or counterfeit the Naira,” she warned.

The acting director noted that Nigeria recorded $6.83 billion balance of payments surplus at the end of 2024, adding that the bank has continued to address pockets of macroeconomic challenges confronting the economy and ensuring that the banking system remains robust and resilient.

“In the same vein, the Bank is also closely monitoring the ongoing recapitalisation of the banking sector, to ensure the injection of quality capital as envisaged in the framework.

“The Nigerian payments system has continued to be reckoned with globally. CBN has remained resolute in ensuring effective and efficient payments system infrastructure. This has accelerated the financial inclusion drive and broadened payment possibilities for Nigerians.

“These payment platforms have made financial transactions more seamless, cost-effective and accessible to a wide range of users,” she stated.

The federal government has refuted a report by the United States Embassy in Abuja, claiming that Christians in Nigeria have been systematically targeted for extermination and other forms of persecution by fundamentalist Islamists in the country.

Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement on Friday, descibed the report as misleading and oversimplified a deeply complex national security challenge facing the country.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concern a recent social media publication by the United States Embassy, Abuja, regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the testimonies provided by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the United States Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.

“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.

“The assertion that the Nigerian government has “allowed the violence to escalate unchecked” is both inaccurate and unfair.

“The government has consistently taken decisive action, including; deploying security forces to areas affected by communal violence; engaging in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders; strengthening intelligence operations to track down criminal elements and implementing policies to address rootcauses, including land use reforms and economic development initiatives,” the statement said.

The federal government emphasised that while these challenges remain, it is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent.

It added the reality that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organised crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.

“The Nigerian government remains fully committed to upholding freedom of religion and freedom of expression, among other freedoms. Any report of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.

“The current administration values its partnership with the United States and other international allies in addressing security concerns, and therefore calls for caution against narratives that risk deepening religious divisions and misrepresenting the situation on the ground, but also enjoins well-meaning partners to join its efforts towards the maintenance of peace and security.”

The Federal Government restated it’s commitment to continually prioritising protection of the lives and property of its citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, while strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.

“We therefore call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarisation,” the statement added.