The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it has received a total of 129 applications from associations aspiring to be registered as political parties.
This information was shared following the commission’s routine weekly meeting held on Thursday.
In a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, it was revealed that seven new applications were submitted in the past week, bringing the total to 129.
“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received further updates on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.
The commission announced the launch of a new digital platform designed for political party registration. This platform is integrated into the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and is intended to simplify and enhance the registration process.
Olumekun stated that the final testing phase of the portal is expected to be concluded within the coming week.
INEC also intends to publish detailed guidelines to assist associations in submitting their applications through the new system.
“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.
“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.
“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the list of newly submitted applications by associations has been published on INEC’s website and other official channels.
INEC Approves 129 Party Applications, Introduces New Digital Portal
Audio Shows Texas Flood Warnings Came Late
Audio recordings have emerged indicating that a Texas firefighter requested emergency flood warnings be issued to residents in Kerr County nearly an hour before the first notifications were sent out.
In the audio clip, recorded at 4:22 a.m. on July 4, the responder asks whether a CodeRED alert can be dispatched. The reply from the dispatcher indicates that the request required approval from a supervisor.
Some residents reportedly got the warning about an hour later, while others didn’t receive it until several hours had passed. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha responded to questions about the delay by saying that officials were currently assembling a detailed timeline of events.
President Donald Trump is expected to visit the Texas Hill Country region, where recent flash floods have claimed at least 120 lives and left over 160 individuals unaccounted for.
Ahead of the visit, the President voiced support for implementing flood alarm systems across Texas.
He said, “having seen this horrible event, I would imagine you’d put alarms up in some form, where alarms would go up if they see any large amounts of water or whatever it is.”
The President also praised emergency crews for their response efforts, noting that “everyone’s doing a great job” and that “local officials were hit by this just like everybody else.”
Over the July 4th weekend, an estimated 100 billion gallons of rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to swell by several meters in just minutes.
Kerr County, which encompasses the city of Kerrville, was the most severely impacted by the flooding. Among the 96 confirmed fatalities in the area were 36 children, many of whom had been attending a Christian camp known as Camp Mystic.
In the dispatch audio, the firefighter says: “The Guadalupe Schumacher sign is underwater on State Highway 39.
“Is there any way we can send a CodeRED out to our Hunt residents, asking them to find higher ground or stay home?”
“Stand by, we have to get that approved with our supervisor,” the dispatcher responded.
The Texas Newsroom was the first to report on the audio, and it indicated that some residents got their alerts about an hour after the call.
The earliest confirmed alert was sent at 5:34 a.m. Kerrville’s mayor shared that he didn’t receive the notice until 90 minutes after the initial request.
For some individuals, alerts didn’t arrive until after 10 a.m., according to various reports.
Speaking at a press briefing, Sheriff Leitha said he first heard about the flooding situation between 4 and 5 a.m. He added, “we’re in the process of trying to put a timeline”.
“That’s going to take a little bit of time,” he told reporters. “That is not my priority at this time.”
The sheriff emphasized that their immediate focus remains on finding missing individuals and identifying those who died in the disaster.
Officials confirmed that no additional survivors have been rescued since the day the floods occurred.
Prior to the storm, the National Weather Service had issued alerts regarding heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding, beginning Thursday afternoon. In response, the Texas Division of Emergency Management activated emergency resources in anticipation.
Authorities cited several reasons why some people did not evacuate in time, including poor mobile connectivity, underestimation of the storm’s severity, and general alert fatigue in a region used to frequent flooding.
President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration at the request of Governor Greg Abbott, enabling FEMA to respond directly and establish a recovery centre in Kerr County.
The rescue operation includes over 2,100 personnel, supported by private aircraft, boats, drones, and cadaver dogs—all working to locate missing individuals and recover bodies beneath thick layers of mud and wreckage.
Lt. Colonel Ben Baker of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department stated on Wednesday, “These large piles (of debris) can be very obstructive, and to get deep into these piles is very hazardous.”
“It’s extremely treacherous, time consuming. It’s dirty work. It’s the water still there. So, we’re having to go layer by layer, peeling these off, to make those recoveries,” he explained.
Athletic Bilbao’s Alvarez Fails Doping Test
Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Álvarez has been provisionally suspended following a positive doping test linked to the use of a medication for alopecia, which he says was taken unintentionally.
The 30-year-old tested positive after Bilbao’s 3–0 loss to Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League semi-final on May 1.
Álvarez explained that the medication was part of his treatment for hair loss, following his battle with testicular cancer in 2016. He expressed shock at the result, describing it as a “very hard blow.”
“After a thorough review of the case, it was determined that the positive result was due to the unintentional intake of a hair loss treatment that contained a banned substance,” he said in a post on social media.
“The disciplinary proceedings are currently ongoing and under confidentiality. As a result, I have been provisionally suspended and cannot make further public comments at this time.”
“I deeply regret this situation. However, with the full support of the club, I am working on my defence and remain hopeful of returning to the pitch as soon as possible.”
UEFA has confirmed to BBC Sport that it will not comment on the matter until a final decision is reached.
Ghana Criticises US Over Reduction Of Visa Validity
The Government of Ghana has voiced strong disapproval over the United States’ decision to drastically reduce the validity period of B1/B2 visitor visas issued to Ghanaian nationals.
In a formal statement released on July 10, 2025, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the decision as a “substantial variance” from long-standing reciprocal visa arrangements and warned of its impact on diplomatic goodwill and citizens’ mobility.
Under the new visa policy, Ghanaians applying for B1/B2 visas — typically used for business and tourism — will now be issued three-month, single-entry permits, a significant shift from the previous five-year, multiple-entry visas. The Ministry, in its statement, noted that this abrupt change places unexpected constraints on thousands of Ghanaians who regularly travel to the U.S. for a wide range of legitimate reasons, including education, professional engagements, medical treatment, tourism, and family visits.
“The Ministry acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States… and expresses its firm solidarity with all those inconvenienced,” the statement read, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.
While the Ghanaian government recognised the sovereign authority of the United States to determine its immigration and visa policies, it emphasised that such decisions should be guided by fairness, respect for mutual agreements, and an understanding of the broader implications on international relations.
According to the Ministry, the United States had cited high rates of visa overstays by Ghanaian nationals as one of the key reasons for the new restrictions. However, Ghana has indicated its willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities to improve compliance and reinforce visa regulations. “We hope for an early resolution of the concerns… including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants aligns with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States,” the statement added.
To underscore its own commitment to reciprocity and fair treatment, Ghana revealed that between January and July 2025, its diplomatic missions in Washington D.C. and New York issued over 40,000 visas to U.S. citizens, with 70% of those being multiple-entry visas. This, the Ministry argued, highlights Ghana’s good faith and long-standing cooperation with the United States in facilitating travel and people-to-people relations.
The government also disclosed that Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, recently led a high-level delegation to Washington to engage with U.S. officials on the matter. The talks, according to the Ministry, were productive and provided a platform for further diplomatic negotiation.
“Government will, at its highest levels, sustain best efforts in strengthening relations with the United States in a manner that further enhances people-to-people relations,” the statement concluded.
The U.S. Embassy in Accra has yet to issue an official response to Ghana’s concerns. However, the move has stirred reactions among Ghanaian citizens, civil society groups, and members of the diaspora, many of whom view the policy change as harsh and unnecessary. For frequent travellers, students, and business professionals, the change not only introduces new logistical challenges but may also affect long-term plans involving the U.S.
Analysts suggest that if not reversed or reviewed, the new visa regime could strain diplomatic ties between the two countries and disrupt the flow of travel, tourism, and professional collaboration that both sides have long benefited from.
As diplomatic efforts continue, affected travellers are being advised to monitor updates from Ghana’s Foreign Ministry and U.S. diplomatic missions for guidance on next steps. Meanwhile, both governments are expected to keep communication channels open as they seek a resolution that balances immigration enforcement with mutual respect and fair treatment of citizens.
Lagos And China Collaborate On Lekki Low-Carbon Project
The Lagos State Government has revealed its intention to collaborate with China through the China-Nigeria Low Carbon Demonstration Initiative (Nextier) to implement the Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone Project, which is designed to curb carbon emissions across the state.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made this known on Thursday during a strategic session with the Nextier delegation held at the ministry’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.
Wahab stated that the initiative aligns with the state’s climate goals and policy direction.
He also pointed to Lagos’ commitment to climate-conscious development, noting the launch of the Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilient Action Plan at the 2023 Lagos International Climate Change Summit as a significant achievement.
Wahab also cited the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment on the African Solar Belt Initiative, which promotes low-carbon industrialization throughout Africa.
He noted that the Lekki Free Trade Zone was selected as the pilot location for the project because of its modern infrastructure and progressive development outlook.
“The project will reduce Lagos’ climate risk index, cut airborne diseases, and significantly improve air quality
“We see it as a way to expand access to clean energy while boosting public health and sustainable development,” Wahab stated.
He further stated that the global shift towards cleaner energy would generate employment opportunities, enhance environmental standards, and boost Nigeria’s position in the global marketplace.
He assured the delegation of the state government’s full commitment, including support through data provision, manpower, and financial resources.
In his remarks, the Director of the National Council on Climate Change, Mr. Michael Ivenso, explained that the purpose of the Chinese delegation’s visit was to finalise the collaboration and encourage private sector involvement.
“Lagos provides a conducive environment for private sector investment in clean energy and climate initiatives,” he noted, adding that the opportunities in the state were substantial and ripe for collaboration.
Nigeria Rejects U.S. Pressure To Accept Venezuelan Deportees
Nigeria has firmly rejected pressure from the United States to accept deported Venezuelan nationals, including some who are former prisoners, as part of a broader plan to manage U.S. immigration challenges by relocating migrants to third-party countries.
Speaking to Channels Television on Thursday from Brazil, where he is attending the BRICS summit, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, dismissed the proposal, saying it was neither practical nor acceptable for Africa’s most populous nation.
“You have to also bear in mind that the U.S. is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the U.S., some straight out of prison,” Tuggar said. “It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own.”
Nigeria, with a population of over 230 million, is already grappling with domestic challenges, including a strained economy, internal displacement, and rising insecurity, making the proposition unfeasible, according to the minister.
Tuggar’s remarks follow recent efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to accelerate deportations as part of his administration’s broader immigration crackdown. Since returning to office in January, Trump has focused on speeding up the removal of undocumented migrants, particularly when returning them to their home countries is delayed or diplomatically complicated.
This week, President Trump hosted the leaders of five African countries — Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon — at the White House. According to U.S. and Liberian officials cited by Reuters, Trump floated a proposal for these nations to accept migrants from other countries — such as Venezuela — who are being deported by the U.S.
An internal U.S. State Department memo reportedly sent ahead of the meeting urged African countries to agree to the “dignified, safe, and timely transfer from the United States” of these third-country nationals. The Wall Street Journal reported the document was part of a quiet diplomatic push to get African governments on board with the plan.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the details or scope of the initiative.
Tuggar’s firm rejection signals Nigeria’s unwillingness to be drawn into an arrangement that may strain its already stretched resources and raise human rights concerns. Analysts say such proposals could set a dangerous precedent and worsen international tensions around migration management.
Diplomatic observers note that while the U.S. has previously used third-country resettlement for refugees and asylum seekers under coordinated programs, relocating deportees — especially prisoners — without clear legal frameworks or bilateral agreements is bound to trigger diplomatic resistance.
For now, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries pushing back against external immigration pressures, emphasizing sovereignty, national security, and internal stability as key priorities in diplomatic engagements
NAF Airstrikes Eliminate Terrorists In Zamfara And Kebbi
In a decisive operation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted a series of precision airstrikes on July 9, 2025, targeting a large convoy of armed bandits along the Kebbi-Zamfara axis, neutralizing scores of fighters and disrupting planned attacks on local communities.
The operation, centered near Yarbuga in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, underscores the military’s ongoing efforts to curb banditry and restore security in Nigeria’s northwest.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, the airstrikes were launched based on real-time intelligence that revealed the movement of approximately 150 motorcycles, each carrying at least two armed terrorists.
The convoy was reportedly en route to carry out large-scale attacks in parts of Zamfara and Kebbi states.
“After positive identification confirmed the hostile presence, NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with devastating accuracy,” Ejodame stated in a press release on July 10.
Survivors attempting to flee on foot or motorcycles were tracked and targeted in follow-up strikes, effectively disrupting their escape routes.
The operation’s success was further confirmed on July 10 when ground troops conducted a follow-up mission to Yarbuga village. At the scene, they recovered the remains of numerous terrorists, their weapons, and several charred motorcycles, indicating the significant impact of the airstrikes.
The joint air-ground operation dealt a major blow to bandit networks in the region, which have long terrorized communities through kidnappings, cattle rustling, and violent raids.
The Kebbi-Zamfara corridor has been a notorious route for bandits fleeing security pressure or regrouping across state lines, making it a strategic target for the NAF.
This operation follows a pattern of intensified military efforts in Nigeria’s northwest, where banditry has displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods.
Earlier incidents, such as a June 2025 airstrike in Zamfara that killed at least 20 civilians, including vigilantes, have raised concerns about the accuracy of such operations.
Amnesty International and local residents have called for investigations into past strikes to prevent unintended casualties, highlighting the challenge of distinguishing bandits from local vigilantes or civilians.
The NAF has reiterated its commitment to minimizing civilian harm, with Ejodame emphasizing that the July 9 operation was carefully planned to target only confirmed hostiles.
The Zamfara Central Integrity Forum and local residents have expressed relief at the disruption of bandit activities, noting that the airstrikes have instilled fear in criminal networks and provided hope for communities long plagued by insecurity.
The Nigerian Air Force has pledged to continue supporting ground operations and denying terrorists freedom of action. “This joint air-ground operation underscores the NAF’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilian lives and ensuring lasting peace across the country,” Ejodame said.
Further updates on Operation FANSAN YAMMA are expected as the military intensifies its campaign in the northwest.
Authorities are urged to balance aggressive counterterrorism measures with efforts to protect civilians and rebuild trust in affected communities.
FG Allocates N4.5 Trillion to Local Governments Despite Autonomy Dispute
The Federal Government of Nigeria has disbursed N4.5 trillion to local government councils across the country in the one year since the Supreme Court granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas (LGAs).
The announcement, made on July 10, 2025, comes despite an ongoing standoff between the federal government and state governors over the implementation of the landmark ruling.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, the funds were allocated through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to support grassroots development and service delivery.
The disbursements, covering July 2024 to June 2025, were intended to empower LGAs to independently manage projects in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision.
The apex court had ruled that local governments should receive their allocations directly from the federal government, bypassing state-controlled joint accounts.
This was aimed at ensuring financial independence for LGAs and curbing alleged mismanagement by state authorities. However, several state governors have resisted the ruling, citing constitutional and administrative concerns, leading to delays in full compliance.
A senior official in the Ministry of Finance, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the N4.5 trillion was transferred directly to LGA accounts to align with the Supreme Court’s directive.
The funds are expected to address critical needs, including the rehabilitation of primary schools, construction of rural roads, and provision of clean water in underserved communities.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing the autonomy ruling.
“The disbursements reflect President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to strengthening local governance and ensuring resources reach the grassroots,” Fagbemi stated during a press briefing in Abuja on July 10.
Despite the federal government’s efforts, some local government chairmen reported challenges in accessing the funds due to bureaucratic hurdles and ongoing legal disputes with state governments.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for clearer guidelines to streamline the process and ensure transparency in fund utilization.
The disbursements mark a significant step toward empowering local governments, though the standoff with state governors remains unresolved.
The federal government has urged all stakeholders to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling to foster development at the grassroots level.
Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team Prepares for 2026 ICC T20
The Nigeria women’s senior cricket team, known as the Female Yellow Greens, have commenced a 14-day open training camp at the High-Performance Centre in Benin City as they gear up for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers, scheduled to take place next month in Namibia.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation has invited 22 players to participate in the intensive camp ahead of the Division 1 qualifiers, which will run from August 28 to September 7.
The squad features a blend of promising talents from Nigeria’s participation in the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year in Malaysia, as well as senior team regulars and newly invited players.
Among those called up are captain Favour Eseigbe, Salome Sunday, Esther Sandy, Sarah Etim, Lucky Piety, Peculiar Agboya, Kehinde Amusa, Victory Igbinedion, Christabel Chukwuonye, Shola Adekunle, Rachael Samson, Lillian Ude, Anointed Akhigbe, and Peace Usen.
Also included are Omosigo Egunakun, Abigail Igbobie, Rukayat Abdulrasaq, Deborah Bassey, Habibat Oremeyi, Oseyande Omonkhobhio, Ayomide Abdulrasaq, and Urante Devine.
Head coach Leke Oyede will lead the team as they face off against Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and two additional teams emerging from Division 2.
Division 2 of the qualifiers will be held in Botswana from July 20 to 26, with the top two teams progressing to Division 1. From there, the top two finishers in the Africa Qualifiers will secure spots in the Global Qualifiers, scheduled for later this year. The 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be hosted in England.
Meanwhile, the men’s senior national team, the Yellow Greens, are also in training camp in Lagos as they prepare for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers.
The men’s qualifiers will be held in Zimbabwe from September 28 to October 4, while the main tournament is set for India and Sri Lanka between February and March 2026. Before then, the team will compete in the ILT20 Cup in Uganda from July 13 to 30.
Nigeria will take on Namibia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Botswana in the final round of the qualifiers.
The Yellow Greens earned their place in the final phase by topping Group B of the Africa Qualifier last year. The top two teams from this stage will join the global tournament.
Attack on Myanmar Monastery Kills 23, Including Children
At least 23 people, among them four children, were killed in an early morning strike on a monastery located in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, according to eyewitness accounts.
The incident took place at a monastery in Lintalu village during the early hours of Friday, said Hlaing Bwa, a leading figure in the Sagaing District People’s Administration, a local group that supports pro-democracy activities in the region.
Both Hlaing Bwa and a local villager claimed the monastery was struck by an air assault carried out by the State Administration Council, Myanmar’s military-led government. Officials from the military authority have not yet responded to inquiries.
The monastery was reportedly sheltering around 200 individuals who had fled nearby areas due to ongoing clashes between junta forces and resistance fighters, Hlaing Bwa said.
The exact nature of the strike has not been independently confirmed.
A representative from the opposition-aligned National Unity Government, which monitors military air operations, was also unavailable for comment.
Since the military took control in a 2021 coup, ousting the civilian leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has plunged deeper into widespread violence and unrest.
Following a major earthquake that struck Sagaing on March 28, registering a magnitude of 7.7 and claiming nearly 3,700 lives, the military announced a short-term ceasefire to allow for humanitarian relief and reconstruction. Opposition forces had also indicated willingness to suspend hostilities.
Despite the declared truce, the military has continued to launch air and artillery strikes on rebel-held territories, including areas already devastated by the earthquake.
In May, the NUG accused the military of conducting a deadly air raid on a school in Depayin, also in Sagaing, where at least 17 students reportedly lost their lives. That town lies close to the earthquake’s epicenter.
Phoe Kaine, a local from Lintalu who resides near the monastery, said that besides the 23 confirmed fatalities, several others were seriously injured in the incident.
“We are evacuating patients in need of immediate medical attention as part of our ongoing rescue and relief efforts,” Phoe Kaine said.
