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2027: I’m Not Afraid Of Losing ADC Ticket To Atiku – Obi

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Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has dismissed concerns over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s alleged interest in clinching the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking to newsmen during a visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, Obi said he had no fears about Atiku’s political ambitions, describing him as a “respected elder brother.”

Obi’s response comes amid growing speculation that Atiku may seek to run under the ADC umbrella, especially as some of his loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reportedly defected to join the emerging ADC coalition, a development that has unsettled some members of Obi’s support base.

Tensions escalated after Atiku recently told BBC Hausa that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries, a statement widely interpreted as a declaration of intent for 2027.

Former senator, Shehu Sani, also weighed in via a post on X (formerly Twitter), warning that any candidate would face a tough challenge beating Atiku in a primary race.

But Obi played down the perceived rivalry, insisting the coalition forming around the ADC is focused on rescuing Nigeria, not political turf wars.

“Let me tell you, Atiku is a very dear elder brother and leader that I have a lot of respect for. I’m a member of the Labour Party and part of the coalition forming the ADC for the 2027 presidential election,” Obi said.

“Other parties and people are going to be part of it. All of us are coming together for a common purpose. That’s my belief.”

He emphasized that for the country to move forward, credible individuals across party lines must unite.

“For us to do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning people will have to come together to rescue the country.”

On whether he would contest in 2027, Obi was direct:

“I’m contesting, and I’m sure I will be. People will have to look at who is competent, who has the capacity. And I think I’m qualified. I have the capacity to do the job. I’m saying it over and over again in four years, I can change the trajectory of Nigeria in a positive way.”

He also urged a shift in national discourse from politics to real issues affecting Nigerians.

“We’ve talked too much politics in this country. I was in some villages in Anambra State and could see poverty everywhere. We’re talking about party chairmen, primaries, and things like that.

I want the new Nigeria to be focused on what will benefit the people.” he added.

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FG Terminates Port Harcourt–Aba Road Contract With CCECC Over Poor Performance

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The Federal Government has terminated the 43‑kilometre Port Harcourt–Aba road contract awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced after inspecting the project on Sunday.

Umahi said the decision was taken because the contractor repeatedly failed to rectify construction defects despite numerous warnings, leaving large sections of the road at risk of collapse even after substantial public funds had been spent.

“Today is the 19th of October, the Controller reported to me that the Aba‑bound of Port Harcourt‑Aba Road being constructed by CCECC is at the verge of total collapse,” the minister said.

He described the project as an inherited one and said his team had been trying to complete one carriageway while monitoring CCECC’s work on the other.

Umahi criticised the firm’s construction methods, saying binder layers had been laid for long stretches without the protective wearing course or properly finished shoulders.

“Their method of construction has been a very serious source of concern, where you will do binder for over a stretch of 30 kilometres and you are not putting wearing. We have issued warnings to CCECC more than 20 times,” he said.

The minister said he had visited the site multiple times.

“I have been here more than seven times. If you get to Port Harcourt end, which they did about two years or thereabouts, the entire road has almost totally failed,” Umahi added, urging the press to document the project’s failure after taxpayers’ money had been expended.

Umahi said the Ministry of Works will seek qualified indigenous contractors to take over and complete the Port Harcourt‑bound section immediately.

He warned, however, that CCECC must still remove the existing binder, work the company had been paid for, and properly reinstate the road where necessary.

“The site handled by CCECC should issue them a 14‑day notice of termination of this job,” the minister declared, adding that if CCECC failed to mill out and replace the binder at its own cost within that period, the government would move to close down all its projects in Nigeria. “If they don’t do that, I will shut down all their projects in Nigeria. I will do that.”

Umahi said he would publish the warnings previously issued to CCECC so the public could see the correspondence, stressing that persistent noncompliance could have legal consequences for personnel on the project.

“When we manage to pay, and then they cannot do the right construction, then they have to pay for it. If from tomorrow they don’t get to start amending this, I will come back and arrest the Chinese people who are on this project because they have taken the money, and they have to maintain these places,” he said.

He expressed disappointment that a contractor handling more than 25 government jobs would deliver such poor workmanship and reiterated that the termination decision had been taken to protect public safety.

“Now it is developing, and very soon vehicles will start falling, and then people will start dying, and nobody will call them. So if they don’t do it, I will get them arrested,” Umahi warned.

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How I Went From ‘Waka Pass’ Roles To My First N1m – Funke Akindele

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Award-winning Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele has shared an inspiring reflection on her rise in the Nigerian film industry, revealing how she went from playing minor “waka pass” roles to earning her first ₦1 million.

In a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday, Akindele detailed her humble beginnings, noting that her acting journey began in 1996, during which she struggled to get meaningful roles despite attending countless auditions.

“I started acting in 1996, doing waka pass roles and going from one audition to another. I kept hearing ‘no’ until I finally got a big ‘yes’ with I Need to Know. That was when I earned my first one million naira,” she said.

Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she was cast as Bisi, a lead role in the popular educational TV series I Need to Know.

The role, she said, not only changed her fortunes but marked a major turning point in her career.

However, getting the part wasn’t without challenges. Akindele recalled that she almost lost the role due to her performance during the pilot episode.

“I performed so well during the pilot and was waiting for a call that didn’t come on time. When they eventually called me in, they said I was overacting and asked me to go back and study the character again,” she explained.

It was her younger sister who eventually helped her perfect the role.

After observing Akindele’s performance, she offered some honest feedback and acted out the part of a teenager to help her adjust.

“She told me I didn’t sound like a teenager. Then she read the script and acted it out for me. I picked it up from there, and that was how I truly became Bisi,” Akindele added.

Her portrayal of Bisi resonated with audiences, boosting her visibility and launching her path to becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable and successful figures.

On what she did with her first ₦1 million, Akindele shared that the first person she showed the money to was her mother, who advised her to give her tithe before spending it.

“I didn’t have good shoes or decent clothes. I paid my tithe and went to Yaba to buy new ones. The girl who once had nothing finally had something,” she said with pride.

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Don’t Come Close To Aso Rock, National Assembly – Police Warn #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters

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The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to protest groups planning demonstrations in Abuja, particularly those pushing for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Force cited a recent court ruling restricting protests in high-security zones of the Federal Capital Territory.

The warning follows a judgment by Justice M.G. Umar on October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 Others.

The court barred protests in and around the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In a statement, Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said:

“The Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance with constitutional provisions.”

“In deference to the authority of the Court and in line with the constitutional mandate of the Police to enforce law and order, the Force hereby calls on all groups, whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.
The directive remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings.”

The planned protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, is being organized under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign.

Kanu has been in custody since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021 and is facing terrorism-related charges.

While affirming citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression, Hundeyin stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly:

“The Court’s intervention is a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms. Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order.”

“The Force will ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens.”

The police also warned that anyone found inciting violence, either in person or online, will be prosecuted.

The statement added that digital evidence will be used to track social media incitement and other forms of coordination likely to cause unrest.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and operational commands to enforce the order strictly.

Security will be heightened at sensitive locations across the capital to maintain order.

In response, activist and protest leader Omoyele Sowore rejected the police’s interpretation of the court order. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he stated:

“There is no valid court order restricting the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest from Aso Rock Villa.”

Sowore argued that the order is legally ineffective since it was never served to the defendants or organizers:

“Under Nigerian law, an ex parte order that is not served within the required timeframe expires automatically.”

“In other words, there is nothing to defy, no binding restriction, no valid injunction. The people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest remains intact and unstoppable.”

He also accused the police of applying double standards, noting that pro-Kanu protest groups had demonstrated for three days without legal obstruction:

“The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable.”

Sowore announced that a team of 115 lawyers is prepared to challenge the court order once served:

“Our legal team will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday. But let it be known that nothing can stop this mass movement.”

He further cautioned police authorities against the use of force or unlawful arrests, calling on officers to act within the law:

“We are calling on CP Dantawaye and every officer of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold their oath of allegiance to Nigerians, protect citizens, and respect the inalienable right to peaceful assembly.”

“Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions. The Nigerian people will hold accountable those who attempt brutality swiftly. Times are changing fast, and our citizens have been taken advantage of for too long.”

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NDLEA Intercepts Drugs Hidden In Frozen Snails, Bulbs, Clothes Bound For UK, US, DRC

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Dailygazettenig
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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered multiple attempts to smuggle illicit drugs out of Nigeria using unusual concealment methods, including frozen snails, electrical bulbs, and women’s clothing.

The interceptions were made at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and at a courier facility in Lagos, targeting shipments heading to the United Kingdom, United States, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Two individuals have already been arrested in connection with the smuggling attempts.

On October 7, NDLEA officers apprehended Boladale Riliwan, a cargo agent, after 15 parcels of skunk (a potent strain of cannabis) were found hidden in 10 giant rechargeable electrical bulbs prepared for shipment to the DRC.

Just days later, on October 12, another suspect, Olawale Oyebola Hakeemot, a 48-year-old UK-based Public Health Assistant, was arrested at Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport.

She was caught attempting to smuggle 2,300 tablets of Tramadol (225mg) cleverly concealed in frozen snails bound for Manchester.

On October 16, officers also thwarted an attempt to export 810 bromazepam pills to the United States, hidden among women’s clothes.

In a separate operation in Adamawa State, NDLEA personnel intercepted Bello Buba at a checkpoint in Yola South.

He was caught with 38,270 Tramadol tablets concealed in the spare tyre, boot, and door panels of his vehicle.

Investigations revealed the drugs had been trafficked from Benin Republic.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA has also intensified its crackdown on cannabis cultivation.

In Ekiti State, operatives destroyed 53,250 kilograms of skunk across 21.3 hectares of farmland in Ilawe-Ekiti, and recovered another 1,140 kilograms during raids in Ekiti and Ondo States.

Several young men between the ages of 20 and 27 were arrested in connection with the operation.

Additional seizures were made in Oyo, Ogun, Imo, and Enugu States, where various suspects were caught with large quantities of skunk and opioid tablets.

In Lagos, a Mushin-based suspect was arrested with 117 kilograms of skunk, while a significant haul of 80,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup from India was intercepted at Apapa Port during a joint inspection with Nigeria Customs Service.

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the efforts of officers involved in the operations and emphasized the need for sustained action across the country.

“The balanced approach to drug control must be sustained across all Commands,” he said.

In addition to enforcement, the agency continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting awareness programmes in schools, workplaces, and communities across Nigeria.

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22-Year-Old Hairdresser Commits Suicide In Enugu After Discovering Boyfriend’s Infidelity

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Tragedy struck over the weekend as a 22-year-old lady, Miss Odama Mary Agado, reportedly took her own life after discovering her boyfriend with another woman in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.

Mary, who hailed from Woleche-Ipuole in Yahe Ward, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, was said to have ingested a poisonous substance suspected to be sniper after the heartbreaking incident.

Sources said the deceased, a hairstylist based in Enugu, had been doing well in her business and had recently bought a car and rented an apartment for her boyfriend.

According to a family source identified as Daniel, the young woman became distraught after visiting her boyfriend last Friday only to find him with another lady in the apartment she had rented for him.

“She became very angry and left for her own apartment. There, she called her mother and told her what happened. She also said her mother should take whatever happened in good faith, that she wouldn’t live again,” Daniel said.

He added that the girl’s mother, who reportedly had no airtime to call her back, did not raise an alarm or alert neighbours until she later received a call that her daughter had drunk sniper and was rushed to the hospital.

Efforts by doctors to save her life reportedly failed, and she was confirmed dead later that evening.

Her body was taken to her village in Yala, where she was buried on Saturday.

“Immediately the body arrived, we dug a grave and buried her because she was too young to be kept for a customary burial ceremony,” Daniel said.

The family did not report the matter to the police, insisting that she took her own life.

“We are at a loss as to why she should take such action over a boyfriend. Some people say she was spiritually manipulated, but whatever it was, no blame game will bring her back,” Daniel added.

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Ministerial Slot: Enugu Submits Three Names To Presidency For Consideration Following Uche Nnaji’s Resignation

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Dailygazettenig
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Following the resignation of Uche Geoffrey Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Enugu State has submitted three names to the Presidency for consideration as his replacement, DAILY GAZETTE gathered.

Chief Uche Nnaji who was appointed in August 2023, stepped down on October 7, 2025, amid serious allegations of certificate forgery involving both his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

DAILY GAZETTE had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu accepted Nnaji’s resignation.

While Nnaji insisted his resignation was not an admission of guilt, many believed its inevitable, given the mounting evidence and growing public pressure.

In light of the vacancy, DAILY GAZETTE has learned that Enugu State has formally forwarded three potential nominees to the Presidency, each with varying political backgrounds and senatorial considerations.

According to sources, the names submitted include: Dr. Davidson Nnamani, a scholar and strategist, Barr Sullivan Chime, a former governor and Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the immediate past governor of Enugu State.

Enugu politics is segmented by zoning. The question of which senatorial zone “deserves” the ministerial slot now looms as a key factor.

Stay tuned…

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FG Makes U-turn, Says Maths, English Still Mandatory In O’Level Exams Despite New Admission Policy

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The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students writing O’Level examinations, despite recent updates to admission requirements for tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education clarified that the newly introduced flexible admission policy does not exempt any student from registering for or sitting the two core subjects.

The clarification followed widespread misinterpretation of the revised framework, which was intended to broaden access to higher education and prevent qualified candidates from being excluded due to deficiencies in non-relevant subjects.

Speaking on the matter, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, emphasized that the policy is about flexibility, not elimination, of foundational requirements.

“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects not directly related to their chosen fields,” said Alausa.

He noted that while the new framework allows universities and polytechnics to adjust admission criteria for specific programmes, students are still required to take both English and Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

According to Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, the new policy aligns with global standards and the government’s broader goals of equity, inclusivity, and human capital development, without compromising the quality and integrity of education.

“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their SSCE. They remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the ministry stated.

The Ministry also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely only on official government platforms for accurate information on education reforms.

It reiterated its commitment to building an inclusive and globally competitive education system anchored in integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity.

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‘Regina Daniels Needs Rehab, Not Drama, Her Breakdown Fueled By Drugs’ – Ned Nwoko Alleges In Explosive Reaction

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Senator Ned Nwoko has responded publicly to the viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, alleging her actions stem from substance abuse and profound marital turmoil.

In a post on his Instagram account @princenednwoko, Nwoko described the actress’s recent behaviour as “drug‑influenced” and characterised the incident in their home as “unprovoked carnage.”

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem,” he wrote.

“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety.”

He went on to claim that during his absence, Regina went on a destructive rampage at their residence, assaulting staff, damaging property and wreaking havoc without any apparent reason.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.”

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” he alleged.

Nwoko said he had offered two rehabilitation options, one in Asokoro, Nigeria, and another in Jordan, to prevent her from accessing more drugs.

He further claimed that the drama at home was compounded by interfering associates, whom he called “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier. Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,” he stated in his post.

The allegations came after a video showing Regina in a highly agitated state during a confrontation, went viral.

In the clip, she is heard saying:

“In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Regina’s brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman (better known as Sammy West), also reacted on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and promising to defend her rights.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

At this time, neither Regina Daniels nor her representatives have issued a public statement in response to Nwoko’s allegations.

The cause of the altercation remains unclear.

Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has long drawn public attention in part due to the couple’s 40‑year age gap and Nwoko’s high‑profile status as a politician and businessman.

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Israel Resumes Airstrikes In Gaza After Ceasefire Breach, Accuses Hamas Of Truce Violation

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After a brief pause under a 48‑hour truce, Israeli forces resumed airstrikes in southern Gaza, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accusing Hamas of committing a “bold violation of the ceasefire.”

The latest strikes targeted Rafah, one of Gaza’s southernmost cities, which had been relatively shielded during earlier phases of the conflict.

The truce, meant to ease tensions and allow humanitarian relief, was shattered when Israeli officials claimed that Hamas forces launched attacks on IDF troops stationed near the Rafah boundary.

In response, Israel initiated air raids, asserting that these actions constituted a breach of the agreed terms of the ceasefire.

According to the military, Hamas fighters allegedly crossed into zones protected by the truce agreement, prompting an immediate Israeli retaliation.

The situation remains tense as both sides present conflicting narratives.

The Doha talks in Qatar led to a renewed understanding in which both nations pledged to institute an “immediate ceasefire”, establish mechanisms for peace and stability, hold follow-up meetings, notably, the next one is slated for October 25 in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif (though this name may refer to Pakistan context; there may be mixing in source) and other officials reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect for sovereignty and a halt to cross-border hostilities.

In a parallel move, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office declared that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt would remain closed indefinitely, citing noncompliance by Hamas with the return of deceased hostages as a reason.

Despite the ceasefire’s intention to relieve civilian suffering, the closure of the Rafah crossing has continued to choke off humanitarian access.

Many aid groups see this as a violation of the spirit, if not letter, of the agreement.

In recent days, around 38 Palestinians have reportedly been killed amid what Gaza’s media office calls 47 separate ceasefire violations.

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