Ogbeide Associates, Solicitors and Counsel, holding brief for the factional Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, requesting an investigation into the party’s Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and factional National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, over a letter dated November 3, 2025, addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The petition alleges that the letter falsely claimed the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had suspended Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as Acting National Chairman and appointed Mohammed in his place.

According to the petition, the NWC’s 608th Emergency Meeting of November 1, 2025, held barely 48 hours before the letter was written, resolved to suspend Anyanwu himself, along with three other officers, over allegations of anti-party activities.

The petition stated that no NWC resolution, minutes, or attendance record has been produced showing that the committee ever resolved to suspend Ambassador Damagum or appoint Mohammed.

The petition further noted that the official attendance record of the 608th meeting shows that Anyanwu was absent, while Mohammed was present at the meeting.

It noted that Mohammed had direct, firsthand knowledge of the meeting’s actual outcome before the disputed letter was sent.

The petition also draws attention to a subsisting Federal High Court judgment of October 10, 2024 (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2024), which recognised Ambassador Damagum as Acting National Chairman and restrained INEC from acting on any document not bearing his signature—a judgment Senator Anyanwu himself had forwarded to INEC for compliance in November 2024.

The petition notes that the Court of Appeal, on March 9, 2026, affirmed the NWC’s suspension of Senator Anyanwu.

In addition to seeking an investigation of the two named individuals, the petition asks the Inspector-General to examine how INEC handled the November 3 letter, given that the commission was already in possession of both the subsisting court judgment and the NWC’s suspension resolution at the time.

“This petition is not about personalities. It is about whether public institutions can be misled with documents that do not reflect the true position of internal party processes, and whether such conduct will be investigated as the law requires,” counsel for the petitioner said.

The lawyers called on the Nigeria Police Force to treat the matter with urgency, while indicating that the petitioner stands ready to provide all supporting documentation, including the relevant court judgments and internal party records, to assist in the investigation.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has insisted that only the Wike-led faction of the PDP is recognised by law and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing the existence of any other faction of the party.

Anosike, while declaring his support for the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, argued that the other factions are not recognised by INEC and that it would be a waste of time to run under any of them.

“There are not two PDPs. We have only one PDP, and it is the one recognised by INEC, with Nyesom Wike as our national leader. The others have moved to different parties,” he said.

He also claimed that, in Abia State, he remains the only candidate of the party and that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and four other political parties have aligned with the PDP in a bid to unseat Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking on the performance of Governor Alex Otti, Anosike said the administration had failed to adequately cater to the needs of young people in the state. He claimed that many Abia residents, particularly youths, had abandoned the Labour Party and were now supporting the PDP ahead of the next election.

“The Abia State government has neglected the people, especially the youths. There is no meaningful programme targeted at them. About 75 per cent of the youths are with us, and more are joining every day.

“They have adopted our party. Nigerians will see endorsements from these parties and understand that we are serious,” he added.

Responding to claims that he is being sponsored by influential political figures, the PDP candidate dismissed the allegations, insisting that his ambition is driven solely by divine direction.

“Nobody sent me. It is the Almighty God who sent me and is driving this process,” Anosike said.

He also denied reports linking his candidacy to former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Anosike cautioned the Otti-led administration against what he described as the intimidation of opposition voices, urging the governor to be open to criticism and public scrutiny.

“If you have nothing to hide, there is no reason to clamp down on people expressing their opinions. If you believe you have performed well, present your achievements and defend them.

“During debates, we will ask critical questions and expect answers. Arresting people for speaking their minds only raises suspicions,” he said.

The PDP candidate further accused Governor Otti of focusing mainly on road construction while neglecting other critical sectors of the economy.

According to Anosike, infrastructure development alone is insufficient to improve citizens’ welfare, arguing that the state government has failed to address growing poverty and economic hardship.

He also claimed that the Otti administration has benefited from increased federal allocations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Previous administrations received as little as N3 billion monthly, whereas the current government receives as much as N30 billion.

“With such resources, road construction alone should not be celebrated as an extraordinary achievement,” he said.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said said only the enemies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike would not see his good works in the capital city.

Akpabio, who said it’s hard to compare Wike’s past record with his current feat, said the minister did miracles as governor of Rivers State.

The Senator spoke during the commissioning of interchange at Arterial Road N16 – Ring Road III Intersection linking Jahi District to Gwarimpa District of the FCT.

The project is part of those earmarked for commissioning to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.

Tinubu was represented at the commissioning of the project by Akpabio.

Akpabio said: “The honourable Minister of FCT, the performing Minister, the game changer, Mr deliver we are very proud of you, the country is proud of you.

“Only your enemies will not see what you are doing, no matter how you work they will not see.

“Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State you did a lot of miracles for the state and now as Minister of FCT I don’t know how to compare whether you are better as governor of Rivers State or as Minister of the FCT.

“Let me say that God would continue to guide you, you have turned the FCT around, even in terms of administration, the FCT is no longer the same.

“Today you have Permanent Secretaries in the FCT that previous administration never had, Today you have Head of Service of the Government of the FCT that previous administration never had, Today FCT staff know that they will not retire only as directors all because of your cooperation with President Tinubu.”

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has come under heavy criticism on X after advising Nigerians that starting small businesses such as akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli does not require much capital.

Speaking while explaining the administration’s support for small businesses through grants, in a video on X, the First Lady said:

“To start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn or kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan, we gave them a grant. We have encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. I also gave to several others.”

Her comments generated reactions on X, where many users argued that the remarks failed to reflect the economic realities facing many Nigerians.

An X user, @Susan, described the statement as insulting.

“This is an insult to Nigerians and these people needs to be put in their places! The country needs to be made ungovernable for them.”

Another user, @DedeHydra, blamed Nigerians for electing the current administration, saying the comments showed a disconnect from the suffering of ordinary citizens.

“Nigerians from different tribes and religions, this is you guys’ fault. You see what a First Lady is telling your mothers, wives and daughters. She and Tinubu is going to increase your suffering seven times if you don’t vote them out.”

Also reacting, @YanaOffycial said the First Lady’s comments reflected poorly on the administration.

“It’s now clear. The husband don corrupt the wife finish. Nothing remain again. If these people are to come back for second term, I swear to God, it will be disastrous.”

PoliticalPhoenix argued that the grants being distributed could not address the broader economic challenges facing Nigerians.

“Remi Tinubu giving small grants for akara and roasted corn while her husband’s policies have destroyed millions of businesses and pushed Nigerians into extreme poverty? This is not hope – it’s crumbs from the table they shattered. Fuel prices, inflation and hardship remain unbearable. Nigerians need real economic recovery, not PR grants.”

Another user, @MrEazzy, also criticised the remarks, writing:

“When your husband fails in 2027, we’ll ensure you and your children start Akara and Kuli-Kuli business on the coastal expressway. Can’t you guys just make sense for once?”

Similarly, DonC said the First Lady’s advice suggested that the government lacked a broader vision for young Nigerians.

“When your First Lady has the mentality that you are not supposed to be innovators, engineers and young entrepreneurs, it shows they have absolutely nothing to offer. You judge one’s intelligence by the ideas they offer. This family never disappoints in committing blunders.”

However, not everyone agreed with the criticism.

An X user, @Akikanju, defended the First Lady, arguing that selling akara is a respectable and profitable business.

“Akara business is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria. Start-up cost is the lowest and the profit margin is over 50 percent.

“Akara sellers sent many kids like you to universities, built houses, bought cars and provided good quality of life.

“Sadly, many Nigerian youths lack the mental and physical capacity to explore and engage the immense opportunities around them. You are doing yourselves, not the First Lady.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has slammed the Department of State Services, DSS, over the conduct of its operatives during the arrest of the African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, on Thursday, describing the incident as an embarrassment and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The NLC condemned what it called the ‘rowdy scene’ bullish behaviour, and mass intimidation’ displayed by DSS operatives while taking Sowore into custody.

“We are appalled by the conduct of the DSS at the Federal High Court, Abuja while taking into custody Mr. Omoyele Sowore. This is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

“The rowdy scene, bullish behaviour, the mass intimidation by the personnel and the humiliation of Sowore were totally unnecessary and embarrassing to an organisation that carries with it a certain level of sophistication or elegance.

“We are opposed to this kind of drama by our Secret Service as there was no need for it. Who were they re-enacting this for, anyway,” Ajaero asked.

The NLC president equally queried the involvement of the DSS in the case, expressing concern that the agency appeared to be acting as both the complainant and the custodian of the accused.

Political tensions in Osun State intensified on Wednesday as the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Imole Campaign Council exchanged accusations following separate incidents that claimed lives and left several people injured ahead of the governorship election.

The latest exchanges came after the death of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, on Tuesday, and a separate road accident involving APC supporters travelling for a political rally in Ede on Wednesday.

A member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Oluwole Oke, rejected allegations linking him and the APC to Aderogba’s killing during preparations for a political event supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term bid.

The accusation was first made by the spokesperson for the Adeleke Campaign Organisation and Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who alleged that Oke had attempted to frustrate the political programme in Esa-Oke and was connected to the incident that led to Aderogba’s death.

Responding through his media aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, Oke described the allegations as false, premature and unsupported by evidence, insisting that neither he nor the APC had any involvement in the killing.

“Such conclusions, made without any credible investigation or report from security agencies, are not only premature but deeply irresponsible. Oke and the APC had no connection whatsoever to the death and urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation,” the statement said.

The lawmaker also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and called on residents and political actors to allow investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council issued a separate statement mourning APC supporters involved in a truck accident on their way to a rally in Ede, describing the development as tragic and extending sympathies to the bereaved families and injured victims.

The council said it was “profoundly saddened” by reports that a truck allegedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a procession of APC supporters, resulting in one fatality and leaving several others receiving treatment in hospital.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the departed and everyone touched by the loss. The council wishes those injured a speedy recovery and prays against a recurrence of such incidents,” it stated.

However, the council criticised the conduct of the APC campaign organisation after the accident, alleging that party leaders continued political activities despite the loss of lives.

It also referenced allegations previously made against Oke regarding the death of the Accord Party member in Esa-Oke.

Concerns over the absence of two major political parties dominated discussions at a Nigeria Police-organised stakeholders’ peace meeting in Osogbo on Wednesday as preparations intensify for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Representatives of smaller political parties criticised the failure of the ruling Accord and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to attend the meeting organised by the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies.

The gathering brought together political parties, electoral officials and security stakeholders, who used the forum to advocate peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.

Several participants expressed worries that the absence of the two parties could undermine efforts aimed at promoting a violence-free electoral process in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Adewale Adebayo, described the boycott as troubling, noting that the parties involved should have participated in discussions designed to foster peace.

“It is scary that the two political parties that have been fingered at one point or another for killing, maiming and harassing each other’s supporters are not here. They need to be here to agree to the terms of peace,” he said.

He added that the APM would continue to work with security agencies to support a peaceful and credible election in Osun State.

The Chairman of the BOOT Party in Osun, Prince Adesoji Adeleke, also faulted the absence of the Accord and the APC, arguing that their participation was essential to the success of the peace initiative.

“The two political parties causing the problem for us in the state are not here. This is disgusting. What is the essence of our sitting here? They know what they plan for themselves ahead of the election,” he said.

Earlier, Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan urged political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and cooperate with security agencies throughout the electoral period.

Gotan said parties and candidates should notify the police and other security agencies before holding rallies, processions or political gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent possible clashes.

“Early notification will enable security agencies to deploy personnel effectively, provide adequate security coverage, manage traffic, prevent clashes, and ensure the safety of participants as well as members of the public,” he said.

He also warned against the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials.

Also addressing participants, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, expressed concern over recent violence in the state, saying incidents that resulted in loss of lives had created fear among residents and political stakeholders.

She urged parties, candidates and supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, reject hate speech and misinformation, and respect the rule of law throughout the election period.

Abia State Government has said that a petroleum pipeline laid about seventy years ago is responsible for the explosion that occurred in Umuololo Owaza, Ukwa West LGA of the State.

The  pipeline, which is part of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11,  exploded at about 1:30 am Monday, causing a serious oil spill that affected people’s homes, farms, schools, shops and livestock.

Inspecting the extent of damage, officials of the Abia State government expressed concern about the environmental impacts the  explosion had on residents of Umuololo.

The State government’s delegation led by Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna and Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna,  lamented that several buildings and  other property were severely affected in Umuololo, though no life was lost.

Speaking at the site of the explosion, Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna said that preliminary findings showed that the exploded pipeline  was laid about seventy years ago and should not have  remained in use by 2026.

He directed the oil company that owns the pipeline to immediately clean up the affected community and to replace the old pipeline, in order  to prevent a future disaster.

Also, Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, assured the affected villagers that the Abia State government was closely monitoring the situation, saying that efforts were on to address the incident.

Ogbonna said that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is determined to protect Abia communities from environmental pollution, degradation and other safety challenges.

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified a video circulating online showing a police officer allegedly interacting with bandits riding on motorcycles.

CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniesu, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement described as video as tissues of lies emanating from the pit of hell.

According to the statement, it’s a calculated attempt to destroy the image of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area in support of efforts to combat criminality and enhance public safety.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively supporting ongoing security operations in collaboration with security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State,” the statement said

It said any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public, adding that the police force condemns the deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions, and frustrating ongoing security operations.

It urged members of the public to disregard the misleading claims attached to the video and rely only on information disseminated through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized government sources.

The Force warns individuals and groups engaged in the creation, publication, or dissemination of false information capable of prejudicing public peace and security to desist immediately, as appropriate legal action may be taken against violators.