The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he threatened a television presenter, insisting that his earlier remark was figurative and taken out of context.

Wike made the clarification in Abuja while hosting management and staff of Daar Communications, explaining that his statement had been misinterpreted by the public.

The controversy followed comments he made during a media briefing, where he reacted to analysis by Seun Okinbaloye, a presenter on Channels Television.

In expressing his frustration, Wike had said that if it were possible to “break the screen,” he would have “shot him,” a remark that sparked widespread criticism.

Addressing the backlash, the minister said the comment was not meant as a literal threat but rather as an expression of anger over what he considered unfair commentary.

He accused some individuals of deliberately misrepresenting his words.

Meanwhile, Okinbaloye responded during a subsequent broadcast, maintaining that he would not be intimidated and reaffirming his commitment to professional journalism.

The incident has drawn reactions from several organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Amnesty International, both of which criticised the remark and called for an apology.

Similarly, the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria warned that it could consider a boycott of the minister’s media engagements if the issue is not properly addressed.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chinedu Obigwe, has condemned a group of individuals who allegedly confronted Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, during a town hall meeting in London.

The incident reportedly occurred at an interactive session organised by the governor to engage Anambra indigenes in the diaspora on his administration’s achievements as he begins a new term in office.

The group, said to be affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, accused Soludo of failing to take adequate steps toward securing the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

They also alleged that the governor was linked to violence against youths in the region.

Reacting in a statement, Obigwe dismissed the claims and defended the governor’s record, stating that Soludo has consistently advocated for Kanu’s release.

He noted that the governor had even urged the Federal Government to hand over Kanu to him as part of efforts to restore peace.

He further highlighted initiatives taken by the Soludo administration, including an amnesty programme aimed at rehabilitating individuals involved in criminal activities.

According to him, many participants who embraced the initiative were reintegrated into society, while some detainees were granted bail.

Obigwe also referenced Soludo’s visit to Kanu at the facility of the Department of State Services, where the governor condemned the sit-at-home order and denounced the wave of killings and kidnappings in the South-East.

He added that despite these interventions, insecurity persisted in parts of Anambra, prompting the launch of “Operation Udo-Ga-Chi,” a joint security initiative involving local vigilante groups and official security agencies to tackle violence in the state.

The APGA chieftain accused those who confronted the governor of undermining efforts to restore peace, describing them as individuals working against the progress and stability of the region.

He also challenged the critics to visit Anambra and assess the security situation firsthand, insisting that the state has witnessed significant improvements in safety and public life in recent times.

The Kano State House of Assembly has officially withdrawn impeachment proceedings against former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo following his resignation from office.

The decision was announced during Tuesday’s plenary session, which was presided over by Speaker Jibril Falgore after the Assembly reconvened from its Sallah recess.

According to a statement issued by the Speaker’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Shawai, lawmakers resolved to halt the impeachment process after formally reading Gwarzo’s resignation letter on the floor of the House.

In the letter dated March 27, 2026, Gwarzo confirmed that he stepped down voluntarily in accordance with Section 306(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), making his resignation effective immediately.

Commenting on the development, Majority Leader Lawal Dala explained that continuing the impeachment process was no longer necessary since the former deputy governor had vacated office.

He added that any allegations against Gwarzo would now be handled by appropriate anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

In a separate development, a lawmaker representing Kiru Constituency announced his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the African Democratic Congress, citing internal disputes within his former party and consultations with constituents.

The Assembly also reviewed the Local Government Audited Accounts for the year ending December 31, 2024. Presenting the report, Public Accounts Committee Chairman Tukur Muhammad Fagge commended lawmakers for their cooperation throughout the process.

Additionally, the House considered a motion moved by Abdulhamid Abdul Minjibir, Chairman of the Committee on Higher Education, seeking the establishment of Minjibir College of Education and Legal Studies.

The proposed institution is expected to improve access to higher education and reduce pressure on existing facilities in Kano.

In his remarks, Speaker Falgore congratulated residents of Kano State and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on the successful completion of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

He urged citizens to uphold the values of unity, peace, and discipline fostered during the fasting period as essential to the state’s continued development.

Former governors from Nigeria’s South-East region have declared their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also unveiling a new political platform to coordinate their engagement on regional and national issues.

The decision was announced in Enugu after a high-level meeting where the ex-governors inaugurated the South East Forum of Former Governors.

The gathering, held at the Presidential Lodge, was convened by the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi.

Reading from a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Umahi stated that the forum would serve as a non-partisan advisory body to support sitting governors in the region on key developmental and governance matters.

He explained that the endorsement of Tinubu’s second-term bid was based on what the group described as significant strides in infrastructure development and the inclusion of South-East indigenes in strategic national appointments.

Umahi also commended current governors in the zone for their efforts in improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting economic empowerment across their respective states.

According to him, the President’s financial interventions to states have played a vital role in enabling governors to execute projects and deliver on their mandates.

He further clarified that membership of the forum is open to all former governors from the South-East, regardless of political affiliation, with the aim of fostering unity and providing guidance on issues affecting the region.

Umahi noted that some former governors were absent due to health-related travel and prior commitments but are expected to attend subsequent meetings.

Those anticipated at the next session include Orji Uzor Kalu, Chimaroke Nnamani, Ikedi Ohakim, and Theodore Orji.

Attendees at the inaugural meeting included Martins Elechi, Sullivan Chime, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Chris Ngige.

Following the meeting, members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, where they discussed the need for closer collaboration between former and serving governors to drive development and strengthen regional cooperation.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned President Bola Tinubu that distributing food items as palliatives will not secure electoral legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that items such as rice, spaghetti, and noodles may provide short-term relief to citizens but cannot replace public trust or determine the outcome of elections.

He further alleged that despite the ruling All Progressives Congress expanding its political influence across the country, there are signs of unease within the government.

According to him, this reflects apprehension about opposition forces and the electorate.

Atiku claimed that the administration’s growing control over political structures and institutions has not translated into confidence but instead suggests concern over credible opposition and free political competition.

He also expressed worries about what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal crises and the use of judicial processes.

According to him, some court decisions have created confusion and raised questions about the integrity of legal procedures.

The former presidential candidate criticised what he termed the misuse of state power against opposition figures, citing instances of controversial detention orders and actions that could undermine democratic principles.

Warning against a potential drift toward a one-party system, Atiku said Nigeria risks eroding democratic values if the current trend continues, where elections may exist but genuine competition is limited.

He stressed that leadership should be determined by the will of the people rather than through institutional control or suppression of dissent.

He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively engaged as the next general elections approach.

Atiku concluded by questioning why a government with significant political control would still be wary of free and fair elections, insisting that Nigerians deserve both transparency and real choice at the polls.

The African Democratic Congress in Anambra State has announced the indefinite suspension of all scheduled and proposed congresses across the state.

The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the state leadership, signed by Chairman Patrick Obianyo and Secretary Lawrence Okeke, and made available to journalists in Awka.

According to the statement, the move reflects the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, due process, and respect for judicial authority.

Party members and stakeholders were urged to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding during this period.

The leadership also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise any actions or activities carried out by unauthorised individuals or groups claiming to represent the party in the state.

It further clarified that the tenure of the current ADC Executive Committee in Anambra, as well as in other states, remains valid and constitutionally recognised by INEC.

The public was advised to disregard any directives or announcements from individuals allegedly posing as party leaders without proper authority.

The party assured members that new dates for congresses and conventions would be communicated after the conclusion of ongoing consultations at the national level.

It also urged supporters to maintain unity and discipline as the situation unfolds.

This latest development adds to the growing internal tensions within the ADC, coming shortly after INEC reportedly withdrew recognition of a factional National Working Committee linked to David Mark, in compliance with a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo.