Nigerian activist and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has sparked heated debate online following her defense of a political alliance with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, a figure she has fiercely criticized in the past.

In a series of bold tweets on Thursday, Yesufu acknowledged El-Rufai’s controversial nature but argued that his qualities could be channeled for the nation’s good.

She described him as someone with “nuisance value,” marked by anger and vindictiveness, traits she believes can be strategically utilized for Nigeria’s progress.

“Nasir El-Rufai @elrufai has a nuisance value: his anger and vindictiveness, and you think I will not use that? Let me laugh in 3D!!!!!!” Yesufu tweeted.

“You think Nation building is a romantic affair? I am okay with looking bad while you look good.”

The statement drew backlash from critics who pointed out her past condemnation of El-Rufai.

In an October 17, 2022 tweet, she wrote: “Nasir El-Rufai is evil! He is the typical example of politics without principles.”

Despite the apparent contradiction, Yesufu stood her ground, insisting her core values remain intact.

She explained that her alliance with El-Rufai and others in the emerging opposition coalition is a strategic move aimed at confronting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

“It is inferiority complex that makes some of you think that Aisha Yesufu has joined them. Excuse you! They joined Aisha Yesufu!” she tweeted, asserting her long-standing commitment to opposition politics.

“I have been on the side of opposition since 2014 when I decided to start focusing on Nigerian issues. They have joined me on the side of opposition! Everyone one of them is what I called them in the past,” she declared.

Prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Atedo Peterside, came to Yesufu’s defense on Friday.

He urged Nigerians to consider the broader context of political coalition-building.

“If @AishaYesufu was in opposition and some politicians from APC and PDP decide to join her for exploratory talks about a Coalition of Opposition forces, is she now supposed to abandon Opposition and run in the other direction? If you do not explore, you will not discover,” Peterside posted on X.

“Methinks exploration by itself can never be a crime. Indeed, it might be an act of courage. Please give the lady a break.”

However, not everyone agreed. Another X user, Chigozirim Aliyu, sharply criticized both Yesufu and Peterside.

“I disagree with you sir. In fact I think you stay away from this conversation. Aisha Yesufu is a shameless hypocrite, a dirty politician portraying herself as an activist,” he wrote.

“Can’t believe she’s now hanging out with the same group of individuals she addressed as ‘criminal structure.’ How is she going to feel campaigning alongside El-Rufai, Malami and Atiku? Shame on her!!”

DAILY GAZETTE had previously reported that key opposition figures, including El-Rufai, adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their new political platform during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday.

Former Senate President David Mark was named interim national chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was selected as interim national secretary.

Others at the meeting included Rotimi Amaechi, John Oyegun, and Abubakar Malami, all prominent figures from Nigeria’s recent political history.

Meanwhile, a faction within the ADC voiced strong opposition to the coalition’s use of the party as a political vehicle.

In a statement released by national publicity secretary Musa Isa Matara, the group rejected the move, accusing the coalition of hijacking the party without proper consultation.

“The ADC is not a ‘private coalition platform’ to be hijacked by political elites,” Matara said, warning that the decision was made without input from the party’s state executives, youth and women leaders, and ward coordinators.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to see the rise of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as a critical moment for self-reflection and course correction in governance.

Speaking from Abakaliki on Friday, the National Deputy General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated that the emergence of the ADC should not be dismissed as a mere political movement but rather embraced as an opportunity for the Tinubu administration to tackle Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, growing insecurity, poverty, and hunger.

According to Isiguzoro, “The inefficacy of certain ministers responsible for the dismal performances observed in critical sectors, including the economy, security, agriculture, health, and rural development, must be addressed as we approach August 2025, marking two years since the appointments of his cabinet ministers.”

He acknowledged progress in specific areas, such as infrastructure and the transformation of the Federal Capital Territory, but insisted that broader reforms were long overdue.

“The unspeakable truth remains that while we commend the progress made in road infrastructure and revolutionary policies within the Federal Capital Territory spearheaded by Ministers David Umahi and Nyesom Wike, it is now mandatory for President Tinubu to reevaluate his cabinet.”

“He must prioritise clinical reforms and policies driven by esteemed Nigerian economists, experts, and technocrats, discarding political loyalty that no longer serves the interests of the nation, and such recalibration is vital for restoring public confidence and salvaging the integrity of his administration.”

Isiguzoro emphasized that the ADC’s emergence helps challenge the drift toward a one-party system, offering Nigerians a genuine alternative.

“The ADC coalition will halt Nigeria’s drift to a one-party system.”

He also called on the President to view the rising opposition not as a threat, but as an opportunity to adjust his leadership direction.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu must view the ADC’s ambitious plans to unseat him as an unintended blessing, an opportunity to recalibrate his strategies and refocus his efforts.”

However, Isiguzoro did not hold back in criticizing some of the new coalition’s key players.

“It is imperative to be forthright, and while the ADC may present itself as a viable opposition, it is essential to recognise that many of its coalition leaders bear direct responsibility for the overwhelming suffering endured by Nigerians under APC governance over the last decade.”

“Reports indicate that approximately 80 per cent of ADC coalition leaders are individuals of questionable character, primarily interested in state capture—leveraging the Federal Government’s inadequacies for personal gain.”

He also raised concerns over political developments in the North, warning of possible shifts in allegiance that could have serious implications for the President’s political future.

“Further reports indicate that some Northern governors are engaged in secretive discussions with the ADC and are facing increasing pressure from Northern political leaders and traditional rulers to abandon the APC, and they are closely monitoring the presidency’s anxiety.”

“The Northern region stands poised to undermine his political interests should he decide to replace his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, with another Northern nominee for the upcoming elections.”

Ohanaeze warned that time was running out for Tinubu to correct his course.

“Now is the time for President Tinubu to confront his shortcomings; the current trajectory is foreboding, suggesting dire consequences should he fail to adjust his strategies in a timely manner. The moment for decisive action is nigh.”

Air Vice Marshal Shehu Adamu Fura (retd.), the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee in Gombe State, has formally parted ways with the party.

In a resignation letter dated July 3, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Pantami Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, Fura announced his decision to quit the PDP and align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The retired senior Air Force officer, who was a prominent figure in the Gombe PDP, particularly after coming third in the 2023 gubernatorial primaries, is expected to bring political weight to his new party.

His departure marks a significant development in the state’s political landscape as parties begin early preparations for the next election cycle.

“I wish to formally tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” Fura wrote in his letter.

“This decision comes after deep personal reflection and wide consultations, and is born out of my desire to continue my political journey under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where I hope to contribute more effectively to the advancement of democratic values and good governance for national development.”

Reflecting on his time in the PDP, Fura expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party provided him over the years.

“My time with the PDP has been one of valuable experience and service. I had the privilege to contest for the PDP 2023 Governorship ticket during the primaries, where I emerged third, an experience that deepened my understanding of grassroots politics and party democracy,” he said.

He also highlighted his role in efforts to strengthen internal party cohesion in Gombe State.

“Also I had the honour of serving as the Chairman of the Gombe State PDP Reconciliation Committee where I worked alongside committed party members to strengthen unity and internal cohesion with the party.”

“These experiences, political exposure, and support I received from the PDP at all levels, particularly from Pantami Ward, will always be remembered and appreciated.”

Fura concluded his resignation letter with words of appreciation and goodwill for his former party.

“I sincerely thank the leadership and members of the party for the trust, collaboration, and camaraderie over the years. I wish the PDP continued progress and success in its future endeavors. Please accept this resignation as a mark of respect and appreciation, and kindly convey my regards to the entire ward executive and members.”

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has renewed calls for the creation of an additional state in the South East, a move he says would correct the long-standing imbalance in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure.

He also championed the establishment of state police and the adoption of a rotational presidency system as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Mbah made these remarks on Thursday while receiving the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment at the Government House in Enugu.

The committee was in the state for a courtesy visit ahead of the South East regional public hearing on constitutional reforms, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

“One that excites us most is the idea of state policing. We have advocated ardently that there is need for states to create state police services, just as you have the federal police, but with defined jurisdictions and operational parameters,” the governor said.

“We think that this is overdue and there could not be better time for that given the fragilities we have in our various communities. The state police will be a truly welcome development in our Constitution.”

Highlighting perceived regional inequalities, Mbah stressed that the South East remains the only geopolitical zone with just five states, while others have six or more.

“The South East suffers injustice. The fact that across the different geopolitical zones, the South East is the only one with five states. So that is also what we believe will be corrected in this process of amendment,” he added.

He also backed the idea of a rotational presidency to ensure a more inclusive governance structure in the country.

“Of course, the idea of rotational presidency is important too. We think that, that obviously would provide South East and every other region a chance at the presidency,” he stated.

“So, these are areas we believe are commendable and we will be presenting our position formally in the hearing tomorrow and the subsequent days.”

In his earlier remarks, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Senate Deputy Chief Whip and leader of the delegation, emphasized that the constitution review exercise was an opportunity for the South East to voice long-standing grievances.

“It goes without saying that the 1999 constitution has received a lot of criticism from Nigerians, including that it is the product of military dictatorship and, as such, does not represent the interest of all the segments that make up Nigeria,” Nwebonyi said.

“As a result of these criticisms, there is a need to alter the constitution from time to time.”

He expressed hope that the forum would allow the South East to address perceived injustices in the current structure.

“We pray that this engagement will afford us the people of South East the opportunity to right some wrongs as a result of the position of the 1999 constitution, which we the people of South East are crying foul that we are being marginalised in so many areas, particularly as it relates to the number of states, juxtaposing same with other geopolitical zones of Nigeria,” he added.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from her duties representing Kogi Central.

Delivering the judgement, Justice Nyako ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on the senator was excessive, stating that it violated both her rights and the representation of her constituents.

“Since lawmakers have a total of 181 days to sit in every legislative cycle, the six-month suspension handed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was equivalent to pushing her away from her responsibilities to her constituents for approximately 180 days,” the court said.

The judge also criticized the Senate’s internal frameworks, particularly Chapter 8 of its Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers, and Privileges Act, stating that they were “overreaching.”

In her ruling, Justice Nyako acknowledged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had acted within his authority when he denied Senator Natasha the opportunity to speak, as she was not seated in the chair assigned to her.

The court said Akpoti-Uduaghan must “apologise to the Senate.”

The judgment emphasized that although the legislature has the power to discipline its members, such punishment must not be so harsh as to effectively deny constituents their right to representation.

“It held that though the Senate has the power to punish any of its members who err, such sanction must not be excessive to deprive the constituents of their right to be represented.”

Justice Nyako also dismissed Senator Akpabio’s argument that the judiciary had no authority to intervene in what he claimed was an internal matter of the Senate.

“Justice Nyako equally dismissed Akpabio’s contention that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, which he said bordered on an internal affair of the Senate.”

Earlier in the same case, the court had ruled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan violated an earlier order which barred parties from making public comments about the matter.

As a result, the judge imposed a ₦5 million fine on her and directed her to publish an apology within seven days in two national newspapers.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is also currently facing separate legal battles over alleged cybercrime and defamation.

Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has affirmed his commitment to honoring Nigeria’s informal regional power-sharing arrangement and pledged to serve only a single term if elected president in 2027.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, Amaechi was clear about his stance when asked about his term length.

“Of course. I told you. You know that I speak my mind,” he responded to questions about whether he would serve only one term under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“If I won’t do more than four years, I would say that. If I were to do more than four years, I would say I would do more than four,” he added, underscoring his openness and transparency.

Amaechi reiterated his belief in the unwritten regional rotational presidency “the way Nigeria is, you must keep to that agreement—unwritten agreement—that says South eight years, North eight years.”

The former minister explained that he had previously advocated for power to return to the North in 2015, emphasizing that breaking the rotational agreement would cause instability.

“I led the fight against the PDP government. Why? Because there was an agreement that the government at that time would spend four years. But after four years, the government reneged on it, and I said no, that would be unfair.”

“That will be instability at its peak because the North will react. So, the best thing to do is what? It is to support a northern candidate to continue the balance of power.”

He then turned his attention to the South: “Just like I will be among those saying to the North that the South must be allowed to complete its tenure. If the South is not allowed to complete its tenure, then I have made a mistake in supporting it.”

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fined Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, the sum of ₦5 million for contempt of court.

Presiding over the case on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan violated a court order by publishing a satirical apology on her Facebook page on April 27, 2025, directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The judgment came during a hearing on a suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her suspension from the Senate.

Justice Nyako began the proceedings by addressing a contempt application brought forward by Akpabio.

In his application, the Senate President contended that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Facebook post breached a prior court order, which barred all parties involved from making public statements or social media posts related to the case.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team argued that the controversial post had no connection to the suspension issue.

Instead, they claimed it addressed a separate matter involving allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

However, Justice Nyako disagreed. After reviewing both the post and the materials submitted by the third respondent (Akpabio), she concluded that the post was indeed tied to the ongoing suspension case and thus constituted contempt of court.

The judge ruled:

“I am satisfied that it was linked to the suspension matter before the court,”
and subsequently found the senator guilty.