GBI&I Media News Blog

 Today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Nigeria officially enters the 2027 election campaign season as candidates sign a peace accord, Oby Ezekwesili demands termination of a £746m UK ports deal, FCCPC uncovers cement price manipulation, and FAAC revenue surges to ₦3 trillion. Globally, markets remain steady while security concerns rise in parts of Nigeria. Good morning 🇳🇬 Nigeria Headlines Politics & Governance 2027 Campaigns Begin INEC confirmed that Nigeria’s 2027 general election campaigns officially commenced today. Tinubu, Obi, Sowore, and other candidates signed a peace accord , with INEC pledging neutrality. Tinubu warned opposition parties not to weaponize ethnicity or religion.      Read More:   INEC Declares Start of 2027 Election Campaigns as Candidates Sign Peace Accord Jonathan’s Warning  Former President Goodluck Jonathan criticized the influx of governors and senior politicians into off‑cycle elections, calling for new rules to protec...

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has announced a major shake‑up in his political team ahead of the 2027 elections, dropping his deputy, Umar Abubakar Tafida Arugungu , as running mate and replacing him with Ibrahim Muhammad Augie .  The decision, which has sparked intense debate in Kebbi’s political circles, was reportedly based on legal advice regarding Tafida’s eligibility.   Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris explained that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with electoral laws and to strengthen his ticket ahead of the polls. “This decision was not taken lightly.  It is guided by legal counsel and the need to present a credible, lawful, and united front to the people of Kebbi,” Idris stated.   Sources close to the governor revealed that Tafida’s eligibility had been questioned due to unresolved legal issues, though details remain unclear.  Political analysts suggest that the governor acted preemptively to avoid...

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party winner of the Osun State governorship election , securing a decisive victory over his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).   According to official figures released by INEC, Adeleke polled 511,067 votes , winning in 19 local government areas. Oyebamiji of the APC garnered 444,815 votes , securing 11 LGAs. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 72,000 votes.   The announcement was made at the Osogbo collation center, where INEC officials emphasized that the process was conducted transparently and in line with electoral guidelines.   The victory sparked immediate reactions across Nigeria’s political spectrum.   Peter Obi , Labour Party leader, congratulated Adeleke, describing the win as proof that “when people stand, democracy wins.”   On the oth...

Breaking news for Monday, August 17, 2026: INEC declares Ademola Adeleke winner of the Osun governorship election, Atiku challenges Tinubu over ₦4 trillion refinery spending, Kebbi Governor Idris drops his deputy as running mate, while NDLEA intercepts ₦23m cocaine shipment at Lagos Airport. 🇳🇬 Nigeria Headlines Politics & Governance Osun Governorship Election INEC declared Governor Ademola Adeleke  of the Accord Party winner of the Osun State governorship election, securing 511,067 votes against APC’s Bola Oyebamiji with 444,815. Adeleke won 19 LGAs, while Oyebamiji took 11. ADC’s Najeem Salaam came third.    Reactions Peter Obi hailed Adeleke’s victory as proof that “when people stand, democracy wins.” PDP described the win as a direct message to Tinubu and APC ahead of 2027. Tinubu himself congratulated Adeleke, calling the result “a fitting assurance democracy will flourish.”      Read More: Full Story Kebbi Politics Governor Nasir Idris dropped h...

Weekly Business & Finance roundup: EFCC recovers ₦115bn in oil levies, Nigeria fails fiscal transparency test, OPEC quota met, ECOWAS faces dirty fuel debate, and global markets react to U.S. immigration and oil prices. Nigeria’s Economy EFCC Oil Sector Recovery The EFCC announced recovery of ₦115 billion in levies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies. However, 24 firms still owe ₦76 billion and $81 million, highlighting persistent fiscal transparency challenges.   Fiscal Transparency Concerns The U.S. State Department’s 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report found Nigeria failed minimum requirements for the second consecutive year. Government officials pushed back, insisting reforms are underway.   CBN Sandbox Programme The Central Bank of Nigeria launched Cohort 2 of its Regulatory Sandbox Programme, inviting fintechs and Virtual Asset Service Providers to test innovative financial solutions.    OPEC Quota Compl...

  Former Nigerian military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB ) has revisited two of the most controversial episodes of his regime: the execution of his childhood friend Mamman Vatsa over the 1985 coup plot, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election , widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.   In a rare interview, Babangida reflected on the events surrounding the 1985 coup attempt, which sought to overthrow his government just months after he seized power from General Muhammadu Buhari. Among those implicated was Major General Mamman Vatsa, a poet, soldier, and Babangida’s close friend since childhood.   Despite their personal bond, Babangida approved Vatsa’s execution after a military tribunal found him guilty of treason. “It was one of the most painful decisions of my life,” Babangida admitted. “But as Head of State, I had to put the survival of the nation above personal relationships.”   Historians note that...

President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of 35 linear accelerators , advanced medical devices used in radiotherapy for cancer treatment, in what health experts are calling a landmark decision for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.  The move is expected to significantly improve access to cancer care across the country, where inadequate facilities have long hindered treatment outcomes.   Nigeria has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in Africa, largely due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options.  Currently, fewer than 10 functional radiotherapy machines serve a population of over 200 million, forcing many patients to seek care abroad or forego treatment altogether.   The new accelerators, once installed, will expand capacity in teaching hospitals and specialist centers nationwide.  Health Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa described the initiative as “a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against cancer,” emphasizing that the machines will reduce...