Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has condemned the arrest of officials from the Development Control Department of the FCT Administration by the police, following the demolition of 11 duplexes reportedly built under high-tension power lines in Abuja.

The structures, located in Apo-Dutse District, were said to belong to the Police Pension Commission.

According to the FCTA, the buildings posed a serious safety risk and had been constructed in violation of development regulations.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the site on Friday evening, Minister Wike expressed dismay that a government agency such as the Nigerian Police would flout building regulations it is expected to enforce.

“Yesterday, I received a report from the Development Control Department that buildings were being erected under high-tension lines. These structures, unfortunately, belong to the Nigerian Police,” Wike said.

“They applied for building approval, but the request was denied due to the location. Despite this, they ignored warnings and continued construction. Even more troubling is that when enforcement officials arrived, they were arrested by the Police. I had to come here myself to assess the situation.”

Minister Wike reiterated that no institution is above the law, adding that the government must lead by example in upholding regulations.

“Even if there were no high-tension cables, once approval has been denied by Development Control, no agency has the right to proceed with construction. We must enforce laws, not break them.”

Director of the Development Control Department, Muktar Galadima, provided background on the matter. He confirmed that the disputed site, Plot 189, Cadastral Zone B14, Dutse District, was allocated to the Nigeria Police Force in 2018 for institutional development.

“When they applied for approval, we conducted a site inspection and found that the proposed structures were directly beneath a high-tension electricity line. Based on this, we denied the application and issued several warning notices,” Galadima said.

He further revealed that the Department of Engineering had also identified the site as a key location for a flood-control bridge, making it unsuitable for residential construction.

“Despite these warnings, the Police proceeded with excavation and construction. During our enforcement action, some of our staff were detained by the Police. I had to escalate the issue to the Minister, who responded promptly.”

The FCTA has maintained that it acted in the public interest, citing both safety concerns and legal violations as justification for the demolition.

Minister Wike warned that future violations, regardless of the offender’s identity, would be met with strict enforcement.

“Lawlessness cannot be tolerated in any form. Government institutions must set the standard for accountability and rule of law,” Wike concluded.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has announced that a number of high-profile members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are set to formally join the ruling party in the coming week.

This development comes amid a surge of defections into the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, bolstering the party’s political momentum.

Speaking during a strategic meeting with APC stakeholders in Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Yilwatda revealed that several former members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who had previously moved to the ADC are now making their way back to the APC.

“Next week, I’ll be receiving some notable figures from the ADC. Many of them had earlier defected from the PDP, but they are returning to the APC fold,” he said.

Dr. Yilwatda added that several of the defectors have “completed their medicals”, a reference to internal party assessments and will be officially unveiled soon.

The APC chairman hinted that another significant political figure, who recently hinted at a defection, will be formally welcomed in the next two weeks.

“He tried to unveil himself earlier this week, you may have seen it in the news, but we’ll officially receive him soon. Expect more major announcements,” he said.

Describing the APC as the “bride of the moment,” Dr. Yilwatda said the party’s doors remain open to politicians from across the spectrum, including governors, senators, and other lawmakers, who wish to join.

“In APC, you don’t have to be there from the start to be recognized. Once you join, you become a full member with all rights and privileges. I am living proof of that principle,” he added.

The Obidient Movement has announced that it is fully prepared for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State, declaring that it has deployed Polling Unit Commanders to every one of the state’s 5,720 polling units.

Speaking at a press briefing in Awka on Friday, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the Movement’s National Coordinator, said:

“From Awka to Awkuzu, from Nnewi to every ward and community, the Obidient family is alive, active and alert. The days of results being written in back rooms are over.”

He further explained that the movement has integrated digital monitoring tools and intelligence networks to track accreditation, voting and result‑transmission in real time.

Dr. Tanko dismissed reports of internal division within the group, stating:

“There is no faction, no confusion. We are one, and we stand ready to protect the people’s will.”

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain impartiality and warned that any breach of the electoral process would be met with lawful and democratic resistance.

He also urged security agencies to guarantee voter safety, emphasising the need for unfettered, intimidation‑free voting.

“To every Anambra citizen: your vote is your power, protect it, use it wisely, and stand firm for integrity and character,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Tanko declared that the Obidient Movement is not simply participating in the election, it is leading a generational shift in Nigeria’s political culture.

“The world is watching, Nigeria is watching, and the future is watching. We, the Obidients, are ready. A new Anambra is possible, and together, we will make it happen.”

The Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), under the leadership of Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, has ordered all local government council officials to wear caps featuring President Bola Tinubu’s insignia during official meetings.

According to a statement by Ekpeson’s media aide, Agbukor Apeakhuye, the directive covers supervisory councillors, senior special assistants (SSAs), and special assistants (SAs).

Ekpeson explained that the move is designed to visibly express grassroots solidarity with Tinubu’s administration and to reflect the party’s political unity in Edo State.

He added that the decision aligns with a recent call by Governor Monday Okpebholo for political alignment across the state, implying that symbolic displays like the wearing of the caps will help reinforce that message.

Ekpeson also appealed to all local government leaders to take the directive seriously, arguing that a unified visual display of support would project strength and cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following his participation in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting held in Rome, Italy.

The summit, which took place on Wednesday, October 15, was hosted at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art and focused on enhancing regional and global cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism, with a strong emphasis on challenges facing West Africa.

The Aqaba Process is a strategic counter-terrorism initiative launched in 2015 by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.

The Rome session was co-chaired by the Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of Italy.

Since inception, the Aqaba Process has convened 33 sessions involving leaders, security experts, and technical professionals, all centered on prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in the global fight against terrorism.

This year’s meeting drew the participation of several world leaders and delegations, including: King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone and Togo, Azouz Nasri, President of Algeria’s Upper House as well as Delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan.

All proceedings were held behind closed doors to allow for confidential discussions on regional security strategies.

On the sidelines of the summit, president Tinubu held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Senior Adviser on Arab and African Affairs and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.

The meeting with Cardinal Parolin reportedly focused on promoting religious harmony in Nigeria, countering perceptions that the country is intolerant of religious diversity.

In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

He also addressed the need to combat disinformation campaigns that misrepresent the country’s social and religious dynamics.

The internal crisis within the Labour Party (LP) has resurfaced, following the appearance of Barrister Julius Abure, the party’s embattled National Chairman and Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the factional National Secretary, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties.

Photos of the duo attending the meeting as LP representatives were shared on Tuesday by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in Abuja.

The meeting is part of INEC’s routine engagement with political parties, typically attended by officially recognised national chairpersons and secretaries.

It remains unclear whether members of the interim leadership committee, reportedly headed by Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, were also present at the event.

A search of the INEC website by DAILY GAZETTE shows Abure’s name clearly listed as the sole National Chairman of the party.

Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, citing growing economic hardship, insecurity, and what he described as selfish governance.

Aregbesola made the call on Saturday during the unveiling and commissioning of the new Kwara State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Basin, Ilorin.

Addressing party members and supporters, Aregbesola lamented the deteriorating state of the nation under the APC-led federal government.

“There is hunger everywhere. Unemployment is worsening, and insecurity is rising,” he said.

“₦10,000 used to be enough to start a small business, but today even ₦200,000 can’t get you off the ground. Those in government today think only of themselves.”

He further criticized the government’s neglect of critical infrastructure, citing the poor state of major roads such as Ilorin–Ibadan, Ilorin–Lokoja, and Ilorin–Offa, which he said have been abandoned in favour of less impactful projects.

Aregbesola, who has aligned himself with the ADC, urged members of the party to embark on aggressive grassroots mobilisation to enlighten Nigerians on the party’s mission and vision.

“Talk about ADC everywhere, in markets, workplaces, mosques, churches. Let the people know that there is a party that truly cares about their lives,” he encouraged.

Former Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Ahmed, in his welcome remarks, described the event as a turning point for the political climate in the state.

“This is the start of a new political direction. ADC believes in inclusiveness, and we’re building a party where both men and women have a voice in shaping our future,” Ahmed said.

Similarly, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the commissioning as the official flag-off of the party’s structure in Kwara State.

“We are growing. ADC is not yet where it wants to be, but we are on the path. With God’s help, we will continue to expand and deliver true governance to Nigerians,” he stated.

In a major boost for the party, Babatunde Muhammad, a former Kwara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally defected to the ADC alongside thousands of his supporters.

The defection was received with enthusiasm by party members, who see it as a sign of growing acceptance of the ADC as a viable alternative to the dominant political parties.

In a goodwill message, Hon. Danladi from Offa Local Government praised Aregbesola for his bold stance and commitment to the masses.

“Today, our roads are in terrible shape, there’s no water, insecurity is everywhere, it feels like there’s no governance. But the ADC gives hope because it is built on equality and integrity,” he said.

The people of Kogi State have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, endorsing them for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement came during a massive rally organized by All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the state, led by Senator Smart Adeyemi, and attended by key political figures, party loyalists, and thousands of supporters.

Former Kogi State Governor and APC leader, Yahaya Bello, formally moved the motion to endorse President Tinubu for a second term, citing his enduring commitment to democracy and national development.

“President Tinubu laid down his life for democracy in Nigeria, and has consistently demonstrated vision, leadership, and inclusiveness,” Bello said.

The motion was seconded by Senator Smart Adeyemi, chairman of the rally’s organising committee.

In a separate motion, Bello also moved for the endorsement of Governor Ododo for re-election in 2027.

This was seconded by the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf.

Bello outlined three key reasons behind the endorsement of President Tinubu:

– Dedication to democracy; He praised Tinubu’s decades-long commitment to democratic governance.

– Mentorship and inclusive leadership; Tinubu was lauded as a “humanist and visionary” who empowered younger leaders, including those in Kogi.

– Founding the APC; Bello emphasized Tinubu’s role in building the APC into a dominant political force in Nigeria and across Africa.

“Above all, Tinubu was created with a special grace of God. No one can fight that grace and succeed,” Bello declared, urging Nigerians to rally behind the President.

Several high-ranking APC figures in Kogi echoed support for the joint endorsement, including Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, APC State Chairman, Hon. Halims Abdullahi, Member, House of Representatives, Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa, Former APC National Women Leader, Hajiya Halima Alfa, Former Commissioner, Prince Matthew Kolawole, Former Speaker, Kogi House of Assembly

They described both Tinubu and Ododo as leaders committed to progress, development, and national unity.

In his welcome remarks, Senator Smart Adeyemi described the event as a turning point in the state’s political history.

“Today’s endorsement rally is proof that APC in Kogi is stronger than ever. We are not just endorsing our President and Governor; we are reaffirming our readiness to deliver in 2027,” he said.

He praised Tinubu’s administration for policies geared toward job creation, economic diversification, poverty reduction, student loans, and social security.

“While the opposition squanders national assets, Tinubu and Ododo are building for the masses,” Adeyemi stated.

In his response, Governor Ododo thanked the people of Kogi for their support and hailed President Tinubu for providing a strong governance model.

“Kogi is replicating the good governance template of President Tinubu. Our development efforts are already a campaign for him,” he said.

Ododo assured citizens of continued progress under his leadership, pledging not to betray the trust reposed in him.

Dr. Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, a former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dudafa, who also once served as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, made the announcement in a press statement released in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

In a formal resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma Opokuma Local Government Area, Dudafa cited internal crises and unresolved disputes within the party as his main reasons for leaving.

“Unresolved conflicts, especially at the national level, have continued to stall progress and foster an atmosphere of division rather than unity,” he stated.

He added that the decision came after extensive consultations with his political associates, supporters, and family members.

“Throughout my time in the PDP, I remained committed to our collective goals. However, after careful reflection and discussions with those closest to me, I have decided to move on,” Dudafa said.

Confirming his switch to the APC, Dudafa urged his supporters to remain united and committed to the ideals of development and progress.

He did not provide specific details about his new role within the ruling party but affirmed that the move is aimed at aligning with a political platform that “reflects his current aspirations.”

Dr. Dudafa’s defection is expected to spark discussions within Bayelsa’s political landscape, given his close ties to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is regarded as a father figure to him.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly denied claims that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations was connected to an alleged coup attempt by some military officers.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, dismissed the allegations as false, malicious, and designed to incite fear and mistrust among citizens.

“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an attempted military coup,” the statement read in part.

Online news platform Sahara Reporters had earlier alleged that 16 military officers, from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

It further suggested that the suspension of the October 1 parade was related to this supposed plot.

However, the DHQ firmly refuted the narrative, clarifying that the cancellation of the Independence Day activities was a strategic and administrative decision.

According to the military, the parade was shelved to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend an important bilateral engagement abroad and to enable military personnel to focus on ongoing security operations across the country.

“The decision regarding the cancellation… was to allow Mr President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry,” Gusau explained.

While confirming that 16 officers are currently under investigation, the DHQ clarified that the matter is not political or related to a coup, but rather a routine disciplinary issue being handled internally.

“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement noted.

Reiterating its unwavering commitment to democratic governance, the DHQ assured Nigerians that the military remains fully loyal to the 1999 Constitution and the civilian government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government… Democracy is forever,” said Gusau.

He called on the public to disregard the coup rumours, support the Armed Forces, and continue working towards national peace and stability.

“The executive, legislature, and judiciary are aligned in their commitment to Nigeria’s development and security. Citizens should unite in preserving peace and strengthening democracy,” he added.