BREAKING: Nigerian Government Withdraws Criminal Defamation Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Allegations Against Akpabio, Yahaya Bello

The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally withdrawn the criminal defamation and cyberbullying case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly. Court documents show that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation filed a notice of discontinuance on December 12, 2025, effectively terminating the prosecution at the Federal High Court.

The charges stemmed from petitions by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, following comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview on Politics Today, where she alleged that both men were plotting to eliminate her. Despite earlier petitions to the Inspector General of Police alleging threats to her life, the senator was charged for publicly raising the claims.

Several prominent figures, including Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru, had been listed as witnesses for the complainants. The withdrawn case is one of two criminal matters filed by the Federal Government against the senator, with the second case expected to come up in court and possibly face a similar fate.

The development follows a public announcement by Senate President Akpabio that he had instructed his lawyers to withdraw all defamation-related lawsuits against individuals, after a cleric’s sermon influenced his decision. However, Akpabio still has a separate ₦200 billion civil defamation suit pending against Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment, in which he is demanding massive damages and public apologies.

Lives Lost During #EndSARS, But None at Lekki Toll Gate — Lai Mohammed

The Lekki Toll Gate incident remains one of the most disputed episodes of the October 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality, with sharply differing accounts from protesters, civil society groups, and the Federal Government.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has again maintained his position that although lives were lost during the nationwide #EndSARS protests, no deaths occurred at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.

Speaking on Tuesday as a guest on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, Mohammed said his stance has remained unchanged since the protests. He stressed that the Federal Government never denied that lives were lost during the unrest.

“Five years later, my position has not changed. At no point did the government ever say that lives were not lost during #EndSARS. We lost several lives, including soldiers and policemen, but nobody was killed at the toll gate,” he stated.

#EndSARS #LekkiTollGate #NigeriaNews #Politics

Tinubu Will Lose 2027 Election, He Never Truly Won In 2023 — Senator Abaribe Claims Amid Hardship, Insecurity

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has predicted that President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 general election, insisting that the President never genuinely won the 2023 polls. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Abaribe said widespread hardship, economic collapse and worsening insecurity have eroded public support for the Tinubu administration. He claimed that many APC supporters are afraid to openly declare support for the President in their hometowns due to fear of backlash. The lawmaker argued that rising cost of living and insecurity have made it impossible for Tinubu to secure grassroots backing ahead of 2027, despite court rulings upholding his 2023 election victory.

Tinubu Will Lose 2027 Election, He Never Won in 2023 — Abaribe

The lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has said it would be impossible for President Bola Tinubu to win re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

Abaribe claimed that President Tinubu did not genuinely win the 2023 presidential election, adding that the hardship currently being experienced by Nigerians has strengthened public resolve to prevent his return after 2027.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Abaribe dismissed claims that Tinubu has never lost an election.

“I do not think so. Everybody loses elections, and you will see when the time comes. He will lose in 2027 because I know what Nigerians are feeling outside,” the senator said.

According to him, widespread economic hardship and public dissatisfaction with governance will play a major role in shaping the outcome of the next general election.

#Tinubu #2027Election #NigerianPolitics #Abaribe

Fayose Declares: “PDP Is in a State of Coma” — Says Party’s Crisis Beyond Rescue

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has delivered a blunt assessment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that Nigeria’s main opposition party is “in a state of comatose” and possibly beyond redemption.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Fayose said the PDP’s internal problems have deepened following contradictory court rulings and power struggles, accusing some judges of judicial overreach.

“I have to tell you the hard truth — PDP is in trouble, the party has gone bad and is in a coma,” he stated. “When a fish decays from the head, there’s no saving it.”

Fayose specifically condemned an Oyo State High Court order allowing the PDP’s national convention to proceed despite an earlier Federal High Court injunction stopping it, describing the ruling as compromised and dangerous for the rule of law.

The outspoken former governor said the party’s leadership crisis stemmed from failures at the top, warning that the PDP is imploding under internal divisions and judicial confusion.

“The judge compromised the matter and granted an ex parte order. This is a bad precedent,” he said.

Despite his criticism, Fayose reaffirmed his commitment to remain in the PDP, though he admitted that several of his colleagues had already left.

“Three governors have gone already, and another will soon leave. When I return here, I’ll remind you,” he added.


The PDP, which has been battling factional leadership between Umar Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu’s camp, continues to face deepening legal and political turmoil ahead of its national convention.

FG Should Take Trump Seriously’ – Ex-DSS Director.

A former director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has advised the Federal Government to take United States President, Donald Trump’s Christian genocide claims and threat of military action seriously.

Trump, barely a day after declaring Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), threatened military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.

In the explosive post on his Truth Social Platform, Trump said, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.”

However, Ejiofor, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, urged the Nigerian government to explore diplomatic means to resolve the issue.

While the Federal Government has dismissed the allegations and restated its commitment to religious freedom, the former DSS director said Trump’s comment should not be dismissed as mere play.

He said, “I think the Federal Government should take Donald Trump seriously. I’m calling on the Nigerian government to explore all diplomatic channels.

“You see, it is a very serious matter when you talk of Donald Trump. I take a very serious exception to the statement credited to Donald Trump because he says what he wants to do, and he will go ahead to do it,” Ejiofor said. “So, it is not a play that we can gloss over. It is a threat.”

I’ll Support Trump to Help Nigeria Fight Terrorism” — Wike Speaks on Alleged Christian Genocide.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared his readiness to support former U.S. President Donald Trump if it will help Nigeria tackle terrorism.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike reacted to concerns about alleged persecution of Christians and rising insecurity in parts of the country.

“I will support Trump in providing and supporting Nigeria with technology in the fight against terrorism,” he stated, stressing that his focus is national security and not politics.

Wike dismissed claims that he was ignoring killings because of politics. He insisted that human lives must not become political tools.

“Sure, we stop these killings. It’s not for me to capitalize that people are dying in Plopton. It’s not for me to capitalize. People are dying in Benway. They wanted to take over the rest of governance. No, no, no,” he said, arguing that preventing further loss of life matters more than political rivalry.

He questioned the narrative of “Christian genocide,” saying security challenges affect all citizens regardless of religion.

“Who knows? So so person died. Is he a Christian? Is he a Muslim? Is he a non-believer?” he asked, urging Nigerians not to frame insecurity along religious lines.

The minister recalled his experience visiting Maiduguri in 2011 during the peak of Boko Haram attacks. According to him, shortly after he left a school in the city that day, the school was destroyed.

"Give President Tinubu Time, He Will Tax the Air We Breathe" —SDP’s Adewole Adebayo.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has condemned the federal government’s decision to impose a 15 per cent import duty on refined petroleum products. 

Adebayo described the move as “an anti-people decision” and accused President Bola Tinubu of pushing excessive taxation policies.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Adebayo argued that the administration is prioritising revenue collection over citizens’ welfare.

According to him, “President Tinubu is a clever tax collector. He wants to collect taxes from you for everything, including the oxygen tax, very soon.
If you’re not careful, yes, the air we breathe. Just give him time; he’s going to get there,” he said.

Adebayo contended that the new import duty contradicts the principles Tinubu once promoted.

“It is an anti-people decision and a trend in the new Tinubu. Tinubu that used to be in SDP, following Abiola everywhere doing Hope 93, has practically changed to the side of the money people.

They see you as a customer, not a citizen. If you have twins and triplets in your house, Tinubu is going to think of twins tax or ‘multiple childbirth tax.’ He’s just thinking of how to collect more money. It’s wrong,” he said.

He warned that the tariff will ultimately fall on ordinary Nigerians, especially given current economic hardships.

“If you put 15 per cent tariffs on imported petrol, who is going to pay for it? It’s going to be paid by the person who buys the petrol at the filling station,” Adebayo added.

Coup rumours: Agbakoba backs Tinubu on replacement of service chiefs.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to replace the nation’s service chiefs, describing it as a wise and timely move, especially amid rumours of an alleged coup plot.

President Tinubu had on Friday announced major changes in the leadership of the armed forces as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure. The reshuffle included the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff and other top military officers.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Agbakoba said the president’s action showed firmness and decisiveness that were lacking in the previous administration.

“You have a president who is prepared to take tough decisions, and we know that he likes to take tough decisions,” Agbakoba said.

“I think he has done the right thing because his predecessor, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, did not like to make such decisions and allowed his military team to stay far longer than they should have.”

Reports had linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary events on October 1 to an alleged coup attempt. But the Defence Headquarters dismissed the claims, saying the cancellation had no connection to any plot.

The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said the timing of the president’s decision was appropriate and showed leadership at a critical moment.

“So, if it is indeed true that there was a rumoured coup, I think he (Tinubu) acted sensibly by doing exactly what he has done,” he said.

Police Deny Shooting Sowore, Others During Protest In Abuja.

The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that its operatives fired live bullets at protesters in Abuja during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration led by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore on Monday.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said it was only teargas that was fired.

He added that people who are not familiar with the sound can mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition as both make the same popping, explosion-like sound.

Hundeyin, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, added that the Police only fired tear gas after the protesters refused to leave the areas where the court had already prohibited their demonstrations.

“I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition.

“It is easy for people who are not familiar with the sound to mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition. It makes the same popping, explosion-like sound. I can say it on good authority that no live ammunition was shot.

“We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order. We gave enough warning to these people to step back and not go beyond where they were, but they were adamant and they were approaching these areas,” he said.

The Force PRO added that the officers acted within the provisions of the law and established procedures to ensure public safety.

Sen Orji Uzor Kalu Declares Himself Most Important Politician in South-East, Says Peter Obi Can’t Match His Record.

Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that he remains the most important political figure from the South-East, dismissing Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as less influential.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Kalu asserted that his political record and achievements far outweigh Obi’s.

“He (Obi) is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu said confidently. “I have won two states under the PPA, contested for president in 2007, and secured 4.9 million votes. Under President Yar’Adua, we had ministers, ambassadors, and other key appointments through our party.”

On his political future, Kalu said age would not stop him from running for president if the opportunity arises, drawing parallels with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“If I’m healthy and God grants me life, I can still contest. It’s not about age; it’s about competence , what’s in my brain and what I can deliver,” he stated.

When asked if he believes the Igbo nation should unite behind Obi in future elections, Kalu declined to endorse the Labour Party leader.

Tinubu Not A Political ‘Orphan’ In Northern Nigeria — Jibrin
By Nosakhale Akhimien | Updated September 3, 2025

House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu lacks political backing in the North, stressing that the president still enjoys strong support despite opposition.

Speaking on Politics Today, the NNPP chieftain said it would be a “dangerous calculation” to assume Tinubu is politically isolated in the region, adding that the North has not been short-changed under his administration.

Jibrin also rejected suggestions that Tinubu is to blame for worsening insecurity in the North, insisting the president cannot be held solely responsible.

On the NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Jibrin confirmed that discussions about a possible return to the APC remain open, though vested interests in Kano politics could pose challenges.

He maintained that the South should complete its eight years in power and expressed confidence that Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027.

2027: Kwankwaso Still Open to Joining APC — Jibrin
By Emmanuel Egobiambu | Updated September 3, 2025

House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin says former Kano governor and NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, remains open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Jibrin said the “doors are not closed” for Kwankwaso to team up with President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027, though vested interests within Kano APC may be slowing the move.

He added that the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by Kwankwaso, remains a strong political force. While Jibrin himself stopped short of confirming plans to defect, he maintained that “everything is a possibility.”

In 2023, Kwankwaso polled 1.49 million votes, finishing fourth behind Tinubu, Atiku, and Peter Obi.

Insecurity in Nigeria Traced to Plot to Unseat Jonathan – Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has linked Nigeria’s current insecurity to the desperation to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed recalled violent episodes in Kaduna following comments made by Muhammadu Buhari during the 2011 elections.

“They went and brought people from neighbouring countries in readiness to remove Jonathan,” he alleged.

2027: Omokri Silent On Calls For Jonathan To Contest

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has declined to comment on mounting calls for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 election, citing his close personal bond with him.

“I have unconditional love for President Jonathan and so I will not criticise or give an opinion on anything he does on live television,” Omokri said on Channels TV’s Politics Today.

Jonathan, who led Nigeria between 2010 and 2015 under the PDP, has largely stayed away from partisan politics since leaving office but remains a member of the party.

His name has resurfaced in PDP discussions ahead of 2027, with Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed saying the ex-president would be welcomed back into the race, alongside figures like Peter Obi, if he chooses to contest.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi among possible southern candidates for its 2027 presidential ticket, according to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Mohammed described Jonathan as “the most celebrated politician today” and said Obi would be welcomed if he returned to the PDP.

He added that other southern politicians, including Governor Seyi Makinde and even former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, could be in the mix, stressing that the PDP was open to credible figures who could strengthen the party.

The PDP NEC recently zoned its 2027 presidential slot to the South, while retaining the chairmanship for the North, and reaffirmed Umar Damagum as National Chairman.

Meanwhile, the ruling APC has already endorsed President Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

#PDP #Jonathan #PeterObi #2027Elections #NigeriaPolitics #BreakingNews

News Brief: PDP’s Fielding Of Atiku In 2023 An Error — Abba Moro

Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has admitted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made a mistake by fielding Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

Speaking on Politics Today, Moro said: “As a result of how the election turned out and because the Nigerian people spoke, definitely, it [fielding Atiku] was an error.”

The PDP came second in the polls won by Bola Tinubu of the APC. Atiku has since dumped the PDP and is yet to declare his next political move.

Moro also confirmed that talks are ongoing to bring back former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi to the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

#Atiku #PDP #NigeriaPolitics

News Brief: 2027 — Talks Ongoing For Obi, Jonathan To Join PDP Presidential Race

Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has revealed that discussions are ongoing for former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Moro, speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, said party stakeholders are reaching out to both men, with assurances that Obi “stands a chance of being the candidate” if he rejoins. He also confirmed that some individuals are urging Jonathan to consider running again.

Jonathan, who governed under the PDP from 2010 to 2015, has maintained a low political profile since leaving office. Obi, PDP’s 2019 vice-presidential candidate, left the party before contesting the 2023 elections under Labour Party, where he finished third.

#PDP2027 #PeterObi #GoodluckJonathan

Do you want me to also create a short headline-style caption for social media that highlights Obi & Jonathan’s possible comeback?

We’ll Soon Expose Terrorism Financiers in Nigeria – Chief of Defence Staff.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said the process of identifying and prosecuting terrorism financiers in the country is already underway.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa explained that the delay in naming those involved was due to legal and international complexities. “The process is on. The delay has to do with legal issues and international connections.

Some of the funds come from outside Nigeria, so we can’t act alone. But we know them,” he said, noting that others operate within the country. According to him, local financiers often recruit individuals, provide them with motorcycles, and receive daily cash deposits into accounts that are currently being tracked. He emphasized that the movement of such funds is under close surveillance.

Musa commended the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for its role in tracing financial links to terrorism, noting that arrests have already been made.

“I can assure you that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other agencies are working seriously to address the matter,” he added.

The Defence Chief also disclosed that the State Security Services, National Intelligence Agency, and other security outfits are investigating politicians suspected of sponsoring insecurity for personal gains. “Criminals collaborate. Bandits and terrorists work together because they share the same goal—making money and inflicting suffering on communities,” he said.

The move follows Trump’s renewed clampdown on immigration since his return to the White House in January 2025.

In a related development, the administration has also introduced a new visa bond policy requiring applicants from countries with poor records of visa overstays to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000.

The pilot programme, which began this week, is aimed at ensuring visitors leave before their visas expire. According to the State Department, the rule also affects individuals who obtained “citizenship by investment” without residency obligations, with designated airports overseeing compliance.

Election-Rigger Should Not Succeed Yakubu As INEC Chair — Datti Baba-Ahmed

Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, says Nigeria cannot afford to have an election-rigger succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as INEC chairman when his 10-year tenure ends on November 9, 2025.

Speaking on Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed blamed Yakubu for irregularities in the 2023 polls, which he said undermined constitutional requirements and deepened Nigeria’s political crisis.

He stressed that only a credible, independent successor could restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy, adding that electoral fraud fuels insecurity, corruption, and national instability.

Yakubu, 75, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, will be succeeded by a nominee of President Bola Tinubu.

#INEC #DattiBabaAhmed #NigeriaElections