| Source | Date | Title | Summary of Report | Subject/Category | Page No./Weblink | ||||
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| THE GUARDIAN | 3RD JULY, 2025 | PDP threatens sanctions against members promoting coalition | The PDP has threatened disciplinary action against members who joined the ADC-backed coalition rather than work within the leading opposition party. Speaking after the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja yesterday, acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum said no other party could offer what the PDP had given Nigeria. “We’re drawing a line for those who de-market the party. We’ll watch and take appropriate actions at the right time,” Damagum said. Flanked by NWC members, Damagum insisted the PDP remains united and will continue strengthening its structure ahead of 2027. He also accused the APC of harassing and “buying off” PDP members, but said Nigerians would reject the ruling party in the next election. | PDP; ADC COALITION; APC; AMBASSADOR UMAR DAMAGUN | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST/PUNCH | 3RD JULY, 2025 | Senator David Mark resigns from PDP joins opposition coalition, as Rotimi and Malami resign APC membership | Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing deepening internal divisions and unresolved leadership crises. Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, have been appointed as interim National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the soon-to-be-launched ADC coalition platform. Meanwhile, beyond the announcement by Senator Mark confirming his resignation from the PDP before his emergence as interim national chairman of the ADC, other prominent leaders in the newly unveiled opposition coalition have also cut ties with their former political party. Among them are former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who both announced their resignation from the ruling APC to focus on the ADC’s mission of taking over power in 2027. Amaechi said he resigned from the APC on Tuesday night, stating that he had for some time distanced himself from party affairs. “I left APC last night. I never attended one meeting. The last time they invited me, I warned them. I said, if you invite me to any meeting again… In fact, I was surprised I wasn’t expelled. I warned them in writing—don’t even invite me to any meeting. You can’t be in a club where the majority of people are stealing and you don’t say anything,” he said. On the other hand, Abubakar Malami, in a statement issued Wednesday, said his decision to quit the APC and join the ADC followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection.” He described the ADC as the most viable platform for a coalition genuinely committed to saving Nigeria from collapse. | AMAECHI; MALAMI, SENATOR DAVID MARK, APC; PDP; ADC | DAILY TRUST PUNCH | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 3RD JULY, 2025 | Reps oppose 2nd reading of Senate Bill to establish an Orthopaedic Hospital in protest | The House of Representatives on Wednesday declined the second reading of a Senate bill to protest the Senate’s failure to concur with numerous House bills. This followed a motion moved by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere to consider a Senate bill on establishing an orthopaedic hospital in Osun State. The bill was titled “Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Act, to Establish Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Obokun, Osun State and for Related Matters (SB. 169)”. However, lawmakers including Kingsley Chinda and Awaji-Inombek Abiante voiced frustration, citing their own bills that have lingered in the Red Chamber since 2024. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen disclosed that 146 House bills are awaiting action in the Senate, with over 10 personally sponsored by him sitting idle for months. Following a call for reciprocal action and Chinda’s withdrawal of his secondment, the House stepped down the bill after a majority voice vote. | SENATE; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 3RD JULY, 2025 | Plateau State Assembly elects Honorable Nanloong Daniel as new speaker, as Honorable Gabriel Dewan resigns | Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly have elected Honorable Nanloong Daniel as the speaker, following the resignation of Honorable Gabriel Dewan. The election of the new speaker took place during an emergency sitting at the temporary Assembly Complex, located at the Old Government House in Jos, on Wednesday. The leadership change followed a closed-door meeting between Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former Speaker Gabriel Dewan, and other lawmakers, aimed at addressing ongoing political tension in the state in the assembly over leadership crisis. Dewan, the sole legislator from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the Assembly, held from the Plateau Central, resigned amid efforts to stabilize the state’s political situation which many have been yearning for since the sacking of the PDP lawmakers from the house. | PLATEAU STATE; HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; YPP; HONORABLE NALOONG DANIEL; HONORABLE GABRIEL DEWAN | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 3RD JULY, 2025 | Supreme Court reserves judgement in Edo State Governorship Petition | The Supreme Court has reserved judgement indefinitely in the appeal challenging the outcome of the Edo State governorship election. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, urged the apex court to nullify the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly violating electoral laws. Ighodalo claimed the PDP secured the majority of lawful votes. But Okpebholo and the APC asked the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking merit. Earlier, the Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had dismissed the PDP’s petition for failing to prove allegations of over-voting in 320 polling units across all 18 local government areas. This decision was affirmed by the appellate court. | EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION; PDP; APC; SUPREME COURT; MONDAY OKPEBHOLO; ASUE IGHODALO | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 4TH JULY, 2025 | Emeka Ihedioha joins ADC as Abure-led LP gives Obi 48-hour ultimatum to resign | Former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha has formally joined the ADC, informing his supporters and political structure of the move. Addressing leaders of his grassroots-based Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM) at his residence on Thursday, the former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives declared, “My party, your party, and our party is now ADC. That is the way to go. That is the party for all of us.” He urged RIM leaders to return to their respective chapters, wards, local government areas, and zones to begin mobilising for the ADC as a truly people-oriented party. Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) faction led by Julius Abure has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to resign his membership over his involvement in the opposition coalition’s adoption of the ADC. The faction accused Obi of anti-party activities for associating with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, among others, during the unveiling of the ADC in Abuja as the platform for the new coalition aiming to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). | EMEKA IHEDIOHA; JULIUS ABURE; PETER OBI; APC; PDP; ADC | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THE NATION | 4TH JULY, 2025 | The gale of defections continue as 7 Akwa Ibom lawmakers dump PDP and YPP for the APC | Seven members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal crises in their former parties. Their letters of defection, led by the leader of the Akwa Ibom caucus in the House, Unyime Idem, were read on the floor of the House on Thursday by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary. The defecting lawmakers include Alphonsus Uduak, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Okpolupm Etteh, and Bassey Okon—all from the PDP—and Emmanuel Ukpong of the YPP. In their letters, the lawmakers said their decision followed due consultations with constituents and was prompted by deepening crises within their parties. Idem, who chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement, noted he was leaving the PDP after 26 years of service due to escalating leadership issues, particularly over the office of the National Secretary. He cited Section 68(1g) of the Constitution to justify his defection. | APC; YPP; PDP; AKWA IBOM STATE; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | THE NATION | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 4TH JULY, 2025 | INEC receives 12 additional applications for party registration | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it has received 12 fresh applications from associations seeking registration as political parties including one named "I LOVE NIGERIA (ILN)", bringing the total number of pending applications to 122. This comes just days after the commission’s earlier announcement on June 23 that it had received 110 applications. INEC also disclosed that it had noticed internal leadership changes within some of the associations, including one instance in which an interim secretary was replaced following defection to another association. The commission urged all applicant associations to maintain consistency in their leadership and contact information throughout the registration process to avoid delays. | INEC; POLITICAL PARTIES | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 4TH JULY, 2025 | Senate begins Public Hearing on Constituition Review in Lagos today | The Senate has officially commenced its much-anticipated public hearing on the comprehensive review of the 1999 Constitution, aiming to address critical reforms that could reshape the country’s governance structure. The two-day event marks the Senate’s first public forum on the constitutional review, coinciding with similar hearings in other geopolitical zones except the North-West, where proceedings have been postponed in respect of the recent death of Kano’s renowned businessman and philanthropist, Aminu Dantata, according to a statement by the media team of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, made available to newsmen yesterday. Also, a bill for an act to provide a legal framework for free Internet access in selected public places in Nigeria and for related matters has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, which seeks to ensure free access to Internet services for the underserved and disadvantaged citizens, especially in rural areas, was sponsored by Abubakar Kusada during plenary yesterday. | CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW; PUBLIC HEARING; SENATE | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| VANGUARD | 10TH JULY, 2025 | Supreme Court upholds Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election and dismisses Asue Ighodalo's appeal for lack of merit | In a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court dismissed as lacking in merit, an appeal the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Asuerinme Ighodalo, filed to nullify the outcome of the governorship election held in the state on September 21, 2024. According to the Supreme Court, it found no reason to set aside the concurrent judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which returned Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest. The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had dismissed petitions by the PDP, Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and their candidates, who alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, and claimed Okpebholo did not secure the highest lawful votes. INEC declared Okpebholo won with 291,667 votes against Ighodalo’s 247,655. The petitioners alleged issues like wrong computation of results in 765 polling units and manipulation at collation centers, supported by 19 witnesses and 153 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines as exhibits. However, the tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to provide credible evidence, relied on hearsay, and did not demonstrate the BVAS machines to prove over-voting. The tribunal also dismissed claims that INEC failed to pre-record election materials under section 73(2) of the Electoral Act. The Court of Appeal upheld the tribunal’s May 15 judgment, and the Supreme Court affirmed this on Thursday, dismissing Ighodalo’s appeal. | PDP; APC; ASUE IGHODALO; MONDAY OKPEBHOLO; EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION | VANGUARD | ||||
| THE CABLE | 10TH JULY, 2025 | Senate removes Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs | Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, has been removed as chairman of the senate committee on diaspora and NGOs. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during plenary on Thursday. Akpabio named Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom north-east, as the new chairman of the diaspora and NGOs committee. Bassey is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “The new chairman is Distinguished Senator Aniekan Bassey, and it will take effect from today,” he said. Akpabio also hinted at a broader reshuffling of committee positions, saying a review of vice chairmanships would be undertaken in the coming week to ensure a more equitable distribution. “We will make some changes to our vice chairmanship positions next week. Some of the senators have two vice chairmanship positions. Every senator should either be a chairman or a vice chairman so we balance the situation,” he said. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-time senator on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had previously chaired the senate committee on local content until her removal in February. She was subsequently reassigned to head the diaspora and NGOs committee. With her latest removal, she no longer holds chairmanship of any senate committee. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March over alleged gross misconduct following an altercation with Akpabio over seating arrangements. | SENATE; SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN; SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO | THE CABLE | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 11TH JULY, 2025 | Tinubu helped Buhari win in 2015: Presidency and APC Leaders rebut claims by Former Secretary General of the Federation, Boss Mustapha | The presidency and APC leaders have rebutted claims by former SGF Boss Mustapha that Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 presidential win was due to his personal integrity, not Bola Tinubu’s influence. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu was “indispensable” in Buhari’s APC primary victory over Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso, adding, “Tinubu also ensured that Buhari won the APC ticket... Then, he gave Buhari what had been missing in his constant 12 million votes geographical spread and additional votes from the South West.” Senator Abu Ibrahim noted Mustapha “lacked understanding of the political arrangements,” stating, “It was only when Tinubu came on board that we were able to get the two-thirds requirement in the western states.” APC chieftain Osita Okechukwu excused Mustapha’s claim, saying he “was not with us in 2003” and relied on “mathematical calculations” rather than “realpolitik.” | APC; PRESIDENCY; BOSS MUSTAPHA | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 11TH JULY, 2025 | Lagos LG polls: Security tension heightens over vehicular lockdown in Lagos for the 12th July Local Government Election | In Lagos, a total vehicular and boat movement restriction from 3:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025, has been imposed by the State Police Command for the Local Government Elections across 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade stated the measure was to “preserve public order,” exempting only accredited electoral officers, essential workers, security personnel, and journalists with LASIEC IDs, with violators facing arrest and prosecution. This lockdown heightened security concerns following protests by aggrieved APC members in Lagos Mainland and Yaba LCDA, who denounced candidate imposition during the party’s July 5 primaries at Acme Road, Ikeja. Demonstrators, led by Taorid Owolabi, protested on Apapa Road and at Arise TV, demanding a rescheduled primary due to a lack of consensus and threatening litigation. Sodeeq Olawepo cited a pending lawsuit (ID/8948GCM/2025) and warned of potential APC losses in the July 12 polls and 2027. In Orile-Agege, aspirant Abimbola Oladokun alleged exclusion as the only female contender. APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo rejected imposition claims, asserting a “well-tested mechanism” to resolve disputes, while Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat urged calm, stating, “The opposition has no footing.” The lockdown and ongoing unrest fueled fears of voter suppression and possible violence, threatening turnout and APC’s performance in the elections. | APC; LG POLLS; LAGOS STATE | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 14TH JULY, 2025 | Constitution Review: State creation, LGAs and State Police dominates Public Hearing in Northern States | The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held public hearings across Nigeria’s North West, North Central, and North East geopolitical zones, where demands for new states, additional local government areas (LGAs), and state police dominated discussions. The committee received 46 proposals for new states, including Amana from Adamawa, Savannah from Borno, Kainji from Niger and Kebbi, and Gurara from Southern Kaduna, among others, reflecting a widespread push to address regional marginalization and foster development through smaller administrative units. Additionally, 117 requests for new LGAs were submitted, with stakeholders arguing that these would enhance grassroots governance and resource allocation. The hearings, attended by diverse groups such as traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and youth groups, highlighted the urgency of decentralizing governance to bring administration closer to the people. The call for state police was a recurring theme, driven by Nigeria’s pressing security challenges, including banditry and insurgency. In the North Central zone, Kogi State’s Governor, represented by the state’s Attorney General, and Niger State’s representatives advocated for state police to enable more responsive local security measures. Similarly, in the North West, the Arewa Consultative Forum endorsed state police to address regional security issues, while in the North East, the demand complemented proposals for new states to reduce ungoverned spaces. Alongside this, stakeholders, particularly in the North Central, emphasized constitutional sanctions against governors denying LGA autonomy and sought state control over mining, a key economic sector, to boost fiscal federalism and regional development. Supporting these dominant demands were calls for broader constitutional reforms, including defined roles for traditional rulers and reserved legislative seats for women. Traditional leaders like the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gombe, and the Emir of Zazzau argued for constitutional recognition to strengthen their contributions to governance, while women’s groups, including Hon. Zainab Gimba from the North East, pushed for greater female representation in decision-making. The committee, reviewing 86 bills across 13 thematic areas such as electoral, judicial, and security reforms, received over 80 memoranda in the North East alone, underscoring the extensive public engagement. These hearings reflect a strong public desire to restructure Nigeria’s administrative and security framework to address longstanding governance and security challenges. | PUBLIC HEARING; STATE CREATION; LGAs; STATE POLICE; NORTHERN NIGERIA | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| PREMIUM TIMES | 14TH JULY, 2025 | Former President of Nigeria dies at 82 in London | Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in a London hospital on Sunday at 82. Buhari, served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, having previously ruled the country as a military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985. He stepped down from office on 29 May 2023 after completing the constitutionally allowed two terms. “The family of the former president has announced the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin,” his former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu wrote in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter). | MUHAMMAD BUHARI; FORMER PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA | PREMIUM TIMES | ||||
| THIS DAY | 14TH JULY, 2025 | Deputy Speaker urges aggressive campaign to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women in the Legislature | Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu urged women’s groups in Nigeria to intensify advocacy for the Bill on Special Seat Reservation for women in the legislature during a sensitization campaign in Abuja, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution and PLAC, sponsored by the European Union. He emphasized maintaining advocacy momentum and lobbying National and State Assembly members, describing the bill as a critical opportunity to address gender imbalances in governance. The bill proposes reserving one Senate and House of Representatives seat for women in each state and the FCT, and one House of Assembly seat in each of three senatorial districts per state. The Deputy Speaker highlighted the crucial role of state assembly women lawmakers in securing support from their colleagues and governors to ensure the bill’s passage after federal approval. | DEPUTY SPEAKER; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SPEACIAL SEATS BILL FOR WOMEN | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 14TH JULY, 2025 | National Assembly Postpones Plenary in Honour of Former President, Muhammadu Buhari | The National Assembly has announced the suspension of all legislative activities following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, , who passed away in London on Sunday. In a statement issued on Monday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives directed that plenary sessions be rescheduled to Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The suspension, according to the statement, “is in honour of the former President’s service to the nation and to allow lawmakers participate fully in the burial ceremonies.” “All members of the National Assembly are urged to adjust their schedules to enable their presence at the funeral rites of the late President,” the statement read. | NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; FORMER PRESIDENT; MUHAMMADU BUHARI | THIS DAY | ||||
| VANGUARD | 14TH JULY, 2025 | Labour Party Chieftain, Dr Emmanuel Ezeh urges President Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar to step aside from the 2027 presidential race | A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) and former National Assembly candidate, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has urged President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from the 2027 presidential race to allow younger leaders to emerge. Dr Ezeh made the appeal while addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, stressing the need for a generational shift in Nigerian politics. He called on both Tinubu and Atiku to act as statesmen and support younger candidates, warning that their continued involvement in elections could deepen regional divisions and threaten national unity. “In 2027, Atiku should rest and demonstrate to President Tinubu that their time has been spent. Both men should recognise that they are like the two sides of an old coin and stop distracting Nigerian youths,” he said. Ezeh also warned Atiku not to be swayed by politicians from the South East who are reportedly encouraging him to contest on the assumption that he can secure Northern votes to defeat Tinubu. He stressed that Nigerians are tired of tribal politics and want a new direction. | LABOUR PARTY; APC; ADC; PRESIDENT TINUBU; DR EMMANUEL EZEH | VANGUARD | ||||
| VANGUARD | 14TH JULY, 2025 | Labour Party crisis deepens as factions reject INEC’s reconciliation efforts | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has attempted to mediate the ongoing leadership crisis within Nigeria's Labour Party (LP), but its efforts have been rebuffed by the warring factions. INEC convened a meeting with representatives from the splinter groups, urging them to reconcile, hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, and organize a National Convention to elect a unified leadership in accordance with the party's constitution and the Electoral Act. The crisis, marked by conflicting claims of legitimacy, parallel conventions, and legal disputes, primarily involves the Julius Abure-led faction, which is at odds with groups aligned with the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the party's founder. Despite INEC’s intervention, the factions remain steadfast, with the Abure faction defending its March 2024 National Convention and May 2025 NEC meeting as legitimate, while dismissing calls for a new convention. Conversely, the NLC and other stakeholders challenge the Abure-led executive’s legitimacy, pushing for a resolution that reflects the party’s broader membership and foundational ideology. This deadlock threatens the Labour Party’s stability and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly with the emergence of the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), potentially undermining the LP’s recent gains in political relevance. | INEC; LABOUR PARTY; JULIUS ABURE; PETER OBI; NLC; ADC | |||||
| THIS DAY | 16TH JULY, 2025 | National Assembly ignores court order and rejects Senator Natasha's reinstatement request | The National Assembly has responded to a legal demand to reinstate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that the Federal High Court's July 4, 2025, judgment does not mandate her recall but only advises the Senate to consider it. In a letter dated July 14, 2025, the Assembly clarified that the court's ruling is not legally binding, leaving the decision to the Senate's discretion. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a PDP senator from Kogi Central, was suspended in May for alleged unparliamentary conduct, a move critics view as politically motivated. Her legal team challenged the suspension as unconstitutional, and while the court expressed concern over her constituents' disenfranchisement, it stopped short of issuing a direct order for reinstatement. The Senate has not lifted the suspension, prompting criticism from civil society groups who see it as undermining democracy. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team is considering further legal action, including a possible appeal, while Senate leadership remains divided, and public pressure mounts. The situation tests legislative accountability and democratic norms in Nigeria. | NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN; FEDERAL HIGH COURT | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 16TH JULY, 2025 | ANAMBRA2025: Candidates brace up for campaigns as INEC flags off campaigns | On June 11, 2025, INEC initiated campaigns for the Anambra governorship election, with 16 political parties listed, but only a few, including APGA’s incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, APC’s Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and Action Alliance’s Chief Jeff Nweke, have actively started campaigning. Soludo, though not officially campaigning, has held supporter-organized rallies and is engaging the Anambra Diaspora in the US, emphasizing governance over politicking. His team claims these engagements reflect his commitment to accountability, not electioneering. Ukachukwu, also yet to officially launch, is conducting a “thank you” tour across 18 of Anambra’s 21 local government areas, effectively campaigning by promising federal benefits through APC. Nweke, known for controversial monikers, launched his campaign in Awka, pledging to address hunger, insecurity, and unemployment despite facing allegations linked to a missing businessman, from which he was cleared. Other candidates are delaying campaigns to conserve funds for the November 8, 2025, election, with Soludo planning to start his in August, prioritizing governance for now. | ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION; INEC | THIS DAY | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 16TH JULY, 2025 | Rivers Sole Administrator faces backlash over RSIEC inauguration and appointments | On July 15, 2025, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and swore in members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, and Primary Health Care Management Board at Government House, Port Harcourt. Ibas urged the appointees to uphold discipline, competence, and integrity to stabilize governance and restore democratic institutions, emphasizing RSIEC’s role in conducting credible local government elections. However, lawyer and public interest advocate, Courage Nsirimovu criticized Ibas’s actions as unconstitutional, arguing that only an elected governor, with State Assembly approval, has the authority to constitute such boards. Nsirimovu warned that Ibas’s actions could spark litigation and unrest, citing ongoing court challenges against the state of emergency and Ibas’s overreach, and condemned the public’s passivity. | RIVERS SOLE ADMINISTRATOR; RSIEC; RIVERS STATE | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 16TH JULY, 2025 | Lagos LG Polls: PDP vows not to recognise the fraudulent election as it urges INEC to probe LASIEC over the 12th July LG Polls | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to probe the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) over allegations of electoral fraud and manipulation during the recently held local council elections. The party also urged the judiciary, civil society organisations (CSOs), international observers, and democracy watchdogs to speak out against the “tyranny” and “electoral malpractices” witnessed during the elections. Chairman of the PDP Chairmen Forum in the state, Adegboyega Adegbesan, who spoke, yesterday, said the election was a sham, with thugs allegedly invading the polling units, snatching ballot boxes, and assaulting voters, while LASIEC officials turned a blind eye to the activities of the attackers. The party also alleged massive ballot box stuffing, pre-thumb-printed ballot papers, and doctored result sheets, which it claimed, were designed to subvert the will of the people. The PDP, therefore, vowed not to recognise the “fraudulent” election or its so-called “winners” and pledged to challenge the outcome through available legal means. | PDP; INEC; LASIEC; LAGOS LG POLLS | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 16TH JULY, 2025 | FCT council elections: Don't pursue personal ambitions, PDP warns candidates | The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned its candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections against pursuing personal ambitions that could undermine the party’s chances of victory in the elections to be held on 21st Februrary 2026. Chairman of the PDP FCT chapter, Ismail Dogara, issued the warning on Monday in Abuja while handing over INEC nomination forms to the party’s candidates. “During my campaign before emerging as state chairman, I said it time and again, this party is too big to remain silent. And that is why we will not be silent. “The nomination forms are here, including those for vice chairmen. Our goal is to win. Personal ambition, if it doesn’t align with the party’s, can cost us the election,” Dogara said. Former House of Representatives member Micha Jibah, urged the candidates to be bold and persistent in their campaign efforts, commending their courage in stepping forward. | PDP; FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTION | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 16TH JULY, 2025 | Defections and new coalitions stir Plateau politics ahead of 2027 General Election | As the 2027 general elections approach, Plateau State is witnessing heightened political activity with three major players: the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), and a coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). While PDP and APC have historically dominated, the ADC is gaining attention, particularly with the support of former Minister Solomon Dalung, though analysts doubt its grassroots strength without prominent leaders. The Labour Party’s (LP) strong 2023 presidential election performance, where Peter Obi won 466,272 votes and 11 of 17 local government areas, suggests voters are open to third-party options, inspiring ADC’s ambitions. However, PDP, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, holds institutional power, while APC has advanced its ranks with high-profile PDP defectors like former Governor Joshua Dariye and Senators Victor Lar and I.D. Gyang. Observers note that while ADC could challenge the PDP-APC dominance by replicating LP’s mobilization, it faces hurdles due to limited structures and unlikely defections from major parties. | ADC; APC; PDP; PLATEAU STATE; LABOUR PARTY | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 17TH JULY, 2025 | PDP reacts as Atiku Abubakar resigns for the third time | Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the PDP ward chairman of Jada Ward 1, Adamawa State. This marks his third exit from the PDP (previously in 2006, 2011, and 2014), having run as its presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023. PDP’s Ibrahim Abdullahi called it “good riddance to bad rubbish,” accusing Atiku of pursuing personal ambition, citing his defiance of party decisions, like challenging Obasanjo in 2006, Jonathan in 2011, and disregarding zoning in 2023, which led to rifts with Nyesom Wike and electoral losses. Abdullahi insisted the PDP won’t be “held to ransom” and plans to mobilize for 2027. | PDP; ATIKU ABUBAKAR; IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI; ADC | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 17TH JULY, 2025 | 1999 Constitution: Obasanjo rejects new Constitution push, blames Nigeria’s woes on poor leadership | At a national summit in Abuja organized by the Eminent Patriots of Nigeria and Nigerian Political Summit Group, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and former President Olusegun Obasanjo presented contrasting views on Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Anyaoku criticized the constitution as a military-imposed document that fails to reflect Nigeria’s diversity, linking it to issues like insecurity, poverty, and decaying infrastructure. He advocated for a new, democratically formulated “people’s constitution” to address Nigeria’s pluralism and foster development. Conversely, Obasanjo, represented by Olawale Okunniyi, argued that the constitution’s flaws are secondary to the issue of poor leadership. In his own remarks, Obasanjo disagreed with the push for an entirely new constitution, saying that Nigeria’s problem lies more with the operators of the constitution than the document itself. He continued by saying, “From my experience in operating our constitution, I will be the first to point out some areas of our constitution that need amendment. However, for me, no constitution can ever be regarded as perfect. But whatever the strength or weakness of a constitution, the most important issue to my own understanding and experience are the operators of the constitution.” He emphasized that even a well-crafted constitution could be sub-verted by bad leadership, citing cases across Africa where constitutions have been distorted by selfish leaders. Former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah supported Anyaoku’s call for reform, warning that the 1999 Constitution, lacking public consent, threatens Nigeria’s cohesion. He stressed the need for true federalism, accountability, and a return to the 1963 Constitution’s principles to prevent national fragmentation. | 1999 CONSTITUTION; OLUSEGUN OBASANJO; CHIEF EMEKA ANYAOKU; OBONG VICTOR ATTAH | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 17TH JULY, 2025 | Lagos LG polls: APC rejects opposition’s claims of electoral malpractices | The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims by opposition parties discrediting the recently concluded local council elections in the state. In a statement, yesterday, signed by its Spokesperson, Mogaji Oluseye Oladejo, the APC described the opposition’s claims of electoral malpractice as “baseless” and “ill-advised.” The party stressed that the elections were conducted in full compliance with all legal and procedural requirements, under the supervision of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and with the participation of civil society observers and relevant stakeholders. According to it, the outcome of the elections reflects the will of the people and affirms their confidence in the ruling party’s track record of good performance and service delivery. The APC urged the opposition to act responsibly and channel any grievances through the proper legal channels rather than resorting to public smear campaigns aimed at undermining democratic institutions. Meanwhile, LASIEC has presented certificates of return to the newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors of the local councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). | APC; LAGOS STATE; LG POLLS; LASIEC; LCDA | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THIS DAY | 17TH JULY, 2025 | Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan replies Senate; plans to resume office despite Senate's rejection of court judgment | Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended from representing Kogi Central, has challenged the National Assembly Clerk’s claim that a Federal High Court’s July 4, 2025, judgment ordering her recall was merely advisory. In a letter dated July 14, 2025, her legal team, led by Senior Advocate Michael Numa, insisted the court’s ruling, which deemed her six-month suspension excessive and unconstitutional, is a binding directive under Section 287(3) of the Constitution. The court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, criticized the suspension for denying Kogi Central adequate representation. Despite this, the Senate has not complied, with the Clerk arguing the judgment is non-mandatory. She plans to resume duties on July 22, 2025, and has warned of further legal action if the Senate persists in defying the court. | NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; SENATE; SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN; COURT JUDGMENT | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 18TH JULY, 2025 | President Tinubu immortalises Buhari by renaming University of Maiduguri after him | President Bola Tinubu, at a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, yesterday in Abuja, renamed the University of Maiduguri after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of initiatives to immortalise him. Tinubu disclosed the rechristening at the expanded FEC Session held in honour of Buhari at State House, Abuja. He said the university was renamed as a mark of honour for the former president in recognition of his contributions to education and national development, particularly in the North-east. He stated that the university’s new name would be a lasting legacy to commemorate Buhari’s impact on Nigeria’s history. The president, in an emotion-laden tribute, hailed Buhari’s devotion to Nigeria, saying his “patriotism lived more in actions than in words”. Earlier, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described the late president as a principled leader who stood for honour over popularity. Akpabio said, “President Buhari was not perfect. No leader is. But he was principled. Where others sought glory, he sought duty. He walked, with steadiness and often in solitude, along the ridge of national conscience. His toughness was born not of pride, but of patriotism.” Akpabio, who served as Niger Delta Affairs Minister under Buhari, praised his former boss as a “sentinel of Spartan simplicity” and “a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation was never up for sale”. | PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU; FEC; UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI; MUHAMMADU BUHARI | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 18TH JULY, 2025 | The amendment of the Electricity Act sparks controversy as Commissioners call it an unconstitutional overreach by the Senate | Nigeria’s subnational governments, under the Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy (FOCPEN), have called for an immediate halt to the proposed amendment of the Electricity Act 2023, citing a lack of consultation by the federal government and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The amendment, introduced in 2025, is seen as undermining the decentralized framework established by the 2023 Act, which empowered states to regulate their electricity markets. Over 16 states have passed their own electricity laws since the Act’s enactment. The states argue that the amendment would transfer over N5 trillion in subsidies to consumers, increasing electricity tariffs, impose mandatory contributions to a Power Consumer Assistance Fund, burdening consumers already facing high tariffs, create federal agencies with costs passed to consumers, undermining state-led cost-reflective tariff efforts, centralize regulatory powers under NERC, overriding state jurisdiction and violating constitutional federalism principles. and introduce legal and regulatory conflicts, increasing uncertainty for investors. FOCPEN criticized the lack of state consultation, calling the amendment an unconstitutional overreach that threatens the progress of Nigeria’s decentralized electricity sector. They urged the National Assembly to halt the bill’s consideration, emphasizing the need for collaborative reforms to sustain the achievements of the 2023 Electricity Act. | FOCPEN; NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; ELECTRICITY ACT | THIS DAY | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 18TH JULY, 2025 | ANAMBRA2025: INEC extends CVR exercise in Anambra State | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Anambra State by three days after registering 96,085 new voters in nine days ahead of the state’s off-cycle governorship election slated for November. With the extension, the CVR will now end on Sunday, July 20, 2025, instead of the initial deadline of Thursday, July 17. The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC, in a statement yesterday, disclosed that an average of over 10,600 voters were registered daily. The Commission expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct and impressive turnout during the CVR across the 326 registration centres in the state. Olumekun also disclosed that the commission has received five new applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, bringing the total number of such applications to 134. They are the Green Future Party (GFP), Affirmative Action Party of Nigeria (AAPN), A Better Alliance for Nigeria (ABA), New National Democratic Party (NNDP) and Advanced Progressive People’s Alliance (APPA). | INEC; ANAMBRA STATE; GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 18TH JULY, 2025 | Gale of defections continue as Dele Momodu and Matthew Iduroiyekemwen leave PDP, just a day after Atiku Abubakar's resignation | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered another blow on Thursday as veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, and Edo governorship election campaign director general, Matthew Iduroiyekemwen, resigned, citing the party’s erosion of democratic values. Their exit followed that of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, after the governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom states earlier left the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Momodu, previously Atiku’s Director of Strategic Communications, cited the PDP’s erosion of democratic values, describing it as a “carcass” hijacked by anti-democratic forces, and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Iduroiyekemwen, resigning due to internal crises at state and national levels, criticized the PDP’s deviation from its founding principles and chose to focus on family and business, impacting the party’s Edo campaign ahead of the September 2025 election. Additionally, Suleiman Aminu Raqasu, a youth leader from Jigawa State, also defected to the ADC, citing Atiku’s exit and the PDP’s dwindling prospects after extensive consultations. | PDP; ADC; APC; DELE MOMODU; MATTHEW IDUROIYEKEMWEN | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 18TH JULY, 2025 | South-South Leaders urge ADC to reject zoning, and open the race for ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket | Political leaders from the South-South region, through the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum, have urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark, to keep the party’s 2027 presidential ticket open to candidates from all geo-political zones in Nigeria, rather than zoning it exclusively to the South as suggested by former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. The Forum, in a statement by its President Benjamin Kolowei, emphasized that an open and transparent primary election would be more democratic and prevent divisions within the party that could undermine its goal of providing a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They criticized Obi for allegedly seeking a free ticket and referenced his past abandonment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during its 2023 primaries, urging the ADC to ensure a fair process to select a widely acceptable candidate. | ADC; PETER OBI; PDP; DAVID MARK; 2027 GENERAL ELECTION | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THIS DAY | 21ST JULY, 2025 | Constitution Review: South West Governors canvass true federalism and state police | The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, often criticized as a military-imposed document, is undergoing review by the National Assembly to address issues like federal structure, power devolution, local government autonomy, and electoral reforms. At a public hearing in Akure, Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) advocated for true federalism and state police, citing the success of the Amotekun Corps in community policing and the unsustainability of centralized policing amid rising insecurity. They proposed a revenue allocation formula giving states at least 50% of federation revenue and amending Section 44(3) to move control of minerals, oils, and gas to the Concurrent Legislative List for state resource control. Aiyedatiwa supported creating more states and recognizing Ondo’s 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as full local governments. Adeleke pushed for electoral reforms, including electronic voting to reduce election costs, while Oyebanji called for equal representation for women and persons with disabilities, a ban on open cattle movement, and constitutional recognition of traditional rulers. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) sought full constitutional recognition to clarify its role in securing national assets and resolving conflicts, citing misinterpretations of Section 214. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) urged constitutional protections for press freedom and a media bailout fund. Stakeholders believe these proposals could enhance governance and security, but their adoption by the National Assembly remains uncertain. | CONSTITUTION REVIEW; STATE POLICE; STATE CREATION; ZONAL PUBLIC HEARING; NSCDC | THIS DAY | ||||
| VANGUARD | 21ST JULY, 2025 | Senate rejects Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim to resume, denies court order for recall | The Senate has rejected claims by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that she could resume plenary duties on July 22, 2025, asserting that no court order mandates her immediate recall. In a statement by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the Senate clarified that a recent Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4, 2025, was misinterpreted by Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court’s judgment, described as advisory and non-binding, only suggested the Senate consider reviewing its Standing Orders and the suspension, without issuing a mandatory recall order. The Senate emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended in March 2025 for six months due to alleged misconduct, was also found guilty of contempt of court, with unfulfilled sanctions including a ₦5 million fine and a public apology. The Senate warned her against attempting to return to the chamber prematurely, urging her to respect due process. | SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN; SENATE; FEDERAL HIGH COURT, CONTEMPT OF COURT | VANGUARD | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 21ST JULY, 2025 | ADC criticizes President Tinubu over broken power promise | The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to deliver on his 2022 campaign promise of providing a stable, uninterrupted electricity supply within four years. In a post on X, the ADC’s interim spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, reminded Nigerians of Tinubu’s pledge that if he failed to provide constant electricity, they should not vote for him in 2027. Abdullahi highlighted the dire state of Nigeria’s power sector, noting a 240% increase in electricity tariffs, 12 national grid collapses, and over 90 million Nigerians lacking access to electricity, with many receiving only 4–6 hours daily under the ineffective Band A–E system. Rural communities remain largely off-grid, and no significant power sector reforms or roadmap have been implemented 26 months into Tinubu’s administration. The ADC emphasized that Nigerians are still reliant on costly generators and mobile charging kiosks, urging the president to address the ongoing power crisis. Efforts to obtain a response from the Presidency were unsuccessful. | ADC; PRESIDENT TINUBU; BOLAJI ABDULLAHI | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 21ST JULY, 2025 | Governor Monday Okpebholo denies threatening Peter Obi, cites security concerns amid backlash | Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has denied issuing threats against Peter Obi, following Obi’s visit to Benin on July 7, 2025, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences. Okpebholo had criticized the visit, linking it to a resurgence of violence in the state and warning Obi against future unannounced visits. This sparked backlash from prominent Nigerians and social media, with calls for an apology. In a statement on July 20, 2025, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted, emphasizing that he only urged high-profile individuals like Obi to seek security clearance before public engagements to ensure safety, given his role as the state’s Chief Security Officer. The statement cited rising attacks on religious leaders and the need for protocols to prevent security risks, rejecting claims of hostility and accusing critics of politicizing the issue. Okpebholo stressed his commitment to a safe and inclusive Edo State. | EDO STATE; PETER OBI; GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO | CHANNELS TV | ||||
| VANGUARD | 21ST JULY, 2025 | Aspirants reject APC party primary in Ibadan over absence of delegates’ congress | Six out of ten aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North have rejected the alleged conduct of party primaries, claiming they were held at an unauthorized venue without an official delegates’ congress, a constitutional requirement. In a communique addressed to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, signed by Olaleye Segun, Lapade Idris, Farouk Arisekola, Adekunle Oladeji, Saheed Aderounmu, and Khalil Mustapha, the aspirants declared the purported primary’s outcome as illegal, illegitimate, and void. The communique, copied to President Bola Tinubu, APC national and state executives, INEC, and other stakeholders, highlighted breaches of party rules and electoral guidelines. Supported by the Ibadan North APC leadership, the aspirants urged the public to disregard the primary’s results and called on the APC National Working Committee to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and constitutionally compliant primary for the upcoming constituency by-election. They reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and emphasized the need for fairness and internal democracy to restore confidence among party members. | APC; BY-ELECTION; IBADAN NORTH | VANGUARD | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 22ND JULY, 2025 | APC National Executive Committee set to meet on Thursday, 24th July to decide Ganduje's successor | The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to meet on Thursday in Abuja to address critical party issues, with a focus on selecting a substantive successor to former national chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who resigned on June 27. Ali Bukar Dalori, the deputy national chairman (North), has been acting chairman, and the NEC may ratify his role or appoint a new chairman, potentially influenced by President Bola Tinubu. The NEC, the party’s second-highest decision-making body, will also discuss the leadership transition, an elective national convention, party congresses, e-registration, and preparations for the 2026 FCT Council and 2027 general elections. The National Working Committee (NWC) finalized a draft agenda for Tinubu’s approval, amid speculations of dissolving the NWC to form a caretaker committee due to internal loyalties and opposition ties. APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed these as rumors, confirming the meeting but not its agenda. Legal provisions allow the NEC to appoint a chairman, subject to ratification at the next convention. | GANDUJE; APC, NWC, NEC; PRESIDENT TINUBU | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 22ND JULY, 2025 | Labour Party crisis deepens as Yusuf Datti's dual loyalty to factions stir controversy | It was confusion on all fours within the Labour Party (LP), yesterday, as its 2023 vice presidential candidate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, made a dramatic appearance at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Julius Abure-led faction, days after showing presence at a meeting convened by a faction loyal to Sen Nenadi Usman. Datti’s double attendance stirred speculation within party ranks about his real political allegiance and reignited concerns about the future of LP as it eyes coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections.In his address to the Abure-led NEC in Abuja, he declared unwavering loyalty to the party and pledged to reconcile its deeply fractured leadership. However, party insiders say his earlier presence at the Usman-led meeting raised questions about whether he was playing a dual game or attempting to keep his options open in the face of increasing political uncertainty. While insisting that his engagements in coalition talks were in good faith and motivated by concerns over national insecurity, Datti cautioned against being “led blindly into political arrangements,” drawing applause from some quarters but side glances from others. | DR. YUSUF DATTI; LABOUR PARTY, JULIUS ABURE, SENATOR USMAN NENADI | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THIS DAY | 22ND JULY, 2025 | National Assembly denies receiving petition against UBEC Executive Secretary on grounds of violation | The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services, along with its Senate counterpart, has refuted media claims that they are investigating Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), for alleged violations of the UBEC Act. House Committee Chairman Hon. Mark Useni described the reports as false and misleading, emphasizing that no allegations of infraction or maladministration by Garba have been received by the National Assembly. The claims stemmed from remarks by Hon. Philip Agbese, who suggested UBEC Act violations, but Useni clarified these were personal opinions, not the committee’s position. During a joint legislative retreat in Lagos from July 17 to 20, 2025, focused on amending the UBE Act, the committees commended Garba for her reforms in quality assurance and collaboration with State UBEBs. Useni urged the media to report responsibly and avoid misrepresenting individual views as official committee stances, affirming Garba’s transparency and commitment to improving basic education. | NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; UBEC; AISHA GARBA | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 22ND JULY, 2025 | Edo By-election: Okojie, Igbinedion, Ikpea, others emerge candidates of APC, PDP and LP | The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have selected their candidates for the August 16, 2025, by-elections in Edo State, as scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). For the Edo Central Senatorial District, Joseph Ikpea emerged as the sole APC candidate, while Prince Joe Okojie won the PDP primary, defeating John Yakubu and Friday Itulah. The Labour Party (LP) selected Paul Okojie for the same senatorial seat. For the Ovia Federal Constituency, Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion was chosen as the sole APC candidate, and Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi emerged as the PDP candidate. The vacancies arose after Senator Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa were elected as Edo State governor and deputy governor, respectively. | APC; PDP; LP; INEC; EDO STATE; BY-ELECTION | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 22ND JULY, 2025 | Julius Abure's Labour Party faction dismisses adoption of Usman and Nkwocha for national leadership | The Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has declared the recent ratification of Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha as Chairman and Secretary of an interim National Committee as illegal. This announcement followed a NEC meeting held at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, chaired by Abure. The meeting condemned a prior factional NEC meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, which included Abia State Governor Alex Otti and others, for ratifying the interim committee, deeming it a violation of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. The Act requires 21 days’ notice to the electoral commission for such meetings, which was not provided. Abure’s faction urged the public to disregard the factional NEC’s resolutions, asserting that the interim committee, previously called a Caretaker Committee, remains illegal. Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate, emphasized the party’s achievements and its goal to challenge the government in 2027, positioning himself as a peacemaker. | JULIUS ABURE; LABOUR PARTY; USMAN NENADI; DARLINGTON NKWOCHA | THIS DAY | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 23RD JULY, 2025 | House of Representatives passes Rivers State 2025 budget of N1.48 Trillion amid legal challenges to Sole Administrator's Authority | The House of Representatives have passed a N1.48 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, reducing N35 billion from allocations for CCTV installations, gunboat purchases, and surveillance contracts. The Ad-Hoc Committee, led by Julius Ihonvbere, redirected over N30 billion from security-related votes to priority projects to ensure prudent resource use. The budget includes N256.42 billion for personnel, N162.58 billion for overhead, and N1.06 trillion for capital expenditure. Stakeholders view the budget’s approval as a step toward restoring democratic governance in Rivers State as Governor Siminalyi Fubara’s six-month suspension nears its end. Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt adjourned a case challenging the legality of President Tinubu’s actions in Rivers State, including the appointment of a sole administrator, to October 13, 2025. | RIVERS STATE; SOLE ADMINISTRATOR; HOUS EOF REPRESENTATIVES; | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 23RD JULY, 2025 | Senate Approves Tinubu’s $21.8 Billion loan plan despite Nigeria's growing debt concerns | The Senate on Tuesday, approved President Bola Tinubu’s 2025–2026 External Borrowing Plan, allowing Nigeria to borrow $21.8 billion, €2.1 billion, ¥15 billion, and receive a €65 million grant to fund critical projects in infrastructure, health, education, and other sectors. Additionally, a N757.98 billion domestic bond was approved to clear pension arrears under the Contributory Pension Scheme, and a $2 billion domestic foreign currency bond was greenlit under a new initiative to access dollar liquidity without straining foreign reserves. The approvals sparked heated debate, with critics like Senator Abdul Ningi warning about Nigeria’s rising debt burden (over N121 trillion, with external debts exceeding $43 billion) and unclear repayment plans, while supporters, including Senators Adetokunbo Abiru and Sani Musa, argued the loans are strategic for growth. The Senate also scheduled a special session to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and clarified that no new states have been approved despite social media rumors, urging the public to rely on official communications. | SENATE; PRESIDENT TINUBU, LOAN PLAN | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 23RD JULY, 2025 | PDP national leadership rejects Adeleke’s support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 | Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, despite denying rumors of Adeleke’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election. The endorsement, announced in a communiqué after a meeting at the Government House, followed consultations with stakeholders, though it noted resistance from both APC and PDP members in Osun to any defection. The communiqué emphasized PDP’s viability for Adeleke’s re-election and loyalty to his leadership. However, the move drew sharp criticism from PDP’s South-West caucus, with figures like Professor Gbade Ojo calling it an “aberration” and anti-party activity, and Sanya Atofarati stating it does not reflect the regional PDP’s stance. Former Ambassador Yemi Farounbi warned that Adeleke risks political backlash without a concrete agreement with Tinubu. Former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George distanced the national PDP from the endorsement, criticizing Tinubu and affirming the party’s intent to field a strong candidate to challenge him in 2027, suggesting Adeleke’s decision may stem from federal pressures like withheld local allocations. | GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE; PDP, PRESIDENT TINUBU; APC | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 23RD JULY, 2025 | Tensions flare as security operatives deny Senator Natasha access to the National Assembly | Drama unfolded yesterday at the National Assembly when security operatives blocked Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) from resuming office, leading to a tense standoff with her supporters, who were pushed back, causing congestion. Senator Natasha was suspended in March for six months for alleged misconduct and non-compliance with Senate seating rules but challenged the suspension in court. In June, Justice Binta Nyako ruled the suspension unconstitutional, citing it as excessive and a violation of her constituents’ rights. Despite the ruling, the Senate, led by spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, insisted she remain suspended, claiming the court’s decision was advisory and that Natasha failed to pay a N5 million fine or publish required apologies. Natasha, alleging persecution linked to her prior accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, vowed to pursue further legal action, asserting her commitment to serve and resist injustice. | SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN; SENATE; FEDERAL HIGH COURT | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 23RD JULY, 2025 | House of Representatives consider Bill seeking to prohibit public and civil servants from using private schools and healthcare in Nigeria | The House of Representatives has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit public and civil servants from patronising private schools and healthcare services, in a bid to revive confidence in Nigeria’s public institutions. The legislative proposal which was introduced on Tuesday, is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Prohibit Public and Civil Servants from Patronizing Private Schools and Health Care Services and for Related Matters (HB 2487)” Sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, the bill aims to restore confidence in Nigeria’s declining public education and healthcare systems. Ogah highlighted that public officials’ preference for private and foreign institutions has led to capital flight, with Nigerians spending over $29.29 billion on foreign medical treatment during the Buhari administration and $218.87 million on foreign education in 2023, compared to the N1.336 trillion allocated to healthcare in 2024. He argued that the bill would curb this trend, reduce conflict of interest, and promote infrastructural development and integrity in public institutions, citing Nigeria’s founding fathers who thrived in public schools. Ogah urged public support to revitalize government-run schools and hospitals. | HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; HB2487; HONORABLE AMOBI GODWIN OGAH | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 24TH JULY, 2025 | Defections: Four Senators defect to APC, pushing Nigeria toward one-party dominance in the Senate | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained significant ground in Nigeria’s National Assembly, nearing a two-thirds majority in the Senate after four senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected. The defectors, two each from Akwa Ibom and Osun states, were announced during a Senate plenary, bringing the APC’s Senate seats to 70, just two short of the 72 needed for a two-thirds majority in the 109-member chamber. This majority would allow the APC to pass bills without opposition support, raising concerns about democratic balance. In the House of Representatives, three PDP members also defected to the APC, increasing its seats to 224 out of 360. The PDP now holds 86 seats, with other parties like the Labour Party (26 seats) and others holding smaller shares. Five House seats and two Senate seats remain vacant due to deaths and a resignation. | APC; SENATE; PDP; LABOUR PARTY; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; NATIONAL ASSEMBLY | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THIS DAY | 24TH JULY, 2025 | Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido accuses APC and President Tinubu of exploiting state institutions to undermine democracy in Nigeria | Former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining Nigeria’s democracy by manipulating state institutions to suppress opposition through intimidation, blackmail, and harassment. Speaking in Kano, Lamido claimed these actions have eroded national unity and trust, critical for development, and cited the case of former PDP running mate Okowa, who faced EFCC charges that were dropped after joining the APC. “The way the federal government and the president and the APC are using state institutions in destroying democracy, they are crushing opposition through intimidation, through blackmail, and harassment to compel government patronage. The good example is Okowa. I mean, a very clear example. This is somebody who was PDP’s running mate in the last elections. And from nowhere I know, they started giving him a kind of charge of 1.3 trillion naira. He was sent to the EFCC. And then, somehow, behind the scenes, he found himself back in the APC. And then, suddenly, there is no more EFCC, no more FCC,” Lamido stated. He added that, “The charges have been buried conveniently. Like, you know, charges on drugs and other things, and certificates. Lamido criticized the APC for allegedly forgiving crimes of those who join the party, warning that such practices threaten democracy by discouraging accountability and encouraging defection for protection. | SULE LAMIDO; APC; PRESIDENT TINUBU | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 24TH JULY, 2025 | Senate calls for the immortalisation of Former President Muhammadu Buhari at a solemn plenary in his honor | The Senate, yesterday, held a solemn plenary dedicated to honouring the late former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General MuhammaduBuhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, after a protracted illness. The motion to honour the late president was moved by Senate Leader Michael OpeyemiBamidele (Ekiti Central), who described Buhari as “a gallant soldier and a successful democrat” whose legacy transcended his military and civilian contributions to nation-building. he Senate Leader recalled both the strengths and controversies of his time as a military ruler, but overwhelmingly agreed that his commitment to public service was undebatable. However, some senators, including Senator Seriake Dickson, offered nuanced reflections, acknowledging both his accomplishments and shortcomings. The session also passed three key resolutions: to observe a minute of silence in his memory, commend the federal government for the state burial, and call on the executive to immortaliseBuhari by naming a national monument after him. “General MuhammaduBuhari may be gone, but the values he stood for—discipline, service, compassion, and integrity—will endure,” Senate President GodswillAkpabio, concluded. | SENATE; MUHAMMADU BUHARI; IMMORTALISATION | THIS DAY | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 24TH JULY, 2025 | Professor Nentawe Yilwatda emerges as new APC National Chairman during the APC National Executive Committee meeting | The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has been elected as the National chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The motion for his nomination was moved by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. He was immediately sworn in to take charge of the party.Nentawe hails from Plateau State in the North Central, the region originally zoned to produce the national chairman before the appointment of former Kano State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who resigned earlier this month. The push for a new chairman followed Ganduje’s resignation, which came amid internal protests, particularly from North Central stakeholders, who felt short-changed after the abrupt exit of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, following the 2023 general election that produced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. | APPC; APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN; NANTAWE YILWATDA | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 25TH JULY, 2025 | Kwankwaso accuses President Tinubu's administration of marginalising and neglecting the North in resource allocation | The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of neglecting the North and concentrating the country’s resources on developing the Southern region, where the president hails from. Speaking at the stakeholders’ dialogue in Kano on Thursday, Kwankwaso accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of lopsided allocation of resources between the South and the North. He alleged that Tinubu’s administration focused only on developing the southern part of the country where he comes from. He said that most of the roads in the North were in a deplorable condition, while the APC-led government continues to allocate huge budgetary allocations to infrastructure development in the South. He urged the Tinubu administration to ensure equitable distribution of resources for the development of all parts of the country. | SENATOR RABIU KWANKWASO; NNPP; APC; PRESIDENT TINUBU | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 25TH JULY, 2025 | Constitution Review: Kano constitution review committee opposes diaspora voting and backs independent candidacy | The Kano State Constitution Amendment Review Committee, in its presentation during the dialogue, outlined a series of demands and recommendations. It called for a revised revenue-sharing formula with reduced federal allocation (40%), increased state (35%) and local government (25%) shares, and adjusted tax and horizontal allocations. It opposed removing labour from the Exclusive Legislative List to maintain national standards, rejected diaspora voting due to local election challenges, and supported independent candidacy with clear guidelines. The committee advocated for state police provisions, constitutional recognition of traditional institutions, and full local government autonomy. It opposed new state creation but supported Gari and Tiga States if necessary. Electoral reforms included fixing May 29 for elections, October 1 for swearing-in, and resolving petitions beforehand, while opposing fragmented electoral bills for a unified process. The Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Commission should periodically review revenue allocation. | CONSTITUTION REVIEW; KANO STATE; REVENUE MOBILISATION FISCAL COMMISSION; ELECTORAL REFORM; DIASPORA VOTING; INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY; STATE CREATION | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 25TH JULY, 2025 | Turmoil in the Senate as Akpabio and Bamidele clash over leadership style | Fresh tensions surfaced in the Nigerian Senate during a Wednesday plenary session when Senate President Godswill Akpabio clashed with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele over Akpabio’s leadership approach. The dispute arose after Akpabio announced the Senate’s annual recess without prior leadership consultation, prompting Bamidele to challenge whether the Senate had met its constitutional 181-day sitting requirement. Senator Ali Ndume also criticized the lack of pre-session coordination. The disagreement escalated in a closed executive session, where Bamidele expressed frustration with Akpabio’s alleged autocratic style. Despite Akpabio defending his experience as a former governor, minister, and senator, the Senate adjourned for recess. Insiders note ongoing discord since Akpabio’s 2023 emergence, with some principal officers favoring other candidates like Orji Kalu or Osita Izunaso. A similar clash was reported in November 2024 but dismissed as fake news by Bamidele’s office. | SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO; SENATOR BAMIDELE OPEYEMI; APC; SENATE | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 25TH JULY, 2025 | INEC receives 10 new applications for party registration as it launches new political party registration portal | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the deployment of its newly developed political party registration portal, following successful internal testing and approval. This comes as the commission received 10 additional letters of intent from groups seeking registration as political parties, bringing the total number of applications so far to 144. In a statement on Thursday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the commission is currently reviewing the submissions to determine which of the associations meet the criteria to advance to the formal application stage. INEC also confirmed that the registration portal was designed and built internally by its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) department and has been demonstrated before the Commission and approved for deployment. They also expressed that they will continue to update Nigerians on all their activities. | INEC; POLITICAL PARTY REGISTRATION PORTAL | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 25TH JULY, 2025 | PDP sets November 2025 convention to gear up for 2027 general election | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled its Elective National Convention for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, to reposition itself for the 2027 general elections. The decision was made at the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum praised the party’s reconciliation efforts, noting the return of defectors who left for a failed political coalition, reaffirming PDP’s stability and national viability. The NEC approved the convention’s schedule, notifying INEC, and formed National Convention and Zoning Committees for transparency. Governor Bala Mohammed, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, emphasized unity, discipline, and openness to returning members, while warning against indiscipline. Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and former Governor Ahmed Makarfi stressed credible leadership and disciplined public conduct to strengthen the party’s opposition role. The next NEC meeting is set for August 25, 2025. | PDP; NATIONAL CONVENTION; NEC; UMAR DAMAGUN; PDP GOVERNORS FORUM | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 25TH JULY, 2025 | Peter Obi dismisses Governor Okpebholo's comments on visit restrictions as inconsequential, vows to visit again | Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, dismissed reports of a threat by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who allegedly required Obi to seek security clearance before entering the state. Speaking during a visit to his alma mater, Christ the King College in Onitsha, where he donated N50 million for infrastructure, Obi described the governor’s reported comment as inconsequential. He emphasized that no threats or political directives would stop him from visiting Edo or any part of Nigeria, stating he frequently receives threats and remains undeterred. | PETER OBI; GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO; VISIT RESTRICTION | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 28TH JULY, 2025 | ADC demands audit of President Tinubu's N200 trillion debt trajectory, as MAN and ActionAid call for urgent reforms amid soaring debt and economic woes | The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over what it described as “fiscal vandalism” by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, warning that Nigeria’s public debt could exceed N200 trillion before the end of 2025. The ADC criticized the government for borrowing N49.8 trillion annually, far exceeding the N4.7 trillion yearly average under former President Buhari, and demanded a public audit of all loans since 2015. Similarly, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to lower the 27.5% Monetary Policy Rate, citing its adverse effects on borrowing costs, production, and product prices, with capacity utilization at 57% and unsold goods inventory rising to N2,140 billion in 2024. ActionAid Nigeria criticized the government for failing to address rising insecurity, hunger, and debt despite economic reforms, noting that policies like the Tax Reform Act and food security measures have not provided tangible relief. They also condemned Tinubu’s detachment, exemplified by a London press briefing during domestic protests, and called for urgent security reforms to address violence and protect citizens. | ADC; PRESIDENT TINUBU; MAN; ACTION AID; REFORMS; AUDIT | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 28TH JULY, 2025 | 2023 Election: Court dismisses INEC's motion seeking to set aside judgment on electoral offenders | The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) attempt to overturn a July 18, 2024, judgment by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, which ordered INEC to investigate and prosecute perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence and offences, such as bribery and vote-buying, during the 2023 general elections. INEC challenged the ruling, citing misrepresentation and seeking to relist the case brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). However, on July 23, 2025, Justice Egwuatu dismissed INEC’s objection, affirming the judgment as final and not a default ruling. SERAP hailed the decision as a victory for the rule of law, urging INEC to comply. The contempt lawsuit against INEC’s chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, was adjourned to October 20, 2025. | INEC; FEDERAL HIGH COURT; SERAP; 2023 ELECTION | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 28TH JULY, 2025 | ADC gains momentum as Atiku Abubakar vows to unseat Governor Oyebanji and deliver Ekiti State Governorship to ADC in 2026 | Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has declared the ADC's intent to contest and win the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, urging incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji to prepare a handover note. Speaking at the unveiling of the ADC’s Ekiti State chapter in Ado-Ekiti, Atiku, represented by Prof. Bayo Fakunle, expressed confidence in the ADC’s ability to address the state’s hardships. Also speaking, the former Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, who led the PDP bloc to the unveiling, said that the ADC was formed to chase away those who are destroying the country through maladministration, saying that the calibre of men and women in the party is capable of restoring the country back to prosperity. In a significant development that could shake the political landscape of Ekiti State, prominent loyalists and aides of former Governors Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, and Segun Oni have officially joined the ADC, in a move to further complicate the electoral fortunes of incumbent Governor Oyebanji come the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state. | ADC; ATIKU ABUBAKAR; GOVERNOR OYEBANJI; EKITI STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 28TH JULY, 2025 | Sanwo-Olu directs newly sworn-in Council Chairmen to seek approval for appointment of secretaries, aides, and supervisor councillors | Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu instructed newly sworn-in local council chairmen and vice chairmen not to appoint secretaries, aides, or supervisor councillors without state government approval, though they may appoint a Chief of Staff to begin work immediately. Speaking at their swearing-in, Sanwo-Olu emphasized selfless service, urging them to deliver better roads, markets, schools, and youth engagement to meet public expectations. He thanked the party leadership for the successful election and stressed inclusive governance. The Commissioner for Local Government, Bolaji Kayode, congratulated the chairmen and vice chairmen as the preferred candidates. Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki, pledged to implement programs to boost the party’s acceptance. Separately, at a retreat for the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, praised traditional rulers for fostering peace and unity, promising improved welfare and stronger roles in governance. He urged them to help address boundary disputes and environmental issues like flooding, with Oba Gbolahan Lawal affirming the rulers’ support. | LAGOS STATE; GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU; LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS; COUNCIL CHAIRMEN | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 28TH JULY, 2025 | EFCC reveals ongoing investigation of 18 sitting Governors for allegations of financial crimes | The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, revealed that the agency is investigating 18 sitting governors for financial malpractices, including money laundering, diversion of funds, and contract inflation, but cannot prosecute them until their tenure ends due to constitutional immunity. Speaking at a public awareness program, Olukoyede emphasized the EFCC’s proactive approach, though past efforts under former chairman Nuhu Ribadu, who investigated governors for similar crimes, often resulted in few convictions due to legal complexities, plea bargaining, or political interference. Notable cases include former governors like James Ibori and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, convicted with foreign assistance, while others, such as Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, were pardoned. The EFCC’s challenges are compounded by political protections, as seen with some governors joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to evade scrutiny. Critics argue that the immunity clause hinders accountability, and the EFCC’s efforts are undermined by a lack of political will, with past anti-corruption drives losing momentum after the Obasanjo era. Suggestions include focusing on preventing financial crimes at the procurement stage rather than pursuing retired governors. | EFCC; FINANCIAL CRIMES | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 28TH JULY, 2025 | Constitution Review: North West pushes for 8 additional States | During a two-day public hearing in Kano organized by the Senate Committee on the 1999 Constitution Review, stakeholders from the North West, which comprises seven states (Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa), demanded the creation of eight additional states: Tiga, Ghari, Hadejia, Karadua, Gurara, Bayajida, Kainji, and New Kaduna. The proposed Tiga State, encompassing Kano South Senatorial District and one local government from Kano Central, has Gwarzo as its suggested capital, backed by long-standing demands since the Second Republic. Ghari State advocates cited marginalization in federal projects and representation, while Hadejia and Karadua emphasized agricultural potential for food security. Gurara highlighted cultural identity, Bayajida focused on governance challenges, Kainji pointed to its natural resources, and New Kaduna aimed for administrative efficiency. The Kano State Government, represented by Sulaiman Wali, supported state creation, state police, independent candidacy, and increased revenue shares for states (35%) and local governments (25%), while opposing diaspora voting, decentralized labor matters, and inland waterways transfer. Jigawa endorsed state police, local government autonomy, and traditional rulers’ roles, citing its five-year practice of LGA financial independence. Sokoto’s House of Assembly backed the review as a democratic necessity, emphasizing inclusive dialogue. Katsina supported local government autonomy, diaspora voting, independent candidacy, and judicial reforms but opposed limiting court access for aggrieved aspirants. The hearings, part of nationwide consultations by the 10th National Assembly, saw thousands participate to shape constitutional amendments. | CONSTITUTION REVIEW; NORTH WEST; PUBLIC HEARING; SENATE COMMITTEE | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THIS DAY | 29TH JULY, 2025 | Peter Obi accuses President Tinubu of using misleading statistics to conceal economic hardship | Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of presenting inaccurate statistics to obscure the country’s worsening economic situation. In a post on X, Obi said Tinubu, as candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) during the last presidential election, once ridiculed his emphasis on data when discussing governance. Obi stated, “In November 2022, while campaigning in Delta State, Tinubu said he was ashamed to call my name and mocked me, saying, ‘Na statistics we go chop? All I want is to put food on the table of Nigerians. Now, two years into his four-year tenure, Nigeria is ranked among the hungriest nations in the world, with millions unsure of where their next meal will come from.” Obi accused the president of relying on “false data” to misrepresent the true state of the economy. He said, “President Tinubu is now overfeeding Nigerians with wrong statistics — from unemployment figures to inflation rates and now GDP rebasing — all to paint a rosy picture of our deteriorating economic and household conditions.” Obi stressed that effective leadership must be anchored on truth, vision, and integrity, stating, “Governance is not rocket science. It is not a gamble. It requires sincerity of purpose, character, competence, capacity and compassion.” | PETER OBI; PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU; LABOUR PARTY; APC | THIS DAY | ||||
| VANGUARD | 29TH JULY, 2025 | Lagos APC members rally at State Assembly Complex, calling for chairman's removal | On July 28, 2025, aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Lagos’ 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly, decrying alleged manipulation and interference in council affairs by party leaders. The protesters demanded the removal of Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and House of Representatives member, James Faleke, accusing them of poor leadership and imposing candidates during primaries and council executive appointments. They urged President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and senior APC leaders to intervene, warning that unresolved issues could jeopardize the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections. Talibu Lawal, a protester from Onigbongbo LCDA, stated, “We are loyal members of the APC, but we are not happy with how things are going. The leadership at the state level is not doing well. If this continues, it will affect our chances in subsequent elections in Lagos State.” He further alleged, “There were lots of manipulations in the processes leading to the emergence of chairmanship candidates in the last primaries. Candidates were imposed on party members over popular wishes by our leaders in Lagos.” In response, APC Spokesperson Seye Oladejo acknowledged the protesters’ right to express grievances, saying, “Peaceful protests are a legitimate feature of civic engagement, and we commend those who have conducted themselves calmly and orderly.” He denied allegations of imposed nominations, clarifying, “The party vehemently denies any allegation of imposing nomination on any local government.” Oladejo emphasized that cabinet selections would follow party guidelines and local leadership consultations, urging protesters to channel concerns through official party structures for resolution. He added, “We remain committed to constructive dialogue to review concerns and disputes to ensure fair outcomes in line with party values.” | APC; LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS; LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREAS | VANGUARD | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 29TH JULY, 2025 | FCT ADC denies receiving N60m to replace chairmanship candidates | The FCT chapter of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted rumors that the party collected N60 million from some politicians to swap chairmanship aspirants ahead of the February 21, 2026 council election in the territory. The FCT state secretary of the ADC, Oguh Hygenus John, addressed newsmen at the party’s secretariat in Abuja on Monday, describing such information as baseless. He also denied rumours that some aides of Senator Ireti Kingibe allegedly collected N50 million to facilitate the swapping of chairmanship candidates from other political parties. He described such information as false and unfounded, stating it was deliberately orchestrated by some frustrated politicians to tarnish the reputation of the party and its leadership in the FCT. John emphasized that the ADC in the FCT has no intention now or in the future to swap, replace, or invalidate the mandate of any candidate who legitimately won their nomination. | ADC; FCT; CHAIRMANSHIP ASPIRANTS | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 29TH JULY, 2025 | SDP expels Nasir el-Rufai and bans him for 30 years over false membership claims | The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, banning him from associating with the party for 30 years. The SDP's National Working Committee (NWC) accused el-Rufai of falsely claiming membership, forging documents, and engaging in deceptive political activities to destabilize the party. The NWC stated that el-Rufai never registered with the SDP at the ward level, yet he misrepresented himself as a member on social media and aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while attempting to involve the SDP in an unapproved coalition. This decision follows investigations into his actions, which the SDP claims threatened its unity and ideological integrity. Meanwhile, a coalition of opposition political actors, linked to the ADC, is pursuing the registration of a new party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), ahead of the 2027 elections. Dr. Umar Ardo, a coalition spokesperson, clarified that despite using the ADC as a temporary platform, the group remains committed to securing INEC approval for the ADA, with updates expected soon. | SDP; NASIR EL-RUFAI; NWC; ADA; INEC | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 29TH JULY, 2025 | Lagos APC members protest Sanwo-Olu's directive to chairmen oin appointment of aides | Aggrieved members of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) protested at the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, opposing a directive that new council chairmen must seek state government clearance before appointing Secretaries to the Local Council and supervisory councillors. Representing the 57 local councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), the protesters argued that this order promotes imposition, undermines grassroots support, and could hinder local governance. They demanded the removal of the state party chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene with James Faleke. In response, APC spokesperson Mogaji Seye Oladejo denied allegations of imposing nominations, clarifying that the state party plays only an advisory role, with local leadership responsible for nominations per party guidelines. The APC encouraged members to address concerns through official channels and expressed confidence in resolving issues internally. | APC; LOCAL GCOUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREAS; SANWO-OLU | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 30TH JULY, 2025 | Labour Party in crisis: 21 lawmakers defect in 12 months as 2027 elections loom | The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria, which gained significant traction during the 2023 general elections due to Peter Obi’s “Obidient” movement, is facing a severe crisis with 21 lawmakers defecting to other parties, primarily the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), within 12 months. The defections, starting in 2024 with Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi and continuing with multiple lawmakers from the House of Representatives and state assemblies, are attributed to internal wrangling, leadership disputes, particularly over National Chairman Julius Abure, and a lack of ideological cohesion. The LP has threatened legal action to reclaim seats, citing constitutional provisions, but slow judicial processes and weak party loyalty in Nigerian politics hinder progress. Analysts highlight the party’s over-reliance on Obi’s personality, warning that without stronger structures, the LP risks further decline ahead of the 2027 elections, especially with the rising influence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an opposition platform. | LABOUR PARTY; PDP; APC; ADC; DEFECTIONS | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 30TH JULY, 2025 | El-Rufai loyalists remanded by Court over incitement as SDP leadership crisis deepens | A magistrate court in Keffi, Nasarawa State, remanded five loyalists of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, escalating the leadership crisis within the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The detained individuals, part of the factional National Working Committee (NWC) led by Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, include key figures like the FCT SDP chairman and national youth leader. This faction, aligned with El-Rufai, claims to have dissolved the rival Shehu Gabam-led NWC on July 22, 2025, to reposition the party for the 2027 elections. The arrests, described as unlawful by the Modibbo faction, stem from allegations of a secretariat break-in, which they claim lack evidence. The Gabam-led faction expelled El-Rufai and banned him for 30 years, a move his camp dismissed as baseless and unconstitutional. El-Rufai’s allies assert he remains focused on national development, accusing opponents of political witch-hunts and exploiting economic hardship to push false narratives. | NAASIR EL-RUFAI; SDP; MAGISTRATE COURT; NWC | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 30TH JULY, 2025 | Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Sani Bello, voluntarily resigns from office | Professor Muhammad Sani Bello has resigned from his position as Commissioner for Information and member of the Kaduna State Executive Council. His resignation was contained in a letter titled “Notice of Voluntary Resignation”, dated July 29, 2025, and addressed to the Secretary to the State Government. The letter, read in part: “With reference to letter number GH/KD/S/171 dated 27th July 2023, appointing me as Commissioner and Member of the Kaduna State Executive Council, I wish to notify you of my decision to voluntarily resign with immediate effect”. Professor Bello expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under Governor Uba Sani’s administration, first as Commissioner for Education and later as the pioneer Commissioner for Information. Following the resignation, Governor Uba Sani swiftly appointed Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki as the new Commissioner for Information. A statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, confirmed Maiyaki’s appointment. Until his elevation, he was the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC). Maiyaki’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administration’s communication efforts. | KADUNA STATE; PROFESSOR MUHAMMAD SANI BELLO; KSMC | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 30TH JULY, 2025 | Senate issues three weeks ultimatium to Bayo Ojulari over NNPCL N210 trillion audit gap | The Senate Public Accounts Committee has demanded that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) address a N210 trillion audit gap (N107 trillion in receivables and N103 trillion in liabilities) from 2017 to 2023, giving NNPCL's Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, three weeks to respond to 18 critical questions drawn directly from the audit reports. Ojulari, who appeared before the committee after delays that nearly led to a bench warrant, cited the need for accurate responses due to inherited institutional challenges. The Senate emphasized that while no theft is alleged, the massive sums must be fully accounted for, with concerns raised over NNPCL’s prior absences and lack of external auditors. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee summoned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to investigate alleged anomalies in the multi-billion naira Baro Inland Port project. The committee demanded all relevant documents within seven days to probe potential mismanagement and prevent the project from becoming another abandoned venture. | NNPCL; SENATE; SENATE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE; BAYO OJULARI | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 30TH JULY, 2025 | Edo By-election: PDP seeks redeployment of REC, EOs ahead of August 16 by-election | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to ensure credible, fair, and transparent bye-elections on August 16, 2025, for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency. The PDP, confident of victory in its strongholds, demanded the redeployment of certain electoral officers, including the Resident Electoral Commissioner, citing their alleged compromised roles in the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has inaugurated its Campaign Council for the Remo Federal Constituency by-election, also scheduled for August 16, 2025, following the death of Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga. Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized party unity to secure victory for APC candidate Adesola Elegbeji. | EDO STATE BY -ELECTION; PDP; APC | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 31ST JULY, 2025 | Ogun State Governor declares PDP an 'Empty Shell' as more members defect to APC | Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun took a swipe at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), calling them an "empty shell" due to widespread defections, during a reception in Abeokuta on Wednesday to welcome PDP defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC). Key defectors included PDP’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate Adekunle Akinlade, former state chairman Dr. Sikirullahi Ogundele, and Deputy Minority Leader Lukman Atobatele, among others. Abiodun further taunted the PDP members as he referred to them as "Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)" seeking political refuge, claiming that "every responsible member of PDP in Ogun State" has left the party. He attributed the defections to the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and promised the new APC members equal rights and privileges. Akinlade, a former House of Representatives member, expressed gratitude for Abiodun’s dignified treatment and pledged loyalty, stating, “We are here to commit our loyalty absolutely to you and the party.” | OGUN STATE; PDP; APC; DAPO ABIODUN | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 31ST JULY, 2025 | ADC reconstitutes its National Working Committee with Senator David Mark at the helm | The African Democratic Congress (ADC) reconstituted its National Working Committee (NWC) at its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, with former Senate President Senator David Mark sworn in as caretaker national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as caretaker national secretary, signaling the opposition coalition’s takeover of the party. The reconstitution followed the dissolution of the previous NWC, unanimously approved via a motion by Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, with INEC representatives present. Mark announced plans to review the party’s manifesto and constitution to align with Nigerians’ aspirations. The new NWC includes six deputy chairmen, such as Babachir Lawal, and other appointees like Bolaji Abdullahi (national publicity secretary), Mani Maman (national treasurer), and Oserheimen Osunbor (national legal adviser). Former chairman Ralph Nwosu alleged attempts to derail the coalition with offers of three ministerial positions, which he rejected, stating, “We said no. Nigeria must not be reduced to a one-party state.” | ADC; DAVID MARK; NWC; NEC | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 31ST JULY, 2025 | Honorable Benjamin Kalu withdraws Indigeneship Bill amid public outrage | Public outrage on social media, peaking on Tuesday, forced Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to withdraw a controversial indigeneship bill due to fears it could deepen ethnic tensions and societal division. The bill, co-sponsored by six lawmakers, aimed to amend the Constitution to grant indigene status to Nigerians by birth, 10 years of continuous residence with tax payment evidence, or marriage to an indigene for at least five years. Critics labeled it a “dangerous ploy” and “invitation to chaos”. Two co-sponsors, James Faleke and Blessing Amadi, disowned the bill, with Faleke stating, “I am not a co-sponsor of the bill,” and Amadi calling her inclusion “misleading.” Kalu withdrew the bill after feedback and a National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) report highlighted potential issues like double indigeneship. Dr. Aminu Hayatu criticized the lack of public consultation, saying, “They didn’t do their homework,” while Auwal Musa Rafsanjani supported the concept but stressed the need for prior education and engagement. | INDIGENESHIP BILL; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; HONORABLE BENJAMIN OKEZIE KALU | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 31ST JULY, 2025 | Chairman of Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission dies after brief illness | Alhaji Ahmed Makama Hardawa, Chairman of the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), passed away in Abuja on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, after a brief illness. Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep sorrow, describing Hardawa’s death as a “profound tragedy” for Bauchi State and Nigeria. In a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor praised Hardawa as a “distinguished statesman” and “man of wisdom, humility, and exemplary leadership” whose integrity and fairness defined his career, including his tenure as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Taraba and Nasarawa States. As BASIEC Chairman, Hardawa strengthened grassroots democracy through transparent electoral processes. Mohammed extended condolences to Hardawa’s family, BASIEC, and the Hardawa and Misau Emirate Councils, noting his lasting legacy. The funeral prayer (Janazah) was scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi. | BAUCHI STATE ELECTORAL COMMISSION CHAIRMAN; ALHAJI AHMED MAKAMA; BASIEC | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 31ST JULY, 2025 | Oyetola denies rigging allegations for 2026 Osun Governorship election | The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has refuted claims by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State that he plans to rig the 2026 governorship election using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement on July 30, 2025, signed by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola dismissed the allegations as “false, malicious, and part of a desperate smear campaign” by the PDP, predicting their defeat in 2026. He emphasized his belief in democracy and rule of law, denying control over INEC, the Police, or the Attorney-General of the Federation, and challenged the PDP to provide evidence. Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Mutiu Agboke has confirmed that the Biometric Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) remains essential for elections, noting that 360,794 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) are uncollected in Osun. Agboke clarified that the Supreme Court upheld BVAS use and stressed the media’s role in promoting PVC collection. | OSUN2026; GBOYEGA OYETOLA; PDP; BOLAJI AKINOLA | THE GUARDIAN | ||||