Author: Daily Post Nigeria

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Osifo Stanley, is set to pick the 2027 presidential ticket to challenge the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Declaring his intention on Monday, Stanley is said to be the first aspirant to publicly contest the party’s presidential primary against Tinubu.

This is as the party’s governors, National Assembly members and other stakeholders during the March convention adopted Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

State chapters, including Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ekiti and Lagos, had subsequently endorsed the President in quick succession, presenting what appeared to be a closed field.

However, addressing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Stanley stressed that he had already requested the party’s account details for the payment of the requisite fees, making clear that his declaration was not rhetorical but operational.

The Edo-born politician anchored his defiance squarely on the law.

“I believe strongly that we all have the right to enjoy our constitutionally-guaranteed rights to run,” he said, invoking both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026 as amended.

According to him, no endorsement, however sweeping, could substitute for the formal process of a primary election.

2027: APC chieftain defies consensus, set to challenge Tinubu for party’s presidential ticket

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Federal Commissioner in Charge of the Public Complaints Commission in Benue State, James Oche, has warned staff of the Commission to stay clear of partisan politics.

He has said those found contravening this directive would be made to face the grave consequence of their actions.

Oche stated this recently during the management meeting of the commission in Makurdi, when he briefed management on the outcome of commissioners’ latest plenary that took place in Abuja.

In a statement made available to the press and signed by Orhemba Charles, the Commission’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Oche is said to have intimated that the plenary adopted the recommendation of an ad hoc committee that some units in the Commission should be upgraded and more directorates should be created to accommodate the astronomical increase in the number of cases brought to the Commission.

Mr. Oche is quoted to have said, “staff of the commission should not be be affiliated with, influenced by, or found supporting any political party, candidate or faction. This, he stated “signifies neutrality, impartiality, and independence, given the fact that, the Commission is a justice umpire in the determination of cases brought to it against individuals, corporate bodies and even government agencies.”

Oche said that it would be unethical for public servants, especially staff of the commission, to involve themselves in partisan politics without first resigning their appointments. Consequently, he directed that staff of the commission who might wish to be partisan, especially in the build-up to the 2027 general election, should first resign their appointments.

Reacting to the directive, the Director of Investigation, Mr. Kpaakpa Terkura assured the Commissioner that there would be strict compliance and enforcement of the directive against erring staff and also cautioned staff to live up to expectations.

Oche also appreciated the staff and management of the commission for the successful participation in, and coordination of the commission’s promotion examination that held recently.

2027: Oche reads riot act, tasks Benue PCC staff on nonpartisanship

Emmanuel Fernandez has been voted Rangers’ Player of the Season, DAILY POST reports.

Fernandez won the highest number of votes from the club’s supporters after a remarkable debut season at Ibrox.

The 24-year-old, who was signed from League One club Peterborough United last summer has established himself as key player for the club.

The centre-back has gone from strength to strength with commanding performances in defence, also showing his threat in set-piece situations.

Fernandez has scored five times in 23 league appearances for the Light Blues.

He was the only Rangers player included in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season.

Scotland: Fernandez named Rangers’ Player of the Season

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mr Peter Obi, is currently in a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The meeting is taking place alongside some elders from the South-East at Goodluck Jonathan’s residence in Abuja.

Details of the meeting are yet to emerge.

This comes just less than a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

BREAKING: Peter Obi in closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Elders Council in Kogi East has launched a scathing attack on the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning her to cease her “unwarranted interference” in the political affairs of the Igala people.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Council’s spokesperson, Alhaji Ibrahim Dansofo, the elders condemned the Senator’s recent visit to Idah, where she reportedly endorsed Idris Hussein Kashim (Idrisima) for the Kogi East Senate ticket.

The group described the move as a “reckless subversion” of party internal democracy and a direct insult to the leadership of Kogi East.

Alhaji Dansofo slammed the endorsement as an attempt to export “political imposition,” which he claimed has become the hallmark of Ebira politicians, into the Igala political space.

“Senator Natasha’s journey to Idah was calculated to ferment crisis within the Igala political system,” the statement read.

“We want to make it categorically clear: Kogi Central cannot decide for Kogi East. It is an insult of the highest order for a Senator from another district to bypass our elders and attempt to crown a candidate in our domain.”

The Elders Council emphasized that the party currently has two formidable aspirants, Idris Hussein Kashim from Idah Federal Constituency and Alhaji Muhammad ‘Elephant’ Abdullahi from Ankpa Federal Constituency.

The council noted that a leadership meeting was already being planned to bring both aspirants to a round table to discuss a consensus candidate for the sake of party unity.

“By taking sides and endorsing Idrisima, Natasha has shown utter disrespect for the process and for Alhaji Muhammad Elephant Abdullahi, who is a vital pillar of this party. Her conduct is unacceptable and a gross violation of political etiquette,” Dansofo added.

The elders further alleged that Senator Natasha’s actions are not born out of a love for the PDP, but rather a desperate attempt to build a base for her rumored gubernatorial ambitions.

“We are well aware that this is not about the Senate ticket. Her desperation to plant stooges across the state to further her gubernatorial ambition is transparent. She is playing a dangerous game of interference that will only backfire,” the statement warned.

The Kogi East PDP Elders have demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that the Igala people will not tolerate any further “meddling” in their internal affairs.

“As a woman and a representative of another district, her actions are considered a slap in the face of Kogi East elders. We advise her to focus on the people of Kogi Central who elected her and leave Kogi East to manage its own affairs.”

The Council concluded by calling on all party members in the East to remain calm and committed, assuring them that the elders will ensure the right democratic process is followed to produce a candidate who truly represents the interests of the Igala people.

2027: ‘You can’t decide our fate’ – Kogi East PDP Elders slams Natasha Akpoti over ‘unacceptable’ endorsement

The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday formally flagged off the re-election campaign of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election, with a massive rally held at the 12,000-seater Ekiti Parapo Square in Ado-Ekiti.

The high-profile event drew an array of political heavyweights, including Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma; Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo; Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who chairs the APC National Campaign Council.

Former Ekiti governors, including Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, Segun Oni, and Niyi Adebayo, were also present, signaling rare bipartisan support and political unity.

In his welcome address, the Ekiti APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Eleshin, described the rally as a strategic step toward electoral victory, revealing that the party had set an ambitious target of securing at least 500,000 votes for the governor.

He disclosed that over 5,000 canvassers had been mobilised, declaring that the era of “jamboree campaigns” was over.

Eleshin commended Oyebanji’s performance across sectors and assured party supporters that no effort would be spared in ensuring APC’s victory at the polls.

Speaking at the event, APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Isaac Kekemeke, described the flag-off as the beginning of a decisive march toward electoral success.

He praised the state’s alignment with the Federal Government and highlighted ongoing infrastructural development, including the Ekiti airport project, urging party members to work toward achieving the set vote target.

On behalf of federal lawmakers from the state, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said the gathering reflected widespread confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership, describing him as a round peg in a round hole.

He noted that the governor had demonstrated inclusiveness, unity, and grassroots connection, adding that the campaign would focus on showcasing his administration’s achievements rather than engaging in violence or negative rhetoric.

Former Governor Kayode Fayemi expressed appreciation to party members and residents for their continued support, recalling initial resistance to Oyebanji’s candidacy in 2022.

He noted that the governor’s performance had since won over critics, urging supporters not to be complacent but to run a campaign anchored on records and principles.

In a notable show of cross-party solidarity, former Governor Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declared his presence was driven by Ekiti interest.

While reaffirming his PDP membership, Fayose acknowledged Oyebanji’s leadership and declared that opposition politics in the state would resume after the governor’s re-election.

The Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council, Governor Uba Sani, described the election as a renewal of the covenant between the government and the people.

He commended Oyebanji’s achievements in fiscal discipline, education, and infrastructure, noting that over 1,000 classrooms had been rehabilitated under his administration.

Sani further framed the election as critical to the future of Ekiti and linked it to broader national politics, describing it as a referendum on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on behalf of APC governors, Hope Uzodinma reaffirmed their collective support for Oyebanji, describing him as a unifying figure who had fostered peace and development in the state.

The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, declared that the governor had effectively won the election, citing the unity within the party and the administration’s achievements.

In his address, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed gratitude to party leaders and supporters, particularly President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as deeply supportive of Ekiti.

He urged residents to demonstrate their appreciation by turning out in large numbers on election day to secure at least 500,000 votes for the APC.

Uzodinma, Sani, others back Oyebanji at Ekiti APC mega rally

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, is reportedly considering a bid for the House of Representatives seat representing Agege Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development suggests a possible shift from his earlier ambition to contest the Lagos State governorship.

Obasa had previously been linked with a governorship bid and was said to have engaged in extensive consultations across the state, leveraging the political structure of the Mandate Group, which is associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to build support.

However, sources within the All Progressives Congress, APC, indicated that the plan was altered following a decision by party leadership, reportedly led by Tinubu, to back the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred governorship candidate.

In the wake of that development, Obasa was said to have explored the possibility of contesting for the Lagos West Senatorial seat, where he considered challenging incumbent senator Idiat Adebule.

That option, however, reportedly met resistance from influential party stakeholders, particularly supporters of Adebule, who is regarded as a key female representative from the South-West in the Senate.

Subsequent consultations are said to have led to fresh advice from party leadership, with Tinubu reportedly encouraging Obasa to pursue a seat in the House of Representatives instead.

He is now believed to be focusing on the Agege Federal Constituency seat currently occupied by Wale Ahmed.

Sources within the party disclosed that Obasa has since commenced low-profile consultations and grassroots engagement in Agege as part of early preparations for the 2027 polls.

The evolving political moves are seen as part of broader realignments within the Lagos APC, as key actors reposition ahead of the next general elections.

Lagos Assembly Speaker, Obasa may contest Reps seat in 2027

The Argentil Group, a leading principal investment, financial advisory, private equity, and asset management firm, has officially unveiled a new corporate brand identity, marking a pivotal milestone in its evolution since 2009. The transformation underscores its emergence as a strategic platform for investment, advisory, and capital deployment, and reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of enterprise, markets, and sustainable value creation across Nigeria and beyond.

Held in Lagos at the Metropolitan Club, the event convened senior business leaders, policymakers, clients, and partners for an immersive programme celebrating Argentil’s journey, strategic milestones, and forward-looking vision. The unveiling spotlighted the Group’s refreshed brand identity, strengthened purpose-driven positioning, and bold ambitions for its next phase of expansion.

Speaking at the event, Mr Adekunle Addeji, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Argentil Group, said: “Argentil was founded with a simple conviction: Africa’s growth requires capital, expertise, and institutions that understand the markets they serve. Over the past decade and more, we have worked with investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions to structure capital, execute transactions, and support businesses that power economic development across the region.

This corporate rebranding represents the next chapter of Argentil. It reflects who we are today and the scale of the ambition that lies ahead. Our refreshed identity signals clarity of purpose and our mission to be a trusted strategic partner in redemptive capital allocation across Africa’s most important sectors.”

To solidify its place as a thought leader in Africa’s financial ecosystem, Argentil’s event programme featured a keynote address by Mr Bolaji Osunsanya, Group Chief Executive, SAYS Energy Group, alongside a congratulatory message by Mrs Sanyade Okoli, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Osunsanya said: “Argentil is repositioning at a moment when Nigeria needs institutions that can do more than advise. It needs institutions that can help rebuild confidence strategically. Nigeria’s next growth cycle will be built on credibility, policy, patient capital, and trusted institutions. The opportunity is here; the question is whether we can organise the ecosystem around it. I believe firms like Argentil have an important role to play in making that belief investable.”

A key highlight of the event was a high-level Executive Dialogue themed “Rebuilding Investor Confidence: Policy, Capital, and Nigeria’s Next Growth Cycle.” The panel brought together distinguished voices from the finance and investment sector, including:

Mrs Fola Laoye, Co-Founder & CEO, Iwosan Healthcare Systems Limited

Mr Dayo Idowu, Partner, DLA Piper Africa

Ms Lola Apampa, Director, Kuramo Capital Management

Mr Razaq Ahmed CFA, Managing Director, Cowrywise

Mr Emeka Nkemakolam, Assistant General Manager/Head, Energy & Power, Fidelity Bank Plc

The dialogue, moderated by Mr Femi Oladehin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Argentil Capital Limited, explored the policy direction, capital flows, private-sector confidence, and strategic reforms required to unlock Nigeria’s next wave of growth.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Olumide Ogunfowora, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Director of the Argentil Group, said: “This event is not only about who we are as an organization, but also about our continued commitment, working with various stakeholders, to supporting Nigeria’s and, indeed, Africa’s financial landscape—driving inclusion, strengthening trust, and delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, our communities and the Nation.”

The new corporate identity underscores Argentil’s focus on trusted advisory, innovative transaction execution, capital mobilisation, and strategic partnerships that empower businesses and institutions to grow with confidence. As it enters this next chapter, the Argentil Group remains committed to delivering insight-led solutions, unlocking investment opportunities, and catalysing sustainable economic progress.

Note to Editors

The Argentil Group is an integrated investment and advisory platform delivering capital solutions across investment banking, principal investments, and asset management. The Group supports corporates, institutions, and governments with corporate finance advisory, capital raising, investment management, and strategic growth solutions. Driven by disciplined execution, deep market insight, and strong partnerships, Argentil is committed to creating long-term value and advancing sustainable economic growth across Nigeria and beyond.

Its business platforms include:

About Argentil Capital Partners Limited

Argentil Capital Partners Limited is an integrated investment and advisory group providing capital solutions across investment banking, principal investments, and asset management. Through its specialised entities, the Group supports clients with corporate finance advisory, capital raising, investment management, and strategic growth solutions. Argentil is committed to delivering long-term value through disciplined execution, deep market insight, and strong partnerships.

About Argentil Capital Limited – Financial Adviser

Argentil Capital Limited is the Group’s investment banking and capital markets subsidiary, providing expert guidance on capital raises, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and transaction structuring. As an issuing house, the firm supports corporates, institutions, and governments in accessing capital and executing complex strategic transactions. Argentil Capital Limited combines market insight, execution discipline, and trusted advisory expertise to help clients unlock growth opportunities.

About Argentil Capital Management Limited – Fund Manager

Argentil Capital Management Limited is a private equity and principal investment business, focused on creating long-term value through strategic investments and private market opportunities. The firm partners with businesses and entrepreneurs that demonstrate strong growth potential, operational resilience, and transformative impact. Through active ownership and disciplined capital allocation, Argentil Capital Management supports businesses to achieve their growth ambitions while making a significant impact across their ecosystem of operations.

About Argentil Asset Management Limited – Asset Manager

Argentil Asset Management Limited is a leading Nigeria-based fund manager, fully registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria. Argentil Asset Management Limited provides investment management solutions designed to preserve capital, optimise returns, and meet the long-term financial objectives of institutional and qualified investors. The firm applies disciplined research, risk management, and market intelligence in executing its strategy. Argentil Asset Management and Argentil Capital Management work together to develop innovative solutions for its domestic and international investors.

Argentil Capital Partners (UK) – Financial Adviser

Argentil Capital Partners (UK) Limited is the Group’s London-based financial advisory franchise, connecting global pools of capital to opportunities across Africa. The firm focuses on cross-border financial structuring, helping clients navigate complex markets with confidence. As an FCA-registered financial advisor, Argentil Capital Partners (UK) Limited extends the Group’s reach by its focus on newer sectors such as digital infrastructure.

Argentil Group Unveils New Corporate Identity, Signalling a Bold New Era of Growth, Market Leadership

Former Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has filed a legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the interim forfeiture of several properties linked to him, insisting they were not acquired through illicit means.

In an affidavit submitted before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, Malami maintained that the assets listed in the interim forfeiture order obtained by the EFCC in January 2026 were legitimately acquired through his legal practice, business ventures, and declared income.

The EFCC had secured the forfeiture order on suspicion that the properties were linked to proceeds of crime.

However, Malami argued that the anti-graft agency failed to present prima facie evidence connecting the assets to any criminal activity, describing the allegations as speculative.

“There is no document before the court showing these properties were acquired with proceeds of crime,” he stated.

Malami also accused the EFCC of inflating the value of the properties to strengthen its case, alleging that assets purchased for hundreds of millions of naira were presented as being worth billions.

He said independent valuers had provided significantly lower and more accurate valuations.

He attributed his wealth to over three decades of legal practice and investments spanning hospitality, agriculture, and education, as well as loans from commercial banks, asset sales, gifts, and proceeds from book launches.

According to him, all earnings were duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau in compliance with the law.

Beyond the valuation dispute, the former AGF accused the EFCC of overstepping its authority, alleging that operatives seized properties without a final forfeiture order, evicted family members, and confiscated documents.

He described the actions as extrajudicial and a violation of due process.

The case, which is also linked to an ongoing criminal charge against Malami, is expected to test the scope of the EFCC’s asset forfeiture powers and adherence to due process.

Malami is urging the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order, insisting the assets are legitimate and unconnected to any unlawful activity.

Malami challenges EFCC forfeiture order, says assets legitimately acquired

Lagos, Rivers and Kaduna states have emerged as Nigeria’s most indebted subnational governments, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), highlighting intensifying fiscal pressures across the country’s tiers of government amid a rising national debt profile.

The NBS, in its Nigeria Q4 2025 Domestic and External Debt Report published on Monday, disclosed that Lagos State continues to dominate the debt landscape, recording N1.22trn in domestic debt alongside $1.17bn in external obligations.

The figures reinforce Lagos’ position not only as Nigeria’s commercial hub but also as the most leveraged state, reflecting its extensive infrastructure financing needs and large-scale economic commitments.

Rivers State ranked second in domestic debt with N378.81bn, underscoring its continued reliance on borrowing to support expenditure, particularly in a volatile revenue environment tied to oil receipts. Kaduna State, meanwhile, stood out on the external debt front with $684.29m, placing it among the most exposed states to foreign currency liabilities.

The broader national picture points to a steady escalation in public debt. Nigeria’s total debt stock rose to N159.28trn (approximately $110.97bn) in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from N153.29trn ($103.94bn) recorded in the preceding quarter.

This represents a 3.90 per cent increase quarter-on-quarter, reflecting sustained borrowing at both federal and subnational levels to bridge fiscal gaps and fund critical expenditures.

A closer look at the composition of the debt shows that external borrowings stood at N74.43trn, accounting for 46.73 per cent of the total, while domestic debt reached N84.85trn, representing 53.27 per cent. The near-even split highlights Nigeria’s dual dependence on local and foreign financing sources, even as exchange rate pressures continue to elevate the cost of servicing external debt.

Beyond the top three states, the report identified several other sub-nationals with significant debt burdens. Bauchi State recorded $220.57m in external debt and N156.05bn domestically, while Delta State posted $63.42m in external obligations alongside N248.83bn in domestic debt. Enugu State also featured prominently, with $99.88m in external debt and N157.60bn in domestic borrowings.

In contrast, some states maintained relatively low debt profiles. Jigawa State reported the least domestic debt at N1.60bn, followed by Ondo State with N8.42bn.

On the external side, the Federal Capital Territory recorded the lowest exposure at $26.80m, with Zamfara State following at $41.93m, suggesting varying fiscal strategies and borrowing capacities across the federation.

The growing debt burden has become a focal point of concern for policymakers, economists and citizens alike, particularly as debt servicing obligations continue to absorb a significant share of government revenues.

Analysts warn that this trend could constrain fiscal flexibility and limit the government’s ability to respond to economic shocks or invest in long-term development priorities.

Economic analysts note that while Lagos, Rivers and Kaduna’s positions as leading debtor states partly reflect their economic size, population and development ambitions, the scale of their obligations raises important questions about debt sustainability at the subnational level.

They argue that without commensurate growth in internally generated revenue and more efficient public spending, the reliance on borrowing could heighten fiscal risks over time.

As Nigeria continues to navigate a complex economic environment marked by inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility and constrained revenues, the trajectory of public debt, particularly at the state level, is expected to remain a critical issue for fiscal policy and economic stability.

Debt Expansion Across States Signals Fiscal Pressure-Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper