News

‘Obi, Atiku cannot mobilise support in North to defeat Tinubu’ – Ganduje

Published

4 weeks ago

July 19, 2026

Preport

The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has boasted that the presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, respectively, do not have the grassroots structure and regional appeal required to “penetrate the North” and unseat incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

“The North is strategic in every presidential election in Nigeria. With due respect to our friends in the opposition, neither Peter Obi nor Atiku Abubakar can mobilise enough support in this region to defeat President Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

The former APC chairman also raised concerns over the growing number of political parties in the country, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to raise the bar for party registration.

He argued that only political parties with functional structures, clear ideologies and broad national reach should be recognised by the electoral body.

Ganduje’s comments come amid ongoing realignments within opposition ranks as political actors begin early consultations ahead of the 2027 general election.

He emphasised that Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lack the political backing in Northern Nigeria to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential election.

Ganduje made the remarks at a public event in Kano on Monday, where he assessed the strength of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.

News

Motsepe Urges Calm as FIFA Crisis Deepens, Backs March 2027 Election

Published

1 hour ago

August 14, 2026

Preport

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Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for calm and unity amid the growing crisis within world football’s governing body, insisting that the FIFA presidential election in March 2027 should provide the appropriate platform for members to determine the organisation’s direction.

Speaking in Salzburg around the UEFA Super Cup, Motsepe said the current disagreements should not descend into prolonged internal conflict, urging all sides to respect FIFA’s electoral and governance processes.

Read Also: ‘Africa Must Protect Its Interests’ — CAF’s Lux September Speaks on FIFA Crisis | Sports247 Nigeria

FIFA’s 211 member associations are expected to decide the organisation’s leadership at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Current president Gianni Infantino is seeking another term.

Motsepe maintained that the election should allow the various candidates and member associations to make their positions clear through the established democratic process rather than through continued public confrontation.

The CAF president also reiterated his support for Infantino, describing him as a leader who has shown commitment to African football.

“Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa and has shown a deep commitment to African development and growth.”

His comments come amid a major dispute over FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise, which involved plans for private investment in FIFA competitions and triggered strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and other stakeholders. FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal after widespread criticism over transparency and the consultation process.

Motsepe said the current situation should instead encourage dialogue, cooperation and respect for due process.

Africa’s position could be particularly influential at the election because CAF’s 54 member associations represent the second-largest voting bloc in FIFA, behind UEFA’s 55.

With the FIFA presidential contest approaching, Motsepe’s position keeps CAF firmly aligned behind Infantino while other confederations continue to demand changes in FIFA’s leadership and governance.

Business

Guinea Insurance Positions for Next Growth Phase Following NAICOM Recapitalisation Approval

Published

2 hours ago

August 14, 2026

Preport

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Emerging from National Insurance Commission, (NAICOM), sector-wide recapitalisation drive with a capital base exceeding ₦15 billion, Guinea Insurance Plc on Friday said its positioning itself for a major market transformation.

With NAICOM verification now completed, the non-life insurer plans to deploy its strengthened capital position toward underwriting larger corporate risks, expanding digital infrastructure, and competing more aggressively for market leadership within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

A statement released by the insurer noted that, recapitalisation is not the destination. It is the platform for growth.

The statement further said is now focused on converting its enhanced capital position into greater underwriting capacity, stronger customer propositions, improved service delivery, strategic partnerships and sustainable market growth.

Commenting on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ademola Abidogun, said:

“Recapitalisation has given Guinea Insurance the strength to think bigger, compete harder and pursue opportunities with greater confidence. We have strengthened our capital; now we are focused on strengthening our position in the market.”

“Nigeria is a market of enormous opportunities, and Guinea Insurance intends to be at the forefront of capturing those opportunities. Whether it is supporting major corporates, SMEs, institutions or individuals, we are ready to provide the capacity, expertise and confidence that businesses need to grow.”

The completion of the recapitalisation also reinforces Guinea Insurance’s ambition to become a more competitive, innovative and customer-focused insurer, with increased capacity to participate in larger risks, develop relevant insurance solutions and deepen its relationships across the insurance value chain.

The Company will build on this stronger foundation through disciplined underwriting, technology and innovation, operational excellence, robust risk management and a relentless focus on customer experience.

It will also pursue strategic opportunities that expand its market reach and create sustainable value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

According to the Company, the objective is clear: to turn capital strength into market strength.

Guinea Insurance expressed its appreciation to its shareholders, investors, policyholders, brokers, employees, business partners, regulators and other stakeholders whose confidence and support contributed to the successful completion of the recapitalisation exercise.

As Guinea Insurance enters its next phase, the Company is looking beyond compliance and capital adequacy. It is preparing to compete for bigger opportunities, serve more customers, support more businesses and deliver greater value across the Nigerian economy.

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