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Crisis Rocks Obidient Movement as Finance Director Resigns A fresh crisis has hit the Obidient Movement, the political support group that mobilised grassroots backing for Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the resignation of its Director of Finance, Dr Peter Agada, who cited lack of structure and coordination within the organisation. Agada announced his resignation on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, where he also unveiled a new political platform, The Movement Nigeria, signalling a possible realignment within the coalition that powered Obi’s presidential bid. He explained that his decision was not borne out of personal grievances but concerns about organisational sustainability and internal coordination, stressing that the movement required stronger institutional frameworks to remain effective beyond the 2023 elections. The Obidient Movement emerged as a youth-driven political force during the 2023 general elections, drawing momentum from civic activism linked to the #EndSARS protests and widespread dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s traditional political establishment. The group played a significant role in galvanising young voters, professionals and

Nigerian Justice Heads CAF Panel That Stripped Senegal of AFCON 2025 Title Nigeria’s Justice Roli Daibo Harriman chaired the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Committee that ruled to strip Senegal of the AFCON 2025 title after reviewing the case brought before the continental football body. The decision was taken by a nine-member appeal panel comprising men and women from across Africa, reflecting CAF’s multinational judicial structure.

@NigAffairs @woye1 Kidnapping to Be Treated as Terrorism — ADC Reveals New Policy Plan youtu.be/MaWXBjCzOL4

David Mark is not a member of ADC - ADC House of Representatives Member, Leke Abejide

Tinubu Arrives UK On State Visit President, Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, have arrived in the United Kingdom for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both countries. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday disclosed that the presidential aircraft, Nigerian Air Force 001, touched down at exactly 3:23 p.m. UK time at Stansted Airport, London. Dare noted that the arrival of the President and his wife marks the commencement of a historic visit, coming 37 years after the British Royal Family last hosted a Nigerian leader. He explained that the visit is expected to reset diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, not only along traditional lines but also across critical sectors such as trade, tourism, commerce, maritime, security, and other areas of mutual interest. The Special Adviser further highlighted that the Tinubu administration has continued to drive reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy, attracting global attention, and strengthening the country’s standing on the international stage. The visit is expected to feature high-level engagements, including meetings with British officials and members of the Royal Family, as both nations seek to deepen cooperation and expand strategic partnerships.

@ruffydfire Kidnapping to Be Treated as Terrorism — ADC Reveals New Policy Plan youtu.be/MaWXBjCzOL4

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday unveiled an interim policy framework ahead of the 2027 elections, saying it is ready to move beyond opposition politics and take on the responsibility of governing Nigeria.

ADC Unveils Manifesto Priorities, Targets Security Reform, Tax Relief, Social Protection Party proposes classifying kidnapping as terrorism, seeks tax shift to protect low-income earners The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has outlined key priorities in its emerging manifesto, placing security reform, tax restructuring and social welfare at the centre of its interim policy framework ahead of the 2027 general elections. Presenting the report in Abuja on Tuesday, the party said persistent weaknesses in Nigeria’s justice system — particularly delays in prosecution — have continued to undermine efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry. To address the challenge, the ADC’s Policy and Manifesto Committee recommended that such crimes be formally classified as acts of terrorism, alongside measures aimed at ensuring swift and credible justice to deter offenders. The interim report also proposed significant changes to the tax system, including exempting subsistence income from taxation. The committee argued that many Nigerians already shoulder the cost of essential services such as electricity and security, and should not be further burdened by taxation. It added that a fair tax regime should shift greater responsibility to higher-income earners while protecting low-income households. On social protection, the committee proposed the enactment of a Social Protection Act to guarantee continuity of welfare programmes across successive administrations. According to the report, such legislation would prevent disruptions in safety-net initiatives and institutionalise support for vulnerable groups nationwide. The proposals are contained in an interim report submitted by a 50-member committee chaired by former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun. Receiving the document, the National Chairman of the party, David Mark, described the report as a significant step towards positioning the ADC as a credible governing alternative. He said the policy direction reflects the party’s readiness to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges as political activities gradually build up towards the 2027 elections.

Former Philip Aduda, ex-Senate Minority Leader and former senator representing the FCT, has resigned his membership of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), marking a significant political shift ahead of emerging realignments in the Federal Capital Territory’s political landscape. Aduda, a prominent Gbagyi figure in Abuja politics, confirmed his exit after years of affiliation with the opposition party.

Babangida stated that Sotirin also told investigators that the money was intended to assist with medical expenses. However, the EFCC witness admitted under cross-examination that investigators did not verify whether the alleged medical procedure was actually carried out. He also confirmed that Agunloye’s son was not invited for questioning, based on the claim that he lives in the United States. “The defendant stated that the son stays abroad, specifically in America,” Babangida said. Further scrutiny revealed that portions of the money were subsequently transferred by Agunloye to several individuals. The witness, however, acknowledged that the EFCC did not invite those recipients to clarify the purpose of the transfers. He also said he could not recall whether he had earlier indicated that the recipients were not medical professionals. During the proceedings, the defence highlighted several gaps in the EFCC’s investigation. Babangida admitted that the commission could not confirm whether the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had been established at the time the contract was awarded in 2003. He also expressed uncertainty as to whether the agency came into existence in 2007—four years after the contract in question. The defence is expected to rely on such inconsistencies to challenge the credibility and thoroughness of the investigation. Agunloye has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence as the trial progresses. The case, which centres on one of Nigeria’s most ambitious power projects, continues to draw attention due to its implications for governance, contract transparency, and the long-standing challenges in the country’s power sector. Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned proceedings to a later date for continuation of trial.

SDP Chieftain Agunloye Allegedly Cut FG’s Mambilla Equity by $900m — Witness Proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo took a significant turn on Monday as a prosecution witness alleged that Social Democratic Party chieftain and former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, unilaterally reduced the Federal Government’s equity stake in the Mambilla Hydropower Project by approximately $900 million without presidential approval. The testimony was given by Umar Hussein Babangida, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who appeared as the third prosecution witness in the ongoing trial before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie. Agunloye is standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on alleged disobedience of a presidential directive, conspiracy, forgery, and receipt of gratification in connection with the controversial Mambilla hydropower project. During cross-examination by defence counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN), Babangida told the court that initial recommendations for the Mambilla project proposed that the Federal Government should retain a 25 per cent equity stake, estimated at approximately $1.5 billion. However, he said the contract eventually awarded in 2003 under Agunloye’s supervision reduced the government’s equity participation to between zero and 10 per cent. Pressed further, the witness agreed that the reduction from 25 per cent to a maximum of 10 per cent represented a financial difference of about $900 million. However, he rejected suggestions that such a reduction amounted to cost-saving for the government. The prosecution maintains that the decision significantly altered the financial structure of the project to the detriment of the Federal Government. The EFCC further alleges that Agunloye unlawfully awarded the contract for the construction of the 3,960 megawatts Mambilla Hydropower Plant to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited. The Mambilla project, one of Nigeria’s largest proposed hydroelectric power projects, has long been mired in legal and contractual disputes, with successive governments grappling with arbitration claims and delays in execution. According to the anti-graft agency, the contract award did not comply with due process and contravened directives issued at the time by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Babangida told the court that Agunloye had advised investigators to seek clarification from individuals who attended the FEC meeting held on May 21, 2003, where deliberations on the project were made. He added that former President Olusegun Obasanjo later provided information through a questionnaire submitted by lawyers representing the Federal Government. However, under cross-examination, the witness admitted that the questionnaire presented as evidence was neither signed nor dated and did not contain the names of the lawyers who prepared it—raising questions about its evidential weight. The court also heard details regarding an alleged financial transaction involving Agunloye years after he left office. The EFCC accused the former minister of receiving N5.212 million in 2019 through his Guaranty Trust Bank account. The payment was allegedly made by Jide Abiodun Sotirin on the instruction of Leno Adesanya, a promoter of Sunrise Power. Babangida confirmed that the payment was traced during investigations but noted that Sotirin did not describe the money as gratification. “He told the investigating team that he was acting on the instructions of his boss, Leno Adesanya. He didn’t say it was gratification, but I am not surprised,” the witness said. According to the EFCC, the payment raised suspicion due to its connection to the same company involved in the disputed contract. Providing further insight, the witness said Agunloye explained to investigators that the funds were meant to address a medical emergency involving his son, who resides abroad.

Breaking: Explosions Rock Maiduguri A double bomb explosion has reportedly occurred in Maiduguri, with blasts recorded around Gwange, Monday Market, and near the entrance of the Teaching Hospital shortly after iftar (around 7pm). Sources report casualties, though official figures are yet to be confirmed. Security agencies are said to be responding to the situation as residents urge prayers and caution. More details shortly.

Court Screens Video Alleging NDLEA Operatives Aided Drug Traffickers in Kyari Trial The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday played a video evidence tendered by the Nigeria Police, alleging that operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) assisted drug traffickers to evade detection at Nigerian airports. The video was presented as part of proceedings in the ongoing trial involving former Head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abba Kyari, alongside four other police officers facing charges before the court. The defendants include Sunday J. Ubua, an Assistant Commissioner of Police; Bawa James, an Assistant Superintendent of Police; and Inspectors Simon Agirgba and John Nuhu — all formerly attached to the Police IRT. The evidence was tendered through Inspector El-John Nwoke, a police officer attached to the Force Headquarters, who appeared as the second defence witness (DW-2). Led in evidence by defence counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the witness narrated how NDLEA operatives allegedly facilitated the movement of two drug traffickers through the Enugu Airport in January 2022. According to Nwoke, the traffickers — Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne — were later arrested by the police with a 21.55-kilogram consignment of cocaine after arriving in Nigeria from Ethiopia. He told the court that the suspects allegedly confessed that airport officials were usually alerted ahead of their arrival through photographs and descriptions forwarded to NDLEA operatives on duty. “They said when they are coming with the substance, their pictures and dressing would already have been sent to the officers,” the witness testified. Nwoke further claimed that the suspects explained that NDLEA officers would allegedly conduct superficial checks on their luggage as a signal that the bags had been cleared. The court heard that the traffickers described the illicit substance as “market” and said they had engaged in similar operations previously without interception. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the video recording lasting about 27 minutes to be played in open court while the witness remained in the dock. During the video presentation, one of the suspects reportedly admitted knowledge that the substance was cocaine and stated that he had previously received payment for similar smuggling activities. He also alleged that NDLEA officials routinely cleared them before they proceeded to deliver the drugs to unidentified recipients. The proceedings mark a significant moment in the high-profile case, which began after Kyari and members of his team were declared wanted and subsequently charged following the controversial arrest of the traffickers. After viewing the video evidence, the court adjourned further hearing in the matter until May 20. The allegations presented in court remain subject to judicial determination as the trial continues.

Information Minister Inaugurates APC Media, Publicity Subcommittee Ahead of National Convention The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has inaugurated the Media and Publicity Subcommittee for the 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), charging members to ensure effective communication and transparency throughout the convention process. The inauguration ceremony was held at the minister’s conference room at Radio House in Abuja on Sunday. Speaking during the event, Idris said the subcommittee’s mandate extends beyond routine publicity, stressing that it would play a strategic role in shaping public communication ahead of the party’s national convention. According to him, the committee is expected not only to report activities leading to the convention but also to develop media content, manage media relations, and coordinate with other convention committees to ensure seamless information flow. He explained that the assignment involves ensuring accurate dissemination of information, promoting transparency, coordinating media engagement, and projecting both the process and outcomes of the convention to Nigerians and the international community. Idris added that the ruling party remains committed to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the forthcoming convention offers another opportunity for the party to demonstrate unity, discipline, and commitment to national development. Also speaking, a member of the subcommittee, Tunde Rahman, assured that members would work diligently to ensure the successful hosting of the convention. The APC National Convention is expected to hold in the coming weeks, with party stakeholders preparing for key decisions expected to shape the party’s direction ahead of future electoral contests.

ADC Raises Alarm Ahead of 2027 The African Democratic Congress says it will resist an alleged plot to make President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the only viable presidential candidate in 2027. The party accused elements within the All Progressives Congress of pressuring INEC to recognise expelled member Nafiu Bala Gombe as ADC National Chairman to destabilise the opposition. ADC insists its leadership remains under David Mark, vowing to resist “anti-democratic forces” by all lawful means.

Security Operatives Arrest Suspected Bandits Near Akure Airport Security operatives have arrested suspected bandits around the perimeter of Akure Airport following a coordinated security operation by multiple agencies. In a statement issued late Sunday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said the suspects were apprehended after they were sighted in suspicious circumstances behind the airport perimeter fence towards the Eleyewo community. The statement, signed by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Adegbire, explained that the arrest followed a joint operation involving aviation security and other security agencies. “In response, security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other local security outfits immediately launched a joint search operation,” the statement said. FAAN noted that the development highlights the need to strengthen airport perimeter protection and prevent unlawful access to critical aviation infrastructure. The agency added that work has already commenced in phases to reinforce security measures across airports under its management. “FAAN reassures the travelling public and host communities of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide,” the statement added. The incident comes amid growing security concerns in Ondo State, where communities have recently protested over increasing cases of kidnappings and attacks by gunmen

Tinubu receives Sultan of Sokoto on private visit President Bola Tinubu on Sunday received in audience the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, at the State House, Abuja, in what officials described as a private engagement. The meeting, which lasted less than 30 minutes, reflected ongoing consultations between the Presidency and traditional and religious leaders across the country. The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), was represented at the meeting by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar. Details of the discussions between the President and the Sultan’s delegation were not disclosed as of press time. The visit came only days after Tinubu hosted traditional and religious leaders from across the country for an interfaith Ramadan and Lenten breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa. Sources said the meeting forms part of a series of engagements the President has been holding with key national stakeholders on issues of public interest. Within the past 10 days, President Tinubu has held separate meetings with former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), and former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.).

@SaharaReporters “Otti Is Afraid of Kalu” — Group Alleges Smear Plan Ahead of 2027 youtube.com/watch?v=Pvg7Mp…

‘Tinubu For Second Term, We Don’t Want Peter Obi Or Atiku; We’ll Beg Him To Continue After Eight Years,’ Says Igboho | Sahara Reporters bit.ly/47uu0N2

@instablog9ja “Otti Is Afraid of Kalu” — Group Alleges Smear Plan Ahead of 2027 youtube.com/watch?v=Pvg7Mp…

Man sparks debate with question about the personal lives of adult workers 🤔

@SaharaReporters “Otti Is Afraid of Kalu” — Group Alleges Smear Plan Ahead of 2027 youtube.com/watch?v=Pvg7Mp…

Kenyan Minister Heads To Moscow To Seek Return Of Kenyans Recruited Into Russian Military | Sahara Reporters bit.ly/3NFhrrx

@ChuksEricE “Otti Is Afraid of Kalu” — Group Alleges Smear Plan Ahead of 2027 youtube.com/watch?v=Pvg7Mp…

“Those outside Abia may not fully understand why we praise Governor Alex Otti. I found myself walking on a major road in Aba with tears in my eyes. Sometimes I wonder what those formal governors are doing" — Man who moved to Abia state in 2018 shared his experience