The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal dissent and the looming threat of a united opposition in the 2027 elections.  Despite the party’s claims of unity, prominent members like former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai have publicly criticized the APC’s leadership and direction, citing a lack of internal democracy and effective party structures. El-Rufai even warned of a potential voter apathy crisis, with a projected 75% abstention rate in 2027.

Other APC members reportedly share these concerns, with some even considering joining forces with the PDP and other opposition parties to replicate their successful 2015 ousting of an incumbent president.  Former PDP member John Kennedy Osuala believes the APC’s own performance, marked by poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship, will be its undoing.  He argues that defections to the APC are meaningless and that a united opposition will emerge to challenge the ruling party.

Labour Party stalwart Elder Yusuf Solomon Danbaki anticipates capitalizing on anti-Tinubu sentiment in the North, predicting a resurgence of the “Obidient Movement” and a coalition with other parties.  He believes that even the incumbency advantage can be overcome, citing the perceived divisions within the APC, particularly in the North.

While President Tinubu’s 2027 intentions remain unclear, his supporters face the challenge of galvanizing support, especially in the North.  Concerns have been raised about the political clout of key presidential aides.  However, some within the APC dismiss the opposition’s threat, expressing confidence in the Vice President’s influence in the North and urging reconciliation with dissenting voices like El-Rufai.  They also defend the government’s economic policies, anticipating improvements.

An anonymous APC chieftain revealed that efforts are focused on reconciling stakeholders rather than replacing the Vice President, warning that disunity could jeopardize their chances in 2027.  APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, declined to comment on the matter

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has confirmed that its Warri refinery section in Delta State is currently undergoing routine maintenance. This comes less than 35 days after the refinery resumed operations.

The maintenance, which began on January 25, 2025, is being carried out on select equipment in Area 1 of the refinery. NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, stated that the maintenance is necessary to ensure the production of high-quality finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene.

Soneye also denied reports of a fire outbreak at the refinery, stating that the reports are false. He assured that the maintenance is progressing as planned and that the refinery will be back in operation within the next few days.

Despite the ongoing maintenance, NNPC has maintained an average AGO loading of eight trucks per day, ensuring a sufficient supply to sustain ongoing truck load-out operations. The company remains committed to ensuring an uninterrupted product supply and appreciates the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders as it completes these essential maintenance activities.

Three Nigerians, Nnamdi Benson, Richard Uzuh, and Felix Okpoh, have been added to the FBI’s Most-Wanted list for their involvement in a $6 million fraud scheme called Business Email Compromise (BEC).

According to the FBI’s website, the trio were part of a group that scammed over 70 businesses in the United States. Benson is said to have played a key role by providing bank accounts where the stolen money was sent.

The FBI notice also mentioned that Benson was involved in other types of fraud, such as romance and advance-fee scams. He was indicted by a U.S. court in August 2019.

The notice about Benson reads: “Nnamdi Orson Benson is wanted for his role in a BEC scheme that defrauded over 70 businesses in the U.S., causing losses of more than $6 million. Benson allegedly gave bank accounts to Richard Uzuh to receive the stolen money. Benson is also accused of conducting romance fraud and advance-fee scams. On August 21, 2019, he, along with Felix Okpoh and Abiola Kayode, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A federal arrest warrant was issued for him the next day.”

Another FBI notice described Okpoh’s involvement, saying he helped by providing hundreds of bank accounts used to receive stolen money, totaling about $1 million.

The notice states: “Okpoh allegedly gave numerous bank accounts to Richard Uzuh and others, including Benson, to receive fraudulent wire transfers. These transfers totaled over $1 million. Okpoh was indicted on August 21, 2019, and a federal warrant for his arrest was issued the following day.”

Uzuh is accused of sending fake emails to businesses across the U.S., tricking them into transferring money. The FBI also states that Uzuh worked with others to launder the stolen funds through a complex network.

The notice about Uzuh reads: “Uzuh and his co-conspirators, including Okpoh, Kayode, and Benson, allegedly sent fake emails to businesses in the U.S. asking for wire transfers. Uzuh worked with money launderers and others to hide the proceeds of the crime, both in the U.S. and abroad. Uzuh was indicted in October 2016 and a federal warrant for his arrest was issued the next day.”

Recently, another member of the group, Abiola Kayode, who had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted Cyber Criminal list, was extradited from Ghana to the U.S. He was arrested in April 2023 and sent to Nebraska after a U.S. request for extradition.

A statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska, said Kayode had been indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in August 2019. He was handed over to the FBI after his arrest in Ghana and brought to the U.S. in December.