Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday morning for her second arraignment over allegations of defamation involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The senator was accompanied by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, and a group of supporters.

Presiding over the case is Justice Mohammed Umar, who is expected to handle proceedings related to the alleged statements made by Senator Natasha during a televised interview.

According to the charge sheet, she had claimed that both Akpabio and Bello were involved in a plot to assassinate her.

This marks her second appearance in court over the matter. She was first arraigned on June 19, 2025, at the FCT High Court, also in Abuja.

At the previous hearing, the Federal Government sought a bench warrant for her arrest due to her absence.

However, the judge declined the request after it was revealed by the prosecution’s lawyer, David Kaswe, that the charge had only been served on her lawyer in court that same morning.

Justice Umar ruled that since Senator Natasha had not been properly served with a hearing notice or charge beforehand, it was unreasonable to expect her presence in court at that time.

The application for her arrest was therefore denied.

The lawsuit was filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, accusing the senator of defamation stemming from her public allegations during a live TV appearance.

Stay tuned for more detail….

There was heightened security at the Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday, as anticipation builds over a scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Armed policemen were visibly stationed around the complex, particularly along Dalaba Street, which leads directly to the PDP secretariat.

The increased presence of security operatives created a sense of tension among observers and party loyalists.

According to a PDP official who spoke off-camera to Channels Television, the deployment was meant to prevent an Expanded Caucus Meeting reportedly being planned by some party factions.

Despite the police blockade, several party staff members were seen gaining entry into the premises without interference.

The reasons behind the proposed expanded caucus meeting, and the response by security agents, remain unclear.

Detail shortly…

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has strongly denied circulating rumours that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to sack Senator George Akume as SGF, calling the claims baseless and deliberately misleading.

In an official statement released by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the OSGF dismissed the reports as pure fabrication.

“The attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been drawn to rumours circulating online and in some media outlets regarding the alleged removal of the SGF, Senator George Akume, by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement began.

“The office wishes to state emphatically that the information is entirely false, misleading and lacks any basis in fact, as Mr President has no intention of doing so.”

Imohiosen further condemned the originators of the report, accusing them of deliberately attempting to confuse the public.

Describing the claims as “a fabrication and a figment of the imagination of mischief makers,” the statement stressed that the motives behind the rumours were to “disinform and misinform the innocent public.”

He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s confidence in Akume’s ability to carry out his duties as part of the administration’s governance agenda.

“Spreading unverified or intentionally false narratives not only undermines public trust but also poses a threat to the integrity of our institutions,” Imohiosen warned.

He concluded by reiterating that Akume remains a key figure in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and that there is no truth to suggestions of his impending removal.

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has stated he is willing to serve only a single term in office if that is what a future political coalition demands, adding that his focus is not on power but on rebuilding Nigeria.

During a high-profile XSpace session titled #PeterObiOnParallelFacts, which attracted over 10,000 live participants and thousands of comments, Obi addressed a range of national issues, from zoning arrangements to foreign diplomacy and internal security.

“If the agreement is one term, I will leave on May 28, 2031, not even May 29. I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” Obi said in response to a question from a participant identified as Balactic.

Obi emphasized that honouring zoning arrangements and respecting coalition commitments are marks of political maturity, recalling how he previously upheld such agreements during his time as Governor of Anambra State, even at personal cost.

Turning his attention to President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to St. Lucia, Obi didn’t mince words.

“You can’t build strong international relations when your domestic house is on fire,” he said, describing the trip as “out of touch” and “a misplacement of priorities.”

Obi pointed out that St. Lucia, with a population of about 180,000, is smaller than Ajegunle, a neighborhood in Lagos, and questioned the logic behind frequent foreign trips while the country battles widespread insecurity and economic distress.

“We’re losing lives in Niger, Benue, Zamfara… and we’re gallivanting. You can’t travel around the world when people are being buried at home. Leaders must stay and lead from the front,” he declared.

Responding to speculations about a possible joint presidential ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 election, Obi categorically denied any such discussions, reaffirming that his focus is national healing, not power-sharing.

“If the coalition is about sharing tickets and power for its sake, count me out. I’m not interested. I want a coalition that stops the killings in Borno, puts food on people’s tables, and gets our industries working,” he said.

Obi also addressed claims that his supporters are resisting a potential merger with other parties.

“It’s not about rejection. We’ve never even discussed tickets. It’s about Nigeria first,” he clarified.

Reflecting on his leadership style while serving as governor, Obi shared how he would personally attend funerals and visit affected communities to show solidarity.

“Leadership is not about flying jets. It’s about compassion,” he said.

“If 17 soldiers die in Niger and the president is commissioning parties in Lagos, we’ve lost our humanity.”

Obi concluded with a powerful reaffirmation of his motivation to lead, stating that his ambition is rooted in service, not prestige.

“I don’t want to be president to decorate my CV. I want to show that leadership can be different, and effective.”

Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has weighed in on the growing debate around Peter Obi’s political future.

Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, remains a central figure in opposition politics.

However, recent conversations among his supporters have revealed a divide, particularly over whether he should team up with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a vice-presidential candidate.

Addressing the issue on Monday via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Amadi expressed frustration with the expectations being placed on Obi by some political actors and followers.

“The problem with @PeterObi,” Amadi wrote, “The problem with Peter Obi is that some people just want him to help them win elections. If he does not say ‘I will be vice president to Atiku’ then he is selfish. They abuse him.”

Amadi’s comment highlights a broader tension within Obi’s political base, some of whom continue to question whether aligning with Atiku in 2027 might be a strategic compromise or a betrayal of the movement’s ideals.

While some argue that forming a united front with the PDP could help unseat the ruling party, others firmly believe Obi should pursue the presidency once again as the sole candidate of a unified opposition.

“But real supporters of Obi want him to be President. Which side u de?” Amadi added, drawing a clear line between those seeking political convenience and those invested in Obi’s full presidential ambition.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has addressed the growing speculation surrounding the possible defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), to the ruling party.

Amid ongoing rumours that the former Kano State Governor might be considering a return to the APCAPC, particularly following the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as the party’s National Chairman, the APC says there has been no official conversation or plan to welcome Kwankwaso back into its fold.

In an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the APC, clarified the party’s stance.

“The party I speak for has said nothing about Kwankwaso possibly joining,” he stated when asked directly about the defection rumours.

“We have not made that determination and are not able to make it at the moment,” he added.

Morka also dismissed reports suggesting internal cracks within the ruling party.

He emphasized that the APC is functioning effectively despite speculation in the media.

“The party is running as it should. People are entitled to have their moments, but that does not indicate dysfunction,” Morka said.

The clarification comes amid a swirl of political manoeuvring and strategic realignments as political figures across party lines jostle for relevance ahead of upcoming elections.

As political realignments gain momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapters in Sokoto and Kebbi States have indicated their willingness to join a broader coalition aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both state and national levels.

In Sokoto, former governor and serving Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, is reportedly leading the charge as PDP stakeholders move toward a merger with the newly formed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), one of the 110 political groups currently seeking registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting was held on Saturday, where the plan to join the coalition was discussed extensively.

“We held a crucial meeting, and the major agenda was the merger into ADA. We’re putting final touches to the arrangement, and an official announcement is expected soon.”

“I can assure you that any moment from now, we will make our decision known to the press for the general public,” a source told DAILY GAZETTE under anonymity.

Among those said to be in attendance were Umar Bature, the party’s National Organising Secretary; Tambuwal; Aliyu Goronyo, state PDP chairman; and other top members.

When contacted for confirmation, the Publicity Secretary of the Sokoto PDP, Hassan Sanyinnawal, admitted that a stakeholders’ meeting was held at Senator Tambuwal’s residence but declined to comment on any proposed alliance.

“Yes, we held a stakeholders meeting yesterday at the house of our leader, Senator Tambuwal.
The meeting was just our normal stakeholders’ meeting which we usually do from time to time, so no cause for alarm,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, PDP leaders have also reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with political allies to challenge the APC’s dominance.

The decision followed a separate meeting held in Birnin Kebbi on the same day.

Speaking after the gathering, party chieftain and elder statesman Dr. Ibrahim Mera said the party was open to alliances that can end what he described as poor governance by the ruling party.

“We are ready to collaborate with like-minded groups and political platforms committed to rescuing Nigeria from the hardship imposed by the APC-led government.
We also agreed to fast-track preparations for the state congress, subject to the approval of the national leadership,” he stated.

Mera noted that Kebbi PDP is taking steps to strengthen its grassroots machinery and mobilise wider support ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Also addressing the press, Kebbi PDP Chairman, Usman Suru, urged citizens to stay strong despite current economic difficulties, assuring them that better days lie ahead.

“We understand the pain our people are going through. The PDP is working to provide a better alternative that prioritises the welfare and security of all Nigerians,” he said.

Adding to the growing criticism of the APC-led administration in the state, Gen. Aminu Bande (retd), the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate, accused the ruling government of engaging in political intimidation.

“The current government in Kebbi State has resorted to witch-hunting opposition members through arbitrary arrests and harassment,” he alleged

Ahead of the August 26 by-elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant National Assembly seats, aspirants from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have begun to formally declare their intentions.

Barrister Omosede Igbinedion, running under the APC, has announced her bid to represent Ovia Federal Constituency.

She described INEC’s announcement as a crucial step toward ensuring that the constituency receives the quality of representation it rightfully deserves.

In a statement released in Benin City, Igbinedion expressed her readiness to serve and highlighted her legislative experience.

“In the coming days, I look forward to reconnecting with our people at the grassroots, listening to your hopes and concerns, and working together toward a better Ovia,” she said.

According to her, “Let us stand united in this journey. The future of Ovia is bright, and together, we will make it even brighter.”

She further emphasized her commitment to issues such as infrastructure development, youth and women empowerment, education, and security.

“My track record will speak to my capacity, experience and passion for service,” she added.

Meanwhile, John Yakubu, a PDP aspirant vying for the Edo Central Senatorial District seat, has also declared his interest. He noted that the constituency has long awaited the conduct of a by-election and pledged to run a campaign centered on issues.

Yakubu stressed the importance of focusing on the needs and expectations of constituents, saying he is prepared to offer credible, responsive representation.