July 2025 | Page 45 of 48

Ex-Nigerian President Buhari Discharged From UK Hospital

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been discharged from a London hospital after spending days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to an undisclosed ailment. The news, first reported by Empowered Newswire, has sparked widespread concern and renewed public attention on the health status of Nigeria’s former leader. Sources close to the former president confirmed that Buhari fell ill while in London for a routine medical check-up. According to reports, the condition was serious enough to warrant his admission into intensive care unit. He has since been discharged and is now recuperating in London under close medical supervision. There is no official word yet on when he will return to Nigeria, but sources say he is expected back home once he fully recovers. Although details of the illness remain undisclosed, the development has fueled discussions across Nigeria, particularly as Buhari had previously spent extended periods abroad during his presidency for medical reasons. Buhari’s absence was particularly noted during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Lagos on May 28, 2025. His failure to attend the high-profile event raised eyebrows, especially given his status as a former Head of State who played a role in regional diplomacy. In a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari explained that his inability to attend was due to ongoing medical appointments in the United Kingdom.

PDP Warns Defectors Accuses APC of Intimidation Ahead of 2027 Elections

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong warning to members considering defection, declaring that decisive action will be taken against those attempting to undermine the party’s unity. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum stressed the PDP’s preparedness for the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the party remains resilient despite internal challenges and would not tolerate disloyalty. “If you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go out to demarket the party,” Damagum said. “We are watching, and we will take appropriate action at the right time.” Damagum also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying intimidation and inducements to poach PDP members. He assured Nigerians that the next election would be decided by the people, not through manipulation. Blaming the APC-led government for worsening national insecurity and economic hardship, he urged it to “reflect and correct its ways,” adding that the PDP remains the only party with the structure and democratic values capable of rescuing Nigeria. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to meet from July 23 to 25, with major strategic discussions expected ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ADC Leadership Resigns Nationwide to Back 2027 Opposition Coalition

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

In a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, the entire leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) across Nigeria’s 36 states has officially resigned to allow a smooth handover of the party’s structure to a new opposition coalition. A key figure within the outgoing leadership, while addressing reporters, said the move is aimed at strengthening the united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and restoring Nigeria’s democratic hopes. “I will now speak as a floor member. My job will not end until we sing the national anthem in the Villa. That will be the real hope,” the leader stated. “Nigeria has been in the ICU. Lives are being lost every day.” The mass resignation is widely seen as part of the broader political realignment following the announcement of former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman of the coalition. The alliance aims to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 polls.

Ebonyi Governor Condemns Killing of 13 Indigenes in Anambra, Demands Swift Justice

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the brutal killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, the governor described the attack as “senseless and inhumane,” calling it a direct assault on peace, unity, and human dignity. According to the statement, the victims—law-abiding citizens attending a peaceful meeting—were gunned down at close range, a development Governor Nwifuru condemned as completely unacceptable. He called for a thorough and transparent investigation, urging his Anambra counterpart, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and security agencies to act swiftly in identifying and prosecuting the culprits. The governor emphasized that any failure or compromise in delivering justice could jeopardize the cordial relationship between both states. While awaiting the outcome of the investigation, he urged Ebonyi residents—especially those affected—not to resort to reprisals, warning against actions that could escalate tensions. Governor Nwifuru assured that his administration remains fully committed to protecting the lives and property of all Ebonyi citizens, both within and outside the state. He vowed to closely monitor the case and ensure that justice is served, stating unequivocally that “there will be no sacred cows.” Ask ChatGPT

Mali Army Kills 80 After al-Qaeda-Linked Attacks on Military Bases

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

An al-Qaeda affiliate earlier claimed responsibility for ‘coordinated and high-quality attacks’ in the country. Mali’s armed forces have killed 80 fighters in response to a series of simultaneous and coordinated attacks on military posts across the country, according to a video statement released by the military. “The enemy suffered significant losses in every location where they engaged with the security and defence forces,” Souleymane Dembele, the army’s spokesperson, said in a special bulletin broadcast on the armed forces’ television channel, as visuals of fallen rebels, their weapons, motorbikes, and vehicles were displayed. Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) earlier claimed responsibility for “coordinated and high-quality attacks”, saying it had taken control of three barracks and dozens of military positions. Mali’s armed forces said the attacks took place in seven towns in the central and western regions of the West African country. The incidents bore the hallmarks of other recent operations by the group, which has conducted similar assaults on military positions in Mali and Burkina Faso. Mali, governed by a military government since 2020, has for more than a decade fought violent groups linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, while contending with a longer history of Tuareg-led rebellions in the north. The attacks on Tuesday targeted Diboli in western Mali near the border with Senegal, and the nearby towns of Kayes and Sandere. There were also attacks in Nioro du Sahel and Gogoui, northwest of the capital Bamako near the border with Mauritania, and in Molodo and Niono in central Mali, “all struck by shellfire”, the army’s statement said. Residents and a local politician confirmed the attacks in at least four towns. “We woke up in shock this morning. There’s gunfire, and from my house I can see smoke billowing towards the governor’s residence,” one resident in the city of Kayes said. The person described the gunfire as “intense” while another reported sheltering at home while the assault raged on.Elsewhere, a local political official wrote on Facebook that “the region of Nioro woke up in shock” and that the towns of Nioro, Sandare and Gogui had been targeted.

Buhari Was Nigeria’s Most Informed President, Not Detached — Garba Shehu

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Garba Shehu, former spokesperson to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has dismissed widespread claims that his former principal was disconnected from national affairs while in office. In an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, Shehu insisted that Buhari was deeply informed and deliberately chose a quiet, work-focused approach to governance over media theatrics. “President Buhari didn’t just want to cut ribbons and take pictures. He wasn’t a showman. He wanted his work to speak for him,” Shehu stated, noting that Buhari was often ahead of his aides on current issues, having read the news and stayed informed long before daily briefings. He admitted Buhari’s leadership was perceived as slow, but explained it stemmed from the former military leader’s transition to democratic principles. “Yes, he was slow. But he believed in due process. Nigerians want quick fixes, but he insisted on following the law,” Shehu said, referencing Buhari’s own admission of being less brash than during his days as a military ruler. When asked about speculations that Buhari might challenge President Bola Tinubu or the APC in 2027, Shehu rejected the idea outright. “Buhari is loyal to the APC. That party gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. He contested three times and only won when he teamed up with Tinubu. Why would he now fight the same party?” he added.

2027 Showdown: Tinubu Camp Dismisses Atiku-Led ADC Coalition as Dead on Arrival

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general election is heating up as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark spearhead a new coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. David Mark was announced earlier this week as the interim national chairman of the ADC, signaling the group’s readiness to rally opposition forces under a common platform. Reacting to the development, loyalists within the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the coalition’s relevance, describing it as “dead on arrival.” According to party insiders, the opposition’s latest move is a recycled attempt lacking cohesion and credible leadership. They argue that the coalition is made up of familiar faces who have failed to present a viable alternative to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Supporters of the opposition, however, maintain that the country is in desperate need of new direction. The ADC-led coalition, they say, represents a fresh opportunity to build a broad-based, inclusive movement capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship, and what they describe as increasing authoritarianism under the APC government. They also highlight growing discontent among Nigerians as a rallying point for regime change. Despite internal wrangling in the PDP and defections across major parties, the opposition coalition appears determined to capitalize on widespread dissatisfaction. Yet, questions remain about whether the coalition can maintain unity and translate its ambitions into electoral success. With the 2027 race beginning to take shape, the battle lines are being drawn for what could be one of Nigeria’s most fiercely contested elections since 1999.

Breaking: Ex-Senate President David Mark Dumps PDP Emerges Interim ADC Chairman

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

A former President of the Senate, Dr. David Mark, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party. The Eagle Online recalls that Mark was announced late on Tuesday as the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, which is being primed as the vehicle for the opposition elements to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress from power in 2027. The resignation of the retired Nigerian Army general was made known via a letter dated June 27, 2025 to the PDP leadership in Otukpo Ward 1, Benue State. It was titled: “NOTICE OF RESIGNATION FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY,” Mark, who was the president of the Senate in the 6th and 7th Assemblies, wrote in the letter dated June 27, 2025: “I bring warm greetings to you and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otukpo Ward 1, and by extension, to the entire Benue State and Nigeria. I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect. Olunloyo: Reverse your decision, Ibadan poly alumni beg Makinde“You may recall that over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP. Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing. “I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party, efforts which without sounding immodest helped restore the PDP to national relevance and made it once again a party of choice for many Nigerians. “However, recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule. “After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria, as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy. “Thank you, and may God bless you.”