Welcome

Author: Promise Odejide

  • Isaac Fayose Backs Peter Obi Amid Party Switch Debate, Defends Political Movement

    Nigerian businessman Isaac Fayose has publicly defended Peter Obi amid growing criticism over his movement across political parties, insisting that loyalty should be to individuals rather than platforms.

    His comments come as debates intensify following Obi’s recent political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Fayose Defends Obi’s Party Movement

    Reacting to the backlash, Fayose dismissed claims that Obi’s party switches should be a cause for concern.

    He argued that political movement is not unusual in Nigeria’s landscape, pointing to President Bola Tinubu’s history of transitioning across multiple parties over the years.

    “Some people are saying Peter Obi is moving from one party to another. Let me remind them that the current president moved from SDP to AD, then ACN, and now APC,” he said.

    ‘I Will Follow Him Anywhere’

    Fayose went further to reaffirm his personal support for the former Anambra State governor, stressing that his loyalty is tied to Obi as an individual.

    “If Peter Obi decides to move to NAFDAC or LASTMA, I will still follow him because we believe in him,” he added.

    His remarks highlight a growing sentiment among some supporters who prioritise candidates over party structures.

    Questions Over APC’s Concerns

    The businessman also questioned why the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which currently controls several states, would feel threatened by Obi’s movements.

    “I thought APC has almost all the governors, so why are they still afraid?” he asked.

    Debate Reflects Wider Political Realignments

    Fayose’s comments add to the ongoing conversation around shifting alliances and early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

    With opposition figures exploring new platforms and coalitions, party loyalty and political strategy remain key talking points across Nigeria’s political space.

     

  • ADC, Atiku Camp Dismiss NDC Defection Talks Amid Coalition Speculation

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have denied reports suggesting ongoing defection talks with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), pushing back against claims of a possible midweek announcement.

    The denial comes at a time of growing uncertainty within opposition ranks as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Atiku Camp Rejects Claims

    Reacting to the reports, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed any suggestion of talks involving the former vice president or former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

    “If that is the case, I will be the first to know. I don’t think that there’s anything like that,” Ibe said.

    His response directly contradicts claims that key figures within the opposition were already in advanced discussions with the NDC.

    ADC Labels Report ‘Rubbish’

    Within the ADC, party officials also distanced themselves from the speculation, insisting there were no such engagements.

    National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the reports in blunt terms.

    “100% rubbish,” he said, rejecting claims linking the party’s leadership to any defection arrangement.

    Speculation Grows After Recent Defections

    The rumours gained traction following the recent defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the NDC, a development that has triggered wider conversations about a possible opposition realignment.

    Since then, the NDC has increasingly been mentioned as a potential rallying platform for political figures seeking a new coalition structure.

    Coalition Talks Still Unclear

    Sources familiar with ongoing discussions suggest that while contacts may exist among political actors, they are more likely part of broader coalition conversations rather than direct plans to switch parties.

    With internal disputes still unresolved within the ADC and other opposition platforms, political stakeholders appear to be weighing multiple options ahead of the next election cycle.

    The situation remains fluid, with parties expected to clarify their positions in the coming weeks as preparations for 2027 intensify.

  • Otedola Breaks Silence, Denies Funding Dangote Refinery, Calls Report ‘Complete Falsehood’

    Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has firmly denied reports linking him to the financing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing the claims as entirely false and misleading.

    The clarification comes amid growing speculation online suggesting that Otedola and other top Nigerian business figures played a role in funding the multibillion-dollar project.

    Otedola dismisses claim outright

    In a statement released on Monday, Otedola stated clearly that he had no financial involvement in the refinery project.

    He said, “Reports claiming that Femi Otedola funded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery are completely and utterly false. I have not invested a single kobo, not one dollar, not one naira.”

    His response directly counters viral claims that have circulated across social media platforms in recent days.

    Clarifies actual interest in refinery

    Otedola explained that his only connection to the project was a request to participate in its planned public offer.

    He noted that this detail had been ignored by those spreading the claims.

    According to him, the narrative being pushed online does not reflect the true situation surrounding the refinery’s financing.

    Other business leaders also not involved

    The businessman also addressed reports linking other prominent figures, including Tony Elumelu and Mike Adenuga, to the refinery’s funding.

    He stated that none of them were approached for financial support by the Dangote Group.

    “I can categorically state that at no point did Alhaji Dangote request for financing from Mr Elumelu, Mr Adenuga and myself,” he said.

    He added that the Dangote Group has the capacity to raise structured capital independently without relying on personal borrowing.

    Warns against ‘mischief’ and misinformation

    Otedola described the circulating reports as a deliberate attempt to create division within Nigeria’s business community.

    He said such claims undermine the credibility of individuals who have spent decades building businesses and contributing to the economy.

    “These are men who have built businesses, created jobs, and invested in this nation for decades. They deserve better than to be used as props in a social media fabrication,” he said.

    Dangote Group had earlier reacted

    The development follows an earlier response by the Dangote Group, which also denied claims that the refinery was funded through personal borrowing.

    The company insisted that its projects are financed through structured and institutional funding channels, not informal arrangements.

    Calls for focus on facts

    Otedola urged the public to disregard false narratives and rely on verified information.

    He stressed the need for accuracy in public discourse, especially on issues involving major economic investments.

  • ‘Tinubu Cancelled Trip Over Obi, Kwankwaso Move?’ — Viral Claim Sparks Fresh Political Debate

    A viral political claim circulating on social media has stirred fresh debate after a man alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cancelled a planned foreign trip over recent opposition realignments.

    The claim, which has gained traction online, links the alleged decision to reports of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso moving to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Claims of calculated political strategy

    In the widely shared post, the man argued that the emergence of the NDC was not sudden but part of a long-term political strategy.

    He referenced former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, suggesting that the development involved experienced political actors and careful planning.

    According to him, the situation intensified when it became clear that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would not serve as the main coalition platform.

    Allegations of legislative response

    The man further claimed that the development triggered urgent moves within the National Assembly to block last-minute political defections.

    “The NDC movement wasn’t an impromptu movement,” he wrote. “What quickened it was that when Tinubu found out ADC wasn’t the mainstream coalition party, he quickly sent his boys to the NASS to pass a bill which will prevent any last minute movement.”

    The claim, however, has not been independently verified.

    Speculation over alleged trip cancellation

    He also suggested that the reported defection of Obi and Kwankwaso forced a swift response from the ruling camp.

    “You think Tinubu cancelled his health trip for fun? It’s bigger than what many think,” he added.

    There has been no official confirmation from the Presidency regarding any cancelled trip or its connection to political developments.

    Mixed reactions trail claim

    The post has since generated mixed reactions, with some users expressing concern over shifting political alliances, while others dismissed the claim as speculation.

    As of the time of filing this report, there is no verified evidence linking any presidential travel decision to the alleged political movements.

  • Outrage in Kwara as Police Detain Teen Girl, Residents Storm Station Over ‘Arrest by Proxy’

    Tension has erupted in Kwara State after viral videos showed a teenage girl detained at a police station in Arandun, triggering public outrage and calls for sanctions against the officers involved.

    The footage, circulating widely on social media, captured angry residents storming the station to demand justice.

    Residents demand answers

    Videos posted online showed a crowd gathering at the police station, insisting on either the release of the girl or her formal prosecution.

    The teenager was reportedly held in detention for three days, raising concerns among residents about due process and police conduct.

    The situation quickly escalated as community members confronted officers over the circumstances of her arrest.

    Mother alleges ‘wrongful detention’

    In one of the videos, the girl’s mother explained that the police initially arrested her over an issue involving another child.

    She said she was detained for three days before securing her release on bail.

    According to her, officers later returned and arrested her 16-year-old daughter, who she insists is not connected to the alleged offence.

    Concerns over ‘arrest by proxy’

    The development has reignited concerns about “arrest by proxy,” a practice previously condemned by the Nigeria Police Force.

    In 2024, the police described the act as unacceptable and warned against detaining individuals in place of actual suspects.

    The latest incident has drawn criticism online, with many Nigerians questioning why a minor would be held under such circumstances.

    Police yet to respond

    As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful.

    The incident continues to generate reactions, with calls for accountability and adherence to established legal procedures.

  • Catholic Priest Slams ‘Break Poverty’ Prayers, Tells Nigerians to Focus on Leaders

    A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma, has sparked widespread reactions after criticising the growing trend of organising prayer sessions aimed at “breaking poverty” among struggling Nigerians.

    The cleric’s remarks, shared in a viral message, questioned the effectiveness of such gatherings in addressing real economic challenges.

    Questions over poverty-focused prayers

    Oluoma argued that directing poor people to prayer sessions focused solely on ending poverty often misplaces responsibility.

    “When men of God gather poor people to organise prayers to break poverty and you go, you are being foolish,” he said.

    While acknowledging the role of spirituality, he maintained that prayer alone cannot resolve material hardship.

    Calls for focus on leadership

    The priest insisted that Nigeria’s economic struggles are largely tied to leadership failures, not the spiritual condition of the poor.

    He suggested that political leaders should instead be the focus of spiritual intervention.

    “So instead of gathering poor people… gather Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, all the governors and ministers,” he said.

    According to him, leaders need “deliverance” from traits such as greed, incompetence, and tribalism.

    Takes aim at ‘profit-driven’ prophets

    Oluoma also criticised religious figures who claim to have the power to eliminate poverty through spiritual means.

    “Any man that claims to cure poverty by spiritual power is only using you to enrich his own pocket,” he said.

    His comments have triggered debate online, with some agreeing that systemic issues drive poverty, while others defended the role of faith.

    Leadership central to solutions

    The cleric concluded that addressing poverty requires responsible governance rather than repeated spiritual rituals.

    “To solve material problems… it is about leadership,” he said.

    His remarks add to ongoing national conversations about poverty, governance, and the role of religion in public life.

  • US Lifts Visa Freeze on Foreign Doctors, Nigerians Resume Applications

    The United States government has reversed its earlier policy suspending visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, allowing physicians from Nigeria and about 38 other countries to resume their applications.

    The decision follows months of disruption that left many affected doctors unable to practise.

    Policy shift after months of disruption

    The restriction, introduced in January, had halted visa extensions, work permits, and green card processing for citizens of nearly 39 countries under the US travel ban framework.

    The move affected thousands of foreign-trained doctors, including Nigerians, many of whom were placed on administrative leave or faced uncertainty over their employment status.

    Doctors now exempted

    The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidelines, exempting medical doctors from the freeze.

    A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the change, stating that applications involving medical physicians will continue to be processed.

    The update effectively restores pathways for affected doctors to continue working legally in the United States.

    Healthcare shortage drives reversal

    The policy reversal comes amid mounting pressure on the US healthcare system, which is grappling with a shortage of about 65,000 doctors.

    Experts warn the gap could widen significantly in the coming years if staffing challenges persist.

    Foreign-trained physicians account for roughly 25 percent of the US medical workforce, playing a critical role in primary care delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas.

    Relief for Nigerian doctors

    With processing now resumed, Nigerian doctors affected by the policy are expected to return to active practice or continue their application processes without further delay.

    The development is also seen as a relief for US hospitals that rely heavily on foreign-trained professionals to sustain operations.

  • ALGON Backs Tinubu for 2027, Suspends Three LG Chairmen Over Misconduct

    The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also announcing the suspension of three local government chairmen over alleged misconduct.

    The decisions were reached at the association’s 54th Expanded National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja.

    Endorsement rooted in ‘continuity’

    The meeting, chaired by ALGON National President Bello Lawal, brought together members from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and past leaders of the association.

    A former ALGON President, Alabi Kolade David, moved the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement, which was seconded by Plateau State ALGON Chairman, Anani Hamisu Mohammed.

    In a communiqué issued after the meeting, Mohammed said the endorsement was based on the belief that continuity would strengthen governance at the grassroots.

    “A second term will deepen grassroots governance and consolidate ongoing reforms,” he said.

    Renewed Hope Agenda cited

    ALGON said its support for Tinubu was tied to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which it claimed had improved fiscal capacity and autonomy at the local government level.

    According to the association, stronger councils would enhance service delivery, deepen democracy, and bring governance closer to the people.

    It added that ongoing reforms have positioned local governments to better meet their constitutional responsibilities.

    Three chairmen suspended

    Meanwhile, the council announced the suspension of three local government chairmen.

    They are Zakari Iliyasu of Agwara LGA in Niger State, Abubakar Danladi Abdullahi of Kaiama LGA in Kwara State, and Abba Shehu Tambuwal of Tambuwal LGA in Sokoto State.

    ALGON said the officials were suspended over allegations including impersonation, actions against the association’s interest, and abuse of constitutional provisions.

    Warning to MDAs, partners

    The association warned ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, and development partners against engaging with the suspended officials.

    It stressed that the affected chairmen no longer have authority to act on behalf of ALGON in any capacity.

    Vote of confidence in leadership

    ALGON also passed a vote of confidence in its national president, Bello Lawal, reaffirming support for his leadership.

    The council pledged continued commitment to unity within the association and policies aimed at strengthening grassroots development.

    The endorsement adds to a growing list of political backing for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Pastor Kneels, Begs Wike Not to Hand Over Jabi Lake for Private Development

    Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has publicly appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, not to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

    In a video shared on Sunday, the cleric was seen kneeling on the pulpit as she made a direct appeal, urging the minister to preserve the space for public use.

    Emotional appeal from the pulpit

    Omakwu said she chose not to confront the minister but instead appealed as a concerned citizen and mother.

    “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT… but I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

    She described the area as a vital social and economic space for residents.

    “Leave it for the people”

    According to the cleric, the recreation centre serves multiple purposes, from exercise and relaxation to social gatherings and small-scale business activities.

    “That is where people go for exercise… where people meet, interact, and even get married,” she said, urging the minister to allow continued public access.

    She also expressed concern over shrinking public spaces in Abuja, noting that several previously accessible locations have become restricted over time.

    Acknowledges Wike’s projects

    Despite her concerns, Omakwu commended Wike for infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory.

    “I want to thank you for the highways… you have made movement easier,” she said, while maintaining her appeal over the Jabi Lake issue.

    Development plans already underway

    The appeal comes months after the Federal Capital Territory Administration signed agreements with private firms to redevelop Jabi Lake into a major recreational hub.

    Authorities say the initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and repositioning Abuja as a destination for leisure and economic activities.

    The situation has since drawn attention, with residents and stakeholders watching closely for the government’s next move.

  • PDP Crisis Deepens as Makinde Camp Moves to Name Turaki Caretaker Chair

    Fresh cracks have widened within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the faction backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde moves to unveil a 10-member caretaker committee, with Tanimu Turaki (SAN) tipped to lead the body.

    The committee is expected to be announced on Monday following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

    BoT backs Turaki amid leadership vacuum claims

    Sources said the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) endorsed Turaki during a meeting held on Sunday, citing his acceptability across party ranks.

    Opening the session, Wabara insisted the party would not bow to what he described as “renegades and political brigands,” adding that the BoT had stepped in to stabilise the PDP.

    He argued that recent developments had created a leadership vacuum within the party.

    Supreme Court ruling fuels crisis

    The move follows the Supreme Court’s April 30 judgment, which invalidated the Makinde-backed PDP national convention held in Ibadan.

    In a split decision, the apex court ruled that the exercise violated subsisting court orders, intensifying the party’s internal crisis.

    Wabara said the BoT had secured the required backing to convene the NEC meeting and restore order.

    Mixed views over Turaki’s emergence

    A source at the meeting said most BoT members supported Turaki’s emergence as caretaker chairman, describing him as widely accepted.

    “Most members believe Turaki has boosted the party’s image and remains acceptable,” the source said.

    However, another insider noted that some members proposed alternative candidates, although indications suggest Turaki may eventually emerge.

    Makinde eyes 2027 presidential bid

    In a related development, sources revealed that Governor Makinde is expected to formally declare his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election within the week.

    He is said to be committed to remaining in the PDP despite the ongoing crisis.

    Wike faction rejects move

    Meanwhile, the faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum.

    The group’s publicity secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, described the BoT meeting as inconsequential, insisting that the current leadership remains intact.

    “The meeting they held was just a gathering of people taking tea,” he said, adding that any outcome from it is a nullity.

    The PDP has remained divided for months, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s structure as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.