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.

The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations from the President of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchani, who claimed that Nigeria was aware of the formation of the Lakurawa terrorist group but ignored it.

In an interview with TRT Afrika, Tchani alleged that he personally reached out to top Nigerian officials, including former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ahmed Rufa’i and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, to warn them about the group. He also claimed that the Nigerian government sent a delegation to Niger and spoke to captured terrorists about the situation.

However, the Nigerian government swiftly rejected these claims, calling them “baseless” and “untrue.” In a statement, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said the allegations were purely imaginary, adding that Nigeria has never been involved in any collaboration with France or any other country to support terrorism or destabilize Niger.

Idris emphasized that President Bola Tinubu, as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), had shown strong leadership and kept diplomatic channels open with Niger, despite the political turmoil in the country. He also reassured Nigerians that the country’s military, along with international partners, was successfully working to combat terrorism in the region.

The minister strongly denied the idea that Nigeria had supported any terrorist groups or collaborated with foreign powers to harm Niger. He also dismissed Tchani’s claims about terrorist training camps in Nigeria, specifically in Sokoto State, saying they were unsubstantiated.

“We are committed to regional peace and stability,” Idris said. “Nigeria has a long-standing policy of defending its sovereignty and will not undermine its neighbors.”

Tchani’s accusations also included claims that France had provided Boko Haram with weapons, allegedly allowing terrorists to shoot down Chadian military jets. He also suggested that France was planning to set up a terrorist base in Sokoto, but the Nigerian government has denied these claims.

In response to these allegations, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) called for an investigation by the Nigerian government and the National Assembly. The LND expressed concern over the serious nature of Tchani’s claims and urged transparency to clear any doubts about the involvement of Nigerian officials in these alleged activities.

The LND’s spokesman, Dr. Ladan Salihu, emphasized that the Nigerian government must provide clear and verifiable evidence to refute or explain the allegations, especially since Boko Haram’s insurgency has had such a significant impact on northern Nigeria.