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🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·57 mins ago
Ekiti residents protest continued captivity of 16 worshippers despite ransom payment
Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State protested the ongoing captivity of 16 worshippers abducted by gunmen on April 28 from a Christ Apostolic Church. The community raised and paid N10.5 million in ransom, but the victims, including women and two young boys, remain held after 36 days. The kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion, then N150 million, and later N50 million. After receiving the N10.5 million, along with food items, fuel, and other provisions, the abductors are now demanding an additional N50 million. Protesters appealed to the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government, and security agencies for intervention, highlighting the trauma endured by the victims, who include young children and an elderly woman. They also called for improved security infrastructure in the area, such as a functional divisional police headquarters, forest guards, and a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border, citing the community's vulnerability due to inadequate security.
3 min read
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·1 hour ago
Two House of Representatives members defect from APC to PRP and ADC
The ruling All Progressives Congress APC experienced further defections in the House of Representatives as two lawmakers formally announced their departure from the party. This development follows the National Assembly's resumption after a recess, during which political actors engaged in consultations and strategic repositioning for the 2027 general elections. Rabilu Bala, representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, defected from the APC to the Peoples Redemption Party PRP. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read Bala's letter, which cited persistent internal disagreements within the APC and the need for a platform to better serve his constituents. Abubakar Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, also announced his resignation from the APC and defection to the ADC, citing his conscience and the broader national interest. Additionally, Abdullahi, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, also defected from the APC to the ADC. These defections contribute to a growing trend of political movements as politicians prepare for the 2027 elections. Despite the APC maintaining majorities in both chambers of the National Assembly, these events highlight underlying tensions within some state chapters regarding internal democracy, leadership structures, and succession. The PRP, one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties, is working to rebuild its presence in northern Nig
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·1 hour ago
Datti Baba-Ahmed explains joining Peter Obi's 2023 presidential ticket out of sympathy
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed revealed that his decision to accept the VP slot for the 2023 presidential election was driven by sympathy for Peter Obi and the state of Nigeria, rather than ideological alignment. In an interview with Symfoni, Baba-Ahmed stated that Obi had approached three other prominent politicians who declined to be his running mate. Feeling compassion for Obi and the nation, Baba-Ahmed stepped in as a "volunteer for the sake of Nigeria." He emphasized that his support had limits and that Obi does not control his political future. Baba-Ahmed, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the Peoples Redemption Party in May 2026, also commented on Obi's defection from the Labour Party, stating that internal challenges were not sufficient reason to leave.
2 min read
Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·1 hour ago
Neglect of teacher education threatens Nigeria's future, says NCCE Executive Secretary
Angela Ajala, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education NCCE, warned that continued neglect of teacher education poses a significant threat to national development. Speaking in Abuja during a visit by the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria ECAN, Ajala emphasized that the quality of teachers underpins the strength of all other professions. She highlighted that every professional, from engineers to politicians, passes through a teacher's hands, making teacher education central to national progress. Ajala cautioned against undervaluing the teaching profession, stating that its societal impact is often underestimated despite its crucial role in shaping future leaders. She urged stronger media collaboration to change public perception of teaching and support ongoing reforms. Ajala lamented the decline in respect for teachers, advocating for a narrative shift. She defended recent policy changes, including removing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination requirement for admissions into Colleges of Education, explaining that these decisions were data-driven and not arbitrary. Ajala also warned of a looming teacher shortage if enrollment in teacher training institutions does not improve, noting that some colleges have very few students across multiple programs. She stated that reforms aim to enhance the global competitiveness of graduates from Colleges of Education and align curriculum with international best practices. ECAN chairman,