The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised the recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protests, describing them as a calculated political move by opposition elements desperate to stay relevant.

Speaking on Monday, APC spokesperson Mogaji Seye Oladejo said the protests were not genuine expressions of concern for justice but rather acts of political desperation.

According to him, the agitation is being driven by opposition leaders trying to manipulate national sentiment and unrest for their own benefit.

Oladejo reaffirmed that the case involving Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains under the jurisdiction of the courts.

He stressed that Nigeria’s judiciary is fully capable of handling the matter fairly without public pressure or street protests.

He also took aim at the protest organisers, accusing them of exploiting the suffering of the South East region for political gain.

He referenced the region’s experience with violence, kidnappings, and disruptive sit-at-home orders, suggesting that these demonstrations trivialise the pain and trauma endured by affected communities.

“This protest isn’t about justice, it’s about political bitterness and manipulation,” Oladejo said.

“It’s a reckless ploy by those who have been rejected at the polls, trying to spark unrest in the name of activism.”

He further claimed that some opposition leaders were backing and financing the protests, warning that their actions represent a form of deceit, what he called “the hand of Jacob, the voice of Esau.”

Oladejo praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it is focused on economic recovery, national unity, and attracting investment.

He urged Nigerians, particularly leaders from the South East, to resist being drawn into divisive politics.

He concluded by calling on security agencies to remain alert, adding that while democracy guarantees free expression, the current protests cross the line from civil advocacy to political sabotage.

“We must reject politics driven by chaos and desperation,” he said.

“True progress lies in unity and constructive dialogue, not reckless protests orchestrated for selfish political purposes.”

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to account for an alleged ₦18.6 billion missing from the controversial National Assembly Commission Office Complex project.

In a letter dated October 18, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group demanded that the leadership of the National Assembly disclose the identity of the “fictitious construction company” reportedly paid billions for the project.

SERAP also requested details of the company’s directors, shareholders, and registered address.

The demand follows findings in the 2022 Auditor-General’s report, which raised red flags over irregularities surrounding the contract award and execution.

“The contract was awarded without any needs assessment, public advertisements, competitive bidding, or approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),” the letter stated.

According to the Auditor-General’s report, the National Assembly Service Commission paid ₦11.6 billion to an unknown company over a 24-month period for the conversion of the National Assembly’s roof garden into office space, a contract that was allegedly inflated by ₦6.9 billion.

The report noted that the Bill of Quantity was not priced, no valid agreement was signed before payment, there was no Federal Executive Council approval and the entire project lacked necessary procurement documentation.

The audit report, released on September 9, 2025, expressed concerns that the ₦18.6 billion earmarked for the project could be unaccounted for.

SERAP described the revelations as a “grave violation of public trust and constitutional responsibility,” and urged the leadership of the National Assembly to take immediate steps to investigate the matter and refer it to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for recovery of any missing funds.

“The National Assembly can only lead by example in the fight against corruption if it holds itself to the same standards it demands of others,” SERAP said.

The group warned that failure to act within seven days of receiving the letter would result in legal action to compel compliance.

Citing Sections 13, 15(5), and 16 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention Against Corruption, SERAP reminded the legislature of its duty to promote transparency, public welfare, and proper management of public resources.

“Addressing this matter would demonstrate a commitment to accountability and help rebuild public trust,” the organisation concluded.

The wave of resignations trailing the defection of Senator Kelvin Chizoba Chukwu from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued, as another aide, Hon. Ekene Egbo, has formally stepped down from his role.

Egbo, who served as the Special Assistant on Nkanu West Matters, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the Senator through his Chief of Staff, Hon. Victor Eneh.

The letter obtained by DAILY GAZETTE which was dated October 20, Egbo cited Senator Chukwu’s recent switch to the APC as the principal reason for his departure.

“My reason is sequel to your recent defection to the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), which I’m not willing to join you,” Egbo wrote.

“The preceding decision is in tandem with the dictates of my conscience, which incidentally I can neither contest nor treat with levity.”

While expressing his unwavering loyalty to the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement, Egbo affirmed his continued support for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that he remains “ever-ready to navigate with Peter Obi through thick and thin.”

The resignation is the latest in a growing list of political fallouts since Senator Chukwu, elected under the Labour Party, announced his defection to the APC.

Despite his resignation, Egbo extended his appreciation to the senator for the opportunity to serve, describing the experience as a privilege.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to you for having considered me worthy to serve during the short period,” he added, wishing the senator success in his political journey with the APC.

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police over an alleged forgery of his signature on a party letter linked to the PDP’s upcoming national convention.

In three separate petitions dated October 15, 2025, Anyanwu claimed a letter submitted to INEC regarding the 2025 elective convention was forged, citing a fake version of his signature.

The document, dated August 25 and referenced PDP/DOM/GF.2/Vol.1M/25-140, was reportedly sent without his consent or knowledge.

Calling the development “shocking,” he urged the authorities to investigate and prosecute those behind the alleged forgery, accusing some PDP officers and collaborators within INEC of criminal conduct.

However, DAILY GAZETTE’s findings contradict Anyanwu’s claims.

Internal party records reportedly show that he co-signed the letter in question alongside the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

This was also echoed during the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, chair of the PDP Governors’ Forum, publicly confirmed that all communications to INEC had been signed by the National Working Committee (NWC).

Notably, Anyanwu was present at the meeting and did not object to this declaration.

Party insiders have interpreted Anyanwu’s petitions as politically motivated, possibly influenced by external pressure.

A South-East NEC member suggested the move was an attempt to create confusion ahead of the scheduled convention in Ibadan.

Anyanwu, a known ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has had a turbulent tenure.

Although he was briefly removed from office, the Supreme Court reversed that decision in March, reinstating him as National Secretary.

Despite the controversy, the PDP leadership insists the convention plans remain on course.

The federal government has formally rejected reports of a failed coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, reaffirming confidence in the armed forces’ leadership.

Speaking to the press, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government “has no reason to doubt what the Defence Headquarters has stated” and reiterated full support for the military’s work defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Last Saturday, the Defence Headquarters dismissed an online publication’s claim that 16 military officers had been detained over an alleged coup plot, a claim that also sought to link the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade to a move to topple the government.

Brig.‑Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said the cancellation of the parade was “purely administrative” and tied to the President’s foreign engagement and ongoing military operations, not any plot to seize power.

He described the rumour as “false and malicious, intended to create unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

The government, for its part, reiterated faith in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and pledged “continued support … in their task of ensuring the security of Nigeria.”

Nevertheless, opposition parties and some civil society actors are demanding more transparency.

For example, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Labour Party say Nigerians have a right to know the nature of any investigations involving security personnel.

They argue detention of officers, if true, must follow due process and should not fuel rumours of unrest.

Meanwhile, the pan‑Yoruba socio‑political group Afenifere warned against any military incursion into government, reasoning that a coup would jeopardize the country’s democratic gains.

The group proclaimed its support for the President’s government, urging the public to resist efforts to subvert constitutional rule.

According to Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, the constitution clearly prohibits extra‑constitutional changes of government, and past military takeovers have left Nigeria with scars of institutional collapse and economic retrogression.

They reiterated their view that reform must come through lawful means, not the barrel of a gun, and called on ambitious officers to resign their commissions if they wish to test their popularity outside the uniform.