Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday paid a visit to a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, at their office in Lagos.

Obi was joined by the Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.

They were received by factional leaders, including Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Chief Supo Shonibare, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, and Chief Sola Ebiseni, among others.

In a statement co-signed by Oba Olaitan and Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, the group confirmed that the meeting involved extensive discussions on the state of the nation and Obi’s political plans for 2027.

Obi thanked Afenifere for their support during the 2023 election and reaffirmed his commitment to key issues such as restructuring, education, healthcare, rural development, and full employment.

“There were wide discussions ranging from Peter Obi’s candidacy in the 2027 presidential elections to the state of the nation, including harassment of opposition voices, threats to democracy, the economic crisis, and governance costs,” the statement said.

Afenifere’s leaders restated their support for equity, justice, and national prosperity.

They expressed appreciation for Obi’s alignment with their values and voiced concern over the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria.

The meeting wrapped up with both parties pledging further collaboration and continued engagement.

Afenifere, originally founded in the 1950s under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has long been a key voice in Yoruba and national politics, known for its progressive ideals and advocacy for federalism.

However, deep divisions have plagued the group in recent years. One faction, led by the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, backed Peter Obi during the 2023 elections.

The other, under Pa Reuben Fasoranti, supported President Bola Tinubu.

Tensions heightened after the election, with Adebanjo’s group insisting that Obi won, a claim Fasoranti dismissed as illegitimate.

By 2025, the rift had solidified, with both factions ruling out reconciliation.

President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday evening following a portion of his annual leave spent in France.

His presidential jet landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 6:45 pm, where he was warmly welcomed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, and other top government officials.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on September 4, 2025, initially planning to divide his vacation between France and the United Kingdom.

However, he ultimately completed the leave solely in France.

While in Paris, the President held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, reviewing key areas for strategic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties for mutual prosperity and global stability.

This marks Tinubu’s seventh visit to Paris since taking office in May 2023, and his first since attending the BRICS summit in Brazil in July, and the TICAD9 conference in Japan in August.

Within the first nine months of 2025, President Tinubu has made 15 international trips to 11 different countries.

These visits have included a mix of high-profile summits, bilateral meetings, inaugurations, and official holidays.

His year began with a January 6 trip to Accra, Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama on January 7.

Shortly after, from January 12 to 16, Tinubu was in the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit, where he engaged Gulf investors and officials on trade and energy partnerships.

In late January, he traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit.

February saw a visit to France before attending the 37th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, where he joined fellow African leaders in discussing regional security, climate resilience, and continental trade integration under the AfCFTA.

From April 2 to 21, Tinubu undertook a two-week working visit to France and the United Kingdom.

In mid-May, he traveled to Vatican City to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

June and July featured a historic state visit to Saint Lucia, where Tinubu addressed CARICOM leaders, followed by his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In August, he attended the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, where he promoted Nigeria’s investment opportunities and discussed maritime security and digital infrastructure with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

During this period, Tinubu made two visits to the UAE, stopping over in Dubai in August.

His September itinerary included working vacations to the UK and France, marking his third trip to Paris and second to London this year.

The lone All Progressives Congress (APC) member in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Akaliro Kelechi Anderson, has officially dumped the party and declared his allegiance to the Labour Party (LP).

The lawmaker, who represents Umuahia North State Constituency, submitted his resignation letter to the APC Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, citing persistent internal crises, factionalism, and a breakdown of leadership structures within the APC in Abia State.

“Since my inauguration, the APC in Abia has never extended an invitation to me, formal or informal, for any meeting or activity, thereby undermining my relevance and mandate,” he wrote in his letter.

Hon. Akaliro, who also chairs the Assembly’s Committee on Public Petitions and Judiciary, was the only APC candidate to win a seat in the House during the 2023 general elections.

The lawmaker criticized the APC’s continued internal wrangling, especially the frequent suspensions and counter-suspensions among party members across wards and local councils, calling it “a sign of irreversible disunity.”

Following what he described as consultations with his constituents and political stakeholders, Hon. Akaliro announced his decision to join the Labour Party, aligning with the administration of Governor Alex Otti, whom he praised for visionary leadership and development-focused governance.

“Today, I’ve seen the light. His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, has shown that he came prepared. From education to infrastructure and social services, he’s delivering on all fronts,” Akaliro said while addressing the press.

He added that being in opposition had become difficult under Governor Otti’s administration because there was little left to criticise.

“Even when I think of something to oppose, I find that he’s already doing it. He has made my job as an opposition lawmaker incredibly hard, in a good way.”

With enthusiasm, Akaliro declared his new political identity:

“I’m officially declaring as Honourable Barrister Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, the man with excess grace, representing the good people of Umuahia North State Constituency as a proud member of the Labour Party.”

He also expressed optimism that his defection would strengthen the Labour Party’s influence in Abia State while further isolating the APC.

“My constituents are excited about this move. I believe Governor Otti is taking Abia to its rightful place, and I want to be part of that journey.”

Akaliro’s exit leaves the APC with no representation in the Abia State House of Assembly, marking a significant setback for the party’s political relevance in the state.

His defection is seen as another boost for Governor Otti’s growing political influence and the Labour Party’s increasing dominance in the region.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the construction of a major flyover at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, Benue State, describing it as a personal gift to Governor Hyacinth Alia in recognition of his commitment to infrastructure development.

The flyover, estimated to cost between $950 million and $1 billion, is being financed by the China Exim Bank and forms part of a much larger 520-kilometre dual carriageway stretching from Makurdi to Ninth Mile in Enugu State.

Details of the project were shared in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Benue State Government.

At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Saturday, Minister of Works David Umahi represented the president. Umahi praised Governor Alia for his interventions on federal roads, noting that the Makurdi-Ninth Mile road project is the most extensive in any state.

“Benue State alone accounts for 260km of this dual carriageway. That’s 520km in total. There’s no comparable section in any other state,” Umahi said.

“Your Excellency, you truly came in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are a blessed governor.”

Umahi further emphasized that the Wurukum flyover wasn’t originally part of the road project’s blueprint.

According to him, it was specially added at the request of President Tinubu.

“This flyover wasn’t in the original budget. The president instructed that it be included as a gift to Governor Alia,” Umahi stated.

“Benue people have every reason to be grateful, for both divine favour and the president’s love for the state.”

He also commended the governor’s efforts in rehabilitating and constructing roads within the state, calling it a sign of true leadership.

“Governance is demanding, but with God’s grace, you’ll be remembered for your legacy,” he added.

The flyover project is a key component of the second phase of the Makurdi–Ninth Mile Road dualisation, which is segmented into five sections and covers a total of 250.6 kilometres, in addition to a 15.8-kilometre Lafia Bypass, according to Adam Onundi, Project Manager and MD of Yolas Consultants Ltd.