Adegunwa-Balogun Emerges Ogun APC Deputy Governorship Candidate

Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun has been officially unveiled as the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, bringing decades of corporate leadership and financial management experience into the political arena.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the main opposition party, the PDP, named Dr. Lateefat Kolapo-Sowunmi as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

A respected finance professional and business executive, Adegunwa-Balogun currently serves as the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous food and beverage companies. She has played a significant role in shaping the company’s financial strategy, corporate governance framework, and growth trajectory.

The daughter of prominent industrialist and philanthropist, Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa has built a distinguished career marked by professional excellence and leadership in the private sector.

Adegunwa-Balogun holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos and later pursued professional accounting qualifications in the United Kingdom. She is a Fellow of both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from Bayes Business School.

With more than 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, corporate governance, and strategic management, she has established herself as one of the leading female executives in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Her expertise in financial planning, investment management, and organizational development has contributed significantly to the success and expansion of Rite Foods Limited.

Her emergence as the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate has been welcomed by party members and stakeholders who view her nomination as a blend of corporate competence and leadership experience.

Political observers note that her entry into public service could bring valuable private-sector insights to governance and policy implementation in Ogun State.

Supporters and well-wishers have since extended their congratulations, expressing confidence in her capacity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development agenda.

El-Rufai Appears in Court as ICPC Corruption Case Continues

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna as hearing resumed in the corruption case filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai arrived at the court complex accompanied by officials of the anti-graft agency, as well as security personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The day’s proceedings are expected to centre on various applications and legal arguments submitted by both the prosecution and defence teams as the case advances to a new stage.

The ICPC has accused the former governor of alleged abuse of office, fraudulent practices, and financial irregularities connected to projects executed during his tenure in Kaduna State. According to investigators, public funds were approved for certain projects that were either not executed or were allegedly handled in breach of established procurement and due process procedures.

However, El-Rufai has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that all actions taken during his administration were lawful and in the best interest of the state.

2027 Candidate nomination portal access codes to be released June 26, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that access codes that will allow political parties to begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its nomination portal will be released June 26, 2026.

The Commission’s Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties.

According to him, the step follows the completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026, adding that the access codes will be issued to authorised national officers of each political party, who will be responsible for uploading nominees’ biodata and other required information into the system.

Amupitan cautioned that the process must be taken seriously. He therefore urged parties to ensure their ICT personnel are fully prepared ahead of the exercise, as deadlines would be strictly followed.

Witness Says Emefiele’s Case Suspects Confessed to Fraud

The 14th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that some suspects confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23m from the apex bank.

Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division of the court on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $6,230,000.

The money was said to be meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the former CBN governor of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Senate begins screening of Tinubu’s ministerial nominee

The Senate on Thursday commenced the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, marking the latest step in the administration’s efforts to strengthen its cabinet.

The minister-designate was ushered into the chamber at exactly 12:32 pm, where he appeared before lawmakers in plenary for the constitutionally mandated exercise.

As of press time, senators had begun questioning the nominee on his qualifications, policy direction, and readiness to manage the critical housing portfolio.

The screening follows a formal request transmitted to the upper chamber by the President on Wednesday, seeking Darma’s confirmation as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from Tinubu during plenary, subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration, directing that the panel report back as soon as practicable.