Northern PDP Leaders Endorse Tanimu Turaki as Consensus National Chairman Candidate

Northern PDP Leaders Endorse Tanimu Turaki as Consensus National Chairman Candidate

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North have endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as their consensus candidate for National Chairman ahead of the party’s convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State. The announcement was made by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who spoke on behalf of the Northern zone after a meeting of PDP leaders in Abuja on Wednesday. Fintiri confirmed Turaki as the consensus choice while stressing that any aspirant unhappy with the decision is free to contest. Turaki, a senior lawyer with expertise in constitutional law, election petitions, commercial arbitration, international criminal law, intellectual property, oil and gas, and mergers and acquisitions, previously served as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity under former President Goodluck Jonathan. The PDP had earlier zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the National Chairmanship to the North, with Northern leaders further micro-zoning the chairmanship to the Northwest. Turaki emerged as the unanimous choice following consultations with party leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. Fintiri, who also chairs the National Convention Organising Committee, said: “We have reflected deeply and widely through consultations, and as we go to Ibadan for our national convention, we have adopted a consensus candidate to represent the North, and by extension, Nigeria, as the Chairman of the PDP. That gentleman is K.T. Turaki, SAN.” He added that other positions will be resolved at the regional level and that anyone still wishing to contest remains free to do so. The endorsement comes amid rising tensions within the party, particularly from supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who are reportedly dissatisfied with Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum’s leadership. Internal disputes over party structures, micro-zoning of key positions, and unresolved leadership issues in the South-South have also sparked court cases and legal battles, including claims of forgery related to the party’s convention notification to INEC. The Northern PDP meeting was attended by several key figures, including Governors Bala Mohammed, Caleb Mutfwang, and Dauda Lawal; former governors Ahmed Makarfi and Sule Lamido; Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana; and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, among others.

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Pat Utomi, Others Set for CITN UK District Ceremony

By Bunmi Ogunyale Nigerian professor of political economy and management expert, Pat Utomi will deliver the keynote address as Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) UK District holds its investiture ceremony in London, United Kingdom on Saturday. Utomi, who is the founder for Values in Leadership, Nigeria, alongside Barrister Gerardine Omamuli and Professor Ezekiel Williams, Managing Partner, Egoheads Group of Professionals will deliver address at the epoch making event. Utomi is a professor at Lagos Business School and has served in senior positions in government, as an adviser to the president of Nigeria, the private sector, as Chief Operating Officer at Volkswagen Nigeria. The theme of the event is; Taxation and accountability. Honourable Lanre Okunola, Member, House of Representatives, Nigeria and Honourable Frank Esenwa, Member, Delta State House of Assembly, Nigeria are also billed to grace the occasion as special guests of honour. Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, the 17th President of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, the chief host will present at the inauguration of Barrister Lawrence Okolie as the Second Chairman of the CITN UK District and the 2025 to 2027 Executive Committee. Mrs. Oghenerukevbe Sharlyn Wilcox will also be inaugurated as the Pioneer Coordinator of the 2025-2027 Executive Committee.

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53-Year-Old Mazi Alex Onu Wins SUG Presidency at Ignatius Ajuru University

Mazi Alex Onu, 53, has been elected president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt. A 400-level Political Science student, Onu won the election held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, defeating his rival to claim the top student leadership position. His election has sparked widespread discussion online. Supporters have praised his dedication, determination, and passion for education, calling him a role model for both younger and older students. Others, however, have questioned whether someone of his age should hold a student leadership role.

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Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract Through 2028

Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract Through 2028

Lionel Messi will remain with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season after signing a contract extension, the club announced Thursday. Messi shared the news on social media with a video of him signing the deal at the club’s new Freedom Park stadium, still under construction, captioned: “He’s Home.” “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi, 38, said. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.” Co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s dedication, saying: “He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. To have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done so much to inspire the next generation in this country, we feel very lucky.” Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after an unsettled period at Paris Saint-Germain, having spent most of his career at Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. Internationally, he led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and has scored 114 international goals, along with two Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. The extension ensures Messi will continue playing well beyond the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He could appear in a sixth World Cup, potentially setting a record, and is three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record. Argentina qualified comfortably for the 2026 tournament, with Messi finishing as South America’s top scorer with eight goals. In MLS, Messi has continued to shine, earning 2024 MVP honors, becoming the fastest player to reach 40 MLS goals in 2025, and leading Inter Miami back into the playoffs this season. He capped the regular season with a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC, finishing with 29 goals in 28 matches to claim the MLS Golden Boot.

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Lasisi Elenu and Wife Welcome Baby Boy, Their Second Child

Lasisi Elenu and Wife Welcome Baby Boy, Their Second Child

Comedian and skit creator Lasisi Elenu (Nosa Afolabi) and his wife, actress Nonso Adika, have welcomed their second child, a baby boy named River Elroi. Sharing the happy news on Instagram, Lasisi wrote: “Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” – John 7:38 (NLT). He introduced their son, saying: “Meet our son RIVER ELROI, ADÉDÁMÍNÌ, ADEWUNMI, NOSAGIE, ANYALEWECHI AFOLABI @river_elroi. Our RIVER of flowing waters is here, our JOY, our TESTIMONY, our GIFT from God. RIVER – a symbol of life, abundance, renewal, and God’s unending grace flowing through us.” The couple, who welcomed their first child, a daughter named Rain Afolabi, in 2022, have been showered with congratulations and well-wishes from fans celebrating the newest addition to their family.

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Davido Meets French President Emmanuel Macron at Élysée Palace in Paris

Nigerian superstar Davido (David Adeleke) met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, marking a significant step in strengthening cultural and creative ties between Nigeria and France. Sharing the encounter on social media, Davido posted photos from the meeting with the caption: “It was an honor meeting @EmmanuelMacron and sharing our visions for a better world.” The images also featured Cubana Chief Priest, underscoring the prominence of the event. The Élysée Palace, situated on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, is the official residence of the French President and has been a key venue for historic political and cultural gatherings since the 18th century. The meeting highlights the rising global recognition of African artists and the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering international collaboration. It also reflects Macron’s commitment to celebrating and promoting African creativity on the global stage. It was an honor meeting @EmmanuelMacron and sharing our visions for a better world 🇳🇬🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/iZjEEjmLtq — Davido (@davido) October 23, 2025

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VeryDarkMan Mocks Blord After His Social Media Account Is Suspended Again

Nigerian influencer VeryDarkMan has ridiculed businessman Linus Williams Ifejika, popularly known as Blord, after Blord’s social media account was suspended for the second time in just a few days. In a video shared online, VeryDarkMan laughed at Blord and said, “Thought it was a deactivation by you? Did you deactivate for the second time?” He further boasted about being the “fourth arm of the government” and claimed to have his own authority. The feud between the two reportedly began over allegations that Blord sold modified iPhone XRs as iPhone 17s. The conflict intensified online, with Blord allegedly sharing compromising videos of VeryDarkMan, contributing to the suspension. The exchange has sparked widespread discussion on social media about online behavior, accountability, and the consequences of public digital spats.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Martins vincent otse (@verydarkblackman)

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Brazil’s President Lula to Seek Fourth Term in 2026

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced he will run for re-election next year, seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term. Speaking during a state visit to Indonesia on Thursday, President Lula said he remains energised despite his age. “I’m turning 80, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30. And I’m going to run for a fourth term in Brazil,” Lula told reporters in a joint news conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He then turned to Subianto to deliver a quip: “I’m telling you this because we’re still going to see each other many times.” Brazil’s constitution allows presidents to serve only two consecutive terms. Lula, who served two terms in 2003-2010, returned to office in 2023 after 13 years out of power and thus remains eligible to run again. The Brazilian leader is currently on a diplomatic trip across Asia. After his visit to Indonesia, Lula will head to Malaysia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. While in Malaysia, Lula is expected to meet on Sunday with United States President Donald Trump, their first in-person encounter following a conciliatory phone call earlier this month, Brazilian media has reported. The two leaders have clashed over the prosecution of former far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — an ally of Trump — and international trade. Trump and Lula are expected to discuss the 50-percent trade tariff that Trump imposed on Brazil in August, in protest against the Bolsonaro prosecution. Lula had previously said his 2022 presidential bid would be his final campaign, both because of his age and because he believed the country needed political renewal. That election saw him narrowly defeat Bolsonaro in a run-off. But early in his current term — his third — Lula began hinting that he might run again. In February 2023, the president said he could seek re-election in 2026, adding that his decision would depend on the country’s political context and his health. A dominant figure on Brazil’s left, Lula is the country’s longest-serving president since its return to democracy 40 years ago. Some Brazilian politicians have expressed concern about Lula’s age and recent health issues. He underwent emergency surgery to treat a brain bleed late last year after a fall in the bathroom. Still, Lula frequently insists he remains healthy and energetic, often sharing workout videos on social media. Lula currently leads all polls for the 2026 election, though roughly half of voters say they disapprove of him. Trump’s tariffs reenergised the Brazilian leader and pushed his popularity up. His main political rival, Bolsonaro, has been barred from running for office and was sentenced in September to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. While no strong opposition candidate has yet emerged, analysts say a viable contender is likely to depend on Bolsonaro’s backing as he serves his sentence under house arrest.

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