Young Abuja-based Female Lawyer, Eunice Ameh Declared Missing

May 8, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

“She left her office in Maitama on Tuesday for home at about 5.40pm, and has not been seen since then”

Four days after leaving office for home, an Abuja- based lawyer has been declared missing.

Friends and professional colleagues have appealed to Nigerians for information about Eunice Ameh, who was last seen on Tuesday after she closed from work.

Ameh was was last seen at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2026, after close of work at Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, when she headed towards Life Camp.

She has not been seen or heard from since.

The report added that “Friends and colleagues of the missing lawyer have circulated a missing person alert across multiple lawyers’ platforms, NBA WhatsApp groups, and social media channels, appealing to members of the legal profession and the general public to assist in locating her.

“The alert, which has been shared widely across legal community networks, carries the hashtag #HelpFindEunice and provides multiple contact numbers for anyone with information about her whereabouts.

“Eunice Ameh was last seen leaving her place of work at Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, one of the most prominent addresses in Abuja’s central business and diplomatic district, at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

“She was reportedly headed to Life Camp, a residential area in the Gwarinpa axis of the FCT.

“She did not arrive at her destination. Efforts to reach her since Tuesday evening have been unsuccessful, prompting her friends and associates to raise the alarm and circulate the missing person alert.

“The circumstances of her disappearance, during the early evening hours after work in a well-known area of Abuja, have heightened concern among colleagues who describe the situation as deeply worrying and uncharacteristic.

“Anyone who has seen Eunice Ameh or has any information about her whereabouts, regardless of how minor it may seem, is urged to contact the following numbers immediately: 07015777589 08100680542 08063472106 07028525385.

“Members of the public are also encouraged to report any information to the nearest police station or to the Nigerian Bar Association, which has been made aware of the situation through the alerts circulated on its member platforms.

“The missing person alert was shared by friends and colleagues of Eunice Ameh on multiple lawyers’ platforms, including NBA branch WhatsApp groups and national legal community forums, in a bid to leverage the nationwide reach of the legal profession’s communication networks.

“The legal community’s response has been one of solidarity and concern, with lawyers across multiple jurisdictions sharing the alert on their personal and professional platforms to maximise visibility and increase the chances of locating the missing colleague.

“The Nigerian Bar Association has consistently championed the welfare and safety of its members, and the disappearance of a young lawyer in the nation’s capital after close of work on a weekday evening underscores the security concerns that legal practitioners, particularly those who work late hours and commute across the city, face daily.

“The disappearance of Eunice Ameh is now entering its third day. Every hour that passes without information increases the urgency of the search.

“The route from Maitama to Life Camp traverses several areas of Abuja, and anyone who may have encountered the missing lawyer along this route or in any other location since Tuesday evening is urged to come forward with information, no matter how insignificant it may appear.”

Nigerian Banks Grow Earnings, Income Streams Despite Loan Provisions

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 8, 2026

Nigeria’s banking sector is reaping the gains of a high-interest rate environment, posting its biggest interest income and gross earnings growth despite loan provision, which impacted earnings in 2025.

According to the 2025 audited financial statements for Zenith Bank, First HoldCo, GTCO, Access Holdings Plc, UBA, FCMB Group, Stanbic IBTC, Wema Bank, Sterling Holdco, and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, the industry is thriving on elevated yields rather than broad-based credit growth.

The financial data indicate that 70.7 percent of gross revenue came from interest income, underscoring how profitability is now tightly linked to monetary conditions. 29 percent was generated from non-interest income and trading /other income during the period.

Collectively, the ten listed banks generated N26.3 trillion in gross revenue in 2025, representing a 11.9 percent increase from N23.5 trillion recorded in 2024.

Interest income surged to N18.6 trillion from N14.3 trillion, while non-interest income declined sharply to N7.74 trillion from N8.19 trillion.

However, despite the growth across the Nigerian tier one and tier two income-generating streams, the total bank after-tax profit dipped by 7.36 percent as the bigger banks’ loan provisions rose due to the Covid-19 era forbearance exist in June 2025.

Access HoldCo, Zenith, and FirstHoldco lead gross earnings growth

At the surface, Nigeria’s Tier-1 banks all grew. Gross earnings rose across the board, but the pace was modest. Access Holdings Plc led in scale and growth, expanding gross revenue to N5.52 trillion from N4.87 trillion, representing a 13.3 percent increase, adding the biggest absolute gain of N650 billion.

Zenith Bank Plc followed with N4.07 trillion, a 6.5 percent increase from N3.82 trillion, while First HoldCo Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc posted steady but slower growth of 5.0 percent and 4.4 percent, respectively. GTCO rose marginally by 1.9 percent.

In response to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reduction of the monetary policy rate in 2025, cutting it by 50 basis points in September from 27.5 percent to 27.0 percent, marking the first easing after several consecutive holds.

This year, the apex bank further reduced the rate to 26.5 percent in a bid to support growth amid moderating inflation.

Despite these cuts, banks were able to reprice loans and investment securities upward faster than their cost of funds, widening net interest margins.

This investment in securities boosted their interest income, with Zenith and GTCO leading the pack as winners of the high-rate environment across the tier one.

Zenith’s interest income surged to N2.72 trillion from N1.14 trillion, a staggering 138.6 percent increase, adding N1.58 trillion alone. GTCO followed closely, jumping 148.6 percent from N531 billion to N1.32 trillion. These are not marginal gains; they represent a full repricing of their balance sheets, aggressively converting higher rates into earnings.

Why Tier-1 banks’ profits declined despite strong earnings growth

A review of results from Access Holdings, FirstHoldco, GTCO, UBA, and Zenith Bank shows that the decline was primarily driven by a sharp drop in net trading and foreign exchange gains, alongside a surge in impairment charges and operating expenses.

Combined FX income fell by 53 percent to N1.52 trillion in 2025, down from N3.22 trillion in 2024, as the windfall gains recorded in the prior year following currency devaluation did not recur.

While Access Holdings recorded a 40.33 percent increase in FX income to N1.23 trillion, most other banks saw steep declines. FirstHoldco’s FX income dropped by 90.75 percent to N47.2 billion, while Zenith Bank and GTCO recorded declines of 89.71 percent and 51.96 percent respectively.

UBA reported a net FX loss of N140.6 billion, representing a full reversal from the N181.8 billion gain recorded in 2024. At the same time, operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization rose significantly across the board, increasing by 29.03 percent to N5.53 trillion in 2025 from N4.29 trillion in the prior year.

Inflation continues to present a double-edged impact. Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.38 percent in March from 15.06 percent in February, reinforcing concerns about persistent price pressures and complicating the policy outlook ahead of the CBN’s May meeting.

The latest data has weakened the case for near-term monetary easing, prompting analysts to expect a cautious stance from the central bank.

Olayemi Cardoso, the CBN governor, warned that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran could influence Nigeria’s interest-rate decisions.

Proshare

2027: ADC Presidential Aspirant Charges Nigerians To Retire Recycled Politicians

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 8, 2026

Presidential hopeful under the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has called on Nigerians to support the party to break away from old politicians who have held the country captive for years.

According to him, the ADC has presented Nigerians with the opportunity to liberate the country from recycled politicians, who have for years, been ruining the affairs of the country.

The presidential aspirants made the call in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Thursday when a group, the ADC Vanguard Support Group (ADC – VSG), formally endorsed his ambition to become the nation’s president and commander-in-chief next year.

Hayatu-Deen is among other aspirants that have declared their aspirations for the nation’s highest office under the platform of the ADC. Other aspirants include, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state and Minister of Transportation under the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Hayatu-Deen insists that the ADC “is the vehicle through which Nigeria can finally break from the cycle of recycled faces and broken promises that has held this country back for too long.”

Meanwhile, those closely watching the embattled political party insist that some of the politicians seeking the party’s endorsement to run for election next year are politicians who have served in one government or the other in the past.

Turaki Faction: Wike Is Frustrated, Can’t Stop Our National Convention

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 8, 2026

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Interim National Working Committee, has declared that the plan by the FCT Minister to stop the party from producing a presidential candidate for the 2027 election will fail.

The leadership under Tanimu Turaki said Wike cannot hold the party down in its plan to ensure that it participates in the upcoming presidential election next year.

The faction made this declaration in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong who said the FCT Minister is frustrated by the progress being made by the party, particularly the sale of forms to potential aspirants under the party.

The Turaki leadership was responding to Wike’s Wednesday’s threat to sanction any bank used by the Turaki’s faction for the sale of forms to aspirants willing to contest next year’s election, saying the faction is not recognized by the law.

The Minister also threatened to seize any building in the FCT used by the Turaki faction as its national secretariat, in his capacity as the Minister of the Capital City.

“Let Turaki, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, open an account for the PDP. Let them announce it publicly for members who want to contest elections. That day, you will see what will happen,” Wike said during his media chat with select journalists on Wednesday.

No bank should open an account for the faction for the sales of forms, Wike warned.

“That bank will be in trouble because to open such an account, you must provide the party’s authentic documents and recognised leadership. Who has those documents?”, he said.

“If anybody goes ahead to open an illegal office in the name of the PDP in Abuja, I will seal it. I will not allow any breach of peace because my duty is to maintain law and order in the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

Reacting, Ememobong said Wike is unhappy that the party has commenced the sales of forms for prospective aspirants, about to conduct primary and conduct a national convention to select its candidates for the general election next year.

Part of the statement by Ememobong: “We understand his frustration about the commencement of the sale of forms and activities to hold primaries and eventually a national convention where a credible Nigerian will emerge as the Presidential Candidate.”

“The sale of forms is ongoing, and there is nothing Wike can do about it. His boast of dealing with banks that will open accounts for us is not true as he is already aware that we are operating accounts of the party, which is why his group of friends are receiving money through private accounts.”

The magazine reports that the two factions in the PDP, promoted by Minister and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state have claimed victory from the recent Supreme Court judgment over the leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s former ruling party.

Six Engineering Students Of Nasarawa State University Kidnapped By Suspected Terrorists

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 7, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nasarawa State Police Command, on Thursday, May 7,2026 assured that efforts have been intensified to locate and rescue about six students of the Nasarawa state University abducted by armed hoodlums.

A statement from Rahman Nansel, the Nasarawa State Police Command spokesperson, informed that the victims, who are from the Engineering Faculty of the University were attacked and whisked away from their off-campus lodge in Gudi area of Akwanga Local Council of the State.

The Police said the attackers invaded the students lodge in Anguwar Ninzo on the outskirts of Gudi at about 9 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Nansel further disclosed that six of the victims have been identified as Faculty of Engineering students of the Nasarawa State University, with the seventh abducted person said to be a visitor to the lodge as at the time of the incident.

The State Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed, on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene assured that all necessary machineries have been deployed to ensure not only the self rescue of the kidnapped students, but also to hunt down the perpetrators.

The police statement further informed that the Area Commander in Akwanga has been deployed with a marching order to coordinate field operations aimed at the self release of the victims.

The Area Commander is to head a combined team of security operatives drawn from the police, the Department of State Service DSS ,the military ,the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC ,as well as men of the local vigilante groups,in the concerted efforts to rescue the victims.

This was as the police called on the public to volunteer credible intelligence that can assist security agencies in tracking down the terrorist elements.

Nigerian Billionaire Arrested In Switzerland

Adesina Soyooye

May 7, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

A Nigerian billionaire, Amadi Simon, has been arrested in Switzerland by Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in conjunction with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and Security Agencies.

Amadi was arrested on suspicion of his deep involvement in international drug money laundering operation.

His arrest was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Spokesperson.

NDLEA: “The multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the well-coordinated simultaneous arrest of a billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon in Switzerland and his co-conspirators: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, in Anambra state, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta state on Tuesday 28th April 2026.

“This followed months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes.”

According to the NDLEA, the syndicate allegedly operated a complex financial network which it used to move and conceal proceeds of drug trafficking. This it did through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets and multiple bank accounts across different countries.

It said Investigators also, traced some luxury properties in Nigeria allegedly linked to Amadi and his associates.

Such properties include Jovi Hotel Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, Delta State, and Jovi Apartment Mabushi, Abuja.

The bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the network have been frozen as investigations are ongoing.

Brigadier-General Mohamed Marwa, NDLEA Chairman said the operation was a breakthrough in the war against international drug trafficking and financial crimes.

Marwa said the agency would continue to work with global partners to ensure Nigeria does not become a safe haven for cartels.

He commended the support provided by the US-DEA and other international agencies, and noted that intelligence sharing and joint operations played a key role in dismantling the network.

OPINION: Who is After Obi, Kwankwaso Again?

The Source

May 7, 2026

By Azu Ishiekwene

The former Labour Party presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, thinks he is Nigeria’s most misunderstood politician. Why is it hard for us to see that his serial party flipping is not a sign of desperation but a tactic of survival for our own good?

Why, even though he has flipped political parties five times in three election cycles, should he be compared to Vice President Atiku Abubakar in political vagrancy? Who is chasing Obi and his new soulmate, former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso? There are three possible answers.

Tinubu’s hand

The firstsuspect is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has been accused, rightly or wrongly, of having a hand in Obi’s travails. Apart from Obi’s first defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014, three of the other four defections in the last 12 years have been blamed on Tinubu.

By the time Obi defected from PDP to the Labour Party in 2022, with about nine months to the general elections, he had transformed from a contender into an insurgent. He defeated Tinubu in his Lagos base and turned what was supposed to be a two-way horse race into a three-way contest, in which he came third with six million votes. Since then, Tinubu has learned the hard way not to ignore Obi.

Obi insurgency

To put an end to Obi’s insurgency, Tinubu allegedly set the Labour Party on fire. He also spread the flame to any other party, including the PDP, where Obi and any other potential challenger might find refuge. According to this argument, Tinubu’s machinations have been achieved mainly through a deadly combination of political proxies and judicial manipulations, leaving Obi with no other option but to run for his life.

Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political wandering has been less fraught nationally. At a point, in fact, it seemed he would join Tinubu’s government – a chance that Obi might never have had by the wildest stretch. Even Obi’s casual meeting with President Tinubu in the Vatican later became a source of speculation over a possible deal to save an embattled bank linked to him.

Whichever way you slice it, those who see Tinubu in every bad dream, egged on by the careless comments of some of his aides and party officials, believe he is responsible for the weakened state of Nigeria’s opposition parties.

Author of his misery

There is a second view of Obi’s inconstancy. Those who hold this view insist that, whatever residual Tinubu effect people may claim, Obi is the author and finisher of his current misery. His desperation is his number one enemy. This argument has never been more salient than in the last week since Obi announced his defection from the ADC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a party formed nine years ago but registered only three months ago.

Not even Obi’s comment after he defected to ADC that he would defect 20 times if necessary, has assuaged the suspicion that, except if he was a hermit in a previous life, he is his own greatest problem.

An ADC source told me on Monday night that in the six months he worked with Obi as members of the same party, he had not seen a more desperate politician. Obi, the source said, couldn’t wait for the party to decide who its flagbearer would be and could barely hide his impatience.

To give him comfort, the position of the party’s National Organising Secretary was passed over the former road safety corps marshal, Osita Chidoka, and handed to Obi’s chosen, Chinedu Idigo. Yet, the concern that he could miss the bigger prize troubled him.

ADC. What changed?

There was nothing that Obi saw in the six months that he was in the ADC that he couldn’t have seen from outside one year before he finally decided to join. What is chasing Obi, in particular, is more than Tinubu and desperation combined: it is the fear of a contest. Obi wants the ticket on a platter – no contest, no opposition. Both Obi and his aides have denied this many times, but the evidence is not in their favour.

Four years ago, when he defected from PDP to Labour, he did so three days before the PDP’s presidential primaries. In Labour, he didn’t have to contest. He was handed the party’s flag. But it would be different this time.

If he had stayed in the ADC long enough, he would have either had to contest (direct primaries, a big risk for a politician without party structures) or negotiated with other contestants to be the party’s “consensus candidate,” a risk he could not afford.

So, he bailed out. In NDC, his new shelter, he is, as he was in Labour, the biggest act. After years of boasting that he will not play second fiddle, Kwankwaso will eat the humble pie and be content to be the prop and nothing more.

Kwankwaso and the snake charmer

What has changed since Kwankwaso said at Chatham House that he could not step down for Obi, adding later that Obi was not only an inferior candidate but that the North was unlikely to vote for him? Just like he did in 2023 when he used the NNPP to mobilise Kano votes for his surrogate governor, his gambit this time is to use Obi to mobilise Igbo votes in Kano to secure his base. Better a king in Kano than a spare tyre in Abuja.

But even that won’t be an easy ride. Already, there’s a video of the Kano chairman of the NDC, Usaini Mai Riga (with a live snake wrapped around his neck), invoking a curse on anyone who might think of contesting the party’s leadership with him. The question, therefore, is not who is chasing Obi and Kwankwaso, but what they are chasing.

Blame the system

Of course, there’s a third, completely different view: that it would be a misnomer to hold party-flipping against Obi or Kwankwaso since, unlike in some other countries, Nigeria’s political parties are not differentiated by ideology – they are mere special-purpose vehicles for grabbing power.

Even those who have criticised Atiku’s scandalous record of defections are happy to give Obi and Kwankwaso a pass. They’re in the race, this argument goes, not for themselves, but to find a place to stand to change the country.

That’s not where this argument ends. It insists that no politician in recent times has been haunted by the authorities as vilely as Obi, yet they have found nothing against him, and those haunting him see him as the relatively clean politician they would never be. This was a view strongly expressed in my conversation with an Obi fan who has known him closely for four years.

My response was that politics is messy, and hardly a contest among saints. As vile hauntings go, few have been tested like Atiku, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Natasha Akpoti, Nyesom Wike, President Goodluck Jonathan, or Tinubu in the last 27 years. Yet, each of them has, to a large extent, stood their ground. There comes a point when you have to stand and fight.

Obi has chosen the politics of convenience. Or maybe, like former President Muhammadu Buhari, we’re expecting of him a quality he doesn’t have. In which case, the fault is ours, not his.

Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERHIP and author of the book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

Senate Bows To Pressure, Reverses Itself On Election Of Principal Officers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 7, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Senate has reversed its controversial decision on new rules governing qualifications for Principal Offices effective next session.

The Senate had on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, amended its standing rules voting to restrict principal offices to only Senators who have served for at least two consecutive terms of eight years.

Expectedly, the new rules instantly drew widespread indignation and condemnations. Some Senators led by Adams Oshiomhole engaged Senate President Godswill Akpabio in an intensive exchange of words during plenary on Wednesday.

The new rules effectively shut out Oshiomhole, other ranking Senators, as well as would-be high profile Senators including former and serving Governors who are believed to be angling to retire to the red chamber of the National Assembly in 2027 from contesting Principal offices.

Specifically, unconfirmed reports indicate that the Senate President may have primarily targeted the Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, with the vexatious amendment.

Governor Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, is rumoured to be eyeing the Senate’s topmost job after being handed the APC ticket for the Imo West Senatorial District by stakeholders ahead of the 2027 polls.

Despite strident opposition from overwhelming majority of the members, Akpabio, on Wednesday ruled for the passage of the Votes and Proceedings of the amendment when it was put to vote.

However, the Senate, at plenary on Thursday, rescinded the amendment, and reversed to the status quo, citing observed discrepancies with constitutional provisions as a major reason for its action.

The Source further reports that with the reversal, ranking Senators (those who had previously completed a term, no matter the year and session) will be eligible to contest Principal offices including the Senate Presidency.

Even Lawmakers transitioning from the House of Representatives to the Senate are considered as ranking members and are eligible to contest principal offices.

The reversal of the amendment, was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during plenary presided over by the Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.

According to Senator Bamidele, the reversal is aimed at engandering healthy competition, and ensuring inclusiveness in the selection processes for Senate’s principal officers.

“The Senate recalls that the Senate Standing Orders were considered and amended on Tuesday 5th May, 2026.

“The Senate observes that upon further legislative and constitutional review, certain provisions introduced under Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tension with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 ( as amended) particularly Section 52 thereof.

“Notes that it necessary to ensure that the Standing Orders of the Senate remain fully consistent with constitutional provisions, established parliamentary conventions and legislative practice.

“Further notes that the Senate possesses the inherent parliamentary authority to revisit, rescind, and recommit any matter previously decided upon in order to preserve the integrity of its proceedings.and legislative framework.

“Accordingly resolves to: rescind its earlier decisions relating to the amendments made to Order 2(2) and Order 3 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders 2026”,the Senate leader stated .

The motion for the reversal was subsequently unanimously approved by members, most of whom had earlier voiced their resentment to, and disapproval of the controversial amendment.

Fani-Kayode Removed As Ambassador-Designate To Germany, Sent To South Africa

Ayodele Oni

May 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has approved a change in Nigeria’s diplomatic posting to Germany, replacing former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, with former Senator Ita Enang as the country’s new Ambassador-designate to Berlin.

There was unconfirmed report that Germany rejected Fani-Kayode’s posting to its country, but it was a report dismissed by Fani-Kayode as lies from the pit of hell.

Enang was formerly Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa.

He is expected to assume official duties as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany once administrative processes are concluded.

Meanwhile, Fani- Kayode while confirming his redeployment to South Africa said it was based on his personal request and denied that he was rejected by Germany.

In a statement, he stated: “It gives me pleasure to announce the fact that Mr. President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.

“This came a few days after the initial posting to Germany was announced and after I made a formal representation to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, that I was not comfortable with Germany for a number of personal reasons and given the fact that I had lived in Europe most of my life, I would prefer to go to South Africa which is a country that I had never been to, and for which I have so much interest.

“I also expressed the fact that I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs, that has the biggest economy in Africa, that has closer ties to Nigeria and that is more proximate to my political thinking when it comes to foreign affairs and a pan African vision.

“I, therefore, made an application for a redeployment to South Africa two days after the initial announcement was made and I am pleased to say that after the then Foreign Minister (H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar) heard my reasons he considered them favourably after which he conveyed the request to Mr. President who graciously approved it.

“I will be eternally grateful to Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this favourable consideration.

“I also take this opportunity to thank Senator Sam Enang, who was originally posted to South Africa and who was pleased to go to Germany instead, to agree for a straight swap.

“I take this opportunity to once again confirm that this was my choice and that Germany NEVER formally rejected me, which was a fake report that was published in an irresponsible online magazine that thrives on sensationslism, lies and blackmail.

“Their story was not only irresponsible and insulting but was also a total and complete fabrication based on hearsay, beer parlour talk and cheap gossip and designed to embarass my goodself, the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Worse still they listed a number of clearly outlandish and absurd reasons for this purported and fake “rejection” which they patched together and concocted reflecting the malevolent condition of their perverse imagination.

“Our findings, after a preliminary investigation, was that the story was not only sponsored but was also written with malicious intent and designed to hurt and destroy my career and bring me into both national and international opprobium and disrepute.

“We have reported the online magazine and the individuals that are behind it with a petition to the relevant security agencies for necessary action.

“I have also briefed my lawyers to take up the matter and we shall be suing them in a civil action for defamation.

“What actually happened was that the day an ‘agreement’ was sent to South Africa by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was on March 13th, it was leaked to them and they falsely and maliciously reported that it was sent only because I had been formally rejected by Germany which they knew to be false.

“They attempted to establish falsehood as fact and this is unacceptable and far below the par of professionalism and proper journalism.

“If there was such a formal rejection, I challenge them to bring the proof with documentary evidence.

“I repeat this never happened and I urge the media to be far more circumspect with such reports.

“This statement has been made necessary due to the concern that many of my friends and loved ones have expressed over the matter and in an attempt to set the record straight.

“God-willing, I look forward to serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, a nation that I admire and respect given its remarkable and inspiring history.”

El-Rufai’s Son Dumps APC, Joins ADC

Adesina Soyooye

May 7, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

With his father, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai languishing, for months, in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Honourable

Bello El-Rufai, Member, House of Representatives, Kaduna North Federal Constituency, has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Bello’s letter of resignation from the APC was read on the floor of the House Thursday, May 7, 2026 by

the Speaker, The Rt. Honourable Abbas Tajudeen.

According to Tajudeen, Bello

El-Rufai defected to the ADC with two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Kaduna State — Reps Umar Ajilo and Suleiman Yahaya Richifa.

The Speaker, also, announced the defection of Kamilu Ado from Kano State, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from the ADC.

Not left behind is Honourable Joshua Obika, representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory who dumped the APC to the NDC.

The members cited internal crises as well as uncertainty within their former parties for their actions.

El-Rufai jnr. had, before now, said he would stick with the APC. His father’s travails, and the uncertainty of his getting a return ticket may have pushed him to finally resign from the Party which founding member and power broker his father was.

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