AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Zoom Into Round Of 16, Defeat Tunisia

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December 28, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman were all the Super Eagles needed to book a place in the Round of 16 of the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Tournament in Morocco.

The team defeated tye Carthage Eagles of Tunisia by three goals to two.

With the victory, the Super Eagles go top of its Group and became the first team at the ongoing Championship to garner Six Points and qualify for the next round with a game to spare against the Cranes of Uganda.

The Coach Eric Chelle team started the game brightly at the blast of the whistle, creating several chances, making the Tunisian defense busy.

Osimhen got the first goal late in the first half courtesy of a scintillating cross from Lookman which he nodded home to give the three-time AFCON Champions the lead.

In the second half, Ndidi added the second goal from a corner kick by Lookman, before the Atalanta of Italy forward scored the third goal, after receiving a scintillating pass from Osimhen to give the Super Eagles a comfortable three goal lead.

The Tunisians, however, pulled one back following a set piece from Hannibal Mejbri, which was converted by Montassar Talbi, who headed home to reduce the deficit.

The Carthage Eagles refused to capitulate as they piled more pressure to unsettle the Nigeria defence.

A late drama followed when the Video Assistant Referee, VAR, awarded Tunisia a penalty in the 86th minute followinga handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel, which Ali Abdi converted to make it 3–2 and set up a tense finale.

The Super Eagles absorbed the pressure from the Tunisians to end the game with a win.

Coach Chelle had made two changes from the Team that played the Taifa Stars of Tanzania with Bruno Onyemaichi and Frank Onyeka replacing Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze.

How Actress Allwell Ademola’s Last Prayers To See End Of 2025 Failed Her

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 28, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

It is difficult to describe it as a premonition. She was not ill. She neither complained of fever, stomach discomfort, headache, body pains, nor tiredness. She was up and doing.

It was just about five days to the end of the year, 2025. And Nollywood Actress, producer and movie director, Allwell Ademola, had only one prayer request from God.

She did not keep it to herself. She did not just say it. She sang it.

“In the name of Jesus, I will see the end of this year”, she sang repeatedly. Her face glowed as she sang. Her hair well made, she wore a t-shirt on top of a pair of blue jeans trousers.

But God had another plan for her. He had another assignment for her. For, that, she did not see the end of 2025 as she prayed. Instead, 2025 saw her end.

The sudden death of Actress Ademola, allegedly, of cardiac arrest, on December 27, 2028, has thrown the Industry into mourning. Her colleagues, friends and families are trying to process it and come to terms with it.

When she suddenly slumped,

it was gathered that the Late Actress was rushed to Ancilia Catholic Hospital in Agege, Lagos. But all efforts to save her failed. She passed-on at the age of 43.

This was two days after the Actress took to her Instagram Page to share a video of herself singing and praying that she would see the end of Year 2025.

The news of her death was first shared by filmmaker, Seun Oloketuyi via his Instagram page in a post that has since been deleted, sparking widespread reactions across the industry.

Reacting to the news, actor Damola Olatunji appeared to confirm the loss by posting a candlelight image with the simple but emotional caption: “Life is a mirage.”

Veteran Actress Faithia Balogun Williams wrote: “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke.”

Bidemi Kosoko, clearly shaken, reacted with a strongly-worded message, refusing to come to terms with the news.

She wrote: “No way. No, no, no. Ko possible ooo. This isn’t true. God forbid, in Jesus’ name. I refuse to accept this one Lai Lai. God forbid. Olorun oni je. Just reply to my message, abeg oremi/aunty mi. I will wait patiently for your reply.”

Actor, Muyiwa Ademola, who is a cousin of the deceased took to his Instagram Page and wrote; “It is one of the saddest news I ever got. I don’t know what to write, Sun Re ooo Allwell”, he wrote.

Other of her colleagues have also taken to their Social Media Page to pay tributes to the Actress.

Ademola’s career spanned more than a decade and a half in Nigerian film and television industry, earning her a place as one of the industry’s most recognizable faces.

She appeared in numerous Nollywood films and projects, including False Flag, a 2017 movie she not only starred in but also produced and directed, as well as Tiwa’s Baggage.

She was also a regular presence in both English and Yoruba cinema, with over 30 acting credits to her name.

In recent years, Ademola had transitioned successfully into television, gaining wider attention for her roles in Badcop and Murder at the Bar, both launched in 2023.

Fans admired her for her versatility, warmth, and commitment to her craft.

Beyond her screen work, she was known for her candid reflections on life.

Kidnappers Rob Victim Of Car, Cash, Valuables After Failed Abduction

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Ayodele Oni

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December 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A kidnapped victim in Ondo State has been rescued by a team of security personnel after losing the sum of N1.7million, car and other valuables to his abductors.

The Ondo State Police Command revealed that his rescue followed a reported case of armed robbery and abduction, to the police in Owo.

A statement on Saturday by the spokesman of the command, Jimoh Kazeem stated that “a distress call was received at the A’ Division Police Headquarters, Owo, from one Major Tajudeen, who reported that Ali Kolade (male) of Ijelu Quarters, Owo, had been abducted from his residence by armed men, who also made away with his unregistered black Toyota Corolla car.

“Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer mobilized a response team in collaboration with the military and embarked on an intensive pursuit of the suspects.

“Although the suspects managed to escape, the victim was successfully rescued. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention and subsequently debriefed by investigators.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, numbering six (6), robbed the victim of the following items: Samsung handset, Itel mobile phone, iPad, Black Toyota Corolla car, and sum of ₦1.47 million, transferred from the victim’s bank account.

“Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing, with concerted efforts being intensified to identify, track, and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”

The Command commends residents for their timely report and cooperation and once again urges members of the public to continue providing credible and actionable information that will aid crime prevention and detection.

Gumi: Nigerians Should Learn To Live With Fulanis Herdsmen

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Ayodele Oni

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December 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended Fulani herdsmen saying Nigerians must learn to live with them, insisting that they are part of the country.

Gumi made the remarks in a video shared on X(formerlyTwitter)where he stated that the herdsmen belong to Nigeria and would not be driven away.

“They are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them. We must learn to live together and should never become enemies with them.

“Your real enemy will use your neighbour against you, and nobody knows your secrets more than your neighbour.

“He knows when you return and when you leave. So we should never allow herdsmen to be our enemies,” he said.

He stressed that no group could force them out, just as they could not drive others away, noting that they are neighbours who should not be regarded as enemies.

According to the cleric, turning Fulani herdsmen into enemies will have grave consequences for the nation, warning that such a move could spell doom for Nigeria.

Gumi further argued that the country’s real enemies could exploit the situation, as the herdsmen are familiar with the nation’s inner workings.

Rivers State: “Nobody Can Use Us, Agreement Must Be Respected” -Wike Insists

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 27, 2025

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The political trenches in Rivers state may not have closed definitively, despite pretensions by the actors.

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, a principal actor in the melodramatic political battle on Saturday, December 27, 2025, took a surprise swipe at those he derisively referred to as “later day supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

In an apparent reference to Governor Siminalayi Fubaraand others, Wike vowed never to allow those who could not muster enough courage pre-2023 general elections to openly support Tinubu to now take the shine off those that really stood firm to face the “bullet” before, during and after the elections.

At a meeting with stakeholders from the Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Councils of Rivers state after a thanksgiving ceremony by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chairman of the South South Development Commission, SSDC, Chibudum Nwuche, held in his home town of Ochigba, Ahoada East, Wike, while criticizing the tendency by some people to renege on agreements, however, assured that real politicking will commence in the coming year.

The FCT Minister expressed serious concern and regret that some people who were timid and afraid to identify with the political aspirations of President Tinubu in 2023 in Rivers state are now shamelessly, shouting on “your mandate we stand” as well as endlessly praising the President to curry favour.

He warned that he and his supporters who braced the odds to stand firmly with the President when it mattered most in 2023 will not allow themselves to be pushed aside by political “gold diggers”

” In 2023, it was difficult for many people, especially those now shouting “on your mandate we stand” to campaign for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu .

“But on our part,(Wike and supporters) we came out boldly to declare our support for the President. We stood firm and boldly on the mandate.

“And to God be the glory, “on your mandate we stand” today is very strong. So you are the ones (supporters) who made the mandate to be strong as far as Rivers state is concerned, and nobody, especially those who are now claiming to be standing on the mandate will push you aside

“If we did not shout that time ( 2023) stand, firm, will they be shouting now?, Wike queried.

Further speaking, and in a tone suggesting that all may not be well between his camp and that of Governor Fubara, Wike blasted those who he said has failed to honour agreements reached after benefitting from the collective struggle of his supporters.

However, he promised that the year 2026 will be a defining moment, the time the real politics will unfold in Rivers state.

“Let me inform you, we will start politics by January 2026. We will start real politicking then .

“You know me. I believe in people fulfilling agreements reached. Agreement is an agreement no matter what. Anything you know you cannot do, don’t promise to do it.

“Nobody can use us to achieve something and then turn around to renege on the agreement made . For me, whatever you agreed in the morning, you should also be ready to agree at night.

“So, don’t be worried or scared by the later day Tinubu supporters who are busy going about shouting “on your mandate we stand”. We shouted when it mattered most.”

This is as he reaffirmed the unflinching commitment and loyalty of his supporters to the second term ambition of President Tinubu.

The Source further reports that Governor Fubara, who has been having a running battle with Wike his political godfather, has, since joining forces with the ruling party at the centre some weeks back, been praising the President with a promise to deliver him in Rivers state come 2027.

It is, however, gathered the Governor’s new found “love'” with President Tinubu has been very unsettling to Wike who is said to have become increasingly vulnerable to the possibility of being thrown overboard.

COAS In Sokoto, Energizes Troops To Intensify War Against Bandits

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Ayodele Oni

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December 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

In continuation of his maiden visit to army formations, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), LG Gen Waidi Shaibu on Saturday visited the 248 Reconnaissance Battalion in Illela, Sokoto State, and units under the 8 Division Area of Responsibility.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Shaibu, during the visit, declared that the Nigerian Army will no longer tolerate the excesses of bandits and terrorists against the Nigerian people.

Addressing troops of the 248 Reconnaissance Battalion in Illela, Sokoto State, during an operational visit to formations and units under the 8 Division Area of Responsibility, he lauded officers for their untiring effort in war against terrorism.

In a press statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Appolonia Anele, the COAS charged troops of 8 Division, Sokoto, and the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to sustain the current operational tempo and decisively eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within the area.

The Army Chief commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience in confronting criminal elements whose activities have caused untold hardship to innocent Nigerians.

He lauded their operational successes, noting that sustained military pressure has significantly improved security across the Area of Responsibility.

“I commend you for your courage, professionalism and the operational successes recorded so far. Your sacrifices have translated into improved security in your Area of Responsibility.

“You must maintain the momentum to further annihilate and send the terrorists to their maker who is to decide what to do with them. We can no longer tolerate their excesses against the Nigerian people,” the COAS stated.

Shaibu further reassured the troops of his unwavering commitment to their welfare and well-being. He directed the construction of additional accommodation, medical and other essential facilities at Illela Barracks to boost morale, enhance living conditions and improve the operational effectiveness of troops and their families.

Northerners Are Waiting For Anybody That Will Force The New Tax Law On Them” – Sheikh Alkali Zaria

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 27, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

As controversy and uncertainty continue to dog the new tax reforms law, a renowned Kaduna based Islamic scholar and preacher, Sheikh Abubakar Alkali Zaria, has vowed that Northerners will not submit themselves to the new tax regime.

The Source reports that the tax reforms law has been facing scathing criticisms arising from alleged discrepancies between the bill as passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly and the gazetted law itself.

Since the lid was blown open concerning the alleged doctoring of the gazetted law, by Hon Abdulsammad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto state ,there have been widespread indignation and condemnation of the development with not a few calling for a halt to the commencement of the implementation of the exercise scheduled for January 1 ,2025 , pending the resolution of the observed discrepancies.

However, the Federal Government appears not to be persuaded by the plethora of dissenting voices, as it has remained adamant on the sanctity of January, 1, 2026 implementation date.

According to the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms ,Taiwo Oyedele , the commencement date remains sacrosanct irrespective of any misgivings against the policy.

“The plan to commence the new tax reforms law -the two remaining new laws on January 1, 2026 will go ahead as planned, because these reforms are designed to provide relief to the Nigerian people”, Oyedele stated .

But in a viral video online, Sheikh Alkali Zaria not only vowed that Northerners will resist the payment of the new tax regime ,but warned that the region will deal decisively with any member of the National Assembly from the North that is seen to be in support of the controversial tax reforms law.

” Arewa ( North) will never pay Tinubu’s tax. We are waiting for who will force us to pay. Look,we are waiting to see who will come and force this tax law on us.

“By Allah,I am saying with a loud voice, any Senator or member of the House of Representatives who is supporting this new tax law will be dealt with once he/she is back home.

“We sent you people (National Assembly members) to go and represent us, Democracy is for the people, by the people.

“To you Senators and House of Representatives members, I am congratulating you people because you will be beaten up .

“Now, when they first removed petroleum products subsidy ,who did it help in the country? . We don’t have any issues with anybody except those who passed and signed that tax reforms bill into law” ,Sheikh Alkali Zaria stated .

The Islamic scholar described the new tax reforms law as not only obnoxious and anti-people, but also a threat to democracy as it is in contradiction to the popular will of the people

PDP Lashes Governor Abdulrazaq Over Continued Silence On Offa Explosion

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 27, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kwara State Chapter, has tackled Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara over his continued silence on the Offa Explosion that claimed many lives and destroyed properties.

The PDP faulted the Kwara State Government in what it described as a lack of official response following the explosion that occurred in Offa, the headquarters of Offa Local Government Area, leaving residents anxious and seeking clarity on the incident.

It would be recalled that on Christmas day, explosions rocked parts of Offa Community, damaging property and prompting security agencies to cordon off affected areas as investigations commenced.

In a statement issued in Ilorin and signed by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the opposition party said the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration has failed to address the public or offer reassurance since the incident.

The PDP expressed sympathy with the people of Offa, especially the Olofa of Offa, Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye I, as well as residents, business owners and communities affected by the explosion.

“It is unfortunate that while residents ran for their lives in fear and confusion, the state governor and his government were conspicuously missing in action, both physically and in communication,” the statement read.

According to the party, there has been no official explanation, no security briefing, no visible government presence at the scene, and no word of reassurance to residents of Offa and other parts of the state as of the time the statement was released.

“This dangerous vacuum of leadership has fuelled panic, rumours and widespread anxiety among innocent citizens,” the PDP said.

It maintained that a responsible government would have promptly visited the affected area, carried out an on-the-spot assessment and provided clear information to the public.

“Sadly, in Kwara today, citizens are abandoned to social media speculation because their government has failed in its most basic duty of providing leadership in times of crisis,” the statement added.

The PDP further described as unacceptable the governor failure to address the people, that no state or local government official has visited Offa to identify with victims, and that security agencies have not adequately briefed the public.

It characterised the situation as “irresponsible, insensitive and reckless governance,” particularly during a festive period when citizens should experience peace and safety.

The party called on the Governor to “urgently return from Abuja, visit Offa to assess the situation, and support affected residents.”

“The Governor must brief the people of Kwara on the true situation in Offa and convene a joint security clarification to put an end to the growing panic,” the statement said.

It stressed that the people of Offa deserved truth, protection and leadership at such a critical moment, rather than silence.

US Airstrike: ADC Tackles President Tinubu For Outsourcing His Constitutional Responsibility; Demands Report On Casualties

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 27, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has blasted President Bola Tinubu for allowing the United States of America, USA, airstrikes in Sokoto State.

The ADC stated that there is urgent need for President Tinubu to address its domestic challenges, and tackled him for outsourcing his constitutional responsibilities to the US.

Bolaji Abdullahi, Spokesperson for the ADC wrote on X Handle (former Twitter) that: “President Bola Tinubu has outsourced his most important constitutional responsibility, effectively taking a back seat in a vehicle that he is constitutionally assigned to drive.

“When the President of Nigeria appears compelled to report himself to another head of state, even tagging a foreign President in a Christmas Day message, Nigerians are entitled to ask who is truly in charge of our country?”

On Christmas day, the United States conducted airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria’s Sokoto State in what officials described as coordinated action with Nigerian authorities to counter jihadist threats in the northwest.

The US Africa Command said the strikes targeted ISIS‑linked positions after Washington and Abuja shared intelligence, though information on casualties and the precise role of Nigerian forces has been limited and sparked debate over sovereignty and communication.

The ADC acknowledged the broader security context in the country, urging President Tinubu to swing into action and address the situation.

“The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), recognises the serious security challenges confronting Nigeria and affirms that the protection of Nigerian lives and the defeat of terrorism must remain a central national priority.

“We, therefore, support all lawful and effective measures aimed at saving lives and restoring security,” the party said.

The ADC further raised its concerns about foreign military involvement.

“Nevertheless, the ADC reiterates its long-standing opposition to the physical operation of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil.

“We must not allow our desperation today to compromise the sovereignty of our country in whatever form or guise.”

It clarified its position regarding the recent airstrikes, framing them as a last-resort measure,

“It is in this context that we accept the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes on ‘terrorist locations’ in Sokoto State on Thursday, December 25, 2025, only as a desperate measure that must not be allowed to substitute for a Nigeria-led action against its domestic security challenges,” the party asserted.

The Party criticised the All Progressives Congress, APC, led Tinubu administration on its handling of national security.

The ADC explicitly attributed the reliance on foreign action to administrative failings.

“As an anomaly, the action can only be justified in the context of the historic incompetence of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in dealing with the nation’s security challenges.

“This is what happens when a government behaves as though governance is all about revenue collection and all other issues, including national security and diplomacy, could be treated as an afterthought,” Abudllahi quoted the ADC as saying.

It also expressed concern over how information about the strike was communicated to Nigerians.

“The manner in which Nigerians were informed of this development is equally troubling. When it comes to politics and propaganda, the President addresses the nation directly.

“Yet, when faced with an issue as sensitive, momentous, and consequential as a foreign military strike on Nigerian soil, the primary source of information was a social media post by the American President, while the only information coming from Nigeria was from a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“This reflects a frightening lack of awareness of the historic significance of this incident by the President of Nigeria,” it concluded.

The Party demanded for transparency, urging the government to “inform Nigerians of the outcomes of the strike, including the number of terrorists reportedly killed.”

Fayose Attacks Makinde: You Are “A Small Boy” In Nigeria’s Politics; You Have Become A Political Orphan

By

James Orji

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December 27, 2025

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Fayose and Makinde — LR, Ayodele Fayose and Governor Seyi Makinde

Former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose has described Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state as “a small boy” in Nigeria’s politics. The former governor described himself as an “elder statesman” who fought his political battles as governor without the support of any “godfather”.

Fayose’s attack on the Oyo state helmsman came few weeks after his jabs against former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in the aftermath of the former governor’s 65th birthday celebrations attended by the former Nigerian Leader.

The former governor also spoke a few days after Makinde launched a verbal attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of being at the middle of the leadership crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The Oyo helmsman had accused Wike, a former political ally, of pursuing personal interests at the expense of the party, saying Wike’s plan to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to power in 2027 has blinded him, and in turn destroying the PDP.

Fayose is a close ally of the FCT Minister and has promised, in a recent interview to survive or sink with Wike. “I’m a Wike person. Anywhere Wike is, that is where I am,” the former governor said in an interview on TVC.

According to him, Makinde has become a political orphan, saying the governor has destroyed all the PDP structure in the South west.

He also claimed that those that worked for Makinde to become governor have also deserted him, accusing the governor of cornering the resources in the state for himself alone.

According to Fayose, “almost everybody who worked for his ascension has been driven away,” noting that the Oyo governor “ has destroyed all PDP structures in the South-West.”

Recall that Governor Makinde and Wike were part of the “G5 Governors” in the PDP who refused to wokk for their party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abukara, because according to them, they wanted power to shift to the South.

The duo alongside three other governors of Benue, Enugu and Abia, at the time worked for the incumbent, Tinubu who won the election.

Not long after the election, Wike and Makinde parted ways politically, and have since been attacking each other.

The governor said the FCT Minister is angry with him because he refused to work for Tinubu’s re-election.