Former APC National Chairman, Odigie-Oyegun Joins ADC

By

-

July 16, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

John Odigie-Oyegun, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has defected to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The former Edo State Governor officially joined the ADC and received the Membership Card of his New Party.

His membership card was handed to him by the Party’s State Chairman, Kennedy Odion, after he registered with the ADC in Benin city, Edo State Capital.

At the presentation ceremony of Odigie-Oyegun, the Party’s State Chairman said the former APC National Chairman is not new to the formation of political coalitions.

Odion recalled Oyegun’s involvement with the formation of a coalition that led to the emergence of the APC in 2013 that eventually ousted the administration of former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2015.

He said: “He has put together what is called a coalition before, and he succeeded. So, in mathematics, once you understand the formula, the answer is in view. So, he understands how he did it before, so doing it again is not a difficult task.

“So as God may have it, he is not from any other state but from the heartbeat of this nation, Edo State and we are moving the coalition together.

“He was the chairman of the implementation committee that decided that ADC would be the platform.”

Odigie-Oyegun however stated that the ADC has the interest of Nigerians at heart.

He said: “We talked to a lot of parties, about seven of them. Up till the very last minute. We made a report and we said ADC. And some said, ‘No, no, no, you must still talk to this, you must still talk to that.’

“So, we delayed the decision for another fortnight. At the end of our meeting, we still came back. I said, ‘yes, what you ask us to do, we have done. We have talked to the others, but we have not seen a party as dedicated as the ADC.”

Two Students Killed By Senior Colleagues, Kano Govt, Police Launch Probe

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

July 16, 2025

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has vowed to get to the root of the issues behind the death of two students of Government Secondary School, Bichi ,in the Kano North Senatorial District.

Hamza Tofawa and Umar Dungurawa were reportedly killed on Monday July 14 ,2025 as a result of attacks from school mates ,who allegedly used metal objects ,known in local parlance as Gwale-Gwale on them.

A statement from the spokesperson for the Kano State Ministry of Education on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary Bashir Muhammad, affirmed the decision of the State Government to conduct a thorough inquest into the unfortunate incident.

This is as it promised to ensure that justice is served at the end of the day.

According to the Ministry, preliminary findings have revealed that the incident was as a result of some senior students metting out punishment to the victims for allegedly committing an offence.

“It was reported that the brutal act followed a decision taken by some senior students to punish the deceased for allegedly committing an offence”, the Ministry stated

The statement quoted the Permanent Secretary as cautioning students to avoid taking the laws into their hands .

On a visit to the affected school, Muhammad urged the students to report any perceived offence to the school and other appropriate authorities.

“You should avoid taking laws into your hands ,but rather make sure you report any matter of concern to the school authority for appropriate action”, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary stated.

While extending condolences to the families, relations and friends of the deceased , Muhammad on behalf of the Kano State Government also prayed for the repose of their souls .

Meanwhile ,the Police authorities in the State have waded in and over 12 persons already arrested in connection with the incident.

Although ,as at the time of this report, the Police Command was yet to officially react , impeccable sources revealed that the service has stepped in with some officials of the school also being questioned over the development.

Finally, Atiku Resigns From PDP

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

July 16, 2025

0

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has resigned his membership from the party.

Abubakar has contested and lost the Nigerian presidency thrice, twice under the opposition PDP banner in 2019 and 2023.

The former vice president is leading a coalition of opposition leaders in the country ahead the 2027 elections.

The leaders who said they are poised to snatch power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently adopted the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as the platform to achieve their aim of grabbing power in the next election.

In a letter dated July 14, addressed to the chairman, PDP, Jada 1 ward, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, the former number two citizen said he’s no longer a member of the PDP.

The copy of the letter was shared on X by the Special Assistant on Media to the former Vice President on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, close watchers of what’s going on in the polity say Abubakar’s resignation from PDP may signal a mass defection from the leading opposition party in the country.

Why Obi Attended Moghalu’s Campaign Flag-off – Obidients Tanko; Says, No Betrayal Of Nenadi Usman

By

The Source

-

July 16, 2025

0

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr Yunusa Tanko has described as baseless the speculation in the media space that Labour Party standard-bearer Peter Obi has issues with the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman.

Dr Tanko who was responding to journalists question on Obi’s appearance at the campaign flag off of the Labour Party gubernatorial flag bearer, Dr George Moghalu at the weekend said that Obi remains a committed and loyal member of the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party because that’s the right and the reasonable place to be after the Supreme Court upheld her appeal on the crisis in the party.

According to Dr Tanko, “His Excellency Peter Obi has consistently affirmed that he remains a member of the Labour Party under the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman. He has also clearly stated his support for all individuals who had previously secured the party’s ticket to contest political positions.

“The rumour that Peter Obi has betrayed Senator Nenadi Usman is entirely baseless. It is a false narrative being peddled by opposition elements to distract.

The speculation began after Obi attended the flag off of the Labour Party gubernatorial flag bearer, Dr George Moghalu, in Anambra State at the weekend, but Dr Tanko noted that ‘Senator Nenadi Usman, along with other key stakeholders in this movement, are fully aware of and support the recent developments. Let’s not forget that His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, is a man of integrity, known for keeping his word. His decision to support Dr. George Moghalu, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate for Anambra State, reflects that consistency.

“So far, the only individuals who have spoken on these matters are Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, State Assembly members, and I. This marks a clear departure from the old political order.

He then urged members of the public to disregard the speculation and treat it as mere propaganda, built on falsehoods and aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy.

“Our focus remains on one goal: building a strong movement, a united Labour Party and a better Nigeria. That, we shall achieve.

A new Nigeria is POssible.

BREAKING: Fayose Floors EFCC, Court Says He Is Innocent

By

The Source

-

July 16, 2025

0

By Gideon Njoku

After all the noise and “gra-gra” and drama that made Nollywood green with envy at the time, especially when he stormed the office of his “persecutors” wearing his iconic T-shirt on which was written “EFCC HERE I COME”, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has been declared innocent by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

He was standing trial on charges of alleged money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which ran into billions of Naira.

But on Wednesday, the Court ruled that the EFCC has no case against him; that he is innocent of all the charges; that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him; that the former Governor has no reason to enter into any defence in any case; and that the no case submission which he pleaded is upheld.

Meaning that unlike before, the EFCC has no business harassing him, and that he is as free as air to pursue his business activities and the politics of his political party – the almost -dead Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

How Awujale Convinced Buhari, Tinubu To Form APC- Pst Bakare

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

July 16, 2025

1

Popular Nigerian pastor Tunde Bakare has revealed the role played by the demised Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona in the formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC ahead the 2015 election.

The APC, a coalition of four legacy political parties, the magazine recalls had surprisingly won the 2015 presidential election, after its candidate Muhammadu Buhari defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

Oba Adetona and Buhari died on Sunday and have since been buried.

According to Pastor Bakare, it was the traditional ruler who brokered the deal that brokered the deal that brought the then Action Congress, AC led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CPC led by Buhari, together to form the APC.

Bakare made this known in his tribute to the late monarch titled, “Tribute to a Patriot, Mentor and Elder Statesman — The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land.” a copy of which was made available to journalists.

He explained that he met Oba Adetona in London where he appealed to him to initiate a talk between Buhari and Tinubu to form a coalition ahead the election.

“Upon his (Awujale’s) return to Nigeria, Kabiyesi convened a key meeting at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island and brokered the agreement that led to the formation of the APC,” Bakare stated.

Bakare explained that in spite of his role in the formation of the APC, the late monarch remained non-partisan through out his reign as the foremost traditional ruler in the state, expressing sorrow at his passing to join his ancestors.

He further described Oba Adetona and as both a nation builder and a peacemaker, because he facilitated “any course he thought would facilitate good governance.”

Bakare said, “It is with profound gratitude to God for a life well lived and yet with deep sadness at the loss of a father figure that I pay tribute to Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

“May the noble soul of Kabiyesi rest in perfect peace. May God strengthen and comfort Olori Adetona, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the extended royal family he leaves behind.”

The magazine reports that Oba Adetona was very close to President Tinubu who had few weeks to his death conferred one of the highest national honours, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON on him.

Gov Diri’s Defection To APC A Done Deal – Aide

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

July 16, 2025

1

The defection of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is a done deal, according to the governor’s Technical Adviser On Print and Public Affairs, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli.

Governor Diri is a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP under which he won the governorship election twice. The governor has been widely criticized for trying to dump the party which has given hi so much, as a senator and helmsman of the oil bearing state.

According to Ikuli , who made the remark during a world press conference in Yenagoa, the state capital the state cannot afford to be isolated from the centre, stressing the need to join the ruling APC.

He stressed that the interests of the state and Ijaw nation are no longer being served in the PDP which he accused of betraying the state in the past, blaming most of those left in the party for working against the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term.

He explained that some characters in the PDP are already working to nullify, through court process, the nominations of candidates that will emerge under the party platform in 2027 Bayelsa, noting that the state is the only PDP state in the south-south.

He said the state has lost many opportunities at the federal level because they are not members of the ruling APC, adding that it’s now time for the state to align with the centre to promote its development.

He said by joining the APC Governor Diri will be towing the line of other southern governors who have decided to throw their weight behind President Tinubu’s re-election.

Ikuli: “For instance, our adherence to their advice and our alignment with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that was the government at the centre helped Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation to produce the Vice President and later, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of this country in the person of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Sadly, today Bayelsans and Ijaws in general are not among first 40 Nigerians from the Offices of the President, Vice President and Services Chiefs. Ijaws have been relegated and rendered politically and economically redundant and impotent because we are not with the government at the centre.

“Ironically, Ijaws who are the majority in terms of population in the geographic Niger Delta area (South South) and the fourth largest tribe in the country, Ijaw Nation that contribute well over 65% of the oil and gas wealth that are used to run the affairs of the country have been rendered powerless because of our non-alignment with the ruling party.

“Again, there is a power sharing and rotation system between the North and South. The North having done their complete eight (8) years under late President Muhammadu Buhari is supposed to support the South to complete her own eight (8) years under incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is working round the clock to strengthen the South.

“The President has graciously appointed illustrious sons and daughters of Ijaw Nation and Bayelsa State in particular into key offices.

“We appreciate his appointment of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Chief Samuel Ogbuku as MD of NDDC, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare as MD of NDDBA and Hon. Preye Aganaba as the Executive Director of Human Resources of South South Development Commission (SSDC).

“We also thank President Tinubu for approving Federal Government take over of the Second Phase of the Nembe-Brass Road that will help to link the Ocean where the vast wealth of Bayelsa State is.

“It is based on the above that we unanimously appeal to the Governor to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to show Southern Solidarity with other Southern Governors who are with Mr. President. ”

The magazine reported that all the appointees of the governor had at the weekend appealed to him to dump the PDP for the ruling party.

Ogun Workers Cripple Govt Over N82bn Unremitted Contributory Pension

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

July 16, 2025

0

Workers employed by the Ogun state Government say there’s no going back on their ongoing strike action, to force the state government to remit N82 billion to the Pension Fund.

The strike which began on Tuesday, sources say will paralise government activities as work resumes on Wednesday after the one -ay national holiday declared by the federal government in mourning of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

For 14 years, the state government has refused to remit the amount, being the contributory pension deductions from the state workers to the Fund.

The workers said the action is in breach of the Pension Law, and a serious threat to their future after they have retired.
While addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta the state’s capital, the state chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco and Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Akeem Lasisi said the state governor, Dapo Abiodun must personally address the issue with workers, who have vowed not to meet with any government officials delegated by the governor.

No amount of threats can force the workers back to work, the union leaders said, adding that the pension matter have been giving the workers sleepless nights.

Apart from the pension arrears, the union leaders said they are unhappy with the state government over failure to pay their leave allowance, spanning over eight years, despite government’s repeated promises to do so.
The NLC chairmansaid, “Yes we have been receiving calls from one government official, but I told my colleagues that we are not going to meet that person, he is our major problem.

“We want to meet only the governor, His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun. He is our employer.

“We are not employees of the Secretary to the State Government, we are not employees of the Head of Service or the Chief of Staff or any commissioner.

“We are employees of Governor Abiodun. He is the one paying our salaries every month, and he is the one we want to sit with on this matter, not any other person.”

On his part, Akeem Lasisi, the TUC chairman said it’s sad that successive administrations in the state have simply refused to meet workers demand on the issue, which he said has become a nightmare for the the workers.
“The administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel which started the scheme refused to pay some months, while only nine months was paid under Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s eight-year administration, with Governor Abiodun in the last six years also not paying a dime,” Akeem Lasisi said

Adding that, “We have had several meetings, sent several messages to the government but got no reply yet the future of the entire workforce looks so bleak.

“The way the contributory pension is being handled is a big source of a nightmare to the workers in the state.

“The government set up different committees on the implementation of the CPS but it has refused to work on the recommendation.”

How Gunmen Abducted Nasarawa State Permanent Secretary

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

July 15, 2025

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nasarawa State Police Command on Tuesday July 15, 2025, informed that coordinated and intense efforts are underway to track down the kidnappers of Yusuf Musa, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Information .

This is as the Command assured of its commitment towards locating and rescuing the victim unhurt.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson, SP Rahman Nansel, noted that a police patrol team at about 2.00am on Tuesday, along Shinge Road Lafia, discovered that a Peugeot pick-up van belonging to the Permanent Secretary was left unattended to , with all doors left open within the princint of his residence.

According to the Police, the situation instantly provoked the suspicion of the security operatives who decided to make further investigations.

“Upon closer examination, officers observed that the gate to the victim’s residence was also open, prompting immediate security concerns.

“A swift search of the premises confirmed that he (Permanent Secretary) was missing, along with his GMC vehicle, bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA ,raising strong suspicion of an abduction”, Nansel noted .

The Police Spokesman stated that in response to the situation, the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro-Mohammed, directed the activation of coordinated tactical operations involving all police formations across the State, for immediate rescue of the victim, and arrest of the hoodlums.

According to Nansel, the special units in Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku and Kadarko have been put on the alert, and directed to deploy surveillance teams along strategic routes in and out of the state ,to track down the abductors.

This is just as the Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment towards ensuring the safe rescue of the victim, and adequate protection of lives and properties of residents .

Finally Fmr President Buhari Buried As Only Son Weeps Uncontrollably

By

Ayodele Oni

-

July 15, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

At exactly 5.50 pm Nigeria time, the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari were interred at his Daura home after a colourful military honour and presentation at his graveside followed by 21-gun salute.

It was a sombre moment as the President’s only son, Yusuf, cried uncontrollably. Locals climbed trees to catch a glimpse of the ceremony as crowd was restricted to the residence.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, read the citation of the former president.

The Chief Imam of Daura led the prayers for the repose of his soul at the final rites ceremony which held at a makeshift prayer ground. The former President was lowered into the grave at exactly 5.50pm.

The grave was narrow just wide enough to accommodate the body in line with Islamic rules

The interment was done inside the courtyard of the former President where only a few of the dignitaries had access to.

President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries were at the graveside to pay their last respects.

The son of the former President was the only visible family member at the graveside. He was seen greeting Tinubu and the VP Shettima.

The Chief Imam performed the final prayers at the grave side. The flag was taken off the body and given to the family in gratitude for his service to Nigeria.