***Says consultations—not imposition—produced candidates nationwide The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has mounted a robust defence of its recently concluded primaries, rejecting allegations of candidate imposition and electoral irregularities while insisting that its nomination process was driven by extensive consultations, grassroots participation and broad stakeholder consensus. In what appears to be a direct response to growing complaints from some aggrieved aspirants and party members, the NDC said attempts to discredit the outcome of its presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly primaries were either rooted in a misunderstanding of the party’s internal framework or deliberate efforts to undermine its rising political…
Author: National Update
By Douglas Baye-Osagie Senator Adams Oshiomhole stirred the hornets’ nest this week on the floor of the Senate by reawakening his colleagues to the constitutional responsibilities of the Senate regarding oversight of all government ministries, departments and agencies as enshrined in the Constitution. The trigger was military spending and the fresh outrage over the kidnapping of children in Oyo State. Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution gives the National Assembly clear oversight powers, and defence spending is not exempt. Section 88 allows each House to, by resolution, direct investigations into any matter within its legislative competence and into the conduct of affairs of…
**”Warns Nigeria Is Edging Towards One-Party Dominance A fresh twist has emerged in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with respected cleric and national mobiliser, Prophet Isa El-Buba, publicly distancing himself from the political movement that backed Peter Obi in 2023 and declaring support for Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential hopeful, Prince Adewole Adebayo. The outspoken cleric, who serves as Convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, unveiled his new political direction during a gathering of SDP delegates, stakeholders and supporters in Bauchi State, where he painted Adebayo as a unifying national figure…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the nomination of Dr. Zainab Marwa as a member of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), representing the North-East geopolitical zone. The request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the upper chamber and read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In the correspondence, President Tinubu stated that the nomination was made in accordance with Section 2 of the Niger Delta Development Commission Establishment Act, which empowers the President to appoint members to the commission’s governing board subject to Senate confirmation. The President…
The Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Idris Miliki Abdul, has called for a new approach to tackling Nigeria’s growing security challenges, emphasizing that community resilience and grassroots intelligence gathering remain critical to addressing insecurity. Abdul made the call in Lokoja, Kogi State, while speaking on measures needed to address the country’s evolving security challenges. According to Abdul, the current security situation across the country is deeply concerning and requires innovative strategies beyond conventional methods. He stressed that communities must be actively engaged in supporting intelligence gathering efforts, noting that local residents are often the first…
By Adamu Muhd Usman In a system often driven by visibility and public noise, Ahmed Gambo Saleh has carved out a different path—one defined by quiet efficiency, institutional discipline, and steady reform. As he marks his 57th birthday, tributes from across Nigeria’s legal community continue to highlight a career that has significantly shaped the modern administrative architecture of the judiciary, largely away from public glare. From Hadejia in Jigawa State to the upper echelons of Nigeria’s judicial administration, Saleh’s journey reflects a rare blend of intellectual depth, professional consistency, and understated leadership. Born on June 3, 1969, he pursued his…
As political consultations ahead of the next electoral cycle gather momentum, Professor Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia, who is expected to fly the flag of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat, has positioned himself as a candidate seeking to bring private-sector efficiency, academic excellence and governance expertise into public office. The renowned entrepreneur, scholar and governance specialist recently held strategic discussions with the leadership of the Zenith Labour Party in Abuja, in what is widely seen as a significant step toward securing the party’s senatorial ticket for the FCT. For many observers, the engagement signals…
**Demands Candidates of Proven Integrity The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw his newly submitted ambassadorial nominee list to the Senate, describing it as “reprehensible” and unfit to represent Nigeria internationally. In a statement on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong called for a revised list featuring candidates with impeccable democratic credentials and unquestionable moral standing, capable of projecting Nigeria positively on the world stage. The party claimed that some nominees on the current list carry questionable reputations both domestically and internationally, citing perceived “integrity gaps” and involvement in “anti-democratic activities.” According to…
The Kogi State government has deployed a helicopter and a specialized anti-kidnapping unit in response to an armed attack on a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area. Video footage circulating online shows security operatives mobilizing rapidly to track the assailants and secure the community following the early Sunday morning assault. During the raid, the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, along with an unconfirmed number of worshippers, were reportedly abducted by the attackers. The incident, which occurred on 30th November 2025, has raised serious security concerns across the region. Authorities have described the situation as urgent…
**Rights Group Urges President to Crush, Not Coddle Terrorists The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the armed attack on a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA, Kogi State, calling it a direct affront to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declared national security emergency. Eyewitnesses reported that armed bandits stormed the service, abducting the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, his wife, and several worshippers. Congregants scattered in fear as gunmen advanced, according to Mr. Adegboyega Oguns, who was present during the assault. The attack came barely a day after armed men ambushed the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin…