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Adamawa: ADC Declares Babachir Lawal’s Ally State Chairman

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Dr Babachir David Lawal
Dr Babachir David Lawal

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has pulled its weight behind the faction loyal to Babachi Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF as the authentic among the three groups laying claim to the chairmanship of the party in Adamawa state.

There are three persons laying claim to the Chairmanship of the ADC in the state, including Lawal’s ally Sadiq Dasin, and Saidu Komsiri.

The struggle for the control of the party among the three factions had threatened to tear the opposition party apart, except for the prompt intervention of national body pf the ADC which said it recognized Dasin as the authentic chairman in the state.

The party made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, who said Dasin will hold the position on interim basis.

Abdullahi warned that the party will not allow any division in the state chapter, as it will not hesitate to discipline anyone or group planning “to jeopardise ongoing efforts to build a strong and truly democratic party” in the country.

He said: “It has come to the notice of the national headquarters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that there appears to be a growing division in the ranks of the party leadership in Adamawa State.”

“It will be recalled that at its meeting of October 8, 2025, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party approved that Interim Executive Committees be set up to manage the affairs of the party in the states for now.

“After due investigations, the party considers the Saturday, October 25, process supervised by the National Vice Chairman for the North East, which produced Barrister Sadiq Dasin as the interim party chairman in Adamawa State, to be in line with the NWC approval and guidelines.

“In view of the foregoing, the party wishes to encourage all party members who have involved themselves in a separate arrangement to have a rethink and follow the path of reconciliation. Similarly, the party encourages the new interim chairman to extend the hand of fellowship to all and address genuine grievances.

“The party would like to restate its commitment to fairness and justice to all members, as well as its readiness to address genuine concerns. The party will, however, not tolerate any act of indiscipline that is likely to jeopardise ongoing efforts to build a strong and truly democratic party.”

Sources informed the magazine that key ADC leaders in the state, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Abba Moro among others are solidly behind Dasin.

“After Ransome, Kidnappers Of Lawyer Cuts Communication” – Family

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Jeffery Lotanna Ucheagwu

By Adesina Soyooye

The family of a young Lawyer, Jeffery Lotanna Ucheagwu is distraught over his fate.

Ucheagwu, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Young Lawyers Forum, Anaocha  Branch, went missing on October 16, 2025.

He was said to have been abducted along the Owerri axis, Imo State while traveling.

A close friend of his who shared his fate said since the abduction, nobody has heard directly from him.

However, his abductors contacted his family three days after his abduction, using his phone. They asked for a ransom money of N10m. But after days of  negotiations, they agreed for N2.1m.

They kept in touch  until the money was paid into an account provided by the abductors. Thereafter, the family said, they cut off communications. And nothing has been from them again. Ucheagwu’s phone has, also, been switched off.

In a petition to the the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, the distraught family is asking for help to rescue their son. The family is also appealing to members of the public for any information that could lead to his location.

Alleged Coup: The Truth, According To Sylva’s Aide

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Former governor Timipre Sylva did not sponsor any coup detat, his media aide Julius Bokoru, has disclosed. The aide said the former governor is a true democrat, and a staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Bokoru blamed the governor’s political detractors for the recent allegations that he was the sponsor of a reported botched coup plot that led to the arrest of some top military brass.

His rebuttal was contained in a statement, on Wednesday, blaming some politicians in the country who are not comfortable for the rising profile of the former Bayelsa state governor for the allegation.

He stressed that Sylva had recently proved his credential and support for democracy when he mobilized critical stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Bayelsa state to endorse president Tinubu for a second term.

He however confirmed that some security operatives raided the Abuja home of the former governor, saying his principal was out of the country at the time, adding that the reason for the raid has yet to be fathomed.

Part of the statement: “In the past forty-eight hours, I have been inundated with calls from members of the press, political associates, and concerned individuals regarding a circulating report alleging that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, has ‘fled’ the country in connection with certain purported matters.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

“It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

“As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

“The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence.

“While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever, either in planning or in logistics with any such plot.

“Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.

“His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.

“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle—a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions,” Bokoru said.

The magazine reports that some top brass of the military are still being detained over the alleged coup, even though the federal government has denied knowledge of plot by some disgruntled officer to take-over power.

Sylva was a former Minister of State for Petroleum under the late Muhammadu B uhari’s administration.

Alleged Coup Plot: Presidency  Reacts As Military Raids Fmr Gov’s Home, Arrests Brother, Agency’s MD

By
Akinwale Kasali
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1
Timipre-Sylva

By Akinwale Kasali

“We are sticking with the narrative of the Military that there was no aborted Coup” – Presidency

As the rumour of an alleged aborted Coup plot against the Government of President Bola Tinubu continues to grow wings, the Presidency has finally reacted. It said it believes the Military that there was no such thing as an aborted Coup plot.

Recall that the rumour started when it was revealed that about 16 Military Officers, including a Brigadier-General, are in custody over an alleged Coup plot. The story was first broken by SaharaReporters.

Nothing much was thought about it then, but members of the public started adding two and two together, especially, with the sudden cancelation of the October 1 Military Parade to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary by the Federal Government.

The Military was forced, so to say, to confirm the arrest and detention of the officers, and denied  their detention has anything to do with an aborted Coup plot.

Explaining why they were detained, the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau said: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations”.

But, the sudden removal of three Service Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Airforce, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff. and their immediate replacement added fire to an already burning house. While the Chief of Army Staff was removed from office, he was elevated to the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, meaning that the Army, Navy and Airforce, now have new Service Chiefs.

While Nigerians were still trying to process the situation, a dangerous and confusing angle was introduced on Tuesday, September 27, with the alleged raid, by soldiers, of the homes of the immediate past Minister of State, under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government, Timipere Sylva, at both Abuja and Bayelsa for alleged connection with the alleged aborted Coup. Sylva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was allegedly named by one of the Military officers arrested as a financier of the alleged aborted Coup.

During the raid, Sylva was not at home, but his younger brother Paga Sylva, who serves as his Special Assistant, Domestic Affairs, was, allegedly, arrested.

Sylva, according to reports, was out of the country, preparing to head back home when he heard the news of the arrest of the 16 Military Officers, and so aborted the trip home.

Also, under custody, is a yet-to-be publicly named Managing Director of a South-South based Federal Government Commission who, allegedly, moved a large sum of money to one of Sylva’s bank accounts. Investigators, it is said, want him to explain what the moved large sum of money was meant for.

These stories have put not a few people on edge with questions such as – “Why would Sylva be involved in such a dangerous venture? Is he crazy? What will he be looking for?

While neither the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, nor the Military has said a word since the Tuesday “update”, the Presidency says it stands by what the Military said earlier on – that there was no such thing as an aborted Coup.

Sunday Dare, a Presidential Spokesperson, in a chat with TVC insisted: “We are going to stick with the Military’s narrative that there was no coup  attempt in Nigeria.”

CSO Faults  Emergence Of  Oyebanji As Ekiti APC Candidate For Gov. Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups (COCSG), has described as undemocratic the process leading to the selection of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in next year’s governorship election.

It warned that if unaddressed, can spell doom for democracy and threaten the peace, unity, and democratic advancement of Nigeria.

Addressing a news conference in Abuja, the groups, numbering 10, condemned what it described as “lack of Internal Democracy within the Ekiti APC.

President of Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria, Oladimeji  Olatunji, who spoke on behalf of of others, noted that “Our deepest concern centers on the lack of internal democracy within the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressive Congress.

“It is deeply worrisome that the party has screened out a legitimate aspirants from participating in the governorship primaries without any cogent or verifiable reason, thereby creating a crooked means to the advantage of the incumbent Governor who is desperate to getting the second term ticket of the party.

“The second issue of concern is the non-performance of the sitting Governor and the subsequent imposition of a consensus adoption of his candidacy as the party’s flag bearer.

“We are not unaware of the provision for the consensus candidate in the Constitution of All Progressives Congress as political party, but not when such an approach deviate from the decent and the guiding rules of the Constitution.

“The kind of consensus that gave birth to Governor Oyebanji as APC 2026 gubernatorial candidate, is not only questionable, but lacks credibility and ingredients of internal democracy and its inherent democratic ingredients.

“The coalition finds it unfortunate that rather than allowing a transparent contest of ideas and competence, the APC party machinery in Ekiti state has chosen to endorse mediocrity over merit.

“Ekiti people deserve progress, not retrogression and propaganda. The Governor’s administration has failed to deliver on key sectors such as education, healthcare, job creation, and infrastructure, as such not qualify to be returned to the seat of power.

“The negative situations in Ekiti State, speaks volumes of the spineless disposition of the current government in Ekiti State in delivering democratic dividends to the people — all of which are now shadows of what they used to be. Yet, the party leadership has opted to reward failure with automatic re-nomination.”

The coalition also flayed “Discrimination and false allegations against Other Aspirants.

“We also condemned in strong terms, the deliberate marginalization and humiliation of other aspirants within the party. These are known party members who contributed immensely to the progress of that party.

“It is disheartening that the APC leadership in the state has gone to the extent of discrediting the nomination forms submitted by some aspirants, falsely alleging that their sponsors and signatories are not party members.

“This is unthinkable, especially when the so called non-members were aspirants in the same party some years ago.

“Let it be clearly stated that these undemocratic actions have far-reaching implications for the 2026 general elections and the political fortune of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in Ekiti State.

“This is a strong signal that All Progressive Congress is not a party replete with respect for the rule of law and democratic order within the confine of her body polity.

“If party members and the general electorate perceive the APC as unjust, intolerant, and insensitive to fairness, the resultant voter apathy and protest votes could undermine the electoral prospects of the party and further reduce quality participation of the citizens of Nigeria in any process of politics, which is, but not limited to discouraging the voters in expressing their democratic wishes in the system.”

Fuel Subsidy: Sanusi, Emir of Kano, Mocks President Tinubu

By
The Source
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Emir Sanusi Lamido and Bola Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

The 16th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi 11,  has blamed President Bola Tinubu for the pains Nigerians are going through over the removal of fuel subsidy.

The Emir who spoke Tuesday at the Oxford Global Think Tank blamed Tinubu and compatriots for the delay in the removal of fuel subsidy in 2011 during the President Goodluck Jonathan Government.

Sanusi recalled that as President, Jonathan had tried to implement  the removal of fuel subsidy, but was vehemently resisted by the opposition leaders  led by then Senator Tinubu.

In their thousands,  they camped out in Lagos and protested for days  against the removal of fuel subsidy. Jonathan was called all kinds of names, and a mock casket for him, carried during the protest.

Sanusi saw that protest as a draw- back for the Nation’s economic  recovery. The delay in removing the fuel subsidy, he said, was bad for the economy and pointed out the irony of those who protested against the removal turning round to champion and implement it about a decade later.

Emir Sanusi: “If Nigerians had allowed Jonathan to remove the subsidy in 2011, there would have been pain, but that pain would have been a very tiny fraction of what we are facing today.”

Anambra Guber: INEC Chairman Says No Voting Will Take Place In Two Polling Units

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan2

By Adesina Soyooye

Two Polling Units will not be part of the decision on who wins the Governorship Election scheduled for November 8 in Anambra State.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan.

He revealed that no voting will take place in the two Polling Units, PUs,  because no voter registered in the units.

The INEC Chairman explained this on Tuesday at the meeting he held with Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, on Anambra Governorship Election.

According to him; the Commission will deploy a total of 24,000 personnel for the polls while the  election will hold in 5,718 of the 5720 PUs.

He said:

“We plan to deploy 24,000 personnel.

“The election will be held in 5,718 of the 5,720 Polling Units in the state. Voting will not take place in the remaining two Polling Units due to the absence of registered voters.”

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by Hassan Abdullahi, and spoke on behalf of ICCES, assured that robust security measures will be  put in place to ensure a hitch-free election.

He said: “These include enhanced surveillance, the deployment of sufficient security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering to prevent any attempt by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the electoral process.

“Moreover, we are proactively engaging with political party leaders and local stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in our elections.

“All participating political parties and their candidates must advocate for peace and encourage their supporters to conduct themselves in a manner that honours the integrity of our electoral system.

“Any form of violence during the elections will be met with a strong, uncompromising response.”

The Governorship election will hold on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Police Deploys 42,000 Personnel For Anambra Poll

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police Force, (NPF), has approved the deployment of 42,000 officers for the Anambra governorship election billed for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed this on Tuesday, at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at INEC Headquarters, Abuja.

According to Channels Television report, the IGP, represented at the event by the Commissioner of Police for Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, said the deployment would ensure adequate security before, during, and after the polls.

He announced that pre-election deployments would begin on November 1, with tactical units conducting clearance operations to neutralize threats and arrest potential troublemakers.

Egbetokun also disclosed that only security agencies officially represented in the ICCES—such as the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military—would be involved in the election.

“No vigilante group will be allowed to play any role in the electoral process.”

He disclosed that the police would impose movement restrictions on Election Day and ensure all entry and exit points in Anambra are adequately manned.

“We are determined to deliver a peaceful and credible election,” he said.

On his part, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, cautioned politicians and stakeholders against violence in the election, warning that such acts won’t be tolerated.

Ribadu, who was represented by the Director of Internal Security, Hassan Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the November 8, 2025, poll.

“We are engaging with political leaders and local stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated,” asking political parties and candidates to promote peace and discourage violence before, during, and after the exercise.

He revealed that the Office of the NSA remains fully committed to implementing President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the strategic mobilization of security forces during the electoral period.

According to him, enhanced surveillance, deployment of adequate security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering have been put in place to prevent any attempt by “destructive elements or desperate politicians” to undermine the electoral process.

IGP Egbetokun Insists Promotion Exercise  Transparent, Complied With Due Process

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - Inspector General of Police - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has clarified that every promotion exercise carried out during his administration followed due process.

Speaking against raging claims of promotion scandal rocking the Nigeria Police Force, Egbetokun maintained that there was no truth in the claim.

The IG, who spoke on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, declared that every promotion exercise including the recent accelerated promotion for some officers —was transparent, merit-based, and in strict conformity with established standards.

IGP Egbetokun made this known during the decoration ceremony of 19 newly promoted senior officers, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Mohammed Dan-Kwara, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Nkechi Eze, Force Medical Director, and Commissioner of Police Nandel Gonwalk.

The police chief said recent attempts by “mischief makers” to discredit the promotion process were unfounded and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Force.

“In recent months, certain individuals have attempted to cast shadows on the credibility of our promotion process, particularly the accelerated exercise conducted a few months ago.

“But truth stands taller than rumours. The Nigeria Police Force has nothing to hide and nothing to defend.”

According to him, “We, police, will not be swayed by those who trade in falsehood or seek to undermine the integrity of our institution.

“Every promotion exercise under this administration has followed due process — transparent, merit-based, and in strict conformity with established standards.”

While congratulating the newly promoted officers, he described their elevation as a testament to excellence, integrity, and dedication to service.

“Today, we celebrate not just advancement in rank, but the affirmation of excellence, character, and distinguished service within the Nigeria Police Force.

“Every insignia worn at this level must represent not privilege, but purpose — a reminder that authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust.”

Egbetokun urged the officers to see their promotion as a call to greater responsibility, leadership, and accountability.

“Leadership at this level demands equity, justice, and fairness — the enduring values that define true authority and inspire confidence within and beyond the Force.

“Your actions will set the tone for discipline, professionalism, and morale across the service. Lead with fairness, act with integrity, and let justice be your guiding light in your service to the public.”

Nestoil Under Receivership As Banks Take Company Over

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nestoil

By Adesina Soyooye

Nestoil, a company principally promoted by Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi has been taken over by a consortium of Nigerian Banks and placed under Receivership.

The company is, allegedly, reeling under a  $1bn debt owed

Nigerian banks which have taken it  over and placed  under receivership..

Based on the situation, the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday, sealed off Nestoil’s  corporate headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.

On October 22, 2025, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had issued an order of Mareva and authorised First Trustees and its subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, to take over the company’s assets.

The injunction against Nestoil Limited and its affiliate, Neconde Energy Limited, as well as Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi, main promoters  was issued by Justice D. I. Dipeolu.

Listed, also, as “affected parties” in the suit are Citibank Limited, Central Securities and Clearing Systems Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Globus Bank Limited, Keystone Bank Limited, Opay Limited, Polaris Bank Limited, Providus Bank Limited and Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited.

There are, also,  Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Sterling Bank Plc, Titan Trust Bank Limited, Unity Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, Gobowen Exploration and Production Limited, Hammakopp Consortium Limited, Krawcod Properties Limited, Santa Spring Oil and Gas Limited, Marine & Ocean Infinity Nigeria Limited and White Dove Shipping Co Ltd.

All the listed banks, according to the Court injunction mandates all the listed banks to freeze the assets of the defendants. The substantive case will be heard November.

The Judge restrained dealings in the sum of $1,012,608,386.91 and N430,014,064,380.77. That is the total indebtedness as of September 30, 2025.

There are, also, allegedly, other debts personally guaranteed by Azudialu-Obiejesi, with over N366.8 billion, $61.2 million, $152 million, and N10.4 billion owed to Access Bank, First Bank, and Zenith Bank.

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