By Kamal Yalwa, June 21, 2025 A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports that the politician and his group have adopted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as their new coalition platform, amid mounting speculation about Atiku’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Demola Olarenwaju, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, clarified on Friday that while the group—Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG)—has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register ADA as a political party ahead of 2027, it has not yet been adopted as the coalition’s official platform. “A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition,” Olarenwaju posted on X. “ADA has not been adopted by the coalition, and when the time is right, the public will be informed.” Looming Exodus Sparks Confusion Within PDP The development has heightened anxiety within the PDP, especially as prominent figures like former Senate President David Mark and former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal are reportedly aligned with Atiku’s camp and are expected to follow suit if he leaves the party. David Mark is said to have presided over the NNCG meeting where the decision to register ADA was reached. There are growing fears that the defection of Atiku and other top PDP stalwarts could severely weaken the party, which has already lost two sitting governors—Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past month. While the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declined to comment, insiders revealed that internal divisions—especially over the role of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu—have delayed the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and threatened preparations for a planned national convention in August. Saraki Committee Tipped to Reconcile Warring Factions With the party teetering under growing pressure, some members are reportedly leaning toward allowing the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate between the pro-Wike faction and Atiku loyalists. Sources say the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming Anyanwu’s authority has bolstered FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s position within the party, leaving his rivals with fewer options. Atiku Loyalists Defend Coalition Move Reacting to the developments, Prof. Tunde Olusunle, a long-time Atiku associate, defended the former VP, blaming internal saboteurs for the PDP’s disintegration. “The defections of two governors haven’t rattled the PDP as much as Atiku’s possible move. It just shows the quantum of goodwill he still commands,” he said. Olusunle argued that the coalition being built by Atiku and others represents a genuine push for democratic reform. He added that with growing support from northern political heavyweights and a possible alliance with Peter Obi, the new platform could dominate both the North and South East in 2027. “Atiku won’t compel anyone to leave PDP. He’s a democrat. But if Obi joins this coalition, it will definitely secure the South East,” he said. For now, the PDP leadership remains silent amid rising uncertainty, as political realignments ahead of 2027 begin to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Published June 21, 2025 – By Kamal Yalwa The Kano State Police Command has confirmed that five individuals lost their lives in a deadly explosion that occurred on Saturday at a scrap collection facility along the Eastern Bypass in Kano. According to the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the blast was caused by a military-grade explosive device hidden inside a vehicle transporting scrap materials from Yobe State to Kano. The vehicle reportedly detonated at the facility, resulting in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries. “We received an emergency alert and quickly mobilised a response team to the area,” CP Bakori told reporters. “Upon arrival, we discovered that it was a military model bomb that exploded. Fifteen people were injured and rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.” Out of the 15, five were confirmed dead at the hospital, while 10 others are currently receiving medical treatment. Preliminary investigations suggest that the vehicle carrying the explosive originated from Yobe State. CP Bakori added that while the investigation is still ongoing, the truck carrying the explosive was used for scrap collection. Security agencies, including the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, have cordoned off the area for further investigation. Authorities are yet to confirm how the military-grade explosive ended up among the scrap materials. The incident has raised concerns over the transportation of hazardous materials and highlights growing security challenges in the region. Read more: News360NG – Full Report

Published June 21, 2025 | By Kamal Yalwa In another tragic development in Benue State, unknown gunmen have killed Aondoakaa Yaiyol, the Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services in Tarka Local Government Area. The fatal attack occurred on Friday night and has left the local community in deep mourning. Yaiyol, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka, was reportedly shot at close range by gunmen who arrived on a motorcycle and fled immediately after the attack. Witnesses say the assailants were backed by two vehicles, which provided cover as they escaped while firing sporadically to scare off residents. This is the second major tragedy to strike the Yaiyol family. Last year, his wife was murdered in a similarly brutal manner, and their home was set ablaze in the aftermath. The PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyior, confirmed the incident and expressed shock over the loss of the former party chairman. Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, described the killing as a “clear assassination.” He noted that a known criminal, previously imprisoned for the attack on Yaiyol’s wife and property, had recently been released. According to sources, the suspect had an ongoing conflict with Yaiyol prior to this latest attack. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident. He stated that a tactical police team was deployed to pursue the attackers. Although they escaped, Edet assured the public that efforts are underway to track and apprehend those responsible. Benue State has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent months, heightening concerns about security in the region.

By Kamal Yalwa | June 21, 2025 Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday delighted his audience when he announced an impromptu pay raise for his official music band following a comical and spirited performance at a public event in Abuja. The occasion was the commissioning of a newly completed collector road linking Mabushi to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, a project undertaken by a Chinese construction firm. During the event, the band’s lead singer unexpectedly broke into a humorous imitation of a Chinese-language song, a playful nod to the nationality of the contractors. The performance sparked laughter across the gathering, with Wike himself visibly amused. Impressed by the gesture, the minister declared, “Now that my band can sing in Chinese language, I’ll increase their fees!” His announcement was met with cheers and applause from the audience. Seizing the moment, the band broke into a new tune on the spot, chanting “Agreement is agreement,” while joyfully calling out Wike’s name—adding another layer of comedy and festivity to the event. The light-hearted moment underscored Wike’s rapport with his staff and drew praise for injecting humour and human connection into official proceedings.