Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Wednesday stormed his hometown, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he urged residents to come out in large numbers for the November 8, 2025 governorship election. Addressing a massive crowd at the Central School Field, Soludo told supporters that the power to shape Anambra’s future lies in their hands, reminding them that “your vote is your voice.” He described the coming election as a defining moment for the state, noting that his administration has recorded remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, and community development – achievements he hopes to build upon if re-elected.…
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood, says activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has not reported to the police since he was declared wanted for allegedly plotting a protest that could have crippled Lagos traffic and public order. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Moshood dismissed claims that the Inspector General of Police ordered the action against Sowore. He described such reports as “misinformation,” stressing that his decision was fully backed by constitutional authority. “I have the constitutional power to maintain public safety and order within Lagos State,” Moshood said. “When someone is mobilising thousands to…
A fresh diplomatic storm is brewing between the United States and China after Riley Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives, slammed Beijing for criticizing America’s stance on Nigeria’s internal security issues. Moore was reacting to China’s disapproval of former US President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington could consider military action in Nigeria “to protect Christians from persecution.” On Wednesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, warned that no country had the right to interfere in Nigeria’s domestic affairs under the guise of religion or human rights. “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country…
An explosive audio recording has emerged claiming a standing order to kill human-rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore whenever he is sighted in Lagos. The man speaking, identified as Timileyin Ishola Olafimihan (aka “Is Nothing”), allegedly warned that “the boys have been mobilised and paid to do the job”. According to the voice, “If they catch Sowore, these people are not police, they are thugs. They are planning to kill him anywhere they see him.” The recording further cautioned supporters and activists not to accompany him on his next trip to Lagos. Olafimihan, when contacted, denied any assassination…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism case against him or risk losing his right to do so. Justice James Omotosho, who gave the order on Tuesday, said the court could no longer delay the matter as the prosecution had already closed its case. He warned that if Kanu failed to begin his defence on November 5, the court would deem him to have waived his right. The judge’s ruling follows weeks of legal back-and-forth after Kanu’s no-case submission was dismissed by the court. That submission…
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has released ₦8.2 billion to settle part of the long-standing gratuity arrears owed to retirees in the state and local governments. Speaking during a presentation ceremony at the Government House, Yahaya said the payment would benefit 3,204 retirees — a move he described as part of his government’s effort to restore dignity to senior citizens who served the state. “This disbursement shows our commitment to ensuring every retiree gets what they worked for,” the governor said. Out of the ₦8.2bn released, ₦6.6bn went to 2,142 retired state workers, while ₦1.6bn was set aside…
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has responded sharply to the decision by the Donald Trump administration in the United States to redesignate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) for religious-freedom violations. Obi said the move should put every well-meaning Nigerian on serious alert. According to him, the US warning reflects the depth of the security crisis in Nigeria and the tragedy is that much of it could have been prevented. He cited a report from Amnesty International which claimed that over 10,000 people have died since May 2023 in Nigeria’s ongoing violence. Obi…
The mood in Anambra State turned serious on Monday as sixteen political parties and their candidates came together to sign a peace accord ahead of the governorship election. In the same event, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) issued a firm warning that there would be no space for interference by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), its militant arm the Eastern Security Network (ESN), or any other non-state outfit. Represented by Deputy Inspector General Ben Okoro, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made it clear that any attempt to disrupt the election would meet “an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law…
The political tide in Kaduna State has turned sharply in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as several key opposition lawmakers have crossed over to join Governor Uba Sani’s team. The governor, who spoke during a mega rally at Kafanchan Township Stadium, described the wave of defections as a testament to his administration’s inclusive and fair governance style. “Kaduna State is now one big happy family under the canopy of the APC,” Uba Sani declared to a cheering crowd. Among the defectors was Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents Southern Kaduna in the National Assembly. He was joined…
The Federal Ministry of Health has expressed profound concern over the abduction of consultant neurosurgeon Tochukwu Mbanugo from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi in Anambra State. In a statement signed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the ministry condemned the kidnapping as “a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing”. The statement noted that Dr Mbanugo was taken on October 30, 2025, while travelling from the hospital along the New Nnewi-Oba Road after an intense theatre session. According to the ministry, the kidnappers later…