Author: Platform Times Newspaper

… Faults ‘misleading’ Ogun APC meeting reports …Vows to shun predetermined primaries Daud Olatunji Former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has dismissed media reports suggesting he pressured aspirants to withdraw from the 2027 senatorial race, describing such claims as “misrepresentation” of proceedings at a recent meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun Central. Amosun, in a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, clarified that the meeting, held on April 23, 2026, at the residence of elder statesman, Olusegun Osoba, was convened at his instance following speculations surrounding his possible candidacy. According to him, contrary to reports…

The Federal Government on Friday assured Nigerians that ongoing economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange adjustments, and fiscal restructuring, are designed to deliver long-term national benefits despite current economic pressures. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in Lagos while receiving the “Image Maker Award 2026”, urging Nigerians to remain patient as government policies begin to take full effect. Idris said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to transparent communication and consistent engagement with citizens on policy direction, noting that effective information management is critical to sustaining public trust during…

…Describes Circulating Reports As misleading, False …Insists All Asset Disposal Follows Official Transparent Processes The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has debunked reports alleging that it is selling scrap materials, equipment, or components from its refineries, describing the claims as false, misleading, and fraudulent. In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the company said it had not authorised any sale, tender, or expression of interest relating to refinery assets or warehouse materials. NNPC stressed that no request for bids or approvals had been issued for the disposal of scrap…

Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Saturday alleged that Nigerians had lost confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, accusing the electoral body of no longer acting as an impartial umpire ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mark made the allegation while addressing leaders of opposition political parties at a national summit held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde. The former Senate President further alleged that the commission had taken sides in the nation’s political process, claiming that the ruling All Progressives Congress was working in…

The Nigeria Police Force in Bauchi State has launched a manhunt for an unidentified assailant who brutally attacked a 22-year-old female student of Sa’adu Zungur University, severing her ear and thumb. The victim, Maryam Yakini, was reportedly attacked on April 23 in Gadau, Itas/Gadau Local Government Area, while returning to her off-campus residence. According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nafiu Habib, the incident was reported at about 7:30 p.m. at the Gadau Police Outstation. He said the suspect, armed with a machete and a knife, ambushed the student near Villa Lodge, inflicting severe injuries on her.…

Opposition political parties in Nigeria have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to extend the deadline for party primaries for the 2027 general election to the end of July 2026, alleging that the current timetable is skewed against them. The demand was contained in a communiqué issued on Saturday at the end of a national summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where key opposition figures converged to deliberate on electoral preparations. The parties at the meeting included the African Democratic Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party. According to the communiqué, the existing deadline of…

Residents of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, are counting losses after a prolonged downpour triggered widespread flooding that submerged houses, shops and schools across the city in the early hours of Saturday. The rain, which began around 2:30 a.m. and lasted until about 11:30 a.m., brought temporary relief from weeks of scorching heat but left a trail of destruction, particularly in low-lying communities. Areas worst hit include Mile Six, Mafindi and Mayogwai, where floodwaters overwhelmed residential buildings and displaced residents. The Jalingo Main Market was also inundated, with traders lamenting heavy losses as goods were soaked or swept away. A…

Operatives of a joint security task force in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State have arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered N8 million ransom allegedly paid by the family of a victim. The operation also led to the rescue of an abducted woman from a forest hideout, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping in the area. Media aide to the LGA Chairman, Danaan Cletus, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the suspects, identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma, were apprehended following a coordinated security operation.…

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, and a philanthropist, Asiwaju Olalekan Gbenga Oso, on Saturday called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare system, advocating free and subsidised medical services for vulnerable citizens. They made the call in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a three-day free medical outreach organised at the Olowu Palace to mark Oso’s 50th birthday and his conferment with a traditional title. Speaking at the event, Oba Matemilola expressed concern over the rising cost of healthcare, warning that many Nigerians are losing their lives due to inability to afford treatment. The monarch said the current economic…

Leaders of major opposition parties have agreed to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu and strengthen democratic competition. The resolution was reached on Saturday at a national summit of opposition figures held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, Ibadan, and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde. The meeting, themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” brought together key stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Labour Party and other political blocs. Reading…