NIGERIA NEWS
2027: South-east now stronghold of APC, Ikonne tackles Abaribe
… Says Senator didn’t win 2023 election
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Paul Ikonne, has launched a strong rebuttal against Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe over his recent comments questioning the credibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, describing the remarks as politically desperate and out of tune with current realities.
Ikonne made his position known on Tuesday while featuring on TVC popular Morning Show “This Morning”, where he argued that Abaribe’s comments were symptomatic of what he described as growing panic within the opposition political parties as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Senator Abaribe had on Monday claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not win in 2023 and that he can’t win again in 2027.
Responding to the claims, Prince Ikonne, said Abaribe’s sustained criticism of President Tinubu’s mandate is borne out of fear of the ruling party’s expanding influence across the country.
He maintained that President Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 poll was decisive and legitimate, stressing that the president enjoyed widespread support cutting across regions, ethnic groups and political interests.
Ikonne said attempts to cast doubt on the outcome of the election were not only revisionist but also ignored the verdict already affirmed by the nation’s electoral and judicial processes.
The APC chieftain further contended that Senator Abaribe lacked the moral standing to question Tinubu’s electoral strength, particularly in Abia State, alleging that the senator had become disconnected from grassroots realities.
He claimed that Abaribe no longer maintains active engagement with his constituents and therefore fails to appreciate the shifting political dynamics in the state and the wider South-East region.
He said: “If you know Senator Abaribe very well, you will realize that he is an attention seeker. He is always seeking attention. This is a man who did not win his own election in 2023. One young man defeated him during the election, and anybody who want to know the details should get what the young man filed at the Tribunal against Senator Abaribe.
“What Abaribe displayed showed clearly that the opposition, if any, are panicking. The President won election, not just in one state but across the country and his popularity has gone up more than what it was in 2023 because 90% of PDP in the entire South-east have collapsed into the APC.”
According to the former Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), recent political realignments point to a groundswell of support for the APC and the Tinubu-led administration.
“As we speak, about 90 per cent of the PDP structure in the South-East has collapsed into the APC,” Ikonne said. “The raw materials of politics are human beings, and those human beings are now gravitating towards President Tinubu. This is the reality in the South-East and Nigeria as a whole. I can assure you that there will be an Asiwaju tsunami in 2027.”
He dismissed claims that Tinubu would struggle electorally in Abia, accusing Abaribe of failing to keep tabs on developments in his constituency. Ikonne argued that tangible federal projects and interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda are already reshaping public perception of the APC in the region.
According to him, ongoing infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, as well as Agricultural and Social Investment Programmes, are resonating strongly with the people of the South-East.
He said such initiatives have demonstrated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusive development and equitable distribution of federal presence.
Ikonne also rejected assertions that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, describing such claims as excuses by politicians unwilling to accept the growing appeal of the APC. He insisted that defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other platforms were driven by performance and popular support, not coercion.
“Even the blind and the deaf can see that Nigeria is developing rapidly under President Tinubu,” he said. “That is why the APC continues to attract followership from across party lines.”
He said: “It is not about one-party state, it is about building a strong platform, and you know that chartered politicians when they see a strong platform they don’t waste time, they cross and it is obvious that APC is the platform to beat.
“Like in the South East now, the region is now the stronghold of APC if you look at very well. So the door is still open for those who have seen the light to join us and for those who have not seen anything we wish them well.”
When asked about politicians Cross-carpeting without ideology, Prince Ikonne liken political party to a Church or Mosque where people come and nobody send them back.
” When you begin to preach the word those who do do not have a vision will see vision, those without plans will begin to have plans. That’s what political platforms are meant to be.
” APC is a party of ideology, looking at the President, his programmes, he did establish a Blueprint for Lagos state when he was a governor, it was launched officially, and any governor that come after him will build on it. That’s Progressive, that’s where you see development.
“So, that Governor that played that foundation is now the President and that Blueprint will have been expanded to accommodate the diverse nature of Nigeria in order to develop the entire country. So APC has agenda, APC has ideology, ideology of development, ideology of raising the youths and ideology of inclusiveness.
“So, if those defecting to APC have seen the light because their houses were on fire and they need shelter, you accommodate them, educate them and when they will begin to see the difference. And that’s why they are not leaving. That’s the beauty of democracy. It is a global thing and not just about Nigeria. “
NIGERIA NEWS
Lady In Pain as ‘Agbero’ Flees With Her Bottle of Fanta in Lagos: “E No Go Better for You”
Ankrah Shalom (Human-Interest editor)
Shalom Ankrah is a journalist and a Human Interest Editor at Legit.ng with over six years of experience. She has a degree in Mass communication from Alex Ekwueme University. Shalom has worked with reputable news organizations including The Tide and GistReel. Email: ankrah.shalom@corp.legit.ng.
An expert has shared the alleged reason behind Peller’s car crash on December 14, 2025, during an Instagram livestream.
It would be recalled that the car crash occurred along the Eko Expressway, where bystanders rushed to take Peller to the hospital.
Expert Exposes Alleged Reason For Peller’s Car Crash
According to the expert identified with the X handle, @austeiin, the breakup between Peller and Jarvis is a stunt, and the car crash incident is just content.
He further claimed he could bet his December salary on the claim and asked about the value Peller brings.
Peller’s Relationship With Jarvis
In the tweet that has gone viral, the expert inquired why Jarvis, an educated individual, accepted dating Peller and turned their relationship into content.
Read Tweet Below…….
The way Nigerians hype Peller needs to be studied.Remove social media madness, gimmicks, and clout who exactly is Peller?
What real value does he bring? .Nigerians made him relevant, and that’s the plain truth.If nonsense didn’t trend in this country, this guy wouldn’t even be in the conversation.
Loud behavior + foolish stunts = instant fame.That’s the formula. Now let’s be serious. How does someone believe that acting anyhow online for views will suddenly lead to something meaningful or respectable? That mindset alone shows the whole thing was never deep.
And to that Jarvis too; how does a well-educated person look at someone like Peller and say, “Yes, this is fine, I love him and I will date him” then turn their relationship into content…..Public display, constant cameras, zero boundaries…..For what exactly?.
What were people expecting? A fairytale? Abeg! Abeg.That Jarvis break up with Peller is pure fallacy & a stunt! That Accident Peller was involved in is all content.
I can bet my December salary on it.t’s engagement farming. No be Peller again?! It’s Nigerians doing what Nigerians do best; hyping drama and then acting shocked when it crashes.
See below…..
Alwan Hassan, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has claimed that 95 percent of ministers who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari should be in prison over alleged corruption.
Hassan made the allegation on Tuesday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Asked about growing scrutiny of officials who served under Buhari, Hassan said: “95 per cent of the ministers under Buhari should be in jail by now.”
He added: “There has never been a time when ministers got free hands without supervision like Buhari’s eight years in office.”
Hassan said Buhari had once warned his ministers to keep their documents ready for future accountability.
He said: “You’ve heard what people are saying; the former president even told them to keep their documents ready because there will come a day when they’ll be asked to explain themselves; maybe he has seen what they are doing.”
The APC chieftain alleged that corruption was widespread during Buhari’s tenure from 2015 to 2023, adding that a small number of officials were not involved in wrongdoing.
Hassan said: “Those good men around those years are the 5 per cent; there are a few good people, very few good men around.”
He attributed the alleged abuse to lack of oversight, describing Buhari’s administration as a “free-for-all”.
Hassan said: “There has never been a time when government budgets were 100 per cent released without interference by the presidency like Buhari’s time; ministers were given free rein; they did what they wanted.
“Everyone was his own cabal; if you got the chance to meet Buhari and explain things, you became a cabal. The nation was at peace; people were doing what they wanted; if you were appointed under Buhari, your job was largely abdicated to you; there was no supervision.”
Hassan made comparisons of Buhari’s era with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He said: “This government is hands-on; if you’re talking about government finance, it’s Asiwaju; everyone knows this. Contractors like me are still shouting about unpaid sums; he is careful; he knows his priorities; it is not business as usual.”
The United States has placed Nigeria on a new list of countries facing fresh entry restrictions, following an expanded travel policy announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
The move forms part of a broader Proclamation signed by the US president, which introduces new limits on the entry of foreign nationals from countries classified as high-risk to American security and public safety.
Nigeria is among 15 additional countries now facing partial restrictions under the policy.
According to the Proclamation, the decision is based on what the White House described as “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” by affected countries.
The White House explained that the action is aimed at tightening border controls and strengthening national security. It described the policy as “strengthening national security through common sense restrictions based on data.”
Under the new framework, restrictions vary by country. Some nations face full entry bans, while others, including Nigeria, are subject to partial limitations affecting certain visa categories and immigration pathways.
The Proclamation maintains full restrictions on nationals from 12 countries previously listed under Proclamation 10949. These include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Five additional countries — Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria — have now been placed under full restrictions. Individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents are also affected. Laos and Sierra Leone, which were earlier under partial restrictions, have now been moved to the full restriction category.
Nigeria joins several other countries newly placed under partial restrictions. Others on the list include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela remain under partial limitations from earlier proclamations.
The White House noted that the policy includes exemptions. These cover lawful permanent residents of the United States, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and certain other visa categories. It also allows for case-by-case waivers where entry is deemed to serve US national interests.
However, the administration disclosed that some family-based immigrant visa categories have been tightened due to what it described as “demonstrated fraud risks.”
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the White House said the restrictions are designed “to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose.”
It added that the policy is also intended to encourage cooperation from foreign governments, improve information-sharing, and support broader national security and counterterrorism objectives.
President Trump was quoted in the fact sheet as saying, “It is the President’s duty to take action to ensure that those seeking to enter our country will not harm the American people.”
The document further stated that, following consultations with cabinet officials and security agencies, “President Trump has determined that the entry of nationals from additional countries must be restricted or limited to protect U.S. national security and public safety interests.”
The restrictions are said to be country-specific, reflecting what the administration called unique challenges in each location. These include issues such as corruption, unreliable civil and criminal records, weak birth registration systems, and limited access to law-enforcement data.
The White House also cited high visa overstay rates, refusal by some governments to accept deported nationals, and concerns linked to criminal and extremist activities.
As part of the same review process, the Proclamation announced that restrictions on Turkmenistan had been partially lifted. Nonimmigrant visa bans were removed after the country showed improved cooperation, although immigrant entry restrictions remain in place.
In a related development, Politics Nigeria earlier reported that President Trump had declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” a designation linked to allegations of widespread religious violence and the killing of Christians.
That earlier decision had already strained diplomatic conversations between Abuja and Washington, setting the stage for heightened scrutiny of Nigeria under the new travel policy.
The latest move is expected to raise concerns among Nigerians planning travel, study, or family reunification in the United States, while also adding another layer to the ongoing debate over immigration, security, and US-Africa relations.
By Nnasom David
A Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express crashed on Tuesday evening at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, prompting an immediate response from airport emergency services.
The aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-ASR, was originally en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency, forcing a diversion to Owerri.
The aircraft crashed in the approach area of Runway 17 around 8:00 p.m. local time. Four people were on board, and no fatalities have been reported so far.
According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport continued safely, with other aircraft taking off after the incident.
A statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said: “Efforts are ongoing to recover the distressed aircraft from the crash site for a detailed wreckage examination,” NSIB said.
The NSIB noted that it has activated its protocols in line with its mandate. Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. expressed sympathy to Skypower Express while welcoming the absence of casualties.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far. Our team is coordinating with authorities to secure the site,” he said.
Vanguard News
The post Cessna 172 aircraft crashes at Owerri airport appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has transferred a 28-year-old man, Olapade Ifeoluwa, to the police following his arrest over the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl in Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area (LGA).
The Head of Communications for the corps, Adeleye Adewale, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday. He explained that operatives apprehended the suspect after he was accused of luring the minor to his apartment under the pretence of watching a film.
Adewale said, “Upon interrogation by the arresting officers of the Ekiti Southwest Local Government Command, the suspect confessed to the crime committed. He said that the minor was induced to watch a film and lured to his apartment, where he precipitously had carnal knowledge of her. He later ascribed his action to the devil’s work after his apprehension.”
The father of the victim recounted the incident, noting that his daughter’s cries during the assault drew the attention of neighbours at Ujana Street, Ilawe Ekiti, who intervened and rescued her.
According to Adewale, both the suspect and the victim were taken to the Amotekun Headquarters in Ado Ekiti for further investigation before being handed over to the Ekiti State Police Command for appropriate action.
This arrest comes months after a similar case in September, when Amotekun operatives foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old man, Ahmed Abdulai, to rape a 13-year-old girl in Are Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area. Officers reportedly intercepted Abdulai in the bush after flashing torchlights on him while he was attempting to assault the minor. He was subsequently handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police for investigation.
The Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has reiterated its commitment to working with the police to ensure that suspects in such cases face the full weight of the law.
NIGERIA NEWS
Alake lauds Nigerians in diaspora for deploying resources for national development – Tribune Online
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has lauded Nigerians living outside the country, for their selflessness and commitment towards the development of the country.
He appreciated them for deploying their hard earned money for the betterment of citizens of the country.
The monarch stated this during the free medical outreach organised by the Yoruba Nurses of North America held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Tuesday.
Oba Gbadebo disclosed that the exodus of Nigerians to foreign land for greener pastures some years back has been yielding positive results,based on their determination to add value to the national economy.
ALSO READ: New tax laws will benefit poor, low income earners, small businesses — Tinubu
He said, “One of the best things that has happened to our nation is our children who are all over the world doing so well especially in deploying their hard earned resources for the upliftment of others.
“Some of these people are coming back to be chiefs, to be traditional rulers, industrialists adding a whole lots of value to our economy.
“So let those people who want to stay behind in the country do so and for those who wants to travel abroad, those whose skills are wanted abroad, let them go, make it there and come back to support the well being of their people back home and our economy too.”
He noted that Nigeria is next to India in terms of money sent home annually, saying the support is making lots of difference in the life the people and the nation’s economy.
Oba Gbadebo commended the medical personnel for giving back to the people out of their resources.
The traditional ruler described the medical outreach as good example of collaboration with people in diaspora that are aimed at empowering the people and making life more meaningful for the people back home.
The President, Yoruba Nurses of North America, Dr Adebisi Allison, said the annual free medical outreach underscored the association’s commitment towards enhancing health and well-being of Yoruba people across the South West, including Kogi and Kwara states, through a holistic and community-driven approach.
While adding that the free medical outreach served as an avenue for Yoruba health care professionals across North America to give back to their communities and help their kinsmen, the Yoruba people.
He hinted that the nation’s health care system is facing numerous challenges, especially shortage of healthcare facilities and equipment; inadequate health literacy; limited access to certain services; high out of pocket expenses and fragmented structure that prioritizes tertiary heath care at the expense of primary health care.
“These challenges have continued to undermine the potency of Nigeria’s Health sector, despite the substantial amount of funds allocated to healthcare infrastructure in this country. Moreover, massive brain drain of Nigerian health practitioners has further exacerbated the ugly situation.
“In the light of this, the Yoruba Nurses of North America, (YORNNA), seeks to bridge the gap by promoting equitable access to essential health services, encouraging community participation, and fostering partnerships with government at all levels, community groups and third-party organizations.
“YORNNA’s resolution to prioritize immediate action on health care across Yoruba communities arose out of the discussions from a 2022 Forum spearheaded by Apero Nile Loko initiatives, developed by Egbe Omo Yoruba North America, which focused on key issues facing the Yoruba people. According to Prof. Funsho Famuyiwa, who spoke at YORNNA 2024 Health Outreach Information Session and Fundraiser, a comprehensive 400-page report released in 2023 from the Apero forum emphasized the urgent need for improved access to health care services, education and deeper community involvement,” he added.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Police arrest woman for faking baby’s abduction, selling two-month-old child for ₦1.5m in Delta
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of a woman for allegedly faking the abduction of her two-month-old baby and selling the child for the sum of ₦1.5 million to a pastor in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The woman had on Monday, December 15, alleged that gunmen forcefully took her baby from her while she was in a tricycle and pushed her out.
However, the Effurun Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Aliyu Shaba, and his men swung into action and recovered the baby, just as investigations revealed that the mother had staged the abduction and sold the child to the cleric.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development in a WhatsApp message sent to our correspondent in Warri.
His message simply read: “Confirmed,” without providing further details.
Leaders and traditional rulers in communities across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have vowed to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, noting that the appointment of an Abuja indigene as a minister and to other strategic national roles has strengthened the people’s sense of belonging and purpose within the federation.
During visits to Karshi, Karu, Garki and Bwari on Tuesday by the FCT Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the traditional rulers and community leaders expressed satisfaction with the performance of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, maintaining that President Tinubu made a sound and strategic choice in appointing him to drive development in the territory.
The FCT Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Adamu Abdullahi, who led the delegation, described President Tinubu’s administration as one that history would judge fairly for its inclusive approach to governance.
He noted that the appointment of an indigenous son of the FCT as minister reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, national integration and confidence in the capacity of the people of the territory to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors visited the Emir of Karshi, Alhaji Ismaila Danladi Muhammad, where representatives of the Emir affirmed the community’s support for President Tinubu. They also described Karshi as the second home of Hon. Adamu Abdullahi, assuring that the community would not disappoint the President for finding their son worthy of the responsibility of coordinating the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the FCT.
Speaking on behalf of the Emir, the Hakimin Karshi, Alhaji Jibrin Danladi Adanda, acknowledged ongoing infrastructural development in the FCT while appealing for sustained government attention to further address community needs.
While receiving the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the Sa’karuyi of Karu, Joseph Danfulani Narai, described the coordinator as a man whose contributions to community development are visibly evident, commending his longstanding record of service and commitment to grassroots progress.
Commending President Tinubu for finding FCT natives worthy of key national appointments, the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Nga Kupi, reaffirmed his community’s commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, saying that the administration’s developmental strides in the FCT place a moral obligation on the people to reciprocate with loyalty and electoral support for the APC-led government.
The Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro, assured that the traditional institution would fully support the return of President Tinubu, citing the choice of a minister whose interventions have opened up Bwari to increased development, including improved road networks, the presence of the Law School and greater recognition of traditional rulers in governance.
Also, the Esu of Bwari, Dr. Ibrahim Yaro, congratulated the Renewed Hope Ambassadors coordinator, describing him as a man of integrity, and pledged to mobilise all tribal chiefs within his domain to ensure massive support for President Tinubu’s re-election.
In the past week, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors have sustained their grassroots mobilisation drive across the FCT, engaging traditional institutions and local communities in a coordinated effort to galvanise support for President Tinubu’s re-election.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the receipt of a petition from serial businessman, Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
The commission, in a statement on Tuesday, said it has received the petition and an investigation into the claims would commence.
The response of the ICPC was contained in a statement signed by its spokesperson, John Okor Odey.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today Tuesday 16th December, 2025 from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.
“The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated,” the ICPC stated.
Naija News recalls that Dangote accused Farouk of corruption and financial impropriety.
In the petition submitted on December 16, Dangote demanded the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Ahmed for allegedly living above his means as a public servant.
The petition was received by the office of the Chairman of the ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).
Dangote accused the NMDPRA MD of spending without evidence of lawful means of income amounting to over $7 million for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront.
Dangote, in the petition, named the four children and their schools in Switzerland, including the amount paid for each of them, to establish his allegations and verification by the anti-graft Agency.