Spotlights
Trouble for Kemi Badenoch as UK plots to remove Nigerian-born Conservative Party leader
The Western world’s most successful political party is steeling itself for a second electoral wipeout in 10 months.
Pollsters are widely predicting Britain’s Conservative Party will lose hundreds of councillors in next week’s local elections as millions of Brits go to the polls.
This would mean that, despite an unpopular Labour government polling at historically low numbers, the Tories are likely to become the biggest loser on May 1 thanks to Britain’s local council electoral cycle.
Pollsters are widely predicting Britain’s Conservative Party will lose hundreds of councillors in next week’s local elections as millions of Brits go to the polls.
This would mean that, despite an unpopular Labour government polling at historically low numbers, the Tories are likely to become the biggest loser on May 1 thanks to Britain’s local council electoral cycle.
It comes after the Tories crashed to their worst general election performance in modern history in July as the party, under Rishi Sunak’s stewardship, was booted out of power by Keir Starmer’s Labour after 14 years.
But while the party’s MPs and apparatchiks were in despair in the lead-up to last year’s general election, there appears to be a sense of begrudging acceptance this time around.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has been spending the past week heavily managing expectations, telling the BBC last week that the elections will be “very difficult for the Conservatives.”
Despite this, MPs from all wings of the party say there is no appetite to cause problems for Badenoch or to seriously question her position.
However, some party figures believe Badenoch will now need to show serious progress over the next 12 months if she is to consolidate her position — and navigate the threat of a leadership challenge.
One former Tory MP involved in election planning, granted anonymity to speak freely like others in this piece, said Badenoch’s colleagues want to be seen to give her a fair chance — but that she would soon come under pressure “to be less useless.”
They said the real “danger point” would be the Conservatives falling behind Reform at next year’s local elections, particularly in the Welsh Senedd.
“If indeed she makes it that far,” the ex-MP added.
Growing pains
There is broad recognition in Westminster that Badenoch inherited the Tory throne in less-than-propitious circumstances last November.
The party had just suffered a landslide defeat, its coffers were bare, and the public was tired of hearing from them after years of Tory psychodrama.
However, the biggest immediate challenge she faces is the rise of Nigel Farage’s populist right-wing Reform UK. Reform outperformed expectations in the general election after riding a wave of anti-establishment sentiment and public backlash against soaring legal and illegal immigration figures under the Conservatives.
But the loss of support to Reform on Badenoch’s right flank has only accelerated under her leadership, with Farage’s party now consistently polling above the Tories. POLITICO’s poll of polls shows Reform is averaging 25 percent, Labour is on 24 percent and Tories are on 21 percent.
And while this puts Badenoch in touching distance of Labour, some in her party believe this is a disappointing effort considering the near-disastrous first six months in government for Starmer.
“She’s really struggling to find the right issues to attack the government on or to lead the political conversation,” said a Tory figure. “Contrast this to Farage, who is able to get ahead of big political moments and set the running — like on steel nationalization.”
Badenoch has also attracted criticism for being unable to truly land blows on the government’s economic performance, particularly as the U.K.’s growth forecasts began to crater after November’s tax-raising budget.
A recent Ipsos poll also put her personal approval rating as -26, which was well below both Starmer and Farage.
Despite her early struggles, it is these local elections that may be the nadir of Badenoch’s young leadership.
The worst is yet to come
The Tories hold the vast majority of the 1,641 seats up for grabs next week, after the party’s strong performance in 2021, when they were last contested. This was because then Prime Minister Boris Johnson was riding high in the polls thanks to a swell of voter satisfaction over the U.K.’s speedy rollout of the COVID vaccine.
The success was so stark that it moved many pundits to remark that Johnson was a certainty to stay in power for many more years — before he spectacularly self-immolated over the next 12 months and was forced from office by his own MPs.
Now, with the Conservatives at such a low polling ebb, they are expected to be blown away and lose hundreds of seats next week.
One of Badenoch’s shadow ministers predicted it would “be one of our worst election results ever,” as “we’re comparing one of our best-ever points in election history to one of our worst-ever points in election history.”
“It’s pretty clear the public are annoyed and upset, and I don’t think they’re listening to us,” they said. Still, this shadow minister believed Badenoch could turn things around.
“People need to trust us again, that’s Kemi’s big job, and she’s got a lot of time. I think there’s a real acknowledgement that what killed us more than anything else was infighting, and the public don’t want to see that.”
One Conservative Party grandee said the situation was far more severe.
They said Badenoch must begin “to move the [polling] numbers” this year and that “all bets are off” if she doesn’t turn things around by May 2026.
Pollster and Conservative peer Robert Hayward was also less positive about how much time Badenoch had to improve her situation in the eyes of her party.
“The real time for her, in terms of decisions for the Tory Party, will be in a year’s time at the 2026 locals,” Hayward said.
“She’ll have been in office for a year in a half … and people will begin to take a judgment from this year’s party conference onwards.”
Holding it all together
In the meantime, Tory officials and MPs say Badenoch’s big job is to just maintain unity within the party.
A shadow Cabinet minister said the electorate won’t want to listen to anything Badenoch says before 2027 and that the key measure of success “between now and then is unity.”
“Recent events, like on the Supreme Court judgment on single-sex spaces, show she is making sound judgments and will bring the party along with her,” they added.
This may be made somewhat more difficult by the decision to cut scores of jobs at the party’s campaign headquarters in the wake of widely reported financial difficulties.
Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) is now significantly smaller than when Badenoch took over, and she has told party staff that they must “do better” or face the sack.
This may have had adverse effects on this local election campaign.
One staffer described the CCHQ campaign team as “a mess,” noting that in addition to a recent round of redundancies, several senior team members are due to leave in May.
One Tory official said “a lot of different parts of the party have had their crisis moments since the election, and the grassroots will find these set of local elections very difficult and disheartening.”
Badenoch also has a growing problem on her frontbench as rumors continue to grow about Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick’s own leadership ambitions.
Jenrick, who was defeated in last year’s leadership contest, has begun to opine on a vast range of policy areas that are well beyond his portfolio.
His slick social media videos and upcoming tour of local party association dinners have only further fueled speculation that he is preparing for a leadership challenge should the moment present itself.
And for a party that is steeped in the tradition of carefully managed regicide just as much as it is in winning power, that moment may well present itself by this time next year.
Culled from Politico.eu
Excitement has erupted among many Nigerians as President Tinubu’s economic policies begin to deliver promising results.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented stricter controls while maintaining a lower exchange rate at official windows.
However, the limited access and stringent allocation restrictions have compelled numerous importers, businesses, and students seeking to study abroad to resort to the parallel market.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the naira rose to N1,506.08 to a dollar on Wednesday at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). The last time it was that strong was on the 5th of March, 2025, when it closed at N1,500.80/$.
The naira has continued to enjoy rare stability, driven by the various policies of the apex Bank, including maintaining a high interest rate, a move that has lured in foreign capital and made the currency firmer.
Nigeria’s naira has witnessed some turbulence years after the authorities relaxed currency controls, effectively floating the currency to be more determined by market forces. That saw the unit fall by over 70 percent and disrupted business plans of many firms in Africa’s most populous nation.
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But those eras of sharp swings are phasing out as the local currency is expected to continue its rally until the end of the year, with global investment bank JP Morgan forecasting the naira to close 2025 at N1,450 per dollar.
A potential rate cut by the United States Federal Reserve also bodes well for the naira’s long-term stability as global capital finds its way into emerging markets like Nigeria, further bolstering the calmness of the currency.
“A lower US interest rate would diminish the relative attractiveness of US assets, prompting global investors to seek higher returns in emerging markets like Nigeria. Consequently, Nigeria will likely experience increased portfolio inflows, particularly into the fixed-income market,” analysts at FBNQuest Merchant Bank wrote in a note recently.
“Renewed interest by offshore investors could potentially bolster foreign exchange reserves and support the stability of the Naira.”
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The Nigeria’s national grid has again collapsed with the total of 50 Mega Watts drop, according to the report that emerged after the incident.
A breakdown of the affected states indicted that the collapse, which happened around 12:25 pm on Wednesday, September 10, affected 11 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). ...click link for full list here
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Below is the states and the affected areas according to The Cable:
1. Abuja DisCo: 20 MW
2. Benin DisCo: 10 MW
3. Eko DisCo: 0 MW
4. Enugu DisCo: 0 MW
5. Ibadan DisCo: 20 MW
6. Ikeja DisCo: 0 MW
7. Jos DisCo: 0 MW
8. Kaduna DisCo: 0 MW
9. Kano DisCo: 0 MW
10. PHarcourt DisCo: 0 MW
11. Yola DisCo: 0 MW
Total: 50 MW
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commended the South-South states for their immense contributions to Nigeria’s growth and stability, describing the region as a critical pillar of the nation’s economic and social development.
Speaking on Sunday at the 2025 Passover Conference and dedication of the children of Apostle Charles Osazuwa, Founder of Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, in Benin City, Edo State, the Governor stressed that the South-South remained central to Nigeria’s prosperity, given its oil and gas wealth, agricultural resources, and human capital.
Oborevwori maintained that a stronger collaboration with the Federal Government was essential to closing the development gaps and ensure that the region fully benefits from its natural endowments.
He also underscored the need for unity among South-South states in engaging the Federal Government on key issues of infrastructure, environmental protection, and economic diversification.
“A united South-South voice will not only fast-track development but also strengthen security and promote inclusive growth across our region,” the Governor said.
On the occasion, which he described as both spiritual and instructive, Oborevwori emphasized the value of thanksgiving and faith.
“Whenever God does something, it is only right that we appreciate Him. Today, we have not only witnessed the dedication, but we have also received a powerful message, one that has truly blessed us. I took notes myself because there was so much to take home,” he added.
The Governor highlighted the cultural, spiritual, and historical bond between Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa states, describing them as “one people with the same roots and destiny.”
He noted that the unity of the three states was reflected in their collective achievements, citing their strong outings at recent national sporting events as evidence of shared progress.
“At the National Youth Games, Delta came second and Edo came third. In Ogun State, Delta took first while Bayelsa came second. Whenever one of us shines, we all shine. That is the strength of our brotherhood,” he remarked.
Oborevwori also commended Apostle Osazuwa and his ministry for their integrity and commitment to the gospel, praying that the church would continue to grow in strength and impact.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, assured that his administration remained committed to promoting Christianity through good governance.
Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, congratulated Apostle Osazuwa on the dedication of his triplets, describing him as a genuine man of God who preaches with ease and conviction.
In his remarks, Apostle Osazuwa urged Governors Monday Okpebholo and Sheriff Oborevwori to leverage their offices to press the Federal Government for the urgent rehabilitation of the dilapidated Benin–Sapele Road, lamenting the severe hardships it continues to inflict on motorists.
Earlier, in a sermon titled “Understanding the Power of Effective Prayer,” Apostle Osazuwa stressed the potency of prayer as a vital tool for believers to effect change, overcome afflictions, and engage in spiritual warfare.
He described prayer as a two-way communication between man and God, noting its mystery and transformative power.
The event attracted dignitaries, including immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu; alongside worshippers and well-wishers who joined the Osazuwa family in thanksgiving.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, founder of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, wanted for allegedly diverting funds and engaging in money laundering.
The declaration was contained in a notice issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, and circulated to the public via its official X account.
According to the Commission, Ogundele is wanted in connection with an alleged case of diversion of funds and money laundering being investigated by its Lagos Command
“The public is hereby notified that OLASIJIBOMI SUJI OGUNDELE of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Diversion of Funds and Money Laundering,” the commission stated.
Public appeal for information
The EFCC urged members of the public with useful information on his whereabouts to contact its offices across the country.
The notice described him as a 44-year-old indigene of Ori-Ade Local Government Area of Osun State. His last known address was listed as G29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos State.
“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: info@efcc.gov.ng or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” the notice read.
The controversies surrounding Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, the founder of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, did not just begin.
In October 2024, he was under police investigation following allegations of a $325,000 real estate fraud. According to reports, a client had paid the sum for a three-bedroom apartment in the Leonardo project in Banana Island, Lagos, but neither received the property nor a refund.
The Police Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) invited Ogundele for questioning, but he initially failed to respond, opting instead to file a fundamental rights suit to restrain the investigation.
He later appeared at the FCID headquarters in Abuja after further pressure from investigators and was interrogated before being released on bail.
Following his release, Ogundele issued a response, denying any fraudulent activity. He explained that the delays in delivering the project were caused by external economic factors, specifically inflation, rising construction material costs, and the volatility of foreign exchange.
He stated that he had arrived at the FCID with a trove of evidence, including title documents of the Leonardo project, approvals from Lagos State, and other paperwork, which he claimed demonstrated transparency and a genuine commitment to fulfilling obligations to clients.
The Federal Government of Nigeria is in the process of obtaining new financing from the World Bank amounting to $1.75 billion, despite recent announcements of a significant increase in national revenues.
President Bola Tinubu stated on Tuesday that Nigeria has already exceeded its revenue targets for 2025.
In a follow-up clarification, the Presidency revealed that Nigeria collected N20.59 trillion between January and August 2025, reflecting a 40.5% increase compared to the N14.6 trillion accrued in the same period the previous year.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, this revenue surge has been largely driven by non-oil sources, which now represent 75% of the government’s total revenue.
Nevertheless, officials indicated that borrowing would persist to address funding gaps in essential sectors.
Documentation from the World Bank suggests that approval for the $1.75 billion in new loans for Nigeria is anticipated before the end of the year. These funds will be allocated to projects in agriculture, health, digital infrastructure, and financing for small businesses.
Key initiatives earmarked for support include a $500 million project aimed at enhancing agricultural value chains to improve farm productivity and promote rural development.
Additionally, there is a $500 million digital infrastructure program intended to expand connectivity and foster technology-led growth, a $250 million health security project, and a $500 million initiative focused on providing inclusive financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The loans are currently undergoing various stages of review and negotiation, indicating that Nigeria continues to rely on external borrowing to meet its financial needs. According to World Bank data, the country has secured a total of $8.4 billion in new credit lines over the past two years.
President Bola Tinubu has asserted that the policies and initiatives of his administration are fundamentally anchored in the solemn oath of office he took, which obligates him to serve the interests of all Nigerians.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Monday, he emphasized that this oath serves as a guiding principle for the various infrastructural projects his government is undertaking, including the construction of bridges, roads, railways, and advancements in the power and healthcare sectors.
His remarks came in response to mounting criticisms regarding perceived imbalances in the distribution of projects and allegations of regional neglect.
Tinubu contended that his administration is committed to implementing policies and delivering projects that are intended to benefit all citizens, irrespective of their region, religion, or ethnic background.
“I took an oath to serve all Nigerians, not a section. That oath guides every bridge, road, rail, power, and health project we deliver,” the post reads.
“From the Lagos–Calabar Highway in the South to the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway in the North; from Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail in the East to Abuja–Kaduna–Kano expressway in the Centre, and the Trans-Saharan highway connecting African countries, these are not local trophies. They are our national assets.”
Tinubu said health centres are being rehabilitated nationwide, and light rail projects in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and Ogun have been given the green light.
“250,000 jobs are being created, power is returning to Kaduna through the revived 255MW power plant, bridges in Onitsha and Bonny reconnect our people, oil exploration is expanding in Bauchi and Gombe, and the AKK pipeline has crossed the Niger,” he said.
“Every farmer who needs a road, every trader who needs power, every child who needs a school, every patient who needs care… this is who we are building for.”
The president noted that the “equity of renewed hope” ensures no Nigerian is second class and no region is left behind.
“Together we will rise as one nation, one people, and one destiny. Bet on Nigeria,” he added.
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