Author: Vardiafrica

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), the nominee of President Bola Tinubu, for the position of chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Professor Amupitan, a professor of law, was confirmed by the upper chamber after his screening exercise on Thursday at the Plenary. The screening commenced around 12:50 pm after the Senate had suspended its rule to admit strangers into the hallowed chamber. The National Assembly had, on Wednesday, through a statement by Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information at the National Assembly, on behalf of the Office of the Secretary, Research and Information, said…

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says Nnamdi Kanu’s health condition does not appear life-threatening. But the prosecution had opposed the application, insisting that the federal government had provided Kanu with adequate care in detention. At the court session on Thursday, Adegboyega Awomolo, prosecution counsel, said the report has been received and filed in court on October 13, and it has also been served on the defence. Kanu Agabi, the defendant’s counsel, admitted that they have been served. In the report read in open court, the NMA panel concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial. Based on the information contained…

Sweden is set to begin stockpiling food as it prepares for war amid mounting fears of a potential war with Russia. The move comes after the country broke from its long-held tradition of military neutrality and officially joined NATO in 2024. Now, Stockholm is pushing ahead with plans to strengthen what it calls is its “total defence” strategy. According to Mail Online, the NATO member is set to invest 575 million krona (£45millon) in grain reserves, as part of the country’s next budget. Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin admitted: ‘We are well aware that the risk of Sweden becoming completely cut off is very low, but the risk…

Madagascar’s new military ruler will be sworn in as the country’s president on Friday, the military said on Wednesday, as the African Union suspended the island nation after a coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The Indian Ocean nation has been plunged into its worst political upheaval in years after the elite Capsat army unit assumed power on Tuesday, moments after parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina, who appeared to have fled the country as street protests escalated. It becomes the latest former French colony to fall under military control since 2020, after coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon and Guinea. Capsat commander Col…

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, says the recent defections of the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, confirm its long-held warning that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the defections as a betrayal of the people and a dangerous sign for Nigeria’s democracy. Abdullahi said that while the defections might appear to strengthen the APC, they in fact represent a loss for democracy and a deliberate effort by the ruling party to weaken the…

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Diri, who announced this on Wednesday at the exco chamber in the Bayelsa State Government House. He said his decision was for an obvious reason, but did not state the reason or the political party to which he will be moving. “After extensive consultations, today, October 15, 2025, I wish to notify you that, in keeping with the extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he announced. The Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was absent, but the governor…

The Nigerian Senate has passed the National Identity Management Commission Repeal and Enactment Bill 2025. Senate Majority leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), presented the motion for rescission, re-committal and passage of the bill at plenary on Wednesday. He said that “the National Assembly observed some fundamental issues that required fresh legislative action on the bill after its initial passage.” He said that the technical committee of the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Directorate of Legal Services met and worked on the bill. According to him, the Senate, relying on its order 1b and 52b of its standing orders, resolved…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved the release of ₦28 billion to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) under the second phase of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme. The directive, contained in NERC Order No: 2025/10 — Order on the Operationalisation of Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund, took effect on October 6. It forms part of the presidential metering initiative designed to bridge Nigeria’s estimated seven million meter deficit. According to the order, signed by NERC vice chairman Musiliu Oseni and commissioner for legal, licensing and compliance Dafe Akpeneye, the second tranche will prioritise metering of all…

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, after scoring a brace for Portugal in a 2-2 draw against Hungary.  His brace took him to 41 goals, surpassing Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala (39 goals), Lionel Messi of Argentina (36), Ali Daei of Iran (35), and Robert Lewandowski of Poland (32). Ronaldo’s first goal came from a Nelson Semedo assist, and the second was a classic far-post finish after a cross from Nuno Mendes.  This achievement adds to Ronaldo’s historic legacy. The Portuguese now has 948 career goals for club and country – the most by any player…

Nigeria has taken over the chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) from Argentina and will officially assume office on November 1, 2025. The country will unveil its Work Programme after due consultations. Representing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the G-24 as a catalyst for inclusive dialogue and global economic reform. “Our focus will be on sustaining momentum in areas that matter most to our members. We look forward to working together to advance our shared mission of inclusive growth, equity, and…