Category: News

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has launched a verbal attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his repeated party defections, accusing him of lacking political commitment. Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike traced Obi’s political journey, criticizing his inability to strengthen any party he joined. According to Wike, Obi’s actions reveal a pattern of self-interest rather than principle.

Wike said Obi joined APGA but failed to build it, then moved to the PDP where he complained about domination before leaving for Labour. At Labour, Wike argued, Obi could not resolve internal crises and left again. Most recently, Obi defected to the NDC, which Wike described as evidence of inconsistency. The minister claimed Obi is only interested in where he can benefit, using the phrase ‘he moves where food is ready’ and referencing ‘Mama put’ to suggest Obi seeks easy opportunities.

Wike also pointed out contradictions in Obi’s stance regarding the Supreme Court ruling on the ADC leadership crisis. He noted that Obi initially praised the court for saving the country, but later an Obidient supporter claimed there was a trap. Wike questioned how one can praise the court and then allege a trap. The minister concluded that such behavior undermines leadership and party development.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has decided to hold its upcoming national convention in Bauchi State instead of Abuja, following issues with venue availability. The party made this announcement on Wednesday through its National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, who spoke just before the start of aspirant screening at the party’s Abuja headquarters.

Gombe explained that the change is permitted under the party’s constitution, which allows conventions to occur in any part of the country. He thanked Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for providing a venue despite their political differences, noting that this gesture underscores cooperation across party lines.

The convention, scheduled for May 9, is a critical step as the SDP gears up for the next general elections. The party aims to strengthen its national footprint and put forward candidates for key positions, including the presidency, governorship, and legislative seats.

To ensure a transparent and credible process, the SDP has set up several committees, including screening, electoral, and convention committees, along with sub-committees for specific tasks. Gombe assured members that all aspirants will be vetted according to established rules, covering positions from the presidency down to state and legislative offices.

The screening of aspirants, already underway in Abuja, will determine their eligibility ahead of the convention where final candidates will be selected. Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Lima (retd.), head of the Screening Committee, stressed the importance of thoroughness and integrity, warning that only qualified individuals will be allowed to contest.

Senator David Mark, the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), convened a pivotal meeting with former federal lawmakers from the party following a series of defections that have shaken the National Assembly.

Two days ago, 17 members of the House of Representatives formally announced their departure from the ADC, crossing over to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read their resignation letters during Wednesday’s plenary session.

The group of defectors represents constituencies spanning several states, including Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, and Rivers. Additionally, Representative Leke Abejide from Kogi State left the ADC but chose to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) instead of the NDC.

Multiple lawmakers cited internal leadership disputes and ongoing legal battles within the ADC as their primary reasons for leaving the party. The meeting, held at the ADC’s national secretariat in Abuja, was confirmed by Kola Ologbondiyan, the technical adviser on strategic communication to Mark, who shared a brief update on X (formerly Twitter).

“Representatives of former ADC federal legislators are currently in a high-level discussion with our national chairman, Senator David Mark, at the party’s headquarters this Wednesday,” Ologbondiyan posted. He did not elaborate on the agenda of the talks.

As of press time, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, has not issued any official statement regarding the outcome of the meeting or the ongoing defection crisis.

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly expressed regret for supporting Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In a strongly worded statement, the group condemned Wike’s recent media appearances, accusing him of making reckless and offensive comments that damage the party’s image.

Ini Ememobong, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, signed the statement released on Wednesday. It characterized Wike’s remarks as a display of political irresponsibility and an unwarranted attack on respected figures. The group further alleged that his media outing, which they claimed was funded by taxpayers, lacked dignity and substance, describing it as a performance full of noise that signifies nothing.

Rather than addressing Wike’s claims directly, the faction apologized to Nigerians for previously backing his rise to power as a governor and now minister. ‘We are sorry for providing a platform to someone whose behavior and statements have become a national disgrace,’ the statement read. It urged those allegedly defamed by Wike to take legal action, emphasizing that no one is above the law.

Regarding internal party matters, the group dismissed the notion of a ‘National Leader’ position within the PDP, stating it is not recognized by the party’s constitution. They confirmed that party activities such as the sale of nomination forms and preparations for primaries and the national convention will proceed as scheduled.

The faction suggested that Wike’s outbursts may stem from his frustration over losing influence in the party, particularly regarding the emergence of the PDP’s presidential candidate. On legal issues mentioned by the minister, the group said they are awaiting certified copies of relevant court judgments and challenged Wike and his allies to publicly clarify the matters.

The Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind Kabiru Turaki following his reinstatement as National Chairman, declaring that the Supreme Court verdict has resolved the internal strife plaguing the party. Chairman of the Enugu PDP, Barr Steve Oruruo, made this known upon his return from Abuja, lauding the court decision as a watershed moment for the party’s unity.

Speaking with reporters, Oruruo expressed steadfast confidence in Turaki’s ability to steer the PDP through turbulent times and restore its credibility in Nigeria’s political arena. He stated, ‘I have absolute faith in Kabiru Turaki’s skill and dedication to lead the party out of crisis, especially now that our nation requires a trusted political platform with a proven track record.’

Oruruo also praised the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), chaired by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, for its resolute and principled stance during the leadership dispute. He remarked that the BoT exhibited remarkable unity and honesty in managing the situation. ‘The Board of Trustees proved to be both cohesive and incorruptible, resisting all forms of pressure and bribery,’ he asserted.

Commenting on the Supreme Court’s verdict, Oruruo emphasized its far-reaching consequences. He noted, ‘While the court nullified the Ibadan convention in a split ruling, it unanimously upheld the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and others. This effectively invalidates every action taken by those suspended individuals on behalf of the PDP.’ He dismissed the rival faction’s activities as illegitimate, calling the inauguration of Anyanwu’s committee a ‘sham’ and the Abuja convention a ‘farce.’

With the leadership question settled, Oruruo announced that the party would now resume its political activities across the country. ‘The BoT’s bold adherence to the Supreme Court ruling means our party can now begin selling interest and nomination forms through the authentic leadership structure, from the national down to local levels,’ he explained.

He also called for a political transformation in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for governance that truly serves the people. ‘We must reinvent Nigeria’s leadership model to reflect the hopes and demands of the electorate. Our goal is to recapture the art of governance and align it with the will of the majority,’ Oruruo concluded.

In preparation for the 2027 general elections, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has commenced the screening of Prince Adewole Adebayo and several other presidential aspirants. The exercise, which took place at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, marks a critical step toward selecting a candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

National Chairman Professor Sadiq Gombe announced that the party has established over four committees to ensure a smooth convention process. These include the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee, and multiple sub-committees, each tasked with specific responsibilities to guarantee a transparent and credible process.

Gombe stated that the screening covers all aspirants vying for various positions, including the presidency, governorship seats across Nigeria’s 36 states, National Assembly seats, and State Houses of Assembly. He expressed confidence in the committee members’ competence and integrity, urging them to act with diligence, fairness, and transparency.

Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Lima, who chairs the Screening Committee, emphasized the need for strict adherence to party rules. He reminded members to carry out their duties with integrity, regardless of personal familiarity with the aspirants.

Joshua Chinedu Obika, a member of the House of Representatives representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory, has made a significant political switch. He has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged allegiance to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

This move comes just two months after the legislator defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC. Despite his earlier shift to the ruling party on March 11, 2026, Obika was denied the opportunity to seek re-election on the APC platform.

With his latest defection to the NDC, Obika is expected to receive an automatic ticket to contest for a second term in the lower chamber of the National Assembly. The wave of defections follows the recent decision of prominent political figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join the NDC on Sunday.

DAILY POST reports that multiple lawmakers have been leaving their former parties for the NDC, signaling a growing political realignment ahead of upcoming elections.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order for the forfeiture of nine properties allegedly connected to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the ruling on Wednesday, acting on an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and argued by counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe.

In his decision, the judge stated that the properties are suspected to be proceeds of illegal activities and ordered their temporary seizure pending a final forfeiture hearing. He directed that any interested parties must appear within 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

The court also mandated the publication of the forfeiture notice within seven days of receiving the official order. The case has been adjourned to May 25 for a compliance report.

The EFCC brought the application under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006, citing its belief that the assets were acquired through unlawful means. The properties are situated in upscale areas of Abuja, including terrace buildings in Dakibiyu, a duplex with a penthouse and office on Niger Street, a unit in Palm Springs Estate in Mpape, and several blocks of flats in Wuse, Garki, and Maitama. Notably, one of the buildings in Garki is currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency.

The Nigerian Army has announced that a total of 958 insurgents and their relatives have laid down arms in the North-East region during the course of this year. Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed this information during a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

According to the commander, since 2021, over 152,800 individuals, including fighters, women, and children, have surrendered. The breakdown reveals that 20,815 of these are male combatants, 37,095 are women, and 64,114 are children. Abubakar attributed the increasing numbers to relentless military operations and the degradation of terrorist groups’ capabilities, combined with effective non-kinetic approaches.

He emphasized that many of those who surrendered cited the intense pressure from military offensives, the collapse of their command hierarchies, and worsening conditions as key motivators. All surrendering individuals undergo thorough screening and questioning, which provides vital intelligence for ongoing missions. This intelligence has significantly improved operational planning and contributed to recent victories in the theatre.

The commander also lauded the Borno State Government’s deradicalisation and reintegration initiative, known as the Borno Model, for playing a crucial role in encouraging more fighters to abandon violence. This program, supported by local and international partners, offers a clear path for former insurgents to rejoin society. Collaboration with community leaders and humanitarian organizations has further built trust among those willing to surrender.

Abubakar stressed that combining military action with non-military strategies remains essential to weakening groups like Boko Haram. Despite the progress, he warned that the fight is not yet over and called for sustained efforts to prevent former fighters from relapsing into violence.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced a worldwide campaign targeting Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. The move comes after what the organization describes as persistent attacks on press freedom in the country.

Speaking at the launch of its Press Freedom Hub in Abuja, IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed stated that the three officials were previously listed in the institute’s “Book of Infamy” for alleged actions against journalists and media independence.

Mojeed revealed that the institute had initially held off on a broader global campaign following an appeal by Vice President Kashim Shettima during IPI’s annual conference. The Vice President had requested time to address the concerns, which led to a temporary suspension of the campaign.

“We deliberately refrained from launching a full-scale campaign out of respect for the Vice President, who attended our conference and asked for time to intervene. We allowed room for dialogue and corrective measures,” Mojeed explained.

However, he expressed disappointment that no meaningful progress had been made since then. “Regrettably, no such action has been taken. The issues that led to their inclusion in the Book of Infamy remain valid, unresolved, and ongoing,” he added.

Mojeed warned that IPI Nigeria would now escalate its efforts internationally. “From this platform, we are announcing the relaunch and intensification of our efforts against these individuals and others listed in the Book. IPI Nigeria will initiate a global campaign to hold them accountable until corrective steps are taken. We do not take this lightly, but silence in the face of persistent violations is not an option,” he said.

Media development expert Amina Salihu praised IPI Nigeria for launching the Press Freedom Hub, describing it as a timely intervention for democracy. She emphasized that a free press is essential for democratic governance. “The press is the information infrastructure any democracy needs. Without an independent press, democracy cannot endure,” Salihu stated.