Author: Gbenga Olaleye

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Osita Okechukwu, has expressed support for the proposed registration of a new political platform, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), stating that it could inadvertently strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in 2027. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Okechukwu said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should grant approval for ADA’s registration, noting that a multi-party system is essential for Nigeria’s democracy. “My take on the formation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) is that it is a welcome development,” Okechukwu stated. “One, because I am an…

Tensions escalated in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday, as a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing the Sole Administrator, Goodluck Iheamnacho, being physically assaulted by local youths amid accusations of corruption and political bias. In the video, obtained, Iheamnacho is seen being beaten with sticks and coerced into signing what appeared to be a resignation letter. Council Secretary, Alabi Umegbewe, was also visibly attacked during the altercation. The letter, dated 20 June 2025 and widely circulated online, purportedly confirms Iheamnacho’s resignation. However, Iheamnacho has publicly denied authoring the letter, calling it a fabrication and…

Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has called on his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, to stop shifting blame and instead focus on tackling the growing insecurity in the state, in line with the roadmap presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his recent visit. This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Ortom’s media aide, Terver Akase, who accused Governor Alia of persistently dragging the former governor’s name into issues unrelated to him. “We read a statement by Governor Alia through his Chief Press Secretary, where he once again turned attention to Ortom, even though the…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to attend the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) today, Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The summit, now in its second and final day, precedes the 67th Ordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), scheduled for Sunday, 22 June 2025, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu To Advance Economic Integration At The West Africa Economic Summit’ that the initiative, under President Tinubu’s…

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured Nigerians that the military is resolutely committed to bringing to justice those responsible for the recent surge in violence across Benue, Plateau, and other troubled regions. Speaking on Saturday during the Nigerian Army Headquarters’ Second Quarter 2025 Media Chat held in Akure, the COAS reiterated the army’s determination to restore peace, particularly in the volatile North-Central states. The event, organised by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, was themed ‘Military–Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development’. Represented by Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2…

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has ridiculed the formation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), dismissing it as an overhyped political effort lacking genuine coalition strength. In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Keyamo criticised the political buzz surrounding the registration application submitted by ADA to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ADA, reportedly backed by the Nigerian National Coalition Group (NNCG), counts among its key supporters former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai. The party’s application, dated 19 June, was signed by its National Chairman, Akin Ricketts,…

A prominent chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Mallam Suleiman Salisu, has voiced strong disapproval over the conduct of certain former public officials who, despite their “woeful” records in office, now openly criticise the current administration. Speaking in Kaduna, Salisu expressed “great concern” regarding the recent comments made by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of hypocrisy and stirring disunity during his tenure. According to Salisu, El-Rufai, who governed the state for eight years, bears responsibility for the divisions currently plaguing Kaduna. “Does it mean that Nigerians have forgotten in a hurry…

Chelsea surrendered a one-goal lead to suffer a 3-1 defeat against Brazil’s Flamengo in their second fixture of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Friday. The Premier League side, who beat Los Angeles FC 2-0 in their opening match, looked set to secure early qualification for the knockout stage when Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish. But Flamengo turned the game around after the break. Bruno Henrique equalized before Danilo fired the Brazilian side into the lead. Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow when substitute Nicolas Jackson received…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday described himself as the “luckiest politician in Nigeria,” citing the unwavering support he receives from political allies across the country. Wike made the remark during the commissioning of the newly constructed Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III (RR3), an infrastructure project launched to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office. Speaking at the event, Wike noted the presence of friends and political associates from Abia, Enugu, Sokoto, and Cross River States, whom he said consistently show up for…

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has pledged that Kaduna State will deliver the highest number of votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Northern region during the 2027 elections. Speaking in Kaduna on Thursday, Abbas assured President Bola Tinubu that Kaduna would continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape and development agenda. Abbas dismissed the influence of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently joined opposition forces determined to unseat Tinubu in 2027 and had publicly doubted Tinubu’s chances. The Speaker praised Governor Uba Sani and his supporters, vowing their commitment…