Oduduwa News

Says “all attempts to kill opposition politics in Nigeria shall be resisted”

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under grave threat, alleging a coordinated effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to cripple opposition politics and impose a one-party civilian dictatorship.

Hashim, in a statement issued from Doha, Qatar, where he is attending the Covenant Altar of Worship Ministry’s First Worship Convention, condemned the Abuja Federal High Court ruling that halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention earlier scheduled for November 15, 2025, in Ibadan.

He described the court’s decision as part of a wider strategy to neutralise the PDP and “weaponise the judiciary against multiparty democracy.”

“What happened in court is not an isolated incident. It is a carefully choreographed plot to paralyse the opposition and entrench authoritarian rule,” he said.

Hashim also decried reports which indicated that former Jigawa State Governor and PDP founding member, Alhaji Sule Lamido, was blocked from purchasing the nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman, calling it a blatant assault on internal party democracy.

He accused “fifth columnists” within the PDP of collaborating, “wittingly or unwittingly,” with forces loyal to the APC to frustrate ongoing reform efforts in the party.

“It is now clear that both external pressures and internal sabotage are being deployed to stop the rebirth of the PDP as a credible alternative and defender of democratic values,” he asserted.

Despite the setbacks, Hashim vowed that committed party loyalists would not allow opposition politics to be extinguished in Nigeria.

“Those celebrating the creeping civilian dictatorship should pause,” he said. “The true soldiers of democracy are still standing. We will resist every attempt to kill opposition and destroy pluralism in this country.”

He disclosed plans to resume high-level consultations with key party stakeholders on his return to Nigeria, with the aim of rallying “genuine leaders and men and women of conscience” to safeguard democratic freedom.

“The darkest hour, they say, comes before dawn. A new day will break for Nigeria’s democracy,” Hashim assured.

He called on members to remain resolute. “We call on party members not to despair and not to faint ,” Hashim said.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump “in the coming days,” announced Daniel Bwala, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication. The talks, possibly at Aso Rock or the White House, aim to address Trump’s recent claim that violence against Christians in Nigeria constitutes a “genocide,” while emphasizing shared interests in combating terrorism. Bwala noted past U.S. support under Trump, including arms sales, has been used effectively by the Tinubu administration.

The meeting follows Trump’s November 1, 2025, redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom violations, coupled with threats of military action and aid cuts. U.S. officials, including Rep. Riley Moore and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have reinforced these warnings. Nigeria has firmly rejected the characterization, with Tinubu affirming constitutional protections for all faiths and government officials dismissing U.S. claims as inaccurate, though some local groups welcomed the scrutiny.

Debate over the issue has surged on social media and in traditional outlets, with historical parallels drawn to Trump’s 2018 engagement with former President Buhari and his 2020 CPC designation. Nigerian authorities insist the violence stems from broader insurgency and banditry, not a targeted religious campaign, while independent reports confirm thousands of deaths, including Christians in some regions. No date has been set for the meeting, but diplomatic tensions are rising rapidly.

Retail brand, Bokku Mart, has tendered an unreserved apology following massive backlash over its viral “Omo Igbo” advertisement, which many Nigerians described as ethnically insensitive and divisive.

The advert, which circulated widely on social media platforms earlier this week, was criticised for reinforcing negative stereotypes against the Igbo ethnic group. Social media users accused the company of promoting ethnic bias in a country already grappling with fragile unity.

In a statement released on Saturday, Bokku Mart acknowledged the public concern, admitting that the content of the advert was “inappropriate and regrettable.” The company stated that it had withdrawn the ad from all platforms and promised to improve its internal review process to prevent future occurrences.

“We sincerely apologise to all Nigerians, particularly members of the Igbo community, who felt offended by the recent advert. The message was not intended to insult or stereotype anyone, and we take full responsibility for the oversight,” the company’s management said.

The apology has since sparked mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians commending the brand for taking responsibility, while others called for more cultural sensitivity training for marketing teams in corporate Nigeria.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sunk deeper into crisis as rival factions loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, issued conflicting suspension proclamations against each other, deepening the leadership crisis within the opposition party.

On Saturday in Abuja, a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) loyal to Wike announced the suspension of Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and five other top officials. PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who spoke for the group, declared the National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, as Acting National Chairman.

However, in a swift counteraction, the Makinde-aligned camp dismissed the move as illegal and instead announced the suspension of Senator Anyanwu himself, alongside the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), accusing them of insubordination and violation of the party’s constitution.

Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Iseyin campus, have protested rising cases of robberies, hostel invasions, and assaults around their campus.

The demonstrators say armed intruders frequently attack student lodges—especially in areas like Adenike and Under-G—stealing valuables and harassing residents, including reports of sexual assaults.

In response, students blocked the university gate and marched through the town, demanding tighter security, better lighting, and constant patrols. The university management has acknowledged the incidents but urged calm, promising collaboration with law enforcement. The Oyo State House of Assembly has also called on security agencies to step up protection for students.

Tensions remain high as students await concrete action to restore safety on campus.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected a Federal High Court order halting its planned national convention in Ibadan, describing the ruling as an assault on democracy and party autonomy. The court had restrained the PDP from holding the event, citing constitutional and procedural breaches.

In a swift reaction, the party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, said the judgement does not affect preparations for the convention and directed members to continue with plans. The PDP has also instructed its legal team to appeal the ruling immediately.

Party leaders condemned the decision as “judicial interference” and “a joke of the century,” insisting that the convention will go on as scheduled. However, analysts warn that defying the order could spark further legal disputes and deepen internal divisions within the opposition party.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said Lagos State, which he governs, is a Yoruba United States that continues to set the pace for Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu made the assertion while delivering a speech at the South-West Citizen–Government Engagement Summit in Akure on Wednesday.

The event was attended by leaders of the South-West political space, including governors, traditional rulers and businessmen.

The governor said, “I stand here not only as a humble leader among the South-West governors, but also as the governor of the largest population in our country, the economic and commercial nerve centre of our country, the state of aquatic splendour, a state that houses almost every tribe, religion and race of our country, but more importantly, a Yoruba United States, that continues to reimage and to set a pace for our country.”

In a post on his social media handles, Sanwo-Olu called on the South-West to once again lead Nigeria’s renewal, through unity, shared vision, and real collaboration across its states and communities.

He said with the new South-West Development Commission, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supported by the National Assembly, “we now have a platform to plan and deliver the kind of regional progress that once defined the Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

He pointed out that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is regaining confidence and stability, emphasising that his reforms are working, the economy is growing, investment is returning, and the future is brighter.

“For us in Lagos, this progress opens new doors for projects like the 4th Mainland Bridge, the Green Line, and the Lekki International Airport. With stronger investor confidence, these initiatives will transform lives and strengthen our economy.

“The South-West can, and must, lead Nigeria’s rebirth. The spirit of innovation and courage that shaped our past still lives in us today and together, we will rise to this moment,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor’s submission was hailed by many on social media, who urged him to ensure the empowerment of Yoruba people in the state.

An X user, @AKakanfo, said, “Lagos State is the United States of the Yoruba race… Governor Babajide Sanwoolu @jidesanwoolu Sir, I have criticised you vigorously before, but I am impressed with your brilliant submission today. This is the kind of speech that will make Yoruba Nationalists go to battle to defend our leaders without collecting a dime. For months, I gave lectures about Lagos state as the modern empire of the Yoruba race that must be jealously protected.

God bless YORUBALAND. God bless Nigeria.”

@Balogun_Iyanda said, “@jidesanwoolu has not gotten my flowers yet, until he follows his words with actions by doing restitution and making policies that will empower the Yoruba people in Lagos within the few years remaining for him on the seat, Lagos is Yorubaland and must favour Yoruba people first.”

@Temmyman_ said, “We don’t ask anything from them than this, our politicians should just think Yoruba first. We Yorubas are not barbarians who cause insurgency everywhere. They should just put us first and defend our ethnic identity and have this native intelligence.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice James Omotosho gave the order after three PDP members sued the party, alleging that it failed to conduct valid state congresses and did not issue the mandatory 21-day notice required by law and its constitution.

The court ruled that the PDP breached its internal rules and restrained INEC from recognising or acting on any outcome of the proposed convention until proper procedures are followed.

Meanwhile, a separate suit by former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido seeking a similar injunction was dismissed by another judge, who instead asked PDP and INEC to appear and justify their actions by November 6.

Petroleum marketers have raised alarm that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, could exceed ₦1,000 per litre following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15 per cent ad valorem import tariff on fuel imports.

The new policy, scheduled to take effect after a 30-day transition period ending November 21, 2025, is part of the Federal Government’s effort to protect local refiners and reduce reliance on cheaper imported fuel that could threaten domestic refining investments.

However, industry players warn the decision could backfire, pushing petrol prices beyond the reach of Nigerians already burdened by inflation and high living costs.

“As it is, the price of fuel may go above ₦1,000 per litre. I don’t know why the government will be adding more to people’s suffering,” a depot operator disclosed.

Another operator claimed that some importers were “working in alignment with Dangote,” which led to a uniform price increase during the last adjustment. “Let’s just wait and see what happens next,” he added.

Others cautioned that without a clear framework to regulate pricing and ensure fair competition, the new tariff could worsen the hardship faced by consumers and further destabilise the market.

Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders

The National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Hammed Fashola, acknowledged the dual implications of the policy.

“The 15 per cent tariff on imported fuel has its own implications. Maybe the price will go up, and equally, it will discourage importers from bringing in fuel if it becomes too costly,” he said.

“The government is trying to protect local refiners, but people will see it as a way of monopolising the industry for certain people.”

Fashola warned that a failure by local refiners to meet national demand could trigger scarcity.

“If the local refiners fail, it may lead to scarcity, and people will not have an alternative. So, it has both positive and negative effects,” he added.

On whether the move contravenes the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Fashola said he believes the government would act within the law.

“Ordinarily, everybody would like to see our local refineries survive because that’s good for the economy. I don’t think this has anything to do with the PIA,” he said.

He also urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and private refiners such as BUA to speed up refinery operations to boost supply and ensure healthy competition.

“If all NNPC refineries can come on board, it will solve a lot of problems. Once other refineries like BUA are operational, the fear of monopoly will not be there anymore,” he noted.

PETROAN Sees It as “Win-Win”

In contrast, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, described the policy as a “win-win situation” that will be tested over time.

“We are looking for product availability and affordability. If we are looking for cheap fuel and we drive everyone out of business, the product will not be available, and prices will skyrocket,” he explained.

Gillis-Harry added that while Dangote Refinery currently dominates the sector, it cannot satisfy national demand alone.

“Everybody is working with Dangote, and we know that Dangote cannot satisfy the country. There has to be a mix to ensure product availability,” he said.

Background

President Tinubu approved the introduction of a 15 per cent ad valorem import duty on petrol and diesel imports to support domestic refineries and conserve foreign exchange.

While the move aligns with the government’s long-term goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency, stakeholders warn that without strategic cushioning measures, the short-term impact could push fuel prices above ₦1,000; deepening Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis.

At least six people, including a police officer, have lost their lives in a tragic accident that occurred on Wednesday night along the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to reports gathered by Channels Television, the crash involved multiple vehicles, including a fuel tanker and several trucks, which collided on the busy bridge. The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in an inferno that claimed several lives.

Eyewitnesses said one of the victims, believed to be a truck occupant, was burnt beyond recognition following the explosion that ensued after the crash. Emergency response teams, including the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), were quickly deployed to the scene to contain the fire and clear the wreckage.

Authorities have since urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations, especially along the Kara Bridge corridor, which has become notorious for frequent accidents.

An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collision.