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.

Thousands of residents of Dunukofia Local Government Area in Anambra State have unanimously endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term, ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

The endorsement came during a rally held at the LGA headquarters in Ukpo on Friday, coinciding with the community’s annual New Yam Festival, “Iweife-Ubi.” Supporters turned out in large numbers to welcome Governor Soludo, his wife Dr. Nonye Soludo, and Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

At the event, residents donated an undisclosed sum to support Soludo’s re-election campaign. The rally also featured the inauguration of the Dunukofia legislative building.

In his speech, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, recalling the area’s strong backing during the 2021 election.

“We won resoundingly in Dunukofia in 2021, and I’ve been told we will win all the wards and polling units again,” he said.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Soludo said, “We have laid a solid foundation in the last three and a half years. There are massive improvements in education. Public schools, which were in a terrible state, have seen significant upgrades.”

The governor also mentioned the employment of 8,115 new teachers, improved public health facilities, and restored security across the state.

“What we have achieved in this first term is more than what some administrations did in eight years,” he added.

Soludo assured residents of continued development in his second term, pledging more infrastructure, education reforms, and youth empowerment initiatives.

The President-General of Ukpo, Cyril Ezewulu, described Soludo’s re-election as “non-negotiable,” stating that Dunukofia is fully behind the governor and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

“Nobody in Dunukofia will vote for any other political party,” he declared.

Chairman of Dunukofia LGA, Clement Ozumba, praised Soludo’s efforts, noting that the governor constructed over 13 kilometers of road in the area, including 10.2 km and 3.1 km stretches.

He also highlighted the construction of “smart schools,” such as the community primary school in Umunachi.

Other speakers, including the Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Offornze Amaucheazi (SAN), women leaders, youth representatives, and APGA stakeholders, echoed support for the governor’s second term bid.

They lauded his development-driven leadership and people-oriented policies.

The rally featured various cultural displays, a chieftaincy title ceremony, and prize presentations for outstanding farmers in categories such as largest cassava and yam farms, biggest tuber, largest poultry, and vegetable farms.

Winners received cash prizes ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000.

Support groups and individuals also made additional cash and cheque donations to support the governor’s campaign.

The Federal Government has brought a five‑count criminal defamation charge (CR/547/2025) against , alleging he carried out a “sustained media smear campaign” against of Kogi Central.

Filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja by the Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation, the charge sheet dated 11 September 2025 claims that between 3 March and 29 March 2025, Nwebonyi made multiple disparaging statements on national television and online platforms.

According to prosecutors, the senator used outlets including and to describe Akpoti‑Uduaghan as “a habitual accuser,” “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon,” and “a mother of six from different men,” among other remarks.

The FG contends these were made with knowledge, or having reason to believe, that they would harm her reputation.

If convicted under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 (Laws of the FCT), Nwebonyi could face imprisonment, a fine, or both.

A senior official at the Ministry of Justice described the prosecution as “a necessary step to protect the integrity of public discourse. Freedom of expression cannot be a weapon of destruction.”

Legal analysts believe the case may set a landmark precedent, testing whether political figures can be held criminally accountable for defamatory statements made in the course of political discourse.

Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan has not issued a public comment on the matter, though her aides describe her as “calm and confident in the justice process.”

At least 16 senior military officers have been arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, according to a report by SaharaReporters.

The officers, reportedly holding ranks from Captain to Brigadier General, were apprehended in coordinated operations carried out by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and other security agencies across various locations nationwide.

While the Defence Headquarters initially downplayed the arrests, describing them as part of a “routine military exercise” involving “issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations”, sources within the military suggested a more serious motive.

“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson,” a senior DIA official was quoted as saying.

“They had begun holding secret meetings to overthrow the President and announce a military government.”

In an official statement, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, explained that the detention followed internal investigations linked to misconduct and disobedience.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues,” Gusau said.

“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”

However, multiple high-ranking security insiders insist that the arrests were directly related to a thwarted coup attempt uncovered through classified intelligence monitoring and intercepted communications.

One security source disclosed that the coup plotters allegedly planned to strike during the October 1 Independence Day celebrations, targeting President Tinubu and other key government officials.

“Yes, they were arrested for planning to stage a coup and take over government,” the source confirmed.

“That was why the Independence Day parade marking the country’s 65th anniversary was abruptly cancelled. Intelligence indicated they intended to strike during the event.”

The source added that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, collaborated closely with service chiefs to brief the Presidency and ultimately recommended the parade’s cancellation after confirming credible threats.

Nigeria has endured a turbulent history of military interference in politics.

Since its independence in 1960, the country has witnessed five successful coups and several failed attempts, with each episode casting long shadows over its democratic progress.

The (PDP) has dismissed its National Legal Adviser,  SAN, citing alleged compromise in the party’s legal case to halt its upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a letter dated October 13 and addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the , Abuja, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) appointed  SAN as its new legal counsel.

The document, signed by (PDP National Chairman) and 13 other NWC members, was filed in court on Thursday and obtained exclusively by DAILY GAZETTE.

Meanwhile, members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) reaffirmed their commitment to holding the convention, stressing that the PDP constitution and internal democratic processes must guide all preparations.

At its 101st NEC meeting in July, the party had resolved to reform and reposition itself through the convention, where 19 new NWC members are expected to be elected.

However, controversy remains high: allies of have voiced dissatisfaction with Damagum’s leadership over issues of zoning in the South‑South, structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Plateau States, and the micro‑zoning formula for the convention.

Wike’s camp has even warned that the exercise could collapse unless certain resolutions are revisited.

The legal challenge was initiated by aggrieved members of the party, including (Chairman, PDP Imo State), (Chairman, PDP Abia State), and (Secretary, PDP South‑South Zone). Their suit (No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025) seeks to stop the convention slated for November.

At a recent hearing, the court instructed both Ajibade and Uche to file documents claiming who is duly authorised to represent the party. The matter was adjourned to October 20 for further proceedings.

Reacting to the row, Deputy National Youth Leader urged party members to seek reconciliation, saying the convention remains fixed and preparations are ongoing despite internal friction.

“At the end of the day… if you rejoice over the downfall of your fellow member, you haven’t won anything,” he said.

Former National Vice Chairman (South‑West), , described the situation as a test of the party’s direction.

“We are not distracted; we are focused and determined. The convention will hold as planned.”