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2026 Ramadan: Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerian Muslims To Look Out For New Moon

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across the country to begin observing the sighting of the new moon for the Ramadan fast from the evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

His message was contained in a statement issued by the General, NSCIA, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.

According to the Sultan, if the moon is sighted on Tuesday, February 17, Ramadan will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Otherwise, fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

He said the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has made arrangements for the official observation.

Meanwhile, the Tomatoes Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria has dismissed fears of a possible hike in the prices of tomatoes and other vegetables during the forthcoming Ramadan fast, saying a bumper harvest and market timing would likely drive prices down.

The Kaduna State Chairman of the association, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.

Zuntu explained that, unlike previous years when tomato and pepper prices surged during Ramadan, this year’s fasting period coincides with the peak harvest season in many northern states.

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Peter Obi Reveals Why He Left The Labour Party

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has provided further insight into why he chose to leave the Labour Party, the political platform on which he contested the 2023 presidential election.

Obi revealed that he parted ways with the party after learning that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not recognise its leadership.

He spoke on Sunday at the OBIDIENT Conference and Official Declaration for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.”

Obi stated, “Democracy must work. I left the Labour Party when I was informed that, as long as I remained in the party, INEC would not recognize its leadership, and that the federal government did not want me on the ballot paper. But I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election—even if it is held in their bedroom—and if they refuse to transmit results, we will transmit them ourselves.” 

He assured Nigerians that, if elected, his administration would prioritize heavy investment in the education and health sectors, emphasizing that nations achieve greatness through intentional investment in human capital. Obi appealed for national unity, urging Nigerians to put aside differences to collectively rescue the country in the 2027 elections.

Describing his mission as “Operation Rescue Nigeria,” he stressed that it is not for personal gain but for the benefit of future generations who have suffered decades of misgovernance. He added, “Election results must be transmitted online in real time. Whoever fails to transmit results will have them transmitted for them.”

On corruption, Obi promised to reduce the menace by 60 percent, noting that leaders and their families must remain untainted. He cited his own tenure as governor, saying, “When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget about the office of the first lady. I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy of government lands, but none for myself or my family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority.”

Dr. Tanko Yunusa, global coordinator of the OBIDIENT movement, called on Nigerians to mobilize nationwide for the 2027 general election, reinforcing the movement’s commitment to a participatory and transparent electoral process.

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I Will Contest 2027 Elections – Peter Obi Assures Nigerians

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has reassured his supporters of his willingness to run in the 2027 presidential election.

He noted that he had in good authority that the federal government does not want him to contest, insisting that he will come out even if the elections are being held figuratively in their “bedroom.”

Speaking in Uyo at the OBIDIENT Conference and Official Declaration for ADC with the theme, Activating the PO Effect in ADC” on Saturday, Obi urged the people to join hands with him to rescue Nigeria for the future generations, who according to him will suffer the consequences of bad governance going on in the country for decades.

The former Anambra governor stated that the current administration have collected more loans than every other administration, adding that most of the loans will be repaid from 2045 and 2050 when most of the people who plunged the country into indebtedness must have gone.

On why he left the Labour Party, Obi said, ”Democracy must work, I left Labour party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognize its leadership, that the federal government don’t want me on ballot paper, but I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it holds in their bedroom and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit it for them.

According to him, Nigeria must get it right in 2027, election results must be transmitted online in real time and whoever fails to transmit results will be transmitted”

Obi, who assured that his administration will invest heavily in education and health if elected, averred that most of the great countries across the world achieved greatness through intentional investment in education, adding that he will do everything possible to pull people out of poverty to reduce criminality.

The presidential aspirant said he will tour the entire country and also all higher institutions to see the real challenges on ground, stressing that he wants to help fix Nigeria now that he has the strength to undertake any difficult task adding that those joining him to realize his ambition must understand that the priority is the future and wellbeing of the people.

He promised to rid Nigeria of corruption saying that the menace will be reduced by 60 percent once a leader and his family has nothing to do with corruption.

He added, ”When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget about the office of first lady because we were not elected together, I approved over 100 C of Os of government lands but have none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to appropriate authority.

Also addressing the people, Dr Tanko Yunusa, the coordinator of OBIDIENT movement world-wide urged Nigerians to mobilize from every nook and cranny of the country for the 2027 general election.

He urged them to channel their collective energy into the African Democratic Congress as the vehicle for transformation and victory in 2027.

On his own, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the OBIDIENT movement, Dr Ben Smith urged members to be united in pursuit of their goal as divisions or faction will derail the dream of a new Nigeria.

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Atiku Asks INEC To Reschedule 2027 Elections Over Ramadan Clash

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to review the scheduled date for the 2027 general election, cautioning that it overlaps with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

INEC announced that presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.

The commission said the dates were chosen in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

However, the timetable has drawn criticism because Ramadan is projected to begin around February 8 and end about March 10, 2027, placing both election dates within the fasting period.

Reacting in a statement, Atiku noted that the February 20 poll falls “squarely within the Ramadan period,” describing the month as a time of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.

He emphasised that elections are not merely administrative exercises but require “maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus.”

“Fixing such a critical civic exercise in the middle of a major religious observance reflects poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities,” he said.

Atiku argued that in a plural society like Nigeria, inclusive decision-making is vital. He maintained that selecting dates that accommodate broad public interests demonstrates competence and foresight.

“If INEC struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right, Nigerians are justified in asking: what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?” he queried.

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US Embassy In Abuja, Lagos Consulate To Close On Monday

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

The US Mission in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, noting that normal operations will resume after the public holiday.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

“Originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, Presidents’ Day now celebrates all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the nation’s history and positively influencing the world,” the statement read.

Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday in the United States, was originally established to honour the birthday of George Washington.

The holiday has since evolved to celebrate all American presidents and their contributions to the nation’s history and global influence.

Washington is credited with creating the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart, a military decoration that still bears his image.

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Why I Can’t Stand Obasanjo – Sowore

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has explained why he harbours strong opposition toward former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Responding to questions in an interview on an X programme, ‘Nix: Outside the Box’, Sowore said he could not stand the former President because it was during his administration that he went to the university, a period he said the education system began to dwindle.

Obasanjo, a former military Head of State, also served as civilian President from 1999 to 2007.

“I have never been to Aso Rock before. I have never met any President in power before, not even Obasanjo.

“Obasanjo is probably one of the people I can’t even stand because of what we knew about him before we went to the university.

“Part of the reasons we were rushing to the university was that Ali must go, and it was Obasanjo period. It was from that period that he started destroying the education system.

“To come back to the nature of power, I don’t even know how his face looks,” Sowore said.

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I’m Ready To Enter The Forest With My Boys – Sunday Igboho Seeks Support From FG To Flush Out Terrorists

Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has declared his willingness to work with the Federal Government to drive bandits out of forests across the South-West region.

Speaking during an interview with Punch, Igboho said he and his supporters were prepared to enter the forests if the Federal Government granted them approval.

Igboho has been a vocal opponent of banditry in the South-West and has on different occasions led operations to chase suspected bandits from some areas in Oyo State.

He said, “I need the support of the Federal Government to strengthen security in the South-West. I’m ready to enter the forests in Yorubaland with my boys to flush out terrorists who have been attacking our people in rural communities.

“We can’t do anything if the Federal Government does not give us approval or support. With my freedom and pardon, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to rid our forests of criminal elements and rogue herders who have become threats to the peace and tranquillity of some of our communities.” 

Speaking further, Igboho said he possesses the manpower to assist in safeguarding rural communities.

“If the Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu gives us the go-ahead and support, I am absolutely ready to work in ensuring the effective security of our rural communities in the South-West. We have the capacity and manpower to carry out the task if we get approval and support from the government,” he said.

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Why I Banned The Importation Of Rice – Ex-President, Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed Nigeria’s reliance on rice imports to the 1979 civilian administration’s decision to lift a ban he had previously put in place.

Obasanjo was the military Head of State who handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, democratically elected President of the Second Republic.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference marking the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, Obasanjo said his government had been on the verge of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production for Nigeria before handing over to civilians.

“By the time we left in July 1979, we wanted to be self-sufficient in rice production. We asked that a report be prepared on what was in the fields. The report showed that we would be self-sufficient that year,” he said.

Based on the findings, Obasanjo explained, his administration banned the importation of rice before leaving office in October 1979.

“When the civilian administration came in, one of the first things they did was to lift the ban on rice importation so they could allocate import licences to their supporters and political associates,” he added.

Obasanjo cited what he described as a notorious case of abuse involving a politically connected importer who inflated the cost of a rice contract in order to extract kickbacks.

“Let me give you an example. One of the barons who obtained a rice import licence from America ordered rice and then asked the suppliers to add $5 million to the cost. They did. They added the $5 million and supplied the rice. He then went back to New York and demanded $2.5 million out of the $5 million. They refused and gave him only $1 million. He reported the matter to the Nigerian embassy and to the Nigerian representative at the UN, who contacted the suppliers. The suppliers said they did not understand what the issue was.

“Eventually, the suppliers explained that the man had asked them to add $5 million to the cost and that, without doing so, they would have lost the contract. They took the risk and secured the deal. He wanted $2.5 million but had taken no risk, so they gave him $1 million.

“The ambassador said he felt like digging a hole and sinking into it. That was your country,” he said.

The former head of state added: “Since the lifting of the rice import ban in 1979, we have not recovered from it. That is why we are still importing rice today. These are the kinds of things that go wrong, and then we ask whether Africa has come of age. I wonder.”

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ADC Is The Only Party That Can Salvage Nigeria – Atiku Declares

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only party capable of rescuing Nigeria.

Atiku made the declaration on Thursday on the campaign trail of Dr Moses Paul, chairmanship aspirant for the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC.

“This morning, I gladly joined the campaign trail of Dr Moses Paul (Dr Mo), the ADC AMAC Chairmanship Candidate in the February 21 FCT Local Council elections. Our first port of call was Apo Wasa.

“Dr Mo is the kind of Nigerian young people in Abuja can relate to and trust with the future of the Municipal Council.

“I encourage FCT voters, including those in AMAC, to vote for all ADC candidates in these elections. This would be the first step towards ousting the failed APC government.

“ADC is undoubtedly the party that will salvage Nigeria, and the surest bet is to start with Dr Mo and AMAC,” Atiku said in a statement.

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Nigerian Leaders Behave Like Gods While In Power, They Forget That It’s Temporary – Shehu Sani

Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has remarked that Nigerian political leaders act as if they are gods while in power but become helpless and vulnerable once they lose it.

Sani said this in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Thursday.

He said when Nigerian politicians are out of power, they return to the people they once repressed and oppressed and seek refuge in the rule of law they never believed in or respected.

“When some people are in power, they get inebriated by the weapons of authority at their disposal. They forget that it’s temporary. Because the levers of power enables them to arrest, detain, threaten or kill, they start thinking and arrogantly behaving like gods.

“They become blind to what happened to their predecessors. When power slips out of their hands, they become vulnerable, helpless and live at the mercy of those in power.

“A forgiving and forgetful society will always and tragically embrace and sympathise with evil men when it’s their moment of Karma,” the lawmaker wrote.