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“Eight Lawmakers Defect, Trigger Fresh Political Tension”.
Eight members of the House of Representatives have officially switched parties, with their defections announced during Tuesday’s plenary session.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, read out separate letters from the lawmakers confirming their decisions, as the House resumed sitting after the Easter break.
reports that five of the defectors left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one member moved from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while two lawmakers exited the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Commenting on the development, Kalu said the movement of lawmakers across different parties reflects a functioning democracy, noting that shifts are occurring both from major to smaller parties and vice versa.
Among the defectors, Thaddeus Attah, who represents Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State, moved from the Labour Party to the ADC, citing the prolonged leadership crisis within the party as the reason for his decision.
Other changes saw Abubakar Abdul from Niger State leave the PDP for the APC, while Yakubu Noma from Kebbi State defected from the PDP to the ADC. Ibrahim Mohammed, also from Kebbi, joined the APC from the PDP.
In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani and Adetunji Olusoji both left the PDP to join the Accord Party.
Additionally, David Fuoh from Taraba State moved from the APC to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair from Kaduna State defected from the APC to the ADC.
Despite the changes, the APC still retains a majority in the House.
Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary until Wednesday in honour of Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in partnering with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in key areas including security, economic development, green city initiatives, and other mutual benefits.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, made the proposal on Tuesday during a visit to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.
Al-Balawi praised both Minister Wike and President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the ongoing development of what he described as a “beautiful green city,” adding that Saudi Arabia is keen to deepen cooperation and share experiences in sustainable urban development.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between the FCT and Riyadh, as well as other major cities in Saudi Arabia, to encourage knowledge exchange and closer collaboration.
In response, Wike acknowledged the strong diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, noting that the FCT is ready to take advantage of the partnership for mutual benefit.
He expressed optimism about future collaboration, stating that the FCT is open to official visits and engagements with Riyadh and other Saudi cities to explore areas of shared interest.
Wike further described Saudi Arabia as an important country in the Gulf region with a rich history and strong ties to Nigeria, adding that both sides can learn from each other in urban development and governance.
He commended the ambassador for his remarks on the transformation taking place in the FCT, attributing the progress to the political will of President Tinubu.
According to him, the current administration is committed to turning the capital city into a modern, globally competitive metropolis, even though ongoing efforts are still underway.
Former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has accused Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, of misleading his constituents over the proposed creation of Anioma State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Okowa made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Oshimili South Local Government Area. The gathering is part of ongoing consultations linked to his 2027 Senate ambition.
Okowa said that contrary to Nwoko’s position, people of Delta North actually support the creation of Anioma State within the South-South geopolitical zone, with Asaba as its capital, rather than aligning it with the South-East.
He criticised Nwoko’s approach, describing the push as misleading and poorly thought out, while recalling the role of an Asaba indigene who fought for the city to become the capital of Delta State.
According to him, the current agitation for Anioma State has been handled in a unilateral manner, without proper consultation with the wider population.
Okowa stressed that such a major political demand should not be driven by individual interests, insisting that collective agreement is necessary.
He argued that leaders must remain connected to their people and consider majority opinion, warning against decisions taken without broad consultation.
He also noted that the process of creating new states is not currently at a critical stage in the legislative timetable, suggesting that the agitation at this time may be misplaced.
Okowa maintained that the push for Anioma State should remain a collective aspiration, adding that when the time eventually comes, it should reflect the genuine will of the people of the area.
The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, was on Tuesday delayed at the Federal High Court in Abuja after his newly appointed defence counsel sought an adjournment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
At the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho, defence counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that he was only recently briefed on the matter and required time to properly study the case file.
He explained that the prosecution had already been informed of the development and pleaded for an adjournment to allow adequate preparation for the defence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo.
He is standing trial alongside Dauda Sulaiman on an amended 16-count charge involving alleged misappropriation and money laundering of about ₦10.27 billion.
However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), objected to the adjournment request, arguing that proper legal procedure under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, was not followed.
He stated that the previous defence counsel, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), ought to have formally notified the court in advance regarding the change of counsel.
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the request in the interest of fair hearing.
The case was subsequently adjourned to May 5 and May 6, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
Bello and his co-defendant are accused of involvement in the alleged diversion of public funds running into billions of naira through questionable financial transactions, a case that has continued to attract public attention due to its political implications.
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