
The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has rejected suggestions that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, might permanently join the All Progressives Congress APC. The PDP insists Wike remains a crucial political asset, despite his service in the APC-led administration. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, stated that the party has no intention of letting go of Wike, regardless of any attempts to recruit him. This statement followed remarks by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who praised Wike's performance during a project commissioning in Abuja. The PDP viewed this praise as an acknowledgment of the quality of leadership within its ranks, reaffirming Wike's integral role in the party. The PDP clarified that Wike's engagement with the APC-led government is a temporary arrangement, not a permanent transfer. The party emphasized that his appointment has not changed his political affiliation or loyalty to the PDP. The PDP highlighted Wike's achievements in infrastructure development and urban renewal as evidence of the party's capacity for effective governance and urged Nigerians to support the PDP in 2027.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed disappointment regarding the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Abuja, Wike urged former team captain Joseph Yobo, who was present, to convey Nigerians' frustration to the players. Wike noted that many Nigerians are unhappy the country missed the expanded 48-team World Cup, especially as nations with less football pedigree qualified. He highlighted the pain of watching the World Cup without Nigeria's participation, despite numerous Nigerian players competing in top leagues globally. Wike emphasized that Nigeria's absence was particularly disheartening given the tournament's expansion and the Super Eagles' elimination in the qualifying playoffs after losing to Congo on penalties.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the National Poverty Intelligence Lab, a data-driven platform aimed at improving the targeting, monitoring, and evaluation of poverty-reduction programs. This initiative seeks to address the estimated 140 million Nigerians living below the poverty line. Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, unveiled the lab, stating it will serve as a central hub for intelligence and evidence-gathering for the government's anti-poverty interventions. He emphasized that Nigeria's poverty challenge requires a new approach based on data, evidence, and accountability, moving away from assumptions and fragmented interventions. The lab is described as the "intelligence backbone" of Nigeria鈥檚 poverty reduction architecture, providing analytical support for policy formulation, program implementation, resource allocation, and performance assessment. It will support the One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System OHOPRS to harmonize assistance and ensure interventions permanently lift vulnerable households out of poverty. The establishment of the lab is seen as a governance and accountability reform to improve transparency and effectiveness. Mrs. Fumi Ayeni, Country Representative of Innovations for Poverty Action, a partner in the initiative, highlighted that the collaboration will help policymakers understand the needs of vulnerable populations and reduce duplication in programs. Dr. Abimbola Fasanu, Senior Techni

President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to confirm Professor Abayomi Fashina, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate. The request was outlined in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a Wednesday plenary session. President Tinubu stated the nomination aligns with constitutional provisions for diplomatic appointments and urged prompt consideration. The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has been tasked with screening Professor Fashina and is expected to submit its report within one week. This nomination is part of the Tinubu administration's efforts to strengthen Nigeria's diplomatic corps. Ambassadorial nominees in Nigeria must undergo Senate screening and confirmation before assuming their roles. Non-career ambassadors are typically chosen from various sectors, including academia, for their distinguished service. If confirmed, Professor Fashina will contribute to Nigeria's foreign policy objectives and international relations.