The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is facing mounting backlash over an alleged threat directed at television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, with the Glide Media Foundation calling for an immediate and unconditional apology.

In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, the foundation described the alleged remark as “reckless, alarming, and unacceptable,” warning that such rhetoric poses a serious danger to press freedom and democratic values.

The group expressed concern that a high-ranking public official could be associated with statements perceived as endorsing violence against a journalist, stressing that such actions undermine the rule of law and public trust in governance.

“Journalists are not enemies of the state,” the foundation stated, emphasizing their constitutional role in holding leaders accountable and informing the public.

It added that no media professional should face threats, intimidation, or harassment for carrying out their duties.

The organisation further warned that unchecked inflammatory remarks by public officials could embolden attacks on journalists and create a chilling effect across the media landscape.

The development comes amid growing concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, where incidents of harassment and intimidation of journalists have continued to draw criticism from media and civil society groups.

Calling for urgent action, the foundation urged authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and hold accountable anyone who undermines press freedom, insisting that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and silence.

A claim that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) hired a United States lobbying firm with “zero revenue” has been found to be misleading after a closer examination of official disclosure records.

The report, which cited OpenSecrets data, stated that Von Batten-Montague York L.C. had only one client and generated no income in 2025.

However, this conclusion was based solely on records filed under the US Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), which captures domestic lobbying activities and does not include work carried out for foreign clients.

In contrast, filings under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), maintained by the US Department of Justice, reveal that the firm is actively engaged in foreign lobbying.

In April 2026, it registered a $1.2 million contract linked to Atiku Abubakar, covering advisory services, engagement with US policymakers, and strategic communication on Nigeria-related issues.

Although no filing explicitly lists the ADC as the direct client, the firm has publicly indicated it intends to engage US authorities on matters concerning Nigeria’s electoral process, including disputes involving the party.

The fact-check also found no verifiable evidence supporting claims that the firm declared assets of just $5,000, noting that standard LDA and FARA filings do not typically disclose total asset values.

Additionally, describing the ADC as Nigeria’s “main opposition party” is inaccurate. Opposition strength in the National Assembly is largely held by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), based on electoral outcomes and parliamentary representation.

Verdict: The “zero revenue” narrative is misleading, as it ignores foreign lobbying disclosures and relies on incomplete data.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has signed a $1.2 million (about ₦1.9 billion) lobbying contract with a United States-based firm as he intensifies political manoeuvres ahead of a potential presidential ticket battle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that the 12-month agreement with Washington-based Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. was signed on March 10 and registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on April 1, 2026.

Under the deal, the firm will provide strategic advisory services, facilitate engagement with US Congress and executive officials, and manage Atiku’s image among policymakers and institutions in Washington.

The goal is to strengthen his international standing, shape policy messaging, and build key political relationships.

The agreement outlines core objectives, including promoting Atiku’s leadership vision, countering opposing narratives, and enhancing his reputation within US political circles.

Services will also include policy briefings, high-level meetings, and risk advisory.

The move comes amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ADC emerging as a potential coalition platform.

Atiku is expected to face strong competition within the party, including from Peter Obi.

The latest contract adds to Atiku’s long history of engaging US lobbyists, spanning over two decades and involving multiple firms focused on political advocacy, public relations, and international outreach.

The filings, made under US transparency laws, highlight ongoing efforts by foreign political figures to shape perceptions and influence policy discussions in Washington.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as politically irrelevant, insisting the party stands no chance of winning elections in Kano.

Speaking to a jubilant crowd at the Government House after returning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention in Abuja and its Northwest Zonal Congress in Kaduna, Yusuf expressed strong confidence in securing a second term under the APC banner.

He mocked opposition parties, grouping the ADC with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and described them as lacking the strength to make any real political impact.

According to the governor, Kano remains firmly in the grip of the APC, which he called the only party capable of winning elections both in the state and nationwide.

Yusuf pointed to his administration’s efforts in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and social empowerment as proof that his government deserves another mandate. He assured supporters that even greater progress would follow if re-elected.

The governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as steady economic improvements and ongoing infrastructure development, pledging Kano’s full support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

His return to Kano was marked by a massive استقبال, with supporters lining major roads from the airport to the Government House, chanting and celebrating as his convoy passed.