● Behind the gleam of Dangote’s $20 billion refinery stands a quieter heir to the oil age

● How Dantata’s distribution network became counterweight to state monopoly and his billionaire sibling

For decades, of the Nigerian fuel market was dictated by government monopolies on one side and politically connected conglomerates on the other.

Ultimately, the choreography of supply and scarcity was dictated by the state, and private distributors were consigned to dance around its shade. But as the Dangote Refinery’s $20 billion behemoth ignited a new era, a familiar surname emerged as a juggernaut and quiet conqueror.

That surname is Dantata. And the man bearing it, Sayyu Dantata, half-brother to Aliko Dangote, has become the refinery’s most discreet yet decisive beneficiary.…click link to continue reading 

A faction of Nigerian citizens is already rallying together in anticipation of the potential return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is contemplating a bid for the presidency in 2027.

This emerging scenario sets the stage for a captivating showdown, pitting Jonathan against the current leader, President Bola Tinubu, igniting discussions filled with intrigue and speculation about the future of Nigeria’s political landscape. ThePapers has highlighted some potential surprises that could leave political enthusiasts reeling. Click link to continue reading.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is set to conclude his tenure in October or November 2025, completing the maximum two terms for a total of 10 years of service.

As this transition approaches, there is much discussion about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential choices for the new appointment. Nigerians are eager to see whether he will select a candidate from his own southwest or from the northcentral..

Yakubu’s departure and likely successor is drawing attention because out of the 12 chairmen who have led INEC since its inception, 10 have come from the south, while only two have come from the north.

As the tenure of the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure ends later in 2025, Bashir Ahmad has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the alleged disparity in the agency’s leadership.

Ahmad, a former special assistant on digital communications to late ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, September 15, pointed out of the 12 chairmen who have led INEC since its inception in 1998, “only two have come from the north.”

We reports that Yakubu was appointed in 2015 by the then President Buhari (of blessed memory) for an initial period of five years. He was re-appointed in 2020 for another five-year tenure, which ends in October/November 2025.

This means that President Tinubu needs to appoint another INEC chairman before, subject to ratification by the senate.

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Against this backdrop, Ahmad shared a list containing the names of all persons that have led INEC.

He wrote on his verified X (formerly Twitter): “It is important to point out that out of the 12 chairmen who have led the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since its inception, 10 have come from the South, while only two have come from the North. This stark imbalance should raise questions about equitable representation in one of Nigeria’s most critical democratic institutions.”

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A significant shift in political allegiances has occurred in the Southeast region of Nigeria as the country gears up for the 2027 Presidential election.

Tinubu’s ascendancy in the political arena has been bolstered by strong endorsements and support from key Southeast leaders, who appear united in their backing of the current president. Click link to continue reading.

This unexpected turn of events signals a dramatic change in the political landscape, effectively undermining the electoral aspirations of both Obi and Atiku Abubakar within the Southeast.

As a result, the hopes of Obi and Abubakar in regaining favor and reclaiming the loyalty of the Southeast electorate have been significantly diminished, marking a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the upcoming election. The implications of this development could resonate throughout the election cycle, influencing party strategies and voter sentiments in the region.

The annual Igbo Day Celebrations, themed “IGBO EKUNIE” (The Reawakening of the Igbo Spirit of Excellence and Enterprise), commenced on Friday, September 26, 2025, across the seven Igbo-speaking states. This joyous event culminated in a grand finale in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, September 29, 2025. It was honored by dignitaries from all sectors of Nigerian society and members of the global Igbo diaspora, uniting in a resolute homage to our rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions.

In a profound display of unity and reverence, interfaith prayers were held at the Afikpo Central Mosque in Ebonyi State on September 26, followed by a Sabbath Divine Worship at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, Abia State, on September 27, and culminating in a global church service at Jesus Sanctuary Ministries in Port Harcourt on September 28. These ceremonies constituted earnest supplications for the restoration of peace, security, divine providence, and spiritual healing for all of Igboland, which is home to an extensive Igbo population across thirteen states. Special prayers were offered for the souls of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in advancing the cause of the Igbo people, seeking atonement and enduring prosperity for our community, both domestically and in the diaspora.

Upon concluding extensive deliberations during the grand finale in Port Harcourt and engaging in a thorough reappraisal of Igbo political, economic, and social history, participants reached a collective consensus and adopted the following resolutions:

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1. Resolution to End the 73-Year Igbo-Yoruba Rivalry:** The unresolved misunderstanding among members of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which hindered the elevation of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to the position of Premier of the Western Region in 1952, initiated a bitter rivalry that has plagued both the Igbo and Yoruba peoples for over seven decades. The participants of the 2025 Igbo Day Celebrations hereby recommend bold steps towards reconciliation, advocating for an end to this longstanding strife in the best interests of Ndigbo. We emphasize the necessity of forging a new alliance with the Yoruba nation. The significant Igbo investments and economic footprint in Lagos and the Southwest are larger than the economies of numerous small African nations. The late Yoruba sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, exemplified bravery and unity by selecting Chief Philip Umeadi as his Vice Presidential candidate in the 1979 elections, a gesture that must inspire us to heal and collaborate. In acknowledgment of the Igbo nation’s recognition of President Bola Tinubu’s government — which has made strides to favor the Igbo despite electoral opposition — we extend an earnest handshake of peace to Afenifere and other Yoruba leaders, affirming our commitment to end this 73-year rivalry.
2. Unwavering Support for President Tinubu’s Administration: Ndigbo recognizes and commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment and strategic efforts to strengthen the nation’s economy through the inclusion of Nigeria in the BRICS bloc. We commend his administration for addressing the long-standing infrastructural deficits plaguing our nation, and we acknowledge his dedication to resolving the prevailing insecurity in the Southeast, as well as the urgent need to rectify the region’s historically neglected infrastructure.
3. A Historic Turning Point for the Southeast: It is a notable fact that President Tinubu stands as the first Nigerian leader to prioritize the Southeast and the Igbo Nation, despite the region’s rejection of his candidacy in the 2023 elections. His attentiveness to road projects, infrastructure, and good governance signifies a clear deviation from previous administrations, which habitually neglected and strategically excluded the Southeast.
4. Applause for Umahi’s Infrastructural Masterpiece: Ndigbo wholeheartedly celebrate President Tinubu for his ambitious ₦5 trillion road project initiative in the Southeast, a move that has restored confidence and hope among our people. We also recognize the exceptional contributions of Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, whose impactful achievements have garnered applause throughout Nigeria. There is a resounding call from the Igbo community for Umahi to retain his ministerial position until 2031, accompanying President Tinubu’s tenure.
5. Support for Asiwaju President Tinubu’s Uninterrupted Presidency Until 2031: It is the unified decision of Ndigbo, in concert with Southeast governors and serving ministers, to suspend support for the opposition and rally behind President Tinubu’s government for a full eight-year term.
6. Demands for Strategic Development in Igboland: We call for the rapid release of funds designated for the construction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri standard gauge railway, a project recently approved by the Federal Government, which is paramount for the economic revitalization of the region.
7. Revitalization of Abandoned Igbo Projects: Ndigbo emphatically demand the resuscitation of critical initiatives, including the Enugu Coal Mine, the dredging of the Azumiri Seaport in Ukwa East, Abia State, and the restoration of the Ivo Dam, alongside the revitalization of other Federal Government facilities that have suffered neglect in the Southeast for decades.
8. Cultural and Language Preservation: The resuscitation of the Igbo language and culture is of utmost importance. We earnestly urge Southeast governors to establish world-class Igbo language studies and research centers at state-owned universities while advocating for the adoption of Igbo as the official language in all primary and secondary schools within Igboland.
9. Security Improvements: We note with cautious optimism the ongoing improvements in the security landscape of the Southeast, particularly following the dissolution of the Monday Sit-at-Home order. We commend the efforts of the Federal Police in their commitment to restoring security, stability, and peace to our region.

In conclusion, the outcomes of the 2025 Igbo Day Celebrations signify not merely the resolution of historical grievances but also encapsulate our collective aspiration for unity, development, and enduring collaboration. The path forward is clear: we are united, determined to forge alliances, and poised to embrace a future characterized by dignity, resilience, and renewed vigor.

Sunny Chukwumele, an elder statesman and Convener of the Rivers State Leaders of Thought, has raised concerns regarding the recent directive from the River State House of Assembly to Governor Sim Fubara about the budget and the list of Commissioner nominees.

Additionally, a close aide to Governor Fubara, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed uncertainty about the prospects of many current commissioners returning or being reappointed….click link for full details here

It has become increasingly clear that Peter Obi’s chances of running for the upcoming presidential elections with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party have considerably dwindled.

This shift is largely attributed to the re-emergence of Goodluck Jonathan, who is now fervently pursuing a coalition presidential ticket, adding a complex layer to the already competitive political landscape. Click link to continue reading.