The Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, venue of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2025 convention, is bubbling with activities.
Delegates from different states have converged on the stadium for the event.
Despite legal hurdle, the PDP had vowed not to halt its convention.
Below are some pictures from the venue: 
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has announced that each of the state’s 255 political wards will receive ₦100 million in the 2026 draft budget, marking a historic move toward direct grassroots funding.
Speaking at a special town hall meeting for the public presentation of the budget on Friday, the governor explained that the decision was shaped by citizens’ feedback from last year’s consultations.
Many residents highlighted severe developmental gaps in rural communities, including the fact that 12 out of 23 Local Government Areas had not received even one kilometre of road construction in 12 years.
“The ₦100 million per ward allocation ensures that communities themselves identify, prioritize, and implement projects that matter most to them,” Sani said.
“This includes feeder roads, water supply schemes, health facilities, farm-to-market links, security infrastructure, and community economic programmes.”
The governor emphasized that decisions on how the funds are used will no longer be dictated from above.
He cited the water sector as an example, where budget allocations were increased from ₦10 million to ₦100 million following citizens’ demands, showing that community input directly shapes development priorities.
Sani also highlighted ongoing state projects, including extensive road construction across LGAs, many at 90–95% completion, such as: 24 km inter-community roads, 35 km in Sanga, 22.5 km in Soba, 24.7 km in Zangon Kataf and 14.2 km in Igabi.
These projects are set to complement the ward-level allocations and ensure equitable development.
Health and Agriculture Initiatives
According to the governor, citizen consultations have also guided investments in health, making Kaduna the only state in Nigeria to upgrade all 255 primary healthcare centres from level 1 to level 2, earning recognition as the best PHC system in the Northwest.
Renovation and equipping of 16 general hospitals are also aligned with ward-specific needs, with nine already completed.
On agriculture, wards with significant farming populations will receive targeted interventions funded by the ₦100 million allocation.
This complements ongoing initiatives such as the distribution of nearly 900 trucks of fertilizer and Kaduna’s recent $250 million agro-industrial investment deal, aimed at boosting market access, value addition, and rural incomes.
Kaduna’s skill development programs, currently enrolling 90,000 youths under the Federal Government’s TX training initiative, will also benefit from ward-level funding, enabling communities to sponsor vocational and digital skills programs.
Major transportation projects, including a planned BRT system and 44 km light rail, are expected to strengthen local economies, improve mobility, and enhance security coordination.
Governor Sani stressed that the philosophy behind the ₦100 million per ward is fairness, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing that development should reach every community, regardless of political affiliation, origin, or religion.
“The 2026 budget is your budget, and the ₦100 million is for the people to decide, not the government to dictate,” he said.
The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, has stated that conflicting court judgments in Nigeria should not be interpreted as a sign of judicial collapse, but rather as a natural outcome of a dynamic legal system.
Speaking at an interactive session ahead of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference in Abuja, the former President of the National Industrial Court said differing outcomes in similar cases arise from judges’ individual assessments of facts, evidence, and the law.
“Judges deliver judgments based on the facts and evidence before them,” he explained.
“Even in the United States, one of the world’s most established judicial systems, state courts frequently reach different conclusions on similar legal issues.”
According to him, such divergences are healthy for legal development and are ultimately harmonised through the appeal process, culminating at the Supreme Court.
“When courts deliver conflicting decisions on the same matter, the appellate courts exist precisely to resolve them. Whatever the Supreme Court finally decides becomes binding on all other courts,” he said.
However, Justice Adejumo cautioned that while judges of coordinate jurisdiction are not bound by one another’s rulings, it would amount to judicial rascality for a lower court to contradict the decision of a superior court.
“Once the Supreme Court has spoken, no division of the Court of Appeal or any lower court should issue a contrary ruling,” he warned.
“At best, they may offer clarity where interpretation is needed.”
He proposed stronger procedural safeguards to discourage parallel filings, suggesting that litigants should be made to swear an affidavit confirming that the same matter has not been initiated in another court, a breach of which, he said, would constitute perjury.
Justice Adejumo also reflected on his three decades on the Bench, recalling how the National Industrial Court evolved into a superior court of record.
“When I took office in 2003, the NIC had only two divisions, Lagos and Abuja, and 123 staff,” he said.
“Through persistent advocacy, we secured the National Industrial Court Act, 2006, and later championed a constitutional amendment that elevated the court’s status.”
The amendment, endorsed by the National Assembly and 33 states, placed the NIC as the fourth-highest court in Nigeria’s hierarchy and granted its president full membership of both the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
“Judges Do Not Manufacture Evidence”
Seeking to dispel misconceptions about the judiciary, he emphasised that judges decide cases strictly on facts, evidence, witnesses, law, and precedent.
“A judge does not embark on a voyage of discovery,” Adejumo said.
“In criminal matters, guilt must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Any doubt must be resolved in favour of the accused. It is better for 100 guilty people to go free than for one innocent person to be wrongly convicted.”
Justice Adejumo reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening judicial education, describing the NJI as the “heartbeat of the Nigerian Judiciary” and a forum that brings together judges, lawyers, journalists, and the public to enhance justice delivery.
He expressed confidence that the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference would deepen professional knowledge, improve standards, and reinforce public trust in the justice system.
The Federal Government has raised alarm over Nigeria’s growing inability to adequately feed more than 50 million cattle owned largely by rural communities, describing the situation as a national emergency requiring swift intervention.
This concern was voiced by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the opening of a two-day policy dialogue on the PRISMA project, organised by the ECOWAS Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA).
He was represented by Dr. Peter Alike, Director of the Technical Office in the Office of the Permanent Secretary.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s livestock industry holds immense economic potential, capable of generating over $94 billion within a decade if properly harnessed.
Despite persistent challenges—particularly the acute shortage of animal feed—he noted that the sector still contributes more than $32 billion to the nation’s GDP.
Maiha said the establishment of a dedicated livestock ministry reflects the government’s commitment to repositioning the sector for national growth and food security.
He stressed that feeding livestock must be treated as an urgent priority, given its direct impact on rural livelihoods, stability, and national survival.
“With over 50 million cattle in rural communities, feeding them is not something we can postpone. Failure to do so threatens our very livelihoods and peace. It is an emergency,” he stated.
The minister also cautioned against excluding Nigeria from major regional agricultural projects, arguing that the country’s size and resources make its involvement essential for success.
Speaking at the event, Konlani Kanfitin, Acting Executive Director of ARAA, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to strengthening research and development in livestock production.
He praised the European Union and Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) for supporting the PRISMA initiative, which aligns with ECOWAS’ agricultural policy aimed at transforming food and farming systems across West Africa and the Sahel.
PRISMA researcher and agricultural engineer, Dr. Fernando Escribano, highlighted the project’s focus on addressing aflatoxins—toxic metabolic substances produced by fungi and bacteria in feed, especially under high heat and moisture.
He emphasised the urgent need for unified standards across the region for detecting and controlling aflatoxin contamination.
“Aflatoxins do not recognise national borders,” Escribano explained.
“We need harmonised methods for sampling, measurement, and defining acceptable levels so that our livestock feed remains safe.”
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has dismissed viral reports claiming that former Governor Willie Obiano has died, insisting that the rumours are entirely false.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo confirmed that he personally spoke with Obiano and that the former governor is “alive, hale, and hearty.”
The clarification comes after unverified reports circulated widely on social media and some online news platforms alleging that Obiano passed away in a London hospital on Friday.
Soludo expressed deep concern over what he described as the “reckless and malicious” spread of misinformation, condemning those responsible for circulating the story.
He urged journalists and online publishers to adhere strictly to professional ethics by verifying information through credible and official sources before publishing.
“The spread of unverified death rumours is not only wicked and irresponsible but also undermines public trust,” the statement read. The Governor called on the public to disregard the false reports and maintain confidence in official communications.
Governor Soludo also extended his best wishes to Obiano, praying for continued strength, peace, and good health.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by actress Rita Daniels, her daughter Regina Daniels and other family members against Senator Ned Nwoko and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The case came up on Thursday before Justice Hamza Mu’azu, who issued the interim directive after noting that he is minded on hearing the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction brought by the applicants’ lead counsel, Chimezie Ogenna Nwodo.
In the suit, filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, Rita Daniels, Regina Daniels and ten others accuse the first respondent, Senator Nwoko, of using his political influence and the machinery of the Nigeria Police Force to harass, threaten and unlawfully arrest members of their family.
The applicants, who include Regina’s siblings, in-laws and family friend Doris Ogala, also allege that Nwoko threatened to have all of them detained unless Regina returned to him, following a series of domestic disputes between the estranged couple.
They seek two major reliefs from the court:
1. A declaration that threats of arrest and detention by Nwoko, allegedly executed through the IGP and police officers under his command, infringe on their constitutional rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.
2. An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents or their agents from further threatening to arrest and detain or arresting and detaining any of the applicants.
In their statement of facts, the applicants allege that the relationship between Regina Daniels and Senator Nwoko had deteriorated, resulting in repeated incidents of domestic violence and intimidation.
They allege that on 18 October 2025, Nwoko ordered his security aides to beat Regina and her sister, Destiny, and forcibly eject them from his residence after a domestic disagreement.
A viral video of the incident widely circulated on social media, prompting public outcry.
The following day, Nwoko published a statement on X (formerly Twitter) titled “Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage and Rampage in My House and in My Absence”, accusing his wife of drug abuse and alcoholism.
In the aftermath, the applicants claim that the 1st Respondent used the police to harass the family, leading to the arrest and five-day detention of Regina’s brother, Samuel Ojeogwu, who they say was denied access to counsel before being arraigned on charges of conspiracy, intimidation, theft, cyberbullying, and assault.
The applicants argue that they pose no threat, have committed no crime and have been targeted solely for supporting Regina during her marital crisis.
They express fear for their safety and ask the court to intervene before their rights to liberty, movement and possibly life are further endangered.
After listening to counsel for the applicants during Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Mu’azu suo motu (on the court’s own initiative) abridged the time for hearing the motion on notice.
He also ordered all parties, Nwoko, the IGP and the applicants, to maintain the status quo, effectively halting any arrests or further police action until the motion on notice is heard and determined.
The court then adjourned the matter to Wednesday, 19 November 2025, for hearing of the motion on notice.
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Bamidele Akingboye, was murdered.
Akingboye, who died at his residence in Victoria Garden City, Lagos, on September 3, had his death shrouded in uncertainty.
The autopsy, conducted on September 11, alongside further investigations, has now established that foul play was involved.
Speaking exclusively to Channels Television, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Jimoh, stated that the autopsy results have enabled the police to move forward with further investigation and prosecution.
As a result of recent findings, seven out of fourteen family members initially invited for questioning have been re-detained.
The police are currently awaiting legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) to determine the next steps.
Earlier, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, had arrested and interrogated nine close family members and aides in connection with Akingboye’s death.
Among the issues under investigation was a suspicious transfer of ₦50 million from the late Akingboye’s account, allegedly involving some members of his immediate family.
CP Jimoh stated, “With the toxicology findings concluded, we await advice from the DPP so prosecution can begin against anyone found culpable of murder.”
Akingboye’s first son, Samuel Akingboye, who resides in Ondo State, had alerted the police and called for a comprehensive investigation into his father’s death, which reportedly occurred under mysterious circumstances with his body found in the backyard of his mansion.
CP Jimoh reaffirmed the police’s commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially rejected the report of a reconciliation committee tasked with resolving internal disputes, insisting that the party’s national convention begins as scheduled.
The reconciliation committee, chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu and inaugurated on November 5, 2025, had recommended the formation of an all-inclusive caretaker committee to settle ongoing conflicts within the party.
The committee argued that proceeding with a convention not accepted by all members could compromise the party’s ability to field candidates nationwide.
Some party members aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had raised concerns about unresolved issues, including the conduct of congresses, which contributed to factionalism within the party.
Currently, two factions exist: one led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, which insists on holding the convention, and another led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, which has attempted to cancel it following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja.
The reconciliation committee also highlighted legal uncertainties, noting that multiple court orders could prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the convention.
It recommended lifting suspension orders and bringing all parties together for genuine reconciliation.
However, in a statement signed by PDP BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara on Friday, the BoT rejected the committee’s report, saying it does not reflect the board’s official position.
The BoT reaffirmed its support for the elective national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, to elect new party leadership for the next four years.
The statement emphasized that the idea of a caretaker committee was rejected and stressed that the convention is a matter of the party’s internal affairs, over which the courts have no jurisdiction.
Party members were urged to remain focused on ensuring a successful convention.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan adjourned ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction in a suit filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi over the national convention.
INEC’s counsel argued that as a federal agency, the commission falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, while the claimant’s counsel contended that this infringed on constitutional rights to lawful assembly.
After hearing both arguments, Justice Ladiran Akintola adjourned the ruling to December 8, 2025, while reaffirming that an interim order preventing interference with the convention remains in force.
Defendants in the case include the PDP, its acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (chair of the PDP Convention Organising Committee), and INEC.
Stand Up Nigeria, a civil society organisation, has slammed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for its plan to prohibit the production and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small bottles.
The group described the move as undemocratic, warning that it could threaten millions of jobs and wipe out trillions of naira in economic value.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, recently stated that the ban was being implemented in line with a directive from the Senate, which insisted that the agency must fully enforce the policy without granting any further extensions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the convener of Stand Up Nigeria, Sunday Attah, said the directive was disappointing, high-handed and unlawful.
He argued that the decision contradicts President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises support for local industries and job creation.
The group said it was “shocked” to learn that NAFDAC intended to halt the production, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET/glass bottles below 200ml by December 2025.
They further accused both NAFDAC and the Senate of rushing the process and failing to engage industry players, despite earlier commitments made during a meeting with the Federal Ministry of Health and members of the House of Representatives.
According to the organisation, the Senate’s directive appeared to have been issued without giving stakeholders an opportunity to present their views, and may have been influenced by NAFDAC’s position.
They warned that if implemented, the ban could destabilise the Nigerian economy.
Stand Up Nigeria listed several potential consequences to include The loss of over ₦1.9 trillion in investments by local manufacturers, The retrenchment of more than 500,000 direct workers, The collapse of up to five million indirect jobs across supply chains, marketing and logistics, A drop in manufacturing output, reversing recent gains in the food and beverage sector and The gradual extinction of indigenous businesses and reduced opportunities for entrepreneurship.
The group urged the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, to approve the Nigeria National Alcohol Policy and its multi-sectoral implementation framework.
They also appealed to the Senate to act “fairly and constitutionally” by revisiting the issue and organising a public hearing or stakeholder forum similar to the extensive consultations already conducted by the House of Representatives.
In recent years, Enugu, the beloved Coal City, has witnessed a remarkable transformation, one driven by deliberate vision and purposeful leadership.
At the heart of this renewal is Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose commitment to modernising Enugu has reshaped the city’s aesthetic character and elevated its urban experience.
His administration’s focus on infrastructure, beauty, and order has brought a fresh vibrancy to the state capital, making everyday life noticeably more pleasant for residents and visitors alike.
This vision has transformed Enugu beyond just an ordinary state capital to an aesthetic monumental paradigm for the Igbo people of Nigeria.
Among the most visible symbols of this new direction are the city’s revitalised roundabouts showcasing the culture and world view of Ndi Igbo.
Once marked by worn pavements and neglected spaces, these intersections have been redesigned with lush landscaping, clean paving, and artistic touches that brighten the city’s road network and tell the story of the people, who they are, and their way of life.
Under Governor Mbah’s watch, they have evolved into functional works of art, spaces that ease movement while creating moments of visual delight and ecstasy.
They now stand as landmarks of civic pride, reflecting the governor’s belief that even the smallest urban details deserve excellence.
Governor Mbah’s imprint is equally evident in the redesigned bus stops that have sprung up across the city. What used to be plain, weather-beaten shelters are now modern, comfortable, and thoughtfully built.
These upgraded bus stops offer residents clean seating, proper lighting, organised information displays, and essential protection from the elements.
For daily commuters, they bring dignity and convenience back into public transportation reminiscent of an intentional outcome of the governor’s people-focused approach.
Together, these projects form more than a beautification drive.
They demonstrate Governor Mbah’s genuine efforts to create a city that works, a city that is orderly, attractive, and responsive to the needs of its people.
His vision combines aesthetics with functionality, proving that good governance can touch the everyday lives of citizens in simple yet meaningful ways.
Conclusively, Enugu’s transformation under Governor Peter Mbah is a powerful reminder that urban excellence is achievable when leadership is purposeful and committed.
As the Coal City continues to evolve, the governor’s investment in beauty and infrastructure stands as a model for cities across Nigeria.
Enugu is not just changing; it is becoming a city its people, and Ndi Igbo in general can proudly call home, and much of that progress stems from Governor Mbah’s unwavering dedication to a better future.
Indeed, Tomorrow is Here
