 |
| Symbolic Photo |
The
confrontation between Nyesom Wike and the APC leadership is not a passing
quarrel; it is a harbinger of deeper political realignments that could reshape
Nigeria’s ruling party and the balance of power in Rivers State.
Looking ahead, several scenarios emerge, each carrying profound implications for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC’s cohesion.
Wike’s Gambit and the APC’s Rivers Dilemma
The
unfolding drama between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,
and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become more than
a local skirmish, it is a test case for the balance of power within Nigeria’s
ruling party.
Wike’s sharp rebuke to APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to “hands off Rivers politics” is not merely a defensive gesture; it is a calculated move to preserve his political relevance in a state that has long been his stronghold.
 |
| Symbolic Photo |
Wike to APC Scribe - Hands Off Rivers Politics
The political feud between Minister of
the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the National Secretary of
the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has escalated into
a heated confrontation over control of Rivers State politics. Wike has warned
the APC scribe to steer clear of Rivers affairs, while Basiru has countered by
demanding Wike’s resignation from his ministerial post.
The clash
stems from the ongoing political turbulence in Rivers State following Governor
Siminalayi Fubara’s defection to the APC.
Traditionally, APC governors are recognized as leaders of the party in their respective states, a convention that grants them significant influence and often secures automatic return tickets for a second term.
Abdullahi Fodio University to Graduate 7,221 at First Convocation
The
Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology (AFUSTA), located in
Aliero, Kebbi State, is preparing for a historic milestone as it hosts its
maiden combined convocation ceremony.
Scheduled for Saturday, the event will see the graduation of 7,221 students, marking a significant achievement in the institution’s journey since its establishment.
Dangote Petitions EFCC Over Alleged Corruption by Ex-NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed
On
January 9, 2026, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL),
formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against
Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and
Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Acting through his lead counsel, Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, Dangote accused Ahmed of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment, urging the EFCC to investigate and prosecute if the allegations are substantiated.
“Muslims Are Also Being Killed in Nigeria,” Trump Admits
United
States President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged that Muslims are also
victims of violence in Nigeria, a statement that marks a shift from his earlier
emphasis on Christian persecution.
The admission came in the wake of recent U.S. military action in Nigeria, where American forces carried out airstrikes against jihadist camps in Sokoto State, a predominantly Muslim region near the Niger border.
INEC Chair Promises Free, Fair, Tech-Driven 2027 Elections
Executive Summary
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to deliver free, fair, and technology-driven elections in 2027. The INEC Chairman emphasized the Commission’s commitment to transparency, credibility, and innovation, highlighting reforms that will leverage digital tools to strengthen electoral integrity and public trust.
Court Bars Resident Doctors From Future Industrial Strikes
A
landmark ruling has emerged from Nigeria’s judiciary, reshaping the landscape
of labor relations in the health sector. The court has barred resident doctors
from engaging in future industrial strikes, a decision that carries significant
implications for healthcare delivery, labor rights, and the broader medical
community.
Background of the Case
 |
| Symbolic Photo |
Atiku Abubakar’s Relentless Pursuit of Nigeria’s Presidency
Atiku Abubakar’s repeated presidential
bids illustrate both the resilience of his ambition and the cyclical nature of
Nigerian politics. Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s remark that “since
my NYSC days, Atiku has been contesting election” captures the essence of a
political career defined by persistence and longevity.
Atiku’s journey began in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he first sought elective office. His early attempts included unsuccessful bids for the governorship of Adamawa State in 1990 and 1996. In 1998, he finally won the governorship, but fate redirected him to the national stage when he was selected as Olusegun Obasanjo’s running mate. Serving as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, Atiku became a central figure in Nigeria’s democratic transition, wielding influence in economic reforms and party politics.
Datti Baba-Ahmed on Atiku Abubakar’s Longstanding Political Ambition
In a
recent statement, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the vice-presidential
candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, reflected on
the enduring political journey of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking candidly, Baba-Ahmed remarked that since his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days, Atiku has consistently been contesting elections, underscoring the remarkable persistence of the veteran politician in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Jersey to Repatriate $9.5 Million Looted by Abacha to Nigeria
The
government of Jersey has announced its decision to return $9.5 million to
Nigeria, funds identified as part of the assets looted by former military ruler
General Sani Abacha.
This development marks another milestone in Nigeria’s long-standing effort to recover stolen wealth siphoned abroad during Abacha’s regime in the 1990s.
Trump Denies Plan To Pardon Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
On
January 8, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly denied claims that
he intended to pardon music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The
speculation had emerged amid ongoing legal troubles facing Combs, who has been
under investigation for alleged criminal activities.
Reports circulating online suggested that Trump, who has previously used presidential pardons as a political tool, was considering extending clemency to the embattled hip-hop entrepreneur.
Trump Orders US Withdrawal From 66 Global Organisations
On
January 8, 2026, President Donald Trump issued a sweeping directive ordering
the United States to withdraw from sixty-six international organisations. The
announcement, carried by Channels Television, marks one of the most extensive
disengagements from multilateral institutions in modern history.
The decision reflects Trump’s long-standing skepticism toward global governance structures, which he has often criticized as undermining U.S. sovereignty and draining national resources.
IBA Expresses Concern Over US Military Action in Venezuela
The International Bar Association (IBA)
has raised alarm over the United States’ recent military intervention in
Venezuela, warning that the operation poses serious challenges to international
law and global norms of sovereignty.
On
January 4, 2026, the IBA issued a statement following reports that U.S. forces
had carried out a clandestine mission in Venezuela, resulting in the removal of
President Nicolás Maduro and the arrest of his wife.
The intervention, which came after months of speculation and military buildup in the region, has sparked widespread debate about legality, legitimacy, and the broader implications for international order.
Macron Accuses US of ‘Breaking Free From International Rules’
French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticized the United States, accusing Washington of deliberately breaking away from established international rules and norms. His remarks, delivered during a press briefing, reflect growing tensions between Europe and the US over global governance, trade, and security frameworks.
US Detains Former Ghanaian Finance Minister
On
January 8, 2026, news broke that the United States authorities had detained a
former Ghanaian Finance Minister upon his arrival in the country.
The development has sparked widespread attention both in Ghana and internationally, given the high-profile nature of the individual involved and the implications for Ghana’s political and financial landscape.
Oxford Dictionary Embraces Nigerian Vernacular
The
Oxford English Dictionary (OED), one of the most authoritative references for
the English language, has officially expanded its glossary to include several
Nigerian words, marking a significant recognition of the country’s linguistic
and cultural influence.
Among the newly added entries are “Mammy Market” and “Amala,” terms deeply rooted in Nigeria’s social and culinary traditions.
Anthony Joshua Pays Tribute to Friends Killed in Crash
Former world heavyweight champion
Anthony Joshua has paid an emotional tribute to two of his closest friends,
Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash in
Nigeria on December 29, 2025. Joshua himself survived the accident with minor
injuries but has since spoken publicly about the deep pain of losing men he
described as “brothers” and “great men.”
The accident occurred when the black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his companions collided with a stationary truck on a busy Nigerian highway. While Joshua was fortunate to escape with only minor injuries, his friends Ghami and Ayodele were killed instantly. Ghami was not only a close friend but also Joshua’s sport and exercise rehabilitation coach, while Ayodele served as his personal trainer. Their roles in Joshua’s life extended beyond professional duties; they were integral members of his inner circle, sharing in his journey both inside and outside the ring.
Wike–Amehuele vs Fubara - Timeline of Rivers Political Crisis
The Rivers State political crisis
has unfolded as one of the most turbulent episodes in Nigeria’s recent
democratic history, pitting former Governor Nyesom Wike and his allies, notably
Martin Amaewhule, against the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
What began as a subtle struggle for influence has spiraled into a full-blown confrontation that has reshaped the political landscape of the oil-rich state.
Rivers APC Rejects Impeachment Process Against Governor Fubara
The
political climate in Rivers State has taken another dramatic turn as the All
Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has openly rejected the impeachment
process initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor
Ngozi Odu.
This development comes after the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, commenced proceedings to remove the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct. The move has sparked widespread debate and heightened tensions in a state already grappling with deep political divisions.
US Introduces $15,000 Visa Bond for Nigerians and Other Nationals
In a
significant policy shift, the United States Department of State has announced
the introduction of visa bonds of up to $15,000 for certain foreign nationals
applying for B1/B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel.
This
directive, released in early January 2026, specifically targets countries
classified as high-risk due to elevated visa overstay rates and security
concerns. Nigeria is among the nations affected, alongside 37 others, many of
which are African states.
The visa bond policy requires applicants from these countries to post a financial guarantee ranging between $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. The exact amount is determined during the visa interview process.
 |
| Symbolic photo |
Editorial:
Ugochinyere’s Defection and the Shifting Sands of Imo Politics
Ikenga
Imo Ugochinyere’s decision to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for
the Action Peoples Party (APP) ahead of the 2027 elections is more than a
personal political maneuver; it is a reflection of the fluid and often
unpredictable nature of Nigeria’s political landscape.
Ikenga’s defection, formally announced in Akokwa, Imo State, on January 7, 2026, has already begun to reshape conversations about the future of both PDP and APP in the region.
Imo Lawmaker Ugochinyere Officially Dumps PDP, Joins APP Ahead of 2027 Election
In a
dramatic political shift that has stirred conversations across Imo State and
beyond, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives
representing the Ideato federal constituency, has formally defected from the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action Peoples Party (APP).
The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Akokwa, Imo State, marking a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
 |
| Symbolic photo |
Full Review of Africa Democracy and Governance in 2025
The year
2025 marked a critical juncture for Africa’s democratic trajectory and
governance systems. The African Union (AU), through the African Peer Review
Mechanism (APRM), launched the African Governance Report 2025, focusing on
natural resource governance as a determinant of peace, stability, and
development. This report was unveiled during the 13th AU High-Level Dialogue on
Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, underscoring the continent’s
recognition that democracy cannot thrive without effective governance of its
vast natural wealth.
Democratic Landscape
Across Africa, democracy in 2025 continued to evolve in diverse directions. Several countries consolidated democratic gains through peaceful elections, stronger judicial independence, and enhanced civil society participation. However, democratic capture, where ruling elites manipulate institutions to entrench power, remained a pressing concern. The APRM’s Democracy Capture Index revealed that while some nations made strides in curbing authoritarian tendencies, others regressed, with political pluralism undermined by restrictions on opposition parties and media freedoms.
Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition
Senator
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s Vice Presidential candidate in
Nigeria’s 2023 general election, has formally announced his intention to
contest for the presidency in 2027.
Datti’s declaration marks a significant moment in the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s opposition politics, especially following recent developments within the Labour Party.
