Category: News

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appears to have declared political war on governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and party officials opposed to his bid to form a coalition with other political parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite Atiku’s push for an opposition coalition, which he argues is the only viable path to unseating the APC in 2027, the PDP leadership has firmly rejected the idea. The party insists it is strong enough to defeat the APC without any alliance, provided it can put its house in order. In this regard, the PDP recently constituted a reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki. Tensions came to a head on Friday when Atiku visited Osun State for the coronation of the new Owa of Ijesaland, HRH Adesuyi Haastrup, but pointedly shunned Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state PDP leadership. Instead of paying a courtesy visit to the governor, Atiku met with former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, a key figure in his coalition plans. Sources within the PDP interpreted Atiku’s actions as a clear message of political hostility. “He has drawn the battle line because our governors are not with him on this coalition move,” a party source at the PDP national secretariat told our correspondent. The cold shoulder extended to Adeleke reportedly left the governor and PDP leaders in Osun State shocked, with many interpreting it as Atiku’s attempt to sideline the party’s established structures in pursuit of his 2027 presidential ambition. Political observers warn that Atiku’s gamble may backfire, especially in Osun State, where Adeleke remains highly popular, while Aregbesola’s influence is perceived to be on the decline. A senior state official described Atiku’s visit as a “deliberate slight,” adding: “It is a misstep. Aregbesola cannot win Osun for him in 2027.” Inside sources revealed that Atiku’s cold attitude towards Adeleke stems from the governor’s refusal to back the coalition plans, as well as suspicions that Adeleke may lean towards President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The development comes against the backdrop of longstanding political tensions between Adeleke and Aregbesola, who have publicly sparred over their respective performances in office. Despite the backlash, Atiku is forging ahead with his coalition plans. It was gathered that he and his allies—among them former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and Aregbesola—are set to meet in Abuja today to fine-tune their 2027 strategy. The group has reportedly settled on the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as the vehicle for their ambitions, after earlier considering the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Atiku’s camp is also banking on support from groups like the League of Northern Democrats (LND), which has vowed to mobilize across the North to back a new opposition front, either by registering a fresh party or merging into an existing one. However, the PDP appears unmoved. At a recent meeting, its governors reiterated their rejection of any coalition for the 2027 election, insisting the party is capable of defeating the APC on its own. Governor Adeleke was present at that meeting. As the political chess game heats up, all eyes are on how Atiku’s coalition gamble will unfold—and whether it will strengthen the opposition or fracture it further ahead of 2027.

An Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, has been dragged before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo over allegations of conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation in an attempt to deceive the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) into dropping a criminal case. Giwa, along with a co-defendant identified as Bukola, is facing a three-count charge marked CR/150/25, filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly fabricated a letter dated June 28, 2024, purportedly from the chambers of Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), urging the AGF to suspend Giwa’s arraignment in a pending criminal case. The letter, titled “Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023,” was reportedly addressed to the AGF on Kalu’s official letterhead, falsely arguing that dropping the charges would serve the interest of “natural justice, equity, and fair play.” The prosecution alleged that the forged document was intended to mislead the AGF into halting Giwa’s arraignment, scheduled for July 2, 2024, before Justice Bature of the FCT High Court in Maitama. Giwa, along with property developer Cecil Osakwe and others, is also facing a separate nine-count charge involving allegations of illegal eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and property damage amounting to N300 million. The case is being prosecuted by Rabiu Usman from the Legal/Prosecution Section of the Police, under the authority of the IGP. At the scheduled arraignment before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday, proceedings were stalled as both defendants were absent. Giwa’s counsel, U.J. Udo, informed the court that his client was bereaved and had travelled for his sister’s burial, requesting an adjournment. Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request, adjourning the matter to September 15, 2025, for arraignment. However, he issued a stern warning that no further delays would be tolerated.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for what it described as an “embarrassing invasion” and sealing of two of its offices in Abuja over alleged non-payment of ground rent. The tax agency, in a statement on Monday, described the FCTA’s action as unjustified and based on an error, claiming that the rent had been fully paid long before the incident. According to the FIRS, the demand notice from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) for ground rent covering 25 years had been honoured in December 2023, with a payment of N2.36 million. However, despite repeated requests for a receipt, the FCTA failed to issue one, leading to a breakdown in communication. The FIRS stated that rather than resolving the matter administratively, FCTA officials chose to storm and seal its offices at No. 12 and No. 14 Sokode Crescent in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. FIRS officials expressed outrage, describing the incident as a case of administrative negligence and a public embarrassment to a federal agency. The tax body has demanded a formal apology from the FCTA, warning that such actions undermine inter-agency collaboration and public trust.