Good morning, Nigeria. You’re welcome to today’s roundup of major news headlines from around the country, as compiled by Naturenex for Sunday, 27th April, 2025.
1. We’ll Surely Miss Oborevwori, Okowa, Others – PDP BoT Chairman Speaks On ‘Blessing In Disguise’ Defections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, Adolphus Wabara, has reacted to the recent wave of defections from the party in Delta State, including those of the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his comments, Wabara expressed that although the party would “surely miss” those leaving, their departure wouldn’t undermine the PDP’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections. He described the development as “a blessing in disguise,” forecasting that these defections would trigger internal conflicts within the APC.
“The PDP will laugh last because very soon, there will be an implosion in the APC. Those people joining the APC will soon want to displace the party members who have built the APC over the years. The displaced APC members will look for where to go, and they will simply come over to the PDP,” Wabara asserted.
The PDP BoT chairman said he wasn’t surprised by the defections, attributing them to personal ambitions, concerns about the electoral system, and quests for political survival.
“It was expected, and I think we should expect more. But there’s nothing to worry about. That’s politics. We long expected such defections and we know the reason: Some are doing so for second tenure, and some for protection,” he added.
Wabara remained confident that, despite the setbacks, the PDP would still mount a strong challenge in 2027, with Nigerians poised to make better electoral choices.
2. Former IGP Declares For Nasarawa Governorship Under APC
Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, who served as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police from 2019 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has formally declared his interest in contesting for the governorship seat of Nasarawa State under the APC.
The ex-IGP made this known during a meeting with the APC State Working Committee in Lafia, explaining that his decision followed a “clarion call” from the people of Nasarawa.
“I am answering the call of my people who believe I can serve and move Nasarawa forward. My administration, by the grace of God, will be inclusive, transparent, and focused on delivering tangible development across all sectors,” Adamu pledged.
3. 2027: ‘Shelve Your Ambitions’ – Rivers PDP NASS Caucus Tell Opposition Aspirants, Declare Support For Tinubu
The Rivers State caucus of the PDP in the National Assembly has officially expressed its endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
In a statement presented by Senator Barry Mpigi in Port Harcourt, and endorsed by all members, the lawmakers praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as ‘effective and progressing.’
The caucus, made up of two senators and seven members of the House of Representatives, called on opposition aspirants to reconsider their presidential ambitions in light of the administration’s achievements.
4. ‘Kwankwaso, NNPP Are Considering Joining Tinubu’s APC Or Aligning With Atiku, El-Rufai’
According to reports by Punch, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and his party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), are currently weighing their options ahead of 2027, considering either a merger with the APC or joining an opposition coalition headed by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai.
A source revealed, “What I can confirm is that Kwankwaso and the NNPP will not contest independently as they did in the 2023 elections. Considering the current political landscape, they are weighing the possibility of either joining President Tinubu’s APC or aligning with the coalition led by Atiku, el-Rufai, and others.”
Confirming this, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, acknowledged the party’s ongoing consultations regarding possible alliances.
5. ‘If You Love Indonesia So Much Relocate There’ – Showunmi Slams Peter Obi
Former Ogun State PDP governorship aspirant, Segun Showunmi, has criticized Peter Obi, suggesting that he should move to Indonesia if he prefers the country over Nigeria.
Obi had, during a lecture at Johns Hopkins School of International Studies in the U.S., reportedly painted a negative picture of Nigeria. Reacting to the backlash he received, Showunmi asked, “Did Donald Trump come to any other country or Africa to demarket the United States?”
He faulted Obi for focusing on Nigeria’s shortcomings without offering constructive solutions and described some of the data Obi cited as unreliable.
6. ‘I Brought Out My Neck To Sacrifice It’ – Amaechi Speaks On Escaping Death While Mobilising Against Jonathan
Ex-Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has spoken about the personal risks he took while campaigning against then-president Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking at the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos, Amaechi revealed that although he disagreed with Jonathan’s leadership, he still believed the ex-president might have performed better than his successor, Muhammadu Buhari.
He recalled several life-threatening incidents he faced during that period and urged civil societies and the church to stand against oppression.
7. Weeks After Retirement, Police DIG Reportedly Joins APC, Eyes Senate
Barely weeks after his retirement, former Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ari Muhammed Ali has reportedly joined the APC with ambitions to contest for a senatorial seat in 2027.
According to SaharaReporters, Ali, who was among senior officers compulsorily retired for alleged age falsification, is now preparing to vie for the Nasarawa South senatorial seat.
8. Bode George Speaks On Fubara Dumping PDP For APC
PDP stalwart Bode George has urged Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, to remain in the party amidst growing rumours of a potential defection to the APC.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, George stated, “This man has not reacted negatively. He has been going around to calm people, telling them that they should relax.”
He advised Fubara to remain firm in his convictions and expressed confidence that the PDP’s leadership structures would endure.
“I will plead with Fubara to remain steady on his course. He should remain solid on his course and with the fear of God in him, whatever God has decided will come to pass,” George noted.
9. ‘Pep Guardiola Working To Fix His Broken Marriage To Cristina Serra’
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra are reportedly working on reconciling after their separation in 2023. According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, the couple, who married in 2014, have begun reconnecting during recent meetings in Barcelona.
The couple faced marital challenges after Cristina relocated to Spain in 2019, which created a distance in their relationship. Guardiola is reportedly now making efforts to spend more time in Catalunya to bridge this divide.
The couple, together since 1994, share three children.
10. Prominent Politicians Storm Wedding Of Popular Hausa Singer, Rarara And Kannywood Actress, Humaira
Popular Hausa singer Dauda Abdullahi, known as Rarara, married Kannywood actress Aisha Ahmed (Aisha Humaira) in Borno State.
The event attracted political figures, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and former Katsina Governor Aminu Masari, who represented the groom.
The couple, known for several artistic collaborations, were celebrated for their shared passion for music and film.
