Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has debunked speculations that he plans to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku, who recently pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said media reports suggesting he had hinted at withdrawing from the race were a distortion of his remarks during a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service. In a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, the Waziri Adamawa described the reports as “inaccurate” and a deliberate misrepresentation of his words. “After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of…

A legal practitioner, Abdulbasit Abolade Shuaib, has appealed to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to urgently declare a state of emergency on roads in Abeokuta, describing their condition as deplorable and worsening daily. Shuaib made the appeal in an open letter dated October 2, 2025, where he lamented that the poor state of roads in the state capital had imposed untold hardship on residents, motorists, and business owners. According to him, the situation had become unbearable, especially during the ongoing rainy season, which further exposed the fragile state of many major roads in Abeokuta. He said, “As someone who resides…

Nigerian-born Pan-African game development studio, Maliyo Games, has gained fresh international recognition as Apple Inc. and Google spotlight its culturally inspired mobile games in celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. Apple’s special editorial feature will showcase some of Maliyo’s flagship titles, including Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter, all designed to highlight African storytelling, artistry, and traditions while blending them with globally familiar gameplay mechanics. “This recognition from Apple, alongside our recent feature by Google, is another powerful validation of our vision,” said Maliyo Games’ Founder, Hugo Obi. “We are proving that African stories and creativity belong…

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has declared that Nigeria is undergoing a rebirth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country is on course for greatness if citizens rally behind the federal and state governments in the task of nation building. Abiodun stated this on Wednesday at the 65th Independence Day Celebration held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, where he described President Tinubu as a leader bold enough to take crucial economic decisions that had been avoided by previous administrations. According to the governor, Tinubu’s economic blueprint is in tune with the urgent needs of Nigerians…

The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State has called on Nigerian leaders at all levels of government to renew their commitment to the welfare and dignity of the people as the country marked its 64th Independence anniversary. In a goodwill message signed by its Secretary-General, Sheikh Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, and made available to PLATFORM TIMES on Wednesday, the clerics congratulated Nigerians, particularly residents of Ogun State, on the occasion of the 65th Independence Day anniversary celebration. The body expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for sustaining Nigeria’s unity despite mounting socio-economic and security challenges. “Leadership is a sacred trust…

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has hinted that more governors from opposition parties are already in talks to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpabio disclosed this on Tuesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, while delivering a goodwill message at the public presentation of a book titled “Ten Years of Impactful Leadership of the APC Administration in Nigeria” authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma. The occasion also coincided with the commissioning of projects by President Bola Tinubu. The Senate President declared that President Tinubu’s policies and reforms have begun yielding visible results, attracting admiration even from opposition leaders. “Mr President,…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation against foreign nationals who overstayed their visas or violated entry conditions after the expiration of a five-month amnesty window. The spokesperson of the Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, stressing that the clampdown followed the September 30 closure of the amnesty granted to affected foreigners to regularise their status without penalty. The amnesty period, which began on May 1, gave foreign nationals with expired documents—including visa on arrival, single and multiple-entry short visit or business visas, as well as expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit…

The lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Busayo Oke, has called for the abolition of state governments in Nigeria, insisting that they have become stumbling blocks to grassroots development and major contributors to insecurity across the country. Oke, who made the call during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Wednesday, argued that the concentration of power at the state level had deprived rural communities of meaningful governance and development. “We need government at the local level, we need to feel the impact of the government at…

A 30-year-old notorious gunrunner, Shehu Ali Kachala, has confessed to supplying hundreds of rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal gangs in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger States, with the alleged protection of a serving soldier. Kachala, who was arrested by operatives of the Federal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (FIIB) in Gusau, Zamfara State, disclosed that he had been running arms deals from Niger Republic for the past three years. He revealed that he successfully delivered 450 rifles and over 8,000 live rounds of ammunition to different bandit groups across the troubled northwest. According to his confession, the illegal…

The Imole Progressive Network (IPN), under the leadership of Engineer Mike Adeyanju, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, describing the day as a reminder of unity, patriotism, and collective responsibility. In a statement issued in Akure on Wednesday, Adeyanju and members of the Ondo North-based socio-political group saluted both Nigeria and Ondo State for their resilience and progress since gaining freedom from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. “Happy Independence Day! This is the celebration of national freedom, unity, and progress—a reflection of our forefathers’ achievements and a pointer to a beautiful future,”…