Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

International observers and civil society organisations have praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the peaceful and credible conduct of the ongoing Anambra State Governorship Election. In a statement shared by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Dayo Oketola, the Commission reported smooth operations across polling units, with voter turnout notably higher than in the 2021 governorship poll. Reports from INEC’s Situation Room indicated that voting commenced early in most areas, and the BVAS machines functioned seamlessly, ensuring efficient accreditation and voting. Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates described the…

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump for calling Nigeria “a disgraced country,” describing the comment as offensive, undiplomatic, and un-American. Trump had made the remark during a White House briefing earlier in the week, warning he would “take decisive action” if reports of killings of Christians in Nigeria continued. His statement sparked outrage across Africa, with many describing it as an attempt to bully a sovereign nation. In a video that trended online on Friday, Senator Jibrin condemned the threat, saying Trump’s tone violated international law and ignored established diplomatic channels. “For the…

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has distanced herself from a viral social media post that falsely claimed she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of insecurity in Nigeria. The post, titled “Trump didn’t ‘hit’ us – our leaders did,” circulated widely on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the former Finance Minister accused Nigerian leaders of “talking more than acting” on security challenges. In the fake message, the impersonator urged President Tinubu to “stop the damage control speeches” and “secure the people,” presenting it as a quote from the WTO chief. But Okonjo-Iweala, reacting via her…

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…