“PDP Is Dead, We Cannot Risk Our Political Future” – Defecting Zamara Lawmakers Declare

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December 25, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Six suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly on Thursday December 25, 2025, announced their resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and subsequent defection to the rival All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Source reports that the affected Lawmakers were about two years ago axed by the leadership of the Legislative body loyal to Governor Dauda Lawal pover alleged anti-party activities and acts considered to be inimical to the interest of the House.

Since their purported suspension, they have been operating mainly from Kaduna State where they periodically meet under the leadership of their factional Speaker, Rt Hon Bashir Aliyu Gummi.

In their separate letters of defection submitted late Wednesday evening December 24, 2023, to Speaker Gummi, the estranged Lawmakers cited their almost two years of suspension and the festering leadership and internal crises rocking the PDP as major reasons for their action.

The defected members who tendered their letters include the factional Speaker Rt Hon Gummi, representing Gummi 1 state Constituency, Hon Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Barr. Bashir Abubakar Masama,(Bukkuyum North), Hon Bashir Bello, member representing Bungudu West , Hon Amiru Ahmad Keta, Tsafe Waesr,and Hon Muktar Nasir Kaura, representing Kaura state Constituency.

The suspended legislators informed that their decision to formally join the ruling party at the centre was reached during their meeting on Wednesday December 24 in Gusau ,the state capital , noting that after deliberating on the poor management of the House , and arriving at the unfortunate conclusion that the legislative arm of Government has since compromised its duties by way of serving as a rubber stamp to Governor Lawal ,they have no other choice than to join forces with the APC.

“Following the receipt of defection letters from the six ( 6) Hon members including myself ,I wish to formally congratulate everyone of us for joining the Progressives in the country that is the All Progressive Congress APC. May the decision be the beginning of success and development of our dear state and Nigeria at large.

“I consider this bold decision as a wise one that will promote political stability of our dear state and Nigeria at large.

“However our collective decision to dump our former party, PDP, and join the APC marks a new political era in Zamfara state where members of a ruling party defect to the opposition.

“PDP is dead. It is only waiting for burial arrangements in the country because the current leadership has deviated from the manifestos and original purpose which it’s founding fathers enunciated.

“We cannot, therefore, trade our good reputation and political career on the collateral failure caused be selfish individuals. On that note, we have exited in order to move forward”.

The Lawmakers expressed serious concern and regrets that for over two years the faction of the House loyal to the Governor has been taken decisions without their inputs ,as well as denying their constituents representation.

According to them, the legislative body under the influence of Governor Lawal has been passing laws and resolutions without forming quorum, a development which they described as illegal, null and void.

This is as they called on the appropriate authorities, particularly, the National Assembly to urgently look into the situation in the state’s Legislative body with a view to righting the wrong of over two years.

ADC Laments Plight Of Nigerians, Urges Peaceful Co-existence

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Ayodele Oni

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December 25, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has extended warm wishes to Nigerians, urging them to remain hopeful and prayerful despite the nation’s challenges.

In a goodwill message to mark Christmas celebration, the National Publicity Secretary (NPS) of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, acknowledged that many Nigerians are observing Christmas under harsh conditions.

“While we recognise that many of our compatriots are celebrating under very difficult circumstances—amid rising food prices, persistent insecurity, and growing uncertainty about the future of our nation—we believe that this season of love, hope, and compassion calls on us to reflect, to pray, and to persevere as we prepare to enter the New Year.

“As we celebrate, we must remember that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in her people—in our collective resilience, our enduring compassion, and our commitment to peaceful coexistence across faiths, cultures, and communities,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to pray for the victims and communities affected by the Christmas Eve bombing at a mosque in Borno State, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the shared threat posed by insecurity.

“This tragic incident is a painful reminder that insecurity threatens us all, regardless of the language we speak or how we worship God,” Abdullahi noted.

The ADC spokesperson also called on Nigerians to appreciate and pray for those who continue to serve the nation selflessly during the festive period.

“We must pray for and appreciate the sacrifices of the men and women who continue to serve our nation, particularly our security personnel, health workers, and others who must remain on duty and cannot spend Christmas with their families so that others may celebrate in safety.

“Above all, we must pray for Nigeria. We pray that God will bring an end to the suffering in our land and bless our country with leadership anchored in conscience, empathy, justice, and genuine love for the people.

“The African Democratic Congress wishes all Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.”

Oyo PDP Caretaker Member Rejects Appointment

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Ayodele Oni

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December 25, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Less than 24 hours after its Constitution, there is a crack in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee in Oyo state.

The caretaker committee, allegedly at the instance of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is facing credibility problem as a member rejected his appointment.

Oyewole Olaosebikan declined his appointment as a member of the PDP Oyo State Caretaker Committee, citing concerns over the exclusion of Governor Seyi Makinde from the committee’s formation.

In a letter to the the National Chairman, National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, Olaosebikan writes “I write with deep appreciation to the National Working Committee of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the confidence reposed in me through my nomination as a Member of the Oyo State Caretaker Committee.

“I am grateful for the consideration and for the opportunity to serve the Party at any level. However, after sober reflection and wide consultation, I regret to formally decline the appointment.

“My decision is guided principally by my longstanding political convictions and loyalty to leadership. As a committed party man, I have always aligned my political actions and responsibilities with the ideals, vision, and leadership structure under which I serve.

“In this instance, the constitution of the Caretaker Committee, without the input or participation of the Leader of the Party in Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, FNSE, Executive Governor of Oyo State, places me in a difficult position of conscience.

“I hold His Excellency in the highest esteem, and I remain firmly committed to the values, principles, and leadership direction he represents.

“Accepting this appointment under the present circumstances would be inconsistent with those ideals and my personal sense of political propriety.

“This decision is taken with utmost respect to the National Working Committee and without prejudice to my continued loyalty to the PDP and my readiness to serve the Party whenever such service aligns with established leadership structures and shared values.

“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.Yours faithfully,Hon. Oyewole Olaosebikan.”

Ahead 2027: INEC Shortlists Two Associations For Final Registration As Political Party

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Ayodele Oni

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December 25, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

There is apprehension and fear over registration of new political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following report that only two out of 14 associations which seek registration have been cleared.

Although, there is yet to be official position by the Electoral body on this, but it was learnt that INEC cleared only two political associations—the African Alliance Party (AAP) and the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)—to proceed to the final stage of political party registration,.

The development follows months of screening after INEC announced in June 2025 that it had received letters of intent from 110 associations seeking registration as political parties. By early September, the number of applicants had risen to 171 following additional submissions.

On September 11, INEC granted provisional approval to 14 associations, namely the African Transformation Party (ATP), All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA),.

Others are Grassroots Initiative Party (GRIP), Green Future Party (GFP), Liberation People’s Party (LPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), National Reform Party (NRP), Patriotic Peoples Alliance (PPA), and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

In October, the commission further shortlisted eight associations—ADA, CDA, ASP, AAP, DLA, GFP, NDP and PFP—for the next phase of the registration process, citing compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Multiple sources familiar with the process disclosed to TheCable, that INEC has now disqualified six of the eight shortlisted groups after its final assessment, leaving only AAP and DLA cleared to advance.

“Only AAP and DLA have been cleared to move forward. The remaining six associations were disqualified for failing to meet INEC’s final requirements,” one source familiar with the screening process said.

One of the affected associations shared a rejection letter with TheCable, in which INEC cited issues relating to the group’s address as part of the reasons for disqualifying its application. The letter was signed by the commission’s secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The association, however, disputed INEC’s position, insisting that it had formally notified the electoral body of a change of address and duly uploaded the updated details on INEC’s portal.

“INEC officials also carried out physical verification at the new location without raising objections at the time,” a source from the association said.

Another member of one of the disqualified groups accused the commission of denying receipt of documents previously submitted during the registration process.

“They said even all the things that our party presented, they [INEC] don’t have them,” the source said.

ADA Fumes Over Non Registration By INEC, Threatens Court Action

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Ayodele Oni

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December 25, 2025

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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

The All Democratic Alliance (ADA), one of the political groups seeking registration, has threatened to challenge in Court the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over its refusal to register it as a political party.

The party maintained that it satisfied all conditions precedent to such registration and confident that justice, according to its motto, shall ultimately prevail.

ADA, in a statement on Thursday by its national publicity secretary, Leye Igbabo, stated that “it is utterly dismayed by the blatant refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party, having fulfilled all the requirements needed for such registration.”

ADA was one of the 172 associations that applied to be registered as political parties and was among the eight associations that were finally shortlisted by the INEC.

The party revealed that “On Friday 5th December 2025, the Association received a letter from INEC intimating it of its readiness to conduct a verification exercise on the following Monday 8th December 2025.

“Even though the notice was short and suspicious, all members of the NEC across the entire Nigeria, made themselves available for the verification exercise which took place on that Monday 8th December 2025.

“INEC apologized for the very short notice and equally hailed our level of preparedness for the verification exercise. Our National Office at Abuja is well located and equipped for the convenience and comfort of both NEC members and any visitors.

“As we speak today, all the 36 State chapters of the Association have been opened for political activities.

“Throughout the registration exercise and up to the day of the verification, there was never any time that INEC complained about any information not supplied to it. All information were supplied within the stipulated time frame and which INEC did acknowledge accordingly.

“We therefore find the denial by the INEC as not only rude, crude, brazen and predetermined but also highly ominous, calamitous and disastrous to the survival of our hard earned democracy.

“We patriotically call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to rein in his agencies which are becoming stumbling blocks to the sustenance of democratic project in Nigeria. Our hard-earned democracy must be allowed to flourish in the overall interest of the public.

“While we acknowledge the right of any public office holder to seek a second term in office, such ambition must be based on good performance score card and not muzzling of opposition parties or denying registration of new ones that can avail the electorate the opportunity to choose their preferred representatives. The hard-earned democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.

“This level of gangsterism did not even surface during the tenures of the Military General-turned politicians. We are deeply worried that our democracy is now faltering and heading towards a huge rock under the ruling party.

“However, the All Democratic Alliance has resolved to challenge INEC in the competent court of law over its refusal to register it as a political party, having satisfied all conditions precedent to such registration and we are confident that justice, according to its motto, shall ultimately prevail.

“We invite the attention of all stakeholders including operators of governments, INEC, law courts to be deliberate, conscious and intentional in sustaining the fledgling democratic project by playing their roles patriotically as solemnly assigned by the constitution.

“Otherwise, the democratic system may hit the rock and the consequences, as we should know, would be a monumental disaster that is rare in the annals of Nigeria’s chequered political history.”

Borno Xmas Eve Bombing: FG Vows To Track Down Perpetrators

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 25, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Government has ordered an enhanced security framework in parts of Borno State , following the suicide bomb blast that rocked a Mosque within the Gamboru Market in Maiduguri metropolis on Wednesday December 24, 2025.

The Source reports that no fewer than five persons were confirmed dead, and over 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The explosion is believed to be a suicide attack by suspected Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorist elements.

The Borno State Police Command, in a statement late on Wednesday informed that the attack occurred at about 1800hrs at Al-Adum Juma’at Mosque , inside the crowed Market , during prayers, leaving behind 5 persons dead and 35 others injured .

According to the statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, the incident may have been the handiwork of suicide bombers, using Improvised Explosive Devices, IED.

” Preliminary investigations further suggest that the incident may have been a suicide bombing based on the recovery of fragments of suspected suicide vest and witness statements recorded”, the police stated .

But reacting to the unfortunate development on Thursday December 25, 2025, Vice president Kashim Shettima warned that the Federal Government will not tolerate attempts to undermine the fragile peace and stability of the country.

While condemning the attack as a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation, the Vice president, mrwho was the immediate past Governor of Borno, however assured that the Federal Government will continue to prioritize security through the provisions of adequate human and material resources to security agencies in their quest to decisively defeat terrorism.

He further promised that the Federal Government will be deploying additional tactical teams to the areas affected by terrorist activities,and other security challenged parts of the state with a view to tracking down the perpetrators of the heinous and dastardly act.

This is as he sympathized with the families, relations and friends of the victims of the attack.

“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the peace and security of our nation.

“Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately .

“We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all forms .

“We sympathise with the Government of Borno state , residents and families who lost their loved ones in this attack.

“The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law” Shettima noted .

According to the Vice President, since inception, the present administration has continued to prioritize the security of lives and properties of the people .

This commitment he added, will remain steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria .

Why Tinubu Allows Govs To Fiddle With LG Funds

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James Orji

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December 25, 2025

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The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the unwillingness to implement last year’s Supreme Court judgment affirming financial autonomy for the 774 local governments in the country.

In the judgment delivered by the apex court in July last year, the federal government was ordered to pay the monthly LGAS allocations directly to their accounts, instead of paying the sum into the State/ LGA Joint account, which the court said state governors have appropriated for years.

But more than a year after, Abubakar said the federal government has yet to implement the judgment, blaming President Tinubu for the delay, accusing the president of using the funds as “bargaining chip” with state governors to keep them under his control.

The former vice president spoke a few days after President Tinubu threatened to invoke an Executive Order to ensure that the Supreme court judgment is implemented.

Abubakar who shared the remark on his X stated that the president was merely grandstanding on the issue, saying his action amounts to disobedience to the nation’s apex court.

He wrote:” Dear Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by July next year, your administration will have spent two full years deliberately ignoring a binding judgment of the Supreme Court directing the Federal Government to implement direct FAAC allocation to local governments.

“This is not a delay. It is defiance. Your refusal to act is a calculated political move—using obedience to the law as a bargaining chip to force opposition governors into the APC and to keep governors within your party firmly under your control. In doing so, you have reduced the Constitution to a tool of convenience and governance to partisan bargaining.

“Let us be clear: Supreme Court judgments are final, not optional. Persistently refusing to enforce one is a direct breach of the Constitution and a violation of the oath you swore to Nigerians.

“Local governments are the closest arm of government to the people. By withholding their financial autonomy (which ironically you’ve been trumpeting as a core cardinal policy), you are not weakening governors; you are crippling communities, stalling development, and deepening poverty at the grassroots. Roads remain broken, health centres abandoned, salaries unpaid—not by accident, but by choice.

“This situation does not require threats of Executive Orders or political drama. The solution is simple: instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the judgment immediately. Anything short of this is a failure of leadership.

“Your continued inaction sends a clear message: that political control matters more than constitutional duty, that party dominance matters more than economic justice, and that regime survival outweighs the daily suffering of Nigerians already battered by harsh economic policies.

“Nigeria deserves leadership that obeys the law it swore to protect, not one that bends it for political gain.”

Corruption Hindering Nigeria’s Dev, EFCC Boss Says; Malami Spends Christmas In Detention

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James Orji

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December 25, 2025

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Ola Olukoyede - EFCC Chairman — Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman

Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has bemoaned the effects of corruption on Nigeria, saying graft has prevented the country from fulfilling its God-given potentials.

The EFCC boss made the remark in his Christmas message to Nigerians, who joined their counterparts all over the world in celebrating Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ the Savior of Mankind.

According to Olukoyede, God’s blessing will continue to elude the country so long corruption persists.

Olukoyede said, “Let’s join hands together to make our nation greater, stronger and richer. Corruption is a drawback. We should confront it more fiercely to allow the abundant life of God manifest in our nation.”

The magazine reports that the anti-graft agency has stepped up the war against graft in the country in the last few weeks, after arresting some high profile Nigerians who were alleged to have corruptly enriched themselves form the public patrimony.

Among those arrested in the last one month include, former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige and Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation.

The former Nigerian chief Law Officer was alleged by the EFCC to have illegally acquired properties worth over N200 billion while he served under the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari.

Malami has now being charged by the anti-graft agency even though he has denied the allegations.

In the 16 count charge, the EFCC accused the former AGF, his first wife, Hajia Asabe, and his son of fraudulently acquiring multiple properties and funelling billions of naira through bank accounts in Abuja, Knao and Kebbi states. Over 40 properties , the EFCC alleged was acquired by Malami between 2015 and 2025.

Their actions, the anti-graft agency said were in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

Allegations Against Malami

In count one, the EFCC alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Mr Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over N1 billion (N1,014,848,500) in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Count two states that between September 2020 and February 2021, the duo allegedly concealed more than N600 million (N600,013,460.40) through the same company.

In count three, the commission alleged that in March 2021, Mr Malami and his son retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million Sterling Bank loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite knowing the funds were illicit.

Count four alleges that in November 2022, Mr Malami, his son, and Mrs Asabe disguised N500 million used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja.

In count five, the EFCC claimed that between November 2022 and September 2024, the trio conspired to conceal N1,049,173,926.13 paid through Meethaq Hotels Ltd’s Union Bank account.

Count six states that between November 2022 and October 2025, Mr Malami and his son allegedly took control of N1,362,887,872.96 from the same account, knowing it was illicit.

Count seven alleges that in November–December 2018, Mr Malami and Mrs Asabe concealed N700 million used to purchase No 3 Onitsha Crescent, Garki Abuja. (Hamonia Hotels Ltd).

In count eight, between September and December 2020, the duo and Mrs Asabe allegedly concealed N850 million to buy a property in Jabi District, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd).

Count nine states that in February 2018, Malami and Hajia Bashir acquired No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja for N430 million, allegedly from unlawful sources.

In count 10, the pair allegedly concealed N210 million in February 2018 to purchase a property in Asokoro District, Abuja.

Count 11 alleges that between March and June 2021, they concealed N325 million used to acquire No. 1241B Asokoro District, Abuja.

In count 12, the EFCC stated that between November 2015 and January 2016, the duo concealed N120 million used to purchase No. 27 Efab Estate, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

Count 13 alleges that in November 2022, Mr Malami, his son, and Mrs Asabe conspired to hide funds used to acquire a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja.

In count 14, between December 2016 and April 2022, Malami, Mrs Asabe, and others allegedly conspired to acquire additional properties for Mr Malami with proceeds of unlawful activity.

Count 15 states that between June 2023 and January 2023, Mr Malami allegedly concealed N537 million used to purchase multiple properties across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.

Finally, in count 16, the EFCC alleged that between October 2018 and December 2021, Mr Malami concealed N415 million used to acquire several properties in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.

The case filed by the EFCC at the Federal High court, Abuja has been adjourned to January 15, 2026 for hearing.

Bishop Kukah To Christians: Violence Cannot Defeat Violence

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James Orji

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December 25, 2025

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Most Rev. Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese has urged Christians in the country not to resort to violence in the face of persecution against them, believers, he said must rely on faith, prayer and moral witness to defeat their enemies.

The Catholic Bishop made the admonition in his 2025 Christmas message to Nigerians, titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation.”

His message comes on the heels of the backlash he received from not a few Nigerians after he argued that Christians are not being persecuted in the country.

He made the comment after the United States President, Donald Trump warned the federal government to stop Christians genocide in the country, failure which he would be forced to act militarily. The US leader also threatened to impose economic sanctions on Nigeria, part from withdrawing aids to the country, if perpetrators of violence in the country were not reined in.

Kukah, in his reaction had said that Christians were not the only subject of attacks by terrorists, he also downplayed the need for President Trump to intervene.

In his Christmas message he shared on his social media platforms on Thursday, the Bishop noted that “Violence cannot defeat violence,” urging Christians not to worry as a result of the persecution they are facing, saying history has shown that the faith has outlived centuries of violence and attacks against their belief.

He stressed that the birth of Jesus Christ as the Lord and savior of the world is a beacon of hope for mankind in the darkest moments which “darkness cannot overcome.”

He called for a peaceful co-existence among Nigerians calling on the people to unite and put an end to division and hatred in the country, adding that the challenges facing the country will be overcome if everybody works together. .

Kukah: “We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together

“We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together.”

2025 Christmas Message: Jonathan Urges Hope, Unity, and Resilience

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The Source

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December 25, 2025

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Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to Nigerians and friends of Nigeria around the world, calling on citizens to embrace hope, unity, and a renewed commitment to the nation’s shared destiny.

In his 2025 Christmas goodwill message, Dr. Jonathan reflected on the profound significance of Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and God’s enduring promise of redemption and peace, urging citizens to draw strength from faith, hope, and unity amid ongoing national challenges.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of faith, humility, and selfless service, and of the enduring light that shines even in times of uncertainty,” he said.

Acknowledging the economic and social difficulties confronting many Nigerians, the former President urged citizens not to surrender to despair but to remain hopeful and resilient.

“The history of faith teaches us that hope is most powerful when it is tested. Just as the birth of Christ brought a new dawn to a world in search of direction, our collective faith and resilience will see us triumph over our present trials,” Dr. Jonathan stated.

He further emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and national cohesion, describing them as Nigeria’s greatest strengths.

“Our shared humanity and our willingness to live with compassion, mutual respect, and responsibility toward one another remain the foundation of a stronger nation,” he noted, calling on Nigerians to use the Christmas season to promote understanding and goodwill.

Dr. Jonathan concluded by wishing all Nigerians a season filled with peace, joy, and hope.

“Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring renewed blessings to our nation,” he said.

Ikechukwu Eze

Special Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan