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Hardship protest: Opposition disagrees with DSS, police over arrest threat

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Hours after Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun issued guidelines for the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August 1, opposition parties have kicked against the conditions, saying they are against Nigeria’s constitution.

They insisted that the right to protest is recognised as a fundamental human right in Nigeria and is protected by the constitution.

Egbetokun had in response to requests to protest across the country set guidelines for all organisers and groups planning to participate.

He specifically directed them to submit their details, proposed routes, and assembly points to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.

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The IG also said commissioners of police in states where protests would be held must be provided with details of measures put in place to prevent the demonstration from being hijacked by criminal elements.

The police chief  had earlier raised concerns about the legitimacy of the gathering, adding that arrangements had been made to arrest suspected hoodlums disguising as protesters.

The Department of State Services, on the other hand, claimed it uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the DSS, through its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, described the motive behind the planned protest as political.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters also warned intending protesters against any form of violence, stating that the right to protest did not include unleashing terror.

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The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who conveyed the message in Abuja, raised concerns that the planned nationwide protest could escalate into chaos based on the military’s analysis and intelligence.

Concentrate on protecting protesters – NNPP

The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, said going after protesters was a violation of their constitutional right. He said instead of clamping down on those legitimately exercising their civic rights, efforts should be made to protect them.

Johnson said, “I don’t think there is a need to clamp down on protesters. Nigerians have a right to exercise their constitutional right to protest. They should not be harassed in any way. On the other hand, protesters must do their best to ensure that the protest is not hijacked either by hoodlums or by people sent. Hoodlums are one thing, people sent by unscrupulous politicians to cause friction and mayhem are another. These people should be resisted. The police also must secure the protesters in a peaceful atmosphere and ensure they are not infiltrated by people who want to cause chaos and damage properties. That is what they should be doing, not threatening or scaring people.”

PDP not surprised by threats to gag opposition – Spokesman

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Also, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said it was unfortunate that the presidency would be planning to use the security apparatus to intimidate its citizens.

He said, “What you see the police and the DSS doing is a prepared script. It is quite unfortunate. The attempt by the government to suppress the voices of dissent is not something we are surprised about because they had demonstrated this long before. They made it known before coming into power that they wouldn’t entertain opposition. So, what they first did was to take some persons they believed were going to have a voice and make them part of their team. Now, even after winning the election, they have not stopped. It is clear that the intention of this government is to inflict maximum pain and injury on Nigerians and suppress voices of dissent, who will probably raise objections to their approach. They have inflicted untold hardship on Nigerians. They have also gone further to ensure that fear and intimidation is the only way they would rule this country.”

Tinubu should tread carefully – LP

Similarly, the opposition Labour Party has advised the presidency and security agents to tread carefully, warning that any threat to clamp down on the people may prove counterproductive.

 National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiorah Ifoh, said the country should borrow a leaf from what transpired in neighbouring Kenya, and the government’s response to the people.

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He said, “As a party, we are not going to support any violent protest. We are not speaking for them (protesters). But a hungry man is an angry man. These people can’t feed, transport freely, can’t even afford to send children to school and receive pittance as wages. Yet, you want them not to talk? I think that is undemocratic. We saw what happened in Kenya a few weeks ago, where people spoke their minds peacefully and the Kenyan government did the right thing. Nobody is asking for violence. Everybody that goes into violent protests should be made to pay the price. But we are insisting on allowing Nigerians to speak up their minds through peaceful means.”

Yunusa Tanko, the campaign spokesman for LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on his part, said Nigerians deserved better treatment. The activist emphasized that it would be unfair to threaten people planning to demonstrate with arrest as protest is one of the rights provided for in a democratic setting.

Accusations against opposition insult to Nigerians – Northern CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states, including Abuja, says the planned nationwide hunger protests are an indication that things have gone really bad in the country. CAN insisted that Nigerians have been “suffering and smiling” for too long and the government showed no concern.

In a statement through its Secretary, Elder Sunday Oibe, in Kaduna on Saturday, the body expressed concern over the planned nationwide protest and urged the President to take concrete steps to address the economic hardship and insecurity plaguing the country. It also admonished Nigerian politicians to be mindful of their actions and inactions.

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CAN recalled the ‘Occupy Nigeria’ protest held in 2012, led by President Tinubu, meant to force former President Goodluck Jonathan to retrace his steps over the removal of the petrol subsidy during his administration, and noted that those in government must acknowledge the fact that in a democracy, citizens had the right to embark on peaceful protests over issues affecting their welfare. “Rather than trying to induce and influence some religious and traditional leaders to stop the protest, as it is being speculated in certain quarters, the government should apologise for its ineptitude and failure to address challenges threatening the very foundation of the country and improve the living condition of the people. Since the removal of the subsidy on petrol by President Bola Tinubu over a year ago, Nigerians have yet to enjoy its benefits; insecurity continues to remain undermined by the Nigerian state. We call for prayers for peace, unity, and stability in our country. Pray for God’s intervention in our country,” the Northern CAN stated.

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Politics

Obi: Adeboye Is Right, Tinubu Has Tried His Best

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National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to recent remarks by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, , agreeing that President Bola Tinubu has done his best to address Nigeria’s security challenges but arguing that his best is no longer enough.
Obi made the remarks during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, uploaded on YouTube on Thursday, while explaining why Nigerians should support his presidential ambition over other opposition candidates.
Asked why he should be elected president, Obi urged Nigerians to evaluate his past record alongside his current vision for the country.
“It’s for you to look at my past and look at what I’m saying now,” he said.
Responding to Adeboye’s recent comments on Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, Obi described the respected cleric as a sincere and credible religious leader whose assessment was fair.
“Somebody asked me yesterday, they said that Pastor Adeboye said Tinubu has tried his best and he’s not happy. And I said, no, Pastor Adeboye remains a very revered, respected religious father, whom I believe in his genuineness and goodness.
“And what he said was correct. He said he has tried his best. He’s trying his best. That’s it. It’s the correct answer.
“The question to ask is: Is his best good enough? Where we find ourselves today, that leads to the issue of capacity.”
Obi maintained that effective leadership is defined by competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character, arguing that Nigeria’s persistent security challenges demonstrate the need for a leadership change.
“When I talk about leadership, I say competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, character. These are the issues. President Tinubu is tired. He needs to go home and rest,” Obi said.
Adeboye had earlier defended President Tinubu against criticisms over worsening insecurity during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23.
The cleric argued that the President had fulfilled his responsibility by issuing directives to the military, stressing that a commander-in-chief was not expected to personally participate in combat operations.
“I don’t support those who are accusing the President of not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” Adeboye said.
Despite defending the President’s role, Adeboye expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that terrorism and kidnapping had spread beyond northern Nigeria into the southern parts of the country.
He also revealed that he advised the President to issue a 90-day ultimatum to military commanders to either end the insecurity or resign, while urging the government to identify and prosecute those sponsoring terrorist activities.

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Nwifuru’s Quiet Politics Faces Its Biggest Test as the 2027 Battle Takes Shape

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By PETRUS OBI
For more than three years, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has pursued a political strategy that stands out in Nigeria’s often turbulent succession politics.
Rather than engaging in public confrontation with his predecessor, Engr Dave Umahi, he has consistently chosen restraint, patience and consensus-building.
That approach has helped preserve political stability in Ebonyi.
Unlike many successor administrations that descend into open conflict with former governors, Nwifuru has continued to project respect for the man who played a decisive role in his emergence as governor.
Publicly, both leaders have repeatedly affirmed their relationship and their commitment to moving the state forward.
Yet politics is often shaped less by public declarations than by the struggle for influence behind closed doors.
Across Ebonyi, there is growing speculation that a quiet contest for political supremacy is gradually unfolding between the governor and his predecessor.
While neither camp has openly acknowledged any rift, recent political developments have fuelled perceptions that both men are steadily consolidating their respective political structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
One of the most discussed examples is the “tussle for the APC ticket for the Afikpo North/Edda Federal Constituency. Governor Nwifuru was widely believed to have preferred the return of the incumbent representative, Idu Igariwey. However, the table was recently turned for the emergence of Ekumankama, who is widely seen as enjoying the backing of Umahi. This has been interpreted by many political observers as evidence that the former governor still commands considerable influence within the party.
Whether or not that interpretation is entirely accurate, the episode reinforced one political reality: while Nwifuru controls the Government House, Umahi remains one of the most influential figures in Ebonyi politics.
It is an unusual political equation. One man possesses the constitutional powers of incumbency, while the other retains an extensive political network built during eight years as governor and now occupies a strategic position in President ‘s cabinet.
Interestingly, the governor has continued to resist attempts to draw him into unnecessary political disputes.
A recent example was the controversy surrounding claims that he verbally attacked the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike duringa recentendorsementrallyforPresidentTinubu. The Ebonyi State Government swiftly dismissed the reports, accusing elements of the opposition, particularly the PDP, of deliberately twisting the governor’s remarks in an effort to create friction between the two leaders.
The response reinforced Nwifuru’s broader political style—avoiding public confrontations that could distract him from governance or create avoidable divisions within the ruling party.
Rather than escalating tensions elsewhere, Nwifuru has largely responded with silence and composure. He has neither publicly criticised his predecessor nor allowed perceived disagreements to dominate public discourse.
That restraint appears calculated. An open confrontation could fracture the APC, weaken governance and hand political opportunities to the opposition.
Instead, the governor has quietly strengthened his own political foundation. Through appointments, stakeholder engagement, consultations and the execution of projects, he has continued to expand his influence across Ebonyi’s thirteen local government areas.
Today, much of the state’s political establishment appears aligned with the governor. Members of the State Executive Council, the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, and many grassroots party leaders have publicly identified with his administration. While political loyalties can evolve, incumbency remains one of the strongest advantages in Nigerian politics.
Perhaps Nwifuru’s greatest political strength is that he has largely avoided creating unnecessary enemies. In a political environment where confrontation often defines leadership, he has preferred accommodation to conflict. That has enabled him to consolidate authority steadily while maintaining an image of stability and maturity.
However, the road to 2027 may become more complicated.
As political calculations intensify, ambitions will grow, alliances may shift and competing interests within the APC could become increasingly difficult to reconcile. The governor’s greatest challenge may not be defeating the opposition but sustaining unity within a party that contains multiple centres of influence.
His relationship with Umahi will therefore remain central to Ebonyi’s political future. If both leaders continue to manage their differences privately, the APC could approach the election as a united force. If those differences become more pronounced, internal divisions—not the opposition—could emerge as the governor’s greatest political obstacle.
Beyond political calculations, governance will remain Nwifuru’s strongest campaign asset. Infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and job creation will ultimately shape public perception more than political manoeuvring. A convincing record of performance would strengthen his case for continuity and make it more difficult for opponents to gain traction.
His close relationship with President Tinubu’s administration is another advantage. Should the Federal Government continue maintaining political momentum, Nwifuru could benefit from the goodwill generated by that partnership, particularly in a state where the APC remains the dominant political force.
Still, politics rarely rewards complacency. Economic pressures, changing voter expectations, unforeseen political realignments and disagreements within the ruling party could alter today’s political calculations before 2027.
As matters stand, Governor Francis Nwifuru appears to occupy a strong position ahead of the next governorship election. He enjoys the advantages of incumbency, broad institutional support, a relatively peaceful political environment and a reputation for measured leadership.
Yet one question continues to hover over Ebonyi politics: can the governor and his influential predecessor continue to manage an increasingly delicate relationship without allowing a quiet rivalry to become an open political confrontation?
The answer may ultimately determine not only Nwifuru’s re-election prospects but also the unity of the APC in Ebonyi and the party’s ability to deliver another commanding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state.
For now, the battle is not being fought through fiery speeches or public attacks. It is being waged through influence, negotiations, strategic endorsements and the gradual consolidation of political structures. And in politics, the quietest contests often produce the most significant outcomes.
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Peter Obi Alleges Harassment, Says He May Not Be Alive to Contest 2027 Election

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), , has expressed concern over what he described as persistent harassment and frustration ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Obi alleged that the actions of the current administration have made his daily activities increasingly difficult and negatively affected his means of livelihood.

The former Anambra State governor claimed he faces constant obstacles and said the pressure has become so intense that he cannot be certain he will be alive to participate in the 2027 presidential election.

“With the way this government is going, I may not even be alive to contest the 2027 election. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is deliberately frustrating. I face frustration every day,” Obi said.

He also alleged that he recently experienced an incident at an airport where his vehicle was locked, citing it as an example of the challenges he claims to be facing.

Obi did not provide further details about the airport incident or identify those allegedly responsible for the action.

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Senate: Odoh Unveils Vision to Make Ebonyi Central Globally Competitive

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The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, , has unveiled an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at positioning the district as a globally competitive hub for innovation, technology, agriculture and enterprise.

In a statement addressed to the people of Ebonyi Central, Odoh thanked the leadership of the NDC, party members, stakeholders and supporters for entrusting him with the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.

He described his emergence as a call to service and pledged to pursue legislative initiatives capable of attracting federal interventions, strategic investments and economic opportunities to the district.

According to him, the future of Ebonyi Central depends on electing a senator who can shape transformative legislation, influence national budgets, strengthen oversight and build partnerships that deliver sustainable development.

Odoh argued that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, digital technology, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and precision agriculture require proactive policies to ensure Ebonyi Central is not left behind in the global economy.

He said his legislative priorities would include expanding broadband infrastructure, promoting digital innovation and skills centres, attracting agro-processing and mineral beneficiation industries, and supporting modern agricultural practices to improve productivity and create jobs.

The NDC candidate also promised to unveil a five-part SMART Legislative Agenda detailing plans to strengthen education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, agriculture and investment through purposeful legislation and strategic federal advocacy.

He urged residents of Ebonyi Central to support a vision that would transform the district into a centre of innovation, enterprise and shared prosperity, with the goal of delivering “prosperity in every home, jobs, wealth and opportunity.”

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2027: Nwifuru Plays Safe as Cold War Brews, Denies Rift with Wike

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The Ebonyi State Government has moved to dispel speculations of a rift between Governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, NyesomWike, insisting that the governor never threatened the minister and that reports suggesting otherwise were politically motivated.

The clarification comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, following remarks made by Governor Nwifuru during the June 15 endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at the .

Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh, dismissed allegations by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the governor had threatened Wike.

According to Omebeh, the governor’s remarks were directed at opposition figures allegedly exploiting Wike’s name to spread misinformation and stoke political tension in Ebonyi State, not at the FCT minister himself.

He explained that Nwifuru’s use of the word “consume” was figurative and merely signified that individuals bent on disrupting public peace would face the full weight of the law if they refused to desist.

“The attention of the Ebonyi State Government has been drawn to statements issued by the national leadership of the two factions of the PDP, as well as media reports concerning remarks made by Governor Francis Nwifuru during the endorsement rally,” Omebeh said.

“We wish to state categorically that at no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issue any threat against the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.”

The commissioner maintained that Governor Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect, describing attempts to portray them as political rivals as false and mischievous.

He accused the PDP and some media outlets of twisting the governor’s comments to manufacture an unnecessary dispute between the two leaders for political gain.

Omebeh also urged the opposition to focus on resolving its internal leadership crisis instead of criticising the Nwifuru administration, arguing that the PDP lacked the moral standing to lecture the government on governance.

He further claimed that the opposition had lost political relevance in Ebonyi State and would not pose a serious challenge to the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.

Reaffirming the government’s position, the commissioner said the people of Ebonyi State remained firmly behind Governor Nwifuru and would demonstrate that support at the polls, insisting that attempts to create an imaginary rift between the governor and Wike would ultimately fail.

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