Good morning in Nigeria. Welcome to today’s Naija news roundup on Saturday, April 18, 2025
Minister of Territory of the Federal Capital, New Vickreveals why he chose not to support Labour presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 general election.
Wick spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, refuting Obi’s candidacy for his lack of realistic prospects, calling him “Social media candidate.”
“No, he didn’t have a chance to win the election,” Wick said. “I wouldn’t see people like social media candidates. I don’t be a social media candidate.”
Wike served as Rivers state governor until 2023, saying his political decisions were driven by analysis and feasibility, rather than popularity online.
“I said I think this is a politician and I analyzed the candidates who might win.” He added.
The FCT Minister stressed that the election success in Nigeria was affected by many factors that exceeded eligibility or digital visibility.
“Political, oh, that’s not always right, this is the best candidate. No, no, no, no, no,” He said.
“You see Nigerians today, politically, there are a lot of factors coming in.”
Vick also highlighted the tough situation of the 2023 election, including the controversial Naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity.
NYESOM WIKE, the Minister (FCT) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), dismissed his claim that he planned to install a vulnerable candidate in the President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The minister is said to have planned to appoint his candidates at the National Congress later this year.
Naija News It is understood that there are claims that the Chairman will deliver the PDP to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Vick responded to the allegations in his speech to the media on Friday, saying he had no intention of implementing any bad plans against the former ruling party.
He said “It’s incorrect, and if I intentionally do anything bad, I won’t point them out.
“I pointed out these things, these things look at where you are going, it won’t serve us, let us make sacrifices – let this person’s term end, a person who doesn’t love you won’t do that.
“You want to go to Tinubu in the south? Yes, did I not run for him before? It’s not new.”
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike claims that the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is not ready for the 2027 presidency.
Naija News The report said Vick announced this popularity in a media chat in Abuja on Friday, April 18, 2025.
The former Rivers Governor insisted that he made the right decision to support President Bra Tinub in 2023, stressing that all the Progressive Conference (APC) would not win the election due to the performance of past former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Wick also said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar did not follow his words, adding that he would never rely on them.
The president said Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s financial situation is very huge compared to the previous government.
Naija News reported that Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser to information and strategy, said on Friday.
Onanuga said Tinubu has been clearing debts incurred by previous governments, while also raising the country’s diplomatic reserves. Under Tinubu, the monthly federal allocation to states increased.
He stressed that the president’s government fulfilled its international lending obligations.
“Nigeria under the PBAT is clearing the inheritance debt of multiple governments. However, our foreign reserves are rising. According to the PBAT government, the federal states are also accepting more FIA allocations.
“Did you know that our international monetary loan obligations have dropped from $2.47 billion as of 2023 to $800.23 million at the end of 2024? During that period, it was a sharp drop of more than 67%. He wrote 𝕏
Onanuga’s post is a complement to the President’s senior special assistant post on the new media Otega Ogra.
All Progress Conferences (APCs) in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State Announce Indefinite suspension Senator Chuka Utazi, He cited his so-called participation in anti-party activities.
From 2015 to 2023, Utazi, who served as the district senator for Enugu North under the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), officially joined the APC in 2024. However, his recent actions have caused anger among the Glasgen-level party leaders.
In a formal notice sent to APC State Chairman Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah, Uzo-Uvani Party executives accused Utazi of engaging in activities that violate the interests of APC.
The letter was signed by Chief Chris Ajodo (Chairman of LGA). Pius Dia (Secretary) and Honor (Hon). Albert Arnibonham (Chairman Nkpologu Ward).
According to the letter, his Nkpologu Ward reported that Utazi participated in the PDP Enugu North Zonal chapter meeting and recognized Governor Peter Mbah’s second ambitions before the 2027 election.
In response to reattacks across the plateau, Borno and other states, Nigerian troops have begun to implement tactical changes in their operations.
The restructuring begins with the Nigerian army on Monday and is expected to expand to the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy in the coming days. Senior officers have been redeployed to strengthen ongoing operations.
The affected senior officials included Operation Hardin Kay Commander in Borno State and Commander of the National Defense Academy of Nigeria (NDA) in Kaduna.
Major General Ae Abubakar was appointed as the new theater commander of OPHK, while Major General Ak Ibrahim was appointed as the new commander of the NDA. Sources in the military told the Daily Trust that the redeployed commanders should be held accountable after Easter celebrations.
The outgoing theater commander Major General Shuaibu Waidi only came from Major General Qianqi on January 30, 2024. His tenure focused on maintaining the Northeast’s struggle against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
However, concerns about deteriorating safety conditions persist. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum warned last week that the state risks are in chaos.
A new armed group called Mahmuda has reportedly controlled rural communities in northern Nigeria, which has terrorized residents around Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) in parts of Kwara and Niger State.
The group now operates freely in communities of local government district communities, such as Kemanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku and Nanu, just like the villages of Yashikira district, Baruten local government district in Kwara state. In Niger State, they are present in the Babana and Wawa regions of Borgu LGA.
The militants reportedly attacked a vigilant group in Kaimanji and killed more than 15 members and villagers.
“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. The leaders in their voices are threatening all communities. They kill and kidnap victims, and also demand ransom,” he said. Revealed local sources.
The emergence of Mahmuda has increased the growing list of non-state armed groups in Nigeria, occupying unmanned space.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike expressed his willingness to forgive his estranged political Goldson and successor Siminalayi Fubara.
Naija News Vic and Forbala have been at the top of the struggle to control the country’s political and structural resources.
The Rift also affected the state capitol, with 27 suspended members defecting to All Progressive Conferences (APCs).
Wike said in a media store in Abuja on Friday, April 18, 2025 that he would forgive Fobala’s mistakes if he really sought forgiveness.
The minister also revealed that the two governors approached him to settle the dispute between him and Forbala, and he told them that he was ready to have peace with his successor.
He said “These two governors came to me and I said, ‘Look, I’m here to be peaceful. What does he want?’ They said, “Look, everything we’ll do.” ”
“With sincerity, if someone comes, it must be sincerity. The best opportunity is when the president intervenes.”
The minister also supported President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of a state of emergency in the river, saying he hoped to remove Fubara.
Nigerian comedian Oluwaseyitan Aletile, commonly known as Seyi Law, claimed that his support for President Bola Tinubu has earned him his hatred and some Nigerian sponsorship, but he has no regrets.
Naija News Report says in a recent episode of Teju Babyface Podcast Seyi saw it, He was one of the celebrities who ran for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, insisting that despite the current hardship and insecurity, the former Lagos governor remains the best groom in the job.
According to comedians, if President Tinob can’t change the country, no politician can do that, including the 2023 People’s Democratic presidential candidate (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and Labour candidate Peter Obi.
Seyi Law insists that neither Atiku nor Peter Obi will perform better if both win the record he is familiar with.
He added that he would be happier when his children enjoy the benefits of President Tinubu’s reform in the future.
The relegation threatening LOBI star has confirmed that the schedule of its Nigerian Prime Minister Football League (NPFL) matches has changed.
The NPFL match was scheduled for Sunday, April 20 and will now be on the center stage a day ago, on Saturday, April 19.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu will host the competition and it will begin at 4:00 pm. At the time of writing, the specific reasons for this date adjustment have not been disclosed.
In a statement shared on their official Facebook page, Lobi Stars thanked their dedicated fan base and said:For our precious fans, please let us know that the match day with Enugu International Football Club is 34 games, which is scheduled earlier on Sunday, April 20 and will now be held on Saturday, April 19 (4:00).
“The venue remains the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. We appreciate your patience and continued encouragement.”
That was the top newspaper headline in Nigeria today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you tomorrow.
