News
Atiku’s Media Office Accuses Tinubu Administration of Undermining Opposition
Vows to Resist in New Coalition Effort
In a strongly worded statement, the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of systematically weakening opposition parties in Nigeria, aiming to establish a de facto one-party state amid ongoing economic hardships.
The press release, issued on Tuesday, describes the past three years under Tinubu as one of the harshest periods in recent Nigerian history, marked by “punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space.”
It claims the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is pursuing a “calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives,” leaving the ruling party dominant “by default, not by merit.
“According to the statement signed by Paul Ibe of the Atiku Media Office, opposition leaders have responded by rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “nucleus of a credible national alternative.” The ADC is portrayed as being on a “national rescue mission,” with Atiku and other figures central to the initiative.
The release directly addresses recent external pressures on the ADC, alleging that “agents aligned with the Presidency” are attempting to destabilize the party by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly regarding the selection of a presidential candidate.
It rejects any calls for Atiku to “step aside,” labeling such demands as “a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
“Emphasizing the ADC’s commitment to an “open, transparent, and competitive process” for choosing its flagbearer, the statement warns that “APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.”
It notes the party is currently focused on building grassroots structures at ward, local government, and state levels, urging “disruptors and infiltrators” to cease interference.
The ADC remains “open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures,” the release states, highlighting inclusiveness as the “soul of democracy.”
It asserts that when the nomination process begins, “all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely,” and no one is stepping down. In a pointed remark, it suggests that if anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu, whose leadership is described as a “national liability.
“The statement references the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, which it says prompted “open boasts” from a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party.
“Their fear is evident,” it adds.Concluding with a defiant tone, the release declares the ADC’s determination to “end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC,” insisting that no amount of “intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage” will derail its mission. “Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” it states.
This development comes amid growing political tensions in Nigeria, as opposition groups seek to consolidate ahead of future elections. Neither the Presidency nor the APC has immediately responded to the allegations.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami scheduled to begin on 17 February.
The judge stated this after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, bail in the sum of N500million each.
In a stern warning shortly after delivering the ruling granting Malami and others bail, Justice Nwite said he would not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ him to influence the case.
He advised parties, to instead, engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case. He threatens serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive.
On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each who must be owners of properties, with proof, in either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro.
The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry, adding that travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court.
Malami and his co-defendants will, meanwhile, remain in prison until they perfect the terms of bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.
International
Trump Announces Venezuela to Turn Over Up to 50 Million Barrels of Oil to United States
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that interim authorities in Venezuela will turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality sanctioned oil to the United States, following the recent U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 Million Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.
This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!
“The president added that he has directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, with the oil to be transported via storage ships directly to U.S. unloading docks.
The announcement comes amid ongoing developments in Venezuela, where the oil—previously held in storage due to U.S. sanctions—is estimated to be worth up to $2.8 billion at current market prices around $56 per barrel.
Analysts note that this volume represents a modest addition to global supply but could divert exports previously destined for China.U.S. crude futures dipped slightly following the news, closing lower by about 1.3%. Major U.S. oil companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips, are reportedly monitoring the situation, with meetings planned between industry representatives and the administration to discuss future investments in Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The deal marks a significant step in Trump’s stated goal of revitalizing Venezuela’s oil sector, which holds the world’s largest proven reserves but has seen production decline sharply in recent years due to sanctions, underinvestment, and mismanagement.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a mix of hazy and sunny conditions across most parts of the country from Wednesday, January 8, to Friday, January 10, 2026.
In its weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja, NiMet stated that the northern region will experience sunny and hazy skies throughout the three-day period. By Friday, morning haze is expected to give way to dust haze in the afternoon and evening hours over parts of the North.
The central region is forecasted to remain predominantly hazy with sunny intervals during the period.
For the southern region, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated, along with chances of isolated thunderstorms. On Wednesday, thunderstorms may occur later in the day over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa states. Similar isolated thunderstorms with light rains are possible over coastal and inland southern states on subsequent days, including Anambra, Imo, Abia, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
NiMet warned that dust particles are currently in suspension, particularly in the northern areas, advising individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues to take necessary precautions.
The agency also urged motorists to drive cautiously during any rainfall and recommended that airline operators obtain updated airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for safe flight planning.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting NiMet’s official website at www.nimet.gov.ng for regular updates.
PRovoke Media 2025 Influence 100: Dangote ‘s Anthony Chiejina Ranks Among Most Powerful Global Communications Leaders
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles threaten to boycott Algeria match over unpaid win bonuses
FCT Area Council election: INEC excludes LP candidates, give reasons
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Politics3 days ago2027: I‘ll not allow myself to be buried politically — Wike
-
Opinions1 day agoNigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threats
-
International2 days agoColombia and Mexico hit back at the U.S over Venezuela’s Maduro overthrow
-
News2 days ago2026 WAEC, NECO: FG introduces new measures to eliminate malpractices See the measures
-
News1 day agoNBA declares “Odogwu Lawyer” missing
-
News19 hours ago141 million Nigerian households to live in poverty this year – Report
-
International3 days agoVenezuela: Trump warns new leader as Maduro to appear in court today
-
Business3 days agoVenezuela: Crude prices edge lower following Maduro’s overthrow