Politics
Pat Utomi replies DSS on Shadow govt
The ‘Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government’, designed to serve as a credible opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

•Pat Utomi
Economist and political activist Professor Pat Utomi has reacted to the legal action initiated against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) following his formation of a shadow government-the ‘Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government’, designed to serve as a credible opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a post shared on his X account on Friday, Utomi said that he remains resolute in his commitment to democratic ideals.
“I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know. I want to thank all. It’s energizing some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS.
“To worship money and power at the expense of the future all our children will live in, with no care for the peace and progress of those times is condemnable by all of decent conscience. They have a moral obligation to push back on such darkness.
“It’s amazing that we are chasing shadows while our constitution is unraveling aided by those in power.
The constitution holds that those who defect from parties they were elected from MUST have their seats declared vacant. If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such.”
He wrote, “It was put as a question: Is this how democracy dies in Nigeria. The answer is in the affirmative. This is how democracy died in Nigeria. Where citizens cannot organize themselves to ask questions of their agents.”
News
JUST IN: INEC Urges Lagos Residents: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Participate in CVR

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Lagos State has urged eligible residents to avoid last minute rush in the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise which commences nationwide on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Prof. Ayobami Salami, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, made this appeal at a news conference on Tuesday, to announce the Commission’s readiness for the process in Lagos.
Salami said: “Don’t wait until the last hours. We must reduce the rush towards the end of the exercise.
“We appeal to all eligible residents to come and use this opportunity now before the rush begins. The exercise for now, will take place at the state secretariat, 6 Birrel Avenue, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos as well as all the 20 Local Government offices of INEC.”
According to him, the CVR exercise is a crucial component of the electoral process, aimed at ensuring that all eligible citizens are registered to vote.
He said that the exercise would start August 18, 2025, and that online registration could be done anywhere before the physical biometric capturing, beginning August 25, 2025. The exercise is expected to end on August 30, 2026.
The REC said that those eligible to partake in the process include adult Nigerians without prior registration, those that had attained 18 years of age within the time frame of the exercise.
According to him, others are those willing to replace their damaged or lost Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and those willing to transfer their voting rights to other Polling Units, Registration Areas (Wards), Local Governments or States.
Salami said that residents with claims of lost cards, requesting new cards must present a police report or court affidavit for such claims to be accepted.
Salami said that INEC was counting on the media for a successful CVR in the area of public awareness, education, sensitivities, monitoring and reporting as well as promotion of transparency.
According to him, the CVR exercise is open to all eligible citizens and the registration remains a crucial step in ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard.
The REC also called for collaboration of other stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise.
Politics
ADC Names Jackie Wayas Deputy National Publicity Secretary
As part of the Obidient movement, Wayas leveraged grassroots activism and digital advocacy to mobilize millions of young Nigerians, showcasing the power of fresh ideas in shaping national discourse.

• ADC deputy national publicity secretary , Jackie Wayas
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed Jackie Wayas as its new deputy national publicity secretary.
Previously, Wayas served as a political strategist with the Labour Party, where she played a pivotal role in the 2023 presidential campaign.
As deputy national publicity secretary, Wayas will be responsible for crafting and executing the party’s media strategies, articulating its reform agenda, and connecting with millions of Nigerians eager for a new political direction.
Wayas, a seasoned strategic communicator and advocate for inclusive democracy, will lead the ADC’s conventional media engagement efforts—an influential role in shaping public perception and promoting the party’s vision for good governance.
Her appointment has been regarded as both a symbolic and practical move toward ensuring that women and young people play central roles in Nigeria’s political future.
Her journey into this position underscores the shifting dynamics of political leadership in the country.
As part of the Obidient movement, Wayas leveraged grassroots activism and digital advocacy to mobilize millions of young Nigerians, showcasing the power of fresh ideas in shaping national discourse.
Through her work in the Labour Party’s national organizing office, Wayas developed expertise in political mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and public advocacy.
For Wayas, the appointment is not just a personal achievement but a rallying call for youth and women to take up leadership roles
. “We can no longer be spectators,” she has often remarked in public forums. “Our voices, our ideas, and our leadership are essential to building the Nigeria we all want.”
Politics
ADC Rivers Membership hits 800,000
“As for Rivers State, we have the likes of Rotimi Amaechi, who is a former governor, and Celestine Omehia, who is also a former governor. The former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, is also a member of the ADC.

Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State, Luckyman Egila, declared that the party’s membership is growing by leaps and bounds in the state.
In a statement, Egila revealed that the party has current membership strength of over 800,000 and counting.
He described the party as a beautiful bride, adding that prominent politicians, including two former governors and two senators, had officially joined and received their party membership cards.
He added:
“The ADC, as of today, is a beautiful bride that is receiving key politicians into its fold. “We are a moving train because, politically, we don’t see anyone capable of stopping the ADC from clinching whatever ticket or office we want in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
“As for Rivers State, we have the likes of Rotimi Amaechi, who is a former governor, and Celestine Omehia, who is also a former governor. The former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, is also a member of the ADC.
“We also have Senator Lee Maeba and Senator Andrew Uchendu as members of our party. Of course, you should know that Senator Andrew Uchendu is the Vice Chairman, South-South of the ADC as of today.”
-
Crime2 days ago
EFCC raids Obasanjo’s hotel, arrests internet fraudsters during pool party
-
Crime2 days ago
Police Convict 21 foreigners for alleged internet fraud
-
Crime2 days ago
DSS Arraigns Owo Bomb Suspects *Court fixes August 19 for trial
-
News2 days ago
Governor Oyebanji Reshuffle Cabinet, Retains key Commissioners
-
News2 days ago
SERAP, NGE sue Niger State Governor, NBC over Badeggi FM
-
Politics2 days ago
ADC Rivers Membership hits 800,000
-
News2 days ago
Trump Moves to stop killing of Christians in Nigeria, others
-
Crime2 days ago
BREAKING: Many shot dead as gunmen hit Yelwata in Benue