The Federal Government has taken possession of two Benin bronzes returned from the United States, marking another key step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural treasures looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy received a bronze relief plaque and a commemorative head from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. The artefacts were handed back by the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the development as a historic achievement. She praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, for driving the process, adding that more repatriations are expected.
“This is a historic moment for Nigeria, the ministry, and the good people of the Benin Kingdom. We are still in conversation with several other institutions that hold these artefacts, and soon the process of returning them all to their rightful owners will begin,” she said.
Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, thanked all parties who contributed to securing the artefacts.
He noted that the return marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s larger campaign for restitution. “What we are witnessing today is the return of a huge part of Nigeria’s history. While this occasion is symbolic to Benin, it is also symbolic to Nigeria’s broader restitution struggle,” he stated.
The symbolic handover occurred in the presence of three high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, according to a statement from the Minister’s Special Adviser, Nneka Anibeze.
Arts Newspapers in the US reported that the MFA in Boston returned the items during a ceremony at Nigeria House in New York in June 2025. MFA Director Matthew Teitelbaum said it was “deeply gratifying” to return the pieces to their rightful owners after 12 years in the museum’s collection.
The Benin bronzes—more than 2,000 brass and bronze artworks—were taken by British forces in 1897 and scattered across museums and private collections around the world.
Nigeria has stepped up diplomatic engagement in recent years to secure their return, signing agreements with institutions in the US, UK, and Europe.
This latest handover follows a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the United States focused on repatriating looted artefacts and improving cultural collaboration.
Officials say the development supports President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda to restore cultural heritage and promote national identity.
A French energy firm is confronting serious accusations of involvement in war crimes — allegations it rejects — over a deadly attack that occurred near its multibillion-dollar gas development in northern Mozambique in 2021.
A human rights organisation has submitted a complaint to French prosecutors, claiming that TotalEnergies was complicit in war crimes that included the torture and execution of numerous civilians allegedly detained by local security forces inside a group of shipping containers located within the company’s compound.
The company has consistently denied any responsibility for actions carried out by government forces or associated security units that were assigned to protect the Afungi peninsula gas complex.
At the time, the project represented the largest foreign investment initiative on the African continent.
The complaint was lodged by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR).
“Companies and their executives are not neutral actors when they operate in conflict zones. If they enable or fuel crimes, they might be complicit and should be held accountable,” said Clara Gonzales, the ECCHR’s co-programme director for business and human rights.
The killings took place in Cabo Delgado, a province rich in natural resources, where state security forces were attempting to defeat extremist fighters linked to the Islamic State group — militants known for brutal beheadings and other atrocities.
In March 2021, Islamist fighters stormed the besieged town of Palma, killing or abducting 1,563 civilians who lived near TotalEnergies’ gas installation on the remote Afungi peninsula, according to Alex Perry.
The investigative writer was the first to report on both the scale of the Palma massacre and the subsequent retaliatory killings carried out near the entrance of the Total compound, in a work published in 2024.
Perry referred to the events as the “bloodiest disaster in oil and gas history”.
Civilians who fled to the company’s facilities seeking safety were allegedly accused of collaborating with militants. Men were separated from the wider group and detained inside metal containers. The precise number of those subsequently killed by Mozambican forces guarding the site remains uncertain. Perry documented 97 victims, though he believes the real death toll may be twice that number.
“Most people have never heard about any of this, in part because Total has acknowledged none of it. Today is a victory for truth, and accountability,” Perry said.
The UK government had originally committed to providing financial guarantees for British businesses hoping to participate in what was described as a transformative economic opportunity for Mozambique.
However, after suspending its support following the violence in Palma, the UK is now under pressure from environmental groups to fully abandon the project, who argue that the severity of the allegations against Total should be a decisive “red line” for any financial supporters of its LNG development.
Total, critics say, “continued to demonstrate that it has learned nothing from the past: it just announced the lifting of the force majeure on its gas project, despite the dramatic security and humanitarian situation”, according to Lorette Philippot from Friends of the Earth France.
She urged the UK and Dutch authorities to “refuse to renew their financial support and withdraw from Mozambique LNG”, citing decisions by several French financial institutions to cut ties with the project.
Those who back TotalEnergies’ commitment to proceed with the massive development argue that the venture has the potential to deliver major economic benefits to a region long deprived of investment.
Opponents, however, describe it as a catastrophe in environmental, ethical, and economic terms. They also compare the company’s challenges to a separate controversy involving another major French firm, Lafarge, which is currently facing trial alongside several former executives over accusations that it funded jihadist groups in Syria to keep a cement plant operational.
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken control of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, ahead of a series of parallel meetings scheduled by rival blocs.
The Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), elected at the controversial Ibadan convention, had planned its inaugural meeting with key party stakeholders for 10 a.m. at the secretariat. Meanwhile, the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction had summoned emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the same venue.
The secretariat, previously under lock and key, was already occupied early in the morning by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who is recognized as factional National Chairman by his bloc. Armed security operatives were deployed across the premises to maintain order as both factions laid claim to the secretariat.
Personnel from the Mobile Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services positioned themselves at the entrance gates and other strategic points around the secretariat. Patrol vehicles also lined adjoining roads to prevent potential clashes.
Suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had already accessed the premises as accreditation commenced ahead of their faction’s 103rd NEC meeting, which was in progress. The Turaki faction had not yet arrived. Outside the building, anti-Turaki protesters danced and chanted while holding placards with inscriptions such as “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go.”
Speaking before the BoT meeting, Anyanwu described the heavy security presence as routine, noting that the party routinely invites security agencies to protect members during major gatherings.
He said he had formally notified all security agencies on November 14, 2025, of plans to hold the BoT and NEC meetings, adding that he had also communicated with the electoral commission in line with procedure.
Anyanwu insisted he remains the substantive National Secretary until December 8 and maintained that the Ibadan convention — during which he and others were allegedly suspended — never legally took place.
He argued that no valid communication was sent to the electoral commission regarding the convention and that the event lacked monitoring and supervision, making any decisions from it invalid. He added that two-thirds of the states’ delegates were absent and alleged that individuals “picked by the roadside and given PDP uniforms” were used to fill state delegations.
By 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, the Wike-backed faction had fully taken over the secretariat. Abdulrahman Mohammed led his bloc into the building with a large contingent of armed police officers. Security personnel took positions along surrounding streets and within the premises.
As of the time of this report, members of the Kabiru-led faction had not yet arrived at the secretariat. National Secretariat Ahead of Parallel Meetings
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken control of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, ahead of a series of parallel meetings scheduled by rival blocs.
The Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), elected at the controversial Ibadan convention, had planned its inaugural meeting with key party stakeholders for 10 a.m. at the secretariat. Meanwhile, the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction had summoned emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the same venue.
The secretariat, previously under lock and key, was already occupied early in the morning by Abdulrahman Mohammed, who is recognized as factional National Chairman by his bloc. Armed security operatives were deployed across the premises to maintain order as both factions laid claim to the secretariat.
Personnel from the Mobile Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services positioned themselves at the entrance gates and other strategic points around the secretariat. Patrol vehicles also lined adjoining roads to prevent potential clashes.
Suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had already accessed the premises as accreditation commenced ahead of their faction’s 103rd NEC meeting, which was in progress. The Turaki faction had not yet arrived. Outside the building, anti-Turaki protesters danced and chanted while holding placards with inscriptions such as “No to Turaki” and “Turaki must go.”
Speaking before the BoT meeting, Anyanwu described the heavy security presence as routine, noting that the party routinely invites security agencies to protect members during major gatherings.
He said he had formally notified all security agencies on November 14, 2025, of plans to hold the BoT and NEC meetings, adding that he had also communicated with the electoral commission in line with procedure.
Anyanwu insisted he remains the substantive National Secretary until December 8 and maintained that the Ibadan convention — during which he and others were allegedly suspended — never legally took place.
He argued that no valid communication was sent to the electoral commission regarding the convention and that the event lacked monitoring and supervision, making any decisions from it invalid. He added that two-thirds of the states’ delegates were absent and alleged that individuals “picked by the roadside and given PDP uniforms” were used to fill state delegations.
By 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, the Wike-backed faction had fully taken over the secretariat. Abdulrahman Mohammed led his bloc into the building with a large contingent of armed police officers. Security personnel took positions along surrounding streets and within the premises.
As of the time of this report, members of the Kabiru-led faction had not yet arrived at the secretariat.
Reports emerged online claiming that Brigadier M. Uba, Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, was kidnapped and killed by the so-called terrorist group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) after an ambush along the Damboa–Biu axis of Borno State on Friday, 15 November 2024.
The Nigerian Army quickly dismissed the reports, calling them false. But new statements and images released by ISWAP, supported by independent security sources, have complicated the narrative.
Army Initially Denies Kidnapping Rumours
Following the attack, the Nigerian Army issued a statement confirming that troops “came under sudden and heavy insurgent fire” during a routine patrol near the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.
Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele rejected the reports of Brigadier Uba’s abduction, describing them as a “fake narrative.” She confirmed that two soldiers and two CJTF operatives were killed but insisted the brigade commander was safe, having survived the ambush.
Contrary to the Army’s position, ISWAP released an Arabic statement through its propaganda outlet, Amaq, claiming it had captured and executed the senior officer.
The terror group published a collage showing Brigadier Uba in his office and another photo purportedly taken after his capture, with visible bloodstains on his camouflage.
In the statement, ISWAP said: “Islamic State fighters overthrew a senior officer in the Nigerian army after a successful ambush on a military force in Borno…”
It added that the commander was intercepted after fleeing the initial firefight: “A picture of the brigade commander from inside his office and a picture of him after he was captured by the Islamic State.”
The group also mocked the military’s earlier denial, calling it an “outright lie and a miserable security failure.”
PRNigeria, a platform with strong ties to security agencies, reported that the general had initially escaped the ambush with the help of an aerial operation and even contacted his superiors to confirm his safety.
However, the outlet said ISWAP fighters tracked him down after intercepting information about his location:
“Reports of his location compelled the terrorists to track him down, leading to his capture and subsequent summary execution after an interrogation,” the platform reported.
PRNigeria also described the killing as the first time ISWAP would execute an officer of such a high rank, and linked the incident to “insecure military communications” in the region.
Army Silent After ISWAP’s Publication
Despite the new claims and the release of images, the Army has issued no follow-up clarification. Attempts by journalists to reach the spokesperson were unsuccessful:
“Calls and a message sent to Ms Anele were not responded to at the time of this report.”
Claim Remains Unverified
At this time, the circumstances surrounding Brigadier Uba’s fate remain unverified, as the army insists the commander was never abducted.
The so-called terrorist group ISWAP also claims it captured and executed him and provided images as proof.
Meanwhile, PRNigeria and other security-focused platforms have corroborated ISWAP’s account through independent sources.
At the time of filing this report, there is no updated military statement addressing the new revelations.
While ISWAP’s claims cannot yet be independently authenticated, the army’s earlier position that the commander was “safe” is now strongly in doubt. The truth remains unclear pending official confirmation.
Germany put in a powerful and ruthless performance as they destroyed Slovakia 6–0 in their final qualifying match, confirming their place at the 2026 World Cup.
From the outset, Germany looked in total control — they poured in four goals before halftime, with Woltemade, Gnabry, and two from Leroy Sané all finding the net. In the second half, the dominance only continued as substitutes Ridle Baku and 19-year-old Assan Ouédraogo added their names to the scoresheet.
Ouédraogo’s goal was especially notable, marking him as the youngest debut scorer for Germany. With this huge win, Germany topped their group and booked direct passage to the finals, while Slovakia, despite the heavy loss, are consigned to the playoff route.
Netherlands Complete Unbeaten Run with Convincing Win
The Netherlands wrapped up their qualifying campaign in style, securing a 4–0 home victory against Lithuania to finish first in their group. They started strong, with Tijjani Reijnders netting the opener in the first half, and then went on to score three rapid goals in the second. A VAR-awarded penalty was converted by Cody Gakpo, before Xavi Simons unleashed a powerful solo strike, and Donyell Malen capped off the rout with a slick counter-attack. Unbeaten throughout the campaign, the Dutch sent a message of intent heading into next year’s finals.
Czechia Ride Rampage to Playoff Spot
Czechia entertained at home as they dismantled Gibraltar by six goals, stamping their ticket into the playoff stage. The Czechs made their intent clear early on, scoring five times before the break. Doudera, Chory, Coufal, Karabec, and captain Souček all contributed in a dominant first half, while Robin Hranac tucked in a sixth shortly after the restart. Gibraltar never mounted a real threat and failed to register a shot on target, leaving Czechia in firm control as they head into the playoff round.
Croatia Rally from Two Down to Edge Montenegro
In one of the most dramatic matches of the night, Croatia came from behind to clinch a 3–2 away win against Montenegro. The hosts stunned Croatia early, scoring twice in the first 20 minutes. But Croatia responded: Ivan Perišić converted a penalty just before halftime, and Kristijan Jakic levelled matters in the 72nd minute. With the game hanging in the balance, it was Nikola Vlasic who delivered the decisive blow in the dying minutes, netting an 87th-minute winner to secure top spot in their group and guarantee direct qualification, avoiding the playoff.
Poland Holds On in Tense Battle with Malta
Poland secured a hard-fought 3–2 win in Malta to seal their spot in the March playoffs. Robert Lewandowski opened their account with a header, but Malta refused to fold, with Irvin Cardona equalising after a defensive error.
Poland took the lead again through Pawel Wszolek, only for Malta to draw level once more from a VAR-awarded penalty, which Teddy Teuma converted. Just when it seemed destined for a draw, Piotr Zieliński struck a long-range shot late in the match — deflected but effective — to win the game for Poland.
Despite the victory, they finished second in the group and must now navigate the playoff route.
Northern Ireland Finishes on a High, but the Group Outcome Unchanged
Northern Ireland ended their campaign with a narrow 1–0 win over Luxembourg in a match that saw them already eliminated from automatic qualification hopes. Jamie Donley, in only his second competitive start for his country, converted a penalty just before halftime after Christopher Martins committed a foul in the box following a VAR check. While the result gave Northern Ireland a morale boost, it did not affect the overall group standings; their fate for now relies on playoff or other secondary qualification paths.
Implications Moving Forward
The concluding matchday has dramatically clarified Europe’s picture for the 2026 World Cup. Germany and the Netherlands now look ahead confidently as they head into the finals. Meanwhile, teams like Czechia and Poland must now tackle the playoff gauntlet, where one more tough test awaits in March. Croatia’s grit in turning around a two-goal deficit underlines their quality and readiness, while Northern Ireland will regroup and prepare for their next opportunity.
Armed assailants stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, on Monday, killing a teacher and abducting at least 25 students in one of the most serious school attacks in northern Nigeria in recent months.
Police said the attackers, described as a gang of armed bandits, invaded the school around 4:00 a.m. local time, engaging security personnel in a gunfight before breaching the perimeter fence and seizing students from their hostel. One staff member — Vice Principal Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku — was shot dead while attempting to protect the girls, and another member of staff sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported that a large number of gunmen arrived firing sporadically, creating chaos before leading several students into nearby bushland.
Security agencies have deployed additional police tactical units, soldiers, and vigilante groups to launch a coordinated search-and-rescue operation across surrounding forests and suspected escape routes. Defense Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle said the government has ordered an urgent response to secure the girls’ safe return.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, expressed solidarity with families of the abducted students, assuring them that the government is committed to bringing the girls home unharmed.
This abduction is the first major school kidnapping since March 2024, when more than 200 pupils were taken from Kuriga in Kaduna State. Over the past decade, northern Nigeria has faced repeated school attacks carried out by armed groups seeking ransom or leverage in dealings with authorities. While the government has banned ransom payments, the threat of kidnappings remains severe.
Children’s rights organizations say hundreds of students have been kidnapped since Boko Haram’s infamous 2014 abduction of 276 girls from Chibok. Rural schools remain particularly vulnerable, with rights groups warning that abductions often precede further abuses, including forced recruitment and sexual violence.
The attack in Maga has left families devastated as the search for the missing students intensifies.
The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a high-profile hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to examine President Donald Trump’s decision to reclassify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for alleged violations of religious freedom. The hearing comes amid growing international scrutiny of attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.
At 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building, the Subcommittee—chaired by Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ)—will convene an open session, available via live webcast. The bipartisan hearing is expected to assess the gravity of the religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible U.S. policy responses, including sanctions or targeted aid.
Senior U.S. officials and Nigerian faith leaders will testify. On the government side, panelists include Jonathan Pratt, a senior bureau official from the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Representing civil society and religious organizations are Nina Shea, Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Nigeria’s Makurdi Diocese; and Oge Onubogu from the Center for Strategic & International Studies.
The hearing follows Trump’s October 31 designation of Nigeria as a CPC, citing “severe violations of religious freedom,” particularly the systematic targeting of Christians. Trump has claimed that thousands of Christians are being killed by “radical Islamist” groups, and warned that the United States could suspend aid or even take military action if the Nigerian government fails to protect its Christian population.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance … and may very well go into that now-disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’” Trump declared on November 1, 2025. He added that he had instructed the U.S. “Department of War” to prepare for “possible action” to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists.”
President Bola Tinubu pushed back, rejecting Trump’s remarks as a “misrepresentation of Nigeria’s religious reality.” In a statement on his official social media account, he affirmed that “religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity,” adding that Nigeria remains committed to constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
The U.S. Senate is also weighing a related measure, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, that could reinforce consequences for Nigerian officials implicated in religious persecution.
Bishop Anagbe, who is expected to testify, has previously highlighted the threat to Christian communities in Nigeria. At a March 2025 event in the U.K. Parliament, he described how militant Fulani herdsmen and Islamist extremists have attacked Christian villages in Benue State, burned churches, and forced people into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
“They follow orders to conquer, kill, and occupy,” he told British lawmakers. “They attack even those who have managed to escape into our IDP camps.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has plunged itself deeper into political turbulence after expelling Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and nine other influential members during its national convention held in Ibadan.
The move, described by party leaders as a decisive step to restore unity and discipline, could significantly reshape the 2027 electoral landscape—either strengthening PDP’s resolve or accelerating its decline.
The decision, taken at the Lekan Salami Stadium and attended by delegates from only 17 states, overshadowed the election of Dr. Kabiru Turaki as the party’s new National Chairman.
With multiple lawsuits and factional battles hanging over the convention, the expulsions have intensified a crisis that has lingered since the PDP’s 2023 electoral defeats.
The Crisis
The party’s internal war dates back to the bitter 2023 elections, when disagreement over zoning, candidate selection, and leadership direction led to a historic fracture.
Wike, once a PDP kingmaker, spearheaded the “Integrity Group” of five governors who opposed the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate. His later acceptance of a ministerial appointment in the APC-led federal government and open endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for 2027 deepened suspicions of sabotage.
In the run-up to the Ibadan convention, Wike’s loyalists secured court injunctions from the Federal High Court in Abuja and other judicial divisions to halt the exercise.
They argued that state congresses and national preparations violated PDP’s amended 2017 constitution. Justice Peter Lifu’s November 14 order stopping the convention was brushed aside by the acting National Chairman Umar Damagum’s faction, which relied on a counter-order from an Oyo State High Court.
Sparse attendance and high-profile absences, including Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, exposed the party’s worsening fractures.
With PDP controlling only 11 states and struggling to present a unified front, analysts warn that the party is inching toward an existential cliff. The power struggle now pits pro-Wike factions against a reinvigorated anti-Wike bloc determined to salvage the party ahead of 2027.
Why They Were Expelled
The expulsion of the 11 members was swift and unanimous. Acting Chairman Bode George moved the motion, accusing the group of anti-party activities ranging from supporting APC candidates to filing court cases aimed at derailing party processes. Citing Articles 33(2)(i), (j), (n), and (r) of the PDP constitution, the National Convention ratified the decision through a voice vote led by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed.
List of expelled members are Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Mao Ohuabunwa, Austine Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, George Turne, Dan Orbih
The party also dissolved executive committees in Rivers, Imo, and Abia—states known to be Wike’s political strongholds. While PDP leaders insist the action was constitutional and necessary, critics argue the expulsions were abrupt, lacked fair hearing, and violated internal disciplinary procedures.
PDP Standing
Following the convention, PDP leaders projected confidence. New Chairman Kabiru Turaki, who polled 1,516 votes, pledged to rebuild the party’s credibility.
Damagum framed the expulsions as a “turning point” for the organization, while Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara said the move signaled the party’s determination to enforce discipline.
Host Governor Seyi Makinde, an outspoken critic of Wike, backed the decisions, calling them essential for repositioning the party ahead of 2027.
However, the party remains deeply vulnerable. Its National Working Committee is fractured, governors are divided, and the South-South and South-West bases—formerly PDP strongholds—are alienated.
Many fear that disregarding federal court orders could trigger contempt proceedings, further damaging the party’s credibility. Internal analysts warn that unless reconciliation begins immediately, PDP risks becoming a regional shell with diminishing national relevance.
Reactions
Wike mocked the convention as a “social gathering for the intoxicated” during Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Ado-Ekiti, insisting he and his allies would not acknowledge the decision. Fayose, in trademark defiance, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “The dead don’t expel the living,” describing PDP as a “political corpse.”
Within the party, dissent mounted. Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who chaired the convention planning committee, distanced himself from the expulsions and left the venue abruptly. Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the move as divisive and poorly timed. House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda criticized the process for lacking due process entirely.
Observers on social media were sharply divided, with some celebrating the expulsions as overdue discipline and others declaring PDP a “dead party.” APC supporters mocked the development, calling it evidence of PDP’s terminal decline.
Wike’s camp has called for an emergency NEC and BoT meeting in Abuja, setting the stage for further legal and political confrontations.
What It Means For The 2027 Election
The expulsions could either revitalize PDP or push it toward collapse.
A best-case scenario would see the party consolidate around new leadership, silence internal saboteurs, and craft a more coherent strategy for 2027.
But the risks are far greater: Wike’s grip on Rivers politics threatens PDP’s access to one of Nigeria’s highest vote-yielding states. Fayose’s ouster could weaken PDP’s already fragile footprint in Ekiti and the broader South-West.
Governors’ open revolt suggests possible defections, which could cripple the party ahead of the elections. If the crisis deepens, the APC stands to benefit enormously, potentially granting President Tinubu a smooth path to re-election.
As political analysts note: “Removing Wike doesn’t end the story—it begins the sequel.”
Whether Ibadan 2025 becomes the moment PDP finds its footing or the point of no return remains to be seen. What is clear is that Nigeria’s opposition landscape is now more volatile than ever.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has warned of a nationwide shutdown following an alleged attack on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Imo State.
In a statement from its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union explained that the action became necessary after workers on duty at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation were reportedly beaten, held hostage at gunpoint, and some abducted by armed police officers allegedly acting on the orders of the state government.
The union stated that police officers forcefully entered the control rooms, vandalised equipment, and disrupted operations. Workers were allegedly held at gunpoint, assaulted, and taken to an undisclosed location.
The union confirmed that it has already instructed its members to halt power supply operations in Imo State until further notice.
It further warned that it would suspend services nationwide unless authorities immediately guarantee the safety and protection of electricity workers across the country.
The statement read: “NUEE expresses deep shock and outrage over the level of gangsterism and unprofessional conduct displayed today by police officers acting on behalf of Imo State government.
“These officers forcibly invaded and vandalised the control rooms at Egbu 132/33KV Transmission Substation in an attempt to compel operators to grant an illegal outage.
“During the invasion, the officers allegedly disconnected power at gunpoint and held all staff on duty hostage, forcing them to open breakers under duress.
“They further unleashed violence on our members, beating, molesting and assaulting every staff member in sight. Personal belongings, including phones, laptops, and vehicles, were destroyed, while CCTV cameras were also vandalised.
“The police officers executed this brutal and barbaric assault on innocent workers and abducted them to an undisclosed location.
“NUEE strongly condemns this reprehensible act and demands the immediate release of our abducted members. We also call for a formal undertaking from TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure the protection of our members.
“Additionally, we demand the immediate replacement of all staff property damaged or taken away, and insist that all assaulted workers be provided with full medical attention.
“Consequently, NUEE directs all members to stay away from the office until further notice, as we cannot continue to work under conditions of brutality, intimidation, and threats to life. Work can only resume when the safety of staff and property is fully guaranteed.
“Failure to address these issues promptly will leave the union with no alternative but to withdraw our services nationwide until adequate safety and protection are secured at all workplaces.”
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), “to promptly account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing or diverted N3 trillion of public funds, as documented in the recently published 2022 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”
SERAP stated that these serious allegations are detailed in the latest annual report released by the Auditor-General on 9 September 2025.
The organisation urged him to “identify those responsible for the missing or diverted public funds and hand them over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.”
SERAP further encouraged him “to ensure the full recovery and return of any missing public funds to the treasury without further delay.”
In a letter dated 15 November 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group wrote: “These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest grave violations of the public trust, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act, and anticorruption standards.”
The organisation also noted, “These grave violations also reflect a failure of CBN accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s persistent failure to comply with its Act and to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.”
According to SERAP, “These violations have seriously undermined the ability of the CBN to effectively discharge its statutory functions and the public trust and confidence in the bank. The CBN ought to be committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.”
The letter read in part: “According to the Auditor-General, the CBN in 2022 failed to remit over N1 trillion [N1,445,593,400,000.00] of ‘the Federal Government’s portion of operating surplus’ into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) account.”
“The Auditor-General fears that the money may have been ‘diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The CBN in 2022 failed to recover over N629 billion [N629,040,000,000.00] paid to ‘unknown beneficiaries’ as part of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, a programme ‘meant to support farmers to ensure sustainable food production in the country.’”
“But the number of beneficiaries who collected the money are unknown.’ The CBN has also failed to ‘recover the money.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’, which could have ‘contributed to the difficulty in sustaining food security in the Nation.’”
“He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The CBN has also failed to recover over N784 billion [N784,410,108,864.47] ‘being 32 unpaid, overdue loans and interventions disbursed by the Bank between 2018 and May 2022.’”
“The Auditor-General said ‘there was no evidence that the Bank was doing enough to recover the loans/interventions, which ought to have been paid.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The CBN in 2022 also spent over N125 billion [N125,374,000,000.00] ‘on questionable intervention activities.’ The CBN claimed it spent the money ‘on intervention activities in connection with national security, the federal government, state securities, armed forces and to build the capacity of the financial sector.’”
“But the Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been spent ‘without the approval of the National Assembly.’ There was also no document to ‘support the expenditure.’”
“The ‘expenditure also may not have been in the public interest and consistent with the objectives of the CBN in section 2 of the CBN Act.’ The Auditor-General fears the money may have been ‘diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The CBN in 2022 also ‘unjustifiably’ spent over N1 billion [N1,792,769,160.00] to buy 43 operational vehicles for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The ‘spending is unjustified because there is no connection with buying operational vehicles for the NIS and the objectives of the CBN as stated in section 2 of the CBN Act.’”
“The NIS also ‘failed to provide any evidence to show that the vehicles were actually supplied and delivered.’ There ‘were also no procurement and payment records or documents.’ The Auditor-General fears the money may have been ‘diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The CBN also awarded 43 contracts for over N189 billion [N189,50,066,756.73] but ‘the contractors deliberately delayed completion of these contracts’ by seeking ‘extension of the completion period.’”
“The contractors then ‘requested for variation of contracts due to extension of completion period.’ Following the request, the CBN paid the contractors over N9 billion [N9,270,849,691.61] ‘irregular variation of contract price.’”
“There were no relevant procurement documents such as contract files, procurement records, and payment vouchers’ for the payment. The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’ and the projects may have been abandoned.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Katsina state branch of the CBN also failed to recover over N90 million [N90,163,610.00] being ‘outstanding loans and interventions disbursed to 33 small and medium enterprises during Covid-19 in 2020.’”
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been ‘diverted’ or ‘mismanaged’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Paragraph 708 of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, ‘on no account should payment be made for services not yet performed or for goods not yet supplied.’”
“Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” Section 13 of the Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the CBN to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“Paragraph 3112(ii) of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides: ‘Where a public officer fails to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officer shall be handed over to either the EFCC or the ICPC.’”
“Nigerians have the right to know the whereabouts of the public funds. Taking the recommended measures would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their public.”
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