1. Tinubu Intervenes to Extend Payment Deadline for FCT Ground Rent Defaulters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has temporarily suspended the crackdown on properties delinquent in ground rent payments, extending the repayment window from 10 to 43 years.
Naija News reports that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) began enforcing measures on nearly 4,800 properties seized for failing to pay ground rent as far back as 1982, starting Monday, May 26, 2025.
Among the affected properties are the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the headquarters of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), along with several other government, corporate, and private assets.
However, in a statement issued late Monday, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration for the FCT, disclosed that President Tinubu has intervened to halt the enforcement action momentarily.
2. PDP denounces sealing of its National Secretariat, vows Resistance
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the sealing of its Abuja national headquarters by the Federal Capital Territory authorities.
Addressing journalists after a party caucus meeting, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum called the move reckless and irresponsible, labeling it as an act of provocation.
He declared that the PDP is prepared to confront the situation, even if it results in arrests, asserting that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
Damagum also announced that the caucus session would resume the following day for further deliberation, promising comprehensive updates afterward.
3. Labour Party Clarifies 2027 Presidential Ticket Status, Denies Reservation for Obi
The Labour Party has dismissed claims that it has exclusively reserved its 2027 presidential ticket for Peter Obi, its 2023 standard-bearer.
In a statement on Monday, Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, described such reports as malicious and false.
He emphasized that any aspirant interested in running on the Labour Party platform must follow standard processes, dismissing suggestions that Obi has special privileges.
Ifoh also remarked that Obi’s recent alliances do not align with the party’s official stance, and any collaboration outside authorized channels should be considered unofficial.
4. House of Representatives Pulls Back on Mandatory Voting Legislation
The proposed Compulsory Voting Bill has been withdrawn by the House of Representatives following widespread public backlash.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the decision on Monday, citing the need for broad stakeholder consultations to ensure the bill’s alignment with Nigeria’s democratic principles.
While noting that countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have successfully implemented such laws, Abbas suggested Nigeria might require a different approach suited to its unique political landscape.
5. North-East Support for Tinubu Wavers Over Economic Policies, Not Appointments
Former Youths and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has clarified that there is no open anger from Northerners towards President Tinubu regarding appointments.
Instead, Dalung explained that the region’s frustration stems from the economic hardships caused by the government’s policies, which have worsened poverty levels.
He criticized Tinubu’s economic management, accusing his administration of economic missteps that have eroded public trust, especially among northern communities.
Speaking to Vanguard, Dalung stressed that support for Tinubu remains strong, but the region’s main concern is the deteriorating economy, not political appointments.
6. Saudi Arabia Deport Sheikh Gumi, Bar Him from Performing Hajj
Renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been expelled from Saudi Arabia and prevented from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Gumi confirmed this development via his official Facebook account on Monday, May 26, 2025.
According to him, although he received a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, authorities barred him from proceeding to Medina to fulfill religious rites.
Sources indicate that Gumi was part of a delegation of Nigerian Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON). He arrived in Medina on Saturday evening but was reportedly stopped at the airport by Saudi immigration officials.
7. Nollywood Actor Suffers Internal Bleeding After Unscripted Scene Altercation
Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe has been hospitalized due to severe internal bleeding caused by an unplanned on-set incident.
He revealed on Instagram that during filming, fellow actor Zubby Michael kicked him fiercely in the chest. The action was neither scripted nor authorized by the production team.
Nnadiekwe’s condition worsened, prompting urgent hospital treatment. His management confirmed the injury’s seriousness and the need for immediate medical intervention.
8. Korra Obidi Clashes with Flight Attendant Over Dress Code Enforcement
Popular Nigerian performer Korra Obidi found herself in a dispute with a flight attendant over her revealing outfit during a recent flight.
Sharing footage of the encounter, Korra showed the air