馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour addresses Obidient concerns over party affiliation
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former Labour Party Lagos State governorship candidate, has appealed to Obidient movement supporters for patience regarding his decision to remain with the African Democratic Congress ADC instead of joining the Nigerian Democratic Congress NDC. His appeal, made on X, responded to criticism from supporters questioning his refusal to defect alongside Peter Obi and other opposition figures to the NDC. Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the frustrations surrounding current opposition realignments and thanked supporters for their dedication to the movement and to Peter Obi. He urged patience with his political choices, drawing a parallel to his controversial move from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Labour Party before the 2023 elections. He assured supporters that his political relationship with the Obidient movement would remain strong ahead of the 2027 elections, asking them to "hold on till the end of the month." This follows a supporter's warning that remaining in the ADC could weaken his political chances in Lagos, suggesting that Funso Doherty might become the preferred choice for Obidients if he secures the NDC governorship ticket. Rhodes-Vivour had previously reaffirmed his commitment to the ADC, stating it is the platform he helped build. This development occurs amidst growing political realignments within Nigeria鈥檚 opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 general elections, including Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso formally joining t
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Parliamentary Advocacy Centre PAC has criticized comments made by Fred Agbedi, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, regarding Nigeria's security situation. Agbedi had urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend activities related to the 2027 general elections and focus on tackling insecurity and economic hardship. PAC described Agbedi's remarks as politically motivated and unhelpful, stating that while concerns about insecurity are valid, political leaders should avoid turning national security into a partisan issue. In a statement, PAC President Itodo Vincent accused Agbedi of politicizing a sensitive national concern, arguing that Nigerians expect practical solutions and constructive engagement. PAC highlighted that Nigeria's security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, predate the current administration and require sustained cooperation among all stakeholders. The organization called Agbedi's remarks and demands inappropriate, especially his suggestion that the President should resign if security challenges are not resolved within six months, deeming it reckless. PAC alleged that Agbedi's intervention appeared driven by political considerations for the 2027 elections rather than genuine concern for resolving the security crisis. The group stressed that security should not be a platform for political contestation and urged leaders to support measures for public safety and economic stability. PAC reaffirmed its support for the Federal G
Must ReadProtesters, led by the Take It Back Movement, have barricaded the Iwo Road area in Ibadan, Oyo State, to demand an end to insecurity in Nigeria and the release of 39 abducted schoolchildren and teachers. The protest, which began around 10 am, is a continuation of actions initiated by the human rights group since the abductions in the Orire Local Government Area in May. Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Movement, stated that protests will continue until all abducted victims are freed, criticizing government officials for their perceived inaction while 46 students and their teachers remain in captivity. Sanyaolu emphasized the demand for freedom for all captives across Nigeria and urged state and federal governments to act, warning of continued mass action if their demands are not met.
A Russian drone strike set fire to a Panama-flagged cargo vessel, killing a 58-year-old Egyptian cook, according to Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. Eight other sailors, including Turkish and Indian citizens, escaped on a life raft. The Ukrainian navy identified the vessel as the Turkish cargo ship Victress, stating it sustained significant damage and lost seaworthiness, and that Russia continues to violate international maritime law. Kuleba also reported Russian attacks on vessels under the flags of Palau and Belize, with no casualties. Separately, Russian attacks killed two people in Ukraine: one in Odesa from a missile strike and another in Zaporizhzhia from a drone attack, where three people were also wounded. In Russia, Moscow's four airports were briefly closed after drones were intercepted, and Russia's defense ministry claimed to have destroyed 301 Ukrainian drones overnight.