Three PDP Senators from Kebbi Declare Defection to APC After Meeting Tinubu
ABUJA — Three serving senators from Kebbi State elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have formally declared their intention to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers—Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—made the announcement following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Ganduje Responds to One-Party State Concerns, Says APC’s Dominance Reflects Public Support
ABUJA — National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed fears raised by opposition parties that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state. Speaking to State House Correspondents after meeting with President Tinubu, Ganduje said, “If Nigerians want to join APC en masse, we can’t quarrel with them.”
Dangote: We’re Not Competing With NNPC, We’re Partners in Energy Sector
LAGOS — The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has clarified that his company is not in competition with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. He described the two firms as business partners and pledged to cooperate with the new NNPC management in ensuring energy security.
JAMB Releases 2025 UTME Results, Withholds 39,834 Over Suspected Malpractice
ABUJA — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released results for 1,951,811 candidates who took the 2025 UTME, while withholding 39,834 results pending investigations into examination misconduct. JAMB also revealed that 80 suspects are under interrogation for various offences.
EFCC to Probe Defense Minister Matawalle Over Corruption Allegations
ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed plans to investigate Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, following a formal petition by the APC Young Leaders Alliance. The petition alleges financial misconduct during Matawalle’s tenure as governor.
Lagos Police Arrest Man Transporting Human Organs for Alleged Ritual Use
LAGOS — Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 25-year-old man, Samson Oghenebreme, who was caught transporting human organs from Edo State to Lagos. According to the police, the organs were intended for a native doctor to use in money rituals.
Abia Govt Accuses Ikpeazu of Commissioning Uninhabitable Government House
UMUAHIA — The Abia State Government has alleged that former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu built and commissioned an uninhabitable Government House just 24 hours before leaving office. Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the building was never structurally intended to be residential.
Labour Party Caretaker Committee Suspends Abure and Farouk Umar for Six Months
ABUJA — The Labour Party’s National Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, has announced the six-month suspension of former party chairman Julius Abure and ex-secretary Farouk Umar. The decision was announced in a statement co-signed by Usman and NCC Secretary Senator Darlington Nwokocha.
Two Niger Delta University Graduates Killed by Suspected Cultists in Bayelsa
YENAGOA — Two graduates of Niger Delta University were hacked to death by suspected cultists in the Gbarantoru community of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. One of the victims was identified as Ayaokpo Sinclair from Tombia, while the second victim remains unidentified.
Police Rescue 25 Kidnapped Ivorians in Ogun, Arrest Eight Suspects
OGUN — The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 25 Ivorian nationals from a cross-border kidnapping syndicate in Ogun State. In coordination with Interpol and based on a request from Abidjan’s National Central Bureau, eight suspects were arrested during the operation.
Kebbi Senators Set to Dump PDP for APC After Meeting With President Tinubu
ABUJA — Three senators from Kebbi State have finalized plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move was disclosed during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to presidential aide Dada Olusegun. Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) are expected to officially announce their defection on the Senate floor next Tuesday.
Nigeria Still Owes IMF ₦190 Billion Despite COVID-19 Loan Repayment
ABUJA — Nigeria has fully repaid the $3.4 billion COVID-19 loan it received through the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument, but still owes roughly ₦190 billion ($30 million) in Special Drawing Rights (SDR) charges over the next four years. The presidency celebrated the development, with presidential aide Otega Ogra calling it a sign of “discipline, reform, and strategic reset.” However, critics say the celebration is premature given the ongoing financial obligations.
Sowunmi Says PDP Will Survive Wave of Defections to APC
LAGOS — PDP chieftain Segun Sowunmi has dismissed concerns about the party’s future following multiple defections to the APC. Speaking with Vanguard, Sowunmi said, “Why would PDP not survive?” He noted that other parties, including APC, also face internal competition for limited political positions and suggested the movement of members is not one-sided.
Ozigbo Slams Soludo for Hosting Tinubu, Calls Visit ‘Political Theatre’
ANAMBRA — APC chieftain Valentine Ozigbo has criticized Anambra Governor Charles Soludo over President Tinubu’s recent visit to commission projects. Ozigbo labeled the projects “overhyped” and accused Soludo of prioritizing media optics over governance. He further claimed Soludo discouraged party branding during the event out of fear of political backlash.
Ganduje Defends One-Party Dominance, Cites China’s Model
ABUJA — APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje has said it would not be wrong if Nigeria evolved into a one-party state, noting that China, a global power, operates such a system. Speaking to journalists after meeting President Tinubu, Ganduje stated, “One-party state is not by force… it’s by other political parties seeing the effect of the positive governance of our party.”
NNPCL and Dangote Refinery Move to Resolve Tensions After Months of Feud
ABUJA — Following months of friction, NNPCL and Dangote Refinery have agreed to strengthen collaboration and reduce rivalry in Nigeria’s oil sector. Both companies met in Abuja to advance shared goals on energy security. Their rivalry previously led to the suspension of the crude-for-naira deal, which has since been reinstated.
Presidential Jet Sent to South Africa for Upgrades as Air Fleet Costs Hit ₦20.03 Billion
ABUJA — Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet has cost the country ₦20.03 billion from July 2023 to December 2024, according to civic tech platform GovSpend. A new Airbus A330 acquired for the presidency has been flown to South Africa for refurbishment and branding. The presidency says the aircraft will save on long-term maintenance costs.
NPFL Title Decided as Remo Stars Crowned Champions Ahead of Matchday 37
NIGERIA — With Matchday 37 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) approaching, Remo Stars have already clinched the title with 68 points. The focus now shifts to continental qualification and relegation battles. Rivers United, currently in second place with 61 points, face a tough challenge away at Kwara United this Sunday.
