The Federal Government has formally debunked claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that Nigeria’s land borders are locked, clarifying that the nation`s borders are fully operational and cannot be "reopened." The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued this clarification on Saturday in Abuja. He was reacting to a recent policy promise made by Atiku, who pledged to reopen the borders if elected president in the 2027 general elections. Tunji-Ojo, whose ministry oversees the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), stated that it was vital to correct the wrong public impression regarding the status of the country`s gateways. "As the Minister of Interior overseeing border control and migration management, I must clarify that Nigeria’s borders are not closed," Tunji-Ojo said. "You cannot reopen what is already open." The minister outlined a timeline of border activations to support his position, beginning with the reopening of the Seme, Illela, Maigatari, and Mfum borders in December 2020. This was followed by the resumption of operations at the Idiroko and Ikom border stations in April 2022, and the official reopening of the Kamba and Tsamiya border posts in Kebbi State in February 2026 to reconnect Nigeria with the Niger and Benin Republics. The minister also faulted Atiku`s historical references to border dynamics involving Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin Republic. He explained that the prolonged closure of specific Cameroon border points—such as Banki and Amchidé—had absolutely nothing to do with the 2019 national trade policies. "Those closures date back to 2014 and were strictly forced by Boko Haram`s violent activities in the region," the minister explained. He added that those specific crossings were later reopened following successful joint military operations between Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. While acknowledging that a few northern entry points still experience tighter administrative restrictions, Tunji-Ojo maintained that these measures are deliberate, strategic actions meant to contain active security threats. He advised the opposition leader to approach governance issues with deeper nuance, arguing that modern border management goes far beyond merely opening or closing gates. It requires balancing national security, biometric documentation, customs compliance, and regulated international trade. "Atiku should present a clear, alternative plan for managing Nigeria`s complex borders rather than confusing separate trade and security challenges as a single issue," Tunji-Ojo concluded.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to reopen all closed borders across Northern Nigeria to revive trans-border trade and tackle growing insecurity. Addressing supporters in a video circulating online on Friday, the former Vice President lamented that the prolonged border closures have crippled local businesses and driven thousands of young entrepreneurs into bankruptcy. Atiku argued that cutting off trade with neighboring Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin Republic directly fuels the region`s security crisis by manufacturing mass unemployment. "All our young men and women who are engaged in trans-border trading are involved in legitimate business," Atiku said. "Those with capital of over one million Naira, who used to employ others, have gone bankrupt and become unemployed. How can there be security? If elected in 2027, I am going to reopen all the borders."

The 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a blistering attack on the ruling administration. He declared that his party is locked in an electoral battle against entrenched political interests whom he directly labeled as "thieves." In a video broadcast shared across his official social media platforms, the former Vice President accused the current leadership of systemic manipulation. He alleged that those in power did not stop at hijacking the electoral process but have gone ahead to cripple the nation`s economic structures. "We are competing with thieves," Atiku stated pointedly in the broadcast. "They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They have stolen everything," the opposition flagbearer remarked, setting a highly combative tone for the upcoming national polls. A central pillar of Atiku`s address was his bold policy pledge to immediately restore the fuel subsidy if elected to office. He argued that the abrupt removal of the subsidy by the incumbent government was a miscalculated policy that triggered widespread financial chaos. According to the ADC candidate, the elimination of the subsidy has rapidly pushed millions of vulnerable Nigerians into extreme poverty. He emphasized that the primary, non-negotiable responsibility of any legitimate government is to protect and prioritize the welfare of its citizens. The former Vice President rejected the narrative of national scarcity, maintaining that Nigeria remains wealthy enough to absorb energy costs. He promised that his administration would utilize the country`s vast resources to provide immediate financial relief and cushion households from harsh realities. Addressing the current inflation crisis, Atiku noted that soaring fuel prices have triggered an unsustainable domino effect across critical sectors. He pointed out that the skyrocketing costs of transportation and food have placed an unbearable, daily pressure on Nigerian families. To counter these hardships, the ADC candidate unveiled an economic blueprint aimed at boosting local manufacturing and stabilizing the national currency. He concluded his address by promising to foster business growth, improve physical security, and make take-home wages far more valuable for workers.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has vowed to reinstate the fuel subsidy regime and strengthen the local currency if elected into office in 2027. Atiku, a former Vice President, stated that his position on bringing back targeted subsidies remains unshakeable. He argued that Nigeria possesses sufficient resources to shield its citizens from the current economic hardships. In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the ADC candidate emphasized that a nation`s wealth should be measured by the purchasing power of its citizens rather than government revenue generation. "Regarding the subsidy issue, my stance hasn’t changed and won’t change: I will bring it back," Atiku declared. "A country that’s so fortunate doesn’t have any reason to leave its people struggling through difficult times." Atiku outlined a welfare-driven economic blueprint aimed at lowering inflation, boosting local production, and restoring the value of workers` wages. The opposition leader has announced a new subsidy plan targeting economic recovery through lower transportation costs, reduced consumer goods prices, and enhanced business expansion. Key initiatives include decreasing crop transit costs to curb food inflation and easing the cost of living for families. The proposal aims to foster economic growth by creating a supportive environment for local manufacturing, hiring, and expansion. This intervention is designed to address current financial struggles by increasing both affordability and business operational capacity. "I will make the naira in your pocket more valuable, make everyday life more affordable again, and protect our people," Atiku said, promising a focus on both economic and physical security.

Former federal lawmaker Senator Dino Melaye has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu following the weekend announcement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign council. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the official campaign list, released on Saturday, confirmed that President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will personally serve as the chairman and vice-chairman of the campaign council, respectively. Reacting to the development via his official Facebook page, Melaye described the self-appointment as an unprecedented and disgraceful departure from political norms. He argued that it is structurally abnormal for a sitting presidential candidate to simultaneously lead their own campaign machinery. "This is the first time in global political history that a presidential candidate will appoint himself as the chairman of his own campaign council," Melaye stated. "How can you be the candidate and still head the council? If Tinubu likes, he should become the spokesperson for his own campaign too." Melaye further alleged that the decision exposes a severe crisis of confidence within the ruling party, suggesting that the President no longer trusts his own cabinet members or state governors. According to the former Kogi West senator, the centralized leadership structure is a defensive mechanism born out of paranoia. "It is a disgrace that President Tinubu doesn`t trust anyone, not even his own shadow," Melaye added. "This bogus campaign structure proves they are terrified. He knows the APC governors and ministers cannot be trusted, which is why he wants every single development reported directly to him. It is entirely disgraceful." The APC leadership has yet to issue an official response to Melaye`s criticisms regarding the campaign council`s hierarchy.

Prominent political analyst and veteran publisher, Dele Momodu, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the government set a negative tone for the nation by announcing the fuel subsidy removal on inauguration day. Speaking during a live appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Momodu argued that the sudden policy announcement on May 29, 2023, delivered an immediate economic shock to citizens during what should have been a celebratory moment. He noted that the country has struggled to recover from the fallout of that decision ever since. The Ovation Magazine publisher raised serious concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the subsidy termination, describing the entire process as "shrouded in mystery." He stressed that the administration`s failure to provide clear facts, financial data, and verifiable figures has left the policy complicated and confusing for the public. Momodu also questioned the government’s fiscal strategy, pointing out a stark contradiction in its economic approach. He demanded to know why the administration continues to engage in heavy, unprecedented borrowing despite the massive revenues allegedly saved from ending the subsidy regime. Concluding his critique, the former presidential aspirant lamented the weakening of democratic accountability in Nigeria. He warned that the country is sliding into a form of dictatorship where elected leaders are immune to public scrutiny, and where officials react with anger whenever citizens demand basic answers.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday, officially presented his Certificate of Return to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, marking their first official meeting since Adeleke’s victory in last Saturday’s governorship election. The governor arrived at the Aso Villa at exactly 5:25 pm in the company of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Dressed in a navy blue traditional attire and wielding his signature walking stick, the newly re-elected governor alighted from a black Toyota Land Cruiser SUV before heading into a closed-door meeting with the President. Confirming the visit, the Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor, Olalekan Badmus, shared images online showing Governor Adeleke exchanging a warm handshake with President Tinubu. "Governor Ademola Adeleke presented his certificate of return to President Tinubu following a closed-door meeting at Aso Villa," Badmus stated. The high-profile visit comes less than 24 hours after Adeleke received the official document from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During the presentation ceremony on Wednesday, the governor announced a N500 million endowment fund dedicated to victims of election violence in Osun State. The certificate was handed over by the INEC National Commissioner for the South-West, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, at an event attended by top cabinet members and political associates. Adeleke’s victory marks a significant political shift in the state. Contesting on the platform of the Accord Party (AP), Adeleke secured his second term by polling 511,067 votes. He defeated his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 444,815 votes. The official results were validated on Sunday by the INEC State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole. This election marks a stark transition from 2022, when Adeleke—then running under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—initially unseated the former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.

Chaos broke out in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Wednesday afternoon when heavily armed hoodlums ambushed the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The attack occurred just as the governor was departing the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji. Governor Adeleke had visited the traditional ruler to present his newly received Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his recent re-election victory. According toTHENEWSCREDIT, the governor arrived at the royal palace around 3:15 pm in a 20-vehicle motorcade straight from the INEC state headquarters. Shortly after royal blessings were concluded and the governor boarded his official vehicle, attackers arriving in an unregistered Toyota Sienna opened fire. An eyewitness near the scene described the terrifying moments:"The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the governor’s convoy could safely pull out. The governor`s security team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce shootout before the attackers eventually retreated." The assault caused widespread panic, forcing nearby traders, residents, and passersby to flee for their lives. The hoodlums also reportedly destroyed the main gate of the Ataoja’s palace and extended their gunfire exchange with security forces down to the Osogbo Central Mosque before escaping through the Ita Olokan axis along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road. Reacting to the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the ambush but assured the public that the governor was unharmed. "They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security details successfully repelled them. The attack happened at the Ataoja’s palace. Thankfully, no casualty was recorded," Alimi stated. Despite the security team successfully clearing the path for the governor`s exit, sporadic gunshots were heard in the area up until late afternoon, forcing business owners to hurriedly lock up their shops over fears of reprisal attacks. Security agencies have commenced an investigation to track down the fleeing perpetrators.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially validated the re-election of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, presenting him with his Certificate of Return following his victory in the August 15 governorship election. True to his vibrant reputation, Adeleke celebrated the milestone with singing and dancing during the presentation ceremony. Olalekan Badmus, the Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor, confirmed the event on Wednesday via a post on X, stating, “Governor Ademola Adeleke receives Certificate of Return from @inecnigeria as the winner of August 15th, 2026 gubernatorial election in Osun.” The certificate presentation formally seals Adeleke’s mandate for a second term in office. It follows Sunday`s official declaration, where the electoral body confirmed Adeleke won 19 out of the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. Contesting on the platform of the Accord party, the incumbent governor defeated his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured victories in 11 LGAs. Following the ceremony, Governor Adeleke expressed deep gratitude to the people of Osun State. He assured residents that he would not take their mandate for granted, promising to use his second term to consolidate his administration`s achievements and correct past mistakes.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has declared that Peter Obi severely compromised his chances for the 2027 presidential election by ditching a united opposition coalition. Speaking on TVC News’ Politics Tonight, Fayose argued that the fragmentation of major opposition figures has effectively cleared a smooth path for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He noted that the decision by Obi and other prominent politicians to splinter into different parties shattered any realistic hope of presenting a formidable, united front against the incumbent power. “When they were all together, I would tell anybody that they will make an impact. The day Obi left for another party, that day he lost his 2027 chances,” Fayose remarked. While describing the former Labour Party standard-bearer as a "fantastic Nigerian who has made his mark," Fayose maintained that ego and division within the opposition camp will continue to hand easy victories to the ruling party. Fayose added that the opposition has crossed the point of no return, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already processed and accredited candidates for the upcoming polls. “It’s too late now,” he stated. “INEC has accredited everybody. Even if you say you are not running anymore, you’re on your own. You have put your feet in the water; you can’t get out. You are wet already.” Analyzing the political math for the 2027 cycle, the former governor projected a landslide victory for President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the South-West geopolitical zone. Driven by the alignment of key regional political heavyweights and 2023 voting data, Fayose predicted a massive turnout for the incumbent. Tinubu is expected to secure nearly 4 million votes from the South-West alone. Based on emerging realignment patterns, the President is statistically positioned to sweep the election with up to 65 percent of the total votes. Fayose also waded into the fallout of the recent Osun State governorship election, dismissing claims that electoral malpractice was exclusive to a single political party. He confirmed that security agencies caught operatives from multiple major parties, including the APC and PDP, red-handed in vote-buying schemes. Terming the behavior "mere desperation," Fayose emphasized that trading money for votes is a deeply rooted institutional crisis rather than an isolated incident. He concluded that sanitizing Nigeria`s electoral process requires collective cultural reform from both the political class and the electorate.