Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and a leading aspirant for the 2027 election, has clarified that his Monday visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan was part of ongoing consultations with prominent national leaders ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

Obi led a delegation of top South-East leaders to Jonathan’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

The closed-door meeting, which lasted about two hours, included figures such as former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, ex-NDDC Managing Director Onyema Ugochukwu, and Senators Ben Obi and Victor Umeh.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Obi described the engagement as a continuation of his broader consultations with former Nigerian leaders, including ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida.

“We need to consult them, especially someone like him (Jonathan) who served the country very faithfully, focused, and did what is expected in a democracy,” Obi said. “In this declining situation, you consult him.”

He emphasized that the visit was not about seeking endorsement or forming pacts, but about seeking wise counsel from experienced statesmen amid Nigeria’s current challenges.

The meeting comes as political activities and realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Obi positioning himself as a strong contender.

He has consistently framed such engagements as necessary steps to address the nation’s pressing issues through dialogue and experienced perspectives.

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Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State, says he will serve with integrity, focus and a clear sense of purpose if elected as the next governor.

The remark followed the endorsement of his 2027 governorship aspiration by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor.

According to a video seen by TheCable, Sanwo-Olu endorsed Hamzat as his successor during a meeting with party leaders at the governor’s office in Alausa on Monday.

The governor, who described Hamzat as the “best man for the job,” also offered prayers for his deputy, wishing him strength, peace and divine support in his future endeavours.

“Peace of mind, peace in your family among your children, wife, spouse and everybody. That which you require, God will provide it for you: renewed strength, God Almighty will make it available for you,” Sanwo-Olu said.

At the end of the meeting, Sanwo-Olu embraced his deputy and raised his hand before party members and leaders in a symbolic gesture that drew applause from those in attendance.

In an appreciation post on his X page, Hamzat said Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement means “a great deal” to him.

“Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my Governor, my
brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he wrote.

“His trust means a great deal to me. We’ve worked side by side in the service of Lagos State, and I don’t take this vote of confidence
lightly.”

“I remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made together, and look forward to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus and a
clear sense of purpose.”

The development comes amid recent speculation over possible
contenders for the 2027 Lagos governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with political discussions suggesting that Hamzat had emerged as a leading contender.

However, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, a
former governorship candidate, had earlier dismissed claims that the party had settled for a preferred aspirant.

In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, Jandor said no formal decision had been taken by the party leadership.

He added, however, that he would align with the outcome if the party eventually adopts a consensus candidate for the race.

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Some gunmen struck again in the Imafon community, in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, abducting a farm manager, Afolabi Ajayi.

The gunmen were said to have attacked the victim at about 10.30 while he came down from his car to enter the poultry farm.

A family source stated that since the manager had been kidnapped, the bandits had not contacted the family over the issue of ransom.

The source said, “He (victim) came to the poultry farm this morning to check on the workers and how the farm was being run, but the gunmen rushed out from the bush and took him to an unknown destination in the forest.”

The source said the matter was immediately reported at the police station.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the men of the state police command had been deployed in the area to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The command has been notified of a kidnapping incident at Ilado, where a farmer was abducted while working on his farm.

“In swift response, additional security apparatus, including tactical teams, have been deployed and are currently combing the surrounding bush to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and apprehension of the perpetrators.

“The command assures the public that all necessary operational strategies are being employed, with utmost priority placed on the victim’s safety. Further updates will be communicated as the situation unfolds,” Jimoh stated.

Recall that on Sunday, gunmen abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.

The incident, which occurred late Sunday, targeted a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.

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The Federal Government has projected that aviation fuel prices could range between N1,760 and N2,037 per litre, following high-level engagements aimed at addressing persistent supply and pricing challenges in the sector.

The projection emerged after a meeting convened by the Minister of Aviation and Airspace Management on April 22 and 23, 2026, involving key stakeholders across the aviation and petroleum value chain.

Participants at the meeting included officials of the Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Federal Airports
Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority, airline operators and aviation fuel marketers.

The meeting resolved to constitute a technical committee to further examine the issues and propose practical solutions.

Subsequently, the NMDPRA convened the committee on April 24, 2026, where key recommendations were made to stabilise the market and ensure sustainable supply.

According to the committee, the indicative end-user price of aviation turbine kerosene (ATK) is expected to range between N1,760 and N1,988
per litre in Lagos, and between N1,809 and N2,037 per litre in Abuja. The
pricing benchmark was based on Platts average rates recorded between April 17
and 23, 2026.

The committee noted that prices may fluctuate outside the stated range due to market volatility, including geopolitical tensions and varying operational costs among suppliers.

To improve efficiency in distribution, the committee recommended that the NMDPRA should direct marketers to sell aviation fuel directly to airline operators within the specified period.

It also called for regulatory engagement to review pricing components, including premium adjustments and cost variations recently introduced by refineries, with a view to ensuring price stability.

In addition, the committee advised closer collaboration between the NMDPRA, FAAN and NCAA to streamline airside operations by validating distributors with adequate infrastructure and reducing the number of operators based on agreed criteria.

On the issue of mounting debts within the sector, the Ministry of Aviation was urged to facilitate a consultative meeting between oil marketers and airline operators to resolve outstanding obligations.

The committee further recommended that marketers consider introducing a 30-day credit window to ease financial pressure on airlines.

It also proposed the inclusion of aviation fuel under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude initiative as part of broader efforts to stabilise supply and pricing in the sector.

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The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has dismissed a viral message circulating on social media alleging new traffic restrictions around the Sheraton Link Bridge inward Opebi Road in Ikeja, describing it as false and misleading.

In a statement shared on its official X handle on Monday, the ministry said there has been no change to traffic rules in the affected axis, urging motorists to disregard the information in circulation.

“FALSE TRAFFIC INFORMATION CONCERNING SHERATON LINK BRIDGE INWARD OPEBI – PLEASE DISREGARD,” the ministry stated.

It added that “the information circulating about changes and restrictions around Sheraton Link Bridge inward Opebi Road is false and misleading.”

According to the ministry, there are no new diversion plans or alterations to existing traffic flow in the area.

“Traffic rules in that area and its environs remain the same for now until advised otherwise by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation,” it said.

The ministry also dismissed allegations contained in the viral message claiming that task force officials were stationed in the area to harass or extort motorists.

“Also, the claim that task force officials are ‘preying’ on motorists is false. There is nothing like that happening,” it added.

The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who urged residents to rely only on verified government channels for traffic updates.

“Please ignore the message and rely only on official traffic information from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation. Stay safe and do not share false information,” he said.

The clarification comes after a viral WhatsApp and X message circulated widely on Sunday morning, claiming that motorists approaching Sheraton Link Bridge inward Opebi must divert through alternative routes, including Ojota-Opebi bridge, and alleging aggressive enforcement by task force officials.

The message, which used alarmist language about officials “on the prowl looking for who to devour,” sparked confusion among road users before the ministry’s rebuttal.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recorded significant achievements in the past three years, transforming key sectors of the economy and restoring national pride, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said on Monday.

Onanuga made the remarks while briefing journalists ahead of a planned media tour of project sites aimed at verifying the administration’s
performance across the country.

He noted that the projects span all states of the federation and cover critical sectors, including infrastructure, human capital development and economic growth.

“The purpose of this tour is to showcase what the administration has achieved so far and to demonstrate its seriousness and commitment to transforming the country. These projects cut across all sectors of the economy and are spread across the federation,” he said.

Onanuga added that once the projects are unveiled, Nigerians would clearly see the extent of the administration’s impact.

“By the time these projects are presented to Nigerians, it will be evident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has changed the landscape of the country and renewed hope among the people,” he said.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Tunde Rahman, said the media would soon begin independent monitoring
of projects executed by the administration across the country.

He noted that the initiative would help highlight efforts aimed at improving living standards and adding value to the lives of Nigerians.

During the briefing, officials from the ministries of health, transport and information highlighted achievements recorded in their respective sectors, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would address key national challenges.

Speaking on developments in the health sector, Nasiru Mohammed cited the Presidential Initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain, noting that it has boosted local drug production and reduced costs. He added that the policy has also attracted increased interest from multinational pharmaceutical companies following the signing of an Executive Order by the President.

An official of the Ministry of Information, Rabiu Musa, highlighted the introduction of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major intervention that has improved access to funding for students pursuing higher education.

“This is one of the most impactful programmes introduced to support students in Nigeria,” Musa said.

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Kano State House of Assembly has confirmed Murtala Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State

The confirmation followed his screening by lawmakers during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Isma’il Falgore.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee and Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Bello, said Garo’s nomination came after the resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

He explained that the screening was carried out in line with Section 191(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the Assembly to approve a nominee when there is a vacancy.

According to the committee, Garo went through a detailed screening where he answered questions on his education, work experience, understanding of governance, and plans for the state. His credentials were also verified.

The committee said the nominee showed a clear understanding of the duties of the office and presented plans to support the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Based on its findings, the committee recommended his confirmation, and the House adopted the report.

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has completed and energized new transmission lines to boost the capacity and stability of the national grid

TCN said the projects will improve bulk power delivery, ease system constraints, and support more reliable electricity supply to distribution companies nationwide.

The company noted that the new lines are designed to raise transmission capacity and enable better evacuation of power from generation plants. This is expected to reduce transmission bottlenecks that often affect supply to homes and businesses.

According to TCN, the upgrade forms part of ongoing grid expansion and modernization efforts under the Federal Government’s power sector reform plans.

Details on the specific locations and capacity of the newly commissioned lines were not provided. TCN said additional information will be released as more projects are finalized.

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The US government on Thursday made it easier for Americans to use cannab!s for medical reasons by reclassifying the drug and enabling more research into its safety and efficacy.

Mar!juana has been reclassified as having moderate to low addiction potential, “expanding patients’ access to treatments and empowering doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions,” acting attorney general Todd Blanche said.

It was earlier classified as “Schedule I,” a category for drugs with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse” that includes heroin and methamphetamine, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

It has now been moved to the third rung of the five-level Drug Schedule.

The Department of Justice said Thursday’s move followed up on President Donald Trump’s executive order in December on increasing medical mar!juana research.

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