News
Saraki: PDP Still Very Strong, Formidable
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a formidable political force despite ongoing internal crises.
Saraki made the remarks on Thursday while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he dismissed claims that the opposition party had lost relevance.
Responding to insinuations that the PDP is “dead and buried”, Saraki said such perceptions are largely driven by elite political disagreements rather than the reality at the grassroots.
“When you stay here in Abuja, you might say that because of the noise that comes out from the leaders having their disagreement. But when you go out to the states, and you go into the grassroots in different states, you’ll find that PDP is still very, very strong,” he said.
Using Kwara State as an example, the former governor explained that feedback from party stakeholders and grassroots members continues to reflect strong loyalty to the PDP.
“People still have this love and this affiliation for PDP… So yes, there is a lot of noise. But across the country, PDP is still a household name. Is it sellable? It is sellable, very sellable, not only in Kwara, but across the board,” he added.
On internal party matters, Saraki disclosed that although he initially opposed the PDP convention held in Ibadan, he later allowed delegates from Kwara State to participate after assurances that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be present to ensure legitimacy.
He, however, noted that the commission did not attend, stressing that the exercise ought to have been halted under such circumstances. Saraki maintained that his position was guided by principle and the need to uphold due process within the party.
The former Senate President also dismissed rumours suggesting he was considering defection to the All Progressives Congress or other political platforms, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP. He explained that his recent low profile was due to his decision not to contest in upcoming elections, rather than any loss of interest in party affairs.
Saraki further confirmed his intention to attend the party’s forthcoming national convention and urged members to do the same in a bid to strengthen internal cohesion.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he advocated for an inclusive and balanced approach to leadership selection within the party. According to him, the PDP presidential ticket should be zoned to the South, while the national chairman position should be allocated to the North-Central region to ensure equity.
He acknowledged that the party’s current challenges have set it back but expressed optimism that the crisis could ultimately strengthen its prospects if properly managed. Saraki also warned against the dangers of a one-party state, noting that a strong opposition remains vital to Nigeria’s democracy.
International News
Maguire: Tuchel Told Me By Video Call I Was Out And I Said I Was Very Disappointed
On “The Rest is Football” podcast, Manchester United center-back Maguire discussed how Tuchel informed him via video call that he had not been selected for the World Cup squad.
Maguire revealed: “He (Tuchel) video-called everyone. It was quite an awkward call. I first received a message asking if he could talk to me around 4 PM. It was quite a unique approach, and certainly difficult, because he could see everyone’s reactions.
“I said directly that I was really very disappointed. I felt I had done well enough to deserve to be in the squad, and I felt I could have helped the team, playing a role on and off the pitch. He said he couldn’t give me any excuses, but he chose the four players who had helped him through a difficult period last autumn.
“It was hard to accept. After being called up by him for the first time in the March training camp, I did think I would be in the squad. I performed well in both games and then returned to Manchester United, finishing the season with a very strong performance.”
Tuchel ultimately chose to take Stones, Guehi, Konsa, Quansah, and Dan Burn to the World Cup.
No Plans to Retire from England Duty
Furthermore, even with Tuchel’s contract extending to Euro 2028, Maguire is unwilling to close the door on playing for England.
He added: “I don’t think I’ll retire from England duty. I still feel I can shine. Sooner or later there will be a time and a point where I no longer deserve to be selected for England, but even then, I most likely won’t proactively step out and announce my retirement. If I can play for England one more time, it will all be worth it.”
Maguire will use the off-season to fully recover and prepare for Manchester United’s return to the Champions League in the 2026-27 season. While his England teammates face the immense pressure of a major international tournament, the experienced defender will strive to maintain his excellent club form. If he is to earn a recall to the England squad later this year, proving his endurance in the Premier League remains crucial.
News
Questions, Applause Trail Baba Ijesha’s New Baby Report
Controversial actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has sparked widespread online discussion after announcing the birth of his child, a baby boy named King Kagar Omiyinka, with celebrity fashion designer and stylist, CEO Luminee.
The couple shared the joyful news on social media on Monday, accompanied by maternity photos and heartfelt messages.
Baba Ijesha expressed deep gratitude, describing his wife as his “strong Jagaban” and “Abikese de mi owo,” while Luminee called him her “one in a million” with a “pure heart.”
The announcement came roughly seven months after Baba Ijesha’s release from prison on November 14, 2025.
Many social media users have pointed to the relatively short period, questioning the exact conception timeline and pregnancy details, with some speculating it may have begun before or around his release.
Oyindamola wrote, “I have a question: are conjugal visits allowed inside prison? I’m asking because it hasn’t even been 9 months since Baba Ijesha was released from prison… just curious how this came”.
Deyola_a wrote, “Baba Ijesha just revealed that he is the father of CEO luminee’s son. Congratulations to the couple”.
She added, “You guys don’t know how crazy that thing is. As in Baba Ijesha??? wtf????”
Vampz wrote, “I love men so much; they know what they want. A man would never marry a woman who was convicted of the crimes Baba Ijesha committed. Alchemy of Shämë !!!!!!!”
Ezinne questioned the timing: “Which day did Baba Ijesha get out of prison that you’re already heavily pregnant for him? Some women are the problem. You didn’t even wait for him to wallow in the aftermath of his atrocities before you followed him? Tufia”.
Uche added, “Baba Ijesha! Baba Ijesha! Baba Ijesha went to prison for molesting a minor. He got released in November last year. Now a woman has given birth to his child.
“How did it happen? Was he allowed to knock in prison? Was he ever in prison? Why will you spread your legs open for such a person? Women will never cease to amaze me”.
This has added to the polarised responses, as the actor’s 2021 conviction for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old foster child remains fresh in public memory for many Nigerians.
Some users and celebrity platforms offered straightforward congratulations, celebrating the new addition and highlighting themes of redemption, second chances, and private family matters.
Bobrisky wrote, “Congratulations, my love”
Yomi Fabiyi wrote, “The sound of joy and congratulations. Aya wa aku ajaiye. Thank you”.
Lizzy Anjorin wrote, “Congratulations”.
Moyo Lawal wrote, “Congratulations hun. God bless your new journey”.
A significant portion of reactions expressed disbelief, scepticism about the timeline, and strong disapproval of Luminee’s decision, particularly as a mother to an older daughter.
Critics raised concerns about the message this sends, given Baba Ijesha’s conviction, with phrases like “Women Dey marry sha” and debates over forgiveness versus accountability trending.
As of now, neither Baba Ijesha nor CEO Luminee has directly addressed the backlash.
The couple appeared focused on their new bundle of joy, with the internet divided between well-wishers and vocal skeptics.
– Additional Report – The Nation
Entertainment
Headies 2026 Moved To Canada
Organisers of The Headies have announced that the 18th edition of Nigeria’s premier music awards ceremony will take place in Toronto, Canada.
The announcement was made on Monday by Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun.
Although the exact date for the ceremony has yet to be unveiled, Animashaun confirmed partnership with another organisation to enhance the experience for attendees travelling from Nigeria to Canada.
Explaining the rationale behind taking the awards ceremony abroad, Animashaun stressed the need for The Headies to diversify its revenue streams in line with leading international award platforms.
“Most of the awards in the world that you see that are big, that you talk about, they have four or five sources of revenue. Here we have only one, everybody talks about sponsorship,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the Grammy Awards, he added, “They have state funding. During COVID, Grammy left Los Angeles and went to Madison Square in New York because LA was shut down.
“LA fought to bring Grammy back because it does something to their economy and it is part of their DNA. What events would you say are part of our DNA as Nigerians?”
The move signals a new direction for The Headies, which returned to Nigeria in 2024 after staging two consecutive editions in the United States.
The 15th and 16th editions of the awards were both held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
Since its launch in 2006, The Headies has evolved into one of Africa’s most prestigious music award ceremonies, recognising outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.
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