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Politicians Flee Out Of Nigeria As Hardship Protests Loom: ‘Tinubu Is Safe,’ Claims Lawmaker

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Politicians Flee Out Of Nigeria As Hardship Protests Loom: ‘Tinubu Is Safe,’ Claims LawmakerAs Nigeria anticipates the #EndBadGovernance protests set for August 1, a noticeable exodus of senators, House of Representatives members, and some Federal Executive Council (FEC) officials is underway. Many are leaving the country under the pretext of medical appointments or summer vacations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The National Assembly abruptly closed its chambers last Tuesday, enabling members to process their travel documents ahead of the anticipated demonstrations.

This surge in departures reflects mounting concerns over safety and security during the protests.

Sources within the National Assembly, who requested anonymity, have shared their fears about becoming targets if the protests escalate. They recalled the violent scenes of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where lawmakers and their properties were targeted and vandalized in their constituencies.

One senator, who chose to remain unnamed, highlighted the disparity in protection between lawmakers and other government officials. Unlike ministers, governors, and presidential aides who benefit from robust security, lawmakers are more accessible and therefore more vulnerable during large-scale uprisings.

The senator explained, “We were scheduled to break next week for our annual recess, but we urgently requested an earlier adjournment due to the imminent threat posed by the protests. Many of us are seeking refuge abroad until the situation stabilizes. Some colleagues are heading to Europe, the Middle East, and other African nations. We’ve even seen a rise in ticket prices due to the increased demand.”

A travel agent at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport confirmed the spike in international flight bookings. She reported that many lawmakers and officials have been securing emergency tickets, leading to a surge in ticket prices, nearly doubling the original rates.

She added, “The rush for summer flights has driven up prices significantly. Many officials claim they are traveling for medical reasons, though this may not be entirely accurate. For instance, I booked a return flight to the USA for nearly $3,000 for one senator. Destinations like South Africa, the UK, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are in high demand. One senator even humorously mentioned he was leaving to ‘save his head’ amid fears of how the protests might unfold.”

This mass exodus underscores the growing apprehension among Nigerian politicians as the nation braces for potentially turbulent demonstrations.

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Dele Momodu Denies 2027 Ambition, Rejects VP Campaign Poster With Atiku Abubakar.

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed a viral presidential campaign poster linking him as a running mate to Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The poster, tagged “AtiDele 2027,” suggested Atiku as presidential candidate with Momodu as his deputy, but the media entrepreneur described it as a misleading creation aimed at distracting the ADC.

Reacting via his X handle, Momodu clarified that he is not interested in any electoral contest and urged supporters to disregard the circulating image.

He said when he first saw the poster, he assumed it was a joke, but later began receiving repeated messages about it, prompting him to publicly address the issue.

Momodu stressed that he is not contesting any political office, but remains committed to supporting a coalition of parties working to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of weakening Nigeria’s democracy.

He added that he believes the ADC has many capable leaders, stating that he is ready to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

According to him, his role will be to offer support rather than seek personal political ambition, especially as preparations toward future elections continue.

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Hard Times Return As Petrol Price Jumps To N1,440 Per Litre Across Nigeria

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Petrol prices have surged across Nigeria, with filling stations now selling fuel between N1,364 and N1,444 per litre, as rising global crude oil prices continue to pressure the domestic market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Findings on Thursday evening showed that major marketers such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MRS, BOVAS, Ardova (AP), and Mobil have adjusted their pump prices to between N1,364 and N1,370 per litre.

Other outlets, including AA Rano, Emedab, Empire Energy, and Ranoil, are selling at even higher rates, ranging from N1,370 to N1,440 per litre.

This represents a sharp increase from about N900 per litre recorded in February 2026.

The latest hike comes just 24 hours after Dangote Refinery and depot operators raised their gantry and ex-depot prices to N1,275 and N1,320 per litre respectively, citing rising global crude oil costs.

Market data on Friday morning showed that Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to $111 and $105 per barrel, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East.

The situation has also been worsened by the recent withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), further increasing volatility in the global oil market.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the global oil price increase is directly affecting fuel costs in Nigeria.

He noted that while Dangote Refinery has helped cushion the impact, fluctuations in the international crude market are still influencing domestic pricing.

The continuous rise in petrol prices has sparked fresh calls for government intervention, as Nigerians struggle with worsening economic hardship.

The development comes at a sensitive time as workers mark May Day, with the national minimum wage at N70,000 and the cost of living rising alongside fuel prices edging close to N1,500 per litre.

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AGF Fagbemi Moves To Deregister ADC, Accord, AA And Other Political Parties

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for the deregistration of several political parties, including the Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Peoples Party (APP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fagbemi made the request before the Federal High Court, arguing that it is unconstitutional to allow political parties that have consistently failed to win electoral seats to remain registered.

His position was presented in an affidavit filed in response to a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is also seeking the deregistration of the affected parties.

The AGF urged strict enforcement of Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no discretionary power to retain parties that do not meet the required electoral performance threshold.

He further argued that the continued existence of non-performing political parties contributes to ballot paper overcrowding, increases the cost of elections, complicates electoral administration, and weakens the intent of the Constitution.

According to him, the constitutional amendment was introduced to address challenges such as ballot clutter and inefficiencies in the voting process.

Fagbemi also noted that, as the chief law officer of the federation, he is empowered to initiate or support actions aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.

Earlier in the proceedings, counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told the court that the case seeks judicial clarification on constitutional and legal provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the suit is strictly for constitutional interpretation, insisting that some political parties may have violated the law, and therefore require judicial guidance on their status.

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