French far-right figurehead, Marine Le Pen, has been banned from running for political office for five years.

This was the verdict as a Paris court found her guilty of embezzling European Union funds.

The court also handed Le Pen a four-year prison sentence with two years suspended, but she will serve it under house arrest.

Le Pen has also been asked to pay a €100,000 ($108,000) fine.

Her lawyer has already confirmed Le Pen will file an appeal.

Le Pen’s party, National Rally, RN, was ordered to pay €2 million in fines for the €4.1 million that it was accused of embezzling.

Judge Bénédicte de Perthuis noted that Le Pen’s actions amounted to a “serious and lasting attack on the rules of democratic life in Europe, but especially in France.”

De Perthuis said Le Pen’s immediate ban on running for office was tied to “democratic public unrest” that would result from the election of a person convicted of embezzlement.

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition following a moment of doubt during the election campaign.

“I almost dropped the idea of running for President,” Tinubu revealed on Saturday night at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he also thanked Nigerians for their overwhelming goodwill and prayers on his 73rd birthday.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the excerpts of the President’s dpeech in a statement signed in the early hours of Sunday titled ‘President Tinubu appreciates Nigerians for birthday well wishes, reveals he nearly quit 2023 presidential race.’

Reflecting on the pressures he faced, the President recounted how a close relative visited him in the middle of the night and questioned his resolve.

“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns. One came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’”

Tinubu added, “I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me.

“When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.”

In his address, the President recognised the difficulties encountered along the path to the presidency and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.

Tinubu also noted that he assumed office during a period of economic challenges and had to make swift decisions, including scrapping the fuel subsidy on his inauguration day.

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal.

“The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone.

“The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future,” said Tinubu.

Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s leadership style, saying his decisions have tackled issues that haunted previous administrations.

He said, “Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.

“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face. But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio applauded the President’s “relentless passion for national development” and described him as the “most audacious president” in Nigeria’s history.

“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he remarked, adding that under Tinubu’s watch, governors receive more allocation.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu also commended the President for supporting him politically in 2019, even though they were from different regions.

“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment. Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” said Kalu.

Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State praised Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” amid national uncertainties, stating that only a leader with “deep conviction and love for the country” could take the necessary but often difficult steps.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijjani, who spoke on behalf of cabinet members, recounted his appointment under the President despite prior activism.

He added that a senior World Bank official had recently described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”

One of the President’s childhood friends, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, recalled their early years, attributing Tinubu’s rise to divine providence.

Amuwo said, “Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children. While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak.

“Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.

“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth. I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country.”

For his 73rd birthday, Tinubu thanked guests and supporters who have stood by him through periods of doubt and adversity, reaffirming his resolve to steer Nigeria toward stability and growth.

Saturday night’s event was attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana; members of the Federal Executive Council; principal officers of the National Assembly; current and former governors; diplomats; business leaders; religious figures; and several of the President’s childhood friends.

The Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Sholagberu, led prayers seeking divine guidance for the President and the nation.

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that his former placeholder, Aminu Masari, and a few others stopped him from dropping out of the presidential race.

Tinubu disclosed this while recalling how he almost dropped out of the race after an encounter with a relative.

He spoke at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday night and was contained in a statement signed by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

The president acknowledged the challenging path to him assuming the presidency.

According to Tinubu: “Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 am and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’

“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me. When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back’”.

He admitted assuming office amid economic uncertainty and had to make immediate, difficult decisions, including removing the fuel subsidy.

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.

A former national auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Paul Chukwuma, has formally joined the race for Anambra governorship with a promise to prioritise human capital, infrastructural developments and security.

Chukwuma, who is aspiring on the platform of the ruling APC, said he has no fears but rather 100 percent chance to clinged the party’s ticket and emerge victorious at the main pools.
Speaking through the director general of his Primary Election Campaign Council, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu

Ibezi, the guber hopeful said he had contributed significantly to progress of the party and done extensive consultations which would earn him the governorship ticket.

The director general, who spoke with journalists after purchasing the N50 million worth APC’s expression of interest and nominations at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, said:”I can comfortably tell you that we don’t have any fears and his chances are 100%.

“Sir Paul Chukwuma is a party man.

He has done so much for this party. The party, being the purpose-vehicle upon which he will ride on to achieve his ambition and also give victory to our party.

“He started by putting every effort in place to ensure this purpose vehicle is put to use, and he did that by paying for all the 326 ward offices, 21 local government offices of the party and giving the party at the state level a brand new office very close to the Government House. The office is strategically positioned that APC, the biggest party in Africa is prepared to take Anambra State come November 8, 2025.

“Recall that in every election circle, there’s a standard that one week or few days to the election, the IGP would order all the vigilantes to submit their arms to the police headquarters in that state. So we have no doubt, its an existing practice and that’s what’s going to happen. Our major concern is to bring victory and win the election for party.

“Having picked his nomination form, I will also let you know that Sir Paul Chukwuma has already gotten himself ready to contest for this office. He has his agenda, a concise agenda and he says it’s going to be on a three cardinal points agenda. And when you compress it together, we tag it ‘HIS’.

“HIS means – human capital developments, infrastructural developments and security. These are the three major reasons why he decided to contest for the Governorship position.

“There are other enablers in these three core cardinal points and I believe by the time we conclude our primary elections, he would have the privilege of launching his manifestos and begin the process of addressing the people of Anambra State on his core mission to become the governor of the state,” the director general said.

The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has formally joined the Anambra state governorship race as a group known as Anambra Coalition for Progressives Change purchased the N50 million All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms for the political economist.

In his remarks while receiving the forms, Okonkwo said if APC nominate him to fly its flag in the November 8, 2025 polls the party will win landslide in the election.

According to him, the people of Anambra were distraught with the present of Governor Charles Soludu and were yearning for leader with impeccable credentials like him to take over the affairs of the southeast state.

The APC governorship aspirant alleged that Soludo was spending so much in Abuja to prevent him from flying the ticket of the APC against him because “he knows I am the candidate to beat.”

“I am calling on all those who are not happy with what is going on in Anambra state to emulate this gesture. For those who have not joined this coalition, please, this is a wake-up call.

“The man who is already boasting that he will match any kobo to kobo, dollar to dollar in any currency. Yet we are aware that he is not receiving salary as the governor of Anambra state.

“We are aware that having been a professor retired and CBN governor. Whatever his retirement benefits or pension are not for him to buy this form (nomination form).

“I have picked the form. I am prepared for the battle. We may not have the control of having the ticket but the only thing we know we control is that with the ticket in our hands, we will give a landslide victory to APC.

“I am from the central senatorial zone of Anambra state. Central senatorial zone has seven local government areas and it is home to over 60 percent of all the votes in Anambra state. And that votes are domiciled majorly in Idemili north. I am from Idemili north.

“We are coming and we are going to rescue you from the hands of a pontifical leader and then reverse all the bad trends and lead Anambra to the path of development and security.“

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Cyril Ezeani, said the group raised the sum of N50 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms for Okonkwo because he is the most competent aspirant to lead the state.

“It is simply because we have the interest of our state at heart. Chwukwuma Soludo has not given us what we want. Therefore, in the search to get somebody capable of providing for Anambra and the state, we found Okonkwo.

“We are looking forward to an individual that has a track record and pedigree to get our state to its first position. That is why after a careful analysis, we decided that the right person to occupy that post from next year is professor Obiora Okonkwo,” he added.

A popular entertainer and entrepreneur, Obinna Simon popularly known as as MC Tagwaye has joined in the race for the next chairmanship of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will between this year and early next year conduct chairmanship election in the nation’s capital along with governorship election in Anambra and by-elections into some federal constituencies.

With the campaign slogan, “AMAC Must Be Better Again”, MC Tagwaye announced his decision to join the race in a social media post at the weekend.

“I wish to formally announce my interest to run for the office of Abuja Municipal Area Council AMAC Chairman”, he stated.

Popular among young people who constitute a larger percentage of voters in the Federal Capital Territory, Tagwaye said the decision to join in the race is on response to the overwhelming call by residents of the Area Council.

“I am running for this office because of the call from the good people and residents of AMAC, I am running for this office because I know the values I am bringing to the table to make AMAC great again.

“Great in security, job creation, digitization of the city center, prompt security response to emergency calls, close visual monitoring and communication system of every part of AMAC, upgrade of our schools
and hospitals, prompt payment of primary school teachers entitlements and the general welfare of all the workers in AMAC and many more that the campaign council when set up will reveal in due time”, he stated further.

He further acknowledged the numerous support of residents of the nation’s capital to his brand, expressing hope that same will be replicated at the polls this year.

He is credited with honing the skills of young people in various endeavours of life, especially in the entertainment sector.

Also a philanthropist, he is credited with numerous philanthropic and humanitarian campaigns in the nation’s capital where he has given several scholarships, renovated several schools and donated funds and relief materials to residents.

The primary election is expected to hold in June 2025 while the general elections hold February 2026.

Tagwaye said he will in coming days announce the political party under which he seeks to run for the election next year.

Former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has withdrawn from the race for the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Okiro made the announcement during a press briefing in Enugu on Thursday.

He explained that his decision was in compliance with an Enugu State High Court order that barred him from contesting.

The court issued the injunction following a suit claiming Okiro is from Imo State, not Rivers State, where the position has been zoned.

Also, the Indigenous People of Biafra on Tuesday, rejected the proposition that Okiro, who is from Imo State, occupy the position.

Respecting the court’s decision, Okiro officially stepped down from the race.

He stated, “My dear brothers and sisters, I, Sir Mike Okiro CFR, President General Candidate for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election slated for 10th January 2025 address you today with unwavering resolve. I have been made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which regrettably restrains me from contesting the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow.

“The court order, based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or hear from me before giving that obnoxious order which I got from the media. The facts are (a) That I hail from Egbema in Rivers State as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. (b) My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status in Rivers State. (c) I have written many books where my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column. A good example is my best seller, titled: “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy”.

“(d) Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers. (e) I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General. (f) As a student at the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected as Treasurer, and another Great UIte, now Distinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected as Secretary. (g) I was representing Rivers State during the meetings of the South-South People’s Assembly under our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where Prof. Pat. Utomi, another Great Nigerian, represented Delta State. My records and credentials speak for themselves.

“As an Igbo man and elder statesman of Rivers State Extraction whose said position has been zoned to by the electoral committee, I believe in the rule of law and shall respect the court’s order. My Obedience to court orders, no matter how unfavourable, demonstrates our commitment to democracy. I believe in the principles of the rule of law as the rule of law ensures our collective progress. The rule of law safeguards our society; its principles must be upheld and our democratic values are non-negotiable, together we will emerge stronger. Our stance for justice, due process and rule of law shall vindicate us.”

He added, “I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter pending before Hon Justice N.R Oji of Enugu State High Court which court gave the restraining order. Although I’ve not been formally served with the suit/processes or order, my commitment to law and order remains unwavering, despite the fact that the reliefs granted in the order against me appears to undermine my fundamental right guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“My distinguished career as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police underscores my dedication to justice and what is noble. I have instructed the Chambers of Eze Okafor & Co, my lawyers to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to ensure that the purveyors of hate and lawlessness are brought to book in line with our enabling laws. As provided by our constitution, I demand to be heard, and I am sure that the court will ensure that the twin pillars of natural justice will be observed later in handling the case. We have not lost hope in our judicial system.

“I urge my immediate community Egbema, the entire Igbo-speaking people of Rivers state who are solidly behind me and all my supporters across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to stand by the rule of law throughout the period of this contest. Our resolve strengthens Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s unity and progress. Together, we’ll navigate this challenge. My Governor, His Excellency, Siminialayi Fubara GSSRS unwavering support is most highly appreciated and the same cannot be taken for granted. Your Excellency’s leadership indeed inspires me.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo embodies Igbo unity, progress, and peaceful coexistence. Our organisation promotes harmony among Igbos worldwide. Let’s prioritise peace and unity. I reaffirm my commitment to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ideals; unity, progress and peace in Igbo land. Justice shall prevail; Igbo unity and progress remain our guiding principles. I assure all of you that we shall overcome this minor setback as our democratic values are non-negotiable.”

A former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, has withdrawn from the race to occupy the position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex pan-Igbo sociopolitical organisation.

Okiro made the announcement during a press briefing in Enugu on Thursday.

He hinged his decision on the order of an Enugu State High Court barring him from contesting in the group’s election.

Read full text of his press briefing below:

“My dear brothers and sisters, I, Sir Mike Okiro CFR, President General Candidate for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election slated for 10th January, 2025 address you today with unwavering resolve.

“I have been made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which regrettably restrains me from contesting the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow.

“The court order, based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or heard from me before giving that obnoxious order which I got from the media. The facts are (a) That I hail from Egbema in Rivers State as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. (b) My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status of Rivers State. (c) I have written many books where my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column. A good example is my best seller, titled: “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy”. (d) Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers. (e) I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General. (f) As a student in the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected as Treasurer, and another Great UIte, now Bistinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected as Secretary. (g) I was representing Rivers State during the meetings of the South-South People’s Assembly under our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where Prof. Pat. Utomi, another Great Nigerian, represented Delta State. My records and credentials speak for themselves.

“As an Igbo man and elder statesman of Rivers State Extraction which said position has been zoned to by the electoral committee, I believe in the rule of law and shall respect the court’s order.

“My Obedience to court orders, no matter how unfavorable, demonstrates our commitment to democracy. I believe in the principles of rule of law as the rule of law ensures our collective progress.

“The rule of law safeguards our society; its principles must be upheld, our democratic values are non-negotiable, together we will emerge stronger. Our stance for justice, due process and rule of law shall vindicate us.

“I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter pending before Hon Justice N.R Oji of Enugu State High Court which court gave the restraining order.

“Although I’ve not been formally served with the suit/processes or order, my commitment to law and order remains unwavering, despite the fact that the reliefs granted in the order against me appears to undermine my fundamental right guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“My distinguished career as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police underscores my dedication to justice and what is noble.

“I have instructed the Chambers of Eze Okafor & Co, my lawyers to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to ensure that the purveyors of hate and lawlessness are brought to book in line with our enabling laws.

“As provided by our constitution, I demand to be heard, and I am sure that the court will ensure that the twin pillars of natural justice will be observed to the later in handling the case. We have not lost hope in our judicial system.

“I urge my immediate community Egbema, the entire Igbo speaking people of Rivers state who are solidly behind me and all my supporters across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to stand by the rule of law throughout the period of this contest.

“Our resolve strengthens Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s unity and progress. Together, we’ll navigate this challenge.

“My Governor, His Excellency, Siminialayi Fubara GSSRS unwavering support is most highly appreciated and same cannot be taken for granted. Your Excellency’s leadership indeed inspires me.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo embodies Igbo unity, progress, and peaceful coexistence. Our organization promotes harmony among Igbos worldwide. Let’s prioritize peace and unity.

“I reaffirm my commitment to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ideals; unity, progress and peace in Igbo land.

“Justice shall prevail; Igbo unity and progress remain our guiding principles.

“I assure all of you that we shall overcome this minor setback as our democratic values are non-negotiable.”