2026

The Peoples Democratic Party had declared three days of mourning for its National Vice Chairman, South-South, Dan Osi Orbih, who died in London on Monday at the age of 64. The party directed its offices nationwide to fly its flag at half-mast in honour of the late Edo politician, who was described as a loyal and influential party leader. Several political figures, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and former governor Godwin Obaseki, paid tribute to Orbih. Wike described his death as a devastating personal loss, while Okpebholo called him a bridge-builder and voice of reason who contributed to political and institutional development in Edo State. The Edo PDP and APC also mourned Orbih, acknowledging his influence across political divides and his contributions to democracy in the state and the South-South. Ambrose Alli University, where Orbih served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, also described his contributions to the institution as indelible. Orbih, who was a former Edo PDP chairman and later National Vice Chairman of the party, was survived by his wife, children, siblings and other family members. The family said burial arrangements would be announced later.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had opened two fronts against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku and the African Democratic Congress were seeking to disqualify Tinubu from contesting the election over a disputed NYSC discharge certificate. However, the case was adjourned to September 28 after difficulties serving the President with the court documents. Atiku alleged that the NYSC certificate submitted to INEC carried the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” and questioned whether it belonged to President Tinubu. The allegation had not been judicially established. On another front, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of failing to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local governments. He promised that if elected, his administration would ensure that federal allocations were paid directly to local government councils. Atiku said this would strengthen grassroots development, reduce poverty and improve the capacity of councils to tackle insecurity. The former vice president’s two-pronged challenge had therefore taken the 2027 political contest into both the courtroom and the wider political arena.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to appear before the commission for questioning over an alleged 14.86-million-dollar fraud case. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed this while responding to allegations by Sylva that the anti-graft agency had been politically influenced by the All Progressives Congress. The former governor was declared wanted by the EFCC in November 2025 over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving 14-million-859-thousand-257 dollars. The development came shortly after Sylva announced his resignation from the APC, accusing the party’s leadership of abandoning its founding principles and criticising the performance of the Federal Government. Sylva also alleged that the EFCC had become increasingly politicised, while insisting that he was prepared to face any consequences arising from his resignation. The former governor has denied allegations linked to a separate 13-count charge involving alleged treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering. The case remains before the court, and he has not been convicted.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policies had increased government revenue and improved the business environment. However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) called on the Federal Government to explain how the additional revenue generated from the reforms had benefited Nigerians. The ADC cited figures showing that subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms generated about N15.8 trillion in additional resources for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025. The party also questioned the use of N47.25 trillion reportedly distributed to states through FAAC during the same period. The party argued that despite increased government revenues, Nigerians had faced higher petrol prices, food inflation and rising transportation costs. It challenged the APC to show Nigerians the tangible benefits of the reforms ahead of the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, the Presidency defended the reforms, saying they had begun to restore investor confidence and create opportunities for businesses. Presidential aide Hafiz Abdullahi said entrepreneurs were gradually adapting to the new economic environment and benefiting from improvements in the foreign exchange market. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda also warned against returning to fuel subsidy, arguing that doing so could reduce government revenues and affect funding for salaries, education, healthcare and infrastructure. Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, however, described the subsidy debate as a “scam” and argued that petrol could sell for about N200 per litre if Nigeria properly harnessed its crude oil resources and petroleum by-products.