The Dangote Refinery has lowered the ex-gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N1,200 per litre, reversing its recent increase, industry sources confirmed on Wednesday.

The adjustment represents a N75 reduction from the earlier price of about N1,275 per litre, which the refinery had attributed to volatility in the global oil market that raised production and supply costs.

The latest cut follows a notable decline in international crude oil prices. Brent crude dropped to $95.05 per barrel, marking a 13 per cent fall, while West Texas Intermediate settled at $97.18, down by nearly 14 per cent.

Market analysts link the drop in oil prices to easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly a conditional two-week ceasefire involving the United States and Iran, which has reduced concerns about potential supply disruptions.

The development has been welcomed by fuel marketers and commuters across major cities, many of whom expressed optimism that the reduction could help cushion the impact of rising living costs driven by inflation.

Industry observers say the refinery’s decision may influence pump prices nationwide, especially if the downward trend in crude oil prices persists.

They also note that the situation reflects Nigeria’s growing exposure to global oil price movements, despite increased local refining capacity.

The Dangote Refinery, which began operations in 2023, was expected to reduce the country’s reliance on fuel imports, although its pricing continues to mirror international benchmarks such as Brent and WTI crude.

Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside prominent opposition figures, staged a large-scale #OccupyINEC protest in Abuja to challenge a recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The demonstration followed INEC’s refusal to recognise correspondence from rival factions within the party, reportedly led by Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala. The development has sparked accusations that the electoral body is interfering in internal party matters, particularly in the wake of a Court of Appeal ruling.

The protest, which took place at the Maitama Roundabout, drew hundreds of participants, including key political figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, and Dino Melaye.

Supporters aligned with the Kwankwasiyya movement were also present, chanting the historic anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” as demonstrators held placards expressing support for David Mark’s leadership within the party’s National Working Committee.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of opposition leaders, Obi stressed the importance of safeguarding democratic principles. In a statement shared via X, he said, “We are saying that our democracy must not be killed.”

The protest underscores growing tensions between political actors and the electoral commission, with opposition groups insisting that party autonomy must be respected.

Tensions rose during a recent town hall meeting in the United States as citizens openly confronted President Donald Trump over the ongoing war with Iran.

What started as a routine engagement quickly turned tense, with some attendees accusing the president of escalating military actions abroad to shift attention away from controversy linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Members of the audience expressed concern about the timing of the renewed strikes, noting that fresh details connected to the Epstein case had been making headlines in recent weeks.

The Epstein files, a large set of documents released earlier this year, have continued to draw public attention. Survivors and advocacy groups have raised concerns over missing records and redactions, while lawmakers across party lines have called for more transparency.

At the same time, the conflict involving Iran has intensified, with reports pointing to growing casualties and rising global tension. The situation has dominated news coverage, pushing other issues out of focus.

During the meeting, some participants directly questioned the administration, suggesting the war may be acting as a distraction. While there is no confirmed evidence to support this claim, the perception appears to be fueling public frustration.

Analysts say such speculation is not new, but in today’s fast moving media space, these narratives spread quickly, especially among a divided public.

By the end of the exchange, it was clear that the issue remains unresolved. With the war ongoing and questions around the Epstein files still lingering, pressure continues to build on the administration both at home and internationally.