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Wike Laments Backlash Over Reconciliation With Fubara in Rivers State

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Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, says opponents of progress are upset because he has reconciled with his successor, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, claiming that peace had returned to the state.

Read Also: ADC Discloses Why Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai Are Still in Their Parties

He claimed that many persons had converted the state’s crises into a “oil well,” from which they were sucking illicit monies for their own personal gain.

The minister went on to say that he owes no one an explanation for the terms of his and Fubara’s truce.

ADC Discloses Why Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai Are Still in Their Parties

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Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has explained why prominent opposition leaders, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, have signed on to the new ADC coalition but have not yet officially defected from their parties.
Speaking on Thursday’s episode of Arise TV’s Morning Show, Abdullahi reportedly gave the explanation, pointing out that a number of prominent politicians are now participating in ongoing electoral processes that are planned in advance of the general elections in 2027.
The former governor and his political organization are currently supporting politicians running under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and have already bought nomination forms on that platform, Abdullahi disclosed, citing Nasir El-Rufai in particular.

Read Also: “They Burnt Our House, They Can’t Be Inside” — Kachikwu Rules Out Working with Atiku, El‑Rufai, Amaechi

“These parties are participating in elections that are scheduled before 2027, and individuals such as Mallam Nasir El-Rufai have his group participating in them,” Abdullahi stated. On the platform of those parties, they have thus purchased forms.

It makes sense, then, to let them contest based on those parties’ arguments. Upon completion of it, everyone is, in theory, in ADC.

According to Abdullahi, the coalition’s goal is to keep Nigeria from devolving into what he called a “one-party civilian dictatorship,” regardless of individual members’ existing loyalties.

“What we are doing is very clear to us,” he stated. This coalition includes everyone who thinks Nigeria cannot be written off as a one-party state.

“Anyone who believes that we should watch Nigeria turn into a one-party civilian dictatorship can start to complain about all of this.”

Although he conceded that the coalition will face many problems on its journey to 2027, the former minister insisted that the team was ready for the challenges.

“We do not anticipate a smooth journey. We are prepared to handle any challenges that may arise,” he stated.

“They Burnt Our House, They Can’t Be Inside” — Kachikwu Rules Out Working with Atiku, El‑Rufai, Amaechi

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Former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu has indicated that he is unable to work with significant opposition figures in the recently declared alliance, like as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai.
This was reportedly mentioned by Kachikwu on Thursday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show.
The ADC leader highlighted that Nigeria requires fresh faces and new ideas, and he expressed his opposition to the opposition leaders.

Kachukwu said he will oppose the party’s control by “old politicians.”

“We require new ideas,” he said. New values are required. The people who set fire to our house cannot sit there. Firefighters will extinguish the fire.

I oppose them. With these people, I can’t work.

Yes, of course. I intend to take them to court.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Julius Abure-led branch of the Labour Party (LP) has given its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, a 48-hour deadline to leave the party after aligning himself with a newly formed opposition coalition.

Read Also: Peter Obi Under Fire as Labour Party Faction Demands His Exit in 48 Hours

As previously reported, Obi was one of the leading political figures who met on Wednesday to decide to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the coalition party that would depose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

However, Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary for the Abure-led faction, cautioned in a statement signed and released in Abuja on Thursday that Obi’s support for the coalition contradicts the faction’s stance, which has distanced itself from the alliance and referred to its members as “frustrated politicians” and “power mongers.”

Peter Obi Under Fire as Labour Party Faction Demands His Exit in 48 Hours

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Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has been given a 48-hour ultimatum by the Julius Abure-led group to leave the party after he aligned himself with a newly formed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to prior reports, Obi was one of the leading political personalities that convened on Wednesday to decide to form a coalition group to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027: the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
But in a statement signed and released Thursday in Abuja, Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary for the Abure-led faction, cautioned that Obi’s backing of the coalition is in direct opposition to the faction’s stance, which has distanced itself from the alliance and labeled its members “frustrated politicians” and “power mongers.”

“The Labour Party has repeatedly stated that it is not a member of the coalition,” the statement continued.

“As a result, individuals who are part of the coalition have 48 hours to formally resign from their party membership.”

“Desperate Politicians Can’t Birth a New Nigeria” – Ifoh Ifoh did not waver in his criticism of the alliance, cautioning Nigerians that, given the people behind it, the frequently used slogan of a “new Nigeria” was nothing more than a catchphrase.

“We are aware of multiple meetings that Peter Obi has had with some of our members at night to lobby them to join his new party,” he claimed.

Additionally, we know that some of them have declined to defect alongside him.

The LP chieftain accused the coalition of exploiting the platform to “relaunch themselves into the circle of power” and claimed that it is made up of people who have previously misgoverned Nigeria.

He pointed out that young people in Nigeria make up over 70% of the population and are fed up with the status quo.

“What is happening in the coalition does not allow for the realization of the new Nigeria that the youths envision.”

“Leg in, Leg out.” Politics Won’t Be Accepted
Members cannot be members of two political platforms at the same time, the Labour Party emphasized, warning that it will no longer accept dual allegiance.

Read Also: Budget Review Necessary as Oil Prices Fall — IMF Tells Nigeria

According to Ifoh, “people with dual agendas and deceptive personas are not welcome in the Labour Party.”

“They say they are in the Labour Party in the morning, but this evening they are in coalition.”

He called on all members of the party to stick with the system and get ready for more elections under the Labour Party’s name.

Concurrently, Peter Obi has reiterated his dedication to the opposition alliance, characterizing it as an essential platform for Nigeria’s 2027 rescue.

The former governor of Anambra State stated in a message uploaded on his official 𝕏 handle: “None group can change Nigeria alone.” We must construct bridges, not walls, even if those bridges are uncomfortable, in order to demolish the systems that hold our people in poverty and insecurity.

With Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola serving as Secretary and Senator David Mark as National Chairman, he disclosed that the coalition has officially embraced the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 elections.

“We are willing to make sacrifices and collaborate in order to guarantee that Nigeria has a capable, capable, and caring leadership that will put the country’s future and the well-being of Nigerians first,” Obi continued.

Budget Review Necessary as Oil Prices Fall — IMF Tells Nigeria

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Nigeria should review its 2025 budget to account for lower-than-expected global oil prices, according to the International Monetary Fund.

On Wednesday, the IMF revealed this in its Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria, which was published in Washington, DC, USA.

According to Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria’s oil output was 1.745 million barrels of crude oil per day (bpd), and the Fund increased its growth rate projection to 3.4 percent from 3.2 percent on Wednesday. This was due to a declining inflation rate in May, which was 22.97 percent.

The IMF emphasized that in order to take into account market realities, Nigeria’s “2025 budget needs to be recalibrated to lower oil prices.”

Read Also: Ex-Equatorial Guinea Minister Baltasar Engonga Sentenced to 18 Years Over Hundreds of Leaked

The IMF’s advice comes after the country’s 2025 budget of N54.99 trillion was set using a crude oil price benchmark of $75 per day.

As of Wednesday morning, Brent and West Texas Intermediate futures were trading at, respectively, $68.68 and $67.04.

Only during the height of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, in mid-June 2025, were crude oil prices said to have hit $75 per barrel.

Ex-Equatorial Guinea Minister Baltasar Engonga Sentenced to 18 Years Over Hundreds of Leaked

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As his corruption trial continues in a Malabo court, Baltasar Engonga, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, could receive a sentence of up to 18 years in prison.
The former head of his nation’s anti-graft agency, Engonga, was reportedly recently involved in a scandal that rocked the political establishment.
Since September 2024, Engonga has been remanded in the notorious Black Beach Prison. He is on trial for embezzlement of public funds, unlawful enrichment, and abuse of office while serving as the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance from 2015 to 2020.

During the hearing on Monday, the national prosecutor asked for the troubled former official to receive a total sentence of 18 years:

Embezzlement for eight years
Unlawful enrichment for four years and five months
One day and six years for misusing the position
A fine of more than 910 million CFA francs (roughly $1.5 million or ₦2.2 billion) and a lifetime ban from holding public office are also imposed on Engonga.

Engonga was accused by the prosecution of masterminding a complex financial network that embezzled public funds for private benefit, a scheme that they claim crippled vital public sector development.

The Equatorial Guinean Sex Tape Scandal in Engonga
According to Naija News, during raids on Engonga’s private office and residence a few months ago, investigators discovered more than 400 sex tapes in a startling turn of events that captured the public’s attention.

Le Bled Parle said the tapes purportedly included relatives of high government officials, security chiefs, and the wives of senior ministers. Authorities said the videos, which were taken with permission, were found on hard drives and CDs. Many of the videos have since been leaked online, causing public indignation and calls for more research.

Read Also: COAS Oluyede Reiterates Army’s Role in Security, Democracy Protection on Army Day

Engonga’s court battle is not an isolated one. In addition, six other former high-ranking officials, including Florentina Iganga Iñandji and Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, are on trial for allegedly being part of a large-scale graft syndicate that embezzled public funds.

It is anticipated that the trial, which has enthralled both domestic and foreign observers, will go on all week as defense attorneys start making their case.

Pressure on Equatorial Guinea’s government to fortify its anti-corruption frameworks, guarantee increased transparency, and hold all officials accountable—regardless of their position—has increased as a result of this case.

Watching the proceedings closely are citizens and civil society organizations who want justice to be served and the nation’s long history of financial mismanagement to be finally addressed.

COAS Oluyede Reiterates Army’s Role in Security, Democracy Protection on Army Day

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Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, has emphasized the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to citizen security and the preservation of Nigeria’s democracy.
Oluyede announced this on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Abuja on the calendar of events for the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), which will be held on July 6.
The Army Chief praised the annual ceremony as an opportunity to honor former and current commanders and troops for their service to the country.

According to accounts, NADCEL commemorates the formation of the Nigerian Army and the first shot fired during the Nigerian Civil War in Garkem, present-day Cross River State. The celebration started in 1978.

“The Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of our democracy,” Oluyede stated with conviction.

The COAS stated that the annual event allows the Army to display its accomplishments while also fostering tighter engagement with other stakeholders.

“This year’s topic, ‘Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive,’ represents the Army’s current strategy of prioritizing personnel welfare and professional development in military reform.

“The Nigerian Army has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities,” according to the army’s commander.

The COAS declares that terrorists would not derail Nigeria’s unity.
Oluyede noted that the Nigerian Army has consistently resisted terrorists and criminal elements attempting to destroy national unity.

Read Also: You’ve Struggled Long Enough, Now Cash Out – Igbokwe to ADC Coalition Member

“The Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty,” he shared with press.

The 2025 NADCEL includes a number of activities aimed at enhancing civil-military relations, promoting education and health outreach, and commemorating military personnel’s sacrifices.

Among the scheduled events are:

Friday, July 4: The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) will launch civil-military cooperation projects in numerous regions of Kaduna State, as well as host a golf tournament, provide free medical services, and conduct a charity outreach.
Public speaking engagements at selected secondary schools across all army formations in the country.
On Saturday, July 5, the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna will host a public lecture, followed by the 2nd Chief of Army Staff Annual Literary Competition award ceremony.
A Gala Night for Officers and Soldiers at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre in Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.
Sunday, July 6: The Nigerian Army Day celebration concludes with a military parade, equipment display, and the presentation of COAS Commendation Awards to deserving persons.
Oluyede noted that the NADCEL is still a symbol of the Army’s commitment to unity, professionalism, and national development.

You’ve Struggled Long Enough, Now Cash Out – Igbokwe to ADC Coalition Member

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Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Okey Ralph Nwosu, is the happiest guy in the party, according to All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe.

Read Also: If You’ve Got the Courage, Join APC – Momodu Taunts Wike

According to reports, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a group of opposition leaders in the nation decided to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election by using the ADC as their platform.
A founding member and longtime national chairman of the party, Nwosu had resigned along with other party officials to make room for former Senate President David Mark and other coalition members to take over as the party’s leader.

Igbokwe responded by implying in a post on his official Facebook page that Nwosu had fought for the party for years and that now was his moment to make a profit.

His message says: “Chief Okey Nwosu is the luckiest man in this ADC Coalition.” For many years, he has been having trouble with this party.

Go on, Nwannem, gather as much as you can. Your time has come. You didn’t get it easily. However, the tiny bird is unable to fly. “Cash out, bro.”

In the meantime, former Transportation Minister and two-term Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has claimed that the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration improved Nigeria’s economic standing and security.

According to 2027 coalition member Amaechi, President Bola Tinubu was never the best candidate to be Nigeria’s leader.

The accusations were reportedly made by the former minister on Wednesday in Abuja when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) interim national leadership was unveiled.

According to the former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, he has doubted Tinubu’s ability to lead and cautioned that the current government has fallen short of Nigerians’ expectations.

If You’ve Got the Courage, Join APC – Momodu Taunts Wike

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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been challenged by veteran journalist and Ovation Magazine publisher Dele Momodu to switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Momodu said in an interview with Arise News that Wike would rather rule in hell than serve in heaven.
He attributed the protracted internal turmoil of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Wike’s resentment about not being selected for vice president in 2023.

Momodu raged that the governors of the party have no more authority and that Wike may now disrespect them as he wants without repercussions.

“Today’s PDP governors are helpless,” he said. Wike will go on there and disparage and mistreat them. They are unable to even speak. According to what I’ve heard, Damagum is now claiming that he will court them now that folks have departed. According to another account, he stated that they would be sanctioned.

Read Also: Sowore Fires at Tinubu, Coalition Leaders, Cites Litany of Wrongs – 2027

“They have already departed, so you cannot woo them or sanction them. These aren’t children. They spent two years pleading. Wike has stayed distraught just because his campaign for vice president was unsuccessful. Every time I talk about him, I mention it. Good person, he’s working on infrastructure, but you can’t overlook this rage?

“I dare him to join APC tomorrow,” Momodu added, implying that Wike would choose to remain in the PDP rather than join the APC in order to maintain his position of authority. Tell him to join APC if he has the courage. We’ll welcome you when you’re ready to join us, the president informed him the other day. He is unable to. Because he believes that ruling in hell is preferable to serving in heaven.

Sowore Fires at Tinubu, Coalition Leaders, Cites Litany of Wrongs – 2027

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Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress’ (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, has said that he will not join the coalition of opposition leaders currently building in front of the general elections in 2027, calling its members “corrupt and complicit in Nigeria’s ruin.”
In a sharply worded Facebook post on Wednesday, Sowore reportedly expressed his stance against calls for unity among opposition leaders after they adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their political platform.
Earlier Wednesday, human rights attorney Deji Adeyanju urged Sowore to unite with other opposition figures in the effort to topple President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

However, Sowore quickly hung up the phone, stating that he could not stand with those who had supposedly betrayed the nation and betrayed the confidence of the people.
“I did not join Bola Ahmed Tinubu in distributing heroin and cocaine in Chicago,” the former presidential candidate claimed in a Facebook post.

“I didn’t participate in Atiku Abubakar’s heist of Nigerian Customs.”

“I refrained from joining David Mark on June 12 when he embezzled money intended to repair our phones and subsequently contributed to the demise of our democratic aspirations.

Under Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership, I refrained from participating in the treasury robbery and human rights violations committed by Abubakar Malami, SAN.

“I refrained from participating in the massacre of Shiites and promoting religious genocide in Southern Kaduna alongside Nasir El-Rufai.”

“When Sani Abacha was tearing apart Nigeria piece by piece, I did not accompany Peter Obi to the Tin Can Ports to help him clear cargo for him.

Read Also: Wike Hails Tinubu as First Nigerian President to Tour FCT Satellite Towns

“I didn’t stand with Sule Lamido and the SDP traitors who betrayed MKO Abiola and the Nigerian people’s will.

While Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi gambled away Rivers State funds and abandoned the already-paid mini-rail project, I refrained from joining him.

“I’ve never been a part of an armed robbery gang. No matter how well-liked, influential, or fantastical, I have never sworn loyalty to a cult.

“I just have one loyalty: to the silenced, the defrauded, the disenfranchised, and the downtrodden. Only those who are prepared and eager to put an end to this national nightmare that these characters mentioned above have created will have my support!

Let people know that I support the front lines of justice. The truth coalition. a squad of revolutionaries to restore Nigerians’ dignity.

“These bad actors must be eradicated from Nigeria.”