Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

As Abia State gears up for another tense political season, the Abia Renaissance Group (ARG) has sent a strong warning to Governor Alex Otti: avoid divisive comments and actions that could endanger the peace the state is known for. In a statement signed by Chairman Kelechi Uwakwe and Secretary Emma Nwangwu, the group expressed deep worry over what it called “inflammatory language” in the political space, urging all leaders to prioritize unity over personal interests. “Abia has enjoyed peace and political tolerance for years,” the group noted. “It is not the time to gamble with our fragile stability.” The group…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its much-anticipated 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally fixed for Wednesday, October 15, 2025. This comes as the party battles internal tremors and external political heat, especially with recent high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on Monday, October 13, via a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on X (formerly Twitter). According to him, the decision was reached after an emergency meeting of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja. “Distinguished members of the NEC may recall that the 103rd NEC…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made a bold declaration that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, no judge serving in the FCT High Court will be living in rented accommodation by the end of the President’s first tenure in 2027. Wike made this statement on Monday during the official flag-off of the design and construction of residences for FCT Heads of Courts. He stressed that this initiative will bring to a close the long-standing issue of judicial officers in Abuja living in rented quarters – a practice many have called embarrassing and inappropriate for…

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has raised the alarm over serious death threats coming his way, all because of his bold moves to clean up Nigeria’s troubled mining sector. Speaking through his spokesperson, Segun Tomori, the Minister said he has had to triple his personal security after he started revoking licences of operators who have been flouting mining regulations or sitting on government-issued permits without using them. But despite the threats, Dr. Alake says he’s not backing down. “We won’t tolerate defaulting licence holders. I have had to increase my personal security, but I remain undaunted,”…

In the midst of rising academic tension across Nigerian universities, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has firmly distanced itself from the two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). While ASUU announced the industrial action starting October 13, citing years of unfulfilled promises by the Federal Government, CONUA says it is staying out of the fray. The breakaway union is instead calling for calm, urging its members to continue their teaching and administrative duties. “We’re Not Part of the Strike” – CONUA Clears the Air President of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, made it clear in…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on young Nigerian girls to challenge outdated societal norms that teach them to accept shame and remain silent in the face of injustice. The Kogi Central lawmaker made the passionate appeal during a mentorship session held in Abuja to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. The interactive event, tagged “An Evening with Senator Natasha”, gathered over 50 young women from across the country for an evening of bold truth-telling, real talk, and renewed purpose. “We’ve been raised to wear the shame, carry the blame, and keep our mouths shut. That ends with…

Academic activities across Nigeria’s public universities have been brought to a halt yet again, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced a two-week warning strike starting today, Monday, October 13, 2025. This move follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, which failed to meet key demands raised by the union. Speaking at a press conference at the University of Abuja on Sunday, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna said the decision to withdraw services was taken after “no tangible progress” was made. “There is nothing on the ground to stop the implementation of the…

In what political analysts are calling one of the biggest defections in recent times, over 64,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other opposition groups have officially dumped their parties and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The massive political shake-up took place over the weekend in Jigawa, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – represented by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, received the new entrants into the ruling party. Buni, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, welcomed the new members warmly and assured them they would enjoy the same rights and privileges as…

The Senator representing Bauchi North in the National Assembly, Samaila Dahuwa Kaila, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal battles and factional divisions as his reason for leaving. In a letter dated October 6, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Tsokuwa/Kofar Gabar Ward, Katagum LGA of Bauchi State, Senator Kaila made it clear that the growing disunity in the party has made it hard for him to effectively represent his constituents in the 10th Senate. “The incessant internal squabble that has led to unnecessary factionalisation within the PDP is seriously affecting my ability to deliver…

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to battle a wave of high-profile defections, Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has come out swinging-branding those jumping ship as “cowards”. Mohammed made the fiery remarks during the inauguration of the media and publicity sub-committee for the party’s upcoming national convention, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State on November 15. “Staying back to fight is what makes a man or woman. It’s an act of cowardice to leave because of one man or woman,” he declared to party faithful. Defections Shaking PDP Ahead of National…