Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Presidency has launched a sharp verbal offensive against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of attempting to create national tension to evade accountability. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, stated that El-Rufai’s recent criticisms of the administration are a “deliberate misinformation” tactic designed to project him as a victim of political persecution. The Presidency claims the former governor is attempting to “nationalize his personal problems” related to corruption allegations in his home state.
The friction reached a boiling point following El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria, where he reportedly slammed the APC-led Federal Government during a television interview. This was followed by a reported attempt by the Department of State Services (DSS) to intercept him at the Abuja airport, an incident that has sparked intense debate among political observers regarding the limits of executive power and the rights of former officials.
The Punch and Channels TV have followed the brewing crisis closely. The Punch reported that “the National Security Adviser and El-Rufai are at loggerheads over allegations of toxic chemical procurement,” while Channels TV noted that “the former governor has officially asked for clarification on reports involving the NSA’s office.”
Echotitbits take: The gloves are off in the battle between the Presidency and El-Rufai. This is more than just a war of words; it’s a high-stakes political chess game ahead of the 2027 cycle. Watch if the EFCC or DSS formalizes charges soon, as this will determine if El-Rufai remains a free political agent or a sidelined defendant.
Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/goldmyntv/posts/presidency-el-rufai-stirring-tension-to-dodge-432bn-corruption-probethe-presiden/1355881949886954/?_rdc=1&_rdr#, February 16, 2026
hoto credit: Facebook
Tag: Political Crisis
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Presidency Slams El-Rufai Over Alleged Smear Campaign and Corruption Deflection
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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
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Judicial Ruling Ousts Abure, Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader
Judicial Ruling Ousts Abure, Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled Julius Abure’s tenure expired and ordered INEC to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party caretaker committee.
Further reporting across multiple outlets indicates the development is drawing heightened attention, with stakeholders watching for next steps from relevant authorities and institutions.
Echotitbits take: This judgment aligns with the Peter Obi-led faction’s efforts to stabilize the party ahead of the 2027 cycle. Watch for potential realignments as the Nenadi Usman committee prepares for a national convention to elect permanent executives.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/lp-crisis-abure-to-appeal-courts-recognition-of-otti-faction/ (2026-01-21)
Photo credit: The Punch
2026-01-21 10:00:00
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Kano Politics on Edge as Gov. Yusuf Hints at Possible APC Switch
Per the coverage by Daily Post, Kano State’s political temperature rose after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf addressed rumours of a possible move to the APC, telling supporters he prefers action over talk.
Yusuf currently governs under the NNPP, and speculation around a defection has triggered reactions among party stakeholders and allies, including those aligned with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Analysts say any cross-carpeting in Kano could reshape regional alliances ahead of the next election cycle.
**Echotitbits take:** Kano remains pivotal to northern politics, so any defection would have outsized ripple effects. Watch for signals from the Kano assembly and the Kwankwasiyya base, and whether federal-level political bargaining accelerates.
Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/06/apc-move-gov-yusuf-secures-backing-of-kano-lawmakers-other-stakeholders/ 2026-01-08Photo Credit: Daily Post
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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 2026Photo Credit: Guardian
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Governor Fubara Assures Residents of Stability Amid Heightened Political Rhetoric
According to Premium Times, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has addressed the state, urging calm in the face of what he termed ‘sounds of war’ coming from political opponents. The Governor’s broadcast was a direct response to recent threats of administrative disruption by factions loyal to the former Governor, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara maintained that his administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure and social services, despite the intense political friction within the state assembly. He also announced the appointment of new special advisers aimed at strengthening his team’s ‘execution capacity’ for the 2026 budget.
The Guardian Nigeria reported that ‘Fubara tells new special advisers to strengthen teamwork,’ reinforcing his message of administrative continuity. Daily Post also highlighted the tension, quoting the Governor’s speech where he sought to ‘assure Rivers people of peace’ despite the political climate.
Echotitbits take: Fubara is attempting to project the image of a focused leader unbothered by ‘distractions,’ but the underlying struggle for control of the Rivers State treasury is far from over. Investors will be watching the state assembly closely to see if political deadlock stalls the N1.8 trillion budget.
Source : The Punch — https://punchng.com/ignore-sounds-of-war-fubara-tells-rivers-people/
The Punch January 3, 2026Photo Credit: The Punch
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Myanmar’s junta pushes election plan amid five-year civil conflict
Photo Credit: RFI
2025-12-28 09:00:00In 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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Mali: Coup plotters promise elections “within a reasonable time”
Soldiers behind the coup tagged “popular inssurrection” that toppled the about seven years administration of Ibrahim Keita as President of Mali have promised to conduct elections within a “reasonable” time.
The interventionist soldiers made this commitment on Wednesday, amidst pressure from the international community calling for civil, constitutional and peaceful resolution of the crisis that has ravaged the nation of about 20million people.
Yesterday’s mutiny and military intervention in the political unrest, which was already inflamed was followed by Keita’s resignation on national TV, a move the opposition movement celebrated across the streets of Bamako. Keita’s announcement on national TV came only hours after Mutinous troops detained him at gunpoint.
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In a swift reaction, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the region’s fifteen-nation group, moved to suspend Mali from its membership. The forceful removal of Keita sparked fears among leading nations and allies of the region, including the European Union (EU), that the region could be destabilised.
While it still wasn’t clear on Wednesday morning who was leading the military revolt or who would act instead of the ousted President, a spokesman of the mutineers, labelled National Committee for the Salvation of the People (NCSP) justified the forceful removal of Keita and Cisse-led democratic government saying they acted to prevent Mali from falling further into chaos.
However, the officer, Colonel Ismael Wague stretched a hand of invitation to Mali’s civil society and political movements to join them to create conditions for a political transition.
“Our country is sinking into chaos, anarchy and insecurity mostly due to the fault of the people who are in charge of its destiny,” he said in a statement broadcast on national TV.
“We are not keen on power, but we are keen on the stability of the country, which will allow us to organise general elections to allow Mali to equip itself with strong institutions within the reasonable time limit,” he added.
There was no immediate reaction to Colonel Wague’s offer from the opposition and leaders of recent protests. However, the presidency of the G5 Sahel group of neighbouring states called on Malians to resolve the crisis peacefully, and demanded the release of President Keita and other senior officials.
READ ALSO:
EU Condemns ‘Attempted Coup’ In Mali, as region risks being destabilized
On Wednesday, European Union Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton echoed that the bloc would insist on new elections within a reasonable timeframe.
In a violent run-up to Tuesday’s coup following months of protests against alleged corruption, at least fourteen people were killed last month in protests called by a coalition of Mr. Keita’s political opponents.
Mali, the landlocked nation has struggled to regain stability since a Tuareg rebellion in 2012 which was hijacked by Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda, and a subsequent coup in the capital, Bamako, plunged the country into chaos.
The about eight year long violence has left thousands of citizens homeless
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ECOWAS set on resolving Mali’s political crisis
The Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African Sstates (ECOWAS), President Mahamadou Issoufou says the sub-regional organisation will do all it takes to mitigate the political crisis in Mali.
This assurance came after many hours of consultations in the nation’s capital, Bamako, on Thursday.
At the meeting, ECOWAS Special Envoy, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and leader of the opposition, Imam Mahmoud Dicko and representatives of opposition alliance, M5 and Civil Society Organisations briefed the high power delegate that include President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, host President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Presidents Machy Sall of Senegal, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire.
READ ALSO: PDP seeks President Buhari’s resignation over insecurity, corruption scandals
The host President also briefed the Heads of State and government on the socio-political situation in the country, especially the disagreements that spiraled into protests and violence.
While briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, President Issoufou of Niger Republic, said an extra-ordinary virtual meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State and government will be held on Monday 26 July, 2020.
This he said is to further deliberate on the issues raised, with a view to finding lasting solution to the crisis and restore peace to the country.
He disclosed that the sub-regional leaders had already agreed there would be a need for a compromise to protect the peace and integrity of the nation.
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He stated that allowing a political crisis in Mali would affect the security situation in West Africa, especially neighboring countries.
The ECOWAS Chairman commended Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Jonathan, for accepting to lead an initial mission to the country to broker peace, and make findings, while appreciating all the West African leaders who attended the meeting.
Earlier, Ghanaian President said that the ECOWAS protocol would be followed, explaining that the democratic tenet adopted by the sub-regional body clearly spells out that a President can only be voted into power, and voted out by election, except he completes his tenure.
READ ALSO: Ogun: Gov. Abiodun approves appointments to statutory boards and commissions
The Ghanaian leader noted that the protocol would be adhered to ensure safety and peace in the sub-region.
President Buhari returned to Nigeria after the meeting.
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Police seals off APC national headquarters again
Officers of the Nigerian Police Force have taken over the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja.
This comes two days after a team of security operatives sealed off the party’s office in the nation’s capital, purportedly on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
Thursday’s incident also comes ahead of the APC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled to take place at the Presidential Villa.
As early as 9am, two Toyota Hilux patrol vans and two Peugeot 604 cars were stationed at strategic positions around the party’s secretariat.
Members of staff at the secretariat who had arrived early were asked to move out of their offices.
The APC National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mr Victor Giadom had on Tuesday got the Presidential backing to convene the National Executive Committee meeting expected to hold virtually from the Presidential Villa.
However, the other NWC led by Senator Abiola Ajimobi faulted the convocation of the meeting which was described as illegal.
In a statement jointly signed by the National Vice Chairman (South South), Mr Hillard Eta, and the acting National Secretary, Mr Waziri Bulama, the NWC said they would not attend the NEC meeting convened by Mr Giadom.
Just as the incident on Tuesday, the seal off is also alleged to be at the instance of the Inspector General of Police who directed the Commissioner of Police at the FCT Command to ensure that nobody is allowed into the secretariat.
Shortly after arriving at the APC secretariat, Bulama who was also denied entry into the premises said the police sealed off the place, based on orders from above.