Politics, business, sports and governance dominated the headlines as political parties submitted governorship candidates to INEC ahead of the 2027 elections, while the Federal Government moved to resolve a standoff between fuel marketers and the Dangote Refinery over dollar-denominated transactions.
Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after edging Argentina 1-0 in the final, while a tragic eviction dispute in Lagos claimed the life of a tenant.
Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, also weighed in on why President Bola Tinubu lost Lagos in the 2023 presidential election, as the House of Representatives launched a probe into the controversial fake agency scandal.
See the top stories below:
Fake agency scandal: Abbas inaugurates probe panel today
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, is set to inaugurate an ad hoc committee today to investigate the controversial inclusion of the yet-to-be-established Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The move comes amid renewed criticism over the omission of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, from the list of individuals invited to appear before the panel.
The inauguration and public hearing will be held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the legislature to investigate the administration of public institutions and the management of public funds.
The committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, who represents the Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, was constituted two weeks ago following a resolution of the House during plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas.
Read more here
2027: PDP, APC upload gov candidates on INEC portal
The Peoples Democratic Party and the ruling All Progressives Congress have begun uploading the names of their governorship and State House of Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission portal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, confirmed exclusively to The PUNCH that the party commenced the upload process on Saturday.
Similarly, a senior APC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, disclosed that the party would upload only the names of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates whose nominations had been cleared by the party’s primary election appeal panel and the National Working Committee.
Read more here
Dollar sale row: Marketers halt Dangote fuel loading, FG steps in
Petroleum marketers have suspended fuel loading at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery following the company’s decision to sell petroleum products in dollars.
The marketers told The PUNCH on Sunday that the development had created uncertainty in the downstream sector, with many operators halting bulk purchases while awaiting clarity on the refinery’s new pricing template and the cost of imported fuel.
The move has raised concerns over a possible fuel supply disruption across the country. However, the Dangote Refinery dismissed claims that loading had stopped, insisting that fuel trucks were still being loaded at its Lekki facility.
Marketers said they were reluctant to buy large volumes of petrol at current prices for fear that the cost could drop once the new pricing regime takes effect.
Read more here
Tenant dies after disputed eviction at Lagos estate
A 67-year-old tenant, Pastor Bolaji Olukotun, has died after he was allegedly assaulted and forcibly evicted from his apartment at Admiralty Homes Estate in Lekki, Lagos, during a disputed property takeover.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday, July 11, while the victim died in the early hours of the following day after he was rushed to a private hospital.
According to the deceased’s lawyer, Akpobome Deniran, the altercation stemmed from a lingering disagreement over the property between Bolaji and his landlord.
Deniran explained that the late pastor had rented the apartment under an agreement that gave him the option to purchase it at the expiration of his tenancy.
However, after the landlord eventually offered the property for sale, Bolaji was unable to meet the financial terms of the purchase.
Read more here
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain claimed the 2026 FIFA World Cup title on Sunday after edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 in an enthralling final that was decided after extra time.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the second period of extra time to secure La Roja’s second World Cup crown, ending a 16-year wait since their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez kept his side in the contest with a string of brilliant saves, but the South Americans were reduced to 10 men deep into second-half stoppage time after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
Read more here
Why Tinubu lost Lagos in 2023 election – Obanikoro
Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has attributed President Bola Tinubu’s defeat in Lagos State during the 2023 presidential election to the controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim ticket, rather than the popularity of Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi.
Obanikoro made the assertion during an interview on Mic On, a podcast hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye and aired online on Sunday.
According to him, many Lagos voters, particularly Christians, were uneasy about the prospect of a Muslim-Muslim presidency, a perception he said significantly influenced the outcome of the election in the state.
Read more here
Full list of 2026 FIFA World Cup award winners
Spain completed a remarkable campaign by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium, lifting the trophy for only the second time in the nation’s history.
The victory ended a 16-year wait for La Roja’s second World Cup title, following their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010. Spain also set a new tournament record by becoming the first team to win the World Cup after conceding just one goal throughout the competition.
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, settled for second place after falling short in the final, while England claimed the bronze medal with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the third-place playoff.
The tournament also recognised several standout performers with individual awards for their exceptional displays across the month-long competition.
Read more here
