President Bola Tinubu stated that D’Tigress have honoured Nigeria through their “discipline, focus and team spirit” displayed at the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket.

He expressed his admiration for the team in a statement following their qualification for a fifth consecutive final in the competition.

On Saturday, Nigeria triumphed over Senegal with a 75-68 victory in the semi-final held in Cote d’Ivoire.

The team delivered a remarkable performance in the final quarter, overturning a third-quarter deficit.

Tinubu applauded the team’s persistence and dominance throughout the tournament.

He also commended Rena Wakama, head coach of D’Tigress, for leading the team to new achievements.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to support the team as they aim for their fifth straight AfroBasket title and seventh overall.

D’Tigress are set to play Mali in the final, scheduled for 7 pm on Sunday.

The Nigerian side has remained unbeaten in the Women’s Afrobasket over the past ten years. Their last loss in the tournament occurred on October 2, 2015, against Cameroon.

Nigeria is on the verge of becoming the first country to win the Women’s Afrobasket title five times in a row.

Relationship coach Blessing CEO has spoken out in support of her fiancé, IVD, following his reported arrest by the Lagos State Police at the airport while preparing to travel to Qatar.

She explained that the arrest is linked to an ongoing domestic violence case involving his late wife, Bimbo.

Blessing CEO challenged the legitimacy of the arrest, arguing that there was no official travel ban on IVD.

She stated that it would not make sense for IVD to publicly disclose his travel plans if he were under such a restriction.

She also demanded evidence backing the arrest and asked the police to clearly state the charges against him.

She accused the police of intimidation, alleging that a single individual was using their influence to detain IVD.

She appealed to Lagos State authorities to step in before the situation escalates.

According to her, IVD has fully complied throughout the three-year legal process and had no intention of fleeing, as shown by his return ticket for the 10-day journey.

She wrote on Instagram: “Ivd never submitted any passport to the court, his passport was missing and after 2 years to the case he did a new passport. There was no ban whatsoever on him; if there was, why would he make his travel public? IVD has never jumped bail for 3 years of the ongoing case, so why would he run for just a 10-day trip that has a return ticket? This is a game of politics and dirty emotions, and I hope there is paperwork. I will question the law.

“What are you charging him for? Show us the paperwork. Why are you holding him hostage just to please a woman? This is a tribal war; it has nothing to do with justice. And the state must be questioned. Nobody arrested ivd,1 man is using power to bully ivd. No case file, no statement just said oga said hold him till monday so we go lock am up. My question is for what??? They know the judges are on vacation, which is why the bully. How come bloggers know everything that the police don’t know? I wonder how much that woman paid you, Oga.

“I rest my case. Stop bullying Ivd because he is a MAN. Stop intimidating him. Just because you could not take his life, you are doing everything to intimidate him. This is an injustice. They have bullied him for over 3 years.

“Lagos state, please come into this before it gets messy. Why are they holding IVD?”

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged northern political leaders to back President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

Speaking during the 2025 Dialogue Session of the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators in Abuja, Gbajabiamila described Tinubu as a national figure whose commitment to unity and development deserves consistent support.

Endorsement also came from Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago and other APC stakeholders in the state, declaring their full backing for both Tinubu and Bago in their re-election bids.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, who is running for re-election in the November 8 off-cycle poll, said any politician discussing a single-term agenda should undergo psychiatric evaluation.

Gbajabiamila urged attendees at the dialogue to rally support for Tinubu’s administration and 2027 ambitions.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s progress relies on unity, continuity and respect for political arrangements.

Gbajabiamila noted that Tinubu is a leader for all regions and that the North is already seeing the benefits of his administration through infrastructure and policy reforms.

He highlighted ongoing projects in the region such as road construction, railway expansions, and agricultural initiatives as proof of the administration’s balanced national development strategy.

He said Tinubu should be allowed to complete what he has started, emphasizing the long-term benefits.

Forum Chairman Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe praised the Northern Caucus for its “bold and patriotic stand,” noting that such leadership goes beyond personal or regional interests.

He expressed confidence that other zones would also support the call for continuity.

In a communiqué, the forum endorsed the continuation of a southern presidency and Tinubu’s second term bid.

The statement, signed by Hon. Rufai Chanchangi and Hon. Atiwurcha, stressed unity and peace as key national priorities.

The forum reaffirmed support for power rotation between the North and South, and maintained that allowing the South to complete its tenure aligns with national interest.

The session was part of a nationwide consultation effort by the forum to promote inclusive governance and ensure a stable transition in 2027.

The forum acknowledged efforts by the current administration but called for increased focus on tackling insecurity, particularly in Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, and Niger states.

They also appreciated Gbajabiamila’s engagement and urged continued involvement with key stakeholders.

Niger APC stakeholders give backing

Leaders of the APC in Niger State said Tinubu and Bago have made significant achievements and should be supported for a second term.

Senator Muhammad Sani Musa led the motion to endorse them, which was seconded by Rep. Saidu Musa Abdul.

Information and National Orientation Minister Muhammad Idris Malagi, Minister of State for Agriculture Senator Abdullahi Sabi, and APC North Central Vice Chairman Mu’azu Bawa were among those who applauded their performance and urged continuity.

Others in attendance included Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, House Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, State APC Chairman Aminu Musa Bobi and ALGON Chairman Ilyasu Zakari.

In his response, Governor Bago thanked the APC stakeholders for their confidence and called for unity within the party to support Tinubu’s re-election.

He asked members to stay committed to the party and help drive support for Tinubu nationwide.

The Niger endorsement followed earlier support from northern leaders during a government-citizen roundtable in Kaduna.

Minister Mohammed Idris said that most northern leaders believe Tinubu’s administration has strongly favored the North in terms of appointments and investment in infrastructure, education, agriculture, housing, and youth empowerment.

He commended ministers and heads of agencies for effectively showcasing the President’s achievements.

The roundtable was attended by key government figures, including SGF Senator George Akume, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, federal ministers, security chiefs, and other northern officials.

Aiyedatiwa to coordinate Tinubu’s re-election in Ondo

Ondo State Information and Orientation Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku announced that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will lead campaign coordination for President Tinubu’s re-election in the state.

Ajanaku said this move would ensure that support groups work under one unified structure to avoid confusion and political tension.

The governor launched the “Ondo State for Tinubu 2027” campaign during a meeting with APC leaders at the Government House in Akure, establishing it as the central platform for all pro-Tinubu efforts in the state.

Ajanaku explained that the move is in line with the APC Constitution, which identifies the governor as the party leader in the state.

He emphasized Aiyedatiwa’s longstanding partnership with Tinubu and said his deep understanding of the President’s vision made him the right person to lead.

He added that organizing campaign efforts under the governor would prevent division and promote party unity.

The Commissioner urged all support groups to work within the framework of “Ondo State for Tinubu 2027” and under the governor’s leadership.

He warned against any unauthorized or parallel campaigns that could cause internal strife and asked party members to embrace unity and discipline ahead of the 2027 elections.

Soludo: any politician talking of one term needs psychiatric examination

Governor Soludo criticized politicians claiming they would serve only one term, saying such statements are dishonest.

He said such individuals need psychiatric testing, describing the promise as an insult to voters’ intelligence.

He stated that any politician pledging to serve just one term is mentally unfit and should not be taken seriously.

Soludo reaffirmed that after his tenure, the next governor should come from Anambra Central, in line with the state’s zoning arrangement.

He said some aspirants from Anambra South are trying to disrupt this system and are misleading the public.

He added that Anambra people are not fools and cannot be deceived by such tactics.

He criticized candidates with questionable academic records, saying Anambra deserves quality leadership, not individuals with dubious certificates.

He said Anambra is the home of respected figures like Azikiwe, Nwafor Orizu, Ojukwu, Ekwueme, and Achebe, and should be led with integrity.

He expressed anger over the ambition of some candidates and questioned their credentials and capacity.