Good Morning Nigeria: Latest Headlines For Saturday, 22nd March, 2025

Good Morning Nigeria: Welcome to Naija News Roundup

Coalition of Opposition Leaders Formed to Challenge President Tinubu in 2027

Hey there, Nigeria. As we kick off the day, let's dive into some big news. Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and a host of other political heavyweights, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have joined forces to form a coalition. This coalition aims to present a united front against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. This move comes after months of discussions emphasizing the need for a unified opposition to challenge the current administration.

Naija News has learned that Atiku made the announcement during a press conference at the Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja. For years, Atiku has been a vocal advocate for unity among opposition parties. In fact, just last month, he reiterated his commitment to bringing opposition forces together to oust the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power. The coalition's momentum gained traction after El-Rufai's recent defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sparking further dialogue among opposition leaders.

At the press conference, Atiku declared, “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.” Peter Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko, the Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, echoed Atiku’s sentiments. Obi emphasized that the coalition's primary focus is on empowering and liberating the Nigerian people. Tanko told The PUNCH, “Yes, His Excellency Peter Obi and former Vice President are together on this. The idea of plans for a dialogue among the opposition is very important. It is established that we need to work together as a team; there’s no doubt about it.”

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Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Samuel Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary

Another significant development comes from the Supreme Court, which has declared Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This ruling overturns a previous decision by the Court of Appeal in Enugu, which had gone against Anyanwu in his bid to retain the position.

Naija News reports that Justice Jamilu Tukur, delivering the lead judgment, stated that the matter is an internal affair of the PDP. The Supreme Court agreed with Anyanwu's legal team, arguing that neither the Court of Appeal nor the trial court in Enugu had jurisdiction over the case, as it pertains to the internal affairs of the PDP.

Consequently, the Supreme Court struck out the trial court's ruling from last October and overturned the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had upheld the dismissal of Anyanwu as PDP's National Secretary. Justice Tukur affirmed the minority judgment of the appellate court, delivered by Justice Ekanem, which had nullified the trial court's decision due to lack of jurisdiction. Furthermore, the apex court ruled that the plaintiff, Aniagu Emmanuel, lacked the legal standing to challenge the appointment of the PDP's National Secretary.

Minister Knocks Opposition Coalition, Says Tinubu’s Leadership is Unshakable

Yusuf Ata Dismisses Coalition of Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai

Not everyone is celebrating the new coalition. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, has dismissed the coalition formed by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, labeling it as "dead on arrival." Speaking in Kano, Ata claimed that President Tinubu's economic and political reforms since taking office in 2023 have significantly boosted public confidence in his administration.

Ata criticized Atiku as a "serial contester," El-Rufai as a "desperate power seeker," and Obi as a politician who fuels ethnic and religious divisions. He praised Tinubu's leadership, arguing that the country has moved past the era of trial-and-error governance. “The country has moved past the era of trial-and-error governance, rejecting politicians who lack clear ideology and rely on mere sentiments to garner support,” he said.

Ata cited the intervention in the Rivers State political crisis as evidence of Tinubu's effective leadership. He believes that Tinubu’s administration has stabilized the country and is on the right path forward.

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Bode George Calls for Nyesom Wike’s Dismissal from PDP

PDP Chieftain Accuses Wike of Crossing the Red Line

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called for the dismissal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from the party. George argued that Wike has overstepped his bounds by revoking the land designated for the PDP national secretariat in Abuja. According to George, Wike's actions leave no room for him to remain a member of the party.

During an interview with Arise News, George described Wike’s actions as an open declaration of war against the PDP. He questioned Wike's loyalty, likening his behavior to a son taking over his father's house. “If you have gone to take over your father’s house, why do you think he is still a man? Why do you think he is still a member of the party?” George asked.

He urged the PDP leadership to take decisive action against Wike, warning that silence would reflect poorly on the party. George emphasized that it would be irresponsible and shameful for the PDP to ignore such blatant defiance.

Controversy Surrounding NASS Approval of Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers

Concerns Over Voice Vote and Constitutional Violations

There’s been quite the stir over the National Assembly’s (NASS) approval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Through a voice vote on Thursday, the Senate and House of Representatives endorsed the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and other elected officials for six months, along with appointing a sole administrator by President Tinubu. However, critics argue that this conflicts with Section 305(4) of the amended 1999 Constitution, which requires a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority.

Political figures, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have criticized the approval, contending that a two-thirds majority cannot be accurately determined via a voice vote. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, however, stated that the approval was unanimous, with no dissenting votes.

Dickson Walks Out of Senate Amidst Dispute with Akpabio

Senator Seriake Dickson Accuses Akpabio of Intimidation

Seriake Dickson, a lawmaker representing Bayelsa West senatorial district, explained why he walked out of the Senate chamber before the upper house approved the state of emergency in Rivers State. Dickson, a former Bayelsa governor and a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), argued that the action was unconstitutional and undermined democratic principles.

In a Facebook post, Dickson revealed that he, along with Senators Aminu Tambuwal, Eyinnaya Abaribe, and others, opposed the emergency proclamation but were not given the opportunity to debate it openly during plenary. The Senate approved the state of emergency after a closed-door session lasting about an hour and twenty minutes. Dickson left the chamber visibly upset, shortly after senators emerged from the session.

Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Further Debate Within PDP

PDP Affirms Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary Amidst Legal Battle

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling reinstating Senator Samuel Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists that Sunday Udeh-Okoye remains the party’s National Secretary. This position was made clear in a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

Naija News reports that the PDP's decision aligns with the Supreme Court ruling, which emphasized that party leadership positions are internal affairs. The statement explained that the PDP has already chosen Udeh-Okoye as its secretary, and the decision has been ratified through the internal mechanisms of the PDP statutory Organs and bodies in line with the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The statement added that the Supreme Court ruling only affirms what the party has already done, meaning Udeh-Okoye, not Anyanwu, remains the PDP National Secretary. The PDP praised the apex court for upholding the principle of party autonomy, describing it as a victory for democracy.

Igbokwe Criticizes Fubara’s Leadership Style

APC Chieftain Claims Governor Behaves Like a Student Union President

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has criticized suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, saying he has never spoken like a governor. According to Igbokwe, the embattled governor only speaks and behaves like a student union president. This comes after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis, suspending Governor Fubara and other elected officials.

While many stakeholders, especially opposition figures, have opposed the proclamation, arguing it is illegal to suspend elected officials, the Senate and House of Representatives approved the emergency rule on Thursday. Igbokwe expressed his views on Facebook, saying, “In actions and deeds, Fubara never spoke as a sitting governor. He behaved and spoke like a Student Union President.”

Segun Arinze Dispels Rumors About His Health

Nollywood Actor Clarifies Misinformation on Social Media

Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze has addressed rumors circulating online that he is unwell and in need of financial assistance. Naija News reports that Arinze clarified the situation after photos of him looking frail with a swollen stomach went viral on social media.

However, in a video posted on his Instagram page, the actor reassured fans that he is in good health. He explained that the photos were taken on a movie set and do not reflect his actual health condition. Arinze expressed gratitude to those who reached out with concern and warned fans against falling for scams. He urged the public not to donate money for his treatment, emphasizing that he is perfectly fine.

Osimhen Scores Double as Nigeria Beats Rwanda 2-0

Victor Osimhen Helps Super Eagles Secure Crucial Win

The Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, is back on track in their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, thanks to a stellar performance by Victor Osimhen. The striker scored twice in Friday’s match against Rwanda, securing a crucial 2-0 victory for the team. Under the management of Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles entered the match in fifth place in Group C, having not secured a win in their first four matches.

Naija News reports that Osimhen broke the deadlock just 11 minutes into the game, connecting with Ademola Lookman’s excellent free-kick. A remarkable save by Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, prevented Moses Simon from extending the lead, while William Troost-Ekong came close to scoring from corner kicks on two occasions. Just before halftime, Osimhen netted his second goal of the day, leaving Rwanda with a significant challenge for the second half.

That’s a Wrap: