President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.
The directive was contained in an official circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and aligns with the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.
According to the circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the order affects a wide range of political office holders. These include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, directors-general, and chief executive officers of federal government agencies, commissions, parastatals, and government-owned companies.
The document further clarified that the directive applies to all presidential appointees seeking to participate in party primaries or contest for any elective office in the upcoming elections.
“All affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026,” the circular stated.
The move is seen as part of efforts to ensure compliance with electoral laws and to promote fairness in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the fasting period.
Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month of Ramadan.
He also called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity and prosperity of the country.
While wishing Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.
He added that the Federal Government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.
President has departed Abuja for a landmark state visit to the , marking the first such official trip by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The visit comes on the heels of a high-profile reception held at on March 11, where honored and celebrated the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK. The event underscored the enduring cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between both nations.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations, with key discussions centered on trade, investment, security cooperation, and climate partnerships. The trip is also seen as an opportunity to deepen economic collaboration, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and financial services.
During his stay, President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with senior UK government officials, business leaders, and members of the Nigerian community. Analysts say the visit could open new pathways for foreign direct investment into Nigeria, especially at a time when the administration is pursuing economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the nation’s economy.
The Presidency further noted that the historic nature of the visit reflects renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the UK, signaling a shared commitment to mutual growth and global cooperation.
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North East Local Government Area gathered on Monday, March 16th, 2026 for the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ward Ambassadors, a grassroots mobilization structure aimed at strengthening the party’s presence and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The inauguration ceremony, which drew party leaders, elders, and supporters from across the local government, emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and grassroots engagement in sustaining the party’s development agenda and preparing for future electoral victories.
In her address at the event, Chief Mrs. Odekunbi Omolola, the Ibadan North East Local Government Renewed Hope Ambassador, congratulated the newly inaugurated ward ambassadors and urged them to remain committed to the ideals of service, responsibility, and effective grassroots mobilization. She noted that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors were entrusted with the responsibility of mobilising party members, supporters, and undecided voters across wards and polling units while strengthening party structures at the grassroots.
Chief Odekunbi highlighted several economic relief initiatives introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to cushion the effects of economic hardship and improve the welfare of Nigerians. She specifically mentioned the student loan scheme, designed to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent Nigerian students from accessing tertiary education. The initiative has provided financial support to hundreds of thousands of students through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
She also referred to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, which aims to provide affordable alternatives to petrol for vehicles and reduce transportation costs through the distribution of conversion kits and the introduction of CNG-powered vehicles, Coastal Roads, Ife to Ilesha Express road among other developmental projects within the southwest and Nigeria at large.
According to her, the Federal Government has also increased allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to undertake more developmental projects and improve service delivery to citizens, and the President’s believe and interest in local government autonomy despite resistance from some state governments.
Chief Odekunbi further urged party members to effectively communicate government policies and achievements to the grassroots, translating them into language that ordinary citizens can understand and trust. She described the ambassadors as the bridge between the leadership and the people, tasked with identifying local challenges and sustaining public confidence in governance.
Several prominent party leaders and elders from Ibadan North East Local Government were present at the ceremony. They include Prince Gbade Lana, Dr. Olu Abiola, Hon. Oloya, Hon. Ahmed Bodunrin, Pa S.K. Popoola, Alhaji Bola Adigun, Rahman Babalola, Hon. Abiodun Alatise, Alhaja Romoke, Hon. Segun, Hon. Bankole, Hon. Akibu, Hon. Akiyesi Hon. Akanbi Adebayo, Dr. Saka Adewumi and Hon Jonathan Ogundiwin.
Also, the gathering reiterated their support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his re-election, also, and prayed that come 2027 General Election APC will win at all levels in the State, from the Governor, National Assembly Members and State Honourables.
Also present were the Chairman of the party in the Local Government and the Vice Chairman, alongside other party officials and stakeholders who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party’s grassroots structure.
The event also had in attendance Mrs Abidemi Oyenuga, the APC Renewed Hope Ambassador for Ido Local Government, who joined other party faithful in celebrating the inauguration and pledging support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ceremony concluded with a call for unity among party members and renewed commitment to mobilising support for the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.
A prominent Nigerian journalist and political analyst, , has claimed that the Governor of Oyo State, , might have defected to another political party if he were still serving his first term in office.
Otitoju made the remark on Friday while speaking on the Breakfast Show of , where he analysed the current political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the governor’s political calculations could have been different if he were still seeking re-election.
The veteran broadcaster explained that first-term governors in Nigeria often face intense political pressure and may consider switching parties to secure a second term. However, he noted that Makinde, who is currently in his second term under the platform of the (PDP), does not have the same electoral pressure.
Otitoju further stated that many politicians tend to align themselves with the ruling party at the federal level when seeking political survival. He argued that if Makinde were still pursuing another term, the temptation to move closer to the centre of power could have been stronger.
Despite the speculation, Otitoju acknowledged that Makinde has maintained a relatively independent political stance and has continued to strengthen his influence within the PDP and across the South-West political landscape.
The comments come amid growing conversations about political realignments in the region following the emergence of of the (APC) as Nigeria’s president, with analysts closely watching the moves of influential governors ahead of future elections.
The Nigeria Police Force has discovered the lifeless body of an unidentified woman in the Egbeda Area of Ibadan, Oyo State and is calling on members of the public to assist in identifying the deceased.
According to police sources, the body was found by residents in the early hours of the day at a location within Egbeda Local Government Area. Concerned residents reportedly alerted security operatives, who immediately moved to the scene to assess the situation and recover the body.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had no form of identification on her at the time she was discovered. Officers from the Egbeda Police Division have since evacuated the body and deposited it at a nearby morgue for preservation while investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
The police have appealed to anyone who may have information about a missing female relative or who can help identify the deceased to report to the nearest police station. Authorities assured residents that efforts are ongoing to uncover the cause of the incident and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or incidents in their communities to security agencies.
President has officially sworn in as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing him into the Federal Executive Council. The brief ceremony held at the State House marked the formal commencement of Oyedele’s role in the federal government’s economic management team.
Oyedele’s appointment followed a recent cabinet adjustment by the president, which saw the former Minister of State for Finance, , redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. His nomination was earlier forwarded to the Senate and subsequently confirmed after a screening by lawmakers.
Before his appointment, Oyedele served as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he played a key role in designing policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tax system and improving revenue generation.
As Minister of State for Finance, he will work closely with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, , to support the administration’s fiscal reforms and economic policies aimed at stabilising and growing the Nigerian economy.
Today, Monday 16th March, 2026 ,we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of an exceptional leader, patriot, and devoted son of Ibadanland, Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, as he ascends the 70th ladder of life.
As the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland, your leadership has been marked by vision, dedication, and an uncommon commitment to the progress and unity of Ibadanland. Now serving your second term as President General, your tenure has brought about remarkable achievements and historic accomplishments that will remain indelibly written in the annals of Ibadan’s development.
Your presidency has clearly enjoyed the benevolence and divine favour of Almighty Allah, with many milestones achieved through what can only be described as divine intervention and grace beyond human comprehension.
Among these landmark achievements and building on the solid foundations of your predecessors is the successful completion of the gigantic, state-of-the-art Aafin Ile Ibadan (Olubadan Palace). The completion of this historic edifice within just one year of your presidency stands as an unprecedented accomplishment—an enduring legacy that will forever symbolize your purposeful leadership and dedication to Ibadan’s heritage.
Equally commendable is the establishment of the Kola Daisi Entrepreneurship Center, a life-changing initiative wholly sponsored by Bashorun Kola Daisi. Through this centre, hundreds of thousands of indigent residents are empowered with free skill acquisition in various technical vocations, giving hope, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods to many families across Ibadanland.
Your tenure has also witnessed generous contributions from distinguished sons of the land. During the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival, ably led by Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, a brand new 18-seater bus was generously donated by the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Aare of Ibadanland and Grand Commander of Ibadan Culture (GCIC), His Eminence, Alhaj Daood Makanjuola Akinola-further strengthening the institutional capacity of the CCII.
Noteworthy as well are the ongoing landmark projects around the Olubadan Palace, all progressing simultaneously under your watch. These include the Olubadan Palace Church, generously sponsored by Asiwaju Olabode Amao; the Olubadan Palace Mosque, sponsored by Aare Daood Makanjuola Akinola GCIC; and the recently commenced Olubadan Palace Health Center, whose foundation was laid just last week, ably facilitated by Dr. Kazeem Adesola Adeduntan, formerly of First Bank Plc. These projects collectively represent a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and community development in Ibadanland.
Over and above all these remarkable achievements is your dedication, determination and commitment to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in achieving the Ibadan State of our dreams. May the good Lord make it happen very soon.
As you celebrate your 70th birthday, we reflect with pride on a life devoted to service, leadership, and the upliftment of your people. Your legacy is one of vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ibadanland.
On this special occasion, we pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with sound health, renewed strength, long life, and abundant wellness as you continue to serve humanity and our beloved Ibadanland.
Hearty congratulations, our esteemed President General. Long may you live.
Warmest regards,
Balogun Gaphar Ojetola Asaaju Iyalode Ramat Ojetola and Family
A tragic road traffic accident has claimed the lives of four passengers and left four others injured following a collision involving an articulated truck and a commercial mini bus along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos.
The fatal incident occurred over the weekend opposite Beechwood, Shapati, inward Ajah, along the busy Lekki–Epe corridor.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the crash involved a HOWO articulated truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a fully loaded Suzuki commercial mini bus popularly referred to as a “Korope.”
Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the articulated truck lost control of the vehicle while in motion. The truck reportedly veered uncontrollably across the carriageway before violently ramming into the oncoming commercial mini bus conveying passengers.
The impact of the collision resulted in the immediate death of four passengers inside the mini bus, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Emergency responders and traffic officials quickly arrived at the scene to rescue the injured victims and clear the wreckage from the road in order to restore traffic flow along the heavily used corridor.
Authorities said the injured victims were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated from the crash site.
The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and the operations of heavy-duty trucks along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, a corridor that has recorded several accidents in recent times.
As FCT Ward Chairmen, Party Leaders Reiterate Support
Former Presidential candidate and Global businessman, Dr Gbenga Hashim, has expressed confidence that Nigeria can regain its economic strength if the country is guided by responsible and visionary leadership.
Hashim made the remarks when PDP Chairmen of the 62 wards in FCT Area Council, Local Government Chairmen of the six Area Councils and members of the State Working Committee led by the Chairman, Alhaji Ismail Mohammed Dogara, paid him a thank-you visit at his Utako office Abuja, where they reaffirmed their support for his political vision and pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation within the PDP.
The delegation said their visit was also to appreciate Hashim’s consistent engagement with party members and to encourage his continued involvement in efforts to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Speaking during the meeting, Hashim said Nigeria had the resources and human capital needed to rebuild its economy, stressing that the country’s present challenges could be reversed with sound policies and purposeful leadership.
He noted that Nigeria once enjoyed a strong and vibrant economy driven by transparency, discipline and productive policies, adding that earlier generations of leaders laid foundations that allowed the country to compete favourably with other emerging economies.
According to him, the highlight of Nigeria’s Economic prosperity was in 1966 when Nigeria’s GDP doubled Malaysia’s and bigger than Indonesia’s, and in 1976 when Nigeria’s Per Capital Income tripled that of China.
Hashim also cited the industrial growth of the North and other regions during the First Republic as an example of what visionary leadership could achieve, recalling that policies introduced under the late Northern Premier, Ahmadu Bello, transformed Kaduna into a thriving textile hub that provided employment for thousands of workers.
He said the experience demonstrates that Nigeria still has the capacity to rebuild its industrial base, revive manufacturing and create large-scale employment for its growing population. “Poverty, disease, ignorance and unemployment are not normal conditions for Nigeria because this country has prospered before,” Hashim said, expressing optimism that economic revival remains achievable.
He also called on Party Officials at the Grassroots to strengthen mobilisation efforts, describing Ward Leaders as the “commanders” of the Party’s structure whose work is critical to electoral success. Hashim further expressed optimism that ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Peoples Democratic Party would restore unity among members. “We will unite the PDP; all the factions have agreed to work together,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP in the FCT, Ismail Mohammed Dogara, commended Hashim for maintaining close contact with party members across the different levels. He described the former Presidential Candidate as a pan-Nigerian leader who regularly engages grassroots stakeholders and carries them along in his political activities.
According to him, their visit was to reaffirm their solidarity with Hashim and to encourage him to sustain his engagement with Party Structures across the country. “Other presidential candidates hardly sit down with Ward Chairmen. You can see how Dr Hashim has humbled himself to engage with us at the grassroots,” he said.
Dogara also expressed confidence in the resilience of the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that despite internal challenges, the Party still possesses a strong nationwide structure capable of winning future elections.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, grassroots mobilisation and collective efforts to reposition the Party ahead of upcoming political contests.
