Pregnant woman, man killed in fresh Plateau attack

 

 

Gunmen have killed two people, including a pregnant woman, in another deadly raid on Dyan community in Rim Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to reports, the attackers stormed the village around 10 p.m. on Friday, firing shots indiscriminately. Residents ran for safety, but two people were gunned down.

 

The victims were identified as Mrs Happiness Pam, 32, who was pregnant, and Daniel Luka, 24.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association condemned the attack in a statement on Saturday. BYM National Publicity Secretary, Mr Rwang Tengwong, called the killings “gruesome and unacceptable.”

“It is heartbreaking that a pregnant woman carrying the hope of a family and an innocent young man with a promising future became victims of yet another senseless act of violence. These killings represent not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the collective peace, security and humanity of our people,” Tengwong said.

The group sent condolences to the families of the deceased, the Dyan community, Rim Village, and the entire Riyom LGA.

BYM urged security agencies to track down those behind the attack and bring them to justice. It also called on the federal and Plateau State governments to act quickly to protect rural communities facing repeated violence.

Attacks in Riyom and other parts of Plateau have continued despite calls for stronger security presence in the area. GWG.

NSCDC rescues teenage girl from kidnappers, arrests suspects in Edo

 

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has rescued a 15-year-old girl, allegedly abducted in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo and arrested two suspects in connection with the incident.

 

The Edo Commandant of the corps, Mr Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Saturday at a news conference in Benin.

 

Akintayo said the victim, Glory Odigie, was rescued through an intelligence-driven operation carried out by operatives of the command.

He said the command received a report on June 19 from one Mr Odion Odigie that his younger sister had gone out the previous day to purchase a phone charging cord but failed to return home.

According to him, the family subsequently received calls from unidentified persons claiming that the teenager had been abducted and demanding a ransom of N800,000.

 

“The callers also warned the family against informing security agencies,” he said.

Akintayo said the command immediately activated intelligence and operational mechanisms to locate the victim and identify those responsible.

 

“During the operation, strategic communication and intelligence gathering were sustained while our officers explored available investigative leads.

 

“Through a combination of technical analysis, community intelligence and tactical deployment, useful information was generated which pointed operatives to persons of interest within the locality,” he said.

 

The commandant said investigations led to the arrest of Freedom Saturday, 16, who subsequently provided information that led to the arrest of Thankgod Oriabor, 21, at Oghu Community, Ewohimi.

 

“Our investigation led to the arrest of Freedom Saturday, aged 16 years, who subsequently assisted investigators with information that led to the arrest of Thankgod Oriabor, aged 21 years, at Oghu Community, Ewohimi, where the victim was successfully rescued,” he said.

 

Akintayo said the teenager was rescued safely and was receiving necessary attention.

 

He added that the suspects remained in custody while investigations continued.

 

“The suspects are presently in our custody and preliminary investigation has yielded useful information to support ongoing investigation.

 

“The matter will be transferred for further investigation and handled in accordance with the law,” he said.

 

The commandant commended officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and timely response.

 

He also lauded the Edo Government for supporting security agencies and strengthening security architecture across the state.

 

“I also sincerely appreciate the continued support and proactive security efforts of the Gov. Monday Okpebholo, whose administration has remained resolute in the fight against kidnapping, cult-related activities and other forms of criminality across the state,” he said.

 

Akintayo further commended sister security agencies for intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.

 

He warned criminal elements that Edo would remain “hostile to all forms of criminality” and reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at bringing offenders to justice.

 

He also urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility. Newspot.

FG launches ₦200bn share capital drive for proposed cooperative bank in Kaduna

The Federal Government has launched a ₦200 billion share capital mobilization campaign to establish the proposed Cooperative Bank of Nigeria as part of the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP).
The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and Supervising Minister of Cooperative Affairs, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during the North-West Zonal Engagement of the Ministerial Advocacy Tour at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna on Thursday.
According to the Minister, in a statement by the Head, Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the campaign aims to mobilize investments from 10,000 cooperative societies across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory through a structured contribution plan.
Under the arrangement, 1,000 societies are expected to contribute between ₦21 million and ₦50 million each, 3,000 societies between ₦16 million and ₦20 million, while 6,000 societies will contribute between ₦1 million and ₦15 million.
Abdullahi said the initiative is designed to create a strong, sustainable and nationally owned financial institution capable of supporting agricultural development, enterprise growth, financial inclusion, housing, transportation, value-chain development and wealth creation for millions of Nigerians.
“This programme is not a government project imposed from above. It is a movement-driven reform agenda that seeks to give life to aspirations that cooperative stakeholders have expressed for decades,” he stated.
To ensure continuity beyond the current administration, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry has established an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee for policy coordination and a National Steering Committee comprising Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), apex cooperative organizations and development partners. Dedicated desk officers have also been assigned to each of the seven strategic pillars of the RH-CRRP.
He explained that the ownership structure of the proposed Cooperative Bank would preserve cooperative control while attracting strategic investment.
Under the arrangement, 65 percent of the bank’s equity will be owned by cooperative societies through the Cooperative Trust and Investment Society of Nigeria (CoopTrust), 30 percent will be available to institutional investors, development finance institutions, impact investors and individual cooperators, while five percent will be reserved for employees under a Share Ownership Scheme.
The Minister also announced plans to deploy the National Cooperative Digital Architecture Platform (NCDAP) to address data management challenges within the cooperative sector. The platform will include the National Cooperative Smart Registry (NCSR), Cooperative Verification Number (CVN), CoopID and the CoopCHECK Credit Bureau powered by CreditRegistry.
“We cannot build a modern, globally competitive cooperative economy using outdated analog systems,” Abdullahi said.
Highlighting the historical significance of cooperatives in Nigeria’s economic development, the Minister recalled how cooperative societies contributed to the growth of the groundnut, cotton, hides and skins industries in Northern Nigeria, as well as cocoa and palm produce production in the western and eastern regions of the country.
He urged the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, state federations, unions, cooperative societies, development partners, traditional institutions and financial institutions to mobilize support for the programme.
The Kaduna engagement follows an earlier South-West Zonal Engagement held in Lagos and forms part of a nationwide advocacy tour aimed at promoting the RH-CRRP.
Abdullahi commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for sustaining the state’s reputation as a centre of commerce, agriculture, education and innovation, noting that ongoing efforts in security and social inclusion would provide a conducive environment for the programme’s success.
He also praised the Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, Dr. Mohammed Awwal, for organizing the Cooperative Education for Sustainable Development Summit 2026, scheduled to hold from June 18 to 19 in Kaduna.
Representing Governor Uba Sani at the event, Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Murtala Dabo, described cooperatives as vital instruments for socio-economic development, noting that they have historically facilitated savings mobilization, access to credit, enterprise development, agricultural production and community empowerment.
He added that as Kaduna State advances key initiatives such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), agricultural mechanization programmes and climate-smart agriculture projects, digitally enabled cooperatives will play a critical role in driving productivity, competitiveness and prosperity.
In his welcome address, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammad Awwal, said Kaduna’s selection as host of the engagement was both symbolic and strategic, given its longstanding role in cooperative education, research and institutional development in Northern Nigeria.
Also speaking, President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Mrs. Hannatu Mershak, emphasized the importance of digital transformation in the cooperative sector, noting that a digitized system would improve record-keeping, facilitate access to markets and finance, and enhance trust among government agencies and development partners.

Obi: ‘No Shishi’ yet the centre of Nigeria’s political gravity

 

 

By Ike Abonyi

 

“When you give ‘shishi’ to buy votes, you are not giving a gift—you are paying an advance fee to rob the treasury”-Peter Obi.

 

 

The profound influence of Peter Obi on Nigeria’s political landscape is undeniable, prompting questions about his central role. This observation stems from a social media activist’s inquiry into how Obi became the focal point of national political discourse when he gave ‘no shishi’. The activist’s frustration is understandable, given that Obi is a constant topic of conversation across all sectors of Nigerian society – government and opposition, private and public, and across all regions and demographics, both domestically and internationally. It is clear that, for compelling reasons, no other politician currently commands such a central position in the nation’s political sphere.

One can only speculate on how diminished Nigeria’s political discourse and social media would be without Peter Obi’s presence. He is the singular political figure at the heart of every discussion, resonating in cities, villages, places of worship, social gatherings, and community forums.

The entire political arena, encompassing the ruling party and various opposition groups, adjusts its strategies, forms alliances, and shifts its trajectory in response to Obi’s influence.

Peter Obi’s ascent as a pivotal figure in contemporary Nigerian politics is attributable to his capacity to redefine national conversations. By reframing the nation’s challenges not as ethnic or regional conflicts but as a fundamental dichotomy between effective governance and excessive spending, he has firmly established his ideology at the core of the political discourse.

Nigeria now has a politician who commands attention without ostentatious displays or significant financial expenditure, yet remains the subject of widespread discussion. He champions modesty as a way of life, and this resonates deeply with the populace, who are increasingly drawn to him over those who resort to distributing material inducements. The underlying reason for this phenomenon is straightforward: the populace has experienced the fleeting allure of transactional politics and recognised its enduring negative consequences.

Despite possessing extensive governmental structures – including the federal government, 36 state governors, 774 local government areas, a significant majority in the National Assembly, and control over key institutions like INEC, the police, judiciary, and military, as well as influence over informal sectors like transport unions and market women – President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are demonstrably anxious and preoccupied with Peter Obi.

Even with their command over these established structures, a palpable sense of unease pervades the seat of government and state houses nationwide, as the political gravity undeniably centres on Peter Obi. Although he is associated with a relatively new political party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), mandated by regulations, his support base transcends party affiliation, religious denomination, or ethnic origin.

 

Peter Obi has become the critical nexus where a majority of voters, influential figures, and policymakers converge, establishing him as the political centre of gravity. This position signifies the political mainstream, a central movement around which other politicians must orient their strategies to forge successful coalitions.

 

Historically, media narratives driven by political movements and grassroots activism have steered the political centre towards either the left or the right. However, understanding the current centre of gravity is paramount for effective governance, as policies deviating significantly from this recognised centre are likely to encounter public opposition.

Since his prominent entry into national politics in 2022, Peter Obi has, perhaps unintentionally, become the political centre of gravity. This position has been further solidified by his remarkable electoral performance in 2023 and the sustained momentum he has maintained, positioning him as the undisputed leading candidate for the next presidential election, even with six months remaining.

The assertion that Peter Obi occupies the absolute centre of contemporary Nigerian politics is not an exaggeration but a structural reality of the post-2023 democratic landscape. Whether through direct action, reaction to events, or systemic pressures, the nation’s political forces consistently gravitate towards him.

 

To comprehend how a third-party candidate maintains such a central position, one must analyse his role not merely as an individual politician but as a systemic disruptor, a profound challenge to the established order, and the primary catalyst for defensive strategic adjustments among the traditional political elite.

For over two decades, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with their precursor alliances, operated under an implicit, transactional agreement. Power was rotated among regional elites, and electoral contests were largely internal power struggles within the same class.

Obi’s departure from the PDP in 2022 and his subsequent alignment with the Labour Party (LP) disrupted this established duopoly. By effectively channelling popular discontent, he transformed what might have been a peripheral third-party candidacy into a potent populist movement. Today, every strategic decision by the ruling APC and the main opposition is evaluated against the ‘Obi factor.’ He has compelled traditional parties to confront an inconvenient truth: the old methods of securing delegates and relying solely on bloc voting along ethnic and regional lines are no longer infallible.

 

Nothing underscores Obi’s centrality more than the behavioural shifts of his political adversaries. In anticipation of upcoming electoral cycles, we witness unprecedented levels of anxiety and fluid political realignments. Traditional rivals within the APC and PDP frequently find common ground in their public pronouncements against Obi and his supporters, known as ‘Obidients.’

The political establishment perceives him as an existential threat to the patronage systems that underpin Nigerian governance. Consequently, judicial appointments, electoral reforms, and legislative debates are often influenced by an underlying objective: how to safeguard the current framework against further systemic shocks like the one experienced in 2023.

Since 2022, Peter Obi has, inadvertently, been setting the ideological and rhetorical agenda for the nation’s political discourse.

Before 2022, Nigerian political campaigns were seldom characterised by in-depth policy discussions; they were primarily exercises in public relations, financial power, and the negotiation of zoning arrangements. Obi fundamentally altered the nature of national political dialogue.

 

His characteristic slogans and key policy areas, such as the transition from consumption to production, the call to ‘Go and Verify,’ and the emphasis on the ‘Cost of Governance,’ have become benchmarks against which the current administration’s performance is assessed. The slogan ‘From Consumption to Production’ has compelled the government to justify its substantial infrastructure loans and fiscal policies. When significant funds are allocated to debt relief or non-essential administrative expenditures, Obi’s public tracking of macroeconomic indicators provides a readily available counter-narrative. Furthermore, the simple directive ‘Go and Verify’ has elevated data, transparency, and comparative governance – such as contrasting Nigeria’s declining GDP with the growth of peer economies like Indonesia – into central themes of mainstream civic engagement. Similarly, the focus on the ‘cost of governance,’ by consistently exposing the extravagant spending of the executive and legislative branches, positions him as the champion of institutional integrity, transforming every state budget into a forum for public accountability.

 

In a multi-ethnic Nigeria where power-sharing has long been a cornerstone of national security architecture, Obi’s prominence brings structural anxieties to the surface.

Supporters perceive him as a nationalist offering solutions through expertise, while critics often interpret his candidacy through a narrow regional lens, exploiting ethnic divisions to disrupt potential cross-regional cooperation. The concurrent intensity of these opposing viewpoints underscores his significance as the focal point of Nigeria’s current identity politics discourse.

Crucially, the established political order views Peter Obi as a fundamental threat to the entrenched patronage systems that underpin Nigerian governance. Consequently, efforts within judicial appointments, electoral reforms, and legislative proceedings are often subtly geared towards containment – safeguarding the existing structure from another disruptive shock like the one experienced in 2023.

 

However, given the long history of divisive politics in Nigeria, Peter Obi’s central position does not automatically ensure his ascension to executive power. It does, unequivocally, compel the establishment to acknowledge his presence. Any reforms undertaken by the traditional political elite are motivated by a desire to thwart his advancement. Similarly, any consolidation of their control over democratic institutions serves to shield them from his movement. Yet, in 2027, the plight of over 140 million citizens languishing in abject poverty, despite Nigeria’s abundant resources, a situation exacerbated by the elite’s avarice, cannot be disregarded. Every phenomenon has its conclusion, and 2027 appears poised to mark the end of this political misstep. Indeed, nations lacking democratic structures still manage to provide well-being for their citizens through effective governance. Should the populace’s chosen leader not prevail at this juncture the very foundation of a government deriving its authority from the people’s votes would be jeopardised. May divine intervention guide the project.

Obidient Movement not divided -Peter Obi Media Office

 

*Evolving along PO’s principled approach to governance

 

The Media Office of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has refuted stories that the Obidient Movement is witnessing internal crisis and division.

In a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, the Media Office said rather, the Movement continues to evolve along the principled leadership and governance style of Mr Obi.

Said the statement: “We have become aware of ongoing, manufactured media reports suggesting that the Obidient Movement is experiencing internal divisions or fracturing. We unequivocally refute this claim.

“What those who oppose the current system perceive as disunity is, in fact, the organic and decentralised evolution of a citizen-led coalition.

“To grasp why the Obidient Movement is resilient to traditional political fault lines, one must acknowledge that the Movement embodies an idea of governance anchored on accountability principles of our principal, Peter Obi.”

The statement went on to explain that: “It’s not a conventional political organisation that operates under a rigid hierarchy; the Obidient Movement is founded upon shared values such as accountability, economic advancement, systemic fairness, and capable leadership as embodied by Peter Obi.

“While various civic groups across the nation may employ different strategies, their collective objective is a unified vision for a New Nigeria.

 

“The organic decentralised nature of the Obidient Movement is its source of strength. The absence of a central, easily influenced or compromised leadership body prevents any single individual or subgroup from compromising the aspirations of millions.

“The movement belongs to the Nigerian populace, not to a select group of politicians”, the Media Office said adding that: “The central mission remains unaltered along Peter Obi’s principles and approach to governance.

“Let it be unequivocally understood by both supporters and critics that the Obidient Movement’s steadfast commitment to ending the transactional politics that have held Nigeria captive is absolute.

“There is no division whatsoever regarding our fundamental objectives,” it insisted.

“We implore the public and our vast network of organic supporters globally to dismiss these deliberately orchestrated campaigns of distraction.

“The movement is unified, vigilant, and remains singularly focused on achieving the socio-economic liberation of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

2027: APC want coronation of Tinubu not election – Secondus

 

 

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has accused the Federal Government of using the judiciary to weaken opposition parties and undermine Nigeria’s democratic system in order to return President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Reacting to the recent Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Secondus warned that such actions could pave the way for a one-party state if left unchecked.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the former PDP chairman expressed deep concern over the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, describing it as a dangerous development coming at a time when the affected parties had already concluded their primary elections and were preparing for the 2027 election campaigns.

According to Secondus, the judgment represents more than a setback for the affected political parties, insisting that it constitutes a direct attack on the principles of multi-party democracy, citizen participation and the rule of law.

He alleged that the ruling government was deliberately seeking to weaken opposition parties in pursuit of a one-party political system.

“They are afraid of the election; they want a coronation,” Secondus said.

The former PDP chairman argued that the framers of the Nigerian Constitution envisaged that decisions relating to the deregistration of political parties would be taken shortly after general elections and not in the middle of an electoral cycle.

He maintained that deregistering political parties midway through the electoral process would effectively disenfranchise voters, create political uncertainty and further shrink the democratic space.

Secondus also claimed that the move would have far-reaching consequences, particularly at a time when several political parties are already grappling with internal challenges.

“It is judicial rascality to endorse political exclusion by dissolving parties midway through a cycle,” he stated.

According to him, such actions disrupt the political process, create unnecessary uncertainty and undermine the healthy competition required for democratic growth.

He further argued that democracy thrives when citizens have access to diverse political platforms and competing ideas, warning that dismantling smaller or emerging parties would strengthen the dominance of established political interests while limiting opportunities for grassroots political movements.

“A robust democracy requires a low barrier to entry for alternative ideas. By dismantling smaller or emerging parties mid-cycle, the system heavily favours the entrenched political establishment and locks out grassroots movements needed for a robust democracy,” he said.

He called on stakeholders to defend democratic institutions and ensure that political competition remains open, fair and inclusive as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum. Authority.

 

TCN holds anti-vandalism sensitization in Niger community

 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) held a sensitization campaign against vandalism of transmission infrastructure and building under transmission lines right of way in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.

The campaign, according to a statement from TCN forms part of ongoing efforts to protect transmission installations and enhance a more reliable bulk electricity supply nationwide.

 

In his welcome address, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, expressed appreciation to the district heads, security agencies, and other stakeholders for honoring TCN’s invitation.

He stated that the sensitization programme was convened in response to the increasing incidents of vandalism on transmission facilities, noting that regularity of the acts were unprecedented in the history of transmission lines vandalism.

 

Engr. Shuaibu emphasized that vandals often sell stolen transmission components for negligible amounts, while their actions plunge entire communities into darkness.

He stressed that prolonged outages could have grave consequences, particularly for hospitals and other essential services that depend on stable power supply.

Suaibu further noted that vandalism impedes the growth of Nigeria’s power sector, as funds earmarked for network expansion and new projects are diverted to replacing damaged infrastructure

 

The act, he said is sometimes fatal as the vandal is sometimes electrocuted while carrying out the act.

 

Also speaking at the event, the NSCDC representative in Niger State, DSE Adah Ngbede, warned that the consequences of vandalism are severe and that perpetrators will be apprehended and prosecuted.

He stressed the need to protect TCN facilities, stating, “No TCN, No Light.”

 

The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, addressed the gathering in Hausa and appealed to his community to embrace TCN’s partnership initiative.

He emphasized that transmission infrastructure belongs to the people and urged residents to take ownership of the facilities by remaining vigilant and collaborating with security agencies.

 

Similarly, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Galadima Edward, urged residents to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity around transmission towers and other power installations.

Edward assured the community of the police’s readiness to respond swiftly to credible information and to collaborate with other security agencies to prevent acts of vandalism.

 

The campaign seeks to educate community members on the dangers and far-reaching effects of vandalizing electricity transmission infrastructure, while encouraging greater community participation in safeguarding these assets.

 

The sensitization campaign continues with stakeholder engagements, awareness sessions, and sustained appeals for community support in safeguarding transmission infrastructure for the benefit of all.

 

The event attracted a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Vigilante Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency (NISTMA), traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the press.

Court Judgement: Democracy under siege -Atiku

 

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned in the strongest terms the judgment seeking to deregister the ADC and several other opposition political parties, describing it as a dangerous assault on constitutional democracy and further evidence of a coordinated effort to eliminate political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ruling should alarm every Nigerian who believes in democracy, political pluralism, and the rule of law.

He noted that the judgment was particularly troubling because it was delivered in the face of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal which had expressly stayed further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.

“The judgment represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

“What makes the situation even more disturbing is that this judgment was purportedly delivered despite a clear and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. On May 22, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, granted an application staying further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 pending the hearing and determination of the appeal before it.

“The implication of that order is not ambiguous. A stay of proceedings means precisely what it says. It freezes every further step in the matter, including the delivery of judgment. Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious questions about respect for the hierarchy of courts and fidelity to the rule of law.

“This latest judgment therefore does not merely contradict a subsisting appellate order; it strikes at the very foundation of legal certainty and constitutional governance. If court orders can be treated as optional whenever they become inconvenient to those in power, then the rule of law itself is in grave danger.”

Atiku said the judgment fits into an increasingly obvious pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties before the next election cycle.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027.

“Rather than confronting the mounting crises facing the nation—rampant insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment, and the declining purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians—the government appears consumed by a desperate quest to neutralise every viable opposition platform.

 

“This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means.

 

“The Nigerian people can see what is happening. Opposition parties are being targeted. Democratic institutions are being pressured. State power is increasingly being deployed not for national development but for political survival.”

 

The former Vice President urged members of the ADC and supporters of democratic governance across the country not to be discouraged by the ruling.

 

“We wish to reassure all members of the ADC, our supporters, and all Nigerians who believe in democratic competition that we will not be intimidated by these desperate manoeuvres.

 

“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy. It is a battle between those who believe in freedom of choice and those who seek to impose political uniformity through intimidation and institutional capture.

 

“We shall continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to defend our party, protect democratic freedoms, and preserve the multiparty system which remains the cornerstone of our constitutional order.

 

“We call on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, and all patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist every attempt to subvert democratic institutions for partisan advantage.

 

“Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply. It must not be surrendered cheaply.”

 

Atiku stressed that no amount of political desperation can override the Constitution, extinguish the opposition, or silence the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire change.

Kwankwaso never threatened to leave us – NDC

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has disclosed that its presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, never threatened to leave the party.

NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed that such claims were speculations aimed at demarketing the party.

In an interview with Arise News on Saturday night, Director blamed the ruling party and some opposition members for such speculations.

He said: “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso threatened to leave the party, those were just conjectures and media speculations trying to demarket the party and we know where they are coming from.

“Apart from media speculation and those who do not want us to succeed, there were instances in a particular constituency in Delta State where an incumbent allegedly supported five or six aspirants to run against Collins Edema.”

It was widely reported that the former Kano State governor threatened to dump the NDC if his candidates in Kano State were replaced.

NDC had replaced several candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State over an alleged breach of a power-sharing agreement.

Newspot

Kenneth Okonkwo faces another N5 billion suit over alleged bribe by NDC aspirants

 

 

Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has slammed a lawsuit against a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made against him.

Okonkwo had, in an interview on Channels TV on June 8, 2026, allegedly linked the former governor to alleged extortion of aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

He said, “This is why the NDC released a statement that it is only the South East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems.

“Onyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of the South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants”.

Responding, Udenwa’s legal counsel, Soronnadi A. Njoku, SAN, demanded a retraction, a public apology and N5 billion in damages.

The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi had also dragged the actor-turned politician to court over the same allegation. Newspot.