Category Nigeria News

The Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has expressed confidence in his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), retaining power at the centre after the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, is not coming up with anything new to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

The long-serving lawmaker, who appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, however, said the opposition cannot be underrated.

“I am not worried because nobody is coming up with something new. Everybody is talking about it is either Bola Ahmed Tinubu or Atiku or Amaechi or Peter Obi. I don’t see anything that they put on the table,” Ndume said.

“The man holding the steering now is Tinubu, but those that are trying to take over, and the ADC itself, every day it’s here and there. Initially, I had a lot of confidence, but when you find people concentrating on themselves for the power they can get, it’s not a big deal.

“Up till now, despite the fact that they have strong personalities, they have not been able to actually put their house in order. But you can’t underrate any opposition, no matter how small.

“Remember, that was how PDP was thinking about APC initially — that APC is not serious. Buhari tried several times; he didn’t make it. So, I’m not writing Atiku, Obi or Amaechi off.”



He asserted that having a strong opposition is very necessary in every democracy.

READ ALSO: [2027 Polls] Journey To Sack APC Has Just Begun – Kenneth Okonkwo

Asked if Nigerians should reject Tinubu at the polls in 2027 for failing to fulfil some of his promises, Ndume said that decision is left to Nigerians. However, he insisted that Tinubu has done a lot of work, but it has been overshadowed by insecurity and lack of welfare for the people.

He said that if the President can take the fight against insecurity very seriously, secure Nigerians, improve the power sector, and improve welfare for citizens, Nigerians will return him to power.

Even though he acknowledged that Nigerians may not be happy with the APC, Ndume insisted that the ADC is not a threat.

He said that once the APC government is able to solve the problems of insecurity and welfare for the people, Nigerians will not have a problem voting for the party because they are forgiving.

“As I said, our problem is the security and welfare of the people, and then keeping up with some of those things and getting them right. Some of the policies that the government put in place, if they start yielding results, Nigerians will be happy about it. One good thing about Nigerians is that they are forgiving; if you offend them and you ask for forgiveness or things turn around, they will put it behind.

“So, don’t write APC off. I will not say Nigerians are happy with all that we are doing, but at the same time, I cannot say the opposition is a threat because we are all one — all the same politicians,” he said.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering migration partnership, organised immigration crime, border security, and expanded business visas for UK firms operating in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: We’ve Navigated Our Way Out Of Dark Tunnel Of Economic Uncertainty — Tinubu

The agreements were announced in a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on its X handle on Thursday, as part of ongoing engagements during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was quoted as saying that the deals “reflect Nigeria’s push for a transparent, rules-based migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial,” adding that they would help tackle “abuse of legal pathways” while strengthening border control.

He noted that the MoUs were also expected to enhance trade and ease business mobility, supporting the Federal Government’s broader economic ambitions.

According to him, the arrangements support Nigeria’s drive toward a trillion-dollar economy under President Bola Tinubu, removing barriers linked to irregular migration.

The statement disclosed that the agreements were signed with the UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi.

The agreements mark a significant step in Nigeria–UK relations, reinforcing cooperation on migration governance, security, and economic development.

The signing of the Nigeria–UK migration and visa agreements comes amid a broader wave of bilateral engagements during President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing two-day visit to the United Kingdom. 

One of the highlights of the visit is the £746 million financing deal to modernise Lagos ports.

The Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port are central to Nigeria’s maritime economy, serving as key gateways for imports and exports.

As Muslims across the world celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has extended his warmest congratulations to the faithful in Nigeria, calling for compassion, forgiveness, and unity.

Akpabio, in a congratulatory message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, congratulated Muslims for the successful completion of the spiritual exercise of fasting, urging them to continue with the philanthropic practice of almsgiving and love for one another.

“This joyous celebration reminds us of the profound values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that Eid-el-Fitr embodies. As you conclude this important exercise of fasting and spiritual reflection, be reminded of the importance of empathy, kindness, and generosity towards others, particularly the less privileged.

“May the spirit of Eid inspire us to cultivate compassion, promote understanding, and work towards a more just and harmonious Nigeria.

“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate, and indeed the 10th National Assembly, I sincerely wish President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and all Muslims a happy and blessed Eid celebration, and pray for peace, progress, and prosperity in Nigeria and globally.” Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr. Special Adviser Media and Publicity Office of the President of the Senate.

READ ALSO: [Eid-El-Fitri] Sultan Declares Friday As First Day Of Shawwal

On Wednesday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration of Friday as the day for Eid-el-Fitr.

He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and called for sustained prayers for national unity and development.

The Sultan’s announcement came after the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Thursday, 19 March, and Friday, 20 March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

At least three police officers have been shot dead by gunmen suspected to be bandits in Tordamisa community of Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.

A 60-year-old Chairman of the Vigilante Group in Tordamisa Village was also shot dead by the bandits.

The incident was confirmed via a press statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Taraba State Police Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah.

According to the statement, the operation followed a distress report from Zaki Orbanga, a resident of Tordamisa, Akate Ward, who reported that armed men suspected to be bandits had attacked Tse Kwe village.

READ ALSO: Troops Kill Over 60 Terrorists In Borno

”Upon receipt of the information, a team of police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Donga, alongside operatives of the Special Force, was immediately mobilized and deployed to the scene to restore order and protect residents.

”On arrival at the location, the suspected armed bandits opened fire on the police team, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The police operatives responded swiftly and repelled the attackers.

”Regrettably, during the encounter, CPL Raphael Danjuma and PC Ebenezer Daniel sustained fatal gunshot wounds in the line of duty. Another officer, PC Samuel Bawa, was initially reported missing during the operation. A search party was subsequently organized, and his body was later recovered in a nearby bush.

”Additionally, the corpse of Nutsa Tyav, a 60-year-old Chairman of the Vigilante Group in Tordamisa Village, was also recovered following the attack,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the brave officers and the vigilante member who paid the supreme price while protecting the state and nation at large.

The Command extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures them that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, security operations have been intensified in the area as efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack.

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday spoke to a gathering at Lambeth Palace in central London.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Oversees £746m Financing Deal In UK To Modernise Lagos Ports

Lambeth Palace is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mrs. Tinubu interacted with religious leaders.

She also met representatives of the Church of England, including Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover, and Bishop Emma Ineson, acting Bishop of London.

The First Lady and President Tinubu met King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday, as part of activities lined up for the President’s two-day state visit.

They were received by the heir to the throne, Prince William, and his wife, Catherine, who travelled with them to Windsor on the same day.

King Charles also hosted a state banquet at Windsor in the evening in honour of the President and his wife.

Tinubu has visited Britain several times in his tenure, and the two countries remain major partners in trade, aid, and defense. London is also home to a massive Nigerian diaspora.

See photos from the event below: 

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday delivered a historic address at Windsor Castle, where he highlighted Nigeria’s democratic journey, his personal experience during the pro-democracy struggle, and the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III, the Nigerian leader expressed gratitude for the support he received while in exile during the military era, recalling how British authorities protected him at a time of significant personal risk.

Tinubu used the occasion to highlight the depth of Nigeria–UK relations, describing the partnership as one rooted in shared history, democratic values and strong people-to-people connections.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the UK, particularly in addressing regional security challenges and driving economic growth.

The President pointed to the contributions of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, noting their impact across sectors including healthcare, business, technology and the creative industries, which continue to reinforce ties between both nations.

Here is President Bola Tinubu’s Full Speech

Your Majesty, King Charles III,
Queen Camilla,

Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a profound honour to stand before you today, representing the people of Nigeria as we reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united our two nations for several centuries.

Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic.

Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience.

Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values. Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.

The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.
The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context. While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.

The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide. Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.

In sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership. As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.
Your Majesty, I am confident that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.