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Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister.

Japan made history on Tuesday as Sanae Takaichi became its first female prime minister after striking a last-minute coalition deal. 

The 64-year-old conservative politician and former heavy metal drummer was elected by parliament and will formally assume office after meeting the emperor.

Takaichi, known for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher and her tough stance on China, takes office as Japan’s fifth leader in five years. She faces major challenges, including a struggling economy, population decline, and an upcoming visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.

After the Komeito party quit the ruling coalition over ethics concerns, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) formed an alliance with the reformist Japan Innovation Party (JIP). The JIP seeks to cut corporate donations, lower taxes on food, and reduce the number of lawmakers.

Promising to “make Japan’s economy stronger,” Takaichi also vowed to form a cabinet with “Nordic” levels of female representation — a significant shift in a country ranked 118th in global gender equality. Reports suggest right-wing lawmaker Satsuki Katayama and half-American Kimi Onoda may take key cabinet roles.

Despite her rise being hailed as a milestone for women, Takaichi’s conservative views — including opposition to separate surnames for married couples and female succession in the imperial family — have stirred debate.

Locals in her hometown of Nara expressed mixed reactions. Some praised her toughness and integrity, while others hoped she would push for more childcare and workplace support for women.

Takaichi inherits a minority government that will need cross-party backing to pass legislation. She supports bold economic measures and stronger ties with Taiwan, while advocating caution toward China and Russia.

As she steps into office, many hope her leadership will redefine Japan’s political and social landscape — and prove that a woman can command one of the world’s most powerful nations.

“Tinubu Doesn’t Need to Campaign in Kogi State; There’s No Opposition Here,” — Yahaya Bello Boasts

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not need to campaign in Kogi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the ongoing endorsement rally held in Lokoja on Saturday to support the second-term bids of President Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo, Bello confidently stated that Kogi is a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his words, the governor said:

“Your Excellency, Mr. President, you don’t even need to come to Kogi State to campaign. There’s no opposition here. Those making noise elsewhere have not seen the lion—when the lion roars, they will run with their tails between their legs.”

Bello assured the President of total support from the people of Kogi State, emphasizing that the state remains fully committed to the Tinubu-led administration and the continuity of APC governance at both state and federal levels.

Protesters Defy Court Order, Vow to Storm Presidential Villa.

According to report by Punch on Monday, October 20, 2025, tensions are mounting in Abuja as security forces prepare for a possible confrontation with #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters, who plan to march to the Presidential Villa today (Monday) to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This comes despite an interim injunction by the Federal High Court in Abuja restricting demonstrations near sensitive government areas, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Force Headquarters.

The organisers, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, have vowed to proceed with what they describe as a peaceful protest, both in Abuja and across the South-East.

Damilare Adenola, the group’s Director of Mobilisation, maintained that the march is a constitutional right and a stand against the government’s “illegal and inhumane” actions.

Kanu remains in detention facing charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement. His 2021 re-arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria continue to spark legal and political debates. While critics view his detention as politically motivated, the government insists it is lawful prosecution.

The protest’s timing, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations, has heightened government anxiety. Organisers, however, insist that they have informed the police and expect them to provide security rather than clamp down on protesters.

Over 115 lawyers, medical staff, and journalists have been mobilised nationwide to support the march.

The movement has received broad political support, with opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi backing calls for Kanu’s release and urging dialogue instead of repression.

Bayelsa Deputy Governor Shuns Diri’s Defection to APC — “I’m PDP and Going Nowhere!”


Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has firmly rejected any association with Governor Douye Diri’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his unwavering loyalty to the PDP.

According to Naija News, Ewhrudjakpo, along with other prominent PDP figures including former Governor Seriake Dickson, vowed to keep the opposition party strong in Bayelsa and across Nigeria. They emphasized that there was no justification for abandoning the party that had been instrumental to their political rise.

A PDP insider revealed to Daily Post:

“The Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo, and our leader, Seriake Dickson, alongside several ex-lawmakers, are still with the PDP. We’re not going anywhere.”


Governor Diri had earlier announced his resignation from the PDP on Wednesday through his spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, but failed to provide reasons for his move to the ruling APC.

However, sources close to the State Executive Council disclosed that Ewhrudjakpo deliberately avoided the meeting where the governor made his announcement, signaling his refusal to defect.

“The governor chaired the SEC meeting this morning, but the deputy governor was absent. He refused to attend because he’s not defecting with the governor,” a source confirmed.


Meanwhile, lawmakers who followed Diri to the APC are reportedly considering impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor for “gross misconduct” due to his defiance.

“We expect the State Assembly to target him for his stance. If that happens, he’ll have to decide whether to fight or yield,” another insider disclosed.


Ewhrudjakpo, a seasoned politician and lawyer, has been a longtime pillar of the PDP, having served as a senator representing Bayelsa West and in various strategic party and national roles. He and Diri were elected on a joint PDP ticket in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.

As political pressure mounts, Ewhrudjakpo’s stand has set the stage for a dramatic power tussle in Bayelsa’s political landscape.

INEC Yet to Show Readiness for Credible Polls — Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Using State Power to Intimidate Opposition


Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over what he described as the declining independence of Nigeria’s electoral system and the misuse of state power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, speaking through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in an interview with Punch Newspaper, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using government institutions, including anti-corruption agencies, to intimidate opposition leaders and force mass defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The Constitution provides for freedom of association. As a democrat, Atiku Abubakar will not dictate to others whom they associate with. But it is clear that the Tinubu-led APC has been using state power to coerce opposition figures,” he said.


According to Atiku, the wave of defections across political parties does not reflect genuine political conviction but rather self-preservation by politicians seeking protection and personal gain.

“All of these defectors do not have the people’s interest at heart. What they are doing is to protect their own interests,” he added.


The former Vice President emphasized that despite the ongoing political realignments, ordinary Nigerians remain the ultimate deciders of the 2027 election outcome.

“It is Nigerians — the long-suffering, impoverished citizens who can hardly feed, educate their children, or access basic healthcare — who will determine the fate of 2027. The battle line has been drawn between the forces of good and evil,” Atiku declared.


He expressed disappointment that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to demonstrate genuine commitment to reforming the electoral process, warning that without concrete improvements, the 2027 elections could mirror past irregularities.

Atiku, however, expressed optimism that the will of the people would prevail over political manipulation and state-backed coercion.

NNPP Denies Plans to Endorse Tinubu for 2027 — “We’ve Made No Such Decision,” Says Party Chairman Agbo Major



The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Agbo Major, has firmly denied speculations that the party plans to adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Agbo Major clarified that the NNPP has not taken any formal decision to align with President Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing that such claims are unfounded.

“There are two separate issues here — individuals within the party who may be eyeing the APC, and the party itself as an institution,” he said.
“It is not unusual for political parties to explore collaborations for national stability, but as a party, the NNPP has made no such move or decision to adopt Tinubu or merge with the APC.”


Agbo Major also addressed the ongoing wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC, clarifying that former NNPP members, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who were expelled from the party, are acting independently and not on behalf of the NNPP.

Speaking on the political future of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Agbo Major noted that the governor’s case was “peculiar.”

“Governor Yusuf came into the NNPP through Kwankwaso’s movement and won the election. However, since assuming office, he’s been under intense control from Kwankwaso, who dictates his every move from Abuja,” he explained.
“If the governor decides to leave NNPP to free himself and serve the people of Kano more effectively, that’s understandable. We won’t hold it against him.”


When asked whether Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf could coexist in the APC, Agbo Major expressed doubt.

“It would be very difficult for both men to work together again under one roof unless the governor completely surrenders himself. Kwankwaso is extremely domineering — loyalty to him is total.”


Agbo Major’s statement comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as key figures across major parties reposition themselves for influence and power.

Madagascar in Political Turmoil as Military Seizes Power After President Rajoelina’s Impeachment

Madagascar’s elite army unit takes control after President Andry Rajoelina’s impeachment, sparking global concern and uncertainty over the country’s democratic future.


Madagascar has been plunged into political chaos after an elite military unit seized control of the government following the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina.

According to Punch Newspaper, the dramatic power shift occurred on Wednesday when the CAPSAT contingent, an elite arm of the military, took over key government institutions in the capital, Antananarivo, just hours after parliament voted to remove Rajoelina from office.

Reports indicate that the embattled president fled the country amid growing protests and mounting opposition. The move marks Madagascar as the latest in a string of African nations—following Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea—to experience military takeovers since 2020.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the CAPSAT unit, has been declared interim president by the country’s top court. In a televised address, Randrianirina denied staging a coup, claiming the intervention was to “rescue the nation from collapse.” He pledged to restore civilian rule within 18 to 24 months and promised institutional reforms and elections before the transition ends.

The African Union swiftly suspended Madagascar from all its activities, calling the military action unconstitutional. The United Nations, France, Germany, and Russia also expressed concern, urging calm, dialogue, and a return to democratic order.

Meanwhile, the youth-led Gen Z Movement, which had spearheaded recent protests over water and electricity shortages, hailed the development as a victory for the people. “We’re anxious about the future, but this feels like our first real win,” said 26-year-old rugby team captain, Fenitra Razafindramanga.

However, Rajoelina’s camp insists he remains the legitimate president, describing the court’s endorsement of Randrianirina as “illegal and politically motivated.”

Rajoelina’s presidency has long been controversial—he first came to power in 2009 through a military-backed coup and later returned via disputed elections in 2023. His administration was widely criticized for corruption, economic decline, and poor governance.

As Madagascar navigates this uncertain transition, global observers are watching closely to see whether the country will truly reform—or once again fall into the cycle of military dominance and fragile democracy.

Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Resigns From PDP.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in what marks another major political shake-up within the opposition.

His decision comes barely 24 hours after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC), further deepening the internal crisis and wave of defections currently rocking the opposition party.

Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Dies at 80 During a morning walk in India.

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has died in India at the age of 80, Indian police confirmed on Wednesday.

According to Krishnan M., Additional Superintendent of Police in Kerala State, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk with his sister, daughter, & personal doctor. He was accompanied by both Indian & Kenyan security officers when the incident occurred. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

A spokesperson for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, where Odinga had been receiving treatment, also confirmed the death. “Around 7:45 a.m., Mr. Raila was on his morning walk when he suddenly experienced breathing difficulties & collapsed,” the spokesman told AFP. “CPR was immediately administered, & after brief signs of recovery, he was rushed to a modern hospital. Unfortunately, despite several resuscitation efforts, he could not be saved.”

A member of Odinga’s political team, who requested anonymity pending an official announcement, also confirmed the tragic news.

Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. A member of the Luo ethnic group, he spent years in jail and exile under the autocratic rule of President Daniel arap Moi, championing democracy and political reform.

He entered parliament in 1992 and ran unsuccessfully for president five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 each time claiming he was denied victory through electoral fraud.

Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, closing the chapter on a lifelong struggle for democracy, reform, and justice.

Cameroon Opposition Leader Claims Election Victory Ahead of Official Results.

Cameroon’s opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared himself the winner of Sunday’s presidential election a bold move coming days before the country’s electoral authority is expected to release official results.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Tchiroma asserted that “our victory is clear and must be respected,” urging the government to “accept the truth of the ballot box” or risk “plunging the country into turmoil.” He also vowed to publish detailed regional results soon, maintaining that “the people have chosen.”

Although tally sheets from polling stations can be made public, only the Constitutional Council is legally empowered to proclaim final results a restriction the government has warned remains a “red line that must not be crossed.”

Tchiroma’s declaration echoes that of Maurice Kamto in 2018, when he similarly announced victory against longtime ruler Paul Biya before official results were out. Kamto was later arrested, and his supporters’ rallies were violently dispersed.

President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years and remains the world’s oldest sitting head of state, is seeking yet another term. However, Tchiroma, a former employment minister, has drawn surprising enthusiasm from younger voters, turning the race into one of the most closely watched in years.

As both camps circulate tally sheets and blackboard results on social media, each side continues to claim victory setting the stage for possible post-election tension in the Central African nation.

Opposition Kicks As National Assembly Moves To Shift 2027 Elections To 2026.

Opposition in the country is enraged over a fresh bid by the National Assembly to move the 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026.

The proposal is part of amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, which seeks to move the elections forward by about six months to allow all pre and post-election litigations to be concluded before the May 29, 2027, handover date.

If the bid is successful, the presidential and gubernatorial elections would be conducted in November 2026, rather than the traditional February or March dates.

The proposal forms part of the draft amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, which stipulate that elections for both offices must be held no later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure on May 29.

Section 4(7) of the proposed amendment states that “elections into the office of the president and governor of a state shall be held not later than 185 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.”

For legislative elections, Section 4(5) of the proposed amendment provides that “elections into the state houses of assembly and the National Assembly shall be held not later than 185 days before the date on which each of the houses stands dissolved.”

At Monday’s joint public hearing, the House Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Adebayo Balogun, argued that moving the polls to November 2026 would help “ensure that all manner of election litigations are dispensed with before the swearing-in of winners.”

Balogun stated that the goal was to create sufficient time for the resolution of election petitions, as the committee also proposed an amendment that would reduce the 180-day tribunal judgment period to 90 days.

2027: No Discussion Or Pact With Jonathan To Unseat Tinubu – Peter Obi.

The Labour Party (LP)’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed speculation of a political alliance with former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The clarification follows the growing political tension sparked by a recent closed-door meeting between Peter Obi and Jonathan in Abuja, which triggered rumours of an opposition realignment.

Supporters of both politicians have engaged in heated debates on social media, urging either Peter Obi or Jonathan to step aside for the other in what many perceive as a test of opposition unity.

However, speaking through his media aide and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, in an interview with The PUNCH, Peter Obi said there is no pact or discussion about 2027.

He said, “My principal and the former president have a very good working relationship and they know each other very well. So seeing them talk to each other does not mean anything. And it should not be translated to mean anything other than a platonic discussion on how to move this country forward.

“But I don’t think there’s anything more than that. No discussion or pact around 2027. Even when they met in Ghana, I was there. So there was nothing like that.”

Burkina Faso Rejects U.S. Deportation Request, Calls It “Indecent” and Against National Dignity

In a bold diplomatic move, Burkina Faso’s military government has rejected a proposal from the United States to accept individuals deported from America who are not Burkinabè citizens. The decision, announced by Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré on national television on Thursday, October 9, 2025, underscores the West African nation’s firm stance on sovereignty and national pride.

Traoré described the U.S. request as “indecent and unacceptable,” stating that it contradicts the values and vision of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s leader.

“Burkina Faso is not a land of deportation but one of dignity,” he declared.


The rejection came just hours after the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou temporarily suspended visa services, redirecting applicants to the U.S. Embassy in Togo. The embassy did not provide reasons for the decision.

In response to a U.S. diplomatic note suggesting that Burkinabè nationals were misusing visas, the foreign minister dismissed the claim as a “pressure tactic.” He reaffirmed that Burkina Faso would not bow to external influence or compromise its integrity.

As of the announcement, neither the U.S. Department of Homeland Security nor the U.S. Embassy had issued an official statement addressing the matter.

This development comes amid rising global diplomatic tensions, as the White House also criticized the Norwegian Nobel Committee over its decision to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, citing political bias.

Political Earthquake in Enugu: Governor Peter Mbah’s Alleged Move to APC Sparks PDP Crisis

The political scene in Enugu State is witnessing intense drama as Governor Peter Mbah’s rumored defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into confusion and deep internal division.

According to a report by The Punch on Saturday, October 11, 2025, the governor’s anticipated switch has exposed sharp splits within the PDP, as loyalists are torn between following Mbah into the ruling APC or staying with the opposition party.

In a bold political maneuver, the APC reportedly dissolved its Enugu State Executive Committee and replaced it with a caretaker committee to manage what appears to be a major political merger.

The newly appointed caretaker chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, confirmed the governor’s readiness to defect, declaring:

“We went to the governor, and he has agreed to move with us into APC. He is not coming alone — he is coming with the whole structure of Enugu PDP.”


Nwoye revealed that the planned defection would include 260 ward councillors, 24 state House of Assembly members, National Assembly representatives, and the entire PDP executive committee, a move that could reshape the political landscape of the Southeast.

However, uncertainty clouds the move. The PDP Publicity Secretary in Enugu admitted that while Governor Mbah holds significant influence within the party, he has not officially informed the PDP leadership of any plans to defect.

Resistance is growing within PDP ranks. Chief Ray Nnaji, a former National Auditor of the party, dismissed claims of mass defection, predicting that “less than 20%” of PDP members would follow Mbah. He accused the governor of alienating local stakeholders and relying heavily on external consultants instead of the party’s grassroots structure.

Some state lawmakers have also expressed frustration, citing unpaid salaries and allowances as part of their discontent with the governor’s leadership.

As tensions rise, Enugu State — long considered a PDP stronghold — may soon witness one of the most significant political realignments in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Osun Govt, APC Clash Over Alleged ₦300 Million Scandal Involving Female Permanent Secretary

The political atmosphere in Osun State has once again heated up as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Osun State Government trade accusations over an alleged ₦300 million corruption scandal said to involve a senior female civil servant.

In a statement released by Kola Olabisi, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, the party accused Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration of shielding a female Permanent Secretary allegedly caught embezzling state funds.

According to the opposition, the current administration’s “administrative hollowness” has allowed some political appointees to loot public resources unchecked.

“Why is the Adeleke government, which preaches accountability and rule of law, protecting a Permanent Secretary who allegedly embezzled over ₦300 million?” the APC queried.



The APC also claimed the state government was secretly managing the issue, arranging for the accused to repay the funds instead of facing prosecution. The party urged the EFCC and Nigeria Police to intervene, alleging that the implicated civil servant is the wife of a serving commissioner in the Adeleke cabinet.

However, in a swift response, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the allegations as “beer parlour gossip elevated to party propaganda,” insisting that no such scandal exists.

“There is no ₦300 million scam in any Osun government ministry or agency. Governor Adeleke runs a transparent and accountable administration,” Rasheed stated.



He accused the APC of spreading lies to distract the public, emphasizing that the state’s procurement law and due process system make such corruption “impossible.”

Rasheed further warned that the government might take legal action against those behind the “libellous” claims, reaffirming Adeleke’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

“Governor Adeleke has never and will never shield any corrupt official. Transparency remains the hallmark of his government,” he concluded.

Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize, Beating President Trump’s Speculated Bid.

Venezuelan opposition leader and pro-democracy activist Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday.

Machado was recognised for her “tireless efforts in advancing democratic rights for Venezuelans and her unwavering struggle for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee, in Oslo.

The committee praised her courage, noting that despite being forced into hiding, she chose to remain in Venezuela, a decision that has “inspired millions.” It added, “Democracy survives because of those who refuse to stay silent, even when the risks are grave.”

There had been speculation that former U.S. President Donald Trump might receive the prize, following his role in brokering a Gaza ceasefire deal earlier this week. Trump had previously claimed credit for “stopping seven wars,” though his assertions have been widely disputed.

Speaking at the UN last month, Trump remarked, “Everyone says I should get the Nobel Peace Prize,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed in July that he had nominated the former president.

However, Nina Graeger, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, told Sky News that the Gaza agreement likely came too late for consideration this year. She noted that if the deal results in lasting peace, it could strengthen Trump’s chances for next year’s award.

The Nobel Committee described Machado, 58, as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.” Although barred from contesting Venezuela’s last presidential election, she threw her support behind opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.

I am under a lot of pressure to join ADC despite APC being my child— Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, says he is under intense pressure from prominent politicians to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition but has firmly declined the offer.

Speaking on Saturday during the inaugural edition of the Citadel School of Governance Dialogue Series in Lagos, Bakare confirmed that several influential figures, including a former governor and minister from the South-West, have urged him to align with the ADC.

“There has been a lot of pressure on me from who is who to join ADC. They come to my home. Even while I was abroad, the hierarchy of that party kept calling, saying they needed my voice,” he said.

The cleric added that a younger political associate who had benefitted from key roles in the All Progressives Congress (APC) also tried to persuade him to lend his influence to the opposition party.

“I am not going to take part in ADC. The last time I knew about ADC was about a plane that cr+shed. I wish them well because we need a robust opposition,” Bakare said. “But you don’t birth a child called APC and then try to kill it yourself. We are not going to have another Awolowo-Akintola crisis in the South-West.”

Bakare also described President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as divinely ordained, saying his leadership could not have been achieved without God’s backing.

“If God wants to remove ‘emilokan,’ He knows how to do it. You can’t get the kind of thing Tinubu has brought without God’s support,” he noted.

Bakare, who contested for the APC presidential ticket in 2023 alongside Tinubu, was the running mate to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 presidential election under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) — one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC in 2013.

Tunisian Man Sentenced to Death Over Facebook Posts Criticising President.

A Tunisian court has sentenced a 56-year-old man to death for allegedly insulting President Kais Saied and undermining state security through Facebook posts, his lawyer and the Tunisian League for Human Rights confirmed on Friday.

The ruling has been described as unprecedented in the North African country, where restrictions on free speech have tightened since Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021.

The defendant, Saber Chouchane, a day labourer with limited education, was arrested last year after publishing online criticism of the president. 

His lawyer, Oussama Bouthalja, said: “The judge in the Nabeul court sentenced the man to death over Facebook posts. It is a shocking and unprecedented ruling.” He added that an appeal has already been lodged.

Although Tunisian courts occasionally issue death sentences, the country has not carried out an execution in more than three decades.

Chouchane’s brother, Jamal, expressed disbelief, telling Reuters: “We can’t believe it. We are a family suffering from poverty, and now oppression and injustice have been added to poverty.”

The judgement has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with activists and citizens accusing authorities of attempting to silence critics through fear. Observers warn the ruling could intensify political tensions and further erode freedom of expression.

Since dissolving parliament and ruling by decree, Saied has faced mounting criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders, many of whom are imprisoned on various charges after being labelled “traitors” by the president.