A group of protesters supporting former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai stormed the national headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of the party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye.

The demonstrators, carrying placards, accused Agunloye of mismanaging the party and insisted that he either clear his name in the ongoing fraud case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or step down.

Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel under President Olusegun Obasanjo, is currently on trial for alleged fraudulent contract awards.

One of the EFCC’s charges accuses him and businessman Leno Adesanya—who is reportedly on the run—of forging a document dated May 22, 2003, which led to the controversial contract between the Nigerian government and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) for the construction of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station.

The EFCC argues that the contract, issued without proper approvals or financial backing, violated sections of the Penal Code and resulted in Nigeria facing a $2.3 billion arbitration claim from Sunrise Power at the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris.

Sources suggest that the protesters are aligned with El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP.

El-Rufai formally resigned from the APC on Monday, citing a disconnect between his values and the party’s leadership.

He criticized the APC for abandoning its founding principles and accused its leaders of disregarding internal democracy.

“I have raised concerns both privately and publicly regarding the capricious trajectory of the party,” El-Rufai said.

“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another platform for the pursuit of progressive values.”

He called on his supporters to join the SDP, expressing hope that it would provide a better platform for good governance, democracy, and national development.

Amid mounting pressure, Agunloye has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging threats and an orchestrated campaign to force his resignation.

“I petitioned the IG about a person who forged letterhead paper and is threatening me to resign,” Agunloye told reporters.

Reports indicate that SDP members loyal to El-Rufai are actively working to remove Agunloye from office.

However, some party figures, including 2023 SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo, have welcomed El-Rufai’s defection but acknowledged concerns about his political approach.

“I see him as an asset, a hardworking person with a measurable track record of public performance,” Adebayo said in a television interview.

“But he has weaknesses that he needs to work on.”

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has stated that it will consider both sides of the case involving suspended Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio before taking any action.

The IPU President, Dr. Tulia Ackson, made this known in New York on Tuesday after Senator Natasha raised her suspension issue during the Women in Parliament session.

Natasha had called for justice and the intervention of global democratic institutions, insisting that her suspension from the Senate was unlawful.

She further claimed that her outspokenness in New York could put her at risk upon returning to Nigeria, alleging that “the powers that be” might attempt to detain her.

Natasha’s suspension followed a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio over a new seating arrangement in the Senate chamber.

The disagreement escalated when Akpabio refused to recognize her contribution at plenary for not speaking from her reassigned seat.

The matter took a more serious turn when Natasha went on national television to accuse Akpabio of sexual harassment, stating that he was punishing her for rejecting his alleged advances.

She also submitted a formal petition detailing her allegations against the Senate President.

Following this, the Senate suspended her, citing a violation of its seating arrangement rules.

However, Natasha maintains that her suspension was a direct response to her sexual harassment complaint.

Responding to Natasha’s appeal at the IPU session, President Tulia Ackson assured that the matter would be examined carefully, emphasizing the need for fairness by hearing from both sides.

“We have heard her concerns, and it would be appropriate for us to gain a broader understanding of the issue because so far, we have only listened to her side,” Ackson said.

“As an institution, the IPU will not only take her concerns into account but will also ensure that the other side is given an opportunity to present their perspective, as is our custom. Once we have gathered all necessary information, we will take the appropriate steps.”

Ackson noted that she chose to address Natasha’s case at the conclusion of the session to prevent a one-sided narrative from shaping public perception.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed that he was prevented from accessing the Assembly Quarters to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area, Fubara stressed that his attempt to fulfill constitutional obligations was obstructed, despite making multiple efforts to communicate with the Speaker and other lawmakers.

“I made several attempts to reach the Speaker and other Assembly members. I even sent WhatsApp messages to notify them that I would be coming at 10 o’clock this morning to present the budget,” Fubara said.

“Unfortunately, when we got there, we were denied access. Now, I hear claims that no communication was made, but I leave everything to God.”

The governor emphasized that he did everything within his power to ensure a smooth process, adding that reports suggesting otherwise were misleading.

“I am aware of narratives in the media that I failed to communicate or comply with due process. That is not true,” he stated.

“Nothing lasts forever, not even power. What matters is how we use it, and I have chosen not to abuse mine. I will continue to act with restraint, knowing there is life after power.”

On the newly inaugurated Bori Zonal Hospital, Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare in Rivers State.

“This project started during Chibuike Amaechi’s administration and was inherited by the last administration but was left incomplete. When we came on board, we saw the need to finish it, along with other Zonal Hospitals in Etche, Ahoada, Omoku, and Degema,” he explained.

According to Fubara, these secondary healthcare facilities will help ease pressure on the state’s teaching hospitals, providing residents with easier access to quality medical services.

“The facility was not only completed but expanded and fully equipped to meet standard healthcare requirements,” he added.

Fubara directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure that the hospital is immediately operational, reiterating that the health of Rivers people remains a top priority for his administration.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed disappointment over being denied entry to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters on Wednesday, despite notifying Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his visit.

Fubara, who spoke during the commissioning of health facilities in Khana Local Government Area, insisted that he had formally communicated his intention to re-present the 2025 budget following the Supreme Court’s verdict on February 28, 2025.

“I still believe they might receive further instructions. If that happens, I am still willing to return at any time to resolve this matter,” the governor stated.

The Rivers State Government also shared a letter confirming Fubara’s notification to the Assembly regarding his visit.

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered key rulings on the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.

A five-member panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

The court ruled that Amaewhule should immediately resume legislative activities with other elected members.

Additionally, the apex court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with court orders.

The court also nullified the local government elections conducted in the state on October 5, 2024.

Following the verdict, Fubara pledged to implement the court’s decisions and directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize fresh local government elections, now scheduled for August 9, 2025.

However, the House of Assembly later issued an arrest warrant for RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), over his failure to appear before the lawmakers.

In a separate development, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sent a letter on March 7, 2025, requesting a meeting with the Assembly on March 10, 2025, to discuss the budget re-presentation and potential peace talks.

The Assembly, however, responded that the governor must follow the proper channels for such invitations.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, has claimed that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi will eventually join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on TVC on Wednesday, Bwala asserted that the Labour Party is losing members to the APC without any persuasion from the ruling party.

“Do you know we are emptying the Labour Party? It’s not because we go and ask them to come; they are coming. Valentine Ozigbo has joined us. Balami has joined us. Even Peter Obi will join us,” he said.

Bwala also predicted that Obi would not contest the 2027 presidential election under the LP, arguing that any coalition he joins will eventually collapse due to internal conflicts.

“All they need is two weeks of media coverage, and after that, their ambitions will tear them apart,” he added.

The presidential aide also commented on the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), suggesting that El-Rufai chose the SDP because it offered him more control.

“The reason El-Rufai didn’t go to the PDP is because there’s structure there. He can’t go and dictate things for them,” Bwala said.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has backed the possible impeachment of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, arguing that the process is constitutional and not a criminal act.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike criticized Fubara for what he described as impunity and a lack of commitment to resolving the political crisis in the state.

“Politics is not a game for the naive. If he has committed an impeachable offense, let them impeach him. It’s within the law,” Wike declared, emphasizing that loyalty in politics should be mutual.

The former Rivers governor dismissed concerns that Fubara’s removal could lead to instability in the Niger Delta, particularly threats of militant action.

“Who are the militants? Who told you only Ijaw people can blow up pipelines? Why do we keep attributing power to certain groups? If you threaten a sitting president with violence over a lawful action, then let everything blow up. Enough is enough,” he stated.

Wike accused Fubara of failing to foster a good working relationship with the Rivers State House of Assembly, suggesting that the governor’s approach has been confrontational rather than conciliatory.

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t force it to drink,” he said.

He further questioned Fubara’s unwillingness to engage in peace efforts, stating that the governor had never reached out to him.

“Does he even think I have a role to play? Has he ever called me? The elders who supported his emergence are disappointed. Leadership is about relationships, not a master-servant dynamic,” Wike said.

The FCT Minister also took a swipe at the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), calling it the “worst organization” he had ever encountered, accusing it of trying to disrupt President Bola Tinubu’s mediation efforts in the Rivers crisis.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was on Wednesday prevented from accessing the official quarters of the state House of Assembly along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, where lawmakers aligned with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have been holding their sessions.

The governor, who arrived at the location with key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, was met with a locked gate, barring his entry.

Addressing journalists at the scene, Fubara expressed frustration over his inability to reach Speaker Martin Amaewhule, stating that multiple calls and a formal letter requesting a meeting had gone unanswered.

“Before coming here, I made several attempts to speak with the Speaker and even sent a letter inviting him for discussions.

Unfortunately, the gate is locked, and there are no indications that any proceedings will take place today,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to acting in the best interests of the people and carrying out his constitutional responsibilities despite the setback.

“Our actions remain guided by the interests of our people, which is the most important thing. I hope to hear from them soon,” he added.

Following his remarks, Fubara and his delegation departed the premises.