Category: Politics

  • Ribadu Denies El-Rufai’s Allegations, Says He Has No Time for Political Disputes

    Ribadu Denies El-Rufai’s Allegations, Says He Has No Time for Political Disputes

    Ribadu Denies El-Rufai’s Allegations, Says He Has No Time for Political Disputes  

    The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that he is orchestrating a smear campaign against him. 

    El-Rufai had alleged that Ribadu, alongside Kaduna Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was working to damage his reputation ahead of the 2031 presidential election.  

    Responding through a statement on his official X account late Monday, Ribadu stated that he is not involved in any scheme against El-Rufai. 

    He added that he has never discussed any intention to contest in 2031, as his focus remains on his duties under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.  

    Ribadu also clarified that he has always maintained respect for El-Rufai and has never spoken negatively about him.

     He urged the public to disregard the accusations, emphasizing that he is too occupied with his national responsibilities to engage in media battles.  

    El-Rufai’s remarks came during an interview with Arise TV, where he claimed Ribadu was leading an effort to tarnish his image. 

    He accused Ribadu of being the mastermind behind a campaign to discredit him, stating that his political opponents were finding it difficult to succeed in their plans.  

    Ribadu, however, refuted these claims, urging El-Rufai to allow him to focus on his work. He insisted that he does not interfere in El-Rufai’s affairs and expects the same in return.

  • Bedlam in Lagos Assembly following DSS, Police Invasion

    Bedlam in Lagos Assembly following DSS, Police Invasion

    It was bedlam at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday following invasion by officials of the DSS and the Nigeria Police, sparking outrage among the lawmakers. 

    The invasion occurred during a plenary session where 36 members were present. 

    The lawmakers immediately condemned the action, describing it as an attack on democracy and an embarrassment to the country.

    The Assembly demanded an explanation from the Director of the Lagos DSS, asking why the security forces took such drastic action. 

    They also called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to look into the matter and provide a detailed report to the public.

     Additionally, the lawmakers appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the situation from worsening.

    The lawmakers expressed strong disapproval of the invasion, arguing that it was an attempt to disrupt the legislative process and undermine the state’s democratic institutions. 

    They also reaffirmed their loyalty to the Speaker, emphasizing that no one could force them to remove him from office.

    Suspecting that influential individuals or groups may be responsible for the invasion, the lawmakers insisted on a full investigation to uncover those behind it.

     They made it clear that they will not allow such actions to diminish the independence of the legislature or threaten democratic governance in the state.

  • Return to the party: Gov. Mbah appeals to aggrieved PDP members

    Return to the party: Gov. Mbah appeals to aggrieved PDP members

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has appealed to aggrieved PDP members to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing reconciliation process to come back to the party.

    The governor also called for peace and unity among the members of  PDP)
    in the Southeast Zone and the entire country.

    Mbah made the appeals when he received members of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee,led by a  former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, at the Enugu Government House on Thursday.

    The PDP National Reconciliation Committee visited  the governor to brief him on efforts  being made by the committee to resolve a number of issues in the party.

    Mbah, who described Enugu as the bastion of PDP, enjoined the committee to ensure genuine and lasting peace with a view to bringing back  aggrieved members into the party.

    He insisted that the only way the party could win elections was through a united front, built on true reconciliation and justice.

    Mbah further added that the party in the Southeast operated as  members of the same  family.

    He stressed that the party in the zone had done extensive work to ensure those who left the party were brought back.

    “We also believe that the Southeast is a stronghold of the PDP and if we have people who are out now, it is not necessarily their desire to be out. So, what we need at this time is to bring back our aggrieved members to where they belong.

    “The PDP is still largely the party with the spread that is required to win any election in this country and still appeals to the people of this country.

    “I have no doubt in mind that those our brothers who are just waiting for moments like this will be brought back to where they belong and we can forge a strong alliance going into the next general elections,” the governor added.

    Speaking earlier, the PDP National Reconciliation Committee Chairman said that the disunity in the party was one of the reasons the party lost the 2023 presidential election and other election cycles in the country.

    Oyinilola appealed to aggrieved  members of the party in the Southeast to sheathe their swords and embrace the idea behind the peace and reconciliation process for the good of the party.

    According to him, Nigerians need to invest their trust in PDP to do things right in the country.

    Also speaking, the State Party Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunwike, said the reconciliation move would rejig the party’s ongoing efforts in the state and bring back disgruntled members.

    He expressed optimism in the leadership of Mbah , noting that the party was already witnessing mass return of members who had  left for other parties.

  • Adesina Denies interest in 2027 Presidential Election

    Adesina Denies interest in 2027 Presidential Election

    As expected, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has denied reports suggesting he is preparing to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

    The speculation began after his recent interview on Arise Television, where he mentioned that he would be available for national service after his tenure at AfDB.

     He stated that he is open to serving in any role, whether globally, in Africa, or in Nigeria. 

    His remarks led to widespread interpretations that he might be considering running for president.

    In response, Adesina took to X on Thursday to clarify his statement, saying his words had been misrepresented. 

    He maintained that while he expressed willingness to serve in various capacities, he never declared an intention to contest the presidency. 

    He urged the public to listen to his full interview for proper context.

    Adesina, who was Nigeria’s minister of agriculture before becoming AfDB president in 2015, secured a second term at the bank in 2020. 

    His leadership at AfDB has focused on economic growth, infrastructure, and development financing across Africa.

    While his statement sparked political discussions, he emphasized that his priority remains his current role at AfDB, and he has no plans to enter the 2027 presidential race.

  • Labour Party Rejects Bribery Claim, Challenges Atiku for Proof

    Labour Party Rejects Bribery Claim, Challenges Atiku for Proof

    The Labour Party (LP) has denied receiving a N50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as alleged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. 

    The party said it has no knowledge of such payments and has never accepted money from any external source.

    LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh stated in Abuja that the party was surprised by Atiku’s claim.

     He criticized the former vice president for making the allegation without providing evidence, calling it reckless and unfair to opposition parties.

    Atiku made the claim during a national conference on democracy in Abuja, accusing the APC of offering financial inducements to weaken the opposition.

     In response, LP insisted it operates on internally generated funds and remains committed to its principles despite challenges.

    The party urged Atiku to back his statement with proof, warning that unverified claims could mislead the public and harm democratic opposition.

     LP also emphasized that a strong opposition is essential for democracy and should not be undermined by baseless accusations.

  • Chaos at PDP headquarters as thugs disrupt BoT meeting

    Chaos at PDP headquarters as thugs disrupt BoT meeting

    A violent scene erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday when suspected thugs stormed in and disrupted a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting.

    The disruption led to panic among party members present.

    The meeting, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, had key figures in attendance, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye.

    Tensions escalated between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, both contesting for the PDP National Secretary position. Ude-Okoye arrived early but was later forced out after Anyanwu entered with Damagum.

    The conflict stems from a leadership dispute within the party.

    In 2023, PDP’s South East zone nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had contested in the Imo State governorship election.

    A High Court ruling in December 2024 removed Anyanwu from the position, declaring Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary.

    However, a recent Court of Appeal order allowed Anyanwu to stay in office until the Supreme Court decides on the matter.

  • Wike rules out reconciliation with Fubara

    Wike rules out reconciliation with Fubara

    Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated there would be no reconciliation with Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara. 

    Wike criticized Fubara for not following directives from President Bola Tinubu during a peace meeting meant to resolve their differences. 

    Wike explained that Fubara and his team failed to act on President Tinubu’s recommendations, further worsening the political conflict between them.

    Wike also addressed the ongoing infrastructure development in Abuja, emphasizing its positive impact on local employment. 

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    He mentioned that over 200 people in areas like Kwali are benefiting from infrastructure projects, asserting that these are not government jobs but real work opportunities.

    On the issue of streetlights, Wike confirmed that areas like Kuje and Kwali would have streetlights installed.

     He assured that new roads flagged off would have lights by mid-year.

    In his commitment to efficient land administration, Wike announced that his team has issued 7,000 Certificates of Occupancy in two years, surpassing the previous government’s efforts. 

    He warned officials against inefficiency and promised to remove any unproductive staff.

    Wike also addressed the growing issue of vandalism in Abuja, particularly attacks on the power supply. He declared that those involved in damaging transmission lines and cables would be charged with economic sabotage. 

    The power outages have severely affected parts of the city, leaving over 60% without electricity. Wike urged residents to report suspicious activities to help tackle these disruptions.

  • Bafarawa Leaves PDP to Focus on Youth Empowerment Initiative

    Bafarawa Leaves PDP to Focus on Youth Empowerment Initiative

    In a gesture that demonstrates his commitment to walk the talk, former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa his quit partisan politics to focus on youth empowerment.

    Towards this end, Alhaji Bafarawa, yesterday in Abuja, turned in his letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    The letter dated January 13, 2025, addressed to the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, Bafarawa stated that his decision was motivated by his dedication to a new initiative aimed at empowering the youth.

    He explained that his vision for uplifting humanity through youth development no longer aligned with his role in the party.

    Bafarawa expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had during his time in the PDP, acknowledging the party’s contributions to Nigeria’s political scene.

    However, he emphasized that his new focus would be on supporting and inspiring the country’s youth, who he sees as crucial to the nation’s future.

    The term governor of Sokoto State noted that his resignation would prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

    The challenge posed by a ballooning youth population in Nigeria has been a trending talking point on national development discourse.

    However, many are of the opinion that the Nigerian youth challenge is essentially a phenomenon that is most rife in Northern Nigeria.

    This arises from the fact that the region accounts for most of the negative indices that characterise the youth population.

    Such indices include high out-of-school population, drug abuse, violent crimes, destitution and unemployment.

    Danladi Ibrahim, an agricultural economist and youth empowerment advocate told Nigerian Anchor that the move by Alhaji Bafarawa may be the game changer that the north has being waiting for.

    He urged other accomplished individuals to join the move by the former governor as, according to him, “it was high time we taught our young people how to fish rather than hand them bowls of fish meals.”

  • Morka Cries Out Over Death Threats After Controversial Remarks on Obi

    Morka Cries Out Over Death Threats After Controversial Remarks on Obi

    Like a hunter that is now been hunted, All Progressives Party Spokesman, Felix Morka, after an incendiary remark that was allegedly aimed at inciting the public against Mr. Peter Obi, a leading opposing figure, is now crying foul after his comments backfired at him.

    A distraught Morka, appeared on Arise TV this morning to cry that he and his family have been threatened with death following his recent comments about Peter Obi.

     Morka’s remarks, made during an interview on Arise Television, were reportedly misconstrued by Obi as threatening. 

    Morka revealed that he had documented over 400 threats, including around 200 specific death threats, many with graphic descriptions of harm.

    Morka denied making any statement that could be seen as threatening to Obi, insisting that the threats were issued by individuals acting on their own, Punch reports.

     He assured that he would submit the threats to law enforcement for investigation. 

    The controversy stemmed from Morka’s criticism of Obi’s comments about President Bola Tinubu’s government, where he suggested that Obi “deserved whatever came his way.” 

    This led to strong reactions, with figures like Atiku Abubakar calling for an apology from the APC and the Labour Party demanding action against Morka.

  • Tinubu’s Cabal More Dangerous Than Buhari’s – Dalung

    Tinubu’s Cabal More Dangerous Than Buhari’s – Dalung

    Former Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has raised concerns about a powerful inner circle within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    He described this group as highly skilled and more influential than the cabal that operated under former President Muhammadu Buhari.  

    Dalung noted that members of Tinubu’s cabal possess advanced knowledge of governance and power, enabling them to control access to the president and manipulate government processes.

     He contrasted this with Buhari’s cabal, which he characterized as less experienced and limited in strategy.  

    Criticizing the denial of cabals in Nigerian politics, Dalung warned that their unchecked influence undermines governance and negatively impacts ordinary citizens. 

    He questioned the government’s commitment to improving citizens’ well-being, citing widespread frustration among Nigerians.