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2027: Resign Within 2Wks, Tinubu Orders Ministers, Others Planning To Contest

March 18, 2026

All federal government appointees wiling to contest the 2023 election should resign their appointments, on or before March 31, 2026. The directive was issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a circular released on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to the circular issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the directive is in tandem with the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and pursuant to the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ambitious political appointees expected to resign from their positions, if they want to contest the 2027 election are Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, among others.

The appointees are also expected to submit their letter of resignations to the President, thorough the Office of the SGF, the government said in the circular.

“The resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office, which include the following: Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants to the President, Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President,” the government noted in the document cited by journalists yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Queen Faces Banishment, Two Chiefs Suspended, Peller Declared Wanted Over Illegal Entry Into Benin Monarch Palace

Ayodele Oni

March 17, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has “declared wanted” a social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, over an unauthorized entry into the Monarch’s Palace.

The Palace had, on Monday, suspended one of the Queens, a Palace Chief and a member of staff of the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, identified as Mr. Omuemu who was arrested and charged to court over an unauthorized access to the Palace by Peller.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, and made available to Journalists in Benin said the Queen is facing serious disciplinary proceedings that could result in her banishment from the Palace.

He warned that, “the Palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation; it is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols.”

The statement read in part:

“The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) wishes to address the public regarding a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace, which occurred on Friday, 6th March 2026.

“The Council confirms that an individual, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, a social media influencer popularly known as “Peller,” gained unauthorized access to the Palace premises on the said date.

“Mr. Adelaja and his entourage entered the Palace without the requisite permission from the Council, and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the Palace grounds.

“The Benin Traditional Council views this incident with the utmost gravity.

“The Council has conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances that allowed this unauthorized access. Consequently, stringent disciplinary measures have been taken against Palace staff and Chiefs who aided this mischievous act.

“Specifically, a Chief who was implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely from the Palace. A staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force.

“He has been charged to court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorized entry.

“Furthermore, it is with deep regret that the Council confirms that a Queen of the Palace who was unfortunately featured in the incident is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings.

“In accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may inadvertently result in her removal from the Palace.

“Following the incident, the Council, utilizing the same channels within the palace that facilitated the initial entry, extended an invitation to Mr. Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller).

“He was requested to appear before a committee of Chiefs tasked with investigating the matter to provide his own side of the story. Regrettably, Mr. Adelaja has failed to honor this invitation.

“The Council is, therefore, using this public medium to demand that Mr. Adelaja present himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the Council.

“His unapproved visit has caused untold distress to so many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the Palace for his unauthorized access and the embarrassment caused.

“Failure to comply with this directive will leave the Council with no option but to pursue legal action. The appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies have been duly informed of this matter and are standing by to take necessary action against him,” he said

Obi Visits Malami After Release From Detention

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 17, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, paid a solidarity visit to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at his Abuja residence.

The visit came just a day after Malami, alongside his son, secured their freedom from detention after perfecting their bail conditions.

The source reports that the former Minister of Justice under the late President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration, who is currently facing inter-agency prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, abuse of office, and illegal possession of firearms was, penultimate week, granted bail by an Abuja Federal High Court.

However, Malami, a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, could not secure his freedom until Monday March 16,2026.

Although no formal statements have been issued, this magazine gathered that Obi’s visit to the Malamis was both a sympathy and solidarity visit after spending several weeks in detention.

According to sources ,the visit by the former Anambra State Governor who is one of ADC’s Presidential aspirants for the 2027 polls was to reassure Malami of support and understanding in this trying moment.

Until his arrest, arraignment and detention, Malami was already preparing grounds to contest for the Kebbi state Governorship seat on the platform of the ADC in 2027.

However, not a few people have come to perceive his ordeal in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Service, DSS, as driven by his ambition and association with the opposition Coalition.

SIB Reveals Cause Of Train Accident, 500 Passengers Escape Unhurt

Ayodele Oni

March 17, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a full investigation to determine the cause of a train accident along Abuja Kaduna rail on Monday.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the bureau said the train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Station and arrived at Jere Station at about 8:52 a.m. before continuing toward the Federal Capital Territory.

However, shortly after leaving the station, the rear locomotive that had been attached at Jere for operational support reportedly detached, while the train was descending toward the Asham section of the track.

The incident occurred near the Asham section of the rail line in Kaduna State, while the train was travelling from Rigasa Railway Station to Idu Railway Station.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed that the accident happened at about 10:30 a.m. and involved the rear locomotive and the passenger coach directly attached to it after a coupling failure.

Although no fatalities were recorded, several passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Managing Director of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, said emergency response procedures were immediately activated, with technical teams dispatched to the scene to manage the situation.

He added that after the damaged rear locomotive and coach were detached, the train eventually continued its journey and arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 a.m., roughly 38 minutes behind schedule.

“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to confirm that an avoidable train incident occurred near Asham involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach due to a coupling issue,” Opeifa said, noting that injured passengers received prompt medical attention.

Investigators said the detached locomotive rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, leading to the operational incident.

At the time of the accident, the train consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, a power car, two business class coaches and six standard passenger coaches.

According to the bureau, the train was carrying 429 passengers, along with 46 crew members and 24 security personnel.

Director-General of the bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the injured passengers and emphasised the need to determine the root causes of the accident.

“This incident reminds us that every transport journey carries the trust and expectations of hundreds of people who rely on the system to move them safely to their destination,” he said.

Badeh noted that investigators had begun gathering evidence and analysing technical, operational and infrastructure factors, including locomotive attachment systems, train configuration and operational procedures.

He added that the outcome of the investigation would help strengthen safety measures and improve railway operations across the country.

The latest incident comes months after another accident occurred along the same corridor in September 2025, when a train somersaulted and left 21 passengers injured.

FG Redeems Promise Of House, National Honours To D’Tigress

Akinwale Kasali

March 17, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Just as it redeemed its promise to the Super Eagles of Nigeria before the team’s outing at the 2024 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship in Morocco, the Federal Government has fulfilled its promise to the Women’s National Basketball Team, D’Tigress.

Following the team’s 2025 victory at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, the FG had promised the victorious team landed properties in Abuja.

Redeeming its promise, the National Sports Commission, NSC, confirmed that the players have received their National Honour Certificates and Housing Allocation Documents.

The presentation took place in Lyon, France, where the African Champions are currently participating in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

The rewards fulfill an earlier pledge by the Federal Government following the team’s remarkable performance at the continental championship.

It would be recalled that on August 4, 2025, President Tinubu announced a special reward package for the team after their record-breaking victory.

Each player was conferred with the National Honour of Order of the Niger (OON), alongside a cash reward of $100,000 and the allocation of a flat in Abuja.

Members of the technical crew, led by head coach, Rena Wakama, were also rewarded with $50,000 each.

D’Tigress sealed their AfroBasket victory on August 3, 2025, defeating Mali 78–64 in the final to clinch their seventh continental title.

The Nigerian side battles through a tense contest to secure the win.

Key performances from Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu were instrumental in securing the victory.

Nigeria entered the final quarter leading 61–56 and maintained their composure to close out the game, securing a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.

The victory further extended D’Tigress’ dominance in African women’s basketball, as the team has now won 29 consecutive games without defeat since 2015.

Meanwhile, the team is currently participating in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026 in Lyon, France, running from March 11 to March 17.

So far, D’Tigress have recorded wins against Colombia (70–37) and the Philippines (101–84) but suffered losses to South Korea (77–60) and France (93–86).

They will conclude their qualifying campaign with a match against Germany on March 17.

Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ Emerges Highest Grossing Nollywood Movie In UK, Ireland

Akinwale Kasali

March 17, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Funke Akindele, Nollywood Actress and Producer has made history.

Her movie, ‘Behind The Scenes’, which emerged as the highest grossing movie of all time in Africa, has recorded another major international milestone, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood release in Ireland and the UK, with earnings of £159,000.

The movie, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, also achieved significant commercial success at the domestic box office, grossing N2.7 billion to become one of Nollywood’s biggest titles of all time.

In a post shared on its Instagram page, the distributor described the achievement as a record-breaking run and a defining moment for African cinema.

”A record-breaking run. A defining moment for African cinema,” the company said, adding that the film continues to attract audiences across multiple regions.

It was gathered that ‘Behind The Scenes’ explores themes around fame, success, and the hidden emotional realities behind public admiration.

The film’s success extends beyond West Africa with growing viewership reported across international markets, further reinforcing Nollywood’s expanding global footprint.

No Sallah Dubar Until The Supreme Court Decides The Rightful Emir – Kano State Govt.

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 17, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has pledged its neutrality in the festering struggle for the control of the Emirate stool between factional

This is as the Government vehemently debunked claims suggesting that the reinstated 16th Emir Sanusi has been approved to conduct the 2026 Sallah Dubar festivities.

The Source reports that there has been an intense battle for the control of Kano Emirate throne since May 23, 2024, following the controversial dethronement of the 15th Emir Aminu Bayero and the subsequent reinstatement of Sanusi as the 16th Emir by Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf.

The two factional Emirs have since then been maintaining two parallel Palaces to assert their authorities.

While the Kano State Government-backed Emir Sanusi stays at the Kofar Kudu main Palace, his rival, Bayero, holds court at the Nasarawa mini Palace.

Similarly, while the two contending forces are presently locked in multiple legal battles which are awaiting final pronouncement from the Supreme Court, they have also been engaged in a bitter struggle over who will conduct the traditional Sallah Dubar festivities in the last three years.

The insistence of the two rival Emirs to conduct parallel Dubar festivities and the resultant tension and disagreements between their supporters had forced the Police to put the event on hold in the last three years.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Waiya in a statement on Tuesday March, 17, 2026, insisted that no decision has been taken on who between the contending Emirs will lead this year’s Sallah Dubar activities.

The Commissioner described as baseless, misleading and totally false, trending reports suggesting that Governor Yusuf has approved Emir Sanusi to lead the Dubar festivities.

The Kano State Government while affirming its neutrality in the Emirship tussle, emphasized the need for all parties, and their supporters to allow the court to decide the matter.

The State Commissioner for Information, while appealing for calm among citizens and residents, also enjoined media practitioners to always cross- check with the appropriate authorities before reporting.

The Source further reports that tension had, last week risen, following a formal notice served by factional Emir Bayero, of his intension to conduct this year’s Sallah Dubar.

Aminu Bayero and Sanusi Lamido — **Emirs Aminu Ado Bayero and Mohammad Sanusi II**

In a letter addressed to the Kano State police Command dated March 7, 2026, Bayero informed of his readiness to observe the traditional Durbar festivities immediately after the Ramadan in a few days time.

According to the notice issued by Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, his Private Secretary, Bayero informed the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Bakori, that the Durbar festivities, which will be conducted from his Nasarawa mini Palace, will feature such traditional activities as Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nasarawa, Hawan Sallah, Hawan Panisai ,as well as other activities.

His notice, however, came despite a subsisting police order banning the conduct of Sallah Dubar in the state by both Emirs based on unfavourable security reports.

CP Bakori, while banning the Durbar festivities last year, (March 25, 2025) cited disturbing security reports indicating a possible break down of law and order as a major reason for the police action.

Instructively, the Kano state authorities’ present position contrasts sharply with its past insistence on Sanusi being allowed to conduct the traditional Sallah as the Government’s recognized Emir .

In fact, Governor Yusuf had openly lambasted the Police over their refusal to allow Emir Sanusi to hold the traditional Durbar activities as the duly enthroned Emir.

The recently brokered political realignment which has seen Governor Yusuf parting ways with his erstwhile political godfather, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and pitching tent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is strongly believed by observers as having significantly altered the equation in the Emirate throne battle.

Arrest Of Bandits In Ondo: Keyamo Says Akure Airport Not Target

Ayodele Oni

March 17, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has acknowledged that discrepancies in reports issued by Aviation Agencies and the Police, about the Akure airport incident was due to bureaucratic communication gaps rather than deliberate misinformation.

The Minister clarified that the recent security breach at Akure Airport in Ondo State did not involve a direct attack on aviation infrastructure, insisting that the facility was never the intended target of the intrusion.

He made this known during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Tuesday, where he addressed growing public concerns over safety within Nigeria’s airport system.

Recall that on Monday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reported that four suspected bandits were arrested around the Akure Airport, following a joint security operation triggered by a distress alert over suspicious movements near the airport perimeter.

However, the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State, in a statement by its spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, dismissed the claim as misleading, insisting that no such arrest took place at the airport.

The police explained that only two suspected logistics suppliers aiding kidnappers were apprehended along the Eleyewo and Ilu-Abo axis, not within the airport facility.

The minister explained that the incident, which generated conflicting narratives between aviation authorities and the police, must be properly understood within context, noting that what occurred was an external security situation that spilled into airport premises, rather than a deliberate attempt to compromise aviation safety.

“Okay, there are two angles to this. The first is the conflicting statements and the second of why they will gain access in the first place. Of course, the first one, the conflicting statements, you know, when people sit down in Lagos and Abuja and rely on information of their lieutenants on the ground, sometimes, not all the time, sometimes you are bound to have them such discrepancies because you are not physically there.”

He emphasized that available accounts indicate that individuals, suspected to be fleeing from a security situation involving bandits or kidnappers, gained access to the airport through a vulnerable section of the perimeter fence, rather than targeting passengers or airport operations.

According to him, the distinction is critical in preventing unnecessary panic and preserving public confidence in the safety of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Keyamo noted that in large institutional structures, especially within government, reports often pass through multiple layers before reaching decision-makers, which can sometimes result in variations in the details presented.

The minister explained that officials issuing statements from headquarters in cities like Lagos or Abuja often rely on information relayed from personnel on the ground, which may not always capture the full picture in real time.

“The person issuing a statement in Lagos at the headquarters is not physically on the ground, and I think maybe that’s what happened.

” I’m also trying to get the full reports from all parties. Now, being the minister, I’m trying to get from all sides, but obviously what happened was that, of course, there was an intrusion into the airport in Akure, not that they were targeting the airport.

“The airport was not a target. Let us be very clear about this. In all the accounts, the airport was never a target. There was a problem, obviously, somewhere, and I think they ran into the airport, whether they are bandits or kidnappers and all that, but they ran into the airport.

“So, the airport was not, let me just assure the public, that the airport was not a target. Passengers were not a target.” he clarified.

As a result, he said, discrepancies in initial reports are not unusual, particularly in fast-evolving situations where agencies are working simultaneously to respond and communicate developments to the public.

The minister was emphatic in assuring Nigerians that the airport itself was not under threat.

Maiduguri Suicide Bombings: Tinubu Has Abandoned Governance For 2027- Senator Ali Ndume

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 17, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has expressed fears that going by the astronomical death rate occasioned by insurgency, there may not be enough people left to vote for either President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the opposition in 2027.

This is as he called on the President to pay less attention to issues bordering on the 2027 polls, and prioritize the pragmatic tackling of the disturbing security challenges facing most parts of the country, particularly the North East and North West regions.

Senator Ndume’s position is coming against the backdrop of the multiple suicide bombings that rocked the University of Maiduguri, and a post office in the Borno state capital on Monday.

No fewer than 23 persons have been confirmed dead by the police with over 108 others seriously injured in the devastating attacks said to have been carried out by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist elements.

Senator Ndume in a statement on Tuesday March 17, 2026, passionately urged President Tinubu to put 2027 politics aside, and face the security challenges currently threatening to wipe out the people of the North East region and other areas.

The All Progressive Congress, APC, long-serving Senator expressed serious concern that the all important task of protecting lives and properties of the citizenry has been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

“We seem to have abandoned the people for politics. The people that will vote are dying.

“President Tinubu should concentrate on governance. He should address the safety of Nigerians and their welfare first.

“If there is no improvement in their welfare and security, the Government becomes their enemy.

“He should walk his talk on this emergency on security. The people should see that he is addressing their welfare.

“We are in a state of emergency, and he ( president Tinubu) should be seen to be addressing the scary security situation convincingly”, Ndume stated.

He called for the immediate arrest of those behind the dastardly bombings.

” I learnt that one of the Improvised Explosive Devices IEDs was detonated from a tricycle. That must have been registered with the relevant authorities and the investigation will expose the owner, and that may help in identifying those behind the explosions, Ndume noted.

The Borno South Senator maintained that it is not enough for the President to be issuing strongly-worded statements, noting that the authorities should walk the talk.

Wike’s Ally, Senator Aduda Dumps PDP

Akinwale Kasali

March 17, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Phillip Tanimu Aduda, a strong ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has formally resigned from the PDP.

Aduda, former Senate Majority Leader resigned his membership from the Party. He announced his exit in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Karu Ward, Abuja.

In the letter dated March 17, 2026, the Three-term Senator cited the persistent internal turmoil within the former main opposition party as the primary reason for his departure.

“I write to formally notify you of my resignation as a member of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, with immediate effect due to the crisis in the party,” Aduda stated in the brief but pointed letter.

Despite his sudden exit, the former Lawmaker expressed appreciation to the platform provided by the party throughout his extensive legislative career, which spanned the 7th, 8th and 9th Assemblies.

The letter reads further, “I remain grateful for the opportunity the party gave me to serve in various elective positions in our nation.”

Aduda’s resignation comes amid a backdrop of protracted leadership disputes and factional infighting that has plagued the PDP nationwide as it prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle.

The former Minority Whip and later Minority Leader of the Senate, was widely considered the face of the PDP in the FCT, having served as a Member of the House of Representatives for AMAC/Bwari (2003–2011) before his elevation to the Red Chamber.

While the letter did not specify his next political destination, many believe that he could be on his way to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC where he is expected to clinch the ticket to again represent the territory in the 2027 general election.

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