President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah, during which he will offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.
The Presidency announced the trip in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the visit will provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion as he seeks divine intervention in the affairs of the country.
“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” Onanuga stated.
The President’s planned pilgrimage comes amid mounting expectations from Nigerians for concrete government interventions to address prevailing economic hardship, insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation.
Before departing Abuja, Tinubu is expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force to strengthen its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Presidency, however, did not provide further details on the newly acquired equipment or its operational capabilities.
Onanuga disclosed that the President would return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.
No specific date was given for his return, while the statement was also silent on whether he would undertake other official engagements during his stay in Saudi Arabia.

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Anambra state chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC has described as false narrative the trending story that the trio of Presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, Sen Victor Umeh and Sen Tony Nwoye are currently at daggers drawn following the alleged doctoring of the list of candidates for the 2027 general election in Anambra North Senatorial District.

It is being alleged that the doctoring was executed by Sen Tony Nwoye representing the Senatorial District which resulted in the withdrawal of names of nominees of Nwoye for the Presidential Campaign Council of the party .

Dismissing this narrative, the Anambra state Chairman of the NDC , Hon Ikem Uzoezie stated that the report is not only fales but unfounded contending that it is a recipe for those who are apprehensive of failure in the coming election.

“One would have chosen to keep quiet over this issue but it is important to that we as a party make the following clarifications;

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“There is no such thing in our great party the NDC and there can never be and the party is more focused in executing the 2027 general elections and we do not need to be distracted by the machinations of the opposition who are apparently awear of the obvious fact that they have lost the election ”

Uzoezie described the party as one that has respect for rules and guidelines in respect of the the nomination of candidates and we indeed did the needful which can be verified at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“For those who have chosen name dropping and name calling as a trade, we urge them to desist from such unlawful act and the party would not hastate to take appropriate actions in that regard”

Uzoezie advised party faithfuls not to allow themselves to be used as a tool in distabizing the party urging them to remain focused.

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The Federal Government has approved a monthly transport allowance of N70,000 for public servants as part of measures to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living across the country.
The intervention, which will run for six months beginning in November 2026, is expected to provide eligible workers with a cumulative sum of N420,000 each by April 2027.
The approval followed a conciliation meeting between representatives of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), held in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
According to the memorandum reached at the meeting, the transport support will apply across all levels of the federal public service, while state and local governments are encouraged to participate in the intervention.
However, the agreement did not specify the exact payment dates, disbursement channels or whether beneficiaries would receive the allowance alongside their monthly salaries.
The N70,000 transport support is separate from the existing national minimum wage and is designed as a temporary intervention to ease workers’ transportation expenses.
Beyond the transport allowance, the government also approved the settlement of outstanding peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026.
Payment of the arrears is scheduled to commence in November and will be spread across three equal monthly instalments.
In another development, the Federal Government agreed to clear 19 months of outstanding allowances owed to health workers within three months, beginning in December 2026.
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission was equally directed to conclude its assessment of the financial implications of adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure within three weeks.
On the lingering minimum wage issues, both parties agreed to establish a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, which is expected to commence deliberations immediately.
The meeting also considered outstanding hazard allowances for agricultural officers, with the verification of eligible beneficiaries and associated financial implications expected to be completed within two weeks.
Similarly, a proposal seeking tax relief for workers will be forwarded to the National Executive Council for consideration.
The Federal Government and the NLC are expected to reconvene after one month to assess the implementation of the resolutions.
Meanwhile, workers in state and local government services may have to await further directives from their respective authorities, as the agreement does not automatically establish that all states have approved the N70,000 monthly intervention.

…Council to Be Inaugurated Tuesday at Enugu International Conference Centre
The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a formidable campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Governor Peter Mbah emerging as Chairman of the Campaign Council comprising 51 directorates.
The council, unveiled on Monday, October 26, brings together prominent political figures, former governors, serving lawmakers, technocrats and party stakeholders in what appears to be a major political mobilisation drive ahead of the elections.

Among those listed for advisory roles are Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Jim Nwobodo, former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, former Governor Sullivan Chime, immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Professor Bart Nnaji, business mogul Arthur Eze, Frank Nweke Jr. and Madueke, among others.

According to the list jointly signed by the state APC Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, and Secretary, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and Chukwunweike will serve as Vice Chairmen.

Chief Charlie Mbah was appointed Director-General of the Campaign Organisation, while Dr. Eric Oluedo will serve as Secretary-General.

The campaign structure also provides for three Deputy Directors-General representing the state’s senatorial districts.
They are Deacon Okey Ogbodo for Enugu East, Dr. Dan Shere for Enugu North and Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye for Enugu West.
In the media and publicity directorates, Barr. Steve Oruruo was named Campaign Spokesperson and Director of Public Communication, with Dr. Austin Okolie serving as Co-Spokesperson and Dr. Malachy Agbo as Secretary.

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Two members of Governor Mbah’s media team, Mazi Uche Anichukwu and Dan Nwomeh, will head the Directorate of New Media and Strategic Communication and the Directorate of Mainstream Media, respectively.
Dr. Collins Ogbu will serve as Secretary of New Media and Strategic Communication, while Dr. Reuben Onyishi takes the corresponding position in Mainstream Media.

Other key appointments include Barr. Victor Udeh as Director of Administration, while former APC State Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, will head the Fundraising Committee, assisted by Arc. Uche Nwatu as Co-Director.

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla (Rtd.), was appointed Chairman of the Security Directorate, with former Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo (Rtd.), serving as Secretary.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology will oversee the Directorate of Government Appointees Coordination, covering federal and state appointees, while Prof. Chidiebere Onyia will serve as Secretary.

Former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, was appointed to head Inter-Party Affairs.

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For senatorial coordination, Senator Osita Ngwu will oversee Enugu West, Senator Ikeje Asogwa will coordinate Enugu North, while Senator Kelvin Chukwu takes charge of Enugu East.

Explaining the composition of the council, Chukwunweike and Nnadozie said the extensive campaign structure was deliberately designed to accommodate diverse political interests and ensure grassroots participation across the state.

According to them, the 51 directorates reflect the party’s determination to involve communities, wards, local government areas, professional associations, women, youths, elders and support organisations in its preparations for the 2027 elections.

They stressed that appointments into the council should not be regarded merely as political recognition but as responsibilities requiring commitment and measurable results.

“Appointment into the campaign structure is therefore not merely an honour; it is a call to duty, accountability and measurable contribution,” the statement read.

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The unveiling marks a significant organisational step for the Enugu APC as it moves to consolidate its political machinery ahead of the next general elections.

The Campaign Council will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

All appointed members have been directed to be seated before 3pm.

…Alleges commissioner photographed vehicle before it was intercepted, burnt by gunmen
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South State Constituency in the forthcoming Ebonyi State House of Assembly election, Barr. Rollins Ovu-unata Offia Nwali, has raised serious allegations against the state Commissioner, Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali, over the recent armed attack on his campaign convoy.
Rollins alleged that the Commissioner, who is also his elder brother, had photographed his Toyota Hilux and circulated the picture among certain individuals before the same vehicle was intercepted and completely burnt during the attack.
In a strongly worded statement responding to the Commissioner’s reaction to the incident, the Assembly candidate called on security agencies to investigate whether the circulation of the vehicle’s photograph had any connection with the attack.
He disclosed that he ordinarily travelled in the affected Hilux but had, by what he described as divine intervention, chosen another vehicle on the day of the incident.
“Why was my vehicle photographed and its photograph circulated? To whom was the photograph sent? Was it intended to identify or mark my vehicle?” he queried.
The NDC candidate, however, acknowledged that his suspicions were not proof of complicity, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident deserved thorough investigation.
Giving further insight into the attack, Rollins wondered what could have emboldened the assailants to confront a heavily secured motorcade, allegedly firing and reloading their weapons without fear of the security personnel accompanying him.
He expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life and commended the security operatives who contained the attack and evacuated members of his entourage.
The Assembly candidate also accused the Commissioner of having previously intimidated his supporters and allegedly frustrated his political ambitions since 2022.
According to him, their political differences began when he first consulted the Commissioner about his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in 2022.
He alleged that despite initially promising support, the Commissioner secretly worked against his ambition and disclosed confidential information about his consultations to political opponents.
Rollins further claimed that a similar development occurred in 2026 when he informed the Commissioner of his intention to recontest the APC primaries.
He said he subsequently left the APC, joined the NDC and secured its House of Assembly ticket.
In another allegation, the candidate claimed that a young man who made a Facebook video supporting his candidacy in August was abducted, taken to the Commissioner’s residence in Ameka and assaulted.
He alleged that evidence submitted by his party to security agencies included footage purportedly showing the Commissioner physically stepping on the victim’s head.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Rollins also recalled a private meeting during which he allegedly appealed to the Commissioner to allow his supporters to exercise their political rights without intimidation.
He claimed that during the discussion, the Commissioner told him that Governor Francis Nwifuru had instructed him to ensure the victory of the incumbent Assembly member at all costs.
The candidate, however, said he immediately expressed disbelief over the alleged claim attributed to the Governor.
Speaking on the Commissioner’s reaction to the attack, Rollins expressed disappointment that his elder brother allegedly failed to contact him to ascertain his safety but instead publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He particularly faulted the Commissioner’s alleged description of the attackers as political associates armed with sticks and machetes.
Rollins questioned why young people should be encouraged to confront armed security operatives in the name of politics while those benefiting from their political activities remained away from the confrontation.
He also rejected suggestions that his political ambition was responsible for creating divisions between Kpakpaji and Izzikworo, maintaining that the people of Ezza South should be allowed to determine their representatives through the ballot.
According to him, no political appointee has the constitutional authority to determine who should contest an election or compel citizens to support a particular candidate.
“My constitutional rights are not privileges granted by anyone, and my political future is not subject to his or anyone else’s permission,” he declared.
In a particularly strong appeal, Rollins called on the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services and National Security Adviser to take note of his concerns about his personal safety and that of his family.
He urged the security agencies to investigate the Commissioner’s possible involvement in the attack and hold accountable anyone found to have sponsored, facilitated or participated in the incident.
The NDC candidate maintained that his political ambition should not become a death sentence, insisting that he was prepared to accept defeat at the polls if the electorate rejected him in a free contest.
He called for a comprehensive investigation into the attack, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged circulation of his vehicle’s photograph before it was burnt.
The allegations against Commissioner Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali remain claims made by the candidate and have not been established by any investigative or judicial finding. His response to these specific allegations was not contained in the statement.