Nigerians Risk Visa Denials Over Overstay Violations, US Warns

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reiterated its warning that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could have far-reaching consequences, not only for offenders but also for other applicants seeking entry into the United States.

In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the mission stressed that strict adherence to U.S. immigration rules is essential to maintaining fair and open access for legitimate travellers from Nigeria.

According to the advisory, when individuals overstay their visas or violate entry conditions, it can negatively impact how applicants from the same country are assessed, potentially leading to stricter scrutiny, delays, or visa denials.

“Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens,” the mission stated. “Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly.”

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The warning aligns with long-standing U.S. immigration policies enforced by the U.S. Department of State, which tracks entry and exit records of foreign visitors. Travellers who remain in the U.S. beyond their authorised period—typically indicated on their I-94 admission record—may face penalties such as visa cancellation, ineligibility for future visas, or multi-year re-entry bans, depending on the duration of the overstay.

The mission noted that thousands of Nigerians travel annually to the United States for education, business, tourism, and family visits, and urged all visitors to comply fully with the conditions of their visas throughout their stay.

It also raised concerns about visa fraud and misuse of travel documents, warning that such practices undermine the integrity of the system and could further affect legitimate applicants.

To curb abuse, the mission encouraged members of the public with credible information about visa fraud to report through its consular fraud prevention channels, including dedicated email contacts for Abuja and Lagos.

Officials emphasised that maintaining high compliance rates among travellers helps preserve Nigeria’s standing in global mobility assessments and supports smoother visa processing for genuine applicants.

The U.S. Mission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe, legal, and orderly travel between Nigeria and the United States, while ensuring that those who follow the rules are not disadvantaged by violations committed by others.

Nigerians Risk Visa Denials Over Overstay Violations, US Warns

ADC Presidential Ticket: Obi, Kwankwaso Rally Northern Leaders Against Atiku

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have intensified political consultations aimed at building a strong northern coalition ahead of the 2027 elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with a focus on a proposed one-term power rotation agreement that could reshape the party’s presidential contest.

Party sources say the alliance is pushing a strategy designed to secure northern backing for a southern presidency, with Obi positioned as a key contender expected to serve only a single term if the arrangement is agreed upon. The move is widely seen as part of efforts to weaken the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party’s emerging power structure.

Obi and Kwankwaso are promoting a “fairness and rotation” narrative, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete its full eight-year presidency cycle, following previous northern leadership periods. The coalition is using this argument to win support among northern stakeholders, traditional rulers, and political blocs who are critical in determining delegate strength ahead of the ADC primaries. A growing network within the party has also been mobilised under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, formed to coordinate grassroots and elite engagement ahead of the presidential primary election.

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Kwankwaso, who formally joined the ADC on March 30, 2026, has reportedly stepped up consultations across northern Nigeria, meeting influential leaders and political stakeholders in the last few weeks. His camp has been particularly active in engaging northern figures opposed to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, urging them to consider supporting a southern candidate on the basis of political rotation and national balance. His allies are also said to be promoting the idea that backing Obi under a structured agreement could guarantee future political alignment for northern interests in subsequent election cycles.

The political manoeuvring is unfolding amid ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, which is currently facing leadership uncertainty and awaiting judicial clarification from the Supreme Court regarding its structure. Despite the instability, presidential aspirants—including Obi, Kwankwaso, and Atiku—have continued consultations, coalition-building, and delegate outreach ahead of the party’s primaries.

Reports suggest that Atiku Abubakar, who previously served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, remains one of the strongest figures within the ADC structure but is increasingly facing resistance from rival blocs pushing alternative coalitions. Some northern and southern stakeholders within the party are beginning to align with the Obi-Kwankwaso camp, creating a potential challenge to Atiku’s influence over the party’s delegate base. However, Atiku’s supporters insist he still commands significant political structures across the North and remains well-positioned ahead of the primaries.

Political analysts say the ADC is likely heading toward a highly competitive primary election, as consensus-building efforts appear increasingly difficult due to competing ambitions among top contenders. While some stakeholders are pushing for consensus candidacy, others believe only direct primaries can resolve the growing divisions within the party. With consultations intensifying, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether the ADC will unify behind a single candidate or proceed into a divisive but decisive internal contest.

ADC Presidential Ticket: Obi, Kwankwaso Rally Northern Leaders Against Atiku

Ex-Power Minister Denies Snubbing Tinubu, Says Exit Was Approved

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has clarified that he secured the approval of Bola Tinubu before stepping down from office, putting to rest speculation surrounding his resignation.

In a statement issued on Saturday through his Media Aide, Femi Awogboro, Adelabu dismissed claims that he failed to consult the presidency, describing such reports as misleading and unfounded.

The former minister recently resigned from his position, a move widely linked to his ambition to contest the Oyo State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the statement, Adelabu followed due process and obtained the full consent of President Tinubu before making his decision. “Adelabu actually obtained the full approval and blessing of President Tinubu before taking the decision to resign. Those spreading false speculations should desist, as such claims are baseless,” the statement read.

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The clarification comes amid growing controversy over Adelabu resignation, with some reports suggesting a breach of protocol. However, Adelabu’s camp insists the narrative is being pushed by political opponents seeking to undermine his rising influence ahead of the next election cycle.

The statement further noted that critics were unsettled by the massive turnout that welcomed Adelabu back to Ibadan last Thursday, describing it as a sign of his growing grassroots support.

Political observers say Adelabu has intensified consultations across Oyo State as he positions himself for the 2027 governorship race, having previously contested the seat in 2019.

His resignation has fueled discussions around Oyo State governorship race 2027, with analysts viewing his exit from the Federal Executive Council as a strategic move to focus fully on local politics.

Adelabu’s departure also comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s power sector, which continues to grapple with challenges in electricity generation and distribution — making the Nigeria power sector leadership changes a key issue for stakeholders.

Ex-Power Minister Denies Snubbing Tinubu, Says Exit Was Approved