Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has hailed the return of former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, to the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a positive development and a major boost for the ruling party in Lagos.

Speaker Obasa, who hosted Jandor on Tuesday at his official residence in Ikeja GRA, expressed excitement over his return to the APC, describing it as the only political platform that truly reflects the aspirations of Lagosians, and indeed, Nigerians.

“We are happy to have you back. This is a very good move,” Obasa said, assuring Jandor of full reintegration and collaboration in the party’s collective pursuit of good governance. The Speaker further praised Jandor for his courage and conviction, stressing that the APC’s inclusive structure provides the right platform for unity and development.

Responding, Jandor, who returned officially to the APC fold in March, thanked Obasa for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to working with the APC for the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria because, “It is only through unity of purpose, shared sacrifice, and responsible leadership that we can secure a brighter and more prosperous future for every Nigerian.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent tax reforms, saying, “Though demanding, the President’s reforms are courageous steps toward re-engineering our economy and laying a firm foundation for progress and prosperity.”

The United Kingdom has warned international students whose visas have expired to leave the country or risk deportation.

The Home Office, in a new enforcement campaign, said it has begun sending direct text and email messages to students, marking the first time such a measure is being applied.

According to the BBC, about 10,000 students whose visas are due to expire have already received the messages, while tens of thousands more will be contacted in the coming months.

The message from the Home Office reads: “If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.”

The agency also warned that asylum claims considered “lacking merit” would be swiftly rejected.

Data released by the Home Office showed that between July 2024 and June 2025, a total of 41,100 asylum claims were lodged by people who had entered the UK legally on visas, with students making up the largest share.

Figures indicated that international students filed 16,000 asylum claims in 2024, almost six times the number recorded in 2020. Although the number has since dropped by about 10 percent, the British government said it expects a further reduction.

The department noted that asylum claims by skilled worker visa holders have decreased within the same period.

Earlier this year, the UK government reduced the period foreign graduates can remain in the country after completing their studies, cutting it from two years to 18 months.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have said the party’s forthcoming national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, can only hold peacefully if leadership positions remain open, inclusive, and competitive.

The resolution was reached at a closed-door meeting in Abuja, which began late Monday night and ended Tuesday morning.

Ortom Reads Communiqué

Former Benue governor Samuel Ortom read the group’s communiqué, warning that any attempt to exclude legitimate members or ignore court rulings could invalidate the convention.

> “A credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law,” Ortom said.
“Failure to comply shall render any purported convention invalid, as legitimate members would be disenfranchised.”

Demands by the Stakeholders

The group, calling themselves Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, issued several demands:

• Fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, in line with court judgments.
• A new South-East zonal congress.
• Recognition of the South-South congress held in Calabar, which has court backing.
• Immediate congresses in Ekiti local governments, in obedience to court rulings.
• No micro-zoning of positions, with the National Chairman retained in the North-Central, per the 2021 zoning formula.

Call for Unity

The leaders said the PDP stood at a “defining crossroads” and urged inclusivity, fairness, and reconciliation to preserve the party’s relevance as Nigeria’s main opposition.

“Only then can the PDP speak with one voice, act with one heart, and march with renewed strength toward victory,” the communiqué added.

Attendees

Those present included Sam Anyanwu (National Secretary), Dan Orbih (South-South Vice Chairman), former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Ayodele Fayose, as well as ex-senator George Sekibo, Rivers Speaker, Sen. Philip Aduda, Hon. Micah Jiba, some BoT members, and state chairmen.