The Council of State on Thursday approved the presidential exercise of mercy for 175 individuals across various categories, including Late Herbert Macaulay

The decision came after a presentation by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN),

who relayed President Bola Tinubu’s recommendations based on the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The presentation further took place during the Council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja.

While the full list of beneficiaries has yet to be published, indications are that two notable figures; Nigeria’s nationalist pioneer, Herbert Macaulay,

and former FCT Minister under the Babangida regime, Maj-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd.)  were among those granted pardons.

Members of the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four were also included.

“Herbert Macaulay and Vatsa are the two major names on that list,” a source present at the meeting disclosed.

Meanwhile, Herbert Macaulay, widely regarded as the “father of Nigerian nationalism,” was twice convicted by the colonial administration in Lagos.

In 1913, while practicing as a private surveyor, he was imprisoned for allegedly mismanaging funds from an estate under his care, a charge historians continue to debate.

See The 174 Others President Tinubu Granted Pardon Alongside Late Herbert Macaulay

In 1928, he was again jailed for six months with hard labour following the publication of politically charged articles

in his Lagos Daily News during the Eleko of Lagos agitation,

Further leading to his conviction for sedition in what became known as the “Gunpowder Plot” case.

Also Maj-Gen. Vatsa, a poet, former minister, and member of the Supreme Military Council, was executed by firing squad on March 5, 1986,

after a secret military tribunal found him guilty of plotting a coup against then military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, his longtime friend.

His conviction and execution have long remained subjects of controversy, with repeated public appeals for a posthumous pardon.

Meanwhile, Out of the 175 beneficiaries, 82 inmates were granted a full presidential pardon, 65 had their sentences reduced,

while seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

Also Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state explained,

“82 of the inmates were granted full pardon, 65 had their sentences reduced, while seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

“The decision underscores the President’s commitment to justice and correctional reform.”

The meeting, chaired by President Tinubu, also ratified key appointments,

including Dr. Aminu Yusuf from Niger State as Chairman of the National Population Commission

and Tonge Bularafa as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State in the Commission. Both appointments received unanimous approval.

Prominent public commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has criticized the appointment of Professor Juash Amupitab as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a “one-man show” that reflects political loyalty rather than merit.

In a post shared on his X handle on Thursday, Shehu expressed shock over what he termed a “rubber-stamp confirmation” by the National Council of State, alleging that none of its members would dare challenge the president’s decision.

This is not news at all. No member of the National Council of State will have the audacity, guts, temerity and liver to oppose the one-man-show nomination of the new INEC chairman,” Shehu wrote.

He mockingly labeled the new INEC chief as a “Trusted Tinubu’s Appointee (TTA)” and quipped that he should proceed to assume office without waiting for Senate confirmation.

Criticism Trails New INEC Chairman, Professor Juash Amupitab

He should not bother about the Senate because they can’t oppose his nomination as they have been standing on a common mandate since 2015,” he said.

Shehu further advised the new chairman to “serve the president faithfully,” implying that loyalty, not competence or integrity, remains the main criterion for such political appointments.

Immediately he resumes, he should send his signature to all banks where INEC has accounts, ask for balances, review his budget by 500%, and begin to receive visitors from his zone, church, and donor agencies,” Shehu wrote mockingly.

He also advised him to “pre-record the results of the 2027 elections on a hypothetical basis as a sign of appreciation,” claiming such gestures would ensure endless approval of budgets and immunity from anti-graft agencies.

Shehu concluded by alleging that INEC chairmen under successive governments have been more loyal to the president than to the Nigerian people.

He congratulated the new appointee, describing the position as a juicy appointment reserved only for those who can deliver.

Former Minister of Information and prominent PDP figure, Jerry Gana, has revealed that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan will run for the presidency in 2027 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Leadership, Gana made the disclosure on Sunday, September 28, while addressing journalists after the party’s state congress in Minna, Niger State. He noted that the PDP is prepared to present Jonathan as its candidate to reclaim Nigeria’s top seat.

“In 2015, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians. After him, another President ruled for eight years and now another has ruled for two years. Nigerians have seen the difference and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate and you will vote for him to return as President again.” he said

This information has however been met with several reactions.

While many are excited to finally see a worthy competitor against the current President, many believe the case won’t be much different even if he emerges the winner

let’s sample some comments below

Ochiuwa wrote;

GEJ, this will be the biggest mistake you will ever make in life-coming back to contest…. It’s better you continue to enjoy the peaceful, high esteem life you are living now. Remember the saying” leave when the ovation is high” You leave with a trail of high ovation. I suggest you continue living in your current high ovation.

Another anonymous writer also commented;

The Americans hate Tinubu’s romance with France..The CIA wanted Tinubu out..If Jonathan contest with CIA’s backing,kiss Tinubu goodbye

With this mixed reaction, what are your thoughts? Will Goodluck Jonathan have a winning chance against Tinubu come 2027?

Comment below

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, for the coronation of Rashidi Ladoja, the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Tinubu is escorting other dignitaries to Mapo Hall to observe the monarch’s final installation.

Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor, became the 44th Olubadan after Oba Owolabi Olakulehin passed away on July 7, 2025.

In June, Veteran Nollywood actor Lalude revealed that he and his colleagues were given a daily stipend of ₦10,000 for feeding while campaigning for President Bola Tinubu in 2023.

Lalude made this public while expressing frustration over the hardship faced after Tinubu’s victory.

Speaking in an interview that is trending on social media, the actor explained that he campaigned for Tinubu alongside his colleagues for a month and three weeks without payment.

Expressing his grievances, Lalude disclosed that they were only paid N10,000 daily for feeding, and are yet to receive rewards for the campaign after two years of Tinubu in office.

“They were giving us N10,000 daily for feeding. It was supposed to be more than that for campaign opportunities, but they decided to be giving us N10,000. And when they get to know that we are saving the money, they reduced the amount and sometimes they won’t even give us for like two to three days.

“And after the whole campaign job for a month and three weeks, they refused to pay us for it. Those withholding our financial benefits for the campaign will not be fortunate for the rest of their life,” he stated

Ace Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, a.k.a. M.I, has publicly expressed his deep regrets about supporting the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The “One Naira” crooner explained that he supported the APC in 2015 because he felt the then-ruling party, the PDP, was corrupt.

He admitted that now the APC isn’t living up to expectations and is no longer the party of his dreams.

Speaking in a episode of the Menism podcast, M.I. said,

“I tweeted about the thing [herdsmen attacks] that happened in Benue, and a lot of people were saying, ‘But M.I, you supported the APC.’

“Yes, I supported APC because at that time, I felt that the PDP government was very corrupt. I was part of the people who lifted my voice to say, ‘Let us stand and bring in democracy.’

Rotimi Amaechi has declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the ADC.

Rotimi Amaechi is a former Rivers State Governor. He is also a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, stated this during an interaction with journalists in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders in the state. He insisted that the ADC primary election must be open, stressing that he would not step aside for any aspirant.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna on Thursday, Amaechi said, “I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027.”

“I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead,” Amaechi declared.

The former minister maintained that every aspirant in the party had the right to seek the ticket, describing the contest as healthy for internal democracy.

On the state of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amaechi criticised the administration, saying Nigerians were dissatisfied with its policies and governance style.

“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South.

He tries to frame it as a North-South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” he said.

According to him, Tinubu’s appointments have not reflected genuine inclusion. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.

Responding to questions on whether the ADC, like the APC and PDP, might zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said: “That is a party decision. I am just a member. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”

Amaechi further argued that he remained one of the most qualified aspirants across the country. “If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am? I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with the South-East, South-West, or even the North. My candidacy offers unity,” he asserted.

Although some political observers believe Amaechi’s influence in Rivers politics has waned due to the dominance of his long-time rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the former governor dismissed such claims.

“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That should tell you something about where the people stand,” he added.

Jarret Tenebe, the chairman of the APC in Edo state, has endorsed Monday Okpebholo’s remarks, urging Peter Obi to always get his consent before travelling to the state.

Speaking at a political gathering last Friday, Okpebholo stated that the former Labour party presidential candidate must always get his approval before travelling to the state.

Some Nigerians strongly disapproved of his remarks, interpreting them as a warning to Obi not to travel to the state.

Tenebe, however, backed the governor during a press conference that was conducted in the state over the weekend.

Also Read;

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Warns Peter Obi Not To Step Into His State Again

Kenneth Okonkwo Says The ADC Will Fail If They Push Peter Obi For President In 2027

Davido Asks People to Reflect On Their Lives After Buhari’s Death

He claims that he and many others in Edo state think highly of Obi.

APC Chairman In Edo State Says Governor Okpebholo is Right, Says He Hates Peter Obi

In his words;

‘’There have been a lot of criticism all over the press about the statement the governor made

when he was receiving the remaining of PDP members in Edo central

where he said that Peter Obi has to take permission before he visits

and I think the governor was right in saying that.

The governor can say that because of the kind of hatred people have for Peter Obi in the state including me

and when you have so many of us that have hatred for people like that,

most especially when they came to Edo state and people d!ed,

it is proper for him to tell the governor before he comes so that people like us can be sent on errand out of Edo before he can come and possibly go.

I am sure that is the reason why the governor made that statement.

In that wise, the governor made that statement and he is correct and  we support him in whatever he says. 

Whatever anybody is saying, they are just saying rubbish”

Tenebe also took a moment during the press conference to also tackle members of the ADC.

‘’I also want to send a message to people who call themselves ADC in the state

that they should be very careful because we only have PDP remaining in the state and not ADC.

If you want to identify with ADC, you have to leave Edo for us. That is the message to them”

Watch a video of him speaking HERE

Meanwhile Many Edo residents have condemned the misinformation that they hate Peter Obi

According to them, the APC chairman is speaking for himself and family and not for them

It can also be known that during the last presidential election, Edo state heavily supported Peter Obi, delivering the state for him

The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has strongly warned Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, not to travel to the state without first obtaining his consent.

Speaking during a defection rally for Marcus Onobun,

a current PDP member representing the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives

and the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Okpebholo issued the warning in Uromi.

On Friday, July 18, 2025, Marcus, the sole PDP member of the House of Representatives,

switched to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor’s remarks came almost two weeks after Obi visited the state and donated N15 million to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing in Benin.

Also Read:

Davido Asks People to Reflect On Their Lives After Buhari’s Death

Oshiomhole Blames Buhari For Depreciating Naira, Says Tinubu Inherited Problems!

Arewa Netizen Drags Peter Obi For Being Absent At Buhari’s Burial

In a 57-second video from the rally, the governor said Obi would be held responsible for whatever happens to him in Edo State should he ignore the directive.

“You Will Be Responsible For Whatever Happens To You When You Come To Edo State Without My Permission”- Monday Okpebholo to Obi

“The man wey say he no get shishi, I am sending a direct message to him: there is a new sheriff in town.

He cannot come to Edo without telling me because his security will never be guaranteed.

Whatever happens to him when he is in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about it,” Okpebholo declared to the cheering crowd,” he said.

“He came the other day and donated N15 million. Somebody wey say he no get shishi —

where he get N15 million to donate to people? By the time he left, there was crisis.

Three people died in Benin. So, for that reason, tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me,” the Governor said.

Speaking further on Onobun’s defection, the governor declared that the APC had taken firm control of Edo State

and would eradicate all traces of opposition by the 2027 general elections.

“We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance.

In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu,” he boasted.

“Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State. I saw someone crying at Ring Road, talking about having 65%.

That is what we call social media winning. When I said I would become governor, I meant it.

Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it.”

Meanwhile, Netizens are strongly reacting to the threat Monday Okpebholo made

According to them, Obi is a citizen of Nigeria and therefore has the right to travel to any state he chooses

Popular Arewa X influencer known as Sarki Waspapping, has openly dragged Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his absence at the burial of former president Buhari

The Burial which held on Tuesday, July 15th, in Daura Katsina state, saw the attendance of heavy weight Nigerian politicians, including president Tinubu

But unexpectedly, Peter Obi was absent, and this is surprising to many.

In his post, the X user stated he would wait to see how Obi will win any election without the votes of the Northern people.

His post suggests that Obi should have attended the funeral so as to win their support towards the 2027 general elections.

Also Read:

Hanan Buhari Heavily Mourns Her Father’s Passing After Burial

Nigerian Celebrities Reacts To Former President Buhari’s Demise

DJ Switch Drags At Joe Igbokwe For Rejoicing At Buhari’s Death

He wrote and we quote;

Peter Obi didn’t attend President Muhammadu Buhari’s burial. This is the same man who expects northerners to hand over Nigeria to him. Let’s see how he plans to become president without our votes.

Netizens Come Hard For Arewa Influencer For Bashing Peter Obi Over Absence At Buhari’s Burial

Meanwhile other supporters of Peter Obi had knocked the Arewa influencer over his comments

According to them, If Peter obi had showed up it would have been called a desperate attempt, and now that he didn’t, He is still being called out.

Lets read some comments below;

One Anonymous wrote;

So you think only Northern votes can make a Nigerian president? You guys are always so entitled, and yet you have been the most abused by your own northern presidents or heads of state. Continue the suffering. Obi is not desperate to be president! But if you do not support him, then we in the south will vote massively for Bulaba so he can come back and show you all shege pro max. Arrant nonsense!

Another comment also spoke against the Arewa influencer;

If he comes, some one in one tv station and some group of people will say he is desperate, if he doesn’t come the same people will say he doesn’t care….all of you should go and rest abeg

Another commenter went hard on the late Buhari, calling him wicked

Buhari should not be eulogized or celebrated at death in any way. He does not deserve it. He is the person who put Nigeria in this mess. Hunger, insecurity and bloodshed. He should not rest in peace. Wicked tyrant.

Former Labour Party chieftain and Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, has stated that the coalition may fail if they field Peter Obi again

He insists that if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) hopes to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the general election of 2027, it must field a candidate from the north.

Kenneth Okonkwo stated on Channels Television’s Politics Today that Tinubu’s reelection would be certain if the ADC tried to field a candidate from the south.

He also cautioned that unless the opposition takes a calculated and practical stance, the political maths in 2027 will favour the incumbent.

“My strategy this time around is that I am going to support a northerner in 2027,” Okonkwo said.

Also Read:

ADC Coalition: See List Of Prominent Members So Far!

Peter Obi Reveals Plans To Contest In 2027 And Backings From The North!

2027: Tinubu To Pick A Running Mate After APC Convention!

“If northern political figures like Atiku Abubakar or Aminu Tambuwal enjoy the confidence of the region,

then the opposition must rally around them,” he said, arguing that the candidate must have broad northern appeal.

“The person must be qualified. And if he has experience in the presidency, it is an added advantage.

When he pairs with someone from the south, that will push him through”, he explained.

Kenneth Okonkwo further described President Tinubu as “incurably bad,”

insisting that only a credible northern challenger can pose a serious threat to his return bid.

“Anybody telling you it is injustice if the north comes in, or if the south comes in…

whoever wins a primary election will take it for four years. Where is the injustice? It has happened before,” he said.

He also warned that nominating another southern candidate would amount to handing Tinubu the election on a platter.

“Anybody telling you to bring a fresh southerner to compete against Tinubu,

a southerner, is trying to zone the ticket to Tinubu. And Tinubu will win outright,” he said.

Okonkwo then dismissed the possibility of a south-easterner winning

in a direct face-off against Tinubu, even if such a candidate secures the popular vote.

“If you bring somebody from the south-east, even if he wins, they will steal it from him,” he asserted.

He further pointed to historical electoral patterns and political strategy,

noting that the south-west has never fielded a candidate against a sitting president.

“Do you know the south-west has never contested against an incumbent? Strategy.

Because in Nigeria, if you don’t have the establishment behind you, even if you win, they will steal it from you,” he said.

He reiterated his belief that Peter Obi won the 2023 election but had his mandate taken.

“Peter Obi won the election in 2023, and they stole it from us.

If you do it again, they will still steal it, because there is no incumbent to defend the victory.

“But if you bring someone from the north, nobody will pressure him to relinquish his win

because he is not from the same region as the incumbent”, he said.

Watch Snippet of the interview HERE

Meanwhile recall that Kenneth Okonkwo formally resigned from the Labour Party in July 2024,

citing unresolved internal crises and what he described as Obi’s indecisiveness.

With this assertion, will the ADC be fielding Peter Obi? Or will they be going for a Northern candidate?

Former Labor Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi Gregory, has finally revealed his plans to contest for the presidential seat come 2027

The Former governor who recently joined the ADC coalition says He believes he is over qualified to contest for the presidential seat

Peter Obi made this revelation while on an interview  with channels television

The politician and business man also denied allegations of working for the late Sanni Abacha when He was alive

“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it” Peter Obi reiterates

When asked whether he was considering becoming the running mate to Atiku, in the 2027 election, Obi said

“This is not in play; nobody has ever discussed that. People assume so many things. Nobody has ever discussed with me whether I am going to be A or B or C.”

The former Anambra State governor also stressed that he remains a vibrant member of the Labour Party

though he is an active member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition

adopted by the opposition to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

who is eyeing a second term of four years in office in 2027.

Also Read:

Peter Obi Decries The Illegal Demolition Of Brother’s Property In Lagos

ADC Coalition: See List Of Prominent Members So Far!

2027: Tinubu To Pick A Running Mate After APC Convention!

“I am part of the coalition which will be able to produce a president with the capacity and compassion to save this country,” he said

Peter Obi Reacts To Allegations Of Working With Late Abacha

On the widespread allegations of working for Abacha and helping him move goods illegally, Peter Obi had this to say:

“I have never worked for any government before I became governor. I was a very successful businessman. I was part of those controlling trade in Lagos.”

“When Abacha took over, they blocked the port, and goods were not coming in.

We came to Abuja, about 50 of us. We were able to elucidate the problem we were facing,” Obi explained.

“The Head of State directed the finance minister to decongest all the ports in Nigeria.

When they finished after two weeks, they said it’s not the time to probe the ports” he recalled.

“I never met Abacha, and I don’t know anything about the military” Obi stated

Watch the Video HERE

Meanwhile Peter Obi is of the opinion that the north will heavily celebrate him, if he becomes the President

Further hinting at the support he is receiving from the North

According to him, the greatest asset Nigeria has is in the 19 states domiciled in the northern region of the country,

but the potential of the region with numerical voter strength and vast arable lands has been largely untapped

because of the hydra-headed monster of insecurity.

“We have voted for incompetence, we’ve voted for tribe, (and) we’ve voted for religion; let’s vote for competence.

I want them to trust me. The biggest asset of this country is in the north, the uncultivated lands in the north.

The criminality we face in the north today, I will deal with it.

If I am president, the North will celebrate me. I have an idea of the problem.” he said