The Nigerian Senate has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The confirmation followed a voice vote on Thursday after the nominee successfully went through screening by the upper chamber. Professor Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day, was seen exchanging pleasantries with several senators before the session began. He was accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other high-profile dignitaries. At about 12:50 p.m., Amupitan was ushered into the chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar…
Author: Podium Reporters
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has shown support for the planned protest organized by activist Omoyele Sowore calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has been held by security agencies for several years over allegations that his activities and broadcasts on Radio Biafra incited violence and unrest in the South-East. Authorities claim his directives led to attacks on police stations and the enforcement of violent sit-at-home orders that caused fear and destruction in the region. Speaking on the issue, Obi maintained that holding Kanu in custody would…
Veteran journalist and former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has called on opposition parties in Nigeria to unite and apply ethnic and religious strategies if they hope to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. Momodu made this known in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday while reacting to the growing wave of defections that have shaken the PDP. Recently, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and reports suggest that Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has also stepped down from the PDP. According…
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has commented on recent political defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the moves as a natural political realignment that strengthens the ruling party. In a post shared on his X handle, the former lawmaker questioned why members of the Labour Party should be upset about politicians leaving their party for the APC. “Why should a man in LP be angry with a man from PDP who moved to APC?” Sani asked. “When you knew that most of the people in LP were…
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has taken legal action against social activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, over alleged defamatory remarks made against him on social media. Obi filed the suit at the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha, accusing Adeyanju of publishing false, reckless and damaging statements about him through his online platforms. According to the court documents, Obi claimed that the activist’s posts were aimed at tarnishing his image and misleading the public. The politician is asking the court to compel Adeyanju to issue a public and unconditional apology for the alleged defamation. In…
Former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has announced his decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and economic reforms. In a lengthy post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Murray-Bruce praised President Tinubu’s understanding of governance and finance, describing him as a visionary leader focused on results rather than popularity. “I have known President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1998. I know the man’s mind, his courage, and his conviction,” the former senator wrote. “He is not driven by applause, he is driven by results. And today, I can boldly say to…
A coalition of Igbo businessmen in the United States has advised former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore to exercise restraint in supporting the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest slated for October 20. The group, known as Njiko Amaka, said in a statement released in Abuja that such a rally could affect the ongoing trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The statement, signed by Chiefs Emeka Ejidike and Okey Anosike, chairman and secretary respectively, urged all parties to allow legal and diplomatic processes to continue without interference. While acknowledging the public’s right to…
The Conservative Party has reportedly declined Kemi Badenoch’s request to lead the party into the next United Kingdom general election, creating tension among members over its direction and leadership future. The UK’s next general election is expected to take place in August 2029, with local council elections scheduled for May 2026. Discussions about Badenoch’s position began to intensify after the party’s poor showing in recent opinion polls and disappointing results in the 2026 local elections. Before the polls, projections suggested the Conservatives were likely to lose several seats, as many members believed Badenoch had not been addressing key issues. The…
Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency Douye Diri, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) together with 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. The information was made public by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, through a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday. Although full details about the move have not been released, sources close to the state government said the governor and the lawmakers are likely to announce their next political direction in the coming days. According to reports, there are strong indications that the group may be planning to join the…
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor made the announcement in a televised address on Tuesday, confirming earlier rumours about his move to the APC. Speaking during the broadcast, Mbah said, “Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress.” His defection marks a significant political development in Enugu, a state long considered a PDP stronghold. Political analysts say Mbah’s switch could reshape the political atmosphere in the South-East ahead…