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Maths And English Remain Compulsory For O’Level Students – FG Clarifies

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain mandatory for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, despite the recent changes to tertiary institution admission requirements.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government said the new policy on streamlined admission criteria does not exempt any candidate from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.

According to the statement signed by Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the clarification became necessary following misinterpretations of the new O’Level admission framework.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform was introduced to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions, ensuring that capable students are not denied access because of deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen courses.

“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study,” Alausa said.

He added that the new framework aligns with global best practices and corrects imbalances in the previous admission system by allowing institutions to admit candidates into certain programmes where credit passes in either subject are not compulsory, but all students must still register and sit for both.

The ministry stressed that the adjustment only affects admission criteria for specific programmes, not the requirement to study or take the subjects.

“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the statement partly read.

The ministry said the policy supports the Federal Government’s broader goal of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while upholding education quality and integrity.

It also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on the ministry’s official communication channels and verified social media platforms for accurate updates on reforms and policies.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to building a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners.

It had earlier been reported that Nigerian senior secondary school students in arts and humanities will no longer be required to present a credit in mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination, organised by the West African Examination Council and National Examination Council, as a condition for admission to universities and polytechnics, the Federal Ministry of Education.

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Regina Daniels vs Ned Nwoko: There Is No Perfect Husband Or Wife – Shehu Sani Says

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has stated that no husband or wife is perfect, emphasizing that couples grow by learning to manage each other’s imperfections.

Sani said marriages and relationships are periodically tested by those imperfections.

His remark comes amid the alleged marital crisis between Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko and popular actress, Regina Daniels.

Regina Daniels alleged she was subjected to domestic violence, noting that she can no longer take it.

However, Sani posted on X: “There is no perfect husband.There is no perfect wife. There is no perfect couple. There is no perfect family.

“Those who learn or master the art of handling their imperfections stay longer on the matrimonial track.

“Marriage or relationships are periodically tested by those imperfections and rescued by restraint.

“Every beauty has its ugly side; we spend most of our time embracing the beautiful side, and when it rotates to the ugly side, we lose our balance, we fail to accept the fact that it’s in the package of the other soul we subscribed to.

“We think of the person we love as Angels and Saints until the wheel of time reminds us and open our eyes to those imperfections of the one we love.”

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2027: I’m Not Afraid Of Losing ADC Ticket To Atiku – Peter Obi Declares

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is not worried about losing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Obi, during his recent visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, also dismissed growing speculation that Atiku may hijack the party’s presidential ticket, describing him instead as a dear elder brother and respected leader.

The speculation is coming amid reports that Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have been defecting to the ADC coalition.

Atiku had in a recent BBC Hausa interview, declared that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries.

This was said to have sent anxiety through political circles and prompted fresh debate on his 2027 ambitions.

Reacting, Obi allayed the fears, stressing that the emerging coalition was about national rescue, not rivalry.

“Let me tell you. Atiku is a very dear elder brother and leader that I have a lot of respect for. I’m not afraid of losing ADC’s presidential ticket to him. I’m a member of the Labour Party and I belong to the coalition forming the ADC for the presidential election in 2027.

“I can tell you, other parties and people are going to be part of it. All of us are going to come together as a people. That’s my belief.

“For us to do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning people will have to come together to rescue the country,” he said.

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2027: Why Tinubu Will Lose – Aregbesola

Rauf Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has explained why President Bola Tinubu is likely to lose the 2027 general elections.

He stated that regardless the grandstanding of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, will take over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria and in most of the states.

Aregbesola said this on Saturday in Ilorin while fielding questions in an interview with newsmen after the commissioning of the state secretariat of the party along Basin Road, Ilorin.

“If APC is confident of its strength, it won’t be so hyped and charged as to be hounding and hunting opposition all over the place.

“How can we interpret what APC is doing all over Nigeria to us? They are harassing and intimidating everyone of our members, not just our leaders but nationwide, be it Lagos, Kebbi, Kaduna.

“If indeed they are confident of the strength they are showcasing, one would expect that they will be so calm but reverse is the case, so what does that tell you?

“They themselves know that they are not popular and the party that will harvest their unpopularity is ADC.

“Regardless of the grandstanding, by the grace of God, ADC will take over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria and in most of the state,” he said.

Weighing in on governors joining the ruling APC, the former Interior Minister said that those going to the APC were the enemies of the people.

In the same vein, the immediate past governor of Kwara State, who dumped PDP to join ADC, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, told journalists that his party is prepared to take over mantle of leadership in the country.

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2027: How To Defeat Tinubu – Dele Momodu

Ovation Magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, has stated that the only viable path for the opposition to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election is to zone the presidency to the Muslim North and the vice presidency to the Christian South.

Momodu stated this on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television.

He said President Tinubu had already locked down the South, making it almost impossible for any southern presidential candidate to compete effectively against him.

“It’s obvious that the ruling government has already turned this into an ethnic battle, and it’s going to be a battle of North versus South.

“That is why you saw PDP and APC apparatchiks all struggling to insist that a candidate must come from the South. They know that President Tinubu has already locked down the South, and nobody — not Peter Obi, not Goodluck Jonathan, will be able to catch up with him where he is right now,” he said.

According to him, President Tinubu’s immense financial resources and control of state structures give him a major advantage, adding that only a strategic counterbalance from the North could tilt the balance in favour of the opposition.

The former presidential candidate also dismissed the notion that such zoning would undermine fairness or the principle of power rotation, arguing that the idea of an eight-year turn for the North and South was not enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

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Peter Obi Has Better Chances In 2027 Than 2023 – Aisha Yesufu

Prominent social activist Aisha Yesufu has expressed confidence in Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s prospects, stating that the 2027 elections offer him a stronger chance than in 2023.

Yesufu made the statement on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State, during an interactive session with newsmen at the Girls’ Summit organised by Protect The Precious Foundation, where she was a guest speaker.

According to Yesufu, many Nigerians who were sceptical about Peter Obi’s message in 2023 have now come to support his vision, giving him more momentum for the 2027 race.

“Peter Obi has more hope in 2027 than there was in 2023. When he started running in 2023, people said only four persons were tweeting for him. Despite the rigging that took place, he still got over six million votes. He won the 2023 election, even without having a single councillor,” Yesufu stated.

She further emphasised that the growing awareness of Obi’s message had resulted in a larger following for the Labour Party candidate.

“Many didn’t believe in him then, but today, people have seen the truth he stands for. His followership has grown, and all we ask for is a free, fair, and credible election, though we know they lack the capacity to give that,”Yesufu further stated.

Yesufu also urged Nigerians to ensure that their votes count in future elections, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability.

“When you vote, make sure your vote is counted and entered for your candidate. Otherwise, all you did was paper painting,”she advised.

When asked about her expectations for the INEC Chairman-designate, Yesufu expressed disappointment, saying she had no specific expectations from him.

“I don’t have any task for him because even the President that appointed him, I don’t believe is supposed to be there. For me, the focus is on the Nigerian people. INEC is not the problem; the people working there are. They are our brothers, sisters, spouses, and relatives. We must ensure they don’t take bribes or rig elections. If we do that, nobody will dare to rig,” she stated.

Yesufu lamented the lack of necessary electoral reforms as the 2027 elections approach, highlighting the need for immediate changes to ensure free and fair elections.

“Nothing has been put in place. Nigerians must realise that the 2027 election is a fight for our lives,” she said.

On the challenges facing Nigeria, Yesufu dismissed the notion that they were spiritual in nature. She pointed to bad governance as the root cause of Nigeria’s problems.

“People are dying from bad governance, corruption, and wrong policies. It’s not village people or enemies, it’s bad leaders. To have good governance, we must elect people with competence, character, and capacity, not looters or selfish individuals,” she explained.

Yesufu also expressed deep concern over the ongoing neglect of the rights and welfare of girls in Nigeria. She condemned the government and society for turning a blind eye to abuses such as r*pe, child labour, and political exclusion.

“We must criminalize r*pe, punish offenders, and give victims a voice,” she stressed, calling for stiffer punishment for perpetrators.

“R*pe can be stopped if it is treated as a serious crime. Right now, it’s not. Offenders are often excused, and victims are shamed,”she added.

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I’m For Tinubu Till 2031, Not Running for Presidency in 2027 – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has revealed he has no plan to contest in the 2027 election.
Speaking on Friday, he denied report that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is “pushing” him to run for the presidency in 2027.
Wike described the report as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”
A statement by his spokesman, Lere Olayinka, said “as far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031”.
He said it was shameful that the “pull Wike down” elements could not reason beyond such kindergarten tactics, adding that it was clear that they need better brains to think for them.
According to the statement: “Report circulated by an online platform that is notorious for falsehood and blackmail that a meeting was held by some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to “push” the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to run for President in 2027, has been described as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.

“Wike does not function in hiding. He does what he says, and says what he does.

“The Minister has made it clear where he stands as long as the 2027 Presidential election is concerned, he is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

 
Olayinka stated that the only meeting that took place on August 20, 2025, was that of PDP stakeholders from Southern part of Nigeria, and the purpose was the meeting scheduled for Lagos on August 21, 2025, by some elements to rubberstamp a decision to micro-zone party positions zoned to the South.
“Outcome of the meeting was made public via a press statement titled; ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,’ signed by State Party Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Barr. Venatuis Ikem, Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan and Aaron Chukwuemeka respectively, as well as the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon O. K. Chinda.
 
“Others who signed the press statement were Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser, Barr. Mudi Erhenede and others.
 
“Obviously, the above names were picked from the press statement published in all major newspapers and aired on national television stations, to advance the latest mischief.
 
“We know their intention though. But unfortunately for them, and the platform they are using to propagate their idle plots, the person and character of the FCT Minister is known to everyone – he does not do anything in hiding.
 
“He has said it clearly that from now till 2031, it is on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he will stand.
 
“To ensure the success of the President’s reelection, Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT by actualising the visions of the President for a federal capital city that can compete with other capital cities in the world in terms of infrastructural development.”
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FG Sues Senator Nwebonyi Over Alleged Vile Remarks Against Senator Natasha

The Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted a law suit against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
FG sued Nwebonyi over alleged defamatory statements made against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Sahara Reporters revealed that the five-count charge, marked CR/547/2025, was filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, on behalf of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation.
According to the charge sheet dated September 11, 2025, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, Senator Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District and serves as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, made the offending remarks between March 3 and 29, 2025, during appearances on Arise Television, Channels Television, TVC, and News Central Television in Abuja, as well as in other media outlets

The prosecution accused Senator Nwebonyi of making several statements intended to damage Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation, including describing her as “a habitual accuser” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.”

He was further quoted as saying, “This woman is a known blackmailer, and people should be very careful with this woman.”
 
According to the Federal Government, these remarks were malicious and capable of exposing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.
The charge sheet also alleged that Nwebonyi made disparaging personal comments about the senator, describing her as “a mother of six from different men” and questioning her moral character, statements which the prosecution says constitute a violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, and are punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.
Count One of the charge specifically accuses Senator Nwebonyi of making imputations knowing that such statements would harm the reputation of another person, contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.
If convicted, the offence carries a potential sentence of imprisonment, fine, or both, as stipulated under the Penal Code provisions.
The statement of offence for count one reads, “Making imputation knowing that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory Nigeria and punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.
 
“That on or about the 3rd day of March 2025, during a live studio interview programme “NewsDay” on Arise Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, You SENATOR PETER ONYEKACHI NWEBONYI, made the following imputation concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during the referenced interview programme with Arise Television anchors/hosts (Aaron Akerejola and Cynthia Areh) to wit:
 
“This is an attempt to discredit the Senate President, and this is not the first time, just give me some time, this is not the first time this woman is doing this. This is a woman that have accused Yahaya Bello of sexual harassment…”
 
“This is the same woman that accused Reno Omokri, the former media aide to Jonathan of sexual harassment, this is a woman I saw on a video yesterday accusing a Minister of sexual harassment. Are you the only woman in Nigeria? Senator Natasha! What is wrong with you?”
 
“This is madness, Nigerian women should rise against this, let me tell you something…”
 
“Senator Natasha is spoiling game for Nigeria women trying to enter politics, because nobody will vote for a woman… No! I’m telling you, if women can behave this way, then there is danger… if you give them more power!”
 
“And I have my points, any slightest provocation, you accuse eh, he want to sexually harass me, he eh (inaudible). Who are you? A mother of six…a mother of six from different men, without going to her character, this is a mother of six from different men and you think that her character is not questionable.”
 
“I’m going to her character, she have to change! We should condemn evil that is the point…I’m a Christian.”
 
“Listen! She is a habitual accuser, she is a habitual accuser of men, of sexual harassment.”
 
“And YOU SENATOR PETER ONYEKACHI NWEBONYI know or have reason to believe that these imputations will harm the reputation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Senator of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
 
Counts Two to Five: Each of the remaining four counts accuses Senator Peter Nwebonyi of making statements or imputations knowing, or having reason to believe, that such remarks would harm the reputation of another person, in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.
The Federal Government maintains that these imputations were made maliciously and with reckless disregard for the truth, thereby constituting criminal defamation under the law.
The case has been formally scheduled for hearing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Senator Nwebonyi is expected to take his plea and defend himself against the allegations.
If found guilty, he faces penalties prescribed under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, which include imprisonment, a fine, or both.
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What Tinubu Told Me Before He Became President – Ben Murray-Bruce

Former senator Ben Murray-Bruce has revealed details of a private conversation he shared with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

In an interview with TVC News on Friday, Murray-Bruce said the president has fulfilled the promises he made during the conversation.

The former lawmaker said he asked Tinubu, “You are going to have 36 ministers and ministers of state, how are you going to run the economy with over 40 people you don’t even know?”

In response, according to him, the president said, “I only need eight people to run Nigeria”,

The APC chieftain countered opposition figures criticising the current administration, stating that President Tinubu has kept his campaign promises.

“He chose the right people, and they have made a difference to the economy. He also shocked me on the first day in the office when he said he would deregulate and float the currency.

“Two years after my question to him, he did exactly what I asked him to do”, the former lawmaker said.

The former lawmaker recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

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No Inmate Released Yet, Presidential Pardon Under Review – FG

Following backlash, the Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has yet been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise.
According to the government, the process is still undergoing its final administrative review.
This follows reports that President Bola Tinubu approved pardons for Sir Herbert Macaulay and 174 others, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Major General Mamman Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 for alleged coup plotting.
The list also reportedly included Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, along with other inmates and ex-convicts recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
However, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in a statement on Thursday, clarified that while the Council of State had endorsed the recommendations for clemency, no formal release had taken place. He said the process remains at the verification and review stage to ensure full compliance with legal and procedural standards.
“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody. The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued,” the statement read.
Fagbemi explained that the issuance of the release instrument marks the final phase, after which the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service will be authorized to implement the decisions.
He stressed that the review process is standard protocol, reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.
“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy,” he said, assuring that the public will be informed once all legal and procedural checks are completed.
 
“The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” he added.

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