Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Federal Government has commenced emergency evacuation arrangements for Nigerians residing in the Republic of South Africa following renewed xenophobic violence and rising attacks targeting foreign nationals across several cities. Authorities confirmed that no fewer than 130 Nigerians have so far registered for voluntary evacuation flights as tension escalates amid fresh protests and reported incidents of violence. The development comes after the confirmation of two Nigerian deaths in separate incidents allegedly involving South African security personnel, further heightening diplomatic concerns between Abuja and Pretoria. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation report on Sunday, noting…

.. Former Governors Realign In Surprise Political Development .. Abuja Meeting Sparks Speculation Over Emerging Opposition Bloc  A major political tremor swept through Nigeria’s opposition space on Sunday as former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), receiving their membership cards in Abuja. The development, which unfolded during a closed-door meeting of party leaders, has intensified speculation over a possible emerging opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 general elections. The two high-profile politicians, both former presidential candidates in previous elections, were received into the party fold…

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted coordinated attacks by terrorists in Katsina and Zamfara States, killing nine insurgents, including two high-profile kingpins, in a series of operations conducted between May 1 and 3, 2026. The operations, which also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, ammunition, mobile phones, and nine motorcycles, were carried out across Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State and Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. In Katsina State, troops of the Forward Operating Base, Fudma, while on a fighting patrol along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsinma LGA, encountered terrorists in a…

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Rev. Olusola Salau, has commended the organiser of the Yayi Progressive Movement, Armstrong Tope Akintunde, over what he described as a successful inauguration of the group in Ogun State. Salau, who is the Director of Ogo Titun for PBAT and a prominent figure in the Prince Dapo Abiodun and Yayi 2027 Movement, gave the commendation shortly after the event held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Sunday. He described Akintunde as a committed mobiliser whose efforts, he said, attracted a large turnout of supporters and stakeholders to the inauguration. The cleric, however, urged Senator…

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee in Ogun State, has elected a new set of leaders, with a pledge to tackle injustice and strengthen student representation across tertiary institutions in the state. The newly elected chairman, Olabode Faruq, emerged at the end of a convention held on Saturday, securing seven votes out of 13 cast by delegates. Addressing journalists on Sunday, Faruq described his victory as a collective mandate, promising to run an inclusive administration anchored on unity, accountability and the protection of students’ rights. “This victory is not mine alone; it is a collective mandate…

The ancient city of Ile-Ife was agog on Saturday as Chief Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, was conferred with the prestigious Yeye Moremi Oodua title by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The grand ceremony, which coincided with her 60th birthday, drew eminent Nigerians from across political, traditional and business circles, in a celebration marked by rich cultural displays and royal splendour. Mrs. Amosun was honoured in recognition of her commitment to service, philanthropy and courage—virtues synonymous with the legendary Moremi Ajasoro of Ife. Among dignitaries present were the Governor of Oyo…

The Presidency on Sunday launched a fresh attack on former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, describing him as a “political nomad” following his resignation from the African Democratic Congress. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on social media, accused Obi of political inconsistency and opportunism, saying his latest move confirmed a pattern of frequent defections. Onanuga wrote, “We told you so. The political nomad is on the move again,” dismissing Obi’s reasons for quitting the ADC as “illogical” and self-serving. The presidential aide further alleged that Obi avoids…

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has confirmed his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing political interference, internal instability and a growing climate of hostility within the party. Obi, who recently joined the ADC after exiting the Labour Party, announced his decision in a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, where he spoke extensively about the pressures and challenges confronting him in Nigeria’s political space. The former Anambra State governor said his decision was driven by what he described as “endless crises” and external interference that had begun to undermine the…

The African Democratic Congress has unveiled its timetable for primary elections ahead of the 2027 general polls, fixing May 25, 2026, for its presidential primary and pegging the nomination form at N100m. The party also announced a detailed schedule for other elective positions, alongside a structured fee regime for aspirants seeking its tickets. In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the timetable underscores its commitment to internal democracy and strict adherence to electoral guidelines. According to the schedule, the sale of nomination forms will commence on May 5 and end on…

A Cyprus High Criminal Court sitting in Nicosia has sentenced a Nigerian student, Obasi Chimezirm Princewill, to 14 years’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a woman and recording the act without her consent. The court found the defendant guilty on all counts following a trial over the incident, which occurred between March 25 and the early hours of March 26, 2023, in the Hamitköy area of Nicosia. According to court proceedings, the victim and the convict were acquaintances before the attack. Princewill was said to have unlawfully entered the woman’s dormitory room, overpowered her and assaulted her multiple times. Testifying before…