Obi’s ADC talks deepen as opposition parties jockey for a 2027 coalition lane

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December 28, 2025

Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00

According to PUNCH, discussions around Peter Obi potentially aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have intensified as the party plans a convention and opposition actors reposition ahead of 2027.

Analysts say the move—if it materialises—would reflect a broader scramble to consolidate structures, ballot access, and negotiating power across rival opposition blocs.

The ADC has presented itself as an organising platform for coalition talks, though details of timelines and agreements remain fluid.

PUNCH’s political desk flagged the convention as a key milestone that could shape coalition bargaining going into 2027.

Echotitbits take: Coalition politics is about structure, not slogans. Watch whether ADC can unify factions, secure credible primaries, and avoid the fragmentation that weakened past “third force” efforts.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/obi-set-to-join-adc-as-party-plans-convention/)

The Punch December 28, 2025

https://punchng.com/obi-set-to-join-adc-as-party-plans-convention/

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Somaliland recognition shock: Somalia, AU and partners push back after Israel’s move

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: Reuters
2025-12-28 09:00:00

In a Reuters report, Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent, a move Somalia condemned as unlawful and destabilising for the Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s government and regional partners warned the recognition could encourage secessionist bids and inflame an already volatile neighbourhood with competing security interests.

Diplomatic responses broadened quickly, with multiple states and blocs reiterating support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Reuters quoted Somalia’s government calling the move an “unlawful step” and a “deliberate attack,” while AP reported a joint statement rejecting Israel’s recognition “given the serious repercussions… on peace and security.”

Echotitbits take: The big watch is whether recognition triggers a domino effect or stays isolated. For Africa, the tension is between de facto realities and the AU’s long-standing anti-fragmentation stance.

Source: Reuters — December 26, 2025 (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-recognises-somaliland-somalias-breakway-region-independent-state-2025-12-26/)

Reuters December 26, 2025
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-recognises-somaliland-somalias-breakway-region-independent-state-2025-12-26/

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Katsina, UNICEF move to count Almajiri and Islamiya pupils—planning bigger education reforms

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: Independent
2025-12-28 09:00:00

Figures cited by PUNCH show Katsina State is partnering with UNICEF to conduct a census of Almajiri and Islamiya schools, aiming to establish accurate data for education planning and child-welfare support.

Officials say the exercise will map enrolment patterns, school distribution, and gaps that have long complicated targeted interventions.

The initiative is expected to feed into reforms on basic education delivery and social support for vulnerable pupils.

The Guardian quoted the bureau describing the exercise as “the first step to building a better future.”

Echotitbits take: Data is the doorway to smarter budgeting—especially for welfare-linked education. Watch whether census outputs become a live registry tied to school feeding, health checks, and conditional support for families.

Source: Independent — June 27, 2025 (https://independent.ng/unicef-katsina-govt-set-to-count-almajiri-islamiya-schools/)

Independent June 27, 2025

UNICEF, Katsina Govt Set To Count Almajiri, Islamiya Schools

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Makinde dares Fayose: ‘Bring proof’ over alleged ₦50bn Tinubu payout claims

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00

In an update published by PUNCH, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde challenged former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose to provide evidence for claims that ₦50bn was paid to him in connection with the aftermath of the 2024 Ibadan explosion.

Makinde’s camp described the allegation as baseless and insisted government actions around the explosion response were transparent.

The exchange adds to widening PDP infighting and raises questions about how emergency support funds are tracked and communicated in politically heated periods.

PUNCH quoted Makinde’s spokesperson saying, “If he (Fayose) has proof… he should provide it,” while The Nigerian Voice quoted the aide: “He who makes an allegation must provide evidence.”

Echotitbits take: Allegations like this thrive when public finance reporting is weak. A routine, publishable disaster-response ledger—covering inflows, approvals, and disbursements—would reduce rumor cycles and sharpen accountability.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/prove-i-took-n50bn-from-tinubu-makinde-tells-fayose/)

The Punch December 28, 2025
https://punchng.com/prove-i-took-n50bn-from-tinubu-makinde-tells-fayose/

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Reps constitution review: new push to tighten how state electoral commissions are appointed

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00

Reporting by PUNCH indicates the House of Representatives is advancing constitutional changes aimed at strengthening State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), focusing on clearer appointment criteria and expanded operational powers.

Supporters argue the changes could improve credibility of local and state elections, while critics caution that reforms must also address funding independence and enforcement capacity.

The move fits into a wider constitutional review agenda that lawmakers say targets governance and electoral reforms before the next cycle.

AllAfrica, citing Leadership, listed proposed bills to “provide the criteria for appointing members of the State Independent Electoral Commission” and to “grant the commission additional powers.”

Echotitbits take: If appointment rules tighten but funding remains politically controlled, SIECs may still struggle. Watch whether reforms include financial autonomy and penalties for electoral offences at the state level.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/reps-move-to-strengthen-state-electoral-commission/)

The Punch December 28, 2025
https://punchng.com/reps-move-to-strengthen-state-electoral-commission/

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Tinubu’s Eyo appearance puts Lagos culture—and tourism politics—back in spotlight

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00

According to PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu attended the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos and used the moment to emphasize culture as a lever for tourism and destination branding.

The event, held at Tafawa Balewa Square, also honored notable late Lagos leaders and featured traditional processions that draw local and diaspora audiences.

Stakeholders see the festival’s revival as part of Lagos’ broader push to convert heritage into year-round tourism revenue and global attention.

GazetteNG reported Tinubu describing the carnival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” while The Nation quoted him saying, “The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos.”

Echotitbits take: Beyond pageantry, Lagos can turn cultural “peaks” into consistent visitor flows with safety planning, transport coordination, and curated diaspora packages. Watch for how the state markets Eyo alongside other heritage assets in 2026.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tinubu-joins-lagos-eyo-festival/)

The Punch December 28, 2025
https://punchng.com/tinubu-joins-lagos-eyo-festival/

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Balogun high‑rise inferno: China‑returnee confirmed among victims as rescue winds down

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00

From PUNCH reports, emergency responders confirmed that three bodies—including a China-based trader—were recovered from the rubble of the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House near Balogun Market, Lagos Island.

Officials said the blaze, which started on upper floors of the high-rise commercial building, escalated into a complex rescue-and-recovery operation involving multiple agencies working amid structural risks.

Authorities urged traders and nearby occupants to keep off the immediate area as assessments continued, while families waited for updates on missing persons.

Premium Times reported LASEMA warning that “The fire continues to spread vertically,” while Peoples Gazette quoted officials saying teams were working “under challenging conditions because of the building’s height.”

Echotitbits take: Lagos’ dense, older commercial corridors need stricter fire-code enforcement, warehouse-use regulation, and rapid-access equipment—especially for high-rise markets. Watch next for demolition decisions, compensation claims, and the fire-cause investigation.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/lagos-fire-trapped-china-returnee-two-others-recovered-dead/)

The Punch December 28, 2025
https://punchng.com/lagos-fire-trapped-china-returnee-two-others-recovered-dead/

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Nollywood mourns as actress Allwell Ademola dies at 43

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00

According to Punch, Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola has died at the age of 43, sparking tributes across Nigeria’s film community.

Colleagues and fans have shared condolences and highlighted her body of work as the industry reflects on another major loss.

Echotitbits take: Nollywood’s labour realities—health insurance gaps, irregular income cycles and weak welfare systems—still leave many creatives exposed. Watch for guild-led welfare reforms and more structured support funds.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/icyimi-nollywood-actress-allwell-ademola-dies-at-43/)

The Punch 2025-12-28

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Myanmar’s junta pushes election plan amid five-year civil conflict

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: RFI
2025-12-28 09:00:00

In an update published by Punch, Myanmar’s military authorities said they intend to press ahead with an election plan, coming after roughly five years of civil conflict and political turbulence.

Opposition groups and several international observers have questioned whether the conditions for a credible vote exist amid security operations, detentions, and restrictions on political activity.

Echotitbits take: Elections in conflict settings often become legitimacy contests rather than dispute-resolution tools. Watch who is allowed to register, independent monitoring access, and whether violence intensifies around campaign periods.
https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20251223-myanmar-junta-stages-election-after-five-years-of-civil-war
Source: RFI — December 28, 2025 (https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20251223-myanmar-junta-stages-election-after-five-years-of-civil-war)

RFI 2025-12-28

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Ghana arrests 141 Nigerians in cybercrime sweep, reigniting cross‑border fraud debate

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00

Reporting by Punch indicates Ghanaian authorities arrested 141 Nigerians in a crackdown linked to suspected cybercrime activity.

The arrests highlight intensifying regional pressure on online fraud networks and the diplomatic sensitivities that follow large-scale detentions of foreign nationals.

Echotitbits take: This will test consular response and law‑enforcement cooperation. Watch for public charge sheets, verified victim counts, and whether both countries set up stronger joint cybercrime tasking rather than periodic raids.

Source: The Punch — December 27, 2025 (https://punchng.com/ghana-arrests-141-nigerians-over-cybercrime/)

The Punch 2025-12-27

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