Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Friday met with the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Abuja, amidst speculation that Kwankwaso may soon defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Leadership Newspaper, the two prominent political figures were spotted together after Jumaat prayers at a mosque in Abuja.

El-Rufai, who was accompanied by his eldest son, Bello El-Rufai, exchanged pleasantries with the former Governor of Kano State.

Naija News reports that the meeting has come amid growing speculation that Kwankwaso, alongside his political base in the NNPP, may soon announce a move to the APC.

Recent reports indicate that Kwankwaso and the NNPP are currently weighing their political options, including a potential alliance either with the APC or the opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar.

A source with knowledge of the situation, who spoke to Punch on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that Kwankwaso and the NNPP were unlikely to contest the 2027 elections independently, as they did in 2023.

“What I can confirm is that Kwankwaso and the NNPP will not contest independently as they did in the 2023 elections. Considering the current political landscape, they are weighing the possibility of either joining President Tinubu’s APC or aligning with the coalition led by Atiku, el-Rufai, and others,” the source disclosed.

NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also confirmed in an interview with Punch that the party was indeed considering these political options.

He stated, “Well, so far, what I’ll say is this: in the NNPP, we tend to, at least from our own history as the Kwankwasiyya movement, wait till midterm. May 29th will be the midterm for this administration. It will be two years down, and two years to go. That is when we believe that proper politicking will commence.

“So, yes, we are talking, and we’ve been talking. But you’ll recall that at that time, I told you I didn’t want to mention specifically the groups or persons or movements that are in conversation with us. That is still the position now.

“You’ll recall that there have been many publications in newspapers and online, insinuating that Senator Kwankwaso is moving to the APC, that it is imminent and all that. That is just the nature of the game. Some people are pressing or pushing that narrative for their selfish reasons.

“But the bottom line is that very soon, they will begin to hear from us. We will tell our supporters what we are doing. There are basically three cards on the table: either we remain in the NNPP and continue with those who joined us all the way or we form some sort of coalition with Atiku, others; or we form an alliance with the ruling party. I am not saying any of these is the case now. But these are the three basic options that could happen.”

The Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Solomon Adeola, has credited President Bola Tinubu for rescuing Nigeria’s economy from potential collapse, citing the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as pivotal actions in stabilising the country’s finances.

Speaking on Saturday during the 2nd Edition of his Town Hall Meeting, Mega Empowerment, and Thank You Tour held in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Adeola emphasized the gravity of the economic challenges faced by Nigeria under the previous administration, particularly the heavy borrowing required to maintain fuel subsidies and stabilize the naira.

Adeola explained that the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari borrowed heavily to fund fuel subsidy payments and defend the naira against the dollar.

“Not less than $400 billion was borrowed under the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to stabilize the naira against the dollar, and this is a fiscal policy that has really left our country’s economy in a bad state,” Adeola stated.

He further revealed that the Buhari government also borrowed trillions of naira to fund the fuel subsidy, which, he argued, disproportionately benefited less than 1% of the Nigerian population.

The massive borrowing, he said, had put the country’s economy under immense pressure and set the stage for the urgent need for reform.

Naija News reports that Adeola commended President Tinubu for his decisive action in removing the fuel subsidy and floating the naira, actions he described as crucial steps toward rescuing the nation’s struggling economy.

“All the reforms being undertaken by the incumbent administration in the country are to secure the future of the unborn generations of Nigerians,” he said.

The senator stressed that while these reforms may have come with short-term challenges, they were necessary to address the structural issues that had plagued the country’s economy for years.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu administration, assuring them that the current economic policies were already beginning to show positive results.

A former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has officially announced his intention to run for the Nasarawa State governorship in the 2027 general elections on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.

Adamu, who served as IGP from 2019 to 2021 under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, made the declaration during a meeting with members of the State Working Committee of the APC in Lafia.

The former IGP stated that his decision to run was motivated by a “clarion call” from the people of Nasarawa. According to him, the people have expressed their belief in his leadership abilities and experience.

“I am answering the call of my people who believe I can serve and move Nasarawa forward. My administration, by the grace of God, will be inclusive, transparent, and focused on delivering tangible development across all sectors,” Adamu pledged.

His declaration adds another significant name to the growing list of aspirants eyeing the governorship seat in 2027. Governor Abdullahi Sule, the incumbent governor, is currently serving his second term in office under the APC.

The Oyo State Police Command, in a major operation, uncovered a human trafficking ring in Ibadan, the State capital and rescued 83 individuals, including a child.
Naija Naija learnt that the victims were held for an undisclosed period in a house at the Orogun area of the state.

The police in a terse statement disclosed that the victims, believed to be nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were lured to Nigeria under the pretence of being offered employment opportunities.

The perpetrators reportedly extorted significant sums of money in dollars from the victims’ parents and relatives as part of the elaborate scheme.

The rescued individuals are currently at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where authorities are conducting further investigations to ascertain the full details of the case.

At least 12 people were killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along Kirawa road and Bokko Ghide community in Pulka District, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State in the past 24 hours.

The Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed to Vanguard that two of the victims killed during the ambush along Kirawa road on Friday, April 25, 2025, were members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The remaining 10 victims, all firewood scavengers, were ambushed and killed on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Timta condemned the spate of killings in Gwoza and other locations, expressing shock at the renewed attacks.

He warned that if these attacks are not addressed, they could undermine the Borno State Government’s ongoing efforts to reconstruct, rehabilitate, and resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs).

These latest attacks came just a day after Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, appealed to the military to intensify operations to eliminate insurgents from their enclaves. Governor Zulum made the call during a courtesy visit by a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and other military chiefs at the Government House in Maiduguri.

“It is unfortunate that two of my people, who are members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, were ambushed and killed along Kirawa road on Friday, while another 10 civilians who went to a nearby bush to scavenge firewood were killed today (Saturday), with two others sustaining serious injuries,” Governor Zulum said.

“We have since buried the victims today according to their religious rites, while the injured ones were evacuated to Maiduguri for treatment. Let me use this opportunity to pray to Allah to grant Aljanatul Firdaus to the souls of the departed, and quick recovery to the injured ones.”

Timta expressed concern that despite the efforts of the government and military to manage the over-a-decade-long Boko Haram crisis, more action is needed in terms of technological warfare and the use of sophisticated equipment to effectively combat the terrorists.

“I can confirm to you that these renewed attacks would demoralize our resilient people who have started warming up for this year’s cropping season, as many would be scared from going to their farms,” Timta lamented

Armed bandits have reportedly killed five traders and injured seven others in a fresh attack at Yanriwa Market in the Kwande local government area of Benue State.

Naija News learnt that the armed gunmen invaded the market at about 3 pm when traders were transacting business and began shooting sporadically, leading to the death of five persons.

A resident of the community, Lawrence Akerigba, in an interview with Leadership Newspaper, lamented that the federal government reneged on its promise to deploy additional security operatives to the communities following the 2024 Christmas Day attack, where over 20 farmers were killed.

He explained that the herdsmen have blocked the Anwase road, where the Christmas attack and killings took place, “as I am talking to you, that road is no longer passable.”

Akerigba stated that most schools, churches and markets in the area have been shut due to the herdsmen’s activities.

He said, “Up till now, nothing of that nature has been done. Government has abandoned us to our fate.

“The attack by the herdsmen happened around 3pm in Liev 1 at Usambe in Ikyurav ya.

“However, the joy of selling turns bloody when the herdsmen invaded the market while people were buying and selling and started shooting at the people.

“Five persons were killed on the spot and 7 others sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. Some other people are still missing and the search is still ongoing.

“The security men on the ground are trying so much to prevent the attacks, but because they are few in number, their efforts are not much felt.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State, will reopen from Monday.

Naija News reports that FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, made this known while speaking with journalists on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Orah said the re-opening followed the completion of emergency runway repairs at the airport, stressing that the runway is certified suitable for landings and takeoffs by the agency’s engineers.

FAAN appreciates all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during the closure period, assuring the public that all measures were taken in the interest of safety.

Orah said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, will reopen for flight operations on Monday, 28th April 2025, following the completion of emergency runway repairs.

“On April 18th, 2025, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced that due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway, the runway would be shut down for emergency repairs.

“The work was scheduled to begin on April 22nd and conclude before reopening on May 6th, 2025. However, rehabilitation works on the runway have been completed, and the runway is cleared for landings and takeoffs by the engineers working with FAAN.”

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Uche Nwosu, cautioned the Federal Government on Saturday against promoting the idea of citizens obtaining firearm licenses, arguing that such a move would exacerbate the existing insecurity issues in the nation.

Nwosu, who previously served as Chief of Staff to former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, expressed his concerns during a virtual media briefing.

Naija News reports that Nwosu’s remarks were in response to a statement made on Friday by former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung, rights activist Omoyele Sowore, and other members of the Coalition of Nigerian Patriots, who advocated for the right of Nigerians to possess firearms for self-defense.

Nwosu countered this perspective, asserting that allowing citizens to acquire guns is not a feasible solution to the ongoing violence in the affected areas.

He said, “I don’t support people being encouraged to carry arms around because it will become a lawless country.

“Instead, I think more security agents should be deployed to those troubled areas so this problem can be solved.

“When individuals start carrying arms, it connotes trouble. Some people can easily get angry and allow such emotion to push them to do what they are not supposed to do.

“Besides, these bandits are sometimes from outside the country. They are not people from those communities.

“They come from outside, carry out their act and run back to where they are coming from. My other suggestion is that there should be community policing.

“There should be the courage to go down to the rural area in which, as I said, it’s one of the most difficult areas of the government.”

The APC leader also commended President Bola Tinubu for assigning his security chiefs the responsibility of stopping the violence and reinstating peace in the impacted communities.

He stated that this reflects the true essence of a leader who prioritizes the safety and well-being of his constituents.

“I also want to commend President Bola Tinubu. He has also put in the work to ensure that these killings stop.

“I have had meetings with the security chiefs and heard the NSA say that the President had given them directive that this killing has to stop and they are doing it,” he stated

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over the growing trend of transactional politics in Nigeria, where politicians allegedly bankroll young people to harass and discredit advocates of good governance on social media.

Speaking at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C. in a video which started trending on Thursday, Obi condemned the disturbing practice, describing it as a betrayal of the very youth whose future is at stake.

“In the transactional politics of Nigeria, some people pay them to cause confusion. Go to social media, those that are being paid ₦20,000, ₦40,000 monthly to abuse you are the same youths you’re fighting for their live because I am over 60 and I have few years to go,” he said.

Obi called the situation both tragic and ironic: the same young Nigerians who should be champions of reform are being weaponized against it—used to defend a broken system they suffer under.

He stressed the urgent need for a political awakening among the youth, urging them to reject crumbs from corrupt politicians and instead embrace knowledge, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.

“We must move away from politics driven by money and manipulation. Our youths must be empowered with knowledge, not stipends to insult those seeking change,” he added.

His remarks come against the backdrop of increasing online misinformation and targeted harassment in Nigeria’s digital political space, especially aimed at opposition voices and reform advocates.

Watch the video below:

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Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over the growing trend of transactional… pic.twitter.com/6FBdwt12z2

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) April 25, 2025

The Sole Administrator of Rivers, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has requested more time from the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers to properly brief the committee on the developments in the state.

He requested on Friday at a meeting with the committee in Abuja after failing to appear before the committee on Thursday, April 17 and 24.

Ibas, who expressed regret for his inability to attend earlier engagements explains that the absence was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in Rivers.

“I have always held the National Assembly in the highest regard. I recognise the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in River, which is presently relatively calm, but still fragile. 

“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy, and clarity it rightfully deserves.

“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work,” he said.

“I only request the understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing, given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the current transitional period in Rivers. 

“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy, and clarity it rightfully deserves.

“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work,” he said.

Addressing newsmen after a close door meeting, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) said that the committee resolved to give a new date to the sole administrator.

Ihonvbere underscored the constitutional role of the National Assembly in legitimising and overseeing the state of emergency declared in Rivers.

According to the chairman, the federal legislature remains central to the state’s transitional process.

Ihonvbere reaffirmed the committee’s constitutional mandate and expressed satisfaction that the administrator had finally honored the invitation after earlier delays.

He emphasised that the committee’s mandate was rooted in constitutional authority and that some of its terms had already been communicated to the administrator in an earlier letter.

The chairman encouraged the administrator to feel at ease, stressing that the committee members had been carefully selected to ensure broad representation across geopolitical zones and legislative experience.

“I want you to feel relaxed because the members you see here were carefully selected based on zonal representation and membership of the House to advance the progress that Rivers needs to make to be part and parcel of the holistic structure of democracy that Nigeria represents today.

“We have demonstrated again and again our preparedness to do this job efficiently and effectively,” he assured.

NAN