(DDM) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with key dates now set for early next year.
INEC’s Chairman, Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja while launching the Notice of Election as well as the official Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the polls.
According to the released schedule, voting for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 20, 2027.
Subsequently, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
Amupitan said the fixed dates reflect the commission’s commitment to conducting transparent, credible, and lawful elections throughout the federation.
He explained that early publication of the timetable is intended to give political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, and voters sufficient time to prepare for their respective roles in the process.
The 2027 election cycle marks another critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, with a growing clamor from various stakeholders demanding reforms in electoral laws, especially around processes like electronic transmission of results, voter registration updates, and ballot security.
INEC’s announcement comes amid heightened public debates and protests over the recently amended Electoral Act, which critics say contains loopholes that could weaken the integrity of election outcomes if not adequately addressed.
Supporters of the reforms argue that the timetable gives the commission and political parties a clear roadmap to follow as they gear up for campaigns, primaries, and logistics planning.
Observers note that setting early dates can help reduce uncertainties and ensure a structured approach to election preparations.
Political parties are expected to commence internal primaries and nomination processes following the publication of the timetable, with deadlines for submitting candidates’ names to INEC outlined in the schedule.
The Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20 will elect the country’s next president and members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The March 6 polls will determine 36 state governors and members of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Amupitan has repeatedly emphasised that adherence to the timetable is essential to avoid any disruptions in the electoral calendar.
He urged all political stakeholders to comply with the timeline and cooperate with INEC in meeting statutory deadlines.
Civil society organisations have welcomed the clarity, but some continue to push for amendments that would strengthen fairness and transparency ahead of the polls.
INEC’s clear schedule now provides room for strategic planning by political actors and increased civic awareness among voters nationwide.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 election season, the conduct of the polls will likely dominate public discourse, with stakeholders watching closely to ensure that the exercise meets expected standards of credibility and inclusiveness.
Professor Abubakar El-Jummah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State, has died in Boko Haram captivity.
He was abducted on March 3, 2025, while traveling from Biu to Maiduguri along the Damaturu–Buni Yadi–Biu road.
The insurgents reportedly informed his family that he died after a year in captivity due to illness.
A funeral prayer in absentia was held at the Ngomari Old Airport Juma’at Mosque in Maiduguri, with hundreds of sympathizers attending.
The family expressed gratitude for support during this difficult time, but it’s unclear if a ransom was demanded.
The traditional ruler of Ekeoba Ancient Kingdom, Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, has stated that the governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has cleared the backlog of salary, pension and gratuity of Abia workers, adding that if the three immediate past governors of the state from 1999 till 2023, has paid off all the arrays, it would have been very easy for the governor to do more better.
The monarch urged Governor Otti not to be distracted, assuring him that his performance would speak volumes for him ahead of the 2027 general election.
While speaking in Umuahia, on a radio program tagged, “the truth” aired by the Broadcasting Cooperation of Abia State (BCA) Eze Nwokenna decried that: “Governor Alex Otti has cleared the arrays of salary to the best of his knowledge and records available, adding that the governor has started defraying the gratuities.
“It is a gradual process. The governor is not a magician. He promised that he must completely pay up all the gratuity of retired workers. Most of these arrays cleared by the governor were owed by the previous administration and even the Bible says that a worker is entitled to his wages.
“You can’t get the best from your workers if you are not paying them their salaries and wages. The previous administration did the way they wanted, but this governor thought that owing salary is not the best for his administration to go forward and he decided to pay off all the arrays. That shows he wanted his administration to be a very good one. The only magic he adopted is to keep paying them regularly”.
He lamented that within a relatively short period, the current administration has recorded far better achievements than previous ones.
The traditional ruler insisted that Abia State has witnessed massive and unprecedented infrastructural development under Otti in less than three years.
According to him, while criticism is a legitimate part of democracy, it should be constructive rather than misleading.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced February 20, 2027, as the date for Nigeria’s next presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday while formally setting in motion the electoral process for the 2027 general election.
Briefing journalists, Amupitan said the timetable was released in strict compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions guiding elections in Nigeria.
“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the tenure of the President, the Vice-President, the Governors, and Deputy Governors of states of the Federation… will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027,” he said.
He added that membership of the National and State Assemblies would stand dissolved in June 2027, in line with constitutional timelines.
Constitutional Backing
Citing Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2), and 178(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the INEC chairman explained that elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of elected office holders.
He also referenced Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to publish a notice of election at least 360 days before the scheduled date.
“This action we are taking today is pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022,” Amupitan stated, reaffirming the Commission’s independence in fixing election dates.
Scope of the 2027 General Election
According to INEC, the 2027 general elections will be conducted nationwide for the following offices:
President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Governors and Deputy Governors (except in states with off-cycle elections)
Members of the Senate
Members of the House of Representatives
Members of State Houses of Assembly
Amupitan said the detailed timetable and schedule of activities had been uploaded to the Commission’s website and circulated to registered political parties and other stakeholders.
He directed all 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners and the FCT Commissioner to publish notices of election in their respective constituencies.
Next Steps and Electoral Reform
INEC said party primaries, submission of nomination forms, and campaign activities would be conducted within the statutory timeframes outlined in the approved schedule. Campaigns are expected to end 24 hours before election day.
The chairman also addressed the pending Electoral Amendment Bill before the National Assembly, acknowledging ongoing debates around proposed reforms.
“We recognise the necessity of enhancing our electoral framework to ensure that it meets the ever-evolving needs of our society and reflects our aspiration for free, fair, and credible elections,” he said.
The announcement effectively marks the official commencement of preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
David Ibiyeomie has addressed critics questioning his lifestyle after revealing that he owns luxury wristwatches worth millions of dollars, including one he said was valued at about $2 million.
Speaking during a church gathering, the cleric explained that the timepieces were not personal purchases but gifts. According to him, a man was divinely instructed to present the watches to him, and he simply received them in obedience to what he believed was God’s direction.
The pastor added that he has not even worn many of the watches in his collection. He suggested that if some of his critics were to see the items up close, they might be overwhelmed by their value. His comments appeared aimed at pushing back against accusations that he spends church resources on luxury.
The statement has since stirred conversations online. Supporters argue that gifts given out of goodwill should not be a source of controversy and that spiritual leaders are not forbidden from enjoying wealth. Others, however, maintain that high-value luxury items can send the wrong message, especially in a country where many struggle economically.
As reactions continue to pour in, the remark has once again placed the spotlight on the broader debate about prosperity, perception, and expectations of religious figures in public life.
(DDM) – Emma Ogidi, South-South Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s electoral body, describing it as potentially the “worst INEC” in the country’s history.
In an exclusive interview with a Vanguard correspondent, Ogidi, a prominent figure in the Dr. Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP, linked the growing dysfunction within the party to internal conflicts that have escalated in recent years.
Ogidi explained that the party’s problems are largely self-inflicted, stemming from anti-party politics among members. He lamented that, unlike in the past when disagreements were resolved through internal consensus, party members now openly declare their intentions to act against the organization. “People are now saying, ‘I am doing this,’” he said, noting that such declarations are unprecedented in the PDP’s history.
The PDP official also raised concerns about the independence and credibility of the electoral commission.
He criticized the current INEC leadership for what he described as a lack of experience, noting that the chairman has served less than four months yet has already engaged in controversial political interactions. “The other man stayed two tenures before they compensated him with ambassadorial appointments. This man has not even done four months, he has gone to see Wike,” Ogidi said.
Ogidi’s comments also targeted federal judges who visited Governor Nyesom Wike. He argued that the judges failed to acknowledge that certain houses under dispute were funded with Federal Capital allocations, not Wike’s personal money. “As judges, they knew the money did not belong to Wike but to the government, and it was tied to the President,” he said.
The interview highlights persistent tensions within the PDP, which continues to face public scrutiny over factionalism and leadership disputes. Analysts note that internal divisions, if left unchecked, could weaken the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Emma Ogidi’s remarks also underscore broader concerns about judicial independence in politically sensitive matters. His statements suggest that political favoritism may influence decision-making in cases involving high-profile politicians.
Historically, INEC has faced criticism over the transparency of its operations and the management of elections, with observers often highlighting infrastructural and logistical challenges. Ogidi’s warning that the current leadership could be the “worst INEC” signals potential unrest if public confidence in the electoral process diminishes further.
As one of the vocal leaders in the Turaki faction, Ogidi has consistently positioned himself as a defender of party principles while calling out what he perceives as political interference by opponents and public officials.
The PDP’s internal rifts, coupled with Ogidi’s criticism of INEC and the judiciary, may influence the political discourse ahead of 2027, shaping debates over electoral reforms, judicial accountability, and governance in Nigeria.
Ogidi concluded by stressing the importance of truth in governance, citing biblical principles: “The truth must be told in this country… it is only the truth that can set you free.”
This latest pronouncement from Emma Ogidi signals escalating tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape and raises questions about INEC’s readiness to conduct transparent elections under the current leadership.
Cardi B had a vulnerable moment on stage as she kicked off her Little Miss Drama tour in Palm Desert, pausing between songs to speak directly to fans about protecting their joy.
“I do not want to be emotional,” she told the crowd, her voice shaking. “Don’t let nobody take your happiness away from you.”
The comment immediately struck a chord with concertgoers, many of whom saw it as a subtle response to the swirling headlines about her rumored split from Stefon Diggs. While she never mentioned him by name, the timing and the raw emotion in her delivery had fans reading between the lines.
Throughout the night, Cardi balanced high-energy performances with moments of reflection, at times appearing to hold back tears before jumping back into full superstar mode. Supporters in the audience cheered her on, shouting words of encouragement and reminding her she’s loved.
Clips from the show quickly spread online, with many praising her honesty and strength for pushing through a difficult period while still showing up for her fans. Others admired how she turned a personal moment into a message of empowerment, urging people not to let heartbreak or outside noise steal their peace.
If opening night proved anything, it’s that Cardi is determined to keep the spotlight on her music, her growth, and the connection she shares with her audience no matter what may be happening behind the scenes.
Abubakar Adamu, a Nigerian citizen, is seeking urgent repatriation from Russia after allegedly being deceived into joining the Russian military.
He was promised a civilian security guard job but had his travel documents seized upon arrival and was forced to sign enlistment papers in Russian without an interpreter.
Adamu’s legal representatives argued that he didn’t understand the contract due to the language barrier and cite “Non Est Factum” and fundamental misrepresentation.
They’re demanding Russia halt his deployment, return his documents, and facilitate repatriation.
This case follows reports of African nationals being recruited into Russia’s military under false pretenses, with promises of high salaries and citizenship.
Many are forced into combat zones with minimal training, facing racial abuse and coercion.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister disclosed over 1,400 Africans from 36 countries are fighting for Russia, with many held as prisoners of war.
The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria denied state-sponsored recruitment, saying any involvement is by illegal organizations.
However, Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hasn’t commented on Adamu’s appeal, sparking calls for swift diplomatic action.
Pro-Wike Lawmakers Take Away Fubara's Authority To Appoint LG Chairmen
The governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council, directing all commissioners and special advisers to hand over to permanent secretaries or the most senior officers in their ministries with immediate effect.
The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi.
He said Fubara expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the executive council for their service to the state.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council.
“His Excellency, the Governor, has therefore directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.
“His Excellency further expresses his deepest appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council wishing them the best in their future endeavours,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the dissolution of the cabinet comes in the wake of the recent political truce between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following months of political acrimony that had polarised the state’s political structure.
The face-off between both leaders had led to a prolonged power struggle within the state’s political system, resulting in the resignation and reappointment of lawmakers, parallel political alignments, and a split within the executive arm.
However, recent reconciliation efforts by President Bola Tinubu and other political figures reportedly led to a truce between the two camps, paving the way for a reconfiguration of the state’s political structure.
Political observers say the dissolution of the executive council is widely seen as part of the implementation of the peace deal, which is expected to produce a new cabinet reflecting the balance of interests agreed upon by both sides.
A new set of commissioners is expected to be announced in the coming days.
(DDM) – A fresh war of words has erupted within Nigeria’s opposition political space after Paul Ibe publicly criticised former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose over a 48-hour ultimatum linked to a controversial statement.
Ibe, who serves as media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, rejected Fayose’s demand that a statement concerning him be withdrawn, and instead mocked the timeframe given for compliance.
The exchange followed comments Fayose reportedly made in which he threatened to reveal more details about a political meeting in Minna if the statement was not retracted within two days.
Reacting on his verified X account, Ibe argued that Fayose failed to distinguish between him and diplomat Phrank Shaibu, whom he said actually authored the statement in question.
Ibe used sharp language and sarcasm in his response, suggesting that Fayose may have misread the situation or confused the identities involved.
He questioned whether the 48-hour ultimatum was excessive and ridiculed the demand by making references to alcohol and recovery time, framing Fayose’s reaction as misguided.
The dispute quickly drew attention because both men remain influential voices within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ecosystem and Nigeria’s broader opposition politics.
Fayose, a former two-term governor of Ekiti State, has long built a reputation as a blunt and outspoken political figure who frequently comments on national issues.
He has also maintained a complicated relationship with Atiku and other PDP leaders, sometimes supporting party positions and at other times offering public criticism.
Atiku, who has contested multiple presidential elections, remains a central figure in opposition politics as conversations quietly build toward the 2027 general elections.
Analysts say internal disagreements like this reflect deeper tensions within opposition ranks as politicians position themselves for future influence.
Public clashes among party stakeholders often signal ideological rifts, personal rivalries, or strategic disagreements over party direction.
In Nigeria’s political culture, media advisers and spokespersons play key roles in shaping narratives, defending principals, and countering rivals.
Their statements, especially on social media, frequently escalate into headline-making disputes that ripple across party lines.
Observers note that such exchanges can energise supporters but also risk portraying disunity within parties seeking to present themselves as credible alternatives to ruling powers.
As of now, Fayose has not issued a detailed counter-response to Ibe’s latest remarks.
The situation adds to a growing list of public disagreements among Nigerian politicians conducted in the media rather than behind closed doors.
Political watchers expect more reactions as stakeholders interpret the implications for party cohesion and future alliances.
For many citizens, the episode highlights how personality clashes continue to shape Nigeria’s political discourse as much as policy debates.
The report was first highlighted by Daily Post and has since circulated widely across online platforms, drawing mixed reactions from supporters and critics alike.
The bodies of two Nigerian nationals, Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka, have been recovered on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, specifically in the Luhansk region, after being killed by drone strikes while attempting to storm Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian intelligence (DIU) has described the situation as the brutal exploitation of African recruits, who were deployed in deadly “meat assault” missions with little or no military training.
The two Nigerians were among foreign recruits allegedly sent directly to the front lines, where they were used in high-risk infantry assaults with extremely high casualty rates.
Udoka, who signed a military contract on September 28, 2025, Diaspora Digital Media gathered, received no formal training before being drafted into active combat just five days later.
Ukrainian intelligence has warned that foreign nationals, particularly from African countries, are being recruited with promises of employment or financial incentives, only to be immediately deployed to front-line combat zones.
The agency has described this as a disturbing pattern, with recruits often used in “meat assaults” designed to exhaust Ukrainian ammunition and expose enemy positions, often at the cost of heavy casualties among poorly trained foreign fighters.
The DIU noted that the brutal cost of Russia’s recruitment of African nationals has been laid bare.
The deaths of the two Nigerians come amid growing reports that African nationals recruited into Russian forces are being used in high-risk operations with little regard for their safety.
Ukraine has announced the discovery of the bodies of two Nigerian nationals in the Luhansk region, alleging that the men were fighting on the side of Russia in the ongoing four-year war.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence agency said the men were identified as Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole, 42, and Mbah Stephen Udoka, 38.
According to the agency, both men served in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment (military unit 91701) of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
The statement said Kolawole and Udoka signed contracts with the Russian Army in the second half of 2025 — Kolawole on August 29 and Udoka on September 28.
Udoka was reportedly deployed on October 3, just five days after signing his contract, and was assigned to a unit operating in what Ukraine described as temporarily occupied territories. The intelligence agency claimed he had no prior military training before his deployment.
“No training records for Kolawole have been preserved; however, it is highly likely that he also received no military training. His wife and three children remain in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine has been a focal point of intense fighting since Russia’s invasion began in 2022. Ukrainian authorities did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two Nigerians.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation or response from Russian authorities or the Nigerian government regarding the claims.
The United States is preparing to dispatch the world’s largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East to reinforce forces already stationed in the region, according to a person familiar with the plan, adding significant military weight to President Donald Trump’s push to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.
The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford follows comments by Trump only days ago indicating that another round of negotiations with Tehran could be imminent.
Those talks have yet to take shape, however, as a senior Iranian security official traveled this week to Oman and Qatar, where messages were exchanged with U.S. intermediaries.
Gulf Arab countries have already cautioned that any strike could trigger a broader regional conflict, at a time when the Middle East is still grappling with the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. At the same time, Iranians are beginning 40-day mourning ceremonies for thousands killed during last month’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests, increasing pressure on the heavily sanctioned Islamic Republic.
The Ford’s deployment, first reported by The New York Times, would mean two U.S. carrier strike groups operating in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln, along with its guided-missile destroyers, is already positioned in the Arabian Sea.
The individual who spoke to The Associated Press about the move did so on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.
Ford had been part of Venezuela strike force.
The move represents a rapid redeployment for the Ford, which Trump ordered from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean last October as the administration amassed a large military presence before the surprise raid last month that resulted in the capture of then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The decision also appears to diverge from Trump’s national security strategy, which has emphasized the Western Hemisphere over other regions.
On Thursday, Trump warned Tehran that failing to reach an agreement with his administration would be “very traumatic.” Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman last week.
“I guess over the next month, something like that,” Trump said in response to a question about his timeline for striking a deal with Iran on its nuclear program. “It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly.”
Trump also told Axios earlier this week that he was considering sending a second carrier strike group to the Middle East.
After lengthy talks on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said he had urged Israel’s leader to allow negotiations with Iran to continue. Netanyahu has been pressing Washington to push Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile program and halt support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah as part of any agreement.
The USS Ford began its deployment in late June 2025, meaning the crew will have been at sea for eight months within two weeks. While the duration of the ship’s stay in the Middle East remains unclear, the move could result in an unusually long deployment for the crew.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ford’s deployment comes as Iran mourns
Inside Iran, anger remains over the government’s sweeping crackdown on dissent. Tensions could intensify as families begin the traditional 40-day mourning ceremonies for those killed. Online videos have already shown gatherings in different parts of the country, with mourners holding portraits of the dead.
One video appeared to show people at a cemetery in Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province, home to Mashhad, on Thursday. Using a large portable speaker, the crowd sang the patriotic song “Ey Iran,” which dates back to the 1940s during the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Though it was initially banned after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran’s current leadership has at times used it to rally public support.
“Oh Iran, a land of full of jewels, your soil is full of art,” they sang. “May evil wishes be far from you. May you live eternal. Oh enemy, if you are a piece of granite, I am iron.”
(DDM) – Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has publicly criticised security agencies over reports that they attempted to arrest former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai upon his arrival in Abuja.
DDM reports that the development has stirred debate about due process, civil liberties, and the conduct of security operatives at Nigeria’s international gateways.
Sowore reacted after reports emerged that security personnel confronted El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday.
He used his verified account on X to demand the immediate return of the former governor’s passport.
He described the reported conduct of the operatives as harassment and labelled the situation deeply troubling for democratic accountability.
Sowore argued that security institutions must always operate within constitutional limits regardless of the individuals involved.
Media reports said El-Rufai arrived in Abuja aboard a flight operated by EgyptAir from Cairo.
Accounts circulating online claimed that security officers approached him shortly after landing.
Members of his legal team alleged that operatives linked to the Department of State Services tried to detain him without presenting formal documentation.
They also alleged that officers took possession of his international passport during the encounter.
The claims quickly spread across political circles and triggered arguments about legality and proportionality.
Observers noted that airport confrontations involving senior political figures often generate public suspicion.
Supporters of El-Rufai insisted that authorities should follow transparent legal procedures when inviting citizens for questioning.
Critics, however, argued that no public official should receive special treatment before the law.
El-Rufai’s lawyers maintained that he had already shown willingness to cooperate with investigators.
They said he planned to honour an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a scheduled date.
They added that he never resisted lawful engagement with authorities.
Political commentators said the episode reflects growing tension between opposition figures and federal institutions.
Some analysts warned that dramatic airport incidents can damage Nigeria’s democratic image internationally.
Others said firm law enforcement remains necessary if done within legal boundaries.
Security agencies have not released an official statement directly addressing the allegations.
The absence of a formal response has left room for speculation across social and political platforms.
Civil society voices have called for clarity to prevent misinformation and political escalation.
Legal experts emphasised that passport seizure typically requires clear legal justification.
They warned that irregular enforcement could invite court challenges.
As reactions continue, many Nigerians watch closely to see whether authorities will clarify what truly happened.
The incident has now joined a list of politically sensitive encounters shaping early conversations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Chibunna Nwafor, over his alleged involvement in the murder of a pregnant nurse in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, also known as “Offonwadile,” is alleged to be a native doctor who conspired with gang members to murder and mutilate the victim before taking her remains to his shrine.
The nurse was reportedly killed in July 2025 after being lured to a friend’s residence under the guise of providing medical assistance.
The friend was arrested on July 29, 2025, through community efforts, while the alleged prime suspect went into hiding.
Arrest in Umueri
In a statement issued on Friday, the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the prime suspect was apprehended on February 11, 2026, following sustained intelligence gathering and collaboration with members of the community.
According to Ikenga, Nwafor was arrested at his hideout in Umueri community, Anambra East Local Government Area, as part of ongoing investigations into the case.
“The Anambra State Police Command, through sustained community collaboration and intelligence-driven efforts, took into custody on February 11, 2026, one of the prime suspects in the gruesome murder of a pregnant nurse whose body was mutilated in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area,” the statement read in part.
The Command confirmed that the suspect has been handed over to a higher investigative formation for further discreet investigation.
Police Vow Justice
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended community members for providing timely information that led to the arrest.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring that all those involved in the crime are brought to justice.
Investigations are ongoing, and the police said further updates would be provided as developments unfold.
Earlier reports indicated that mutilated human body parts were recovered at a native doctor’s shrine during the initial investigation.
Police had also disclosed that a suspect arrested in July 2025 provided information on how body parts were allegedly sold to various native doctors in the area.
Two people were killed and one injured in a shooting late Thursday night at South Carolina State University in the southern United States, officials confirmed.
The university said the campus was placed on lockdown at about 9:15 p.m. (0215 GMT Friday) after reports of gunfire at an apartment inside the Hugine Suites student residential complex.
In a statement, the institution said it had not yet confirmed the identities of the victims or provided details on the condition of the injured individual. Authorities also did not indicate whether any suspects had been taken into custody.
Local law enforcement agencies are assisting campus police in patrolling the university and surrounding areas as investigations continue.
The university announced that Friday classes have been cancelled while the campus remains under lockdown.
The incident comes days after a separate school shooting in British Columbia, Canada, where an 18-year-old gunman killed eight people.
It is the latest in a series of school-related shootings in the United States, where debates over gun control measures continue amid persistent political divisions.
Investigations into the South Carolina incident are ongoing.
—Governor Soludo’s success in Anambra should serve as an inspiration to leaders everywhere that the impossible can be done, and no mission is actually impossible when the political will is there—
In the sphere of leadership, where challenges often loom larger than life, the ethos of Tom Cruise’s hit movie “Mission Impossible” franchise comes to mind as a poignant metaphor for the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to accept defeat.
Just as Ethan Hunt and his team face seemingly insurmountable odds with undaunted determination and surmount them, so too does Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State. His bold and decisive leadership embodies the very essence of this cinematic inspiration, where ‘No’ is never an option and every obstacle is only a stepping stone to success.
All through the history of Nigeria’s subnationals, few moments could have been as phenomenal as the recent actions taken by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. His bold and decisive leadership has not only restored the security of lives and property, but has also brought an end to the economically debilitating Monday sit-at-home practice that plagued the region for five long years. It is instructive that this is not just a victory for Anambra; it is a sign of hope for the entire Southeast region and even the nation.
For years, the people of the South-east suffered under the oppressive shadow of non-state actors and their enforced sit-at-home order. The economic toll was staggering, with Anambra State alone losing a mind-boggling N8 billion weekly in business trade. The region as a whole reportedly lost an estimated N7.6 trillion between 2021 and 2025. Schools, markets, banks, and offices were shut down, and the streets were eerily silent every Monday as in a ghost town. The fear was palpable, and the suffering was immense.
But in the face of such excruciating adversity, Governor Soludo has been leading like a battle angel of hope, courage, and resilience. His administration’s unswerving commitment to security and economic revival has brought about a paradigm shift. As he recently stated, “When I assumed office, so far since I came into office, about 62 criminal camps have been dismantled in Anambra, and we’re not resting for one second. In Anambra, we pride ourselves on being the safest, if not…modestly, one of the safest states in the country.”
Naturally, Governor Soludo’s intrepid actions have been nothing short of game-changing. By dismantling criminal camps and establishing effective vigilante groups like Agunechemba, he has created an environment where law and order now prevail. Besides, the reopening of over 45,000 shops at the Onitsha Main Market, after the catalytic official shutdown weeks ago, with business activities now at their peak, is a veritable proof of his success. The jubilation of traders and the bustling markets across the state have become a stark contrast to the ghost towns of the past. A mission impossible has become possible!
In emphasising the expediency of collaboration towards tackling insecurity, the governor’s words ring true: “Security is everybody’s responsibility. It requires a systemic, collaborative approach to be able to deal with it comprehensively.” His emphasis on collaboration between federal, state, and local governments is a model for the rest of the nation. After all, with the governor himself getting all security agencies in the state working together, his administration has managed to curtail criminality and restore normalcy to the lives of Anambra’s residents.
By and large, the impact of Governor Soludo’s fearless leadership goes beyond Anambra. His actions have shown that the people of the South-east are eager to return to their normal lives. The sit-at-home order was enforced through fear, but the people’s compliance was never voluntary. In Onitsha, the traders’ return to business activities after the governor’s intervention proves that the people are ready to move forward and would not be cowed by fear anymore.
With the economic revival of Anambra being the governor’s vision, the reopening of businesses and the resumption of economic activities are indeed crucial steps towards rebuilding the entire region’s economy. The federal and state governments must continue to collaborate to ensure that the region remains secure and prosperous, as the people have shown that they are tired of the crisis and want to live their normal lives again.
Thus, Governor Soludo’s success in Anambra should serve as an inspiration to leaders everywhere that the impossible can be done, and no mission is actually impossible when the political will is there. The illegitimate sit-at-home order has been banished once and for all. The people have shown their readiness to embrace peace and prosperity. The governments have already designed several economic activities (via various empowerment programmes put in place by Governor Soludo’s administration) for those previously engaged in criminal activities, with the aim of providing them with opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation.
Also, the government would of course continue to play its part by adequately securing the state and preventing any attacks on soft targets that could trigger a return to fear. In the final analysis, Governor Soludo’s leadership has brought about a historic transformation in Anambra State. His bold and decisive actions have restored security, revived the economy, and given hope to the people. His words and actions serve as a therapeutic balm that with courage, collaboration, and determination, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Chukwuemeka Oforah, a 21-year-old US Marine of Nigerian descent, has been confirmed dead after falling overboard from the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea on February 7, 2026.
The search operation, involving five ships and 10 aircraft, concluded on February 10, and his death was announced on Wednesday.
Oforah, an infantry rifleman with the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, was deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of Operation Southern Spear, targeting drug-trafficking boats.
His death marks the first known American fatality in Operation Southern Spear, launched under the Trump administration.
The operation has executed 38 lethal strikes on suspected drug boats since September 2025 and played a key role in capturing Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro.
The US Marines expressed condolences to Oforah’s family, with Col. Tom Trimble stating, “The loss of Lance Cpl. Oforah is deeply felt across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team. He will be profoundly missed, and his dedicated service will not be forgotten”.
An interview featuring Jaden Smith has sparked conversation online after the entertainer suddenly walked off set when asked what many viewers considered a routine question.
The moment, which has since made the rounds across social media, showed the actor and musician appearing uncomfortable as the interviewer pressed him for clarity. Rather than continue, Jaden reportedly chose to end the conversation, standing up and leaving before the segment could properly wrap.
Clips of the incident quickly circulated, dividing fans. Some critics argued that, as a public figure, he should be prepared for direct or even uncomfortable questions during media appearances. Others came to his defense, suggesting the line of questioning may have crossed a personal boundary or caught him off guard.
Jaden, who is the son of Hollywood star Will Smith, has long been known for his unconventional personality and guarded approach to interviews. Over the years, he has spoken about wanting to protect his private life while still engaging with supporters and promoting his creative work.
Neither Jaden nor his representatives have publicly addressed the walkout at the time of writing. However, the debate continues to trend, with many people weighing in on celebrity boundaries, media expectations, and how far interviewers should go when seeking answers.
As conversations about respect and privacy grow louder in the entertainment industry, moments like this keep raising the same question: how much does the public really deserve to know?
“Soon after we landed… We were conducted immediately to the merchant’s yard, where we were all pent up together, like so many sheep in a fold, without regard to sex or age.” — Olaudah Equiano.
History does not shout. It stands. Sometimes it stands as a plinth by the sea. On the waterfront of Bridgetown, where salt and memory mix in the wind, those words remain – unweathered in their wound. Sheep in a fold. No names. No mothers. No sons. Only cargo counted and skin appraised. The grammar of dehumanisation is always efficient: without regard. That phrase is the iron ring around the ankle of history. And yet, from that fold of forced silence rose a voice that would not be shorn.
Olaudah Equiano arrived in Barbados as inventory. He left the world as testimony. Between those two points – merchant’s yard and printed page – stretches one of the most radical journeys in human history: the journey from object to author. His autobiography did not merely narrate pain; it indicted an empire. It did not simply recall suffering; it reorganised memory. He took the language of those who sold him and bent it into a blade of truth. That is why Bridgetown is not merely a port. It is a punctuation mark in the long sentence of Black survival.
Now, centuries later, another journey crosses the Atlantic – not in chains, but in choice. The Regent of Abagana, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, arrives not as cargo but as kin. Stage Three of an Igbo reconnection mission moves from Antigua and Barbuda, through Montserrat, into Barbados. The route itself is a reversal. Where slave ships once traced triangles of profit, this voyage traces a circle of remembrance. Circles heal what triangles cut.
However, this mission is not driven by sentiment alone. It carries an intellectual compass. The University of Nigeria, through the visionary leadership of the emergent Igbo–Gullah–Caribbean Cultural Heritage Institute, provides the scholarly anchor of this reconnection. Here, memory is not left to monument and emotion; it is curated, researched, archived, and taught. The Institute envisions a transatlantic corridor of ideas, linking Nsukka to Bridgetown, Abagana to the Gullah-Geechee coast, where linguistics, anthropology, history, performing arts, and digital humanities converge to restore fractured genealogies. In doing so, UNN transforms homage into heritage policy, pilgrimage into programme, sentiment into scholarship. It ensures that Equiano’s narrative is not merely quoted at the waterfront but interrogated in classrooms, preserved in repositories, and translated into curricula that future generations will inherit. The fold is studied. The yard is contextualised. The diaspora becomes syllabus rather than footnote.
Equiano’s metaphor – “like so many sheep in a fold”- was not accidental. Sheep are counted, herded, traded. Sheep are denied individuality. The slave yard was a pastoral parody; i.e., a grotesque farm where human beings were livestock in the marketplace of greed. No regard to sex. No regard to age. The flattening of difference was the method; profit was the motive. But here is the paradox history could not foresee: from that fold emerged one who would name the fold. From the yard emerged a witness who would document the yard. The system that sought to erase him unwittingly armed him – with literacy, with mobility, with perspective. Empire educated its own accuser. That is the irony inscribed in Bridgetown’s plinth.
Dr. Anakwenze’s presence there is not ceremonial tourism. It is semiotic repair. It says: the fold did not finish us. It says: the sheep remembered they were shepherds of memory. It says: what was scattered across the Caribbean tide still recognises its ancestral shore. The Igbo story is riverine – always flowing, never entirely lost. In Antigua, in Montserrat, in Barbados, fragments of that river still murmur in surnames, in drum patterns, in the tilt of proverbs half-remembered. Reconnection is not nostalgia; it is restoration of narrative sovereignty. It is the refusal to let the only archive be the slave ledger. Equiano wrote himself back into humanity. That act alone is revolutionary. But it is also instructive. Memory must be curated, or it will be curated for us. History must be narrated, or it will be narrated against us. The plinth in Bridgetown stands as counter-archive, a stone rebuttal to centuries of distortion.
And so the Regent’s homage is layered. It honours the boy torn from his homeland. It honours the man who mastered the master’s language. It honours the millions unnamed whose stories dissolved in saltwater silence. But it also honours something else: continuity. For what is reconnection if not the refusal of “without regard”? The slave yard erased regard. Reconnection restores it. To stand at that waterfront today is to feel the tremor between past and present. Ships once docked there heavy with despair. Now delegations arrive heavy with purpose. The Atlantic, once a corridor of captivity, becomes a bridge of belonging. The very waters that witnessed dispossession now witness return. Not return of bodies in chains, but return of dignity in motion.
Equiano’s words remain haunting because they expose the mechanics of cruelty with chilling simplicity. No theatrics. No ornament. Just sheep in a fold. That image endures because it compresses the horror into something pastoral and therefore obscene. It forces us to confront how ordinary evil can appear when profit dulls conscience.
Still, the greater image is not the fold. It is the book. A sheep wrote a book. A commodity composed a classic. A captive carved his name into history. That is the miracle Barbados commemorates. That is the miracle Abagana acknowledges. That is the miracle this UNN-backed mission institutionalises. History, when reconnected, becomes instruction. It teaches that identity can survive rupture. It teaches that memory can outlive machinery. It teaches that even in the merchant’s yard, the mind can remain unpurchased. The Igbo have always known: what the storm scatters, the sun gathers. The transatlantic trade was a storm of calculated magnitude. But the sun is patient. It gathers through scholarship, through diplomacy, through cultural exchange, through the simple, sacred act of standing where ancestors once stood and whispering: we remember.
Bridgetown’s plinth is more than stone. It is a hinge between centuries. It swings open whenever descendants arrive not in chains but in consciousness. Each visit rewrites the geography of pain into a cartography of connection:
Sheep in a fold.
Yes, that was the beginning of that chapter.
But the ending is different.
The sheep found their names again.
The fold became a forum.
The yard became a yardstick of resilience.
And on a Caribbean shore once marked by auction, a Regent from Abagana and UNN’s intellectual anchor stand – not as relics of grief, but as architects of return. One carries the weight of lineage; the other, the discipline of learning. Authority of ancestry meets authority of inquiry. In that convergence, memory ceases to be a lament and becomes a ledger reclaimed. The plinth no longer speaks alone; it is answered by scholarship, by ceremony, by deliberate reconnection. What was scattered by commerce is gathered by consciousness. The Atlantic listens. And this time, it hears not chains, but footsteps – measured, knowing, confident, and sure-footed.
A European man has generated widespread reactions on social media after recounting his experience visiting a dentist in Nigeria to fix a tooth, an incident that has since triggered debate about healthcare standards and online generalisations.
According to posts shared online, the man initially expressed excitement following the procedure. In a video recorded shortly after the treatment, he appeared visibly pleased and even kissed the medical staff on their foreheads to show appreciation for what he believed was a successful outcome.
However, his satisfaction was short-lived. He later claimed that the treated tooth fell out the same day while he was in transit. The development prompted him to return to the clinic, where the procedure was reportedly repeated.
After the second visit, he posted another update, stating that the tooth had been refixed and appeared more secure. He expressed optimism that the issue had been resolved. Days later, however, he alleged that the tooth fell out again, leaving him disappointed.
Following the incident, the man issued a public warning on his social media page advising people not to seek dental care in the country. His statement quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from online users.
Some commentators criticised his remarks, arguing that it was unfair to judge an entire nation’s healthcare system based on a single experience at one clinic. Others, however, sympathised with his frustration and used the incident to highlight broader concerns about healthcare service quality.
The episode continues to spark discussion online, with many calling for caution against sweeping generalisations while others urge stronger oversight and improved standards within the medical sector.
The Chinese government has dismissed allegations by five United States lawmakers accusing it of sponsoring illegal mining operations and financing terrorism in Nigeria, describing the claims as “completely baseless.”
In a statement issued Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria expressed “firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction” over the accusations, urging relevant media outlets to stop circulating what it called false information.
The response follows a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.
The proposed legislation links alleged illegal mining activities involving Chinese nationals to terrorism financing and religious violence in Nigeria.
The lawmakers behind the bill Riley Moore, Chris Smith, Bill Huizenga, Brian Mast and Mario Diaz-Balart alleged that Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining were paying protection money to terrorist groups, including Fulani militias, to secure access to mining sites.
According to the bill, such activities have contributed to ongoing violence, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where militant groups have been accused of targeted killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property.
Embassy Denies Funding Militias
The Chinese Embassy categorically rejected claims that it was funding radical Islamic groups or ethnic militias to protect mining interests.
“China requires all its nationals overseas to strictly abide by local laws and regulations,” the statement said, adding that it has “zero tolerance” for companies involved in illegal mining.
The embassy maintained that the majority of Chinese mining firms operating in Nigeria comply with local regulations, contribute to host communities, and support economic development through job creation and environmental protection initiatives.
It further stated that Chinese mining enterprises have themselves been victims of terrorist attacks and have consistently supported the Nigerian government’s efforts to strengthen national security and mining governance.
Previous Reports and Investigations
The controversy comes amid previous reports alleging that some Chinese-linked mining operators paid armed groups for access to mining sites.
A study by SBM Intelligence reportedly detailed instances in which militant leaders claimed Chinese miners paid “rent” to operate in areas under their control.
Additionally, an investigation by WikkiTimes alleged that Chinese-affiliated miners paid members of a terror faction in Niger State to gain access to mining locations.
However, the Chinese Embassy reiterated its commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to ensure lawful and sustainable mining practices, while safeguarding the rights of enterprises from both countries.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government had not issued an official response to the latest diplomatic exchange.
(DDM) – The Presidency has moved to calm rising national tension over the controversial Electoral Act Amendment Bill, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will ultimately take a decision that aligns with Nigeria’s democratic realities rather than public pressure.
DDM reports that the assurance came amid nationwide debates and protests triggered by recent amendments passed by the National Assembly on electronic transmission of election results.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, spoke during a televised interview where he defended the administration’s cautious stance on the matter.
Dare stated that while President Tinubu remains committed to democratic ideals, he will not approve any electoral framework that ignores Nigeria’s infrastructural and technological limitations.
The controversy followed the Senate’s passage of a revised Electoral Act Amendment Bill that permits electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, known as IReV.
However, the same bill allows manual transmission of results whenever network failure or communication challenges occur, a clause critics describe as a dangerous loophole.
Civil society groups, opposition figures, and election observers have staged protests, insisting that real-time electronic transmission without exceptions remains the only credible safeguard against manipulation.
Dare pushed back against those demands, arguing that governance requires practicality rather than emotional responses driven by public agitation.
He described Tinubu as a seasoned democrat who understands the balance between ideal reforms and operational feasibility.
According to him, the president will weigh national realities, especially the uneven spread of digital infrastructure across rural and urban Nigeria.
Dare openly questioned whether Nigeria currently possesses the capacity to sustain a fully electronic electoral process nationwide.
He argued that even advanced democracies still experience technical failures during elections, making absolute real-time transmission unrealistic.
“There is no country with a one hundred per cent flawless electronic election system,” Dare said, challenging critics to acknowledge global precedents.
He warned that forcing a rigid framework without allowances could create logistical chaos during elections.
Supporters of the Senate amendment argue that Nigeria’s weak network coverage, unstable electricity supply, and security challenges justify flexibility in result transmission.
Opponents counter that such flexibility has historically enabled electoral fraud, result substitution, and post-election disputes.
Election transparency advocates insist that allowing manual results to override electronic records undermines public trust in the electoral process.
The debate has also revived memories of past elections where delayed or altered results triggered violence and prolonged litigation.
Political analysts say the Tinubu administration now faces a defining test of its commitment to electoral reform and democratic credibility.
They argue that how the president handles the bill will shape public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While the Presidency calls for patience, critics accuse the government of using “realities” as an excuse to protect entrenched political interests.
They warn that failure to strengthen electronic transmission could deepen voter apathy and fuel civil resistance.
As pressure mounts, all eyes remain on President Tinubu’s final decision, which many believe will either strengthen democracy or reinforce old suspicions.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has dismissed as false a report alleging that the Federal Government of Nigeria ordered it to suspend enforcement actions against sachet alcohol and alcoholic products packaged in 200ml PET bottles.
In an official statement issued Wednesday, the agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that no such directive had been communicated to the regulator through any formal or authorised channel. She emphasised that the publication circulating the claim was misleading and did not reflect the government’s position.
“At no time has the Agency received any formal directive ordering the suspension of its regulatory or enforcement activities in respect of sachet alcohol products,” the statement said, reaffirming that its operations remain guided strictly by established public health regulations and statutory mandates.
NAFDAC disclosed that it has already commenced the evacuation of what it described as “violative sachet alcohol and alcohol in PET bottles less than 200ml” from various manufacturers. According to the agency, some companies have voluntarily begun discontinuing production of smaller-sized alcohol packaging after recognising that the policy is intended to curb underage access to alcoholic beverages.
The regulator cited data indicating that approximately 50 percent of minors reportedly purchase alcohol from retailers selling products in sachets and small PET bottles, a trend it described as alarming and harmful to public health objectives. It stressed that its intervention is primarily aimed at protecting children and reducing youth exposure to alcohol.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health, NAFDAC stated that any policy decision affecting national regulatory actions would always be communicated through official government channels. It urged members of the public, industry stakeholders and the media to disregard unverified reports and rely solely on information released via its authorised platforms.
The agency also cautioned against spreading unconfirmed claims capable of generating misinformation, fake news and public misunderstanding of government policy, noting that accurate communication remains essential to maintaining trust in national health regulations in Nigeria.
(DDM) – Goodluck Jonathan has urged African countries to lower age thresholds for major political offices to boost energy and performance.
DDM learned that the former president framed his argument around leadership stamina and the pressures of governance.
He spoke in Abuja during a memorial lecture and leadership conference attended by policymakers, scholars, and civil society actors.
The event was organized by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation to reflect on leadership, nation-building, and public service values in Africa.
Jonathan argued that countries should deliberately search for leaders between ages twenty-five and fifty for executive and legislative responsibilities.
He said people within that bracket often show stronger physical resilience and quicker mental response under intense administrative pressure.
He explained that demanding offices require long hours, rapid decisions, and constant crisis management across security, economy, and social welfare.
He recalled that during his presidency he sometimes slept less than two hours because urgent state matters required overnight attention.
He warned that older officeholders exposed to relentless schedules might spend significant time managing health challenges instead of governing effectively.
Jonathan linked his proposal to productivity, arguing that governance should prioritize capacity to endure pressure rather than seniority or entitlement.
He referenced the record of Murtala Muhammed, who assumed national leadership at thirty-eight and pursued swift reforms.
He noted that the late leader implemented bold changes within about two hundred days, leaving a legacy often cited in governance debates.
Jonathan questioned constitutional provisions that fix minimum ages around forty for senators, governors, and deputy governors, and even higher for presidents.
He suggested that rigid thresholds may unintentionally exclude capable younger Nigerians ready to contribute to national transformation.
He broadened his remarks to criticize absentee leadership patterns that keep some governors frequently outside their states or overseas.
He argued that such travel habits weaken supervision, slow development projects, and complicate responses to local security threats.
He maintained that citizens deserve leaders who remain present, accessible, and physically ready to engage problems as they arise.
Political analysts say his comments may revive debates about constitutional reform and youth inclusion in Nigeria’s political system.
Some critics, however, view age-focused arguments as controversial in societies that respect seniority and accumulated experience.
Supporters counter that demographic realities in Africa favor younger populations who want greater representation in decision-making spaces.
Nigeria’s median age remains low, and youth groups have repeatedly demanded pathways into leadership and policy influence.
Jonathan concluded that effective governance requires matching the nation’s challenges with leaders who possess endurance, clarity, and reformist drive.
