Good morning, Nigeria! Here’s a roundup of the key news stories making headlines today:
1. Presidency to Atiku: Acknowledge Tinubu’s Achievements
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to acknowledge the current administration’s achievements instead of criticizing it. This follows a series of political exchanges where Atiku recently criticized Tinubu’s policies, calling them harmful to Nigerians. Onanuga responded by accusing Atiku of promoting unrealistic economic ideas and engaging in divisive politics.
2. APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa Wins Ondo Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the winner of the Ondo State governorship election. Aiyedatiwa won in all 18 local government areas, securing 366,781 votes, while his main rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), received 117,845 votes.
3. Nigeria and India Strengthen Ties on Economic and Security Cooperation
Details have emerged about recent agreements between Nigeria and India aimed at bolstering economic and security collaboration. The agreement followed bilateral discussions between President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, covering areas such as counterterrorism, maritime security, and defence. The two countries also pledged to cooperate in agriculture, health, and education.
4. PDP’s Ologbondiyan Questions Party Leadership Amidst Election Setbacks
Kola Ologbondiyan, former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, has criticized Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, alleging a lack of commitment to the party’s success. Ologbondiyan expressed concerns that PDP might continue losing upcoming elections unless a new Chairman from the North Central region is appointed.
5. APC Targets Full Control of Southwest After Ondo Victory
Following the APC’s victory in the Ondo State election, National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje announced plans to extend the party’s dominance across the southwest. Ganduje emphasized that APC aims to secure victories in Osun and Oyo States, describing the Ondo election as free and fair.
6. President Tinubu Heads to Brazil for G20 Summit
President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja for the G20 Summit in Brazil, where he will join global leaders to discuss critical issues such as poverty, sustainable development, and energy transitions. The summit, hosted by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will also focus on Nigeria’s advocacy for global governance reforms.
7. Sule Lamido Criticizes Nyesom Wike’s Political Influence
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has dismissed the political significance of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, labeling him as a tool for political agendas. Lamido argued that Wike’s prominence is tied to the positions he holds, rather than his contributions to the PDP.
8. PDP Rejects Ondo Election Results, Alleges Manipulation
The PDP has officially rejected the results of the Ondo State election, accusing the APC of vote buying and voter suppression. The party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, described the election as compromised and urged both Nigerians and the international community to address these concerns to protect democratic integrity.
9. Tinubu Confers Top Honour on Indian Prime Minister Modi
During a visit to Nigeria, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), from President Bola Tinubu. This recognition underscores the growing partnership between the two nations.
10. CUPP Alleges APC’s One-Party State Agenda
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has criticized the recent Ondo State election, claiming that the APC is pushing a strategy to turn Nigeria into a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections. The CUPP pointed to vote buying and security bias as indicators of a compromised electoral process.
Stay updated with more news throughout the day, and join us again tomorrow for another news roundup.
News Editor