Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Opposition political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Labour Party, have seen a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP, NNPP, and Coalition of United Political Parties accused the APC-led Federal Government of exploiting state resources to coerce politicians into switching allegiance. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all party members in the state have officially defected to the APC, citing internal conflicts and other issues. Senator Kawu Sumaila has formally confirmed his defection from the National Peoples Democratic Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Sumaila cited his commitment to his constituents as his primary concern, stating that all politics is local. His departure has also sparked rumors that former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso may return to the APC. Oluwole Oke, a long-serving member of the House of Representatives, has also announced his resignation from the PDP. Meanwhile, LP Senator Neda Imasuen is on the verge of defecting to the APC, with efforts underway to strengthen the party's ranks nationally and in the state.

The old guard of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has demanded that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) grant the ANPP bloc the 2031 presidential ticket to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. The Association of Former ANPP Members, led by Prof. Vitalis Ajumbe, criticized the APC leadership for sidelining ANPP members in political appointments since the merger in 2013. Ajumbe urged Tinubu to ensure fairness by backing the ANPP, highlighting the need for increased representation of former ANPP members in key positions. Despite their grievances, the ANPP bloc pledged to support Tinubu's re-election and mobilize across local government areas. APC officials deemed the demands premature, emphasizing the need to focus on the upcoming 2027 elections.

Nigeria's security crisis has intensified with coordinated bandit attacks resulting in the abduction of over 490 individuals, including monarchs, students, and worshippers, across multiple states. The Senate has urged for the enhancement of community-based policing as security agencies struggle to address the escalating violence, despite a declared nationwide security emergency. Incidents report abductions and attacks from Sokoto to Kogi, with specific cases including the kidnapping of 38 worshippers, students, and a traditional ruler whose captors demanded a ransom of N150 million. Various officials have called for a more localized approach to security, emphasizing the role of community efforts in combating banditry. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria criticized the government's current strategies, asserting a lack of urgency and effectiveness in addressing terrorism and advocating for a more aggressive stance against perpetrators.

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has opposed the expulsion of several prominent party leaders during a convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which was attended by over 3,000 delegates despite conflicting court orders. A ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja had instructed that the convention be suspended due to concerns over member participation and constitutional guidelines, while an Oyo State High Court allowed the event to proceed. The resulting division has left the PDP fractured between Wike's faction and those aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde. Following the convention, expelled leaders, including Abdulrahman Mohammed, claimed the proceedings were illegal, and many vowed to continue their roles in the party. The PDP’s Southwest zone commended Makinde for his leadership, asserting that the convention was a significant step towards revitalizing the party for future elections.