A senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Mr. Umar Sani, has described the conditions for reconciliation proposed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike as “untenable and undemocratic,” shedding light on the internal tensions that led to his expulsion from the party. Speaking on Arise News on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Sani explained that Wike’s key demand—that the PDP forgo fielding a presidential candidate in the 2027 elections—was the main stumbling block to restoring unity. “The reconciliation committee approached Wike multiple times to heal rifts within the party, but he insisted on one extraordinary condition: no presidential…
Author: National Update
The U.S. Congress is set to hold a high-profile hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to examine allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s recent re-designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. The hearing, to be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith, a vocal advocate on African religious freedom issues, will explore not only reports of attacks on Christian communities but also the potential role of Nigerian authorities in addressing—or failing to address—the violence. Smith’s previous resolution called for visa restrictions and asset freezes on members of the…
Honourable Bode Ogunmola, member representing Ogori/Magongo Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, has explained that his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by the wishes and aspirations of his constituents. Speaking at a defection rally in Lokoja on Monday, Ogunmola said he made the move after extensive consultations with the people of Ogori/Magongo, who expressed a desire to align with the state governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and participate more actively in mainstream politics. “My people want effective representation and to support the progress of our state under Governor Ododo. That is why I heeded…
The Federal Government has stepped in to curb overreach by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), suspending all its enforcement activities nationwide. The directive, signed off by Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, comes after mounting complaints from industry operators about heavy-handed inspections, fines, and compliance actions. Special Adviser on Media and publicity in the ministry Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted her to have said, “The Ministry is committed to a fair and business-friendly tourism environment. Until a full review of NIHOTOUR’s operations is completed, all enforcement activities are…
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse A major political shift is unfolding in Jigawa as APC Polling Units Chairmen from the Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency have thrown their weight behind Hon. Auwal Dalladi Sankara, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, urging him to run for the House of Representatives in 2027. Their declaration came during a charged solidarity rally in Taura town, staged to coincide with Governor Umar Namadi’s Government–Citizens Engagement Forum. The forum’s chairman, Malam Ibrahim Sani Majiya, said the endorsement was unanimous and strategic—designed to openly signal their preference to the governor. According to Sani, the constituency is tired…
***Demands Full Account of N595bn Intelligence Budget The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has blasted the Federal Government after terrorists stormed the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, abducting scores of students in an early-morning raid. The rights group said the attack has shattered government claims of massive investment in school security and raised urgent questions about the N595 billion budgeted for Nigeria’s intelligence community in 2024. In a statement by National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA condemned the attack—which left a staff member dead and a security guard wounded—as a “grim reminder that…
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has issued one of his starkest warnings yet to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the party is hurtling toward self-destruction as opposition governors and lawmakers pour into its ranks without adding value. Speaking Sunday night at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture in Abuja—where he was honoured as “Most Outstanding Legislator and Advocate of National Unity”—Ndume used his acceptance speech to deliver a blunt message: the APC is taking in too many defectors it cannot absorb. “I have warned that the APC is becoming overloaded,” he said. “When you overload a ship, especially…
What began as an ordinary night in Maga, Danko/Wasagu LGA, quickly dissolved into chaos when armed bandits forced their way into Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, leaving behind grief, panic, and unanswered questions. By dawn, the community awoke to the devastating news: Vice Principal Hassan Yakubu had been killed—shot while trying to shield his students from the attackers. The bandits escaped with scores of schoolgirls, their exact number still unknown as officials remain silent on the details. Residents say the assault was shockingly unhindered. “It is a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire region into deep fear and…
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that Nigerian Navy officer Lt. A.M. Yerima survived an assassination attempt in Abuja, describing the viral narrative as false and unsubstantiated. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said on Sunday night that no incident resembling an attack on the officer was ever reported or recorded within the territory. “The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The command categorically states that no such incident occurred anywhere within the FCT. The public should disregard this false information,” Adeh stated.…
Abuja was thrown into tension Sunday evening as naval officer Lt. A.M. Yerima narrowly survived an assassination attempt, days after his high-profile clash with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike sparked nationwide outrage. Military sources say the attempt on Yerima’s life unfolded around 6:30 p.m. when two unmarked Hilux vehicles, occupied by men in black, began trailing him from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway. The vehicles reportedly shadowed him all the way to Gado Nasko Way. Realizing he was being hunted, Yerima executed a quick tactical manoeuvre that allowed him to break free from the suspected hit squad. The…