The controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate has taken an international dimension as she escalates the matter to the global stage.

On Tuesday, the suspended Kogi Central lawmaker addressed the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting held at the United Nations in New York, calling for justice and intervention from global democratic institutions.

Senator Natasha described her suspension from the Senate as “illegal” and an act of injustice. She urged the international community to take note of what she believes is an abuse of legislative power against her.

Following her speech, she expressed concerns for her safety, alleging that there were indications she could face repercussions, including the possibility of being held against her will in New York by powerful figures from Nigeria.

Her case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her call for international intervention highlight the deepening tensions within Nigeria’s legislative chambers and the potential implications for democratic governance in the country.

At a youth-led gathering in Ovwian, Delta Central, over the weekend, Kelvin Ogboru, Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, confidently asserted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would suffer a resounding defeat in the 2027 elections, describing its downfall as inevitable.

Speaking to journalists at the event, Ogboru emphasized that there is “no vacancy” in Osadebe House, reaffirming that Governor Oborevwori remains the only viable option for Delta State.

He dismissed the opposition’s attempts to discredit the current administration, stating that true leadership is measured by results, not rhetoric.

“While others engage in theatrics and distractions, Governor Oborevwori is delivering real development across Delta State,” Ogboru declared.

He likened the governor’s leadership approach to that of global visionaries like Lee Kuan Yew, emphasizing his commitment to putting the people first rather than pursuing personal interests.

A prominent youth leader in Abraka and Ethiope East LGA, Ogboru expressed full confidence in the PDP’s dominance in 2027, citing the governor’s achievements under the MORE Agenda as a clear testament to his effectiveness.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, he described the APC in Delta as weak, fragmented, and lacking direction.

He criticized the party for relying on federal influence rather than grassroots engagement and genuine governance to win elections.

“They are still searching for a credible candidate for 2027, while the PDP already has a leader redefining governance and ensuring the dividends of democracy reach every part of the state,” Ogboru remarked.

He urged all appointees of Governor Oborevwori to strengthen their grassroots mobilization efforts, ensuring unwavering support for the governor’s re-election bid.

According to him, the 2027 election will be a landslide victory for the PDP, as Deltans will once again choose progress over propaganda, development over deception, and visionary leadership over political desperation.

Former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Aminu Tambuwal, has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will regain power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Tambuwal made this declaration on Monday while launching a Ramadan package distribution initiative aimed at supporting thousands of households in Sokoto State.

He emphasized that the programme, which will benefit over 30,000 families, is part of ongoing efforts by PDP lawmakers at both state and national levels to provide relief to citizens, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

In addition to the Ramadan assistance, he noted that PDP representatives have been distributing thousands of bags of rice and other essential food items to youth and women-led groups, helping them cope with the economic strain of the fasting period.

“We must be grateful to Allah for allowing us to witness another Ramadan, despite the many lives lost,” Tambuwal stated.

“We pray for continued good health and longevity to experience more blessed months like this.”

The former governor also took the opportunity to commend the leadership of the PDP for their commitment to strengthening and unifying the party in Sokoto and beyond.

He stressed that despite setbacks in the previous elections, the PDP remains resolute in its mission to reclaim what it considers its rightful mandate.

“What was taken from us will, by the grace of Allah, be returned in 2027,” Tambuwal assured supporters.

Speaking at the event, the Sokoto State PDP Chairman, Bello Goronyo, praised party members for their dedication and loyalty.

He urged the people of Sokoto and Nigerians at large to rally behind the PDP, arguing that the hardships currently experienced under APC governance were not present during the PDP’s tenure.

Goronyo called for collective efforts to “rescue” the country from what he described as APC’s poor leadership, urging voters to support the PDP’s return to power in the next election.

The Labour Party (LP) has called for the immediate recall of Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, over his alleged role in the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Labour Party leaders, led by Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, criticized Imasuen’s actions, describing them as a betrayal of the party’s principles and an abuse of legislative privilege.

The party also demanded an immediate reversal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the 10th Senate, insisting that due process was not followed.

Ahanotu emphasized that this demand was not just from the Labour Party but also on behalf of Nigerian youths who feel sidelined and unjustly treated.

“It is unacceptable that a Labour Party senator, Neda Imasuen, played an active role in the suspension of a fellow senator without a proper investigation. This act, driven by political interests, is a clear violation of the principles of justice and fair hearing,” Ahanotu stated.

The party raised concerns over the apparent rush in the proceedings, noting that the Ethics and Privileges Committee, initially set to hear the case on March 11, 2025, mysteriously rescheduled it for March 5, 2025, raising questions about undue political interference.

“We cannot ignore the fact that this Senate, which has shown little urgency in addressing critical national issues such as electoral reforms, security, and economic policies, was suddenly in a hurry to suspend an opposition voice,” the statement continued.

Labour Party further accused Senator Imasuen of failing to represent the values of the party, suggesting that his actions reflected a bias against female political figures.

“The Labour Party stands for gender equality, fair hearing, and the rule of law. Senator Imasuen’s actions contradict these principles, making him unfit to continue representing Edo South under the party’s platform,” Ahanotu added.

In response to the suspension, the party issued a set of demands:

1. The 10th Senate must immediately lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and reconstitute an independent committee to review the matter fairly.
2. Senator Imasuen should be excluded from any reconstituted investigative panel due to his perceived bias.
3. The people of Edo South should begin the recall process for Senator Imasuen, given his failure to uphold the interests of his constituents and the party.
4. President Bola Tinubu should intervene to uphold democratic principles and protect the rights of women in Nigerian politics, as his wife, a former senator, once faced similar challenges.
5. Senate President Godswill Akpabio must subject himself to an independent investigation over his role in the suspension, ensuring that no lawmaker is allowed to act as both judge and defendant in their own case.

The Party reaffirmed its commitment to standing against injustice, vowing to resist any attempts to silence opposition voices.

“We will continue to speak out, despite the intimidating and oppressive political atmosphere in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has made a surprising shift in his stance on Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Once a vocal critic, Bashir now describes Obi as “a great potential President or VP,” citing a change in perspective after distancing himself from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a post on X, he admitted that his previous criticism of the former Anambra State governor was influenced by APC members.

“Peter Obi is surprisingly not a bad person after all. My views on him have changed recently. My mind was poisoned by my former party members,” Bashir wrote.

This unexpected turnaround comes amid major political shifts involving his father, Nasir El-Rufai, who recently announced his resignation from the APC and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

El-Rufai, a former key figure in the ruling party, cited ideological differences as his reason for leaving, stating that the APC leadership had deviated from its founding principles.

“Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation,” he said in a statement.

Following extensive consultations, he opted to align with the SDP, positioning himself to play a major role in shaping the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

His move is seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate opposition forces against the APC.

El-Rufai’s political realignment sparked speculations, particularly after his recent meetings with key political figures, including former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and Pastor Tunde Bakare.

These interactions hint at ongoing discussions about potential alliances leading up to the next election cycle.

Popular Anambra-based cleric, Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, widely known as Odumeje, has announced his intention to contest for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.

The controversial preacher made the declaration during a church service, insisting that the country needs a youthful, technology-driven leader rather than what he described as “old cargoes.”

Odumeje’s announcement, which quickly went viral on social media, was met with excitement from his congregation.

However, he did not specify the political platform under which he plans to run.

“The leaders we have had, both past and present, have failed to transform Nigeria because they lack vision and digital knowledge,” he said.

“Nigeria needs a leader like me—someone who is young, strong, and understands the modern world.”

Nicknamed the “Indaboski Bahose” and “The Liquid Metal,” Odumeje is known for his theatrical preaching style, blending spirituality with music and entertainment.

His declaration of interest in the presidency has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a serious ambition while others see it as another of his dramatic performances.

During his sermon, he further engaged his congregation, asking if they were ready to support his bid for office.

“Are you ready for me? Odumeje for president! I know what you need. I know what you want. I will build a road called Citadel for you. I will bring digital transformation to this country,” he declared, drawing cheers from his followers.

Odumeje, founder of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry in Onitsha, has often found himself in the spotlight due to his unconventional approach to ministry.

He has been involved in several controversies, including disputes with traditional religious leaders and allegations of financial impropriety.

In 2022, his church was partially demolished by the Anambra State government over reported zoning violations, a move he strongly opposed.

Despite these controversies, he has remained a beloved figure among his supporters, many of whom see him as a fearless spiritual leader.

His presidential aspiration has triggered a wave of discussions online, with some Nigerians applauding his confidence and others dismissing it as another of his signature acts.