•List of 33 cleared aspirants, 65 disqualified others in circulation•Screening committee disowns list•Report not before national secretariat, ‘axed’ aspirants have right of appeal — APC national secretary THE fate of some aspirants into the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are believed to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, appears to be hanging in the […]
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Police Inspector Bright Appiah Danquah has been arrested in Kumasi for his alleged involvement in a series of armed robbery attacks targeting mobile money vendors across the city.
According to reports, the officer allegedly left his mobile phone at one of the robbery scenes, a development that later became a key lead in ongoing police investigations.
He is said to have subsequently visited a police station to officially report the device as stolen, only for investigators to allegedly connect the phone and other evidence to several similar robbery incidents in Kumasi.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to strike out a suit seeking to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, citing the plaintiff’s absence from court.
Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), made the request before Justice Peter Lifu after the plaintiff, a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, failed to appear for the scheduled hearing of the case.
Also absent were the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who are listed as the 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.
Uche told the court that since parties had already joined issues in the matter, the suit ought to be dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution.
He urged the court to either strike out or dismiss the suit and award N5m costs against the plaintiff.
The senior advocate argued that the plaintiff, being a legal practitioner, ought to have properly prosecuted the matter or informed the court of his inability to attend proceedings.
However, Justice Lifu declined the request for dismissal.
The judge observed that there was no evidence before the court to show that hearing notices had been served on INEC and the AGF ahead of Monday’s proceedings.
Justice Lifu said he would rather “bend backwards” one last time to accommodate the absent parties in the interest of justice.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter till May 15 for a definite hearing and ordered that hearing notices be served on the plaintiff as well as the absent defendants.
Jideobi had instituted the suit seeking an order restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party as a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
He is also asking the court to stop INEC from accepting, processing or publishing Jonathan’s name as a presidential candidate.
In the suit, the plaintiff asked the court to determine whether, having regard to Sections 1(1), (2), (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, Jonathan remains eligible to seek the office of president again.
According to the plaintiff, Jonathan had already exhausted the constitutional limit after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and subsequently serving a fresh four-year term following the 2011 election victory.
An affidavit filed in support of the suit by Emmanuel Agida stated that Jonathan assumed office as President on May 6, 2010, following Yar’Adua’s death a day earlier.
The deponent said speculations about Jonathan’s possible interest in the 2027 race prompted the filing of the suit.
“The plaintiff believes that the 1st defendant, having completed the unexpired term of late President Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full term after the 2011 election, has exhausted the constitutional limit of two tenures as president,” the affidavit stated.
The plaintiff further contended that unless the court intervenes, a political party might nominate Jonathan in breach of constitutional provisions.
According to the affidavit, if Jonathan contests and wins the election, he would be taking the presidential oath of office for the third time.
Agida maintained that the suit was filed in the public interest to preserve the supremacy of the constitution and protect Nigeria’s constitutional order.
Jonathan had earlier stated that he was still consulting on whether to contest the 2027 presidential election.
FLYGABON, Gabon’s national airline, has commenced flight operations from Lagos, expanding its presence in Nigeria and strengthening air connectivity between West, Central, and Southern Africa.
The airline, which previously began operations from Port Harcourt in January 2025, said the Lagos entry aligns with its broader strategy to deepen access to one of Africa’s largest travel markets and supports business, trade, and regional mobility.
FLYGABON currently operates 10 weekly flights into Nigeria, including six from Port Harcourt and four from Lagos.
Central to the airline’s offering is its Lagos to Johannesburg route, which it says significantly reduces travel time for Nigerian passengers.
According to the airline, the journey takes 7 hours 40 minutesdoor-to-door, compared to longer travel times on some existing routes, which can extend beyond 12 hours.
The flights are structured with daytime departures and arrivals, aimed at improving passenger convenience and safety, both in Lagos and Johannesburg.
In addition to Johannesburg, FLYGABON connects passengers from Lagos to 19 other destinations across Africa through its hub in Libreville, including Douala, Brazzaville, Malabo, Kinshasa, São Tomé…
Speaking on the launch, Chairman, FLYGABON, Marc Gaffajoli, said Nigeria remains central to the airline’s long-term growth strategy in Africa.
“Nigeria is not only one of the largest aviation markets in Africa, it is also a critical hub for business, trade, and regional movement. Expanding into Lagos allows us to connect more travellers to opportunities across Central and Southern Africa in a way that is faster, simpler, and more efficient.”
He also addressed concerns around rising aviation costs and sustainability in the industry.
“We are very aware of the current realities in the aviation sector, particularly around fuel costs. Our approach is not about being the cheapest, but about being efficient. By operating a structured network, a modern fleet, and maintaining strong operational discipline, we are able to offer a great product at a very competitive price point, while ensuring long-term sustainability.”
On FLYGABON’s broader vision for African travel, he added: “Our ambition is to redefine how Africans travel within the continent. We want to remove the complexity, reduce travel time, and make connectivity more accessible. This is a product designed for Africa, built around the needs of African travellers.”
Also commenting, Country Director, Cameroon/Nigeria, Fadimatou Noutchemo said, “This is about making travel easier and more accessible for Nigerians. We understand the challenges travellers face, from long journey times to limited flexibility, and we have designed our service to address those realities.”
She highlighted the airline’s value proposition for the Nigerian market.
“This launch is important for businesses, traders, and even lifestyle travellers looking to explore more of Africa. It opens up access to new destinations and opportunities, while offering a reliable and comfortable way to travel.”
FLYGABON said its entry into the Lagos market is supported by a pricing model designed to remain competitive despite rising aviation costs.
Fares for the Lagos to Johannesburg route start from ₦704,900.
Passengers are also offered additional benefits, including a baggage allowance of two 23kg pieces in economy class, flexible ticket options, and onboard services such as hot meals.
The airline operates a fleet that includes Airbus A320 and Bombardier CRJ aircraft, configured to provide improved seating comfort, expanded luggage capacity and comfortable onboard experience.
FLYGABON said tickets can be purchased through its website, www.flygabon.com, with payment options currently available via Naira cards and plans to introduce bank transfers and mobile money payments in Naira.
The airline is also operating an Airport Ticket Office at LagosInternational Airport, Terminal II, to support customer access and bookings.
FLYGABON emphasised its adherence to international safety standards, noting that it is certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has maintained IOSA certification, a globally recognised benchmark for airline safety and operational efficiency.
The airline, which has over 20 years of operational experience, operates under a privately managed structure with state backing, a model it says supports both operational agility and long-term financial stability.
By reducing travel time and improving access to multiple African cities, FLYGABON’s Lagos operations are expected to provide Nigerian businesses and travellers with an alternative option for intra-African travel.
FLYGABON is Gabon’s national airline, providing air transport services across Central Africa and beyond. The airline connects passengers to over 20 destinations across Africa through its hub in Libreville, with a focus on safety, reliability, and efficient regional connectivity.
For flight enquiries and bookings, click here: www.flygabon.com
Nigeria’s leading commercial banks generated a combined N684.21bn in e-business revenue during the 2025 financial year, underscoring the growing dominance of digital banking and fintech-driven financial services in the country’s banking industry.
The figure represents a 9 per cent increase compared to the N628.55bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, according to an industry report reviewed by THE WHISTLER.
The strong performance reflects the accelerating adoption of electronic banking channels by millions of Nigerians who now rely heavily on mobile banking applications, internet banking platforms, USSD transactions, automated teller machines (ATMs), point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and agency banking services for financial transactions.
Findings from the audited financial statements of five major tier-one banks — United Bank for Africa (UBA), Access Holdings Plc, FirstHoldco, GTCO Holdings Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc — showed that UBA and Access Holdings dominated the e-business revenue segment during the review period.
UBA emerged as the highest earner among the banks, posting N225.63bn in e-business revenue in 2025. Although the figure represented a marginal decline of 4.52 per cent from the previous year, the bank still accounted for approximately 33 per cent of the total e-business income generated by the five lenders under review.
Access Holdings followed closely with N215.27bn in revenue generated from electronic banking services, recording one of the strongest growth rates among the tier-one banks. The figure represented a 20.52 per cent increase from the N178.61bn reported in 2024 and accounted for 31.46 per cent of the total e-business earnings recorded by the banks.
FirstHoldco recorded significant growth in its digital banking income, posting N89.47bn in e-business revenue during the 2025 financial year.
This represented a 16.17 per cent increase compared to the N77.01bn generated in the previous year.
The bank contributed 13.07 per cent of the combined electronic banking income of the five financial institutions.
Zenith Bank also sustained positive growth in its digital banking operations, with e-business revenue rising by 11.33 per cent to N89.13bn from N80.05bn recorded in 2024.
The lender accounted for 13.02 per cent of the total revenue generated from electronic banking activities within the review period.
GTCO Holdings recorded N64.72bn in e-business income, reflecting a 14.42 per cent increase compared to the N56.57bn posted in the preceding year.
The financial institution contributed 9.45 per cent of the total e-business revenue generated by the banks analysed in the report.
Despite the strong growth in digital banking revenue, the banks recorded weaker overall profitability during the period under review. Combined profit after tax (PAT) for the five lenders declined by 22.76 per cent to N3.19tn in 2025 from N4.13tn reported in 2024.
Financial analysts attributed the decline in profitability to pressure on operating costs, macroeconomic challenges, exchange rate volatility, and increased competition within the financial services sector, particularly from fast-growing fintech firms.
The latest figures, however, reaffirm the growing importance of digital banking as a critical source of non-interest income for Nigerian banks.
Industry stakeholders noted that banks have continued to invest heavily in financial technology infrastructure to meet rising customer demand for seamless, faster, and more secure digital financial services.
Over the past few years, financial institutions have expanded their investments in mobile banking applications, digital payment gateways, internet banking platforms, agency banking networks, and electronic transaction systems in a bid to strengthen customer experience and improve operational efficiency.
The rapid adoption of fintech solutions has also enabled banks to increase transaction-based earnings through transfer charges, service fees, card payments, and electronic banking commissions.
Experts further noted that digital banking expansion is playing a major role in deepening financial inclusion across Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to conventional banking services remains limited.
Through agency banking networks, mobile money services, and telecom-supported financial platforms, millions of previously unbanked Nigerians are now able to access savings, payments, transfers, and other basic financial services.
Telecommunications companies have also emerged as critical partners in Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem by leveraging their extensive nationwide infrastructure to support mobile banking and electronic payment services.
Analysts said the collaboration between banks, fintech firms, and telecom operators has significantly increased transaction volumes across the country while accelerating the transition toward a cashless economy.
However, industry experts cautioned that the electronic banking space is becoming increasingly competitive as fintech companies continue to challenge traditional banks in digital payments, money transfers, lending, and other financial services.
According to analysts, while some banks recorded substantial growth in electronic banking income, others experienced slower growth due to stiff competition, changing consumer preferences, and rising innovation within the fintech sector.
They added that Nigerian banks are expected to intensify investments in digital transformation initiatives and strategic technology partnerships as they seek to maintain market share and capitalize on opportunities within the country’s expanding digital economy.
The sustained rise in e-business revenue among tier-one banks, analysts said, highlights the central role of fintech innovation in reshaping Nigeria’s banking landscape, strengthening financial inclusion, and driving long-term growth in the financial sector.
UBA, Access Lead Tier-One Banks’ N684bn E-Business Revenue Growth is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
The body of a female student of Federal University Of Technology Akure has been found close to the University
The student, identified as 23-year-old Favour Olaniyi, was reportedly discovered in a bush area close to the North Gate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
According to reports, an empty container of a suspected harmful substance was allegedly found near the scene, leading to growing speculation online about what may have happened.
However, authorities say investigations are still ongoing, and the exact circumstances surrounding the tràgedy have not yet been confirmed.
The shocking incident reportedly left many students and residents emotional, with groups gathering around the area trying to understand the heartbreaking situation.
School officials expressed sadness over the loss and revealed that the student’s family had been informed. The institution also encouraged students facing emotional or personal struggles to seek counselling and support instead of suffering in silence.
Police authorities confirmed that an investigation has already started, while the body has reportedly been moved for further examination.
Federal Capital Territory, FCT, minister, Nyesom Wike on Monday, washed his hands off the controversy surrounding the screening of aspirants by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, insisting that as a non-member of the party, the matter was entirely outside his purview.
“I am not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” Wike told journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Territory, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
He was characteristically blunt about the limits of his commentary. “What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” he said.
On the emerging political alignment in Rivers State ahead of 2027, Wike said his rainbow coalition would be guided by electoral pragmatism rather than fixed party loyalties.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We will look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.
The minister’s inspection tour took him across several road and bridge projects nearing completion in Abuja, and he expressed satisfaction with the pace of delivery.
The Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, has urged the Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Professor Kolawole Ogundipe to uplift the hospital Annex in Ilawe to provide 24-hour medical services to the people. The monarch also called for the use of the state-of-the-art equipment in the hospital annex, including laboratory facilities […]
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Former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared his readiness to support Peter Obi or any other presidential candidate produced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the party’s decision would be supreme.
Kwankwaso, who recently aligned with the opposition coalition in the NDC alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, said the party had already agreed to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term.
The former Kano governor appeared on Arise TV PrimeTime programme and confirmed that the decision was reached after consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the country.
“If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready”, he affirmed.
“Right from day one, we sat down together and we looked at the situation on the ground in the country and we decided to take a major decision, including zoning the presidency to the South for four years and after that, the Presidency will return to the North”, he added.
Kwankwaso added that many northern politicians who joined the party accepted the arrangement because they believed it was the best way to address long-standing political tensions over power rotation.
“We believe that the best place to take it is to the South so that we can eliminate the confusion that emanated from the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. What is key now is not the Presidency from the North or South, but rather to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.
Kwankwaso revealed that he and Obi had already held discussions on tackling insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
“Peter Obi and I have discussed a lot of ways we can tackle insecurity. I have worked together with people across board and I am sure of my capacity.”
Kwankwaso also hinted at a possible future alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar despite their political differences.
“We might still work together before election days. We had to leave because of issues that are very detrimental. So, we are not fighting anybody,” he stated.
overnor argued that the 2027 election would largely be driven by young Nigerians seeking a new direction for the country.
“The fact remains that so many things have changed in this country but we have to realize that it is the turn of youth.I remember my daughter told me to work with Obi in 2023,” Kwankwaso added.
According to him, both the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement share similar ideals and could work effectively together.
“The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, so are the Obidients,” he said.
Kwankwaso also criticised governors across the country, claiming many were depending heavily on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for political survival ahead of 2027.
“Our governors have made so much mistakes. I can tell you that all the governors are relying on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win elections,” he said.
“Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does.”
Dr. Franklin Ajayi is the Chairman and CEO of AF Royalton International Estates and Homes Limited, a Nigerian real estate and construction company. In this interview with TAOFEEK LAWAL, he discusses the reasons for the high cost of rent in Nigeria and how a robust mortgage system can help solve the housing deficit among low-income […]
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