Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The ruling political party has criticized the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, following his recent meetings with major opposition figures and northern leaders ahead of the upcoming presidential election. After failing to secure a government cabinet position, the former governor has been rallying political opposition against the current administration and warning that the ruling party risks losing power due to a deteriorating relationship with the northern region. In response, party officials dismissed him as a disgruntled regional champion pursuing a sectional agenda out of personal grievance. Meanwhile, the main opposition party has welcomed the possibility of working with him and other critics to rescue the country, praising its own platform as an inclusive space that respects the rule of law and democratic principles.

The ruling All Progressives Congress officially welcomed former House of Representatives member Nicholas Ossai following his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, with the seasoned lawmaker stating that his decision aims to bring meaningful development to his constituents while praising President Bola Tinubu as his role model. During his formal declaration in Abuja, Ossai explained that he chose to switch allegiance because his former party had become dysfunctional and broken beyond repair, noting that the ruling party provides the ideal platform to support the government's current national trajectory. Having previously represented his constituency across multiple legislative terms, he expressed strong confidence that his defection alongside his numerous supporters would effectively dismantle opposition dominance and help champion the progressive agenda in Delta State. Welcoming him into the fold, party leaders lauded the move as clear evidence of growing confidence in the administration's reforms while heavily criticizing the internal crises plaguing the opposition.

The ruling All Progressives Congress has stated that it is unconcerned about the recent meeting between former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the leadership of the Social Democratic Party, dismissing the gathering as a futile alliance of disgruntled individuals aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming general elections, while the Social Democratic Party leadership has denied any formal coalition, and another ruling party official noted that they cannot take action against Nasir El-Rufai until he officially declares his political direction, as the ruling party remains focused on governance and defending the positive outcomes of the administration's economic reforms.

Following an official forecast by the federal government warning of severe flooding across numerous states and the capital territory between April and November, various state governments have initiated early preventive protocols. Officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside hydrological agencies, stated that hundreds of communities face high and moderate flood risks due to heavy rainfall and climate change. In response, state governments have rolled out grassroots awareness campaigns, cleared blocked drainage systems, dredged major rivers and water channels, and constructed protective embankments. Furthermore, emergency management agencies are actively establishing temporary shelters for displaced individuals, advising vulnerable populations in riverine and coastal zones to relocate to higher ground, and emphasizing coordinated infrastructure maintenance to protect lives and property ahead of the rainy season.

Northern Nigerian political leaders and socio-cultural groups are fiercely divided following comments by the ruling party national chairman demanding that the northern region wait until the year 2031 before seeking the presidency, with figures like the Arewa Consultative Forum and former governor Nasir El-Rufai arguing that voters cannot be forced to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term. Critics of the administration contend that severe economic hardships and controversial government reforms have severely damaged the president's popularity in the north, creating a growing consensus among regional stakeholders and masses to find alternative political leadership ahead of the upcoming general elections. Conversely, defenders of the administration and party officials have dismissed these claims as self-serving and egoistic, pointing out that the northern region holds prominent positions within the current democratic government and arguing that the region does not speak with a single, unified voice on partisan politics given its complex historical voting patterns.