Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of gross corruption following revelations that ₦8.83 trillion spent in 2025 was not included in the national budget.

The allegation stems from findings in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultation report, which Obi cited in a statement posted on his X account. He argued that the expenditure was outside legislative oversight and administrative scrutiny, raising concerns about transparency in public financial management.

According to Obi, the IMF report revealed that the ₦8.83 trillion was not appropriated in the 2025 budget. He described the situation as “horrible,” stressing that such spending undermines accountability.

ALSO READ

Diri Constitutes Interim Board To Revive Bayelsa United

He noted that the amount represents about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than 35 per cent of the ₦23.96 trillion capital expenditure budget for 2025.

Obi further claimed that the sum exceeds the combined allocations to education and health in the 2025 budget. He argued that if properly managed, the funds could have improved public services, created jobs, and supported economic growth.

The former Anambra State governor described the development as evidence of financial mismanagement, warning that such practices could deepen poverty and destabilise the country.

Obi labelled the Tinubu administration “grossly corrupt, incompetent and insensitive,” insisting that the alleged expenditure highlights the urgent need for accountability in governance. He reiterated his call for President Tinubu to resign, citing failure to deliver on campaign promises and lack of commitment to citizens’ welfare.

He urged Nigerians to hold the government accountable through lawful and democratic means.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency and the Federal Government had not responded to Obi’s claims.

The Bayelsa State Government has appointed a five-member interim board to oversee Bayelsa United Football Club following the team’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Governor Douye Diri dissolved the previous board two weeks ago after the club dropped to the second tier at the end of the 2025/2026 season. The decision was taken during a State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa.

On Thursday, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe announced the new interim board during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Stadium. He explained that the committee’s immediate mandate is to secure Bayelsa United’s return to the NPFL within six months.

“The task is to bring Bayelsa United out of relegation and back to the Premiership, which is the rightful position of the club,” Akpe stated, stressing that the government would not allow the team to languish in the lower division.

The interim board includes seasoned football administrator Dr. Peter Singabele, former Director of Sports Sir Braveman Wodi, Prosperity Cup Director-General Ono Akpe, Godson Ekarde, and Ken Ekpolaemi Odogu, who will serve as secretary.

ALSO READ

Ondo APC Elders Rally Members To Back NWC Candidate List

Akpe urged football stakeholders across Bayelsa to support the interim board, noting that collective effort is required to restore the club’s pride. He emphasised that Bayelsa United, as a government-owned team, represents the state’s identity in national football and must regain its place in the top flight.

Bayelsa United’s relegation has been a major talking point among fans and analysts. The club, which won the Federation Cup in 2009, has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Supporters have expressed frustration over poor management and inadequate investment, factors many believe contributed to the team’s decline.

The appointment of the interim board is seen as a corrective measure aimed at stabilising the club. With experienced administrators and sports managers on the committee, expectations are high that Bayelsa United can rebuild quickly.

Observers note that the six-month timeline is ambitious, given the competitive nature of the Nigeria National League. However, the government’s direct involvement signals strong political will to revive the club.

Football analysts argue that beyond administrative restructuring, Bayelsa United must invest in player recruitment, coaching, and infrastructure. They stress that returning to the NPFL requires not only managerial competence but also technical quality on the pitch.

Fans in Yenagoa have welcomed the move, describing it as a step in the right direction. Many believe that with proper support, Bayelsa United can bounce back and reclaim its status as one of the state’s leading sports institutions.

The interim board’s success will depend on its ability to balance short-term results with long-term planning. While the immediate goal is promotion, stakeholders insist that sustainable structures must be put in place to prevent future relegations.

As the new board begins work, attention will turn to how quickly Bayelsa United can regroup and challenge for promotion. For Governor Diri, the decision reflects his administration’s broader commitment to sports development and youth engagement in Bayelsa State.

Senior members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have called on party members to accept the National Working Committee’s (NWC) decision on candidates for the forthcoming governorship election.

The elders, speaking after a closed-door meeting in Akure, emphasised that unity and discipline remain critical for the APC to retain power in the state. They warned against internal disputes that could weaken the party’s chances in the 2026 polls.

According to the elders, the NWC’s role in screening and approving candidates is backed by the party’s constitution. They stressed that any attempt to challenge the committee’s authority would amount to undermining the party’s internal processes.

Chief Adewale Ogunleye, one of the conveners, explained that the elders’ intervention was necessary to prevent factional crises. He noted that past elections in Ondo had shown how internal divisions could cost the party dearly.

He urged aspirants and their supporters to put aside personal ambitions and work for collective victory. “The NWC has spoken. We must respect its decision if we want to remain a strong force in Ondo politics,” Ogunleye said.

ALSO RAED

Bayelsa Politician Dumps NDC, Joins APC Amid Party Crisis

Another elder, Mrs. Funmilayo Akinrinlola, highlighted the importance of discipline in party politics. She argued that loyalty to the party’s structures was the only way to ensure stability and credibility. “No party can succeed if members disregard its leadership. We must show maturity and commitment,” she added.

The elders also appealed to younger members of the party to avoid inflammatory remarks on social media, warning that such actions could deepen divisions. They encouraged constructive engagement and dialogue within party organs.

Political analysts say the elders’ intervention reflects growing concern about tensions among APC aspirants. With several prominent figures eyeing the governorship ticket, the NWC’s decision is expected to generate mixed reactions.

Observers note that the APC leadership at the national level has been keen to avoid prolonged disputes in Ondo, given the state’s strategic importance. The NWC’s candidate list is seen as part of efforts to streamline the process and present a united front.

Civil society groups have welcomed the elders’ call, describing it as a step towards strengthening internal democracy. They urged political parties to prioritise consensus and fairness in candidate selection to reduce post-primary conflicts.

Meanwhile, some aspirants have expressed dissatisfaction with the NWC’s decision, insisting that the process lacked transparency. They vowed to continue consultations with stakeholders before deciding on their next steps.

Despite these concerns, the elders maintained that the party must move forward with the candidates endorsed by the NWC. They insisted that any grievances should be addressed through established party channels rather than public confrontation.

As Ondo prepares for the governorship election, the APC faces the challenge of balancing internal discipline with inclusiveness. The elders’ intervention underscores the delicate task of managing ambitions while safeguarding party unity.

For now, the message from the elders is clear: respect the NWC’s decision, close ranks, and focus on winning the election.