Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigeria politics

Peter Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Membership Surge and Political Realignment

According to Legit NG, the formal defection of former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has triggered a massive wave of new memberships and a reshuffling of political alliances ahead of the 2027 cycle. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that the party has seen an influx of lawmakers and grassroots supporters since the announcement.

The ‘Obi factor’ is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the opposition, as the ADC positions itself as a credible alternative to the PDP and APC. Political analysts suggest that this move could lead to a broader coalition of ‘third-force’ parties seeking to challenge the current administration’s grip on power.

The story was also covered by Premium Times and The Punch. Premium Times reported on the ‘ADC ticket battle’ as other prominent figures begin to eye the party’s platform, while The Punch noted that ‘Obi’s formal defection boosted the party’s membership,’ quoting senior party officials on the strategic importance of the move.

Echotitbits take: Peter Obi remains the most disruptive force in Nigerian politics. His move to the ADC suggests he is building a new structure early to avoid the last-minute logistics issues that hampered his 2023 run. The influx of lawmakers indicates that ‘Obidients’ are now focused on building legislative power alongside the presidency.
Source: ThePunch – https://punchng.com/adc-membership-swells-after-obis-defection/ January 6 2026

Photo Credit: ThePunch

January 6, 2026
Tragic Loss as Senator Godiya Akwashiki Passes On at 52

In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian political community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North in the National Assembly. Chieftains of various political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), received the remains of the 52-year-old lawmaker at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing his demise as a ‘devastating loss to the nation.’

Senator Akwashiki was widely respected for his contributions to legislative governance and his commitment to the development of Nasarawa State. Colleagues and family members described him as a bridge-builder who maintained strong relationships across party lines, making his sudden departure a significant blow to the opposition and the Senate at large.

The news was also reported by Daily Post and Leadership. Daily Post noted that the ‘SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo pays tribute’ to the late senator, while Leadership cited the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, who stated that ‘Akwashiki’s demise is an irreparable loss to the state and the nation.’

Echotitbits take: The death of a sitting senator often triggers a high-stakes by-election. Beyond the personal tragedy, Akwashiki’s passing will likely lead to a political scramble in Nasarawa North. Watch for how the SDP and the ruling APC position themselves for the upcoming contest to fill the vacant seat.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/senator-godiya-akwashiki-dies-in-indian-hospital-at-52/ January 6 2026

Photo Credit: Vanguard

January 6, 2026
Fresh Turmoil in Rivers as Wike Challenges APC National Leadership

Reporting by the Nigerian Observer indicates that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to stay clear of the political affairs of Rivers State. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike described Rivers as a ‘no-go area’ for external meddlers, signaling a deepening rift within the political alliances supporting the current administration.

The friction intensified after the APC secretariat cautioned against the ‘disrespect’ of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by some party members. Wike countered this by claiming that those now intervening were absent when the struggle to support the Presidency was ‘hot,’ and accused them of only showing interest now that ‘food is ready’ in the form of state resources.

The political spat was further validated by Premium Times and Channels TV. Premium Times noted the ‘APC national secretary calls for Wike’s resignation as minister,’ while Channels TV reported that ‘Wike accuses Rivers political leaders of misleading Fubara,’ emphasizing that existing political agreements must be honored to maintain order in the state.

Echotitbits take: The Wike-Fubara feud has evolved from a local state crisis into a national party headache. Wike’s public rebuke of his own party’s national secretary shows he is unwilling to cede his role as the ultimate power broker in Rivers. Watch for how the Presidency manages this ‘civil war’ to prevent it from affecting the stability of the ruling coalition.
Source: Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/apc-draws-battle-line-with-wike-over-rivers-political-control/ January 6 2026

Photo Credit: Guardian

January 6, 2026
Wike Warns APC National Secretary to Stay Out of Rivers Politics

Reporting by the Nigerian Observer (via Leadership/The Nation feeds) indicates that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a stern warning to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to refrain from interfering in the internal politics of Rivers State. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo, Wike cautioned that the support given to President Tinubu should not be taken for granted and described the state as a ‘no-go area’ for external meddlers. The friction arose after Basiru reportedly warned APC leaders in Rivers to stop ‘disrespecting’ Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike countered by challenging ‘greedy politicians’ who he claims are only interested in the state’s treasury now that ‘food is ready,’ referencing the political stability and resources he helped secure. The political spat was also tracked by The Nation and Daily Post. The Nation reported that ‘Wike accuses Rivers political leaders of misleading Fubara,’ while Daily Post noted the APC scribe’s call for ‘Wike’s resignation as minister’ to face Rivers politics squarely.

Echotitbits take: The ‘cold war’ in Rivers has now turned into a multi-party proxy battle. Wike’s warning to the APC national leadership shows he is still the primary power broker in the state, despite his cabinet role in Abuja. Watch for whether this internal friction forces the presidency to mediate between its minister and the party’s secretariat.

Source: TheCable – https://www.thecable.ng/your-hands-will-burn-wike-warns-apc-national-secretary-basiru-to-steer-clear-of-rivers-politics/ January 6 2026

Photo Credit: TheCable

January 6, 2026
Anglican Bishop Urges Credible and Bloodless Ekiti and Osun Elections

In an update published by The Punch, an Anglican Bishop has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties to ensure that the upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun are free, fair, and devoid of violence. Speaking at a New Year service, the cleric emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford another ‘flawed electoral exercise’ which further erodes public trust in democratic institutions.

The Bishop also called on the youth to resist being used as ‘political thugs’ by candidates who keep their own children safely abroad. He urged the electorate to focus on ‘issue-based voting’ rather than ‘stomach infrastructure,’ noting that the economic choices made during these state elections will have long-term consequences for regional development.

Corroborating details from The Nation and Leadership highlight the religious focus on politics. The Nation noted that ‘other religious bodies are planning a joint peace accord,’ while Leadership quoted the Bishop: ‘The ballot must be more powerful than the bullet in Ekiti and Osun.’

Echotitbits take: Off-cycle elections are often ‘test runs’ for the general election. With Ekiti and Osun coming up, the Church is positioning itself as a moral watchdog. Watch for whether INEC introduces new ‘anti-rigging’ technology specifically for these two states to address the ‘judicial technicalities’ Falana recently complained about.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/anglican-bishop-calls-for-credible-ekiti-osun-polls/ January 5, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

January 5, 2026
SDP National Chairman Warns Tinubu Over Extravagant Lifestyle Amid Poverty

According to The Authority, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has issued a scathing assessment of the Tinubu administration. Gombe warned that the ‘extravagant lifestyle’ of those in power, contrasted with the rising poverty and ‘policy somersaults’ affecting ordinary Nigerians, poses a significant threat to the country’s democratic stability.

The SDP leader criticized the removal of fuel subsidies without what he called ‘adequate social cushioning,’ arguing that the current tax reforms are being introduced at a time when most citizens are struggling to afford basic meals. He positioned the SDP as the ‘rescue mission’ for 2027, promising a return to people-centered governance and fiscal accountability.

Validation of this political critique came from Tribune Online and Daily Post. Tribune Online reported that ‘SDP is mobilizing a third-force coalition for 2027,’ while Daily Post quoted Gombe: ‘A hungry population cannot be patriotic; the government must lead by example in cutting costs.’

Echotitbits take: This is the beginning of the ‘2027 Campaign’ narrative. By attacking the government’s ‘extravagance,’ the SDP is tapping into widespread public frustration over the high cost of governance. While the SDP is currently small, watch for whether disaffected members of the APC or PDP begin to coalesce around this ‘rescue mission’ banner.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/new-year-sdp-chair-tasks-tinubu-on-security-economy/ January 5, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

January 5, 2026
Oyo says Bodija intervention N30bn remains untouched while FG balance stays pending

2026-01-02 09:00:00
In an update published by The Nation, the Oyo State Government says the N30bn released by the Federal Government for Bodija explosion intervention remains in a bank account and has not been accessed while it awaits an outstanding N20bn balance.

The state’s position is that it kept the funds idle pending full release of the approved package, arguing that proceeding without the remaining tranche could complicate sequencing, accountability and delivery planning.

The statement also sought to counter political claims around the money, pointing to account details and inviting independent verification through the bank where the funds are domiciled.

Validation: Punch quoted the state’s claim: “As of Thursday, December 31, 2025, the N30bn remained untouched…” The Guardian similarly reported the fund has “remained untouched” while the “outstanding N20 billion balance” is yet to be released.

Echotitbits take: The bigger governance question is whether states should wait for “full tranches” or publish phased plans and start transparently. Watch for a costed implementation schedule, procurement framework and independent audit plan—those details will matter more than the political noise.

Source: The Nation — 2026-01-01 (https://thenationonlineng.net/bodija-explosion-n30bn-in-bank-awaiting-n20bn-balance-from-fg-oyo/)
The Nation 2026-01-01

Photo Credit: The Nation

January 2, 2026
National Assembly responds to outrage over alleged discrepancies in gazetted fiscal laws

2026-01-01 06:45:00
According to The Guardian (Nigeria), the National Assembly issued clarifications on the passage-to-gazette process for major tax and revenue laws after public outrage over alleged discrepancies.

In an update published by the outlet, lawmakers positioned the process as orderly while acknowledging rising concerns about transparency and chain-of-custody from passage to publication.

The controversy has amplified calls for clean, verifiable “as passed” texts to support compliance and public trust.

ARISE TV also framed the dispute as a demand for suspension and review over alleged discrepancies between versions passed and versions published.

Other civic and media summaries similarly described the issue as scrutiny over differences between gazetted laws and the texts lawmakers said were approved.

Echotitbits take:

This is a trust test. The clean fix is document transparency: publish side-by-side versions, harmonisation notes, and an audit trail of edits—otherwise compliance could suffer and investment risk perception could rise.

Source: The Guardian Nigeria — December 26, 2025 (https://guardian.ng/news/nass-clarifies-process-on-tax-revenue-acts-amid-outrage/)

The Guardian — 2026-01-01 06:45:00

Photo Credit: The Guardian

January 1, 2026
EFCC arraigns Malami, wife, son over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering

2025-12-31 08:49:00

In a report carried by PUNCH, the EFCC has arraigned former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami alongside his wife and son in an Abuja court over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering, with proceedings focusing on the agency’s stated charges and the defendants’ responses.

The case is one of the most politically sensitive anti-graft developments of the period, given Malami’s former role at the centre of federal legal and justice architecture.

Beyond courtroom drama, the prosecution’s ability to present clean money trails—and the defence’s ability to challenge them—will shape how the public reads the credibility of the anti-corruption push.

Validation: EFCC said “a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy… and laundering proceeds of unlawful activity.” and Premium Times reported “conspired to disguise the origin of funds… in violation of the Money Laundering… Acts.”

Echotitbits take: This is a test-case for high-profile prosecution quality—paperwork, evidence integrity, and judicial pace. Watch adjournments, bail terms, and whether related asset actions (if any) emerge.

Source: The Punch — 31 December 2025 (https://punchng.com/money-laundering-malami-wife-son-to-spend-new-year-in-prison/)

The Punch 31 December 2025

Photo Credit: The Punch

December 31, 2025
PASAN warns of unrest over alleged federal character breaches in National Assembly appointments

2025-12-29 09:00:00
Reporting by Punch indicates parliamentary workers under PASAN protested what they described as repeated violations of the federal character principle in the appointment of secretaries, warning the trend could provoke industrial unrest.

PASAN’s argument is that uneven representation in sensitive appointments fuels perceptions of marginalisation and undermines cohesion inside the legislature’s bureaucracy.

The Guardian reported PASAN referenced Section 14(3) of the Constitution and warned that continued disregard could fuel discontent and industrial unrest.

Blueprint also reported PASAN’s petition, noting concerns about appointments and the risk of institutional tension if the alleged imbalance persists.

Punch reported workers warned of “industrial unrest,” while The Guardian wrote PASAN warned “continued disregard… could fuel discontent and industrial unrest.”

Echotitbits take: Federal character disputes rarely stay administrative. Watch for whether the National Assembly Service Commission publishes appointment data by state/zone and whether PASAN escalates to work-to-rule or strikes.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/nassembly-workers-protest-alleged-federal-character-breach/ — December 29, 2025
The Punch 2025-12-29

Photo Credit: The Punch

December 29, 2025