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No fewer than two persons were reportedly killed on Wednesday during the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, following an outbreak of violence in Idanre Local Government Area.

Several others were injured in the clash, which also resulted in the burning of a vehicle.

The unrest came barely 24 hours after suspected political thugs disrupted a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s secretariat in Akure. The meeting was chaired by the state APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin.

Sources in Idanre said the congress could not take place in some wards after hoodlums allegedly attacked party members. The cause of the violence had not been confirmed as of the time of this report.

One of the victims, Raphael Adetimehin, who is said to be the chairman’s brother, was reportedly attacked in his ward and is currently in a coma.

Confirming the incident, Ade Adetimehin stated that his brother was shot and macheted by suspected thugs who allegedly mistook him for the chairman because of their close resemblance.

“They thought he was me because we look alike. After shooting and macheting him, they left him, assuming he was dead. It is unfortunate that politics has degenerated to this level,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said he would provide further details later.

The incident highlights rising tensions within the Ondo chapter of the APC ahead of the party’s internal reorganisation process. A day earlier, suspected thugs had stormed the party secretariat in Akure, injuring members and abruptly ending a stakeholders’ meeting.

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Shehu Sani, former senator representing Kaduna central, says making electronic transmission of election results mandatory will not, on its own, guarantee free and fair elections in Nigeria.

Sani spoke on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television, in response to growing public outrage over the senate’s refusal to make real-time electronic transmission of results a mandatory component of the amended Electoral Act.

Protests against the senate decision had continued in Abuja on Tuesday, with both the red chamber and house of representatives recording rowdy sessions, culminating in the walkout of plenary by some lawmakers.

Weighing in on the controversy, Sani noted that while technology can enhance transparency, it cannot substitute for political will and institutional integrity.

According to him, individuals determined to manipulate the process will always attempt to exploit loopholes, regardless of the system in place.

He added that focusing solely on technological solutions risks ignoring deeper structural and ethical challenges within the electoral framework.

“If we are interested in election techniques, that does not mean that when we have electronic transfer of results there will be no manipulation. It all depends on what we want to do as a country with our electoral system,” Sani said.

He pointed to persistent voter inducement during elections as evidence that malpractice is rooted in human conduct rather than the mechanics of collation.

The former lawmaker, however, clarified that he supports electronic transmission of results but insisted that the law must provide room for manual collation where technical failures occur.

“Election takes place in one day and it is expected that results will be transmitted the same day,” he said.

”If there is no provision for an alternative, what becomes of it? Do we wait for the next day, two days, three days?”

He also cautioned against imposing standards that may prove impractical, noting that even technologically advanced countries face challenges in achieving seamless nationwide electronic transmission of results.

“I think we should do what is practical. If it is difficult for even the most advanced nations to electronically transfer all their results, why do we want to force that on ourselves to that level?” Sani asked.

“But the central point is that we say there should be electronic transfer of results and where there is a glitch or failure, we go to the manual. There should not be anything wrong with that.”

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The Abuja Chapter of Small Business Owners Initiative says that they are proud to announce their full endorsement of Dr. Moses Paul, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), according to a press statement signed by Gift Adaji, CEO Akara Xprss and made a available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

The statement said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy. According to recent economic surveys, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for nearly half of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and represent more than 96 percent of all registered businesses in Nigeria. These enterprises are also responsible for creating the vast majority of jobs, with estimates showing they employ well over 80 percent of the workforce across the country.

Despite their importance, many small business owners still face significant challenge, among which are: limited access to affordable finance, inadequate infrastructure, unstable power supply, and bureaucratic hurdles that make growth difficult. These obstacles not only slow enterprise expansion but also limit job creation and economic resilience in local communities.”

It continued: “We believe that Dr. Moses Paul’s vision for AMAC reflects the aspirations of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the council area. His commitment to creating an enabling environment where small businesses can thrive through improved access to markets, skills training, supportive policies, and investment in critical infrastructure — aligns with what our community urgently needs.

“Under Dr. Moses Paul’s leadership, we see the possibility of: A strengthened local economy that retains and attracts investment; More structured support for entrepreneurs, especially youth and women-led businesses; Enhanced employment opportunities and sustainable wealth creation for residents of AMAC and; A business-friendly administration that understands small business realities and leverages them to build prosperity for all.”

It concluded this: “Small businesses are not just economic contributors — they are incubators of innovation, community growth, and social stability. The endorsement of Dr. Moses Paul is a recognition that AMAC requires leadership willing to unleash the full potential of this sector, support local enterprise, and transform the economic landscape of our council.

“We call on all stakeholders, residents, and friends of enterprise development in AMAC to join us in supporting this vision on 21st February 2026.”


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The Kano State Government has directed the immediate closure of all entertainment centres across the state for Ramadan fasting period.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Abdullahi Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board.

The directive affects entertainment venues popularly known as gala houses, as well as disc jockey (DJ) operators under the board’s regulatory jurisdiction.

“Effective from Wednesday, 18 February 2026, all such venues will remain closed until the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The directive will take effect from 10:00 p.m. on that day,” the statement read.

Sulaiman explained that the measure aims to create a calm and morally conducive environment for Muslim faithful to observe the fasting period without distractions.

“The action is intended to create a peaceful environment for residents to observe the Ramadan fast in accordance with religious injunctions,” he said.

He added that entertainment activities under the board’s supervision would remain suspended throughout Ramadan, with reopening dates, particularly for Eid celebrations, to be announced later.

“The closure will remain in force throughout the fasting period, while the date for reopening, particularly during the Eid celebrations, will be announced at the appropriate time,” Sulaiman said.

The board urged owners of affected centres and DJs to comply fully, warning that enforcement teams would monitor adherence and violations would attract sanctions.

The agency noted that the decision falls within its mandate to regulate entertainment activities and promote moral and social order during religious seasons.

Amid concerns and mixed reactions from residents, the board clarified that the directive does not apply to event centres used for weddings, conferences, or political gatherings.

One board director, Usman Dankwano, emphasised that only venues strictly classified as entertainment outlets, such as gala houses under the board’s jurisdiction, are affected.

“Event centres are not even under our jurisdiction. People misunderstood the directive,” he added.

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President Bola Tinubu has said that for Lent and Ramadan to begin on the same day, is not a common occurrence, but reminds that as a people of faith, Christians and Muslims share a lot in common and are one people under God.

The President in his Lenten and Ramadan message, urged Nigerians to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of the nation.

The message read: “With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan.

“This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. This is not a common occurrence, and it reminds us that as a people of faith, we share a lot in common and are one people under God.

“For Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.

“For Muslims, Ramadan is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving.

“It marks one of the five pillars of Islam. Beyond the obligatory fasting, Ramadan calls for deep spiritual reflection in obedience to Islam’s injunctions.”

He urged Nigerians to pray for the progress and security of the nation and also ensure good neighbourliness.

“As a nation and as a people, I urge us, as we embark on these important observances, to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of our nation,” he admonished.

President Tinubu further urged the citizenry to live by the good precepts of their faiths and be honourable in their duty to God and fellow humans.

“I pray that the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always, ” he concluded.



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The Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has predicted a significant strengthening of the naira, saying the currency could reach N1,100 to a dollar this year.

According to Channels TV, Dangote made the remarks on Tuesday during the launch of the Nigeria Industrial Policy in Abuja, an event attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries.

While the naira currently trades around ₦1,300 to a dollar, Dangote said government reforms signal better days ahead.

“I mean, today, if you look at it, Your Excellency, I believe with the policies that you have implemented in government, people now have started seeing the result, and manufacturers are very, very happy,” he said.

He added, “Today, the dollar is N1,340. Mr Vice-President, I can assure you that, with what I know, by blocking all this importation, the currency this year will be as low as N1,100 if we are lucky.

“The only thing is for, maybe, the government to stop the naira from getting stronger so that they will keep collecting more naira.

“But it’s a catch-22 situation where, now, if the naira gets stronger, it means that everything will go down. Everything will go down because we are an import-based country, which we shouldn’t be. What we should be doing is manufacturing all the things that we need.”

Dangote also called for stronger protection for local investors through incentives and infrastructure, highlighting power supply as a persistent challenge.

“While the policy is in order, it must be backed with full protection for industrialists to drive the nation’s goal for industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth,” he said.

The naira has recently strengthened, trading around ₦1,354 to the dollar at the official foreign exchange market and about ₦1,430–₦1,440 on the parallel market — its strongest levels in more than two years, according to market sources.

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Dangote Group has signed a $400 million construction equipment agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery, in a move set to accelerate the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it to become the largest refinery in the world.

The agreement will enable the Group to acquire an additional wide range of advanced construction equipment to support ongoing and forthcoming projects across refining, petrochemicals, agriculture and large-scale infrastructure development.

The new equipment will complement existing assets deployed for the refinery expansion, which is expected to be completed within three years.

Beyond refining, the expansion programme will see polypropylene production increase from 900,000 metric tonnes per annum to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum.

Urea capacity in Nigeria will be tripled from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per annum, in addition to the 3 million metric tonnes per annum capacity in Ethiopia, strengthening the Group’s position as the largest urea producer globally.

Production capacity for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) will also be increased to 400,000 metric tonnes per annum, positioning the Group as the largest producer in Africa and strengthening supply to the detergent and cleaning agents manufacturing industry.

Additional base oil production capacity also forms part of the broader expansion programme.

In a statement, the Group described the agreement as a strategic investment aimed at deepening its construction footprint and accelerating its ambition to build a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.

“The additional equipment we are acquiring under this partnership will significantly enhance execution across our projects. With this investment, we are positioning ourselves to become the number one construction company in the world,” the statement said.

Dangote Group is currently accelerating expansion and regional market development as it advances toward its long-term vision of building a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.


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Nigeria’s foreign exchange market continues to experience fluctuations as mid-week liquidity pressures influence both the official and parallel segments. As of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Naira recorded a slight movement against the United States Dollar.

Official Market (NAFEM)

Data from the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market shows the Naira trading at an average rate of ₦1,345.45 per Dollar. Earlier in the day, the currency briefly strengthened to ₦1,343.76 before settling at its current level.

Market observers credit the relative calm in the official window to sustained interventions by the Central Bank and a steady inflow of export earnings. Nonetheless, intraday fluctuations remain closely watched by corporate buyers seeking to manage exchange rate risks later in the day.

Parallel Market (Black Market)

In the parallel market, the Dollar continues to command a premium over the official rate. Bureau De Change operators across key cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kano report buying rates around ₦1,480 and selling prices ranging between ₦1,495 and ₦1,510 per Dollar.

The persistent gap between official and parallel market rates — often described as the arbitrage margin — is largely driven by retail demand for school fees, travel expenses, and small-scale import transactions not readily accommodated within the official window.

Economic Outlook

The prevailing exchange rate trend signals cautious optimism in the broader economy. While the Naira has avoided sharp depreciations witnessed in previous periods, inflationary pressures continue to shape pricing dynamics in the informal market.

Analysts note that sustained foreign exchange supply through the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) could help narrow the gap in the coming days. In the meantime, businesses and individuals are encouraged to rely on official sources for accurate and up-to-date exchange rate information.


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Millions of Muslims and Christians around the world are beginning observances of Ramadan and Lent today, marking periods of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion in their respective faiths.

For Muslims, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, charity, and self-discipline.

Christians observing Lent will also embark on a 40-day period of prayer, penance, and self-denial, leading up to Easter Sunday, with the observance of Ash Wednesday to commence the Lenten season.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447.

With the Hilal confirmed, the holy month of Ramadan begins on Wednesday, with Taraweeh prayers held after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night.

A post by @Muslim on X read, “BREAKING: Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Taraweeh will begin tonight on the first evening of the blessed month. It’s recommended to follow the fasting time designated by your local community and country.”

Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and some other parts of the world will begin their first day of fasting at dawn on Wednesday, ushering in a month dedicated to prayer, reflection and devotion.

In Japan, however, Ramadan 2026 will begin on Thursday, February 19.

Oman, Singapore and Turkey have also officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan 2026.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Tuesday evening, declared Wednesday 18th of February 2026, the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

He said the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country earlier on Tuesday, which is the 29th day of the Month of Shaban and thereby signified Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan 1447.

The Sultan, according to a press statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof Sambo Wali Junaid, called on the entire Muslim communities in the country to start fasting on Wednesday in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

He said the council got information on the moon sighting from many Islamic leaders across the country, which he said signified the start of Ramadan fast on Wednesday.

He called on the Muslims across the country to use the month of Ramadan to continue to pray for the leaders of the country and also to curb the insecurity situations in the country.

The Catholic pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has, however, urged Christians across the world to abstain from words that offend and hurt others as the Lenten season begins.

In his 2026 Lenten Message released ahead of Ash Wednesday, and sighted on the Vatican website, the Pontiff described refraining from hurtful language as a “very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence.”

He said, “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour.”

As Christians mark the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, Pope Leo XIV said the liturgical season offers an opportunity to place the mystery of God at the centre of life.

He explained that every journey of conversion begins by allowing God’s word to touch the heart, leading to renewed commitment to follow Christ in His passion, death and resurrection.

The Pope stressed the importance of listening, both to God and to others, noting that authentic relationships grow from attentiveness.

“In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognise and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering,” he said.

He added that Christians should cultivate inner openness, especially towards the poor, whose struggles challenge individuals, economic systems and even the church.

Highlighting the spiritual value of fasting, the Pontiff said it helps believers rediscover their deep desire for justice and frees them from complacency.

“Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognise what we ‘hunger’ for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance,” he said.

He noted that fasting helps to properly order one’s appetites and keep alive the thirst for justice.

However, he cautioned that fasting must be done in faith and humility, warning against practices that could lead to pride.

Pope Leo XIV particularly underscored what he described as an under-appreciated form of fasting, that is, disarming one’s language.

“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” he urged.

He called on Christians to cultivate kindness and respect in their families, workplaces, parishes, on social media and in political debates.

According to him, if believers embrace such discipline, words of hatred would “give way to words of hope and peace.”

The Pope also emphasised the communal dimension of Lent, encouraging parishes, families and religious communities to become places of listening and welcome, especially for those who suffer.

He concluded by praying that Christian communities would gain the strength to practise a form of fasting that extends to the use of language, creating greater space for the voices of others.

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As Nigeria battles prolonged security concerns arising from threats posed by banditry, insurgency and Boko Haram terrorists, the National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP) says the country can overcome these challenges if artificial intelligence is deployed to strengthen surveillance and intelligence analysis.

The association notes that artificial intelligence remains a critical tool for enhancing national security, offering advanced threat detection systems and improved investigative capacity.

President of NAAIP, Prof. Eyitope Ogubodede, stated this on Tuesday at a press conference marking the commencement of the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Awareness Day themed, “Harnessing Ethical Artificial Intelligence for National Transformation, Inclusive Growth, and Economic Resilience.”

He highlighted that governments at all levels could achieve significant progress if decisive steps are taken to integrate artificial intelligence into public service delivery. According to him, AI systems would improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public administration, strengthen planning, budgeting, and policy implementation, and advance smart infrastructure, digital identity systems, and e-governance platforms.
The NAAIP president also urged universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and research institutes to lead efforts in developing Nigeria’s intellectual and innovation capacity in AI.

He called for the inclusion of AI, data science, and digital literacy in curricula across disciplines beyond technology-related fields, the establishment of interdisciplinary AI research centres focused on solving local and national challenges, and sustained investment in innovation, experimentation, and student-driven problem-solving.

In his remarks, the Acting President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, announced that the Institute is partnering with NAAIP to deepen ethics and cultural relevance within Nigeria’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.

Prof. Dandaura emphasised the need for Nigeria to deliberately project its voice into global AI systems, stressing that AI models must reflect the country’s cultural realities, languages, social contexts, and value systems if Nigeria is to play a meaningful leadership role in global artificial intelligence discourse.
“We cannot afford to allow machines to redefine humanity in ways that erase our identity,” he said.

He added, “As regulators of reputation and communication management, we are committed to ensuring that artificial intelligence strengthens society without making human values subordinate to algorithms.”

He described NAAIP as one of the most credible bodies of AI professionals in Nigeria, noting that the collaboration would help entrench ethical consciousness across sectors.

Professor Dandaura stressed that NIPR’s involvement in AI governance is rooted in its long-standing commitment to ethics and responsible communication, recalling the Global Alliance AI principles for public relations practice, which the Institute is a signatory to.

He further noted that ethics remains central to the work of the current council led by Dr Ike Neliaku, as reflected in the theme of the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum 2026 scheduled for November 15–21 in Abuja — “Responsible Communication, Voice of the World.” According to him, the theme reinforces the Institute’s focus on integrity in a rapidly evolving digital age.
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Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has described former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai as “a very difficult person to advise,” urging him to concentrate on clearing his name over corruption allegations.

Baba-Ahmed made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Political Paradigm, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, amid a growing public feud between El-Rufai and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

He said if given the opportunity to counsel El-Rufai, he would advise him to narrow his battles and focus on addressing allegations of misappropriating public funds.

“If I were to advise El-Rufai, there are only a few fronts you can fight on. Limit the damage and concentrate on clearing yourself of allegations that you stole money from the people,” Baba-Ahmed stated, adding that El-Rufai’s temperament makes him challenging to counsel.

He stressed that the accusations and counter-accusations between the two politicians should not be dismissed as mere political theatrics but should instead be subjected to judicial scrutiny.

“The straightforward approach is to put all these allegations on the table,” he said. “From corruption claims against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to accusations involving Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and even the issue of imported poisonous chemicals  these are serious matters. They should be tested in court. We cannot dismiss them as politics.”

The dispute escalated after El-Rufai accused Ribadu of orchestrating his attempted detention at the Abuja airport, alleging that associates intercepted communications suggesting instructions were given to security operatives to arrest him.

El-Rufai further claimed that the NSA was influencing investigations by anti-corruption agencies and the Kaduna State House of Assembly for political purposes tied to a purported 2031 presidential ambition. He also raised concerns about the reported procurement of thallium sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser, demanding clarification.

Ribadu has denied all allegations, maintaining that he has no presidential ambitions and that agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operate independently.

Expressing disappointment over the breakdown in their relationship, Baba-Ahmed described the situation as symptomatic of deeper flaws in Nigeria’s political culture.

“I am deeply saddened by this development,” he said. “I know both men and how strong their relationship once was. If a bond of that nature can deteriorate this badly, then we are facing serious problems. It is troubling to see two former allies threatening legal action against each other.”

Both El-Rufai and Ribadu were prominent figures during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a period when they forged a close professional and personal relationship that endured through El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State.


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Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has claimed that Arsenal do not possess any truly world-class players in their squad.

Despite that assessment, Rooney still backs the Gunners to lift the Premier League trophy this season.

Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, are currently four points clear of Manchester City with 12 matches remaining.

Rooney, however, believes the North London side are well placed to secure their first league title in 22 years.

Speaking on The Overlap, he said: “Arsenal don’t have a standout world-class player or a superstar they depend on entirely. But what they have shown is the ability to grind out wins.

“Manchester City are still in contention — there’s a third of the season to go, so anything can happen. But I’m backing Arsenal to win the league.”



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Real Madrid claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off at the Estádio da Luz on Tuesday.

The decisive moment came courtesy of a stunning strike from Vinicius Junior, though the encounter was marred by allegations of racist abuse directed at the Brazilian winger, prompting an 11-minute suspension shortly after his goal.

Both sides created chances in a lively first half that ended goalless. Madrid enjoyed spells of dominance, with Kylian Mbappé, Arda Güler and Vinicius testing goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Benfica responded through Gianluca Prestianni, Rafa Silva and Fredrik Aursnes, but Thibaut Courtois stood firm in goal.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes after the restart. Vinicius picked up possession on the left, skipped past Amar Dedic and curled a superb right-footed effort from the edge of the area into the top-right corner, leaving Trubin with no chance.

Moments later, the match was interrupted after Vinicius reported alleged racist remarks, reportedly during an exchange near the corner flag involving Prestianni. Referee François Letexier activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, crossing his arms to signal the procedure as play was halted for approximately 10 to 11 minutes amid reports of discriminatory chants from sections of the home crowd.

When play resumed, tensions remained high. Head coach Jose Mourinho was shown two quick yellow cards — one while off the pitch — resulting in his dismissal from the technical area. Vinicius was booked for his goal celebration, while Mbappé also entered the referee’s notebook.

Late substitutions, including Brahim Diaz for Güler and Thiago Pitarch for Eduardo Camavinga, helped Madrid see out 12 minutes of added time. Benfica pressed for an equaliser through Sidny Lopes Cabral and others, but Madrid’s defence held firm.

The final whistle sealed a narrow first-leg advantage for the Spanish giants ahead of the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu.

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Peru’s Congress on Tuesday voted to remove President José Jerí from office, just four months after he assumed power, deepening the country’s prolonged political instability.

Jerí was ousted over a scandal involving undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman. Lawmakers voted 75 in favor of his removal, 24 against, with three abstentions.

Congress will now elect a new head of the legislature, who will automatically assume the presidency — making the individual Peru’s eighth president in eight years. Jerí becomes the third consecutive Peruvian leader to be removed from office.

The controversy, dubbed “Chifagate” — referencing a local term for Chinese restaurants — erupted after Jerí was filmed arriving late at night, wearing a hood, to meet Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, who owns retail stores and holds a concession for an energy project. The meeting was not publicly disclosed.

Jerí had taken office in October after Congress unanimously removed his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, amid corruption allegations and rising public anger over crime. With no vice president in place, Jerí, then head of Congress, was next in line to assume the presidency.

Unlike impeachment proceedings, which require a supermajority of 87 votes in the 130-member legislature, Congress removed Jerí through a censure vote — a process that requires only a simple majority and strips him of his position as head of Congress, effectively ending his presidency.

Jerí said he would respect the outcome of the vote.

Although current head of Congress Fernando Rospigliosi is next in the constitutional line of succession, he has declined to take on the presidency. Lawmakers are expected to elect a new congressional leader on Wednesday.

The situation mirrors the 2020 political crisis that saw Francisco Sagasti assume the presidency after being chosen by Congress following the brief, five-day administration of Manuel Merino.

With general elections scheduled for April 12, analysts warn that the continued leadership shake-ups could further erode public trust. Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington, said many lawmakers likely calculated that supporting Jerí could harm their electoral prospects.

Despite the political turbulence, Peru’s mining-driven economy has remained relatively stable, recording 3.4% growth in 2025 and inflation at 1.7%, suggesting economic resilience amid governance uncertainty.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed plans to collaborate with the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State to secure 95 per cent of the state’s votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The Anambra APC Chairman, Basil Ejidike, made this known on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka.

Addressing party members, Ejidike reaffirmed the state chapter’s backing for Tinubu’s re-election bid and emphasised the party’s commitment to delivering overwhelming support at the polls.

“We are working closely with the ruling APGA to ensure that 95 per cent of Anambra votes go to the APC and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.

Ejidike also formally moved a motion for the Anambra APC to adopt Tinubu as its presidential candidate for 2027.

The motion received unanimous backing from party leaders present, including Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC governorship candidate for the November 8 election, and his running mate, Uche Ekwunife.

The chairman added that the meeting was convened to enable the Congress Harmonising Committee to organise members at the unit, ward, and local government levels ahead of the ward congress scheduled to commence on Wednesday.

In his remarks, Ukachukwu stressed the importance of discipline and unity within the party, noting that cohesion would be key to winning both the presidential and other elections in the state.

“APC in Anambra will only grow when the right steps are taken. We joined the party to strengthen it, not to create division or push away existing members,” he said.

He also criticised the trend of party members defecting to other platforms and later returning while seeking to retain their former positions, insisting that due process and fairness must be upheld.

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The Vice President, Kashim Shettima on Saturday officially performed the foundation laying ceremony for Summit Estate Global, a magnificent housing estate owned by Homadil Realty Limited. 

Strategically located at Cadastral Zone B14, Apo-Dutse District, Abuja, same crescent with Cedacrest Hospital, opposite Amina Court Estate, Summit Estate Global according to the promoters is designed as a high-potential residential community positioned for long-term value appreciation and smart ownership.

Speaking at the event, Shettima who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Compliance, Bashir Maidugu, highlighted the federal government's commitment to partner with the private sector to bridge the housing deficit in the country. 

He highlighted that housing remains fundamental to promote welfare, national stability and peaceful co-existence, noting that the federal government reforms are strengthening fiscal stability, improving the investment climate, and unlocking productive sectors, including construction and real estate.
“Real estate development requires not only capital but also patience, discipline, regulatory compliance, and confidence in the future. Summit Estate Global stands as evidence of that confidence.

“Abuja continues to evolve as a dynamic capital city, not merely the seat of government, but a centre of commerce, diplomacy, and innovation.

“Planned estates such as this reduce pressure on overstate districts, encourage organised land use, and enhance the overall aesthetics and functional profile of the city.

“I therefore encourage the developers to adhere to regulatory standards and maintain the highest levels of professionalism in title documentation, construction quality, and estate management,” Shettima said.

In her remarks, the MD Homadil Realty Limited, Hon. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac reiterated her organisation's commitment to continue to offer middle and low income earners across the country opportunity to own decent accommodations which she said is fundamental to physical and emotional welfare. 
She noted that the project offers opportunity for potential investors and prospective homeowners, assuring that organization's track record of delivery and long-standing reputation stands it out. 

The project contractor who doubles as the husband to the MD/CEO Homadil Realty LTD, Dr. Engr. Isaac Ishaku Yusuf  commended the Vice President for amplifying the organization's quest to contribute in giving more Nigerians access to decent housing. 

To potential investors and homeowners, he said, "This is your opportunity to position early in a development built on structure, transparency, and long-term growth." 

Anchored by prominent entertainers,  Shortcut and MC Bob, the event attracted high profile individuals, including former Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy, a former Commissioner of Police FCT Command and others.

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