Senator Ireti Kingibe has said the upcoming area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will serve as a critical assessment of the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

According to her, the polls will reveal whether residents support or reject his style of governance.

Speaking on Political Paradigm, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television, Kingibe who represents the FCT in the Senate claimed that many Abuja residents feel disconnected from Wike’s administration.

“Local government elections are coming early next year. That is when the people of the FCT show ministers, ‘we like you or we do not like you. The local government election is going to tell whether Wike controls FCT, because nobody does,” she said.

Senator Kingibe criticized the minister’s approach, accusing him of being out of touch with residents’ needs, especially in the areas of security and infrastructure.

“Most of Abuja is pitch dark. So I go there, put solar lights in between the places, and light up the place so that young people will at least be safer.”

“They will come give me awards, commend me for looking out for them. It’s not that he wouldn’t have done it too, except he doesn’t know what they need,” she stated.

She highlighted her personal interventions in communities plagued by poor security, saying she often receives direct appeals from residents and responds by installing solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety.

“I know Karu market is pitch dark. I put lights there. Communities will write to me: ‘There’s so much insecurity around this place. A few lights will make a difference.’ I put it.”

“Solar lights are cheap, but how many can I put? For where I can put one, the minister can put a thousand. Do you see the difference?” she added.

When asked about Wike’s recent remark that she would not return to the Senate in 2027, Kingibe dismissed the statement and said she is not desperate for a second term, but remains confident in her chances if she decides to run.

“You know, I was not interested in running, you want to bet? I know for certain that when I decide to run, it’s a shoo-in,” she said.

Kingibe also emphasized the independent-minded nature of FCT residents, stating that Wike’s leadership style has alienated the population.

“It’s only people who have lived here for a long time who know that the people of the FCT have their independent mind.”

“You walk on the streets, and you will know that the one thing that unites us all in the FCT is our resentment of the minister. It’s not just about development. It’s about treating us with levity, treating us with disregard and contempt,” Kingibe submitted.

Her remarks come amid growing political tension in the FCT ahead of the 2026 local elections, which many expect to be a key test of Wike’s influence in the capital.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has defended the multi-billion naira flyover and road infrastructure projects currently underway in Warri and Effurun, describing them as vital long-term investments for the state’s economic growth and urban development.

His response follows criticism from Chief Wilson Omene, former Ethiope West Local Government Chairman and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had earlier dismissed the projects as “ill-informed and misleading.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori emphasized that the infrastructure developments were aimed at easing traffic congestion and promoting business activities in the state’s urban centres.

“The flyovers, road expansions and sleepway interchange are not cosmetic. They are long-term investments in urban mobility, ease of doing business, and economic growth,” the statement read.

The governor further explained that Warri and Effurun serve as strategic gateways connecting the ports, industries, and the hinterland, adding that the ongoing projects are designed to unlock commercial potential and attract private-sector investments.

“These are gateway cities connecting the ports, industries, and the hinterland. The projects are unlocking commercial potential and creating an enabling environment for further private-sector participation. Perhaps, Chief Wilson Omene may have to check the meaning of enabling business environment.”

Oborevwori insisted that only those out of touch with modern urban planning would question the necessity of the projects, highlighting the Warri-Effurun corridor’s role in Delta’s economy and its rapidly growing population.

Responding to Omene’s suggestion that the funds would have been better spent establishing industries in Delta Central, the governor described the argument as “narrow-minded and sectional.”

“Delta State is bigger than any single senatorial district. The M.O.R.E agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, is being implemented equitably across Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South. No part of the state has been left behind,” the statement noted.

The statement also touched on Oborevwori’s recent defection to the APC, which has drawn both attention and criticism.

Ahon clarified that the move was not driven by personal ambition but by the desire to attract federal collaboration for the benefit of the state.

“Governor Oborevwori’s alignment with the APC was not for personal benefit but to synergise with the Federal Government in delivering more dividends of democracy to Deltans.

Chief Wilson Omene is merely acting out a script written by those who view the governor’s move as a threat to their political interests.”

Sir Ahon concluded by urging critics to embrace constructive dialogue rooted in facts and reaffirmed the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

“Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be rooted in facts and guided by a sincere desire to move Delta State forward,” he stated.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Presidency of plotting to destabilise the newly strengthened opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This allegation surfaced as three aggrieved party members filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the removal of the Senator David Mark-led interim leadership of the ADC.

Meanwhile, key political figures such as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, and former Katsina PDP Chairman, Salisu Lawal Uli, have exited their respective parties, pledging allegiance to the ADC-led coalition.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Publicity Secretary and National Coalition Spokesperson, the ADC warned of attempts by the Presidency to intimidate and co-opt its members.

“We have credible intelligence that the aim of this meeting is not for national security or peace-building. It is to intimidate, coerce, and if possible, co-opt these individuals into a fabricated scheme against the opposition coalition. This is not politics. This is sabotage.”

Abdullahi emphasized that the ruling APC is shaken by the opposition’s momentum.

“The July 1 coalition declaration and the July 2 unveiling of the ADC have rattled the ruling party. It is now obvious that the Tinubu administration, having lost the trust of the Nigerian people, cannot withstand the pressure of a united and credible opposition.”

He accused the government of reverting to old strategies.

“But rather than correct its ways, it has resorted to its old playbook of destabilising opposition parties.”

Appealing directly to President Tinubu, he stated:

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to take note of these sinister moves by some of his appointees and call them to order. The President needs to prove to Nigerians that he is, indeed, a democrat.”

“He needs to remind his men that if the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was as intolerant and as subversive of the opposition, the APC would not have come to power in 2015 and he would not have been a president today.”

Abdullahi further declared: “Let it be clear: the coalition movement is an idea whose time has come.”

“This party belongs to every Nigerian who is tired of the lies, the manipulation, and hardship. It belongs to every Nigerian who wants to restore decency, vision and justice to governance.”

“We would, therefore, not allow a handful of desperate men to turn Nigeria into a one-party dictatorship. And it would be our patriotic duty to resist it with every democratic means available to us.”

Abdullahi clarified that the party is not yet discussing its presidential ticket.

“We’re not having any of those conversations right now. That will come later. For now, we’re focused on building the party to offer Nigerians a viable alternative.”

A senior party source added: “We want internal competition to bring out the best candidates. A party that avoids competition internally will struggle in general elections.”

“We’re not banking on voter frustration to win. We want to return to a political system where leaders are held accountable after elections and the party has the authority to discipline them.”

Some party members, Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila, have gone to court to contest the legality of the interim leadership appointments.

They argue that Senator Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi are in breach of the party’s constitution.

They want the court to determine: “Whether or not the appointment of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Defendants as Interim National Chairman, National Secretary, and National Publicity Secretary of the 1st Defendant was made in breach of the provisions of the ADC Constitution, 2018 (as amended)… and whether the 2nd Defendant can lawfully recognize the 4th, 5th, and 6th Defendants as the Interim National Chairman, Interim National Secretary, and Interim National Publicity Secretary of the 1st Defendant…”

No court date has been set for the hearing.

Former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu, now chair of the party’s Integrity Committee, expressed concern that the coalition could implode if not handled with discipline.

“We’re in a political climate where it seems that if you’re corrupt and have stolen public funds, all you need to do is switch parties and your sins are forgotten. Is this the kind of legacy we want to leave for the next generation?”

He rejected claims that the party had been sold out to political heavyweights.

“I’ve invested billions of naira in this party since it began because I believed the political system was failing in leadership. My children studied at the best universities; Imperial College, Stanford, and Columbia, yet they can’t come back to Nigeria. Do you think I would trade their future for money?”

On the appointment of new interim leaders, Nwosu defended their credibility:

“Senator Mark is a man of dignity, discipline, and commitment. His leadership reflects these values. Aregbesola is one of the simplest and most integrity-driven individuals you’ll meet.”

He emphasized that: “Anyone who wants to run for any position, whether for president or any other office, has agreed to attend these retreats. We’ll confront our past mistakes and the erosion of values.”

Responding to the Obidient movement’s expectations: “We have many potential candidates: Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, and others. Even if none of them becomes the candidate, our manifesto will remain the foundation of our movement.”

Chief Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has restated his commitment to supporting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his preferred presidential candidate in the opposition coalition.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired Monday night, Momodu emphasized that his backing of Atiku does not invalidate the rights of others particularly members of the Obidient movement—to support their own preferred aspirants, such as Peter Obi.

“My best choice is Atiku. And that is what I expect Obidients to say, which I expect those who support Amaechi to say,” Momodu said during the broadcast.

“There’s nothing wrong with that. This game is a game of numbers, and the people who are most aggrieved today are in the northern part of Nigeria.”

He argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is wary of Atiku’s rising influence and is strategically pushing for a southern candidate to emerge in the ADC, viewing Atiku as a formidable opponent.

“If you listen to Wike very well, they’ve all been campaigning that the next president should still come from the southern Nigeria. But they know very well that there’s no southerner today,” Momodu explained.

“The only one who could have attempted it is Wike. But since he is supporting Asiwaju, he is no longer available. The moment they started pushing campaigns of calumny against Atiku, you must know that they feel threatened by Atiku.”

While reaffirming his admiration for Peter Obi, Momodu urged for an open and democratic contest among all aspirants, stressing that all camps must be allowed to campaign and compete freely.

“I have never asked anyone not to support Obi. Obi is my very good friend. If you asked me about one of the people who should lead the coalition, I would say it should be Obi,” he said.

“As a democrat, I am appealing to them, hoping they will be able to do it democratically so that they will not say they were forced upon them.”

He added: “Let them all go to the field. Let all Obidients campaign for Obi, let those Atikulates campaign for Atiku and let the Amaechis campaign for Amaechi. That is my belief.”

Momodu concluded by reaffirming his confidence in Atiku’s leadership credentials: “Atiku is a good example of what a leader should be in Nigeria.”

Mallam Garba Shehu, media aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has dismissed widespread speculation suggesting a fallout between his principal and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during an appearance on Trust TV’s 30 Minutes, Shehu clarified that there is no official indication of distrust or conflict between both leaders, contrary to growing political rumors.

“When people are entitled to hold their opinion, and your interpretation of it is purely your entitlement,” Shehu said.

“I don’t think in a formal and official sense, anybody would talk about distrust or mistrust or a façade between the Buhari administration and the Tinubu administration.”

He emphasized that Buhari remains loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party under which he was elected president after three failed attempts.

“For Muhammadu Buhari, for him, he’s essentially an APC member,” Shehu stated.

“He does not forget the fact that he ran one, two, three times and failed to get the presidency until they cobbled together the APC.”

“APC came together and gave him two terms, for which he has remained grateful, and says—and that’s what I’ve learned from him—‘I will never be ungrateful. I will never betray the party that gave me two terms in office.’”

Addressing the ongoing discourse about cracks within the ruling party, Shehu maintained that such commentary does not unsettle Buhari’s camp.

“We see statements; we read them when people say these things. Do we get disturbed? I don’t think that is the word,” he noted.

Shehu also reminded Nigerians of the historical struggle involved in founding the APC, arguing that those who labored to build the party would hardly be interested in destabilizing it now.

“It took a lot of doing, energy, and sacrifice for the APC to have been put in place, for the desperate opposition elements to come together,” he said.

“They tried one, two, three times, and they failed. But by this time, they came together in 2014, formed a party, and ran in 2014.”

“They won. Which means, in effect, that the people who were around, who saw how much sweat it took to build this coalition I think they are not likely to be the ones who are trying to fracture it.”