Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Politics

  • Controversy Erupts Over Attempted Airport Detention of Former Governor El-Rufai

    Controversy Erupts Over Attempted Airport Detention of Former Governor El-Rufai

    According to Premium Times, security agents attempted to intercept and arrest Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The incident occurred as the former governor was preparing to board a flight, leading to a tense standoff between his aides and the security personnel on site.

    In an update published by his media team, it was alleged that the agents attempted to seize El-Rufai’s passport without a valid warrant. The former governor has since spoken out, describing the incident as an example of “executive overreach” and a threat to the democratic rights of citizens who hold opposing views to the current administration.

    The situation has sparked widespread debate across the political spectrum, with allies of the former governor claiming the move was politically motivated. Conversely, security sources have remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons for the attempted detention, though rumors of investigations into past administrative actions continue to circulate.

    Vanguard and The Sun also covered the confrontation at the airport. Vanguard noted that “the heavy security presence caused a temporary stir at the terminal,” while The Sun featured a quote from an aide saying, “we will not allow the rule of law to be trampled upon by faceless agents.”

    Echotitbits take: This incident highlights the deepening friction between the federal government and influential political figures ahead of the 2027 election cycle. It raises concerns about the use of state apparatus for political intimidation. Keep an eye on the Department of State Services (DSS) for an official statement, as this could lead to a protracted legal battle.

    Source: BBC – https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cn87g9n875jo, February 13, 2026

    Photo credit: BBC

  • Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

    Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

    In an update published by The Punch on February 1st, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he remains the dominant political force in Rivers State. Speaking at a civic reception in his honor, Wike assured his supporters that they could “sleep with both eyes closed” because his camp remains firmly in control of the state’s political structure despite his role in Abuja.

    According to Vanguard News, Wike’s comments have reignited the cold war between his loyalists and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The report highlights that Wike used the event to showcase his influence, including his role in recommending top officials for federal appointments. “I have always said that appreciation is the currency of loyalty, and we will continue to reward those who stand with us,” Wike reportedly told the crowd.

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains tense following the Minister’s pronouncements. The outlet quoted a local activist who warned: “The continued power struggle between the FCT Minister and the Governor is distracting from governance and could lead to further instability in the Niger Delta region.”

    Echotitbits take: The Rivers crisis is no longer just a state matter; it is a significant government policy and security headache for the presidency. Wike’s “I am in charge” stance suggests that no reconciliation is in sight, which could impact the 2027 presidential calculations for the South-South region.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-were-in-charge-says-wike/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • NNPP Dismisses Rumors of Kwankwaso’s Defection to Ruling Party

    NNPP Dismisses Rumors of Kwankwaso’s Defection to Ruling Party

    According to Daily Post reporting on February 1st, 2026, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially debunked viral reports claiming that its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is in talks to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party described the rumors as “mischievous fabrications” intended to create disharmony among opposition forces ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

    Reporting by Leadership News confirms that the NNPP leadership held an emergency meeting in Abuja to address the speculation. The party’s spokesperson clarified that Kwankwaso has not met with President Tinubu for political negotiations since 2024. “Our leader remains committed to the NNPP’s ideology and is focused on building a formidable alternative for Nigerians,” the spokesperson said in a direct quote.

    In an update published by The Nation, it was suggested that the rumors were fueled by recent defections of other high-profile opposition members to the APC. However, the paper quoted an NNPP chieftain who insisted: “Kwankwaso is a man of principle; he will not be intimidated or lured into a party that he has consistently criticized for its economic policies.”

    Echotitbits take: This denial is a classic move in the Nigerian political “chess game.” While the NNPP is currently holding its ground, the ongoing realignment of governors—including the rumored exit of Abba Yusuf—suggests that Kwankwaso may soon find himself politically isolated if he doesn’t secure a new alliance.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/kwankwaso-never-discussed-defection-with-apc-nnpp/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • Controversy Swirls Around Federal Government’s New Tax Reform Law

    Controversy Swirls Around Federal Government’s New Tax Reform Law

    Vanguard reports that controversy is growing over the exact version of a tax reform law signed by President Bola Tinubu, with claims that the enacted document contains “differentials” from the version debated and passed by the National Assembly.

    The reforms aim to simplify the tax code and improve collection efficiency, but some lawmakers and critics argue alleged discrepancies could impose undue burdens on small businesses and the middle class.

    The Nation and Daily Trust also reported on the dispute, including claims of administrative discrepancies in the final draft and legislative concerns about possible alterations before presidential assent.

    Echotitbits take: If the alleged differentials are material, implementation will face legal and political headwinds—potentially including injunctions and corporate challenges. The fastest de‑risking move is immediate publication of the clean legislative text trail (passed version vs assented version) and an agreed correction mechanism to preserve reform credibility.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/tax-laws-that-split-abuja-how-tinubus-reforms-sparked-governance-storm/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nigerian Senate Demands Briefing on U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto Territory

    Nigerian Senate Demands Briefing on U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto Territory

    Reporting by The Nation indicates that the Nigerian Senate has resolved to conduct a high-level, closed-door security briefing regarding the United States military airstrikes carried out in Sokoto State. Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, raised a point of order questioning the federal executive’s failure to consult the National Assembly before allowing foreign military intervention on sovereign soil. Senate leadership, headed by Godswill Akpabio, confirmed that an executive session has been scheduled to address these concerns and examine the legal framework surrounding foreign combat operations within Nigeria’s borders.

    The debate in the red chamber centers on the perceived violation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the exclusion of the legislative arm from sensitive security decisions. While the executive branch maintains that the strikes targeted specific terrorist hideouts to bolster regional stability, lawmakers are demanding transparency regarding the rules of engagement and decision-making protocols.

    The development was corroborated by Vanguard, which reported that the Senate summoned the nation’s security chiefs to explain the circumstances surrounding the U.S. air operations. Premium Times also followed the legislative tension, quoting Senator Ningi’s position that the National Assembly must not be sidelined in sovereignty-related decisions.

    Echotitbits take: This is a rare display of legislative pushback against executive security arrangements. While U.S. support can be tactically beneficial against insurgents, the Senate’s demand for a briefing signals a shift toward stricter oversight that could complicate future joint operations unless formal protocols are clarified.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/senate-moves-us-air-strikes-debate-behind-closed-doors/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Vice President Shettima Declares Peace as Precondition for Nigeria’s Greatness

    Vice President Shettima Declares Peace as Precondition for Nigeria’s Greatness

    According to the Nigerian Observer, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria can become one of the world’s leading nations if citizens embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Speaking during a state visit where he formally received Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the APC, Shettima argued that Nigerians share more in common than what divides them.

    He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to help sustain stability, describing them as a moral anchor for society. The moment also carried political significance, signaling continued consolidation of ruling-party influence across different zones.

    Leadership reported Shettima’s emphasis that development is impossible without peace, while The Nation highlighted his call for national reconciliation as part of the economic agenda.

    Echotitbits take: It’s familiar unity rhetoric, but timely amid rising ethnic and religious friction. The real test is whether this messaging is followed by concrete policy adjustments—especially around conflict resolution, justice delivery, and how regional grievances are addressed.

    Source : State House — https://statehouse.gov.ng/vp-shettima-visits-gbong-gwom-jos-preaches-tolerance-peaceful-coexistence/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: State House

  • Senator Ndume Criticizes President Tinubu’s Inner Circle over “Lagos Elitism”

    Senator Ndume Criticizes President Tinubu’s Inner Circle over “Lagos Elitism”

    In an update published by Daily Post, Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) criticized President Bola Tinubu’s advisory circle, alleging it is disconnected from everyday realities. Speaking on Arise Television, Ndume said the President is surrounded by people who “only know Ikoyi and Victoria Island” and frequently travel abroad, while grassroots political voices are sidelined.

    He argued that Tinubu’s Lagos-era political strength was built on loyalists who have now been replaced by a newer technocratic clique—fueling internal party debate over influence and coalition management ahead of 2027. The Presidency has not issued a formal response.

    The Punch quoted Ndume’s complaint that some advisers “don’t know politics” and are often abroad, while The Nation framed the comments as reflecting unease within sections of the APC hierarchy.

    Echotitbits take: Ndume is functioning as a warning signal inside the APC. If the “Lagos-centric” perception hardens, the presidency may need visible rebalancing moves—appointments, engagement, and policy concessions—to keep Northern support consolidated for 2027.

    Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/100064638796212/posts/senator-ali-ndume-apcborno-south-has-again-criticised-president-bola-ahmed-tinub/1262561532575128/?_rdc=1&_rdr# 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Amosun’s 68th Birthday Turns Into Political Power Play in Abeokuta

    Amosun’s 68th Birthday Turns Into Political Power Play in Abeokuta

    Former Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun marked his 68th birthday with a large gathering at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta that effectively doubled as a political endorsement rally.

    Speaking to supporters, Amosun stressed that for political balance and national stability, the Southern part of Nigeria should complete an eight-year term in office through 2031, urging patience with the current administration amid economic pressures.

    The outing also included a philanthropic stop at the Ibara Correctional Centre, where Amosun and associates distributed essential supplies and relief materials to inmates.

    Echotitbits take: This rally is a calculated reminder that Amosun remains a kingmaker in Ogun State. By aligning himself so visibly with the President early in the 2027 conversation, he is positioning his political family for a major comeback, potentially setting the stage for a showdown with rival factions within the Ogun State APC.
    Source: Tribune – https://tribuneonlineng.com/power-rotation-best-arrangement-for-nigeria-amosun/  2026-01-26
    Photo Credit: Tribune

  • APC Strengthens Northern Grip as Kano Governor Formally Joins Ruling Party

    APC Strengthens Northern Grip as Kano Governor Formally Joins Ruling Party

    Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has finalized his political transition from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is scheduled to officially register at his Gwale ward on January 26, 2026, a move that signals a major realignment in Nigeria’s most populous northern state.

    State officials have described the move as a “homecoming.” The governor’s camp says the shift will improve coordination between Kano’s government and the federal administration in Abuja. The transition reportedly includes the defection of 22 state lawmakers and 44 local government chairmen, potentially reshaping legislative and administrative alignments across the state.

    While supporters frame the decision as a pathway to accelerated development, critics argue it may narrow political diversity in Kano. Separate reporting has described the defection as further consolidating the APC’s position nationally, with Kano officials also pushing back against narratives that the state’s political future should revolve around any single individual.

    Echotitbits take: This defection effectively collapses the NNPP’s strongest base. Watch for how the Kwankwasiyya movement reacts—this could either lead to a total APC hegemony in Kano or trigger a new, aggressive opposition coalition.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/kano-gov-to-formally-rejoin-apc-monday/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Amosun Rallies Mammoth Crowd in Abeokuta, Endorses Tinubu for 2027

    Amosun Rallies Mammoth Crowd in Abeokuta, Endorses Tinubu for 2027

    Former Ogun State Governor and Senator Ibikunle Amosun turned his 68th birthday celebration into a large-scale political rally at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta on January 25, 2026. Addressing supporters, Amosun publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second-term bid ahead of 2027, arguing that the South should complete an eight-year tenure for stability and equity.

    Amosun described rotational presidency as a practical framework for national cohesion. He maintained that after eight years of Northern leadership, fairness requires that the presidency remain in the South until 2031, positioning Tinubu as the region’s consensus candidate. Despite reports of internal party friction and alleged boycott directives, the rally drew prominent APC figures and filled the pavilion to capacity.

    Beyond politics, the event reportedly included a humanitarian visit to the Ibara Correctional Centre, where Amosun’s team donated relief items. Additional reporting characterized the rally as a demonstration of enduring political influence, with Amosun urging Nigerians to exercise patience with ongoing reforms and to respect zoning in the interest of national stability.

    Echotitbits take: Amosun is effectively reminding everyone that he remains the “issue” in Ogun politics. By backing Tinubu so early and so publicly, he is carving out a strategic position for himself in the 2027 power map, likely to the chagrin of the current state administration.
    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/2027-presidency-respect-rotational-agreement-amosun-tells-north/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: Vanguard