Former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has called for respect for the principle of rotational presidency ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing the need for justice, equity, and fairness.
Amosun made the call while addressing his supporters during activities marking his 68th birthday celebration, held at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta, the state capital.
He urged Nigerians to give more support and understanding to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, while also asking his supporters to remain steadfast. Amosun assured them that his next political move would be announced soon.
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The former governor stated that President Tinubu’s leadership was not only in the interest of the South-West but also in the interest of the entire country.
“In the interest of Nigeria, we must respect rotation. The North has had eight years under President Muhammadu Buhari. Now it is the turn of the South, and we have President Tinubu. Anybody who truly loves Nigeria should support this arrangement,” he said.
“He is representing all of us in the South and indeed Nigeria. That is why I am supporting him, not because of personal interest, but because it is in the interest of Nigeria,” Amosun added.
Ibikunle Amosun, the former governor of Ogun State, has urged the 2027 general elections to respect the rotational presidency, stressing the need for justice, equity, and fairness.
Amosun made the call while speaking to his supporters at the state capital’s Ake Palace Pavilion’s 68th birthday celebration.
He urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration with more support and understanding, while also urging his supporters to remain unwavering. Mossun promised to let them know when his next political decision would be made.
READ MORE: Gov. Adeleke Demands Release Of “Withheld” 130bn LG Funds
The former governor claimed that the South-West’s interests were paramount in President Tinubu’s direction as well as the interests of the entire nation.
We must respect rotation in order to protect Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari served in the North for eight years. President Tinubu is now in the South’s hands. He argued that anyone who genuinely enjoys Nigeria should support this arrangement.
He speaks for Nigerians and all of us in the South. That’s why I’m supporting him, not because it’s personal, but because it serves Nigeria’s interests,” Amosun continued.
The son of former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Mutustapha Kwankwaso, has resigned from his position as the governor of Kano State and the commissioner for youth and sports development.
Mustapha stated in a resignation statement on Monday that the decision was “heavy heart,” and thanked Kano State governor Abba Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the state’s citizens.
He urged his fellow citizens to continue receiving the support and attention they deserve, noting that his administration provided him with valuable experiences and lessons.
The former commissioner praised the governor’s confidence in him and prayed for constant support for Kano State’s youth development, stressing the value of continued funding for sports development and youth empowerment.
According to reports, Governor Yusuf’s resignation is scheduled for today, along with his transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Read more about Yusuf’s NNPP after weeks of speculation here.
The governor resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Friday.
With effect from January 23, 2026, the Governor sent a letter of resignation to the NNPP’s Chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward in Gwale Local Government Area.
The Governor stated in the letter that “I am deeply humbled to inform the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leadership of my decision to resign from the party.” “This decision comes into effect on January 25, 2026.”
The Governor noted that the party has been subjected to persistent internal issues that have been brought on by leadership disagreements and ongoing legal proceedings, many of which are currently before the courts for judicial resolution.
These disagreements, in his opinion, have caused party unity and division to grow deeper.
Some officers will be detained and put on trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government, according to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
READ MORE: The military detains 16 officers for indiscipline and service violations.
It stated in a statement that it was in compliance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service rules issued by Samaila Uba, the director’s major general.
The Defence Headquarters issued a press release in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers for a series of arbitrary and service-related violations. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that, in accordance with current laws, the investigation has been concluded and the report has been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.
The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military practices, thoroughly examined the circumstances surrounding the actions of the affected personnel.
According to the findings, several of the officers have been accused of plotting to overthrow the government, which is against the AFN’s code of ethics, values, and professional standards.
The statement states that the actions being taken are solely disciplinary and are a part of ongoing institutional efforts to maintain order.
“In accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to go to trial.” This upholds the principles of fairness and due process while maintaining accountability.
The AFN once more insists that the actions being taken are solely disciplinary and are a result of ongoing institutional efforts to maintain order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The armed forces continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority, the statement continued.
Soldiers’ Arrest
More than three months after it was revealed in October 2025 that 16 officers had been detained for alleged indiscipline violations and service regulations, the most recent military action was announced.
It explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the officers’ actions were connected to concerns about stagnant career advancement and repeated failures in promotion exams.
The Directorate of Defense Information described the conduct of the affected officers as being insufficiently ethical for the military in a statement released by the directorate.
Additionally, it was noted that some of the officers were awaiting court proceedings or were facing trial for various offenses.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria would like to inform the general public that sixteen officers were arrested during a routine military exercise due to discipline and service-related violations. Investigations have revealed that, among other things, their grievances largely stemmed from the perception that their careers were stagnant as a result of repeated failures to pass promotions.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate conduct that violates the institution’s sanctity or threatens its constitutional authority,” the statement read. The statement’s portion reads, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to fulfill their constitutional obligations and will continue to be professional at all times.”
Cancellation of the Parade
Following months of rumors about an attempt to overthrow the Federal Government, which was linked to the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade, the planned military trial also came about.
A parade taking place on Saturday in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day. Credit: Taiwo Adeshina/Channels Television
A report from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) earlier was refuted by the Defense Intelligence Agency, alleging that the agency had taken 16 military officers into custody over alleged involvement in covert meetings to plot a coup against the government.
The parade was canceled in order for President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside of the nation and for AFN members to maintain momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“The legislature, judiciary, and the Federal Government are working closely together to ensure the country’s safety, development, and well-being,” the statement read. Democracies will always be there.
Under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the armed forces of Nigeria continue to adhere to the Constitution and the Federal Government, according to a statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, director of defense information, in October.
Tinubu, the president
Raid On An Ex-Gov’s Resident
However, Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, was reportedly the subject of an alleged coup plot when soldiers from the Nigerian Army stormed his Abuja residence in the same month.
A special military team was responsible for carrying out the operation, according to numerous security sources. The former minister of state for petroleum resources was reportedly linked to a number of secret meetings with some of the detained military officers who were allegedly plotting to overthrow the government by intelligence reports.
According to a top security official with knowledge of the development, the operation also included Sylva’s Bayelsa home, where his brother, one Paga, was detained. “The special team of the Nigerian Army allegedly fled Nigeria and raided Timipre Sylva’s home.
“He is the former governor of South America who is frequently mentioned in the case.” According to the source, his brother, Paga, was found during the raid.
Demand made by the opposition
In response, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanded that the Federal Government immediately ascertain the true nature of the alleged coup plot involving the detained military officers.
Bolaji Abdullahi, a spokesperson for the ADC
In a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, the government’s national publicity secretary, the organization expressed concern about “conflicting signals,” noting that the Defence Headquarters had consistently denied ever mentioning a coup plot despite widespread media reports that were contrary to what they claimed.
The military has repeatedly denied that there was a threat to the government, which is “particularly concerning” the federal government’s decision to not categorize a statement on this extremely serious matter.
On Monday, residents of the Ilu-Abo community in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State peacefully protested a recent increase in kidnappings, blocking the Airport-Owo Expressway, and causing heavy traffic along the axis.
Oladeinde Tomilola, a middle-aged woman, was abducted on Sunday night at the home’s entrance, and the protest came after that.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers, who are believed to be armed, shot at her car before escorting her away.
Two neighbors who attempted to intervene were shot in the stomach and one in the head during the attack.
Both victims received urgent medical care at a nearby hospital.
Additionally, a woman and her 11-year-old daughter reportedly suffered varying injuries as a result of the gunfire.
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Protesters gathered early on Monday to demand immediate government intervention in response to the worsening security situation, including youths, women, and community leaders, and chant solidarity songs.
Funmilayo Odunlami-Jimoh, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the incidents, stating that they took place in distinct but related incidents.
One John Ofuduwa was shot and killed while driving into his home in a Toyota Camry saloon car with Abuja registration number GWA 674 CM, according to him when six armed men, whose identities are still unknown, opened fire on him. He was seriously hurt by a gunshot wound.
A middle-aged woman, Oladeinde Tomilola, who was also about to enter her compound, was abducted by the attackers, according to Jimoh, adding that a woman’s daughter, 11, and two other people, who were also hurt by stray bullets, also suffered injuries.
On Monday, Ondo State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, visited the area to assess the situation and speak with residents.
Suanu Baridam, the Paramount Ruler of the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was just a few meters away from being killed when gunmen opened fire on his convoy.
On Sunday evening, the first-class traditional ruler was attacked as he left a meeting with the Okwale community in Khana.
Read more about the One Dead, Eight Shot in Rivers Shooting As Police Arrest Suspects
Along the Tekar Sogho Road, which connects the area to the East–West Road, an incident occurred around 5:30 p.m.
The assailants attempted to stop the monarch’s vehicle between Taabaa Junction and Sogho, according to eyewitness accounts.
The gunmen reportedly opened fire on the car when the driver refused to stop.
His driver also suffered gunshot wounds in the attack, and the monarch’s leg was also injured.
The traditional ruler is currently receiving medical care, while the other was taken urgently to the hospital for treatment.
Police launch a probe
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident in a press release on Monday, stating that unknown gunmen stormed the monarch’s black Prado Jeep and attacked the vehicle, destroying the windscreen and other components.
The victim was identified as King T. Y. Baridam, the Paramount Ruler of Bangha Community, and police identified him as King T. Y. Baridam.
Although the attackers’ motive for the attack is still unknown, according to sources, there are strong indications that the assailants intended to kill the traditional ruler.
King Baridam has survived an assassination attempt for the second time.
The police claimed patrol teams were immediately dispatched to the location to comb the area and locate the attackers.
The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident and will make no mistakes in prosecuting the suspects, according to the statement.
Additionally, the Command urged people to remain calm and provide credible information that would help security agencies with their inquiries.
