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Bode George Condemns Police Action on PDP, Warns Against Turning Nigeria Into Dictatorship

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A well-known PDP leader, Bode George, has denounced the security personnel’s siege of the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, calling it a perilous step toward dictatorship.
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman George reportedly spoke to reporters on Monday after armed officers prevented him and other top officials from entering Wadata Plaza, the party’s headquarters, along with other members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC).
George, who was clearly incensed, warned the Federal Government against leading the country down a similar route, claiming that the action was reminiscent of Nigeria’s political turmoil in the early 1960s.

“It’s breathtakingly annoying,” he said. It is our land. Did the court issue an injunction stating that we would not be holding our meeting in our office? What’s going on? It began in the South West in 1962 when I was a young man. Let’s not go crazy like that. Could you tell me what it is? Why don’t we sit and chat? What constitutes democracy’s core?

He questioned why heavily armed police were called in to break up a peaceful party gathering and accused the authorities of trying to suppress democratic discourse.

Read Also: NCAA Suspends Rano Air Flight Operations Over In-Flight Engine Trouble

George went on, “Nigerians are observing.” We want to conduct a meeting, therefore you came to our office and placed cops around it? Are you interested in making this country more like Russia or more like North Korea? We refuse to permit it. Nigerians won’t permit it.

He promised that the meeting would still go place, but he would not disclose the new location for security concerns.

Wadata Plaza was reportedly taken over by security personnel earlier in the day, denying party officials—including members of the Board of Directors—entry to the building where they had assembled for the important NEC meeting.

NCAA Suspends Rano Air Flight Operations Over In-Flight Engine Trouble

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After a mid-flight engine failure during a journey from Abuja to Katsina, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grounded a Rano Air aircraft registered 5N-BZY.
The aircraft’s first engine failed while in flight, and the flight crew quickly implemented emergency protocols, according to aviation industry sources who spoke to Daily Trust.
The event caused Rano Air’s operations to be disrupted. Due to the cancellation of the Sokoto portion of the journey, passengers who were supposed to take flights from Sokoto to other locations were left stranded.

“All emergency procedures were followed by the pilots, and the oxygen masks were automatically triggered. Luckily, the smoke dissipated before the plane landed, and newsmen were informed by an aviation official that there would be no more incidents.
Although a rescue plane was swiftly sent to transport the passengers from Abuja to Katsina, the operational glitch had an impact on the scheduling of later flights.

The aircraft was grounded for examination.
According to an NCAA preliminary assessment, the impacted aircraft were grounded until a thorough investigation was conducted by the NCAA’s Directorate of Airworthiness.

The report said that “engineers are currently examining the aircraft on the ground to determine the root cause of the engine issue and smoke.”

The NCAA reaffirmed that it will never compromise on accepted aviation practices, even if doing so temporarily disrupts flight operations, as part of its commitment to safety.

Despite the unique difficulties of operating in a developing country, Nigeria’s aviation safety record is still strong, according to the Authority.

It emphasized that because of its careful approach, Nigeria experiences less severe occurrences than nations with more developed infrastructure. The NCAA stated, “Flights are canceled here at the first indication of a safety concern.”

Read Also: PDP Alleges Intimidation by Security Forces on APC’s Orders

According to the regulatory body, Rano Air’s aircraft was grounded in compliance with international safety monitoring requirements and best practices.

The Authority reaffirmed, “We will continue to uphold all necessary checks and are committed to keeping Nigerian airspace safe.”

In accordance with Rano Air’s obligations under Nigeria’s consumer protection laws, impacted passengers should be accommodated.

Following the completion of the ongoing safety investigation of aircraft 5N-BZY, the NCAA has promised the public a thorough update.

PDP Alleges Intimidation by Security Forces on APC’s Orders

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of instructing the Nigeria Police and other security services to harass and obstruct the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meetings.
The meeting was due to take place on June 30, 2025, in the party’s secretariat in Wadada Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, before security personnel seized over the PDP offices and forbade the BoT members from attending.
In a post on 𝕏, the PDP accused the APC of causing havoc at the party’s office.

The message continued: “Federal Police and other security agencies, on the orders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are harassing Board of Trustees members and staff of our party’s National Secretariat in a bid to stop the scheduled meeting.”

Read Also: Peter Obi Vows to Back Best Candidate Against Tinubu in Next Election

In other developments, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Sokoto and Kebbi states have indicated their willingness to join any viable coalition or political alliance aimed at defeating the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

In Sokoto, top PDP officials, including former Governor Aminu Tambuwal, have reportedly decided to unite with the newly created political platform, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which is one of 110 political parties seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission.

A trustworthy source told Punch that the decision was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, where arrangements to defect from the PDP to the ADA were finalized.

Peter Obi Vows to Back Best Candidate Against Tinubu in Next Election

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In the event that the alliance does not choose him as its flagbearer, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender, has said it is too soon to reveal his next course of action.
Obi made this statement, according to reports, as there is increasing interest in the composition and direction of the opposition coalition that is being suggested for the 2027 elections.
Obi said so when answering questions from supporters and political analysts during a virtual engagement on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, which was organized by ParallelFact.

Obi responded that the coalition has not yet adopted a party when asked what he would do if it did not accept him as its presidential candidate. The alliance consists of Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi.

He reassured his supporters of his continued commitment to inclusive politics and emphasized that talks were still in progress.

“I have always attended every meeting of the coalition since day one, unless I had to travel,” stated the former governor of Anambra State. I talk to them about any problems I have. Peter Obi won’t be produced by the coalition, I can assure you. When we get to that point, we talk about it.

However, we are uniting as a coalition to defend the nation. The point at which we predict that it will be this individual has not yet been reached. I think that those who are joining forces are good people who wish to work for the [country’s] benefit. I think so.

And if so, I think the time will come when we will all have to make sacrifices for the nation. My perspective is that. We will make certain that the most qualified individual among us becomes [candidate] at that point.

Read Also: BREAKING: PDP Meeting Venue Changed Amid Police Occupation, BoT Members Barred

“A party adoption is what the coalition desires. And very soon, we will accomplish it. Other parties will continue to participate. There are issues in their parties, which is why other parties have not joined.

“Although I wish I could, I am unable to respond to your query at this time. The coalition is not discussing who will be this or anything else, as I have already stated. I’m going to do what’s best for the nation and what my followers and those I lead want. Such topics are not things I talk about alone.

There aren’t many instances where leaders have taken action without consulting anyone. The time is not yet here. We just want to get together now. You will see when the time comes, and I will consult. After that, I’ll explain what I plan to accomplish. Nothing I’ve done has ever been done without consulting someone. Those of you who knew me well would be aware that I sought advice before to departing from the Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP. I didn’t simply say, “I’ll do this,” when I woke up. And if I were elected president, I wouldn’t make announcements without first consulting anyone.

BREAKING: PDP Meeting Venue Changed Amid Police Occupation, BoT Members Barred

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A new location for the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting has been announced.
Increased tension was evident Monday at the PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja, according to Naija News, when security personnel prevented party members from convening a planned meeting.
A significant security presence interrupted the meeting, which was supposed to take place in the NEC Hall of the PDP’s Wadata Plaza offices in Wuse Zone 5.

According to reports, uniformed officers evicted people who were already inside and sealed off the area.

A senior officer was overheard telling his soldiers that no kind of gathering was allowed inside the facility, according to Daily Trust.
The opposition party revealed in a brief message posted on its official 𝕏 Twitter that the meeting, which was originally planned to take place at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja at 10 am, has been rescheduled to the Yar’Adua Centre in the Central Business District of Abuja.

Read Also: BREAKING: Senator Natasha from Kogi Granted Bail Over New Allegations

“Special Announcement! The location of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting has been changed. The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) Meeting, @OfficialPDPNig, has been rescheduled from its original location at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja by 10 a.m. to the Yar’Adua Center in the Central Business District of Abuja.

By this message, it is recommended that all BOT members move to the new location.

BREAKING: Senator Natasha from Kogi Granted Bail Over New Allegations

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A dispute involving Kogi legislator Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the federal government has resulted in her being granted bail on self-recognition.
According to reports, Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared in court on Monday morning for her second arraignment in connection with the alleged defamation of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kogi Central’s suspended lawmaker was joined in court today by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan; human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu; and a number of supporters.

Perhaps you remember Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initial appearance before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on similar accusations on June 19, 2025.

Read Also: FG Puts FRC Amendment Act on Hold, Targets Big Companies With N25 Million Charges

The Federal Government sought to issue a bench warrant against her for her nonattendance at the previous hearing, but the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, rejected the motion.

New Charges
But the Federal High Court has received a fresh six-count complaint against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Federal Government.

The troubled legislator, who had already been suspended from the Senate for six months, was charged with making a false claim of assassination in the case known as CR/297/25, according to Naija News.

According to the defendant, several politicians who didn’t agree with her were planning to have her killed. The one that

The legislator allegedly committed the crime on April 3 while addressing her supporters in Kogi state and during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today, according to the Federal Government.

In particular, Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of inviting Senate President Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to the meeting where the assassination plan was developed.

The federal government claims that the defendant demanded that Bello and Akpabio agree that she should be slain in Kogi state in what appeared to be a mob action.

According to Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim is deemed a false imputation that will damage the reputations of Senator Akpabio and former Governor Bello.

Meanwhile, the charge was submitted to the defendant before the trial’s judge, Justice Muhammad Umar, who subsequently entered a not guilty plea.

Mohammed Abubakar, the Federation’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPPF), informed the judge that he had not filed any paperwork challenging her release on bond.

However, in order to guarantee the defendant’s attendance at her trial, the DPPF asked the court to use its discretion to impose conditions.

Counsel Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, informed the court that the defendant had filed a bail application on June 20.

Prof. Otaru, SAN, emphasized that his client represents a constituency that encompasses five Local Government Areas (LGAs) and gave the court his word that she does not pose a flight risk. He also promised to be there for her trial.

Additionally, he emphasized to the judge that the defendant was a senior member of the legal profession by pointing out that an Abuja High Court had previously granted her bail in relation to a similar accusation.

Justice Umar stated his preference to release the offender on self-recognition after weighing the reasons made by both sides.

The defendant’s status as a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was acknowledged by the trial judge, who also mentioned that the allegations against her included offenses that may be resolved by bail.

He then postponed the matter until September 22 in order to give it more time to be heard.

FG Puts FRC Amendment Act on Hold, Targets Big Companies With N25 Million Charges

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In the Financial Reporting Council (FRC Amendment) Act 2023, controversial provisions have been temporarily put on hold by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
This development was said to come after a lot of criticism from stakeholders in the business sector.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole announced the decision in a statement on Monday, stating that it was the result of weeks of high-level discussions with important industry players.

Sector Groups Give Off Warning Signs
Organizations that voiced significant opposition include the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

A clause in the revised Act that reclassifies large private companies as Public Interest Entities (PIEs) and requires them to pay 0.02 to 0.05 percent of sales annually, with no ceiling, is at the heart of the debate.

In contrast, publicly traded corporations, regardless of size, are subject to a ₦25 million cap. According to stakeholders, this kind of discrepancy can discourage investment and result in disproportionately high compliance costs.

Industry Concerns Are Addressed by Tinubu
As part of President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, Oduwole explained, the Act was first drafted to support his pro-business views. On the other hand, she stated that the administration has heard the concerns and is acting to resolve them.

The objective of this strategy was to enhance financial transparency as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pro-business stance. But in response, we have taken actions that take stakeholder input into account,” she stated.

A Technical Working Group was established to examine the issues during a stakeholder meeting on March 26, 2025, which led to an administrative suspension.

A report is submitted by the working group.
The minister stated that the Technical Working Group comprised representatives from the following organizations: the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and NECA.

After three weeks of six meetings, the committee turned forth a thorough report on April 17, 2025.

Read Also: Healthcare Shake-Up: FG Targets Civil Service Reform Over Mounting Issues

Oduwole stated that President Tinubu was briefed on the results and suggested that the pause be maintained while legislative review was conducted.

Interim Cap of ₦25m Imposed
The Financial Reporting Council has been instructed by the Ministry to set an interim ₦25 million cap on private PIEs’ yearly dues in order to bring them into line with publicly traded companies.

“A wider review of the Act will be possible with input from the Ministry of Justice where needed, and this action will ensure regulatory equity and increase investor confidence,” the minister continued.

In order to offer prompt assistance, the Ministry has now instructed the Financial Reporting Council to set an interim ₦25 million maximum on private sector PIEs’ yearly dues, bringing them into line with publicly traded corporations.

“A wider review of the Act will be possible with input from the Ministry of Justice where needed, and this action will ensure regulatory equity and increase investor confidence,” Oduwole said.

Healthcare Shake-Up: FG Targets Civil Service Reform Over Mounting Issues

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Citing a need for a more modern and efficient policy framework, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced intentions to evaluate and enhance healthcare access for government officials nationwide.

During a free medical examination for government servants in Abuja, which was part of the ongoing celebrations for government Service Week, the Federation’s Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, made this announcement. Walson-Jack, who was accompanied by Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office, underlined the urgency of routine health examinations for government workers due to the taxing nature of their jobs.

According to Oyekunle, “anyone with good health will spend less money on hospital visits and will be more productive,” underscoring the clear connection between workplace productivity and health.

With many federal officials applauding the timely transmission of test results and the rapid administration of essential prescriptions, the free medical exercise was reportedly well received.

But under the present National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) program, Oyekunle recognized that civil servants continue to experience obstacles in obtaining necessary medications and proper care. “These are policy issues,” she emphasized, emphasizing the need for policy reform. Going back to the drawing board, we must create a new policy framework. What we currently have is out of date, particularly in light of the growing cost of drugs.

Program participants, civil servants, conveyed gratitude for the effort. Beneficiary Azeez Champion commended the event’s smooth execution in spite of the high attendance. “I recommend that those who are still in their offices seize this chance. Being healthy is a luxury. He claimed that because of sporadic check-ups, we had lost a lot of employees.

Read Also: INEC Confirms ADA Coalition Party in Registration Pipeline

Eneh Benedict, another volunteer, explained her experience, saying that the examination helped her identify excessive blood pressure, which she had not been aware of before. In addition to thanking the Head of Service for the initiative and urging its continuation, Benedict said, “I have been given medication, and it has already started improving.”

Assistant Director Dr. Longbap Dinfa of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation’s Wellness Center clarified that the health program was available to all civil servants, not only those employed by the HCSF. Among the tests he mentioned were screens for diabetes, typhoid, malaria, hepatitis B and C, blood pressure, and malaria.

“During the examination, we found multiple cases of malaria-typhoid, peptic ulcer, and undetected hepatitis. A woman collapsed on Sunday, but she was treated quickly and is now stable, according to Dr. Dinfa. The National Hospital was consulted for expert care in more complicated instances, he noted, and all federal personnel were encouraged to make routine medical examinations a priority.

Concerns regarding the sufficiency of the current health insurance program and the escalating cost of pharmaceuticals coincide with the government’s increased commitment to healthcare reform for public servants.

INEC Confirms ADA Coalition Party in Registration Pipeline

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Advocates of the planned All Democratic Alliance (ADA) have received a message from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirming that their application to register as a political party in Nigeria has been received.
The application filed by ADA’s Protem National Chairman on June 19, 2025, is presently being reviewed, INEC acknowledged in a letter dated June 27, 2025, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The Commission ended its letter by wishing the applicants the best, which is a formal but typical way of saying that the application will be given the attention it needs.

In accordance with Part 1, Article 2(ii) of our Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022, the Commission is processing your application, the letter said.
According to the report, ADA will join a growing number of political platforms that are positioning themselves as alternatives to Nigeria’s major parties in preparation for the 2027 election cycle.

Earlier this week, INEC reported that 110 applications for political party registration had been received.

Ezenwa Nwagu, Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advisory Center in Africa, has called the 110 associations that are requesting to be registered as political parties with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “jokes.”

Read Also: Jonathan Alleges Obstruction by Yar’Adua’s Aide Despite Legislative Backing

As of Monday, June 23, 2025, the electoral management body has received letters of intent from 110 associations that want to register as political parties, according to Naija News, which was reported by INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu during the Commission’s second quarterly meeting with the media on Wednesday.

Speaking to Arise Television, Nwagu emphasized that specific requirements must be fulfilled, pointing out that many of the associations are either without a valid address, a chairman, a secretary, a constitution, an acronym, or a valid address.

He claims that records show that up to seventy of these societies have maintained offices in graves.

Jonathan Alleges Obstruction by Yar’Adua’s Aide Despite Legislative Backing

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Recalling how an aide to his late principal and former president, Umar Musa Yar’Adua, prevented him from managing Nigeria’s affairs, former President Goodluck Jonathan recalled the incident.
In an interview with the Rainbow Book Club on his biography “My Transition Hours,” Jonathan reportedly stated that Yar’Adua desired to transfer the nation’s affairs to him while he was ill and away, but a presidential assistant declined to deliver the letter to the National Assembly.
Jonathan said that the late Yar’Adua had sent the letter while on a medical trip, but he did not disclose the identity of the presidential assistant.

Read Also: Hon. Philip Agbese Receives Resounding Endorsement from Owukpa Women as the Unstoppable Force for 2027

According to Goodluck Jonathan, the nation lacked a president despite Yar’Adua’s serious condition, and there was no acting president available for the vice president to assume the role.
He said that the president, Yar’Adua, was a Muslim from the north. He succeeded Obasanjo, an eight-year reigning Christian from the south. Thus, the Muslims in the north undoubtedly intended Yar’Adua to stay in the north for at least eight years before he could return and replace him with another, most likely a Christian.

The trouble, however, was the health concern that arose. That’s why it was problematic to even let me act. Indeed, a letter was written when Yar’Adua was travelling for the medical examination. According to the Constitution, in order for the Vice President to take action, the President must notify the Senate and the House of Representatives in writing.

The person to whom the letter was delivered—I won’t name them yet—was one of Yar’Adua’s aides, but they refused to deliver it to the National Assembly.

“Yar’Adua got so sick that he couldn’t handle anything.” Thus, we had a nation without an acting president and a president who was unavailable. Yes, you are able to assume part of the president’s duties as vice president.

As the country’s chief executive, the president of Nigeria has two main duties, similar to those of the prime minister. It can be assumed by the vice president that no transfers are required. We were approving ministerial memos during Executive Council sessions, so I was doing that. The government continued to function, but the Commander-in-Chief was absent.