July 2025 | Page 39 of 48

2027: ADC Coalition Leaders Begin Grassroots Mobilisation Nationwide

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Published: July 6, 2025 | By Kamal Yalwa As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections draw closer, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition has officially begun grassroots mobilisation efforts across the country. The coalition’s interim national chairman, Senator David Mark, and national secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have returned to their respective states—Benue and Osun—to galvanise support from local political bases. According to sources within the party, each coalition leader has been assigned a geo-political zone for mobilisation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will lead mobilisation efforts in the North East, Mark in the North Central, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai in the North West. In the southern regions, Peter Obi will coordinate activities in the South East, Rotimi Amaechi in the South-South, and Aregbesola in the South West. While Mark’s presence in Benue coincided with a family event, insiders say he is expected to meet local political stakeholders. Aregbesola, meanwhile, was welcomed by loyalists as he transited through Lagos to Osun State. Atiku reportedly met with ADC leaders from Gombe State in Abuja last Friday, indicating an intensifying momentum. Confirming the developments, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said coalition leaders had been directed to consult widely within their zones and would reconvene in Abuja in two weeks to assess progress. Other key politicians such as Maina Waziri in Yobe and Emeka Ihedioha in Imo have also begun rallying support in their respective states. The official unveiling of the ADC-led coalition in Abuja last Wednesday sent ripples across Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as the PDP and Labour Party remain entangled in internal leadership crises. Prominent political figures—including Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, and Senator David Mark—attended the coalition’s unveiling, signalling a serious opposition challenge to the ruling APC. While APC officials have downplayed the coalition, Senator Mark declared that the ADC alliance is committed to rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges. Political watchers are divided. While some believe the coalition’s political heavyweights still wield considerable influence, others warn the ruling party not to underestimate the opposition’s grassroots potential. Former APC Abuja chairman Sunny Moniedafe noted that widespread hardship could make the 2027 elections unpredictable, while Senator Abubakar Girei dismissed the coalition as a group of “disgruntled politicians” with no clear ideology. Still, groups like the Arewa Youths for the Sustenance of Democracy caution the APC against complacency, describing the coalition as politically savvy with nationwide reach. Responding to critics, Atiku’s aide Hon. Oladimeji Fabiyi maintained that the coalition has strong grassroots appeal and national credibility, backed by the political clout of its members. As mobilisation accelerates, one thing is clear—Nigeria’s political scene is heating up fast, and the ADC coalition is shaping up to be a formidable force in the 2027 race.

Petrol Price Hits ₦945/Litre at NNPC Stations Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices Petrol Price Hits ₦945/Litre at NNPC Stations Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices

NNPCL Slashes Petrol Price to N910 per Litre in Abuja Following Dangote Refinery’s Adjustment

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across its retail outlets in Abuja. News360 Nigeria reports that NNPCL stations at locations such as Zone 6, Kubwa Expressway, and Wuse Zone 4, on Saturday, lowered their pump price from N945 to N910 per litre — a N35 decrease. The move brings significant relief to motorists grappling with high fuel costs in recent weeks. This reduction comes just four days after Dangote Refinery cut its petrol ex-depot price from N880 to N840 per litre, citing a drop in global crude oil prices. Independent marketers have also responded, adjusting their pump prices accordingly. In Abuja, prices have dropped to between N930 and N940 per litre, down from N945–N975, while Lagos motorists now pay around N890, a reduction from the previous N925 per litre. Industry watchers see the development as a potential signal of further fuel price stabilisation, depending on global market trends and domestic supply improvements.

Landlord’s Son Impregnates 3 Tenants Daughters Flees Home

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Landlord’s Son Impregnates 3 Tenants’ Daughters – Flees Home After Shocking Revelation” A shocking story has gone viral on TikTok after a young Nigerian man confessed to impregnating the daughters of three different tenants living in his father’s compound. Eyes Of Lagos reports, The man, who chose to remain anonymous during an interview with a content creator, admitted that he was romantically involved with all three girls at the same time—without any of them knowing about each other. According to him, the relationships escalated quickly, and within a short period, each of the young women became pregnant. When the reality started to surface and suspicions grew, the young man reportedly fled his father’s home to avoid confrontation and the inevitable family backlash. He is currently hiding out at a friend’s place. When asked how he managed to keep the three relationships under wraps, he claimed that he was very strategic in managing time and encounters with each girl, ensuring that they never crossed paths in a way that could raise suspicions. The story has triggered massive reactions online, especially after the video surfaced on social media. Users have flooded the comment section with mixed emotions ranging from disbelief to mockery.

Tinubu Appoints Oladele as Acting Chairman of Federal Character Commission as Dankaka’s Tenure Ends

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Hon. Kayode Oladele, the Federal Commissioner representing Ogun State, as the Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) following the expiration of Dr. Muheebah Dankaka’s five-year tenure. The development was confirmed on Friday and has already drawn commendation from staff members under the banner of the FCC Liberation Group, who had actively protested against the potential reappointment of Dr. Dankaka, citing allegations of mismanagement and poor leadership. Oladele, a respected legal practitioner and former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, is seen by many within the Commission as a symbol of integrity and reform. “His appointment is a welcome relief. He brings a wealth of experience, a legacy of principled leadership, and a clear understanding of constitutional governance,” said a spokesperson for the FCC Liberation Group. Staff Protests and Internal Crisis In late June, staff members from both the FCC headquarters and state offices staged coordinated protests, urging President Tinubu not to reappoint Dr. Dankaka. They accused her of presiding over a dysfunctional administration and claimed her leadership had contributed to the erosion of professionalism and morale within the Commission. Amid rising tensions, a counter-protest was staged less than 24 hours before the expiration of Dankaka’s tenure, allegedly sponsored by her loyalists. Protesters, some of whom were described by staff as thugs, gathered outside the FCC office in Abuja in a show of support for her reappointment. The situation reportedly prompted urgent appeals from staff to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, alleging attempts to influence Dankaka’s return through financial inducements. “Allegations are rife that she has paid the sum of N500 million, and this money will be shared among all the offices for her reappointment,” a letter from protesting workers claimed. Swift Police Intervention According to sources at the Commission, police were deployed to prevent the escalation of tensions at the FCC headquarters during the demonstrations. A staff member confirmed that the intervention averted what could have become a violent clash between opposing groups. What’s Next? Hon. Oladele’s appointment is being seen as a fresh start for the FCC, an agency tasked with ensuring equity and fairness in federal appointments and public service recruitment. Many observers expect that his leadership will focus on restoring credibility and effectiveness to the commission’s operations. President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Oladele is viewed by analysts as a calculated move to stabilize the agency and respond to internal staff discontent. Further updates are expected as the Commission transitions to new leadership under Oladele.

Soldier Kills Phone Technician in Adamawa Over Delayed Repair for Girlfriend — Public Outrage Grows

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa State — A tragic incident has sparked nationwide outrage after a Nigerian soldier allegedly beat a phone technician to death over a delayed repair for his girlfriend’s mobile phone. The victim, Alkasum Ibrahim, was reportedly attacked by Lance Corporal Ahmada A., after the soldier’s girlfriend complained about the delay in fixing her phone. According to witnesses, the soldier stormed the phone repair shop in Mayo-Belwa and severely assaulted Alkasum, leaving him unconscious. He later died from his injuries. The disturbing incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians demanding swift justice and an end to the unchecked abuse of power by military personnel.

Army Chief Urges Youths to Join Military, Promotes Discipline and Patriotism in Sokoto Outreach

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has encouraged young Nigerians to consider careers in the Nigerian Army, emphasizing the values of discipline, patriotism, and national service. Speaking during a civil-military relations event held on Friday at Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, Sokoto, the Army Chief — represented by Brigadier General A. A. Musa, Commander of the 108 Division Equipment Service — said the initiative aimed to enlighten students about the Army’s nation-building role and inspire youth to pursue positive, purposeful lives. “It is our hope that through this initiative, more young Nigerians will consider a career in the Army and understand the importance of discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation,” General Musa said. The event featured educational talks and interactive sessions designed to bridge the gap between civilians and military personnel. Captain Musa Lemu, Administrative Officer at the 8 Provost Group, spoke on the dangers of criminal associations, urging students to focus on education and avoid peer pressure. Lieutenant E. O. Ojo delivered a presentation on “Civil-Military Relations and Community Interventions by the Nigerian Army,” highlighting the Army’s humanitarian outreach such as: Mallam Musa Koko, Director of Quality Assurance at the Sokoto State Ministry of Science and Technology, who represented the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, applauded the Nigerian Army for the initiative. “Programs like this help our students to envision meaningful futures and inspire them to contribute to national development,” he stated. The event attracted wide participation from students, teachers, Army officers, and government officials, and ended with a lively Q&A session, giving students a chance to engage directly with military personnel and explore opportunities in national service.

Aregbesola’s Defection to ADC Is Justified – Allies Slam Yoruba Ronu, Critics Cite APC Betrayal

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Supporters of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have fired back at critics questioning his emergence as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing such criticism as misguided and fraudulent. In a detailed rebuttal widely circulated on Friday, Aregbesola’s allies dismissed the “Yoruba Ronu” narrative that accuses him of disloyalty to President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had repeatedly betrayed and humiliated the former Minister of Interior long before his defection. “Aregbesola didn’t stab anyone. He was the one betrayed—stabbed politically by those he trusted, worked for, and handed over power to,” the statement said. “Trying to paint him as disloyal is like blaming Julius Caesar for being stabbed.” The group also emphasized that political opposition and contest are legitimate democratic processes, not acts of sabotage. “In a democracy, there is no such thing as working for someone’s downfall. There is political competition, and the people decide who wins,” they added, noting that Tinubu himself defeated an incumbent—Goodluck Jonathan—through such means in 2015. They also outlined a long list of perceived political persecution Aregbesola endured within the APC: “For six years, Aregbesola was dragged through humiliation and political exile. Now he’s in a new party, people suddenly remember his old ties to Tinubu. Where were they when he was being silenced and sidelined?” the statement queried. The former governor’s camp insisted the political alliance between Tinubu and Aregbesola is over, and any expectations of loyalty are misplaced. “It’s like a divorce—once it’s over, your ex’s choices are no longer your business. Aregbesola has moved on. He’s no longer in APC. Let him be.” They further described attempts to guilt-trip Aregbesola over his political choices as illogical, hypocritical, and delusional. “The man has chosen a new path where he is valued. Respect it. If APC didn’t want him, they should stop acting entitled to his political destiny now that he’s left.” The strong-worded response aims to shut down internal criticism and make it clear that Aregbesola is repositioning himself politically, with or without the blessing of his former allies.

Politics

Nigerian Lawmaker Slammed for Mocking 2006 ADC Plane Crash to Attack Opposition Coalition

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

A Nigerian federal lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, has come under intense criticism for a Facebook post in which he likened the recently formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the 2006 ADC plane crash that claimed 96 lives Jimbo, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives, wrote on Thursday: “How many of you remembered the ADC flight 53 that crashed in 2006? It’s back again to crash again. Please don’t board!” The post, referencing the ADC Airline Flight 053—a tragic crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Abuja Airport and killed nearly all on board—was intended to criticize the ADC’s role in the opposition’s plans to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027. However, the analogy has been widely condemned as insensitive and disrespectful to the memory of the victims and their grieving families. “I remember my uncle was on that plane. Till date, we cannot get over the loss. If this is a joke, please stop it,” said Facebook user Eno Ekanem.“Are you mocking the dead?” asked Ofonime Honesty, another user.“It’s insensitive to use events where people lost their lives to draw this narrative,” said Abasiama Udousoro. The post, which has drawn over 230 comments, has sparked particular outrage among residents of Akwa Ibom State, where some of the crash victims hailed from. Despite repeated calls and a text message from reporters seeking clarification, Mr. Jimbo has not responded to the backlash or offered an apology at the time of this report. The 2006 ADC Flight 053 disaster remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest aviation tragedies and a source of deep national sorrow. Using it as political metaphor, critics argue, not only dishonours the victims but also reflects poor judgment by a public official.