Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland in late 2024 on allegations of terrorism-related activities, is set to appear before a Finnish court in June 2025.

Ekpa, who has been a prominent figure in the push for the secession of Biafra, is facing serious charges related to inciting violence and terrorism financing.

Naija News reports that the Finnish government announced Ekpa’s arrest alongside four others in November 2024, stating that they were being investigated for their roles in terror-related activities.

Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, self-proclaimed “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media platforms to encourage violence targeting both civilians and authorities in the South-East region of Nigeria.

According to reports from local publication Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

The Finnish authorities have also placed Ekpa under sanctions, freezing his assets and economic resources, alongside 16 others, due to their suspected involvement in terrorism-related activities.

Ekpa, who was initially represented by lawyer Ilkka Kopra, now has a new legal representative, Kaarle Gummerus.

Gummerus confirmed that he had received the pre-trial case file and is preparing for the upcoming trial. The trial is now scheduled to take place in June 2025.

BBC Pidgin reported, “We reached out to Simon Ekpa’s new lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, to find out the current status of the case and when Ekpa will be taken to court for trial.

“The lawyer confirmed that he has received the pre-trial file of the case and they will go through it to decide what to do next.

“However, when we asked him when Simon Ekpa will appear in court, he said the case will go to court in June 2025.”

No fewer than 144 persons have been killed by herdsmen in the two north central states of Plateau and Benue states in the last two weeks, as the blood-letting continued late Tuesday, with the killing of at least 13 persons, while scores of others sustained injuries, with over 50 houses razed.

Recall that within the period, 104 persons, comprising 52 in Bassa local government area and another 52 in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, were killed by the marauding herdsmen, while at least 40 were also killed in Benue State.

In Benue, three persons were killed on April 3 when a Benue Links bus was ambushed at Ikobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, while on April 10, two farmers were murdered by the marauders in Gwer West LGA.

Same day, three persons were killed at Mbasombo community also in Gwer East LGA, while the latest attack on Otobi Akpa in Otukpo LGA and the boundary with Nasarawa State claimed the lives of at least 13 persons, with several others declared missing.

Aside from the killings in the north central states, Boko Haram insurgents also on Tuesday, attacked Adamawa communities in Hong local government area, killing seven persons, while scores of others are still missing.

The latest killings in Benue on Tuesday evening, came as Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State yesterday announced prohibition of night grazing, transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7:00 pm, and restriction of the use of motorcycles from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am across the state until further notice, as part of measures to ward off the marauding herdsmen.

The attack on Otobi Akpa community started at about 6:00pm from the popular Otobi junction when over 20 armed herdsmen in a commando style, shot sporadically at anybody they sighted.
They also set ablaze no fewer than 50 houses.

Unfortunately most the of the vigilantes who could have stopped them from entering the main town to perpetrate their mission, had moved to Adim village of Akpa to attend a burial.

The terrifying sounds of gunshots created palpable fear as many took to their heels, while others who were curious to know what was happening ran into the herdsmen who opened fire on them, killing at least 13 persons in the process, while many escaped with gunshot wounds.

Some other victims were butchered with cutlasses, with their brains scattered around the scenes they were killed.
Investigation revealed that the killer herdsmen invaded Otobi Akpa and other Akpa communities to resist the law against open grazing which stopped them from grazing their cattle in the area.

One of the elders of the community, Adikwu Ogbe, who lamented the attack, recalled that Otobi Akpa community was one of the most peaceful communities in Idoma land, noting that in the past, the community had lived peacefully with Fulani herders until recently when they (herders) started bearing sophisticated arms and threatening the locals.

Recall that about three weeks ago, a security guard with Otukpo dam was shot and dismembered by herdsmen who enter Otobi village and shot sporadically in a night attack.

At the time of filing this report, many residents were seen fleeing the community, while search for those missing was in progress.

There was also no sign of security presence in the affected areas.

Benue State Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, in company of heavily armed security operatives, yesterday visited the area to sympathise with many of the residents who are currently taking refuge at the Federal Government College, Otobi.

He appealed to them to remain calm, assuring that measures were being put in place to end further attack by the killers herdsmen.

Meanwhile, the community has become a ghost town as virtually everyone has fled the area for fear of another attack.

7 killed, many more missing as Boko Haram insurgents attack Adamawa community

While the herders are running riot in Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states, Boko Haram insurgents in the early hours of yesterday, launched an attack on Adamawa communities in Hong local government, killing seven persons, while scores of others have been declared missing.

The attack, which is the fourth this year, occurred in the quiet communities of Banga and Larh and some adjoining villages in Hong LGA.

At least seven persons were confirmed dead, including a vigilante, killed by detonated explosives.

The assault also saw a police van shattered by the explosives, though its occupants miraculously escaped unharmed.
The attack in Banga claimed three lives, including two men shot dead by insurgents and a woman who fell and died during the stampede in nearby Larh.

According to locals, the attackers came in their large numbers and started shooting sporadically in all directions in the community .

“In the twinkle of an eye, the entire communities were deserted as people scampered in different directions for their lives,” Ma’am Yakub, an eyewitness told Vanguard.

He said in the ensuring confusion, many people got missing as their whereabouts are unknown.

The attack became more dreadful following the tragic loss of a vigilante in Banga, who was killed when a bomb detonated during efforts to secure the area.

“It’s heartbreaking that we are losing our people to these monsters, and now, even those protecting us are now the targets,’’ said a community leader who requested anonymity.

Local sources noted that the insurgents often plant such devices to deter security operatives from pursuing them, a strategy that had repeatedly disrupted response efforts.

The chairman of Hong local government council, Mr Waang Inuwa, who confirmed the attack, called for more military presence in the communities .

The attack on Banga and Larh underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram in North-Eastern Nigeria, despite claims by authorities that the group had been significantly weakened.

“We feel abandoned. These attacks keep happening, and we’re left to fend for ourselves,” another community leader lamented .

Mutfwang prohibits night grazing, transportation of cattle

To restore calm and strengthen vigilance in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang yesterday announced the prohibition of night grazing, transportation of cattle by vehicle after 7:00 pm, and the use of motorcycles restricted from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am across the state until further notice.

The governor in a state-wide broadcast, said the security measures were effective from Wednesday, April 16th.
His words: “I speak to you today (yeterday) not only as your governor but as a fellow son of Plateau who shares in your anguish and feels the weight of the pain inflicted upon our people.

“We are once again confronted by sorrow as heart-wrenching attacks have taken the lives of innocent citizens in our communities.

“In the late hours of Sunday, April 13, the calm of Kimakpa area of Kwall District in Bassa LGA was shattered by violent assaults on Zike village. Innocent men, women, and children were murdered in cold blood.

“Homes were torched, properties ravaged, and entire families were left in agony. These attacks occurred, even as we were still mourning the loss of over 50 lives in Bokkos.

“The scale, frequency and intent of these atrocities are unmistakable. Let us be clear: this is not random violence. This is not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders. What we are witnessing is a systematic and premeditated campaign—one that seeks to displace, destabilise, and instill terror and fear in our people and communities.

“The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid. The cycle continues, but it must not endure. Enough Is Enough!

‘’As your governor, I stand resolved—Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal. My administration is intensifying efforts to protect our people and enforce the rule of law across all local governments.

“Only days ago, I visited Hurti, Mbar, Manguna, and Daffo to witness, first hand, the devastation left behind by the terrorists. I had earlier stopped at Ruwi, where mourners were brazenly attacked at a wake.

“What I saw moved me profoundly—the suffering of displaced families now crammed into churches and temporary shelters, their lives uprooted overnight.

“But let me reassure you: my government is alive to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, and we are rising to the occasion more determined than ever.

“For far too long, our beloved state has made the headlines for the wrong reasons, thereby casting a shadow over our immense potential and deterring the inflow of much-needed foreign direct and local investments.

“These investments could have been the catalyst for harnessing our abundant natural resources and lifting our people out of poverty. We cannot afford to let this unfortunate reality persist.

‘’Despite this sorrow, the strength and courage of our people continue to inspire me. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the national and state emergency management agencies for their prompt response in providing emergency aid and comfort to survivors.

“I hereby announce the following measures, effective Wednesday, April 16th, night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited, and transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 pm. The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00pm to 6:00am across the state until further notice.

“We are also activating community-based response systems. I urge traditional leaders and youth associations to reactivate local vigilante groups and organize night patrols in coordination with the security agencies. We must protect our communities while upholding the rule of law.”

The governor furthermore mandated the newly inaugurated Inter-Religious Council to begin immediate engagement with all stakeholders to address the deeper issues surrounding these attacks.

“I shall also be appointing a special envoy on peace to lead grassroots consultations and intelligence coordination as a fact-finding committee, comprising respected independent voices, to investigate the root cause of this resurgence in violence and offer actionable recommendations.

Emomotimi Agama, the director-general (DG) of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), says the CBEX digital trading platform is not registered with the agency.

Agama spoke on Arise Xchange on Wednesday, responding to questions on the loss of investors’ funds after the recent collapse of the CBEX trading platform.

The CBEX had reportedly promised investors a 100 percent returns, before it suddenly crashed — leading to the looting of its Ibadan office on Monday.

The director-general said the commission has repeatedly warned that any investment scheme that is not registered is illegal.

He said investors must always check if schemes are registered with the SEC, noting that the ISA 2025 defines ponzi schemes and prescribes sanctions for those involved.

“For us at the SEC, our primary responsibility is investor protection, and investor protection stems out of registration and regulation,” he said.

“When a scheme is not registered with the SEC, it becomes illegal; and is important that whoever is interested in investing in such scheme must ask the question, Are you registered with the SEC?

“If that is not the case, then it is automatically stated and known that such is an illegal activity and will not be condoned even by the SEC.”

‘SEC HAS NOT RECEIVED OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING CBEX’

Agama said the commission was unaware of CBEX’s illegal operation, stressing that no official complaints were made regarding the scheme.

“Often times with schemes like this, most people will always try to keep it away from the regulator and even keep it away from their friends, except a few group of persons whom they are interested in,” he said.

“So for us, at the SEC as we speak today, at this hour, we have not received any complaints from anyone regarding CBEX.

“If we had received any formal complaint regarding CBEX, the team at the SEC will have actually swung into action trying to get who is involved.

“However, we sympathise very much with the people, the victims, because they are Nigerians, and of course, at SEC, we will commence investigation as to where these people are, and make sure we hunt them down, because the law actually has given us the power to take them down, find them, sanction them by fining, and also sending them to the prisons for 10 years, that is the provision of the law.”

‘WE’ll CONTINUE TO EDUCATE NIGERIANS

The director-general said the SEC has persistently cautioned Nigerians against investing in schemes that seem too good to be true.

He noted that the commission uses paid advertisements, videos uploaded on the SEC website, interviews, and newspaper articles to enlighten the public.

“Ponzi scheme didn’t start today, it is a global malaise. It started in the 20th century by a man called Charles Ponzi, who clearly, at that point in time, promised that he was going to give every investor 50 percent in returns, and from then on, it became a practice by so many people to defraud people from their hard-earned resources,” Agama said.

“It is very clear that the choices made by people must be dictated and regulated by the law of the land.

“The SEC will continuously educate people. We have in the process of doing that, agreed to various forms of interview.

“We’ve also launched a podcast at the SEC providing more information towards our long term goal of launching a capital market radio, we will continue, because we know that it is not enough.

“We will continue to educate Nigerians onto the last milestone to make people understand and know the value of proper investment.”

The director-general urged Nigerians who want to invest to make sure they verify the registration status of investment schemes from the SEC.

Agama reiterated that the commission has taken several actions against Ponzi schemes in the country, resulting in the imprisonment of culprits.

He added that the SEC is collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to rid the country of “unscrupulous individuals who have malicious intentions towards citizens”.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for staying in France when there are urgent national issues deserving his attention in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media office, Abubakar said the country “is in a full-blown state of emergency,” citing the killings in Plateau and Benue states and the resurgence of Boko Haram terrorists in Borno.

On April 2, Tinubu departed for France on a two-week “working visit”.

The presidency said during the “short working visit,” Tinubu will review his administration’s achievements so far.

But the opposition has knocked the president over the trip and asked him to return home to address the spiralling insecurity in the country.

Earlier on Wednesday, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, asked the president to suspend his France retreat amid the worsening insecurity back home.

The former Anambra governor described Tinubu as a “retreating president” and said the nation is facing a wave of violent crimes without visible leadership.

Also, in his statement, Abubakar said the president’s “working visit” in France is nothing more than a vacation cloaked in official jargon, describing it as a “dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale”.

“On April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flew out to France. Had this absurd announcement come just a day earlier, Nigerians would have dismissed it as an April Fool’s joke. But sadly, it’s no prank — just another insult to a nation pushed to the brink by a presidency that treats its citizens like fools,” the statement reads.

“The official excuse? A so-called “working visit.” But Nigerians aren’t buying the spin. The presidency scrambled to clarify that it wasn’t a medical trip — how noble. But even if it’s not medical tourism, what justification is there for gallivanting across Europe while Nigeria bleeds? What kind of leader borrows billions only to blow scarce funds on vanity trips abroad? It’s not just irresponsible— it’s contemptuous.

“Let the facts speak for themselves. By the time Tinubu struts back from this latest escapade, he will have racked up a staggering 59 days in France since assuming office. “See Paris and die?” No — see Paris and abandon your country.

“While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks. Benue is bleeding. Boko Haram is seizing territory. And every single day, Nigerians sink deeper into poverty, insecurity and despair.

“This isn’t just negligence. It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale.

“If Tinubu had even a shred of empathy, he would cut his trip short and return immediately. A leader with an ounce of patriotism wouldn’t need to be begged to show up in times of crisis. The constitution says the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government. But under Tinubu, that sacred duty has been trashed.

“Let’s be honest: there is absolutely nothing Tinubu is doing in France that he couldn’t do in Lagos, or even in Iragbiji. This so-called “working visit” is nothing more than a vacation cloaked in official jargon.

“Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency. Not a contrived political emergency like what Tinubu declared in Rivers for partisan gain — this is a national collapse. So when, exactly, will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous presidency

Nigeria is grappling with a growing breast cancer crisis, as cases have surged by a staggering 296 per cent and related deaths by 223 per cent over the past three decades.

Stakeholders at the Roche Breast Cancer Summit 2025, held in Lagos on Wednesday, sounded the alarm, citing rising treatment costs, limited healthcare access, and widespread misinformation as key drivers behind the escalating epidemic.

A Professor of Surgical Oncology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Emmanuel Ezeome, in a sombre address, described breast cancer as a public health emergency. Quoting data from the British Medical Journal, Ezeome noted that breast cancer incidence in sub-Saharan Africa has risen by 247 percent in 30 years, with Nigeria accounting for a significant portion of that increase, adding that the country’s age-standardised breast cancer incidence rate jumped from 24.9 to 38.2 per 100,000, while mortality increased from 19.3 to 26.9 per 100,000.

This disease is not only more prevalent but also more deadly,” Ezeome said, highlighting Nigeria’s mortality-to-incidence ratio of over 51 percent, one of the highest in the world. He attributed this grim statistic to late diagnoses, limited access to effective care, and high out-of-pocket costs, which consume over 40 percent of the annual income for 90 percent of patients.

He decried Nigeria’s inadequate radiotherapy capacity on infrastructure, with only 14 centres nationwide, of which just eight are functional. He also lamented the underutilisation of breast-conserving surgery, which could benefit up to 30 percent of patients if early diagnosis and adequate care were available.

The professor called for a unified, multi-sectoral approach to curb the crisis, stressing the need for collaboration between government, health professionals, civil society, and development partners. “Operating in silos has only worsened outcomes. We must align our efforts if we are to reduce mortality and improve survival,” he urged.

He emphasised the urgent need for broader cancer education, equitable access to care, and stronger infrastructure while recommending integrating cancer education into school curricula, expanding routine screening, and countering harmful misinformation, especially from religious and traditional institutions, through community-led awareness campaigns.

With only 10 percent of Nigerians covered by health insurance, Ezeome called for mandatory coverage for all employees and deeper public-private partnerships to create more affordable treatment models. This is necessary to boost survival rate as national survival rates remain dismal (just 25–27 percent) over five years, compared to over 80 percent in high-income countries, Ezeome averred.

Echoing these concerns, the general manager of Roche Nigeria, Dr Ladipo Hameed, described the current state of cancer care as one marked by “unmet needs” while underscoring the dire outcomes for Nigerian cancer patients, citing persistent challenges with late diagnosis and limited treatment options. “We have made significant advancements in research and drug development. But the key to saving lives lies in accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and guiding patients through the healthcare system,” Hameed said.

Roche recently launched the Africa Breast Cancer Ambition (ABCA), a programme aimed at transforming outcomes for African women. The initiative sets ambitious goals, including diagnosing 60 percent of cases at early stages and reducing diagnosis times from six months to just 60 days.

Hameed emphasised that focusing on breast cancer, Africa’s most common and emotive cancer, could catalyse improvements across the oncology landscape. “If we build expertise and infrastructure around breast cancer, the ripple effect will strengthen care for other cancers like colorectal and liver,” he noted.

He lauded recent government investments, including new radiotherapy equipment and the anticipated opening of three treatment centres by mid-year. “Not long ago, the country had just one or two functional radiotherapy machines. Now, we’re seeing encouraging growth,” he said. Hameed also praised financial support mechanisms like the National Cancer Health Fund (NCHF) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which aim to lessen the financial burden of cancer treatment. “Mandatory health insurance is a step in the right direction. It brings hope to millions who previously faced catastrophic out-of-pocket costs,” he added.

In a swift move to check the influx of internet fraudsters to Niger State, the Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters in Bida and Minna the state capital.

LEADERSHIP gathered that they were arrested with charms and pants of women with three cars in an operation that started on Tuesday and ended yesterday in Minna.

The zonal director of the commission in Kaduna Bawa Usman Kaltungo, recently visited the state and described the state as a safe haven for internet fraudsters.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the Commission, Dele Oyewale , confirmed the incident, saying that they were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to suspected fraudulent internet activities.

Oyewale said, “Items recovered from them include three cars, eight power generating sets, one Hisense air conditioner, two power stabilisers, 10 motorcycles, eight laptop computers, four Bluetooth speakers and 60 Android phones”.

“Also recovered were fetish items that included three calabashes, adorned with feathers, traditionally made soap and sponge, a bottle of hot drink, 20 cowries, a waist bead and four lady’s underwears,” he added.

He said they would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Tuesday launched an enforcement operation at Utako Market in Abuja, sealing shops allegedly involved in the fraudulent rebagging of local rice into premium foreign brands such as Mama Gold and Stallion, among others—brands that, according to the Commission, are no longer officially sold in the Nigerian market.

The raid was led by FCCPC’s director of surveillance and investigation, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka was based on what she described as “credible intelligence” from brand owners and market sources.

“These traders are deliberately deceiving consumers by putting cheaper or unknown-quality rice into branded sacks,” Adeyinka said during the operation. “They pass these off as trusted, premium brands to profit significantly. It’s a deceptive and unfair trade practice.”

She added that the Commission views the scheme as a coordinated cartel operation aimed at exploiting consumer trust and demand for imported rice despite an official halt in selling such brands within the country.

“For example, Mama Gold stopped selling rice in Nigeria in 2015. Yet, traders are repackaging local rice into these foreign-branded bags to deceive consumers who still crave imported rice,” Adeyinka said.

According to her, this practice not only cheats consumers but also threatens legitimate businesses trying to compete fairly in the market.

She warned that those found culpable could face prosecution under the FCCPC Act, which prohibits misleading representations and other unfair market practices.

“The owners of these brands have publicly notified consumers that they no longer bring these rice products into Nigeria. Despite this, cartels flood the market with repackaged local rice in foreign-branded sacks,” Adeyinka added.

She emphasised that consumers deserved value and safety for their money and stressed that rebagging local rice into premium brand sacks amounts to criminal misrepresentation and could endanger public health.

“This practice is not just unethical—it’s exploitative,” she said. “It undermines the economic interests of consumers and erodes public trust in the marketplace.”

During the operation, the FCCPC seized large volumes of repackaged rice and shut several shops allegedly linked to the scheme. Adeyinka said the Commission intends to trace the entire supply chain to identify the key producers and suppliers behind the rebagging network.

“We will continue to evacuate and remove these deceptive products from the market and hold perpetrators accountable,” she added.

She urged consumers to avoid purchasing rice from unverifiable sources or compromised packaging.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has said that the suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has not tried to seek forgiveness, which Wike identifies as a crucial step before contemplating reconciliation.

Wike, through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, responded to calls from Niger Delta ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, who urged Wike to set aside his grievances and forgive Fubara, his former political ally.

In a recent statement regarding the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, Tompolo stressed the importance of unity and restraint, suggesting that Wike should “calm down for the good of all” and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.

“And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems,” Tompolo remarked. “We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and Fubara will return to his seat.”

The minister, however, firmly countered the appeal, stating he has not accused Fubara of any personal wrongdoing but has only called for a commitment to sound governance principles.

He emphasised that for reconciliation to occur, an offender must first acknowledge their missteps.

“There is no offence. It is only when someone offends you personally that forgiveness becomes necessary. As Christians, let’s even assume that Fubara has offended the Minister. Do you forgive someone who hasn’t come to seek forgiveness?

“The person must first acknowledge in his heart that he has done wrong. Has Fubara come to seek forgiveness? I’m not saying there is an offence and that forgiveness is required, but he hasn’t even made that move.

“Fubara should govern according to the rule of law and not abandon those who risked their lives and resources to make him governor. That’s not too much to ask. He should consider apologising to the President instead.

“You’re begging a doctor to provide medicine for someone who is sick, but you’re not asking the sick person to take the medicine. So what happens then?” he stated

Upset by the stance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he and members of the coalition would adopt any platform that ensures good governance in their bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Atiku, a PDP presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, made the declaration on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation of young Nigerians under the name National Opinion Leaders.

The former vice president’s stance comes three days after PDP governors distanced themselves from his opposition coalition movement ahead of the 2027 election.

Atiku, Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) have been leading prominent politicians in a political coalition against President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

El-Rufai, who dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been wooing members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to join the coalition.

The presidency has dismissed the antics of the coalition movement ahead of 2027.

Equally, the chairman of the ruling APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the coalition’s chances of success, citing the overriding personal interests of its leaders.

PDP governors, rising from their meeting on Monday, also distanced themselves and the party from the coalition movement.

The PDP Governors’ Forum issued a communiqué at the end of its meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, read by its chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed.

The communiqué stated the forum had resolved not to join any coalition or merger.

The PDP acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and other party leaders were also present at the meeting.

However, they expressed readiness to welcome any individual, group, or party willing to join the PDP in 2027 to wrest power and enthrone good leadership.

Subsequently, two PDP governors, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, declared their support for President Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 election.

The PDP governors’ stance was a clear indication that the main opposition party would not align with the Atiku-led coalition movement.

However, in a video of the meeting shared on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Atiku assured that the “coalition train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades.”

While addressing the youth-dominated delegation of National Opinion Leaders, Atiku urged them to remain focused and not be swayed by short-term inducements.

“Don’t be disrupted by people giving you pennies or kobo here and there, and naira here and there, and then abandon your future and your children’s future,” he said.

“Now, because of that, that’s why a number of us leaders from the parties I have mentioned—APC, PDP, Labour and others—have come together to say we are going to have what I call in Hausa ‘Sabuwar tafiya’, which in English means a new path, a new pathway to a new Nigeria.

“And we have been meeting, and by the grace of God, very soon we will announce, and we hope—and we appeal to you all—to be part of this movement.”

The former vice president said the primary objective of the coalition was to ensure good governance.

“Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance for the future of our children and grandchildren, that is the vehicle we are going to ride on,” he declared.

He concluded by urging the delegation to start planning and mobilising support.

“Get to planning and working together and getting as many Nigerians as possible to get converted to this new pathway,” he told them.

PDP Governors Playing Tinubu’s Spoiler Game – Opposition Coalition

Meanwhile, the opposition coalition has lambasted PDP governors for wittingly or unwittingly handing advantage to President Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, and expecting Nigerians to take them seriously.

The coalition said this in reaction to the PDP governors’ resolve not to join any coalition or merger before the 2027 polls.

On Wednesday, Salihu Lukman, the coalition’s chief strategist, said the alliance was a viable option to defeat the APC and President Tinubu and rescue Nigeria’s democracy from imminent collapse.

Lukman said that even though the PDP governors and some party leaders opposed the idea of joining the coalition, the movement extended its hands of fellowship to all political actors in the country, to join it in rescuing Nigerian democracy.

“All we have seen of the PDP governors is the flagrant usurpation of the powers assigned to the party’s organs (PDP). This is wrong. It is also a clear demonstration that, if left alone, the PDP governors will only continue destroying democratic institutions in the country.

“As it is, all patriotic Nigerians who are committed to rescuing Nigerian democracy should recognise that the challenge facing us as a nation is beyond the romantic affiliation to so-called political parties such as the PDP, with many of its leaders operating as Trojan horses to the APC and President Tinubu’s government.

“It makes no sense to invest energy and resources in a party whose leaders are either appointees of the APC government or undercover supporters. Otherwise, how can anyone justify how the PDP and its leaders are mismanaging themselves and practically putting themselves in self-destruction and political irrelevance?”

He went on to espouse the mission of the coalition.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the coalition is fundamentally about rebuilding Nigeria’s democracy. Leaders of the coalition recognise this and, more importantly, identify all the challenges ahead.

“Resolving these challenges and building the confidence of Nigerians is about restoring the value of political negotiations as critical and fundamental to guaranteeing the survival of democracy. Over the years, both the PDP and APC have demonstrated contempt for political negotiations and, to that extent, disrespected agreements in various ways,” he said.

According to him, since the PDP has been out of power for more than ten years, Nigerians had waited for the party to provide a viable opposition.

“Instead, the party went into suspended animation until the rampaging Tinubu-led APC finally found a willing undertaker to put it to rest. The governors know that the virus that afflicts the PDP has no cure. They are only grandstanding. They know that Nigerians cannot accept this PDP as the alternative because it is clear to all discerning Nigerians that the ruling party has hijacked its soul,” he said.

Lukman noted that Nyesom Wike is the untouchable super minister in the APC government not because of the sterling job he is doing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but because he has done a great job of ensuring that the PDP is not able to present a presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu in 2027.

“However, with the growing coalition, that mandate has been adjusted recently. The new agenda is to revive the PDP to stand as a counterforce to the coalition and present a candidate that would split the vote in 2027.

“This PDP Governors’ Forum is wittingly or unwittingly playing Asiwaju’s spoiler game, and it expects Nigerians to take it seriously.”

Lukman further stated that the survival of Nigeria and the future of democracy largely depend on how political actors seek to reverse this ugly reality, and that the coalition leaders were working hard to finalise negotiations to unveil the coalition, its structure, and programme of action for rescuing Nigeria.

Lukman added that Nigeria was in dire need of rescue.

“The future of our republic depends on the courage and clarity of its opposition leaders and institutions. We call on all true democrats across the political spectrum to set aside ego, ambition, and party barriers and commit to building a coalition for national salvation,” the former APC national vice chairman added.

CPC Bloc Pledges Loyalty, Commitment to APC, Tinubu

Over 20 leaders and members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which merged with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 election, have reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to the ruling party and expressed strong solidarity with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

They said recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded, stressing that they remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.

The CPC bloc made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by prominent leaders, including former Nasarawa and Katsina state governors Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and former education minister Adamu Adamu.

“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.

“As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.

“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable,” they said

With the rising uncertainties due to the ongoing tariff wars, Nigeria and other emerging economies who are reliant on commodity exports are likely to experience budgetary pressures, the president of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga has cautioned.

Speaking during a virtual briefing ahead of the 2025 World Bank/ International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings, Ajay noted that the budgetary challenges may arise as global trade tensions escalate and economic growth slows.

The World Bank president warned that ongoing trade wars between major economies are injecting uncertainty into global markets, with uneven effects expected across developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In response to question on growth projections for emerging economies in Sub-Saharan Africa particularly in Nigeria due to the ongoing trade wars, he said: “Definitely there’s uncertainty and vulnerability; you will get reductions in global growth.

“I think the impact on different countries will be different. It’s a little difficult to predict exactly where that will go, country by country right now, because, for example, if you’re exposed to commodity exports, and if the prices of commodities come down because of a reduction in global growth, then you will have a challenge with the budget of that country.

“On the other hand, if you’re a smaller emerging market or a market that isn’t as well integrated into the system, or your domestic consumption is a higher percentage of your of your GDP than your exports, and therefore different balance of growth in your country, then it’s a different impact.

“We’re kind of going to have to work our way through that over the coming weeks, depending on how this uncertainty plays out, but overall, for the global economy, certainly uncertainty will lead to a slower growth than it was a few months ago.”

He also noted that uncertainty and volatility are contributing to a more cautious economic and business environment.

“I think that’s going to affect our governments and businesses make their investment decisions right now.

“Developing economies are playing a far more central role in global trade than they did, say, two decades ago. And in that time, global trade has nearly quadrupled in nominal terms, and that share of the developing countries in that trade has nearly doubled from what a fifth to almost two fifths. And again, half of the exports now go to other developing countries. Time back in 2000, that was just one quarter. I think this shift brings both an opportunity and exposure.

“Countries with export led growth models, particularly those reliant on commodities or manufactured goods, they’re much more vulnerable to disruption, but they also have policy levers to help manage the uncertainty and position themselves for a longer term resilience,” he said