Injury to one is an injury to all – Atiku warns Tinubu over safety of Peter Obi

 

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Peter Obi — the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress — must not be harmed in any way.

 

Atiku gave the warning in a statement by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday.

 

The warning appears to be linked to Peter Obi’s recent public expression of concern about threats to his life during an interview, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The alarm has since stirred concerns among Nigerians who condemned the threats to life over politics.

However, in a terse statemnet, Atiku noted that the safety of every opposition leader is a constitutional obligation of the Nigerian state and a test of its democratic credentials.

 

“Nothing should happen to Peter Obi. An attack on one person is an attack on everyone. When any opposition leader is harassed or intimidated, it weakens the voice of all opposition figures. Once citizens start living in fear because of their political views, democracy itself suffers.”

“The Presidency must understand that democratic leadership demands composure, not contempt. When a citizen, particularly an opposition figure, voices concerns about the state of the nation or his personal safety, the first duty of government is to reassure through statesmanship, facts and responsible conduct—not through insults. Democracies are strengthened by reasoned engagement, not by invective. A government that answers every criticism with abuse projects insecurity, not confidence.

 

“The opposition is not the enemy of Nigeria. Poverty is the enemy. Hunger is the enemy. Insecurity is the enemy. Corruption is the enemy. Kidnapping is the enemy. The daily bloodletting across our communities is the enemy. A government that devotes more energy to attacking its critics than confronting these existential challenges has confused political survival with the purpose of governance,” he stated. Newspot.

Tinubu urges Senate to amend Snr Secondary Education Commission Act

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to consider and pass the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The President said the proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening the administration and governance of public senior secondary education in Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter during plenary on Thursday.

In the letter, Tinubu noted that the amendment bill was approved by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting of April 30, 2026.

“The purpose of the bill is to strengthen the administration and governance of public senior secondary education in Nigeria,” the letter reads.

The President said the proposed legislation aligns with his administration’s commitment to strengthening educational institutions in the national interest.

“In consequence of the above, the desire of this administration to strengthen the educational institutions in the national interest, the National Senior Secondary Education Commission Amendment Bill, 2026, is forwarded for legislative action by the National Assembly,” he said.

Tinubu urged the Senate to give the bill expeditious consideration.

“While it is my hope that the Senate will consider the bill and grant it expeditious passage, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards,” the letter reads.

After reading the letter, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business.

He directed the committee to report back to the chamber within one week. Authority.

NCC charges Nigerian students to protect telecommunications infrastructure

 The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian students to actively protect telecommunications infrastructure across the country, describing such facilities as critical national assets that support education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja recently.

In a release, the EVC, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council on their emergence while commending the smooth transition in the leadership of the student body.

Dr Maida noted that the longstanding relationship between the NCC and NANS has continued to flourish because of mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement, and expressed confidence that the current leadership would build on the achievements of its predecessors.

The EVC encouraged the student body to remain actively involved in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement processes, particularly public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related initiatives, to ensure that the interests and perspectives of Nigerian students are adequately represented in policy development.

Speaking on challenges facing the telecommunications industry, Dr. Maida identified vandalism of telecommunications facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure, and right-of-way challenges as major factors affecting service delivery across the country.

He urged NANS to support ongoing awareness efforts by sensitising students on the importance of safeguarding telecommunications facilities located within and outside educational institutions.

The EVC also highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the Commission to advance digital inclusion and create opportunities for young Nigerians. These include the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions across the country, and ongoing efforts to support digital learning and innovation.

Earlier, the President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye, expressed appreciation to the NCC for maintaining a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the student body over the years, and commended the Commission for its openness to strengthening engagement between the Commission and the student body through dialogue and mutual understanding.

He acknowledged the role of the NCC in fostering a culture of dialogue and stakeholder engagement, noting that the Commission’s approach has continued to encourage the student body to pursue peaceful and responsible advocacy on national issues.  Authority.

Tinubu sends bill to repeal, replace 2015 Criminal Justice Act to Senate

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a bill to the Senate seeking to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and enact a new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter during plenary on Thursday.

In the letter, Tinubu said the proposed law is aimed at strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the Federal Capital Territory and other federal courts across the country.

“The general objective of the bill is to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and to enact the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2026,” the letter reads.

It will also establish an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council for effective and efficient administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.

Tinubu said the bill seeks to promote efficient management of criminal justice institutions, ensure speedy dispensation of justice, and protect society from crime.

It will also safeguard the rights and interests of suspects, defendants and victims, and ensure compliance by courts and law enforcement agencies.

According to the President, the decision to repeal the 2015 Act followed the identification of challenges including delays in investigations and prosecution, and inadequate deployment of technology in criminal proceedings.

Other challenges listed are weak coordination among criminal justice institutions, inefficient case management, and limitations in monitoring compliance with the Act.

After reading the letter, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business and directed it to report back to the chamber within one week. Authority

Atiku names Omega Udenze Special Assistant on Community Mobilisation

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has named Omega Udunze as Special Assistant, Community Mobilisation (South-East).
The appointment reinforces the ADC Presidential candidate’s commitment to grassroots engagement, inclusive participation, and strategic mobilisation across the South-East ahead of the 2027 Presidential Election.
Udunze’s appointment as Special Assistant, Community Mobilisation (South-East), is effective 1st of April 2026.
“The appointment reflects the campaign’s commitment to strengthening grassroots engagement, expanding strategic community outreach, and deepening partnerships across the South-East as part of a broader national effort to promote democratic participation, national unity, and people-centred development.”
Udunze, who hails from Imo State, is an accomplished literary scholar, and the Chief Executive Officer of Khaimaenergy Ltd. He has built an extensive career in community development, humanitarian programming, peacebuilding, agricultural empowerment, and stakeholder engagement.
His professional experience includes consultancy assignments with CARE International (USA), where he supported community development initiatives; the Community Mobile Clinic and Gender Base Centre, advancing community health and gender-responsive programmes; agricultural community empowerment through greenhouse plantation initiatives designed to improve livelihoods and food security; and Mercy Corps International (UK), where he contributed to community engagement and conflict resolution programmes that strengthened peacebuilding and social cohesion.
In his capacity as Special Assistant, Community Mobilisation (South-East), Udunze will coordinate grassroots mobilisation efforts across the region, working closely with the Zonal, State, Local Government, Ward and Polling Unit Agents Coordinators in the South-East.
He will also engage with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women organisations, professionals, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and other critical stakeholders to advance inclusive participation and strengthen support for the vision of a better Nigeria.
The Atiku 2027 Presidential Project remains committed to inclusive leadership, national unity, economic transformation, youth empowerment, security, and good governance. As preparations continue for the 2027 elections, the campaign will continue to engage Nigerians across all geopolitical zones in pursuit of a shared national future founded on justice, equity, and opportunity for all.

State-sponsored threats, hostilities against Obi, his businesses must end -Media Team

 

*Rejects Presidency’s reaction as tenuous

 

Peter Obi Media Office has warned that state-sponsored threats and other forms of hostilities against the Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi must stop.

In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, the Office lamented that the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party has come under frustrating attacks and distractions that are limiting his safety and freedom as a citizen of the country.

Below is the full statement:

“The Peter Obi Media Office has carefully studied the response of the Presidency to Peter Obi’s justifiable alarm on his life and businesses and takes serious exception to the tenuous and uncultured words used in the response.

 

“The Presidency’s insubstantial response is compelling the Peter Obi Media Office to urgently inform the Nigerian public and the international community of a disturbing and escalating campaign against Mr Peter Obi, marked by intimidation and threats.

 

“We raise this alarm not from fear, but as a duty to safeguard our democracy from descending into authoritarianism.

 

“Recent actions by the government, which are underscored by their flimsy reaction to Obi’s interview, have crossed from typical political friction to a concerted effort aimed at undermining Mr Obi’s resolve, restricting his freedom, and thwarting his advocacy for a reformed Nigeria. With engineered bureaucratic obstacles, invasive surveillance, and hostility from state forces, the government’s interference is stark.

 

“Equally troubling is the pattern of actions directed at businesses and investments associated with Mr Peter Obi. “Whether by coincidence or design, these developments have created the perception of a calculated attempt to undermine his legitimate personal and business interests. Such perceptions are corrosive to investor confidence and have no place in a constitutional democracy.

“Obi’s Media team have been moving around with him across the country and can attest to the harassment being meted out to him and to his supporters. There has been a noticeable

and increasingly hostile political environment around Obi.

“For instance, some security agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC and DSS, have had issues with Obi’s supporters. We recall the attack on Obi at the home of the former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, and the case of Justice Crack, a prominent civil society activist widely known for supporting Obi. His abduction in Abuja under circumstances that generated widespread public concern, followed by his eventual arraignment on charges many considered questionable. It took sustained public pressure from patriotic Nigerians before his whereabouts became publicly known.

 

“Democracy does not require citizens to agree with those in power. It requires governments to tolerate dissent without weaponising state institutions, resorting to intimidation, or attempting to silence opposition voices. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, political intolerance has increasingly become a defining feature of governance.

 

“Mr Peter Obi’s concerns regarding his personal safety and the increasingly hostile political climate should not be dismissed with childish insults. The foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. That constitutional obligation extends to every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, and certainly includes the country’s foremost opposition leader.

 

“Peter Obi supporters want to make it clear that he is not just a political figure but a leader who embodies the hopes of countless Nigerians yearning for good governance and prosperity. Therefore, any attempts to silence or harm him are attacks on the Nigerian people.

 

“We will not stand by while those who have failed Nigeria misuse state power against the single voice that speaks truth to power.

 

“We demand an immediate halt to hostilities against Obi and an end to the obstruction and intimidation he faces. The federal government will be held accountable for any harm that befalls Mr Obi or his associates.

 

“If the goal is to silence him, know that you cannot intimidate a man whose strength comes from the collective will of a nation longing for change.

 

“Using police state tactics will neither alleviate our economic struggles nor secure our nation. We urge the government to redirect its efforts toward addressing the rampant insecurity and hunger afflicting Nigeria rather than fixating on the movements of a man dedicated to national progress.

“A word is enough for the wise,” the statement concluded.

Araraume disowns statements, re-states loyalty to APC, good relationship with Gov Uzodimma

 

 

Senator representing Okigwe Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has dissociated himself from statements in circulation that he has declared himself the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Okigwe senate seat in the upcoming general election.

In a statement on Wednesday, Araraume said that as a loyal party man, he was waiting for the decision of the APC on who flies the party flag for Okigwe and would never declare himself the candidate.

He denied ever issuing such statements and also denied having any sour relationship with the Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

According to the statement: “The attention of Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, PhD, has been drawn to false, unauthorised, and mischievous publications currently circulating on various media platforms purported to have been issued by him, most particularly, the one bearing the title ‘A Message of Gratitude, Unity, and a Clarion Call to Rebuild Okigwe Zone’.

 

“Senator Araraume unequivocally disassociates himself from the said publication or publications. At no time did he authorise, approve, or cause the release of any statement.

“It is a complete fabrication, deliberately concocted to mislead the public, distort his position, and create unnecessary tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.

“Senator Araraume remains a steadfast, disciplined, and committed member of the All Progressives Congress. His loyalty to the party, its leadership, and its ideals is unwavering.

“He has consistently conducted himself in accordance with the Constitution of the APC and remains fully committed to its internal democratic processes and decisions,” the statement said.

 

It went further state that: “As a firm believer in constitutional democracy and party supremacy, Senator Araraume is patiently awaiting the official position and final decision of the party regarding the Imo North Senatorial Primary.

“Contrary to the false claims contained in the fabricated publications, he has not declared himself the party’s candidate and will only communicate through recognised and authorised channels” adding that Senator Araraume enjoys a cordial, respectful, and constructive relationship with Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State.

The statement insisted that any suggestion of disagreement, hostility, or political friction between them exists only in the imagination of the authors of the false publications and should be disregarded.

“Senator Araraume firmly believes that the success of the APC is a collective responsibility. He remains committed to fostering unity, mutual respect, and cooperation among all party stakeholders, recognising that the strength of the party lies in its cohesion and collective purpose.

 

“Senator Araraume completely and unequivocally dissociates himself from any publications and statements contained therein. The documents are the handiwork of mischief makers and political opportunists whose objective is to sow discord, misrepresent his views, and create divisions where none exist.

“Their desperate attempt to undermine the unity and stability of the party will not succeed” and therefore calls on members of the APC, the people of Imo North, the good people of Imo State, the media, and the general public to disregard such publications in their entirety, as they are false, misleading, and of no consequence whatsoever.”

 

The ranking Senator said he remains focused, law abiding, and resolutely committed to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu vowing to continue to pursue the unity, progress, and development of Imo State and Nigeria through lawful and responsible engagement.

Threat to life: NDC-POSN demands protection of Obi ahead of 2027

 

 

The NDC-Peter Obi Support Network (NDC-POSN) has expressed concern over what it described as the alleged harassment and intimidation of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure his safety and protect the democratic rights of all political actors.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Mercy L. Akums, the support group said it was disturbed by recent comments made by Obi during an interview on the With Chude programme, in which he expressed fears about his personal safety and political future.

 

According to the group, Obi alleged that he had been subjected to persistent frustration in both his personal and professional activities, claiming that actions by the government were deliberately targeted at him.

 

Among the incidents cited by the former Anambra State governor was an alleged episode at an airport where, according to him, his vehicle was locked while others were allowed to proceed.

 

Obi also claimed that some of his associates had become reluctant to publicly associate with him or invite him to personal events out of fear of possible repercussions.

 

Reacting to the allegations, the NDC-POSN said any form of intimidation, economic sabotage or harassment directed at opposition figures would undermine Nigeria’s democracy and threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

 

The group expressed solidarity with Obi and the NDC presidential ticket, stating that it rejected any attempt to interfere with the legitimate political activities of opposition leaders and their supporters.

 

It called on the Federal Government to conduct a transparent investigation into the allegations and ensure that no individual or institution engages in actions capable of endangering lives or frustrating lawful political participation.

 

The support group also urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide adequate security for Obi, his family and other political actors exercising their constitutional rights.

 

In addition, it appealed to political stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The NDC-POSN reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising support for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, maintaining that attempts to intimidate opposition figures would not deter its campaign activities.

 

The group urged its members and supporters nationwide to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on pursuing political change through democratic means. Authority.

₦100 Banknotes remains a legal tender -CBN

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has clarified the status of N100 banknotes insisting that it remains a legal tender.

Te clarification, signed by Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, Ag. Director, Corporate Communication of CBN said, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to reports of the rejection of the standard ₦100 banknote by some members of the public, businesses, and other stakeholders, apparently due to doubts about its continued legal tender status.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN hereby reiterates that both the commemorative ₦100 banknote and the standard ₦100 banknote remain legal tender in Nigeria and must be accepted for all transactions nationwide. The commemorative ₦100 banknote, which was introduced to mark Nigeria’s centenary, did not replace the existing standard ₦100 banknote.”

CBN went on to say that: “The CBN strongly cautions individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and other economic agents against rejecting the standard ₦100 banknote. Such rejection constitutes a violation of the provisions of the CBN Act and undermines confidence in the national currency. The Bank will not hesitate to apply appropriate enforcement

measures against any person or entity found to be in breach.”

“The Bank remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Naira, ensuring confidence in all duly issued banknotes, and promoting smooth currency circulation across the country.

 

Accordingly, it said members of the public are urged to accept and transact with all banknotes legally issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the statement said.

 

Members of the public have also been advised to contact the Bank through its official communication channels if they need further clarification. SunriseReporters.

El-Rufai: Obi calls for fair treatment, warns against selective Justice

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has called for the fair treatment of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is administered without bias.
Obi, who is currently attending an event in the United States, made the appeal in a post on his verified X handle after watching a viral video showing an emotional Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of the former governor.
In a message titled “A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart,” the former Anambra State governor said he was deeply moved by the video and urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that every Nigerian receives fair and transparent treatment before the law.
“I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future,” Obi wrote.
He maintained that regardless of the allegations against El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice should be transparent and guided by due process.
According to Obi, bail conditions imposed on suspects should be reasonable and should not appear punitive before trial.
He stressed that democratic institutions exist to protect the rights of every citizen irrespective of status or political affiliation.
Obi warned against what he described as any appearance of selective justice, saying such practices could erode public confidence in the justice system and undermine national unity.
“We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity,” he stated.
The former governor urged security and law enforcement agencies to act professionally and strictly within the confines of the law in carrying out their responsibilities.
He added that building a just society where every citizen is treated with dignity and fairness remains central to his vision of a “New Nigeria.”
“Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage,” Obi said.