Business
Trouble in Kogi as Gov. Yahaya Bello’s appointments tear APC apart
The frosty relationship in the Kogi State All Progressives Congress, APC, and Governor Yahaya Bello, has deepened the crisis in the party as leaders now work as at cross purposes, passing a vote of no confidence and a vote of confidence on the governor. Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State While the State Executive Council, SEC passed ‘vote of no confidence’ on the governor; and some aggrieved stakeholders asked the governor to resign; wards executives across the 21 local government councils and the youths wing of the party threw their weight behind the governor. It will be recalled that the SEC after a meeting weekend, passed a vote of no confidence on the governor, worsening the frosty relationship between the governor and the state leaders of the party.
The SEC also wrote a letter to the party’s national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, claiming that since the governor assumed office, he had not related with the party, alleging that Bello had completely ignored the party in the scheme of things, particularly in the appointments made so far. The party also urged the national secretariat not to allow the governor nominate replacement for the late Minister of State for Labour, Chief James Ocholi, to avoid a repeat of appointing a non-party member as a minister representing the state in the Federal Executive Council. Similarly, party stakeholders after a meeting on Sunday, asked the governor to resigned from his office. But in a swift reaction, the party youths and wards leaders passed vote of confidence on the governor, dissociating themselves from the purported crisis rocking the party in the state.
The youths and wards leaders while reacting to the vote of no confidence by state leaders of the party , claimed the SEC members were sponsored by the deputy governorship candidate of the party in last year governorship election, James Faleke. State APC youth leader, Emmanuel Ayobami and spokesperson of the wards leaders, Deborah Oyiza in a separate briefing yesterday, also insisted that the decision of the state leaders were at variance with the reality on ground. According to them: “Certain individuals and interest groups within the rank and file of APC in Kogi State are making public a dishonourable intent to subvert the APC government of Governor Yahaya Bello. As governor of Kogi, Bello remains the APC leader in the state. The agents of confusion have sworn to put all manners of impediment in the path of the new administration in order to derail the New Direction to peace, unity and progress in which the governor has started moving Kogi State after many years of ruin by previous administrations.” The Governor, through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik berated members of the SEC, declaring that he had a right to pick his appointees from any party he wished. He said “It is my constitutional responsibility to appoint my personal aides without any recourse to the party or group of people, provided the person meets the requirement as stipulated by law of the land”. The governor who said he was yet to be informed by the National Secretariat of the party about the petition insisted he was running an all inclusive government and that the APC leadership was free to recommend any body for any appointment provided the person met criteria for such position, Also reacting, Faleke in a statement by the Chairman, Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Duro Meseko asked the governor and the party to leave him alone and face their trouble. He added, “For the umpteenth time , am constrained to respond to the very hollow and ridiculous allegation by a negligible faction of ward and local government executives of the APC in Kogi State that Hon James Faleke was behind the vote of no confidence passed on Alhaji Yahaya Bello by the State Exco of the party last week.
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
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