Nigeria News (Standard)
Turaki-Led PDP Faction Protests INEC’s Candidate Upload Code Granted to Wike Camp in Abuja
Factional group accuses electoral body of bias as PDP leadership recognised by INEC commences 2027 ticket sales
Factional group accuses electoral body of bias as PDP leadership recognised by INEC commences 2027 ticket sales
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has protested the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the party’s candidate nomination upload code to the PDP National Working Committee aligned with Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The development unfolded in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Jungudo Mohammed, confirmed that INEC had provided access codes for uploading candidates’ names to the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee. He described this move as a clear validation of their leadership’s legitimacy within the party structure recognised by law.
This dispute stems from a recent Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 30, which nullified the party’s national convention held in Ibadan last November. That convention had produced Turaki and his supporters as leaders but was backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Following the court ruling, the Board of Trustees under Adolphus Wabara reappointed Turaki’s group as an interim committee, but both camps have since operated parallel structures.
Reacting to INEC’s action, Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for Turaki’s faction, argued that the recognition was only administrative and insisted that INEC would eventually be compelled to accept candidates submitted by their group as well. He referenced past disputes in Ekiti and Osun states where INEC was forced to upload names from rival factions. “The commission must recognise all authentic candidates,” Ememobong said during a phone interview.
Meanwhile, Mohammed stated that only his camp remained officially recognised by INEC and accused Turaki’s supporters of misleading party members. “Unfortunately for them, lies have an expiry date, and INEC has issued us the codes to upload our candidates. We have been duly recognised by the electoral umpire,” he said in a written statement.
While Mohammed’s camp has already begun selling expression of interest and nomination forms for various offices ahead of 2027—with all activities monitored by INEC—the Turaki-led faction continues to issue its own forms without official recognition or supervision from the commission.
The situation has deepened divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition party as preparations intensify for upcoming elections. With both camps determined to push forward with their respective primaries and candidate lists, stakeholders say further legal battles may be imminent if reconciliation is not achieved before 2027.
Source: https://punchng.com/turaki-pdp-faction-protests-inec-access-code-to-wike-camp/
Nigeria News (Standard)
CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London
Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority
Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority
Governor Olayemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been presented with the 2026 Central Banking Central Bank of the Year Award at a ceremony in London on Thursday. The award, which recognises excellence in central banking practice and leadership, highlights Nigeria’s role in global monetary policy discussions.
The event saw Cardoso join other top financial leaders from around the world as he accepted the prestigious accolade on behalf of Nigeria’s apex bank. The organisers noted that the CBN was selected for its performance and reforms in recent years, though specific criteria for this year’s recognition were not disclosed at the event.
The Central Banking Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for outstanding achievement among financial regulators globally. Past winners have included central banks from both developed and emerging markets, making this year’s award a significant milestone for Nigeria. Financial analysts say such honours can boost investor confidence and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices in economic management.
While official reactions from other government figures were not immediately available as at press time, observers within Nigeria’s financial sector have welcomed the recognition. Stakeholders point to ongoing reforms under Cardoso’s leadership and efforts to stabilise the naira and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
The CBN is expected to continue engaging with international partners following this achievement, as monetary authorities look to build on recent gains and address ongoing economic challenges. Further statements from Cardoso or federal officials are anticipated in the coming days.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo community leaders in Delta State have appealed to protesters occupying oil facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area to withdraw, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing dispute. The call was made on Thursday after federal authorities began mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-standing grievances over the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.
According to community sources, the affected oil installations had been occupied by demonstrators demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on constituency boundaries. This action, which disrupted operations at several key sites, prompted urgent engagement from both local leaders and the presidency.
The dispute over Warri Federal Constituency has persisted for years, with various ethnic groups raising concerns about political representation and resource allocation in the oil-rich region. The recent protest heightened tension in Delta State’s South-South zone, with stakeholders warning of possible economic losses if oil production remained paralysed.
Leaders from both Ijaw and Urhobo communities issued separate statements urging their youths to stand down while talks with federal officials continue. “We must give room for dialogue now that Mr President has shown commitment to address our demands,” one statement read. The elders also cautioned against further disruptions, noting the strategic importance of oil revenues for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
Presidential envoys are expected to meet with representatives of all aggrieved groups in the coming days. Meanwhile, security agencies have maintained patrols around major installations to deter any escalation. Delta State government officials have not issued an official comment as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Returnee Narrates Trauma as Xenophobic Attacks Trigger Mass Evacuations from South Africa
Federal government steps up repatriation efforts after multiple Nigerians recount violence and loss during Johannesburg unrest
Federal government steps up repatriation efforts after multiple Nigerians recount violence and loss during Johannesburg unrest
A Nigerian returnee from Lagos State has described harrowing experiences during the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, following the federal government’s renewed evacuation exercise on Thursday. The incident, which unfolded in Johannesburg and other cities, prompted Nigerian authorities to accelerate efforts to bring affected citizens home safely.
According to the returnee, who arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport alongside dozens of compatriots, many Nigerians were targeted in their homes and businesses, suffering physical assault and loss of property. The returnee detailed how attackers stormed residential areas, looting shops and setting buildings ablaze, leaving several families stranded with nowhere to turn.
The latest xenophobic violence has heightened concerns among Nigerians both at home and abroad, given the recurring pattern of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. In response, government said it remains committed to protecting its citizens wherever they reside. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that over 300 Nigerians had signalled interest in voluntary evacuation since the unrest escalated last week.
An official statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to ensure orderly repatriation. Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged government to provide psychological support for returnees dealing with trauma. “We urge authorities to prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected,” one advocacy group stated.
As more flights are scheduled to bring additional evacuees home in coming days, stakeholders are calling for long-term diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa to address the root causes of xenophobia. Experts say economic hardship and rising unemployment in host communities continue to fuel tensions against migrants.
