A meeting between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, leaders of the Rainbow Coalition, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken place at the governor's private residence in Port Harcourt. The meeting was described as a strategic fence-mending effort ahead of the Rainbow Coalition's 2027 campaign. Wike, APC governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda, and Senator Magnus Abe attended the meeting. Details of the discussion are not publicly available. The meeting is seen as a significant development in Nigerian politics.
In a surprising move, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has vowed to restore the petrol subsidy if elected in 2027. This is a reversal of his earlier stance against the scheme. Obi told the BBC that he would restore the subsidy but first eliminate the corruption associated with it. His running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also backed a modified form of subsidy. The shift in Obi's position has sparked debate among Nigerians.
Nigeria has recorded at least 10 military aircraft crashes between 2021 and October 2026, resulting in at least 68 deaths. The latest crash involved a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 in Ondo State that killed all 25 on board. Aviation experts have called for stronger collaboration between the Air Force, NCAA, and NSIB to improve safety. The incidents have triggered calls for comprehensive safety reforms in the military aviation sector.
Argentine football star Lionel Messi has ended his international career with a goal and two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires. Messi assisted Otamendi and Nico Paz before converting a penalty in his final international appearance. He finished his Argentina career with 208 caps and 126 goals. Messi described his retirement as the "saddest day of my career".
Support staff of the Port Harcourt Refining Company have threatened to shut down the facility over seven months of unpaid salaries and non-implementation of a new salary structure. The Support Staff Union members gave NNPCL a 48-hour ultimatum to implement the approved salary structure and pay outstanding salaries. They barricaded the refinery entrance in Eleme, Rivers State. The shutdown could have significant implications for Nigeria's oil production.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has summoned heads of security agencies in the state to a meeting over a spike in cult-related killings. The meeting is scheduled to address recent cult attacks that left two dead and several injured in Osogbo. The governor's aide also cited the need to secure forests after an ISWAP leader was killed in neighbouring Ondo. The meeting aims to find a solution to the growing security concern.
The developments in Nigeria have sparked reactions from various stakeholders. While some have welcomed Obi's shift on the petrol subsidy, others have expressed concerns about the implications of the military air crashes. The meeting between Wike and Fubara has also generated interest among political analysts. The country is preparing for the 2027 elections, and various political actors are positioning themselves.
Key points
- Peter Obi vows to restore petrol subsidy if elected in 2027
- Nigeria records 10 military air crashes in five years, resulting in 68 deaths
- Lionel Messi ends his Argentina international career with a goal and two assists
