The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the arson attack on its Ekiti State secretariat, calling it a deliberate act of political terrorism intended to intimidate opposition parties ahead of the upcoming governorship election.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 21, when unknown assailants set fire to the ADC office located in Ado-Ekiti, just hours before the party’s planned Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony.

In a statement issued by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the ADC described the attack as part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting its members and infrastructure across multiple states.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to intervene and demand accountability.

“This was not an isolated incident,” Abdullahi said.

“It was a calculated attempt to sabotage our activities and send a chilling message to opposition parties nationwide.”

According to the party, the now-destroyed event was meant to reaffirm and reorganise its leadership across all levels, ward, local government, senatorial and state, as part of internal preparations for upcoming elections.

Abdullahi outlined a series of recent attacks on the ADC, which he claimed prove a coordinated campaign of suppression:

In Kaduna (August 30), party leaders were assaulted during an inauguration event.

In Lagos, ADC members were attacked in Alimosho.

In Kebbi, a convoy of party officials was ambushed in Birnin Kebbi in early September.

In Kogi, the party’s Dekina secretariat was targeted.

In Edo State, the sitting governor allegedly made veiled threats against ADC members.

“Each of these events might seem unrelated on the surface, but taken together, they reveal a pattern, five states, multiple attacks, a clear target,” he said.

“This is no longer partisan politics. It’s an attack on democracy itself.”

He also expressed concern over what he called a “troubling silence” from national institutions and democracy stakeholders.

“Where is the outrage from those who claim to defend democratic values? A political system that tolerates the violent suppression of opposition voices is heading toward crisis,” Abdullahi warned.

Despite the destruction in Ekiti, the ADC confirmed that its Affirmation Ceremony would still proceed “even if it has to take place under a tree.”

“To those who believe violence can silence us, we have a clear message: The ADC is not going anywhere. The fire in Ekiti is evidence that our message is working, that our movement is growing, and that the ruling party is scared,” the statement concluded.

The Nigerian Senate has taken a major step toward strengthening child protection laws by proposing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, with no option of fines.

The proposal forms part of a wider amendment to the Criminal Code Act, aimed at updating and reinforcing laws surrounding sexual offences.

The bill, Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, originated in the House of Representatives and was presented in the Senate by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

He emphasized that the amendment not only imposes stricter penalties but also seeks to eliminate gender bias in the prosecution of sexual crimes.

Currently, the offence of defilement carries a five-year jail term, but under the proposed changes, this would be upgraded to a mandatory life sentence.

Alongside this, the bill also recommends a minimum 10-year prison sentence for rape, which is defined in the bill as the act of forcing any person, male or female, to engage in sexual activity without consent, regardless of location.

A key clause, Clause 2(1), states:

“Any person who detains a man or boy, a girl or a woman against his or her will in any premises in order to have unlawful carnal knowledge of him or her; in a brothel or any place, commits a felony and attracts a minimum jail term of 10 years, on conviction.”

However, the bill’s progress was halted temporarily after intense discussions, particularly over a controversial clause related to abortion and its religious implications.

The Senate opted to step down the bill and referred it to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights for further review.

The committee is expected to report back within two weeks.

There was a brief moment of tension during proceedings when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to reopen debate on the abortion clause after the bill had already been withdrawn.

Her move was quickly challenged by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who raised a point of order, arguing that Senate rules do not allow discussion on matters that have already been ruled on or stepped down.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Oshiomhole’s objection, stating:

“I’m not a spirit to know what she wanted to say,” before ruling Senator Natasha out of order.

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded to the Senate the name of Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State for confirmation as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His nomination follows the elevation of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who previously held the position and became National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in July.

Born on 23 January 1969 in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr. Doro brings over two decades of experience across clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership and community engagement in both the UK and Nigeria.

He holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA with a focus on IT‑driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice.

He is also an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with frontline experience in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) in urgent care, walk‑in centres, GP practices and hospital settings.

Furthermore, Dr. Doro has been actively engaged in youth mentorship and social‑impact initiatives in both the diaspora and local communities.

A violent altercation reportedly broke out among members of the Labour Party (LP) caucus in the Abia State House of Assembly during a heated argument over the sharing of a cash gift allegedly disbursed by Alex Otti.

According to multiple sources, the Majority Leader of the House and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Okoro Uchenna Kalu, allegedly attacked his colleague, Akachukwu Ucheonye, who represents Aba Central State Constituency, with a beer bottle during the fracas.

The attack reportedly left Ucheonye with a deep head injury and a severe concussion.

The incident was said to have occurred at the Aba residence of Fyne Ahuama, member representing Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency, where the LP lawmakers had gathered for a caucus meeting.

Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa (Rt. Hon.) was reportedly present during the meeting and allegedly warned those in attendance not to leak details of the incident or report it to the police.

A source privy to the meeting confirmed the attack, stating:

“The lawmaker representing Aba Central, Hon. Ucheonye, suffered a broken head and serious concussion after the Majority Leader, Hon. Uchenna Kalu, struck him with a beer bottle. The attack followed disagreements during the sharing of money allegedly given to the LP caucus by Governor Alex Otti for passing the 2025 supplementary budget.”

Sources revealed that Governor Otti had “appreciated” the LP caucus for the swift passage of the ₦150 billion supplementary appropriation bill in August, which came in addition to the ₦750.3 billion 2025 budget tagged “Budget of Sustained Momentum.” An undisclosed amount of money was reportedly sent to the lawmakers as a token of appreciation.

However, a heated disagreement arose over how the funds should be shared.

Hon. Ucheonye, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Planning, allegedly demanded a larger share, citing his committee’s pivotal role in the budget process.

According to the source, his insistence angered the Majority Leader, leading to a verbal exchange that quickly escalated into a physical fight.

“While discussing the sharing formula for the money, Hon. Ucheonye insisted on taking a larger share. This infuriated the Majority Leader, who grabbed a beer bottle and broke it on his colleague’s head after a brief exchange of punches,” the source said.

Ucheonye was immediately rushed to a nearby private clinic, where he received treatment for his injuries.

In a message reportedly sent to Governor Otti, accompanied by pictures and video evidence of his treatment, he wrote:

“Good evening, Your Excellency. This is the wound I sustained from the Majority Leader for trying to voice my opinion on issues bordering on the committee I chair during our caucus meeting today at the premises of Hon. Fyne Ahuama in Aba.”

Sources also disclosed that Hon. Ucheonye was later discharged from the clinic to join his colleagues on a state‑sponsored trip to London, which reportedly cost taxpayers nearly ₦1 billion.

“Hon. Ucheonye was discharged from the clinic to join his colleagues on a state‑sponsored trip to London, United Kingdom,” one source confirmed.

The lawmakers reportedly travelled first class and lodged at the Premier Inn London Town Centre Hotel, Phillips House, 6 Lansdowne Rd, Croydon CR0 2BX.

However, the London trip allegedly turned chaotic as well.

Reports indicate that another confrontation erupted among the lawmakers on Sunday morning after accusations surfaced that Speaker Emeruwa, Deputy Speaker Augustine Meregini, and Majority Leader Uchenna Kalu had withheld part of the funds meant for the trip.

According to insiders, only 40% of the money released for the trip was shared with members, while the remaining funds were unaccounted for. Hotel security was reportedly called in to calm the situation.

“Plans are underway among disgruntled members to impeach the Speaker and principal officers over allegations of misappropriation and misconduct,” the source said.

The Abia State House of Assembly has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

Joy Ogah, a Nigerian teenager, stepped into the role of Vice President for a Day, using the opportunity to champion the rights, education, and well-being of girls across the country.

The symbolic event took place on Monday during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the group’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.

Sitting in the Vice President’s chair, Joy delivered a powerful message highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian girls, especially in education.

She cited that over 10.5 million children are currently out of school in Nigeria, more than 60% of them are girls.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” Joy said, urging policymakers to take action.

She called for free sanitary products in schools, clean water and proper sanitation, nutrition programs for school children and stronger protection policies for girls.

“Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, not silence,” she added.

“I may be Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”

Vice President Shettima responded by reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to promoting inclusive education and supporting girl-child empowerment.

“We will continue our collaboration with PLAN International and ensure the government lends its strength to your advocacy,” Shettima said.

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust and believe in.”

Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Enugu State, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, has lauded the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah, describing him as a leader who is genuinely committed to the transformation and development of the state.

Edeoga made the remarks on Monday during a private ceremony to mark his 61st birthday, held at his residence in Enugu.

The event, attended by family members, political associates and friends, turned into a platform for both celebration and reflection on the state’s future.

“Governor Mbah has continued to give reasons why he is a committed leader,” Edeoga said.

“Through visible actions and forward-thinking policies, he is demonstrating that true leadership is not about rhetoric, but about measurable impact.”

He noted that Enugu is fast becoming one of the most dynamic economies in the South-East, attributing this progress to Governor Mbah’s strategic governance and infrastructural investment.

“The transformation we’re seeing across Enugu, in infrastructure, governance and investment, is inspiring,” Edeoga added.

“It’s clear that Governor Mbah is driven by a sincere desire to build a prosperous future for all.”

Edeoga expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and good health as he marked another milestone in his life.

He thanked his family, friends, and supporters for organising what he described as a memorable and humbling celebration.

“I do not take this honour for granted,” he said.

“I deeply appreciate everyone who made today special. It’s a reminder that life’s true blessings lie in the people who walk with us through its journey.”

Turning to matters of governance, the former Commissioner urged political leaders across the state to set aside personal interests and partisan divisions in support of Governor Mbah’s administration.

“At this stage in our history, unity of purpose is what we need,” Edeoga stated.

“Let us rise above personal ambitions and work collectively to support good governance. When leaders pull in the same direction, the people benefit and the state moves forward faster.”