“Soludo Will Soon Join APC”, Orji Kalu Declares, Hints at Major Political Realignment in South East

According to a report by Daily Post on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) has disclosed that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, is expected to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) soon.

Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly, Kalu revealed that there have been ongoing interactions between the APC and Governor Soludo as part of strategic political discussions in the South East.

The former Abia governor noted that Soludo shares similar political and developmental ideologies with leading figures in the APC, adding that his policies and governance style in Anambra align closely with the federal government’s reform agenda.

“Soludo is a progressive. He will come to APC. In fact, it is confirmed that he will join APC. He has no other alternative,” Kalu confidently stated.

According to him, the discussions are part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation and unity within the South East, as regional leaders seek greater participation in national decision-making.

Kalu also praised Soludo’s track record in public service and economic planning, describing him as a technocrat capable of fostering partnerships across party lines.

The senator added that the APC remains open to visionary leaders from all parts of Nigeria who share its development-driven philosophy and are willing to contribute to good governance.

He explained that political realignment is an ongoing process in democracy, noting that leaders continuously assess opportunities that align with their governance goals and state interests.

While he did not announce a formal date for Soludo’s defection, Kalu said stakeholders’ meetings and consultations are ongoing, hinting that a major political shift could unfold ahead of future elections.

Trump Hosts Syrian President and ex-Jihadist, Al-Sharaa, in First-Ever White House Visit.

US President Donald Trump on Monday held a closed-door meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, marking the first time a Syrian leader has ever visited the presidential residence.

The meeting, which took place without reporters or photo coverage, comes amid ongoing shifts in Syria’s political landscape. 

Al-Sharaa, 43, is a former leader of al-Qaeda and was once listed by the US as a wanted t+rrorist, with a $10 million bounty on his head until late 2024. He previously spent time in Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison.

His recent appearance on the global stage has drawn widespread attention. Just weeks ago, he attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York — a move analysts say underscores his evolution from a militant figure to a recognized political leader.

Ahead of his visit, the US government lifted longstanding sanctions on al-Sharaa and removed his global terrorist designation, as well as that of Syria’s interior minister, Anas Khattab.

Trump has previously praised al-Sharaa, referring to him as a “young, attractive guy” with a “very strong past” after the two briefly met during the US president’s Middle East tour earlier this year. 

Shortly afterward, Washington began easing some of the economic restrictions imposed on Syria.

Al-Sharaa rose to power in January as part of a transitional arrangement after armed opposition groups launched a major offensive that forced former President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia.

Retired Police Officer Collapses as Aggrieved Ex-Police Personnel Protest Unpaid Pensions at National Assembly.

A retired police officer collapsed on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, as hundreds of former Nigeria Police Force personnel staged a mass protest over the non-payment of their pensions and entitlements.

The retirees many frail and elderly gathered at the main gate with placards reading “We Are Dying in Silence,” “Pay Us Our Pensions,” and “35 Years of Service, Nothing to Show.” Their demonstration briefly disrupted movement around the complex as they chanted solidarity songs and accused the Federal Government of abandoning them.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that a retiree in his late 70s suddenly slumped while chanting. He was revived after first aid was administered by security personnel.

Operating under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) Police Retirees Association, the protesters said they had been reduced to hardship despite serving the country for over three decades. They demanded to be removed from the CPS which they described as exploitative and reinstated into the old Defined Benefits Scheme that guaranteed stable post-service welfare.

Their action follows a similar protest in October, which saw human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore join them in solidarity. Sowore had called the CPS a “fraudulent arrangement” and criticised the government for subjecting retirees to poverty.

“I’m not just fighting for the police; I’m fighting with retired police officers,” Sowore told the crowd. “Those holding your destinies must know Nigerians will not continue to suffer in silence.”

He also urged retirees across all security agencies and the civil service to unite, saying the struggle affects everyone.

Tinubu Seeks Approval for Fresh N1.15trn Domestic Loan Despite Rising Debts.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the National Assembly’s approval to borrow a fresh N1.15 trillion from the domestic debt market to help fund the deficit in the 2025 budget.

The request was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate during plenary on Tuesday.

According to the letter, the proposed borrowing aims to bridge the funding gap and ensure the full implementation of government programmes and projects under the 2025 fiscal plan.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, instructing it to report back within one week for further legislative action.

President Trump warns: “If New York votes a Democrat, I’ll stop funding the state,” as he outlines his reasons

In an exclusive 60 Minutes interview, former President Donald Trump weighed in on the hotly contested New York City mayoral race, suggesting he could withhold federal funding if Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is elected.

The 34-year-old Queens assemblyman has campaigned on policies aimed at improving affordability, including free child care, a rent freeze, and free bus services. Trump labeled Mamdani a “communist” and “far worse than a socialist,” while joking that he is “much better looking” than the young politician.

Mamdani, meanwhile, criticized his opponent, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, warning that a Cuomo victory would make the city a “puppet” for Trump. Cuomo has gone further, claiming in a PBS interview that Trump could “take over” New York City and even deploy the U.S. military if Mamdani were elected. Trump dismissed this claim as “so crazy.”

Trump also reflected on his tenure in New York, noting that the city thrived under his leadership but suffered under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. When asked about federal funds, he said, “It’s going to be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York. Because if you have a communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there.”

Mamdani, however, assured reporters that federal funding would continue regardless of who is mayor, emphasizing that it is protected by law rather than presidential discretion. Trump, while not a fan of Cuomo, admitted that he would choose him over Mamdani if faced with that choice, saying, “If it’s going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, I’m picking the bad Democrat all the time.”

President tinubu requests senate approval for new ₦1.15trn domestic loan to bridge 2025 budget gap.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the National Assembly’s approval for a fresh ₦1.15 trillion domestic loan to bridge the deficit in the 2025 national budget. The request, contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, is part of measures to sustain key government programmes and projects.

Tinubu explained that the loan would ensure smooth implementation of the 2025 budget and compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and relevant executive orders requiring legislative approval for new borrowings. The Senate referred the proposal to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, which has one week to submit its report.

The latest borrowing plan comes just days after the Senate approved Tinubu’s request for a $2.847 billion external loan, including a $500 million debut Sovereign Sukuk, aimed at funding the budget deficit and refinancing maturing Eurobonds.

Earlier in May, Tinubu sought approval for a $21.5 billion external loan for infrastructure, health, education, and water projects, as well as a ₦758 billion domestic bond to clear outstanding pension arrears under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt rose to ₦152.40 trillion as of June 2025, up from ₦149.39 trillion in March — an increase of ₦3.01 trillion within three months. In dollar terms, the debt stands at $99.66 billion, underscoring the country’s growing reliance on borrowing to fund fiscal shortfalls amid ongoing revenue reforms and foreign exchange liberalization.

Political Earthquake in Bayelsa: Governor Diri Dumps PDP for APC, Cites Tinubu’s “Love for Ijaw People”

Bayelsa’s political landscape has witnessed a stunning shift as Governor Douye Diri officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — a move that has seen most members of the State House of Assembly follow his lead.

The Governor explained that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to align Bayelsa State with the federal government for accelerated development and better opportunities for the people.

Speaking at the defection ceremony, Diri praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its “unprecedented commitment” to the Niger Delta’s development, describing it as proof of the President’s affection for the Ijaw nation.

“Government has shown us the will and the direction that they love the Ijaw people and Bayelsa State,” Diri declared during a live broadcast on Channels Television.


He highlighted three major developmental milestones achieved through federal partnership as justification for his defection:

1. Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road: A long-awaited project now actively pursued under President Tinubu, described by Diri as “the economic lifeline of the Ijaw people.”


2. Nembe–Brass Road Project: Once stalled, but revived after Tinubu’s swift approval. “When I met the President, he said, ‘Governor, it is done,’ and within days, contractors were on site,” Diri recounted.


3. ₦4 Billion Tax Waiver: Granted for the importation of 60-megawatt gas turbines to provide Bayelsa with 24-hour independent power supply, a breakthrough after years of darkness due to grid sabotage.

Diri concluded that these “acts of grace” proved Tinubu’s genuine commitment to Bayelsa’s progress, calling his move to the APC “a necessary alignment for the future prosperity of our people.”

“They Feared Political Persecution” — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Opens Up on Colleagues’ Silence During Her Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has revealed that many of her colleagues in the National Assembly refrained from publicly supporting her during her six-month suspension out of fear of political persecution.

Speaking during the commissioning of a new market in Okene, Kogi State, Natasha said that while several senators expressed private solidarity, they avoided public association with her to protect their political standing.

“When a government official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally,” she said.
“Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted. Many senators stood by me quietly — they called, they visited — but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”


The lawmaker described her suspension as illegal, arguing that it exposed the fear and intimidation that influence behavior within government institutions.

Recall that Senator Natasha was suspended in March over allegations involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but made her return to the Red Chamber in September after serving her six-month suspension.

Pastor Wale Adefarasin, General Overseer of Guiding Light Assembly, questions why the U.S. suddenly loves Nigerian Christians — is it because of our new refinery or mineral wealth?

“When We Ask for ₦1, Give Us ₦5!” — Wike Tells Senate as He Reacts to Gov. Diri’s Defection to APC

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stirred fresh political waves after telling the Senate to “increase the FCT budget” while simultaneously addressing the defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Wike revealed that Diri — who officially joined the APC earlier that day — had previously accused him of working with the APC to destroy the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“When Diri was in the PDP, he said I was working for the APC to destroy the party,” Wike recounted.
“Now that he has joined the APC, he should come and tell me, ‘Thank you, master, for opening my eyes to see the light.’”


Wike mocked Diri’s move as hypocritical, noting that the Bayelsa governor had once branded others “undertakers” attempting to bury the PDP — yet has now joined the same party he once criticized.

The former Rivers State governor highlighted his long-standing loyalty to the PDP, reminding Nigerians that he has been a “bona fide member since 1998.”

“When I was governor under Buhari’s administration, everything was done to kill PDP, but I fought back. Leadership is key. Everyone wants to make excuses, but the man they claim is killing PDP is still in the PDP,” Wike said.


The fiery minister also used the opportunity to press the National Assembly to expand the FCT budget, boldly declaring:

“When we ask for ₦1, give us ₦5!”


Wike’s comment has since sparked discussions about his assertive leadership style, his complicated relationship with the PDP, and his growing influence in national politics.

Bayelsa in Political Turmoil as Diri Joins APC, Deputy Governor Faces Impeachment.

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, is facing impeachment by the State House of Assembly following Governor Douye Diri’s formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) today.

The crisis erupted after Ewhrudjakpo refused to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite Diri’s resignation from the party on October 15. The House of Assembly, reportedly acting under the governor’s influence, has since commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

In a swift move to save his position, Ewhrudjakpo filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, seeking an injunction to halt the process. Speaking during the state’s 14th annual thanksgiving service on Sunday, Diri defended his decision to join the APC, describing it as a step taken “in the best interest of Bayelsa.”

He said, “Somebody had to make the decision, and I did it for the good of the state. You may not understand now, but time will tell.” The governor emphasized that his administration’s priority remains peace, development, and continuity of governance.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, hailed Diri’s defection as a strategic move to align Bayelsa with the federal government, warning against acts of disloyalty a veiled reference to Ewhrudjakpo’s insistence on staying with the PDP.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to maintain unity for continued progress, while NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, praised Diri’s “visible developmental achievements,” describing him as “a blessing to the state.”

Gunmen abduct kebbi deputy speaker, Samaila Bagudu.

Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Samaila Bagudu, in his hometown, Bagudu, in Bagudu Local Government Area of the state.

The assailants reportedly invaded the town late Friday night, shooting sporadically to cause panic before seizing the lawmaker. Bagudu was said to have been abducted shortly after performing his prayers and while returning home from the mosque.

Confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Ahmed Idris, said security agencies had been notified and rescue efforts were underway to ensure the lawmaker’s safe release.

As of the time of this report, the Kebbi State Police Command had yet to provide further details regarding the abduction or progress in the ongoing rescue operation.

Black Lives Matter and its founders, Patrisse Cullors & Alicia Garza, are reportedly under federal investigation for the alleged misuse of $90 million in donations.

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into allegations that leaders of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement misused tens of millions of dollars in donations raised during the 2020 George Floyd protests.

According to the Associated Press, federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas & executed at least one search warrant in connection with the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. & several affiliated groups that helped organize nationwide demonstrations against racial injustice & police brutality.

The probe is reportedly being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, led by Bill Essayli, a former Republican assemblyman known for his past criticism of BLM.

Sources indicated that while the investigation began under the Biden administration, it has accelerated since President Trump took office.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation stated that it is not the target of any federal criminal inquiry and emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing donations.

The organization collected over $90 million in 2020 but has faced ongoing scrutiny over how the funds were used. In 2022, reports revealed that BLM leaders purchased a $6 million property in Los Angeles with donor money, sparking public backlash. Co-founder Patrisse Kahn-Cullors resigned shortly after the revelations amid criticism of her real estate purchases.

Despite the controversy, BLM leaders have consistently denied wrongdoing. Their most recent tax filings show $28 million in assets as of June 2024.

Earlier in 2022, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the organization for failing to comply with a state investigation into its finances, though the case was later dismissed after BLM provided the requested documents. So far, no criminal charges have been filed against the group or its leaders.

BREAKING: The Kano State House of Assembly has called for the cancellation of the recent Nigeria Customs Service recruitment exercise, alleging that the process unfairly favoured candidates from the southern part of the country. Lawmakers urged federal authorities to review and ensure a more equitable regional representation.

Drama As JAMB Officials Walk Out On House Committee
A session at the National Assembly turned tense on Wednesday when representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out during an engagement with the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.
JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede was absent and sent Director Mufutau Bello in his place. The disagreement began when Bello asked journalists to leave, claiming the documents he planned to present contained sensitive information. Committee members refused, insisting the hearing was public.
Visibly upset, Bello ordered his delegation to exit the room, prompting lawmakers to direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the officials — but they had already left the building.
The Committee has now summoned the JAMB Registrar to appear in person next Tuesday with his full management team and documents, warning that failure to comply could result in a warrant of arrest.

Bayelsa Deputy Gov Refuses to Quit PDP, Takes Assembly to Court Over Alleged Impeachment Plot.

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has dragged the State House of Assembly, its Speaker, and several top officials to court over an alleged plan to remove him from office.

The deputy governor claims the lawmakers are under pressure to impeach him for refusing to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ewhrudjakpo, who filed the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, insists he will remain in the PDP despite Governor Douye Diri’s recent resignation from the party.

He alleged that the impeachment move is politically motivated and aimed at forcing him out for maintaining his loyalty to the party.

His counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, told the court that some local government chairpersons who also stayed back in the PDP, including the Sagbama Council boss, Mrs. Alice Tangeare, are facing threats of removal. He described the situation as a coordinated attempt to silence those unwilling to defect.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case on October 27, ordered all respondents — including the Bayelsa House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Chief Judge, the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the state’s Attorney General — to appear in court.

The judge directed them to explain why an injunction should not be granted to stop any action against the deputy governor.

The court fixed November 13 for their appearance and warned that the matter would proceed even if they fail to show up.

Nigerian legislators raise alarm over terrorists’ plot to bomb national assembly, demand urgent security reinforcement.

Members of the House of Representatives have raised alarm over alleged terrorist threats to bomb the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, warning that such an attack could paralyse legislative activities and destabilise the country’s democracy.

Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, disclosed this on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate — a proposed agency to coordinate and manage security within the parliament.

Muhammad revealed that intelligence reports had uncovered plans by terrorist groups to attack the complex and by protesters to lock it down. He decried rising security lapses within the premises, including car and motorcycle theft, fake identity cards, vandalism, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.

He warned that if urgent measures were not taken, legislative sessions and national functions could be disrupted.

“If proper measures are not taken, it will truncate legislative activities. If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, and no plenary — which will destabilise our democracy,” he said.

Muhammad described the proposed security directorate as a proactive initiative to strengthen the National Assembly’s defences, adopting global best practices in parliamentary security.

He also urged State Houses of Assembly to tighten their own security, stressing that “threats to legislative institutions are threats to democracy itself.”

Reps Approve Pres. Tinubu’s $2.35bn Loan Request, $500m International Sukuk for 2025 Budget

The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to secure $2.35 billion in external loans to help finance part of Nigeria’s 2025 budget deficit. 

The House also approved the issuance of a $500 million sovereign sukuk in the international market to support infrastructure development & diversify government funding sources.

The approvals followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Aids, Loans & Debt Management during plenary on Wednesday.

In line with the 2025 Appropriation Act, the House endorsed the implementation of N1.84 trillion in new external borrowing at a budget exchange rate of N1,500/$1, to partly fund the projected N9.28 trillion federal deficit.

President Tinubu had earlier written to the National Assembly requesting approval, citing Sections 21(1) & 27(1) of the Debt Management Office Act, which require legislative consent for external borrowing.

The President stated that the loans may be raised through Eurobonds, syndicated loans, or bridge financing, depending on market conditions. He noted that interest rates would likely align with current yields on Nigeria’s existing international bonds, which range from 6.8% to 9.3%.

On the $500 million international sukuk, Tinubu explained that it would attract new investor groups, deepen Nigeria’s securities market, and fund critical infrastructure. 

He added that Nigeria has already raised over N1.39 trillion through domestic sukuk issuances since 2017 for major road and capital projects, and the international sukuk would complement these efforts. Up to 25% of the funds may be used to refinance existing high-cost debt.

The approvals clear the way for the Federal Government to proceed with the financing plans.

Video: T£rrorist are Thr£atening to B%mb the National Assembly.

~ Rep. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad Raises Alarm
https://x.com/i/status/1983440246412062912

BREAKING NEWS: Nigeria House of Representatives raise the alarm over t€rr0r!sts’ threat to b*mb National Assembly complex