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Trump Praises Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as ‘Very Respected Woman’ at U.S. National Prayer Breakfast

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged and praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during his remarks at the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast held today at the Washington Hilton.

In a moment that drew applause from attendees, President Trump highlighted the Nigerian First Lady’s presence and commended her dual roles as a national leader and a faith figure. “We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman,” Trump said, scanning the audience. “First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too.”

The recognition underscored Senator Tinubu’s prominence as an ordained assistant pastor with a significant pastoral background in one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal congregations, alongside her position as Nigeria’s First Lady. Reports indicate that President Trump invited her to stand or join him, emphasizing her influence in faith leadership amid the event’s focus on prayer, religious freedom, and interfaith dialogue.

The National Prayer Breakfast, an annual bipartisan gathering attended by U.S. lawmakers, religious leaders, and international guests, provided a platform for Trump’s broader remarks on faith in public life. The event comes as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between the United States and Nigeria, highlighting shared values in religious liberty and Christian leadership.

Senator Tinubu’s attendance and the warm public recognition from President Trump have been widely celebrated in Nigerian media and on social platforms, with many viewing it as a boost to Nigeria’s international profile and a nod to the First Lady’s respected status both at home and abroad.

 

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‎APC 2026 Convention Committee discriminatory to women – Josef Onoh

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By Prosper Mene

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has faced criticism over the composition of its 73-member Central Coordination Committee for the 2026 National Convention, with a prominent party figure accusing it of being “extremely discriminatory” toward women.

Denge Josef Onoh, Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly and former Southeast Spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, issued a statement condemning the near-total exclusion of women from the committee. He described the lineup as showing “glaring and extreme male domination,” noting that a review of the publicly released list revealed “virtually no women, or at best one or two, if any were inadvertently omitted.”

Onoh expressed disappointment despite commending the APC for its broader preparations toward the national convention, scheduled for March 25–28, 2026. The event will shape the party’s future direction, including candidate selection and policy priorities. He argued that this level of exclusion sends a troubling signal that women are being sidelined in the party’s most critical decision-making and planning structures.

The committee, constituted by the APC’s National Working Committee, is chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as vice chairman and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni as secretary. It includes serving and former governors, senators, National Assembly members, and other senior party leaders from across Nigeria.

 

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‎𝗜𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗼 𝗢𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗣𝗖, 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗲𝘅-𝗢𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗟𝗚 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 ‎

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By Prosper Mene

Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has reportedly registered as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. The development, confirmed by political sources close to the family, occurred on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government Area.

Hon. Biodun Ajayi, a former chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government and a known associate of the Obasanjo family, made the disclosure to journalists. According to Ajayi, Prof. Obasanjo completed her online registration as a member of the ruling party during the ongoing membership drive.

A former House of Representatives member from the area, speaking anonymously, corroborated the registration, describing it as accurate. Efforts to obtain an official confirmation from the Ogun State APC leadership were unsuccessful, with the party’s Director of Publicity, Mr. Femi Nuberu, stating only that the membership registration remains open to all eligible Nigerians aged 18 and above, without directly addressing the specific claim.

The move has sparked significant speculation in Ogun State’s political circles, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. Prof. Obasanjo, a former senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District (2007–2011) under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, has largely stayed out of active politics in recent years. However, her re-emergence follows the appearance of campaign-style billboards bearing her name and image in parts of Abeokuta late last year, with messages like “In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen (Prof) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”

Political analysts note the surprise element in her reported alignment with the APC, given her father’s critical stance toward the party and his support for the Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election. Observers had previously speculated she might return to the PDP or join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party associated with her father’s political influence in the past.

This development adds to the growing list of high-profile shifts in Ogun politics as various figures position themselves for future contests, including potential gubernatorial ambitions. No official statement has been issued by Prof. Obasanjo herself regarding her intentions or any political aspirations.

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Politics

Anambra LP Commends Nenadi Usman’s Leadership After Federal High Court Ruling Affirming Caretaker Committee

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By Prosper Mene

The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State has praised Senator Esther Nenadi Usman’s leadership of the party’s national caretaker committee, describing a recent Federal High Court judgment as a triumph for justice, internal democracy, and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, following the ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Anambra chapter hailed the decision that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee as the legitimate leadership of the Labour Party.

The court, relying on the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, verdict, declared that Julius Abure’s tenure as national chairman had expired and affirmed Senator Usman, a former Minister of Finance, as the valid leader pending the party’s national convention. The judgment effectively set aside Abure’s claims and directed INEC to accord recognition solely to the caretaker committee.

Anambra LP Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okoye, described the ruling as confirmation that the caretaker committee was both lawful and essential, stemming directly from the apex court’s earlier position on the party’s leadership crisis.

“History has shown once again that the Labour Party stands on the side of justice, and justice has prevailed,” Okoye stated. “This judgment reinforces our commitment to constitutionalism and paves the way for unity and progress within the party ahead of future elections.”

The leadership tussle in the Labour Party has been ongoing since 2024, triggered by internal disputes over tenure, party governance, and alleged anti-party activities. The crisis escalated after a stakeholders’ meeting, chaired by former presidential candidate Peter Obi and hosted by Abia State Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia, resolved to remove Abure and establish the caretaker committee.

Senator Usman, in reactions conveyed through her Special Adviser Ken Asogwa, welcomed the verdict as a broader victory for democracy, the Labour Party, and Nigerians—not a personal triumph. She urged all factions to embrace dialogue for reconciliation and peace.

The Abure-led faction has vowed to appeal the decision, arguing that the court misinterpreted the Supreme Court ruling and that the matter concerns internal party affairs.

This development is seen as potentially reshaping opposition dynamics in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, with implications for party cohesion and alliances.

The Anambra chapter called on members and supporters to remain steadfast, assuring that the party would continue to prioritize justice, transparency, and grassroots mobilization under the recognized leadership.

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Machado Vows to Become Venezuela’s First Female President ‘When the Right Time Comes’

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By Prosper Mene

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has reaffirmed her determination to become president, declaring she will lead the country “when the right time comes,” even as the United States continues to engage with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez following the dramatic ousting of Nicolás Maduro.

U.S president Trump and María Corina Machado

In an interview with Fox News’s Fox & Friends broadcast on Friday, January 16, 2026, Machado expressed unwavering confidence in her future role. “There’s a mission, and we are going to turn Venezuela into that land of grace, and I believe I will be elected when the right time comes as president of Venezuela, the first woman president,” she said.

The 58-year-old opposition figure, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for democracy amid years of persecution under the Maduro regime, made the comments shortly after a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. During that encounter, she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal as a “personal symbol of gratitude” on behalf of the Venezuelan people, in recognition of what she described as his “principled and decisive action” to secure a free Venezuela.

Machado described the gesture as an emotional moment and insisted she has a clear mandate from the Venezuelan people, stemming from the opposition’s claims of victory in the widely disputed 2024 presidential elections. “I want to serve my country where I am more useful. I got a mandate, and I have that mandate,” she told Fox News.

The remarks comes after  a complex and fluid political transition in Venezuela. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Caracas, capturing former President Nicolás Maduro and transferring him to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons. Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, assumed the role of interim president.

Despite Machado’s prominence in the opposition and international recognition, including her Nobel award, President Trump has declined to fully endorse her as the next leader. He has cited concerns over her level of domestic support and referenced lessons from the U.S. experience in Iraq, where abrupt dismantling of institutions led to long-term instability. Instead, the Trump administration has pursued direct engagement with Rodríguez, including a two-hour meeting in Caracas on Friday between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and the interim president. Discussions focused on economic collaboration, ending Venezuela’s role as a safe haven for adversaries, and oil sector reforms allowing greater foreign investment.

Rodríguez, in her first state of the union address since taking office, emphasized diplomatic dialogue with the U.S., defended national dignity, and announced steps to open Venezuela’s oil industry, moves seen as aligning with American interests.

Machado has framed the current dynamics not as personal rivalry but as a broader struggle against remnants of a “criminal structure.” She expressed optimism about an “orderly transition” to democracy, predicting a future Venezuela that would become “the best ally the U.S. has ever had in the Americas.”

Her Washington visit also included meetings with U.S. senators, where supporters greeted her with chants of “María, presidente” and Venezuelan flags.

While Venezuela navigates this post-Maduro era, with ongoing deportations of Venezuelans from the U.S. and international scrutiny, the opposition leader’s vow underscores persistent divisions over the path to stable, democratic governance in the oil-rich nation.

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Senator Ireti Kingibe Formally Joins ADC, Sets Sights on AMAC Victory Ahead of FCT Area Council Polls

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By Prosper Mene 

Senator Ireti Kingibe, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has officially defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The move, formalized today at her Wuse Ward in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), signals a major boost for the ADC as it gears up for the February 21, 2026, FCT area council elections.

After receiving her ADC membership card, Senator Kingibe addressed party supporters, declaring that the defection marks the start of a determined push to capture all six FCT area councils, beginning with AMAC, her home base.

“We have a battle and a lot of work ahead of us. We have six area councils that must be ours. It starts with AMAC. AMAC is my local government, Wuse is my ward, that’s why we are taking the card here today,” she said.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of ADC candidates for chairmanship and councillorship positions across the FCT, with party flags presented to signify campaign readiness.

Kingibe, who had announced her intention to leave the Labour Party in July, described the switch to ADC as a strategic realignment ahead of broader political contests, including the 2027 general elections. Political observers note that her joining makes her the only serving senator in the ADC, potentially reshaping opposition dynamics in the nation’s capital.

The event drew senior ADC officials, election candidates, supporters, and media representatives, underscoring the party’s growing momentum in the FCT. With elections just months away, Kingibe’s defection is seen as a calculated effort to challenge the status quo and deliver grassroots change to residents.

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Remi Tinubu Empowers 250 Elderly Citizens in Ekiti State Through Renewed Hope Initiative

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By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended her Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) to Ekiti State, empowering 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above with financial grants to enhance their well-being and dignity during the festive season.

Under the third edition of the nationwide programme themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,” each beneficiary in Ekiti received a cash grant of ₦200,000, contributing to a total disbursement of ₦50 million in the state. The initiative, which runs simultaneously across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and includes veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association, aims to support 9,500 elderly Nigerians nationwide with a total of ₦1.9 billion.

Represented by the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor and RHI State Coordinator, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senator Tinubu emphasized the scheme’s goal of recognizing the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to nation-building. “This social investment programme embodies our ongoing effort to ensure that our elderly citizens live with dignity and joy in a nation that genuinely cares for its own,” she stated in her address.

The First Lady highlighted that since 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate and support the elderly every December, reassuring them that they are valued and not forgotten. Beneficiaries also received additional support, including food items and health checks in similar programmes across states.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, commended the initiative for complementing his administration’s Shared Prosperity agenda, noting its direct impact on vulnerable groups. Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a timely relief that aligns with efforts to prioritize the welfare of the elderly.

The Renewed Hope Initiative continues to focus on social investment, economic empowerment, health, and inclusion, complementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to uplift all Nigerians.

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Politics

Court of Appeal Reserves Judgment in High-Stakes Clash Between Senate President Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

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By Prosper Mene

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved its judgment on intertwined appeals filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The case, which revolves around the legality of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s controversial six-month suspension from the Senate, highlights a broader debate over the boundaries between parliamentary autonomy and judicial oversight.

The appeals comes from a July 4, 2025, ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, which declared Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension “unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation.” The suspension, imposed earlier in 2025 following a heated plenary session dispute over seating arrangements and allegations of misconduct, barred the senator from legislative duties and committee assignments. Justice Nyako ordered her immediate reinstatement, a decision that prompted swift backlash from Senate leadership.

Akpabio, representing Akwa Ibom North-West, filed a main appeal and cross-appeal challenging the high court’s jurisdiction. His legal team, led by Senior Advocates Kehinde Ogunwumiju and Eko Ejembi Eko, argued that the matter falls squarely within the “internal affairs” of the National Assembly, shielded from judicial interference under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. “The Senate’s disciplinary actions, including suspensions, are parliamentary prerogatives not subject to external review,” Ogunwumiju contended during Friday’s hearing, describing the lower court’s ruling as a “gross miscarriage of justice” that intrudes on legislative independence.

In a notice of cross-appeal dated July 11, 2025, Akpabio sought to nullify the entire judgment, urging the appellate court to dismiss Akpoti-Uduaghan’s originating suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) for procedural irregularities, including duplicated reliefs and failure to exhaust internal Senate remedies like the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. One cross-appeal was withdrawn during proceedings, as Akpoti-Uduaghan had already resumed her duties post-reinstatement, rendering it moot.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal advocate for women’s rights and development in Kogi State, countered with her own appeal against aspects of the high court’s decision, particularly a N5 million fine imposed for a satirical Facebook post deemed contemptuous. Represented by her counsel, she maintained that the suspension was politically motivated and disproportionate, depriving her constituents of effective representation. “This is not just about one senator; it’s about protecting the democratic voice of millions,” her team argued, emphasizing that the Senate’s actions bypassed due process and fair hearing principles enshrined in the constitution.

A three-member panel of justices, after adopting written addresses and hearing oral arguments from both sides, reserved judgment without specifying a delivery date. The court will notify parties when the ruling is ready, potentially setting a precedent on the extent to which courts can intervene in legislative discipline.

The dispute traces back to a fractious Senate session in early 2025, where Akpoti-Uduaghan accused leadership of favoritism in seating allocations—a claim that escalated into misconduct allegations. Her subsequent suit sought to halt a Senate probe into the matter, but the chamber proceeded with the suspension amid accusations of undermining institutional authority. Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan, including civil society groups, have hailed the high court’s intervention as a safeguard against executive overreach in the legislature, while Senate allies decry it as an erosion of parliamentary sovereignty.

 

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We want Women as Governors and Presidents” _ Labour Party Women Leader

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By Prosper Mene 

Labour Party Oshodi-Isolo women held their maiden event of “Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Seminar and Trade Exhibition” at Unfailing Power Hall, Cele- Okota road, Lagos on 24th of November 2025 with Mbonu Assumpta, C.E.O. of Credo Events as chief speaker and other notable speakers from Alliance and General Insurance Plc, Affable Homes Limited and Kedi Health Industry.

Attending the event were Chief John Apati, Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II Leader; Onowu Godwin Ekezie, Labour Party Oshodi-Isolo Chair of Chairs; Engineer Walter, Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II Administrator; Mr. Andy, Labour Party Ire-Akari Ward Chairman and other stakeholders in the local government.

Mrs. Mbonu Assumpta, C.E.O. of Credo Events and other keynote speakers like Mary Udoh, Group Head of Retail in Alliance and General Insurance; Dr. Israel Olushola, partner to Kedi Health Industry; Mrs. Titilayo Ninis, founder of Fredella Foods; Barrister Dr. Esther Ehinosen Ileogben, encouraged the attendees on how to start up a business with little or no capital using themselves as case study.

Mrs. Uyanna Commie, Labour Party Oshodi-Isolo Women Leader, also the convener of the event in an interview revealed her desire to see women hold positions like governor and president in the country.

“This event is a collective effort of all the women in Oshodi-Isolo and I am happy to be their leader because I have passion to see we women grow politically. And you know no politics without funds, reason why we holding this event. To empower our minds with financial solutions so we also can be governors and president in the country, my greatest desire. ”

Speaking on the insecurities in the country, Onowu Godwin Ekezie stated the leaders in power are to be blamed for their inability to resolve issues before turning crisis.

“Banditry started from a town before becoming a national crisis. If our leaders had resolve it at it’s infancy, we wouldn’t be in this state.”

Mrs. Sindret Idika, a cyber security expert advise the government to use advanced technology in combating terrorists responsible for the country insecurity.

“The best way to uncover the faces behind our insecurities is advanced technology. We are in an era where robots and AI are everywhere. And making use of these modern tools will fasten an end to the problems we currently face.”

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Judge Absent: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Postponed to 2026

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By Prosper Mene

The Federal High Court in Abuja has  adjourned the cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until February 4, 2026, after Justice Mohammed Umar failed to appear for the scheduled hearing on Monday.

The delay, the third in as many months, has fueled accusations of judicial foot-dragging in what critics call a politically motivated prosecution aimed at silencing a vocal female lawmaker.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, the firebrand senator representing Kogi Central, faces six counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

The charges come from a viral June 2024 video in which she alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to orchestrate her assassination. Prosecutors claim her statements were “false and injurious,” designed to malign reputations, incite unrest, and endanger lives, offenses punishable by up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines.

The 43-year-old senator, known for her unapologetic advocacy on women’s rights and anti-corruption crusades, was arraigned on June 30 and granted bail shortly after. What should have been a swift trial has devolved into a saga of postponements: September 22’s hearing was derailed by a preliminary objection from her defense team challenging the court’s jurisdiction; October 21 fell victim to chaotic protests outside the court led by activist Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; and now, the judge’s unexplained absence has kicked the can down the road for over two months.

Courtroom drama unfolded even in Umar’s absence. A television screen, prepared for video evidence playback, sat idly as lawyers clashed over the pending objection. Defense counsel Peter Olorunnishola urged the court to resolve the jurisdictional challenge first, arguing it strikes at the prosecution’s foundation. Prosecutor D.E. Kaswe, pushing to proceed, countered that the objection shouldn’t halt proceedings, but Umar’s prior ruling, insisting on a formal response, held sway, showing the judge’s intent to clear procedural hurdles before diving into evidence.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, poised and defiant in a tailored suit, declined immediate comment outside the courtroom, but her allies wasted no time. “This is persecution, not justice,” thundered Sowore on X, vowing renewed protests if delays persist. Supporters, including civil society groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), decry the Cybercrimes Act as a draconian tool for muzzling dissent, especially against women in politics who dare to name powerful men. Akpabio’s office has dismissed the allegations as “baseless fabrications,” while Bello’s camp remains silent.

The senator’s journey to the spotlight has been anything but smooth. A Delta State native who clinched her Senate seat in a bruising 2023 rerun amid vote-rigging claims, Akpoti-Uduaghan has clashed repeatedly with establishment figures, earning her the moniker “iron lady of Kogi politics.” Her cybercrime saga, they argue, is payback for exposing alleged corruption in the National Assembly and challenging patriarchal gatekeepers.

Legal observers warn that the extended adjournment could erode public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary, already battered by backlog scandals. “Adjourning to 2026 on a non-complex case like this raises red flags about external pressures,” said a source close to the bench, speaking anonymously. The next hearing promises fireworks: resolution of the objection, potential witness testimonies, and perhaps a deeper probe into the video’s origins.

 

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