Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has expressed gratitude to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for permitting Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Oshiomhole made this statement on Friday during a New Year luncheon hosted by Wike in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He compared Wike’s move to Tinubu’s administration to a football team letting its star player join a rival club.

“Thank you to the PDP for giving us Nyesom Wike to help us fix Abuja. While I don’t support any football club, I’ve heard Manchester United fans say that when you let your best player go to another team, you pay the price,” Oshiomhole remarked.

The Senator further affirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would ensure that Wike remains in the Tinubu administration, preventing the PDP from reclaiming him.

He also lauded Wike’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, regardless of the consequences.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi visited lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi on Friday, praising his dedication to justice, human rights, and good governance.

The visit followed Farotimi’s recent meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his return from the Ekiti Correctional Center.

Obi expressed his joy at finding Farotimi in high spirits and commended his unwavering commitment to building a better Nigeria.

He described Farotimi as a symbol of courage, consistently taking bold stands for good governance despite facing adversity.

Both men used the opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s challenges and the ongoing call for reforms.

Obi reaffirmed his belief in the potential for a new Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of collective action toward national progress.

Senator Magnus Abe has disclosed that anti-party activities were rampant throughout the 2023 general elections across various political parties in Rivers State.

Speaking at a civic reception hosted by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for political stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Friday, Abe highlighted that such actions were driven by selfish political interests, including his own.

Abe, who ran as the governorship candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, admitted to preventing the SDP’s then-presidential candidate from campaigning in the state, citing his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate at the time.

He further accused prominent political figures, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Governor Nyesom Wike, PDP leaders, and APC members in the state, of engaging in similar activities.

Abe also questioned the disproportionate attention given to Wike’s anti-party actions, attributing the focus to the success of his electoral efforts.

Reflecting on the 2015 political climate, Abe recalled how some politicians in the state sought to block the transition of power from former Governor Rotimi Amaechi to Wike, advising Amaechi at the time against such moves to protect his legacy.

Addressing Governor Fubara, Abe warned that many of his current political supporters were motivated solely by personal gains.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and announced the dissolution of his cabinet, including the removal of all personal aides.

The decision was made during an emergency executive meeting held on Friday in Lafia, marking a significant shift in the state’s leadership.

Although the governor has not disclosed the reasons behind the dissolution, sources close to him revealed that the move was anticipated.

It is also believed that most of the sacked officials may not be reinstated in the government.

In some areas, there was a sense of celebration following the removal of the SSG, with some alleging his involvement in hindering the government’s progress.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has explained the purpose of his recent visit to former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, in Minna, Niger State.

Obi described the visit as an opportunity to seek the invaluable advice and wisdom of the elder statesman.

In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, Obi stated that the meeting allowed him to discuss important national issues with Babangida, whom he referred to as a father figure.

He also took the occasion to wish the former military leader a happy New Year.

Obi shared a picture from the visit, noting, “From Jigawa State, I travelled to Minna, Niger State, to pay a visit to a father figure, elder statesman, and leader, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his residence in Minna. The visit was an opportunity to wish him a happy New Year and exchange thoughts on national issues.”

He added, “General Babangida’s wisdom and perspectives remain very important, and I always deeply appreciate the chance to visit him and listen to his invaluable advice and words of wisdom. A new Nigeria is POssible.”

As the race for the Labour Party (LP) governorship ticket in Anambra State intensifies ahead of the 2025 elections, two prominent aspirants from Nnewi; George Moghalu and John Nwosu are set to meet and harmonize their interests.

The meeting is aimed at ensuring a united front in protecting the political interests of Nnewi town ahead of the party’s primary election.

Moghalu, who served as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), confirmed this possibility during a press conference at his residence on New Year’s Day.

He referred to Nwosu as both a brother and an in-law, noting that a meeting between the two was likely to avoid wasting resources and ensure the collective protection of Nnewi’s political stake.

“We have a good personal relationship, and it is not impossible for us to meet and harmonize our interests. Politics is about human dynamics, and we must work together to achieve the Nnewi dream. What matters most is that we want the Labour Party to form the government, and we are both committed to that goal,” Moghalu stated.

Although Moghalu emphasized his candidacy and readiness to replace Governor Chukwuma Soludo, he stressed that he remained open to discussions with Nwosu to ensure a smooth path forward for both of them and for Nnewi’s representation in the state’s governance.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 elections, has criticized the ongoing reforms by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that only the president’s close associates are reaping the benefits.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour alleged that ordinary Nigerians are bearing the brunt of the reforms, which include the removal of the petrol subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.

“The people are experiencing unprecedented hardship,” Rhodes-Vivour stated. “Over 70 percent of their income is spent on food and transportation, and they haven’t even begun to think about how to afford housing.”

He emphasized that the primary beneficiaries of these reforms are bankers, government officials, and those close to the president, while the majority of Nigerians struggle with the impact.

Rhodes-Vivour further criticized what he called a “culture of wastefulness” in the government, which he believes does not align with the country’s dire economic conditions.

Addressing his future political plans, Rhodes-Vivour confirmed his intention to run for the Lagos governorship post again in 2027.

He also stressed the need for a united opposition to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that if opposition parties remain divided, the effort would be futile.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State strengthened its foothold on Friday as two local government chairmen and 13 councillors defected to the party, signaling their support for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership and the ongoing development efforts in the state.

Hon. Edosa Enowoghomenma, Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, joined the APC alongside eight councillors, including the Leader of the House, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor.

Similarly, Hon. Dickson Ahonsi, Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, defected with five councillors, bringing the total number of defectors to 13.

Ahonsi explained that their decision was influenced by the Governor’s initiatives to improve the state, particularly his impressive early actions in office, including key appointments and the launch of significant projects.

“The projects that he has embarked upon show clearly that Edo is in safe hands,” Ahonsi said.

The defectors were welcomed by APC leaders, including State Secretary Engr. Lawrence Okah, who assured them that the party’s doors are open for more members to join.

Okah emphasized that APC now has five councillors in Ovia South West, with the expectation of more defectors in the future.

Enowoghomenma, addressing supporters before officially joining the APC, expressed his commitment to supporting both Governor Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa in the development of the state.

“We have decided to join the APC in Ovia South West to work harmoniously with our governor and our very own son, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, to ensure that our local government progresses,” he said.

Hon. Edobor reinforced that their decision to defect was made in the best interest of the people of Ovia South West, noting that their goal in politics is to bring development to the region.

“We are not under duress; we are here to join the ruling party to bring about renewed hope for our people,” he affirmed.