Category: News

Categories
News

2027: I’m Not Joining ADC – Peter Obi Says

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified that he does not need to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to Obi, he has always been a member of the ADC and was part of the coalition from its inception.

He stated this while speaking during an X Space on Sunday night.

Obi also made it clear that he will always have respect for ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar.

“I am not joining ADC. I can’t re-join what I am already a part of,” Obi said.

“I’ve been part of the coalition from day one.

“Nobody is stepping down for me in ADC.

“We have all agreed to work together and Atiku remains my respected leader.”

Categories
News

2027: I Will Not Be Vice President To Anybody – Peter Obi Declares

Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has officially confirmed his intention to contest again in the 2027 elections.

Obi revealed this while speaking during a X Spaces on Sunday night.

The ex-governor of Anambra State, however, insisted he will not be a running mate to anybody.

According to Obi, he has not garnered all the experience he has, only to end up as a vice-president.

“I am not travelling round the world to learn governance to be Vice president,” Obi said.

““I know how to turn Nigeria around. I built my business from scratch and have more experience than any candidate, including the sitting President.

“Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. I need your support. I need your prayers.”

Categories
News

NDLEA Arrests Notorious Drug Trafficker, Three Others Over UK-bound Cocaine Concealed In Starch Sachets (Video)

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended notorious drug trafficker Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, who was previously convicted in 2023 for dealing 30.10kg of methamphetamine.

A statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Basil was arrested along with three cargo agents over the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch heading to the United Kingdom at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

The statement read, “Three cargo agents: Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane, involved in the attempt to export the consignment to the UK, were swiftly arrested on Saturday, 20th December 2025, before further investigations unravelled 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind. He was arrested in a follow up operation on Sunday 21st December at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja where he went on a date with his girlfriend.

“The Agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom, at the export shed of the Lagos airport. He was subsequently arraigned at a Federal High Court in charge number: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of Seven Million Naira (₦7,000,000.00), along with one-month community service, with effect from 4th December, 2023. He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime.”

Discover more
Romance advice column
Celebrity lifestyle content
Nigerian singer news
Weird news collectibles
Metro news alerts
Political commentary books
Romance novels
News aggregation service

 

Babafemi also disclosed that the NDLEA operatives during another operation on Monday December, 22 set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti where 638 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were also recovered.

He said, “No fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg, were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Igara-Auchi road, Edo state, on Monday, 22nd December.”

Similarly, a raid operation conducted on Sunday, December 21, at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, in Cross River State, led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of various quantities of skunk.

The suspects include, Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.

The agency said in another operation, a 42-year-old lady, identified as Joy Oisamaye, was arrested with 38kg skunk by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Monday, December 22, on her way from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state.

In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along the Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno state.

NDLEA also stated that a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown), wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives.

The statement added, “The illicit drug consignment was seized on 10th December during a joint examination of a container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies. A follow up operation by NDLEA operatives on 19th December led to the arrest of Ignatius in Apapa.”

The Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) acknowledged the commitment of his operatives and enjoined them to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond.

Marwa also charged them to maintain the highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control efforts.

Categories
News

Rivers: Crowd Of Supporters Gather To Welcome Nyesom Wike To Emohua (Video)

A massive crowd on Sunday turned out to receive the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Rumuche, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Wike visited Emohua Local Government Area for a special Christmas visit.

This is part of the Minister’s homecoming to mark the Yuletide season as the end of the year draws closer.

On Saturday, Wike was in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he attended the end of the year thanksgiving service, organized by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche.

During the visit, the Minister met with stakeholders of the People Democratic Party, PDP, in the area.

Addressing them, Wike pledged his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term while shading some new supporters of the president.

Categories
News

2027: Peter Obi Set To Officially Announce Defection To ADC

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is reportedly set to officially join the African Democratic Congress, following ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A principal official of the party in Abuja told Sunday PUNCH that Obi had concluded plans to join the party and hold a declaration rally in Enugu, the political capital of the South-East, on December 31.

According to the official, Obi’s supporters and loyalists have begun arrangements for the defection.

The source disclosed that Obi, after the ADC asked him to make up his mind on joining the party about three weeks ago, met with the National Chairman of the party, David Mark, to renew his allegiance to the coalition.

He said the party’s position might have convinced the former Anambra State governor to finally decide to join the ADC.

On December 7, the ADC, while reacting to a statement credited to Obi in which he described the party as unstable, told the presidential hopeful to make up his mind on whether or not to join the coalition.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the party source said, “We are aware that Peter Obi is making plans to declare for the ADC on December 31 in Enugu. Although he has yet to formally inform the party, the plans are genuine.”

Asked why Obi would prefer to declare for the coalition in Enugu instead of Anambra, his home state, the party official said, “Enugu is the political capital of the South-East. Obi is representing the region, not just his state. That must have informed his decision.”

But the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not confirm Obi’s planned defection.

“The point is that there is no official announcement yet. But consultations are ongoing,” he said.

Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment directly on the matter, insisting that only Obi could speak on it.

But the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has downplayed Obi’s planned defection.

The National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, said the party would refrain from making any definitive pronouncement on the matter until Obi personally speaks on it.

He said, “We cannot fully comment on that until we hear from Obi. As we normally say, anybody can defect from anywhere to anywhere. It is normal in Nigerian politics. Labour Party doesn’t see it as a big deal.”

According to Ifoh, any decision by Obi to leave the party would be driven by personal ambition rather than institutional failure, adding that the Labour Party would continue to thrive regardless.

While reiterating that the party harboured no ill feelings, the LP spokesman said it would have been preferable for Obi to remain within the fold and work through any disagreements internally.

He said, “But the wisest thing for him to do is to stay back and work with the party that gave him the spread he got in 2023. He should try to reconcile with the party leadership and move on from there. But if he prefers to jump from one party to another, we wish him all the best.” 

Categories
News

US Airstrike: Too Early To Claim Victory Over Terrorists – Shehu Sani To Nigerian Security Agents

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has cautioned that it is too early for Nigerian security agencies to declare victory over terrorists.

Sani commended the efforts of security agents to tackle terrorists entrenched in places other than Sokoto State.

Posting on X, he wrote: “The efforts of our Nigerian Defense, security and intelligence services ensured a relatively safe and peaceful Yuletide season in most parts of our country, and not the one off US strike as boasted by US Rep Riley.

“It’s too early to claim victory over the terrorists that are more entrenched in places other than Sokoto.”

This comes when the United States, US, launched airstrikes in Sokoto State of Nigeria.

The airstrikes were meant to hit terrorists like ISIS and Lakurawa Islamic groups on Christmas day as approved by US President Donald Trump and his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu.

However, there have been claims that the airstrikes missed its target, with the missiles landing on empty fields.

Categories
News

FG Confirms US Airstrikes On Terrorists, Cites Intelligence Cooperation

The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria and the United States are engaged in ongoing security and intelligence cooperation following airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North West.

“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.”

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigerian authorities remain engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to address terrorism and violent extremism in the country.

The ministry said the collaboration, which led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets, involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and shared security commitments.

“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,”the statement said.

It added that terrorist violence, “whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”

The statement followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He added, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”

Trump warned that further attacks would follow if the killing of Christians continued, saying, “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”

In a separate social media post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington acted with Nigeria’s cooperation.

“Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation,” Hegseth wrote, adding that the Department of War was “always ready.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria would continue to work with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.

The airstrikes came a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killed five people and injured dozens in what authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.

Categories
News

US Dept of War Shares Video Of Air Strikes In Nigeria

Video footage showing the US military airstrikes in Nigeria has surfaced.

The video was released by the US Department of War following its air strikes against terrorists in Sokoto.

Earlier, the US secretary of War, Pete Hegseth had confirmed that military air strikes hit terrorists in Nigerians, saying it was deadly.

Later on, the US. African Command, confirmed that it conducted the attacks described as very deadly by President Donald Trump.

Trump said he was only keeping the promise he made earlier last month to strike the terrorists he believes are killing innocent Christians.

Although described as powerful and deadly, the casualty caused by the attack is yet to be released.

Explaining further, security expert, Brant Philip, said the strikes may have been launched “from the USS Paul Ignatius, using a Tomahawk missile.”

The Nigerian government through its ministry of foreign affairs has also confirmed that the strikes were successful.

Watch video below:

Categories
News

“Any Muslim that celebrates Christmas is going to hell” – Islamic cleric sparks controversy in viral video

A controversial video surfacing on Christmas Day has ignited fierce debate across social media platforms after an Islamic cleric declared that any Muslim participating in Christmas festivities is destined for hell.

The sermon, which began trending on X (formerly Twitter), has drawn sharp reactions regarding religious boundaries.

The footage, shared by user @Teeniola, captures the cleric addressing a congregation from a wooden pulpit.

In the viral clip, the cleric is alleged to have issued a stern warning to his followers, equating the celebration of the Christian holiday with a denial of the Islamic faith.

In his words, he said:

‘Any Muslim who cooks, goes out, or does anything for the sake of Christmas is going to hell, whosoever denies Allah will go to hell.”

The video shows the cleric speaking passionately into a microphone, emphasizing his point to the attendees.

As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a stark reminder of the differing interpretations of religious coexistence.

While many use the holiday season to bridge gaps between faiths, hardline stances such as the one expressed by this cleric continue to spark intense dialogue about the limits of religious belief.

Watch video below…

 

Categories
News

BREAKING: Nigerian Govt, ASUU Finally Seal New Deal

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government have successfully concluded the long-awaited renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, bringing an end to years of prolonged discussions and disputes over academic welfare and the funding of public universities.

The development was disclosed by ASUU in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.

The agreement is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be reviewed after three years.

ASUU announced that the new agreement was reached on December 23, 2025, following extensive negotiations between both parties.

“After years of delays, negotiations, and struggles, ASUU has officially reached a new agreement with the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement,” ASUU said.

Under the agreement, academic staff in Nigerian public universities will receive a 40 per cent salary increase, while pension benefits have been significantly improved.

Professors are to earn pension equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at the age of 70.

The agreement also introduces a new university funding model with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development.

In addition, a National Research Council is proposed to fund research activities with at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

Other provisions include stronger university autonomy and academic freedom, the election of academic leaders such as Deans and Provosts, with eligibility restricted to professors, and a commitment that no individual will be victimised for participating in past industrial actions.

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters