Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has charged the Federal Government to treat human lives as sacred. In a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Obi said it was time to confront insecurity in Nigeria. He was reacting to the alleged abduction of over 100 worshippers from three churches in Kaduna State. He said, “Nigeria deserves a government that treats human life as sacred, the time to confront this insecurity is now. “I have just been informed that yet again, at the weekend, about 172 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna. This is yet another unfortunate consequence of a nation where insecurity has been allowed to grow, unchecked and unchallenged in our everyday lives, as though it were normal. This should not be. “Even with the government and police stating they are not aware of this incident, we must ask ourselves hard questions. Is this how we will continue? Can we keep waking up to news of mass abductions, disputed figures, and official denials while citizens live in fear? Whether confirmed or contested, the frequency of such reports alone shows a greater crisis of safety, leadership, and unity. “Just recently, other communities in Benue, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Plateau, have faced similarly gruesome insecurity. Nigeria is not at war, yet here we are again, counting victims with inconsistencies that surpass those of nations at war. A government that can mobilise resources for waste, for propaganda, for foreign lobbyists, but cannot secure communities or protect its people has misplaced its priorities. “To the people of Kaduna, you are not alone. We stand with you, and to the families whose loved ones were taken, we share in your pain. We pray and hope that those abducted will be found and returned safely, and that those injured in the course of this attack receive swift and full medical recovery.”

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the abduction of 163 worshippers during Sunday service in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, urging the federal government to take immediate action to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks. This was disclosed in a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong. He expressed the party’s sympathy to the victims’ families. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this agonizing period of uncertainty,” he said. The party described the abduction as a “sad reminder of the normalisation of insecurity which has become the new reality of Nigerians” under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Ememobong added, “These frequent attacks on worshippers in their places of worship, irrespective of religion, represent the inability of this government to protect the constitutionally enshrined right to freedom of worship.” “Nigerians must not live in fear when going to churches or mosques to worship.” The PDP called on the APC-led federal government to commence “comprehensive rescue operations to bring these kidnapped citizens home safely,” urging authorities not to repeat mistakes from previous incidents, such as the Niger school kidnapping, where “media optics prevailed over identity protection and safeguarding during the ‘rescue and return’ processes of the victims.” Ememobong criticized the federal government’s approach to security, stating, “The President should concentrate on fixing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity instead of spending millions of taxpayers’ money on international image laundering campaigns to change narratives abroad.” “Insecurity cannot be solved by propaganda. The families suffering these tragedies will communicate their pain regardless of how much money is spent on image management.” The PDP also highlighted the potential impact of state policing, saying, “We are convinced that if state policing had been operational, these criminals may not have successfully operated with such impunity and taken this large number of people captive.” “The protection of citizens is government’s primary constitutional responsibility. Every Nigerian deserves to worship in safety. The Tinubu administration must demonstrate that Nigerian lives matter through immediate action, not empty promises,” the statement added.

Popular Oyo State-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, has narrated the reasons for his interest in the state governorship position. Hamzat said it was not unconnected to God’s intervention, stressing that he weighed the advice from his advisers and decided to run for governor in the 2027 elections under the Accord Party. While thanking all the advisers and people who came to the Saturday rally in one of his programmes in Agidigbo FM on Monday, the ace broadcaster known for his popular Yoruba lingo, “e gbenu si mic” meaning, “speak to the microphone” said he did not invalidate the opinion of those who warned against contesting but he was personally convinced that he will serve the people. “The people of Oyo, my lovers, especially my advisers, who warned me against contesting. I thank you all. I sampled the advice of people who encouraged me to contest and those who warned me against it. I tabled it to God, and he approved my contesting. “And I don’t want to disobey God because I want to please most of you who warned me against contesting. I believe you all love me; that’s why you are advising me. If there’s anyone I have offended with this decision, I implore them to forgive and support me now that I have declared my interest in the apex seat of the state. “I want to serve the people and not be like most of those corrupt politicians. I believe that I will win because the people are for me, and I didn’t buy anyone to be at the event,” he said. Oriyomi further dismissed the stance of naysayers who insist he would not emerge, saying he has grown beyond fearing that he would not should he contest. “We have moved on from the point of whether I would be rigged out or lose the election. I am seeking all your support.” Recall that Hamzat declared to run for the state governor on Saturday during a rally at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, where Hamzat told supporters that his decision followed what he described as a “divine calling.” According to him, he had never planned to join a political party or seek elective office, noting that his past involvement in politics was limited to supporting others. Speaking at the event, he said, “Today, I am publicly declaring my intention to join Accord as my political platform and to contest the Oyo governorship election in 2027 as a candidate.” Also, he said his decision was not backed by financial strength, political influence, or the support of the government in power. “I don’t have money or political connections, and I don’t have the backing of the government of the day. I have come with God, and that is all I need,” the popular Kokoro Alate programme host stated.

Popular Oyo State based media personality, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially announced his intention to run for governor in the 2027 elections under the Accord Party. In a public declaration, Hamzat, who is also the founder of Agidigbo FM stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027. “I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone. “I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.” The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for Armed Forces Remembrance Day to extend beyond mere ceremonial gestures, urging leaders to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians over image management, foreign travels, or political convenience. This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi. The party criticized President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the event, emphasizing that the presence of the Commander-in-Chief both physically and morally is a key symbol of solidarity with military personnel and their families, especially in the face of rising insecurity. Observed annually on January 15, Armed Forces Remembrance Day honours the sacrifices of both fallen and active members of the military. The ADC described the occasion as a solemn national moment demanding visible presence, thoughtful reflection, and decisive leadership at the highest level. “It is therefore deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to symbolise solidarity with our armed forces and the families who continue to bear the cost of Nigeria’s security failures. “At a time when Nigerian soldiers are overstretched across multiple fronts, battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime, leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed, or treated as ceremonial. “The physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief on this day is not optional; it is a statement of respect, responsibility, and shared sacrifice. “The ADC honours the fallen, stands with serving personnel, and recognises the quiet resilience of military families who continue to pay the ultimate price for a nation that has yet to match their sacrifice with competent governance, clear strategy, and genuine political will. “Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words. It must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility, and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign trips, or political convenience.”

Former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has said that Nigerians must rise to resist terrorists, bandits and other criminals terrorising the country. Sani stated this on Thursday at the public presentation of his two books, The Councillor and The Perilous Path to Europe, on Thursday in Abuja. He noted that no foreign power will free the country from the challenge, emphasizing that if people were united and enlightened and supported by state apparatus, they can defeat those who feel that they own the land and can use the force of arms to subdue everyone. “We should not think that a foreign power will come here and free us from these bandits. We are to do it ourselves,” he added. The ex-Senator explained that Nigeria has a track record of restoring peace in other countries, adding that America cannot solve her problems.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has challenged Edo State government over the arrest and remand of 52 students of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. In a statement, Obi warned that punishing citizens for protesting against insecurity while kidnappers and bandits remain at large is unacceptable and dangerous for democracy. According to him, the arrests were a troubling response to a legitimate civic action, stressing that the students were calling attention to the very insecurity that has devastated communities. The former Anambra State governor added that the students were reportedly taken from their hostels at night for protesting against kidnappings and banditry in their area, a development he said reflects a disturbing inversion of priorities by the authorities. “I have just been made aware of the alarming arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, who bravely called for an end to the terror of kidnappers and bandits plaguing their community. Fight bandits not students. “We cannot and must not punish citizens for voicing legitimate grievances, especially when they are standing up against the very real threats that have devastated our neighbourhoods. “It is beyond belief that students were taken from their hostels at night simply for protesting, only to be treated as criminals. Meanwhile, the actual perpetrators, the bandits and kidnappers wreaking havoc, remain at large, unaccountable for their actions,” Obi wrote on X.

The African Democratic Congress has stepped up efforts to expand its political base ahead of the 2027 general election, calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and other prominent political figures to join the party. The appeal followed the inauguration of the party’s North-East Zonal Congress Committee, which the ADC said marked a renewed push to strengthen its internal structures, promote internal democracy, and reposition the party for national leadership. ADC factional National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, disclosed this in a communiqué issued on Tuesday after the inauguration ceremony held in Gombe State on January 11. The event, organised by the party’s national leadership, was presided over by Dr Muhammad Muhammad. In the communiqué, Gombe described the inauguration as a critical step towards consolidating the party’s presence in the North-East and ensuring transparent and credible congresses across the zone. According to the communiqué, the party ratified and inaugurated key officials to oversee the zonal congress process. Mrs Patience Alex was appointed Chairperson of the North-East Zonal Congress Committee, while Mr Abayomi Adekunle was inaugurated as Chairman of the Zonal Appeal Committee. Gombe said the development reflected the party’s resolve to deepen internal democracy and build a credible platform capable of attracting Nigerians across political divides. He also made a direct appeal to several serving governors, elder statesmen, and national leaders to join the ADC as it positions itself as an alternative force in Nigeria’s political landscape. He said, “The authentic national leadership of the ADC passionately appeals to and invites the following eminent personalities to join the party in its mission to rebuild and reposition Nigeria. “Those invited include the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri; former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan; Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti; and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. “The ADC believes their experience, leadership, and patriotism are crucial in uniting efforts to make Nigeria great again.” The party reiterated its commitment to offering what it described as a credible, inclusive, and progressive platform focused on good governance, national unity, and sustainable development. It further stressed that it would continue mobilising Nigerians across all regions in support of a new political direction anchored on accountability, equity, and the collective aspiration to make Nigeria great again. The move comes amid renewed political realignments, barely two weeks after the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, defected to the David Mark-led ADC, a development that has further fuelled speculation about emerging alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.

Former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has said elections in Nigeria are not entirely determined by the will of the electorate, citing systemic flaws and compromises within the electoral process. Tambuwal made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Prime Time, a political programme aired on Arise Television. He argued that while Nigerians turn out to vote, the final outcome of elections is often distorted during collation. “Elections are not completely decided by electorates. I can say that without mincing words,” Tambuwal said. “We know, quite often times, at collation level, be it at the polling units, at ward level, at the local government level or the state level or even at the national level, things happen that misrepresent what voters actually voted for.” According to the former governor, politicians routinely exploit loopholes in the electoral system to manipulate results, particularly during the collation and transmission of votes. He also blamed part of the problem on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that some officials of the electoral body compromise the integrity of elections. The former governor, however, expressed strong support for reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework, including the adoption of electronic transmission of results. “I wholeheartedly support any reform that will improve the electoral process in Nigeria, including electronic transmission,” he said. On the ideology of political parties in Nigeria, Tambuwal said most of the parties in the country are not ideological driven. According to him, the parties are mere vehicles to particular destinations. “If it’s about ideology, what was President Muhammadu Buhari doing in the APC with some characters that we have in APC? I don’t want to mention names, but if you look at President Muhammadu Buhari then, the way he was perceived, what was he doing with some characters in politics?”, Tambuwal asked. He admitted that even in the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), politicians who, ideologically should not be bedfellows are members of the party.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned residents to be wary of politicians making unrealistic promises as the political season ahead of the 2027 general elections begins to gather momentum. The governor described 2026 as a pivotal year and a prelude to the next general elections, urging the electorate to be discerning as political activities intensify. Makinde gave the warning on Monday during the annual Interfaith Prayer Session marking the beginning of the New Year in Ibadan. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the governor said the approaching election season made it necessary for citizens to critically assess those seeking public office. “As we move closer to 2027, people should be careful of politicians who will be making promises that cannot be fulfilled,” Makinde said. He noted that given the performance of his administration, residents should expect continuity in governance, expressing confidence that a member of his team would take over the leadership of the state in 2027. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the continued development of the state and the welfare of its people. Makinde also charged residents to take security seriously, stressing that safeguarding lives and property was a collective responsibility. “I want us to be vigilant on the issue of security. We have only spent 12 days this year and we have already lost some people at the Old Oyo National Park,” he said. “Security is everybody’s responsibility. When you see something suspicious, say something to the appropriate authorities.” On workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had cleared longstanding promotion arrears inherited from previous governments and remained committed to prompt career progression. “When we came in 2019, we met promotion arrears dating back to 2016. We cleared the backlog and ensured promotions are conducted yearly,” he said. “The file for the 2025 promotion has been sent to me, and I will sign it today. Those due for promotion should rest assured.” Makinde also disclosed that the review of emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration was ongoing and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved before the end of January. Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, commended the governor for consistency in people-centred governance, citing improvements in workers’ welfare, regular salary payments, increased monthly gratuity from N1.5bn to N3bn, payment of 13th-month salaries, staff training, and civil service reforms. She also acknowledged the support of labour unions and stakeholders for sustaining industrial harmony in the state. In their goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his deputy, Muhammed Fadeyi; the Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, praised the governor for his support for governance institutions and infrastructure development. The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martin, said labour unions would resist any regression in workers’ welfare, noting that Makinde had set a benchmark for future administrations. Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, thanked the governor for bonuses and welfare packages, presenting a white horse as a symbol of appreciation. The event was attended by dignitaries, including former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; traditional rulers; former public office holders; lawmakers; and party leaders.