Top stories from Nigerian newspapers – Friday morning briefing

DDM News

The Nigerian government has launched a legal case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging criminal defamation of top political figures.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the charges, filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, involve alleged defamatory remarks against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.

According to court documents, the three-count charge was filed under suit number CR/1277/25 at a federal court.

This marks a high-profile legal move that could intensify tensions within the Nigerian political space, particularly in Kogi State.

In another political development, governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their full support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement came during the APC National Summit held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Thursday.

The summit is seen as part of a broader move by the ruling party to consolidate its internal structures ahead of future elections.

President Tinubu also responded to growing concerns over the influx of defectors into the APC from other political parties.

He dismissed worries of Nigeria becoming a one-party state, claiming the defections represent a free and fair democratic process.

Many critics, however, fear that the trend could erode political competition and suppress opposition voices in the country.

Meanwhile, the federal government is pushing ahead with infrastructure projects, including the critical East-West Road.

Minister of Works Dave Umahi announced that the 15-kilometre stretch from Eleme to Onne in Rivers State will be completed by December 2025.

He further promised that the Eleme axis would be temporarily opened to the public within 10 days.

The announcement comes amid growing public frustration over poor road networks and logistical bottlenecks in Nigeria’s oil-rich South-South region.

In the energy sector, the Dangote Refinery has made another cut in petrol prices, lowering Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by N15.

The reduction is expected to bring some relief to Nigerians battling high transportation and fuel costs.

The refinery, which is Africa’s largest, began rolling out products earlier this year in a bid to reduce dependency on fuel imports.

President Tinubu also inaugurated the new board and executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Thursday.

The inauguration took place shortly before the president attended the APC summit at the Presidential Villa.

This move aligns with Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.

In security matters, over 13,543 terrorists and criminal elements have reportedly been neutralized since May 2023.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu disclosed this at the APC National Policy and Development Summit.

Ribadu attributed the successes to improved inter-agency cooperation and the deployment of more tactical assets across troubled regions.

Internationally, a United States court has sentenced Nigerian national Henry Ezeonyido to 27 months’ imprisonment over a $1 million insurance fraud.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Ezeonyido committed the crimes between 2019 and 2022 through a web of fraudulent claims.

His sentencing underscores growing scrutiny of cross-border financial crimes involving Nigerian nationals.

Domestically, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.

His media aide, Paul Ibe, made the clarification on Channels Television, dismissing rumors of Atiku joining a new opposition alliance.

Atiku remains a central figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially among opposition coalitions.

In a twist within the Labour Party, factional chairman Callistus Okafor has officially exited the party.

He made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja, further deepening the leadership crisis within the LP.

The Labour Party has faced prolonged internal disputes since its strong showing in the 2023 general elections.

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