City Pulse News

  Sparks Outrage Over Distribution of APC-Branded Bread in Lagos By Actor Yomi Fash-Lanso By City Pulse News   August 23, 2026   Category: Entertainment / Politics / Lagos Veteran Nollywood actor Yomi Fash-Lanso has come under intense public criticism after a video emerged showing him distributing bread and other food items branded with the logo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to residents in Lagos. The video, which began circulating widely on social media on August 22, 2026, shows the popular Yoruba actor standing by a roadside location as people gathered to receive the packages. Fash-Lanso, dressed in a white shirt and a green cap bearing APC and local government branding, was seen handing out white plastic bags containing bread and other food materials. Individuals wearing T-shirts of the iCARE Foundation assisted him during the exercise. The packages and some of the clothing worn by those involved prominently displayed the APC logo, turning what appeared...

 Federal Government Drops Death Penalty Appeal in Nnamdi Kanu Case By City Pulse News   August 23, 2026   Category: Law & Judiciary / National News The Federal Government has formally withdrawn its cross-appeal seeking the death penalty against detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, marking a significant shift in one of Nigeria’s most prolonged and politically sensitive legal battles. Special Counsel to Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development earlier this week. According to him, the government has officially communicated that it no longer intends to pursue capital punishment in the case. The notice effectively closes the chapter on the state’s attempt to secure the death sentence, which had been a major point of contention since the trial court’s judgment last year. Background to the Case Nnamdi Kanu was convicted on seven terrorism-related charges by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025. The ch...

Anambra Local Government Elections Set for August 29 Despite Legal Challenge By City Pulse News August 23, 2026 Category: Politics / Anambra The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has reaffirmed that local government elections will hold as scheduled on August 29, 2026, across the state’s 21 local government areas. The decision comes despite an ongoing lawsuit filed by 56 serving councillors who are challenging the two-year tenure limit for elected local government officials. The councillors argue that the provision in the state’s electoral law conflicts with Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees a democratically elected local government system. They are asking the court to declare the two-year tenure unconstitutional and to stop the planned elections until their full four-year term is completed. ANSIEC Chairman Genevieve Osakwe stated that the commission has not received any court order suspending the electoral process. She confirmed that preparation...

 Legal Storm Grows Over Justice Omotosho’s Handling of Nnamdi Kanu Terrorism Trial By City Pulse News August 23, 2026 Category: Law & Judiciary A major legal controversy continues to surround Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja over his conduct of the high-profile terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu. At the centre of the dispute is a fundamental constitutional question: whether a Nigerian court can convict a person using a law that has already been repealed. During the trial, Kanu and his defence team repeatedly asked the court a direct question that has now become the focus of intense public debate: “Show me the written law currently in force that authorises this conviction.” They argued that Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution makes it clear that no one can be found guilty of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the punishment prescribed in a written law that is still valid at the time of the tria...

  Sowore Joins Forces with Other Candidates to Challenge Tinubu Ahead of 2027 By City Pulse News August 23, 2026 Category: Politics / Elections African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has aligned with two other opposition aspirants in a fresh bid to present a stronger alternative to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. Sowore, Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of the Accord Party reached the understanding after a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The three candidates said they would work together to mobilise Nigerians against what they described as growing threats to democracy, economic hardship, and insecurity. In a joint position, they warned that the country risked moving toward “a coronation disguised as an election” if the opposition remained fragmented. They also called for the release of certain political detainees and an end to what they termed the persecution of Sowore over his political...

 Atiku and Obi Camps Reject Single Opposition Candidate as 2027 Race Intensifies By City Pulse News August 23, 2026 Category: Politics / Elections The push for a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 presidential election has suffered a setback, as the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi have both rejected the idea of fielding a single candidate against President Bola Tinubu. The development comes just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opened the campaign period on August 19. While a pressure group known as G-100 has been urging opposition parties to present one strong challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), neither Atiku’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor Obi’s Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is willing to step aside. Sources close to both camps say they recognise the need for greater cooperation but remain committed to their individual presidential ambitions. Atik...

 Opposition Unity Remains Elusive as 2027 Presidential Campaigns Gain Momentum By City Pulse News August 23, 2026 Category: Politics Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race has entered a decisive early phase following the official lifting of the campaign ban by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on August 19. With just five months to the January 16, 2027 election, the contest is shaping up as a three-way battle between incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The opening days have already highlighted deep divisions within the opposition. While Tinubu’s campaign is leveraging the advantages of incumbency and focusing on the long-term benefits of his economic reforms — including subsidy removal and exchange-rate adjustments — both Atiku and Obi have centred their messages on the i...

  Opposition Unity Remains Elusive as 2027 Presidential Campaigns Gain Momentum By City Pulse News August 23, 2026 Category: Politics Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race has entered a decisive early phase following the official lifting of the campaign ban by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on August 19. With just five months to the January 16, 2027 election, the contest is shaping up as a three-way battle between incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The opening days have already highlighted deep divisions within the opposition. While Tinubu’s campaign is leveraging the advantages of incumbency and focusing on the long-term benefits of his economic reforms — including subsidy removal and exchange-rate adjustments — both Atiku and Obi have centred their messages on the ...

  Tinubu Unveils APC 2027 Campaign Council, Names Yari as Director-General President Bola Tinubu has formally unveiled the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election, appointing former Zamfara State Governor Senator Abdulaziz Yari as Director-General. According to a statement released by the Presidency, President Tinubu will serve as Chairman of the council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda will act as Vice Chairmen. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has been named Secretary of the council. The list includes several high-profile politicians and party leaders. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and other serving governors and former office holders were also appointed to key positions. The unveiling of the campaign council signals the formal start of intensive preparations by the ruling party ahead of the 2027 presidential el...

 US Lifts 12-Year Security Restrictions on Ships from Nigeria United States has removed long-standing security restrictions on vessels arriving from Nigeria, ending a measure that had been in place for more than 12 years. The decision, confirmed by Nigerian and U.S. maritime authorities, is being described as a positive step for Nigeria’s shipping industry and international trade. The restrictions had previously subjected ships linked to Nigeria to additional security checks when entering U.S. ports, often leading to delays and higher operating costs for shipping companies. Nigeria has worked over the years to improve security in its territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea, a region that was once among the world’s major hotspots for piracy and maritime crime. Increased patrols, better coordination among security agencies, and cooperation with international partners have contributed to a noticeable decline in pirate attacks in recent years. Officials say the lifting of the U...

Stakeholders Push for Greater Role of Women in Nigeria’s Governance and Security Content: Calls for stronger participation of women in governance and national security have gained fresh attention after stakeholders at a national summit in Abuja urged the government to take practical steps beyond policy statements. Participants at the 2026 Inclusion and National Security Summit argued that women remain underrepresented in key decision-making positions despite making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population. They said greater inclusion is necessary for more balanced and effective governance, particularly in areas related to peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Many speakers noted that women often play important roles at the community level — in education, healthcare, family welfare and local economic activities. Because of this, they possess valuable insights into how insecurity affects everyday life. Involving more women in security policy, they argued, could help shift the focus beyond...

  Nigeria Faces Growing Security Challenge as Diplomatic Rift Weakens Regional Cooperation Nigeria is facing increasing difficulty in coordinating regional security efforts against armed groups operating across the Sahel, as diplomatic tensions with some neighbouring military-led governments continue to grow. Security analysts say the widening political divide between Nigeria and countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is making joint operations and intelligence sharing more complicated. Armed groups in the region do not respect national borders, and the lack of strong cooperation creates opportunities for them to move freely across remote areas. Nigeria has historically played a major role in West African security. The country has contributed troops and resources to regional initiatives and shares long borders with several states affected by instability. Developments in the Sahel therefore have direct implications for security in Nigeria’s northern states. In recent yea...

  Peter Obi Intensifies 2027 Campaign, Pushes Production-Based Economy Content: Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has stepped up his presidential campaign for 2027, placing strong emphasis on transforming Nigeria into a production-driven economy rather than one heavily dependent on consumption and imports. Speaking in recent engagements, Obi argued that the country’s economic challenges cannot be solved by increased government spending alone. Instead, he said the focus should be on encouraging local production, protecting investments, and cutting waste in public expenditure. According to Obi, Nigeria’s large population and domestic market present a major opportunity. However, the country continues to import many goods that could be produced locally. He believes that shifting attention to manufacturing, agriculture, and technology can create jobs and reduce pressure on the naira. The rising cost of living remains a central issue in the emerging 2027 political contest. Man...

  Plateau Attack Leaves 25 Dead as Fear of Reprisals Spreads Across Communities At least 25 people have been killed in a violent overnight attack on a community in Plateau State, according to local officials and residents. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, has once again raised serious concerns about the security situation in central Nigeria. Residents who spoke to City Pulse News described a night of heavy gunfire that lasted for a long period, forcing many families to flee their homes in panic. A resident of the affected community, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said the attackers came in large numbers and targeted several houses. “We heard heavy shooting for a long time. People were running in different directions. Some of us are still missing family members,” the resident said. Local leaders and youth groups are now calling on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to act quickly. They fear that the latest killings could trigger...

 Atiku Criticises Tinubu's Economic Policies as 2027 Political Battle Intensifies By City Pulse News August 22, 2026 Category: Politics & Economy Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stepped up his criticism of President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, arguing that Nigerians continue to experience serious cost-of-living pressure despite improvements in government revenue. Atiku's latest comments add to an increasingly heated political debate over the direction of Nigeria's economy as the country moves closer to the 2027 presidential election. The former vice president's remarks came amid an ongoing exchange between opposition figures and the Presidency over whether Tinubu's reforms have improved the Nigerian economy. THE ARGUMENT OVER ECONOMIC REFORMS Economic policy has become one of the most important issues ahead of the next election. Tinubu's administration introduced major reforms after taking office, including the removal of the petrol subsidy...

 Nigeria's 40 Auto Plants Produce Below 5% Capacity, Industry Data Shows By City Pulse News August 22, 2026 Category: Business & Economy Nigeria's automobile assembly industry is operating far below its potential, with the country's licensed vehicle assembly plants producing less than five percent of their combined capacity, according to industry figures. The development highlights a major gap between Nigeria's ambition to build a strong local automobile industry and the current level of production. Nigeria has almost 40 licensed vehicle assembly plants with a combined installed capacity of more than 600,000 vehicles per year. However, actual production remains below five percent of that potential, while the country is estimated to have annual demand of about 800,000 vehicles. A LARGE MARKET WITH LIMITED LOCAL PRODUCTION Nigeria has one of Africa's largest populations, meaning there is potentially a huge domestic market for vehicles. Cars, buses, trucks and othe...

 Nigeria Needs $23 Billion to Address Electricity Challenge, REA Says By City Pulse News August 22, 2026 Category: Business & Economy Nigeria may require approximately $23 billion in additional investment to address the country's electricity challenges as demand continues to increase, according to the Rural Electrification Agency. The warning comes as Nigeria attempts to expand electricity access while also supporting growing demand from industries, households, digital businesses and new technologies. The country's electricity challenge has remained one of the biggest obstacles to economic development. The Rural Electrification Agency has warned that population growth, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and increasing electrification in areas such as transportation and agriculture could significantly increase future electricity demand. WHY ELECTRICITY DEMAND IS RISING Nigeria's electricity needs are changing rapidly. More homes require electricity for appliances, c...

 BREAKING: Presidency Names 108-Member APC Campaign Council Ahead of 2027 Election By City Pulse News August 22, 2026 Category: Politics Nigeria's 2027 political contest has entered another important phase after the Presidency announced a 108-member All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council. The council is expected to coordinate major aspects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election campaign as the ruling party prepares for the next presidential election. The list was announced on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to the announcement, former Zamfara State governor Abdulaziz Yari will serve as Director-General of the campaign council, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as secretary. President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are listed as chairman and vice chairman respectively. JOSEPH YOBO AMONG MEMBERS One of the names attracting attention is former Super Eagles captain Jo...

 BREAKING NEWS: Federal Government Declares Tuesday Public Holiday for Eid ul Mawlid By City Pulse News August 22, 2026 Category: Nigeria News The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to allow Nigerians to commemorate this year's Eid ul Mawlid, the celebration marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government. The declaration means workers in government institutions and other establishments observing the federal holiday are expected to have Tuesday off, although essential services will continue. WHAT EID UL MAWLID MEANS Eid ul Mawlid is an important occasion observed by many Muslims around the world. It is traditionally marked through prayers, religious gatherings, lectures and other activities focused on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. In Nigeria, the occasion is observed in different ways depending on local traditions and communitie...

  City Pulse News August 22, 2026 Armed men stormed a mosque in Niger State’s Borgu Local Government Area on Friday and abducted more than 60 worshippers during Jumu’at prayers, in the latest mass kidnapping to hit Nigeria’s north-central region. The attack took place at Kpenya Mosque in the Dekara district. According to residents and local reports, the gunmen first struck nearby communities including Gidan-Zana and Kpenya villages before surrounding the mosque as prayers were ongoing. Worshippers were then led away into surrounding forest areas. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident on Saturday. He stated that no lives were lost and that a joint security team has been deployed to the area for assessment and rescue operations. Officials have not yet released a confirmed figure for the number of people taken, though multiple residents told journalists that more than 60 people were abducted. The attack appeared coordinated and occurred simultaneously across seve...

           City Pulse News Staff Writer August 22, 2026 The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State is mourning the sudden death of its local government chairman, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon. The respected party leader collapsed on Friday during a reconciliation meeting at Iyara Town Hall, the administrative headquarters of the LGA, and was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Kabba. Eyewitnesses reported that Solomon was actively taking part in the proceedings when he suddenly slumped. Party members and stakeholders present immediately attempted to assist him with first aid before rushing him for medical attention. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the facility in neighbouring Kabba. The precise cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed. The meeting had been convened by former Ijumu Local Government chairman Funsho Olumoko. It aimed to foster unity, resolve internal differences, and strengthen party c...

Ebonyi Restricts Movement as Residents Head to Polls for Local Government Elections. By Adaeze Nwosu City Pulse News Abakaliki | Saturday, August 22, 2026 Residents of Ebonyi State woke up to a temporary restriction on human and vehicular movement today as the much-awaited local government elections take place across all 13 Local Government Areas. Governor Rt.  Hon. Bldr.  Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru directed that movement be restricted between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The order aligns with the official voting hours set by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC). Security agencies have been mandated to enforce strict compliance. Only individuals on essential duties or services are exempt.  These include EBSIEC officials, accredited journalists and election observers, emergency medical responders, health workers, and authorised security personnel. The directive was announced on Friday by Barr. Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, Honourable Commissioner for Information and S...