ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling APC of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. He also alleged that the DSS was recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto to create disorder ahead of the elections. The DSS has denied the allegation, saying it rescued the party’s governorship candidate, while its Director-General has ordered an investigation. ADC chieftain Aminu Tambuwal, however, maintains that the candidate was attacked by government-recognised security personnel.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Tunji Alausa describes President Bola Tinubu as “literally a genius.” Alausa claimed the president graduated with a first-class degree in accounting from Chicago State University. However, the university’s records show Tinubu earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with honours, majoring in accounting, in 1979. The minister’s first-class claim classification is not used in the American university system.
On the economy, Stanbic IBTC founder Atedo Peterside has criticised the impact of the government’s reforms, saying the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. Speaking on ARISE Prime Time, he said his investments had benefited from the reforms but expressed concern over the millions of Nigerians struggling with poverty.
In another development, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan distributes cash grants of between one and five million naira to small business owners during her third anniversary in the Senate. She explained that she opted for cash support after discovering that some previous beneficiaries sold their empowerment equipment to meet other financial needs. The senator also donated digital devices to schools in Kogi State.
In business news, billionaire businessman and philanthropist Femi Otedola celebrates his 64th birthday today. From building his fortune in the oil sector to investing in power and banking, Otedola has established a significant presence in Nigeria’s business landscape. He is currently I chairman of FBN Holdings.
Also celebrating today is Zenith Bank founder Jim Ovia, who turns 75. From starting his banking career as a clerk in 1973, Ovia went on to establish Zenith Bank in 1990, growing it into one of Africa’s largest financial institutions. He has also founded businesses and educational institutions and currently chairs the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
In a moment of remembrance, Nigeria celebrates the legacy of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Ikemba of Nnewi, who would have turned 93 today. Ojukwu led the former Eastern Region and declared the Republic of Biafra in 1967, leading it through the Nigerian Civil War until 1970. Nearly fifteen years after his death, his legacy remains central to conversations about Nigeria’s unity and history.
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