Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Orders Reopening of Strait of Hormuz After US-Iran Peace Deal, Global Oil Supply to Resume
Iranian officials seek clarification on some deal terms as oil prices fall and markets react positively worldwide
Iranian officials seek clarification on some deal terms as oil prices fall and markets react positively worldwide
United States President Donald Trump has declared the completion of a peace agreement with Iran, authorising the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of US naval blockade, in a move expected to restore global oil supply. The announcement was made on Saturday via Trump’s Truth Social platform, ending months of heightened tensions that had threatened energy security and raised fears of wider conflict.
According to details provided by the US president, the deal includes a ceasefire between the two countries, temporary nuclear restrictions on Iran, and a commitment to discuss sanctions relief within a 60-day negotiation window. The order for free passage through the Strait of Hormuz—responsible for nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments—was issued immediately, with Trump stating: “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
This development follows weeks of mediation involving regional and international stakeholders aimed at de-escalating military hostilities in the Gulf. The US had earlier imposed a naval blockade around Iranian maritime routes, disrupting commercial shipping and contributing to volatility in global oil markets. The peace deal is widely seen as a significant breakthrough with potential implications for energy prices, trade flows, and Middle East geopolitics.
In his official post, Trump confirmed that both sides have agreed in principle to key terms: reopening of maritime routes; suspension of new US sanctions; monitored release of frozen Iranian assets; and a freeze on Iran’s nuclear expansion activities during talks. Draft terms also outline future negotiations on uranium enrichment levels and regional security arrangements. While Washington has presented the deal as complete, Iranian authorities have indicated that further clarification is required on some aspects before formal endorsement.
Oil prices dropped sharply following news of the agreement as traders anticipated increased supply from restored exports through the Strait. Stock markets responded positively, reflecting improved investor sentiment over reduced geopolitical risk. A formal signing ceremony is expected to hold soon in Switzerland to finalise outstanding details.
Observers say this marks one of the most significant developments in US-Iran relations in recent years. However, Iranian officials have not fully endorsed all provisions yet. As at Saturday evening, government sources in Tehran said discussions would continue on verification measures and final approval processes.
The resumption of normal shipping through the Strait is expected to ease pressure on energy-importing countries—including Nigeria—by stabilising global crude prices. Analysts note that any sustained improvement could boost Nigeria’s oil revenue projections for 2026 if global market stability is maintained.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Orders Deregistration of ADC, Accord and Three Other Parties Over INEC Application
Judgement follows suit by electoral commission citing failure of affected parties to meet constitutional requirements
Judgement follows suit by electoral commission citing failure of affected parties to meet constitutional requirements
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday ordered the deregistration of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties after an application by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The court delivered its judgement on 15 June, granting INEC’s request to remove the parties from its register for failing to meet constitutional thresholds.
According to court filings, INEC approached the court seeking an order to deregister the five affected parties following their inability to win any seat in the last general elections. The presiding judge ruled that the electoral body acted within its constitutional powers as stated in Section 225A of Nigeria’s Constitution, which empowers INEC to deregister political parties that do not meet minimum requirements such as winning a seat in either federal or state elections.
This development is significant for Nigeria’s political landscape, as it underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to streamline the number of registered political parties. Since 2019, many Nigerians have raised concerns about ballot paper congestion and confusion at polling units due to proliferation of small parties. The ruling is expected to have immediate impact on future elections, especially ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship polls.
INEC officials welcomed the ruling, noting that it will help sanitise the party system and make election administration more efficient. “The court has affirmed our power to ensure only viable parties remain on the ballot,” one senior commission official said after proceedings. However, representatives of some affected parties have expressed disappointment and hinted at plans to appeal the judgement, arguing that all parties should have opportunity for political participation regardless of electoral performance.
With this judgement, INEC is expected to issue a formal statement listing the deregistered parties in coming days. Political observers say this may further encourage existing smaller parties to intensify grassroots mobilisation so as not to suffer a similar fate in future.
Nigeria News (Standard)
House of Representatives Reshuffles Committee Leaderships After Minority Caucus Changes in Abuja
Move follows recent shifts in minority caucus composition; affected lawmakers to receive new committee assignments, say officials
Move follows recent shifts in minority caucus composition; affected lawmakers to receive new committee assignments, say officials
The House of Representatives in Abuja has carried out a major reshuffling of its committee leaderships following recent changes within the minority caucus. The development took place on Monday, 15 June 2026, with several standing and ad hoc committees seeing new chairpersons and deputies appointed by the House leadership.
The reshuffle comes amid internal realignments among opposition members, as parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) adjusted their caucus structures within the chamber. Sources in the House said the shake-up was necessary to reflect new political realities and ensure effective legislative oversight.
Committee assignments are considered crucial for lawmakers as they determine influence over key legislative areas such as finance, education, oil and gas, security, and health. In Nigerian parliamentary practice, committee leaderships are often distributed according to party strength, seniority, and regional balance. The latest reshuffle is expected to impact oversight functions and policy debates across several sectors.
Officials who spoke on condition of anonymity explained that affected lawmakers would be notified of their new postings before the next plenary session. There has been no official statement from House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas or principal officers as at press time. Meanwhile, some aggrieved members from minority parties have reportedly expressed concerns about transparency in the selection process.
The House is expected to reconvene later this week, where formal announcements on the new committee leaders will be made public. Observers say the development could alter legislative alliances ahead of key debates on national budget implementation and electoral reforms.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Atiku Picks Amaechi as Running Mate for 2027 Presidential Election
Move signals major alliance across party lines ahead of polls; PDP, APC leaders yet to issue official statements
Move signals major alliance across party lines ahead of polls; PDP, APC leaders yet to issue official statements
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has selected former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. The decision was made public in Abuja on Monday, 15 June 2026, marking a significant development in the build-up to Nigeria’s next general elections.
According to party insiders, Atiku’s choice of Amaechi is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen his chances by building a coalition that cuts across traditional party boundaries. Amaechi, who previously served as Governor of Rivers State and is a notable figure from the South-South geopolitical zone, has been a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His selection as running mate under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is expected to shake up existing political alignments.
This alliance between Atiku, a PDP stalwart from Adamawa in North-East Nigeria, and Amaechi, an influential politician from Rivers State in the South-South, is likely to alter campaign dynamics and influence voting patterns across key regions. Political analysts note that such cross-party partnerships have historical significance in Nigeria’s electoral landscape and could impact voter turnout and party loyalty ahead of the 2027 polls.
Neither Atiku nor Amaechi had issued official statements about the ticket as at press time. Efforts to reach spokespersons for both politicians were unsuccessful. Leaders of both the PDP and APC are also yet to release formal reactions to this development. Political observers say further clarifications are expected in coming days as parties finalise their lists of candidates for various offices.
With this announcement, attention now shifts to how other presidential hopefuls will respond and whether further alliances or defections will follow. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to issue guidelines for party primaries and nominations in the coming weeks.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/887846-2027-atiku-picks-amaechi-as-running-mate.html
