The National Coordinator of Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has said the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is open to working with available political forces to rescue the country from crisis.
Tanko, who is a former spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign, said salvaging Nigeria required a collective and inclusive effort that transcends party lines.
He stated this in an interview with our correspondent on Friday.
“We want a unifying force that will work together as a team. So, we are ready to work with anyone or group that beckon on us to rescue Nigeria and return it to the right path.
“That has always been the message of Peter Obi. Nigeria is in dire need of rescue. It is a decision that everybody must be involved in, not a singular decision for Obi to take.
“Any means that can get Nigeria on the right path is what Peter Obi will do. The target is to rescue Nigeria,” he said.
Tanko’s comments were in reaction to a renewed push by PDP leaders to bring the former Anambra State governor back to the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described Obi as a major political force whose return would strengthen the party’s electoral chances.
“Peter Obi is our product. We want to get him back, indeed, because he is a great asset for any political party.
He acknowledged that Obi’s defection from the PDP to the Labour Party was a major blow during the 2023 election, but emphasised that the former governor still enjoys immense goodwill within the PDP.
Nigeria exported crude oil worth $1.34bn to the United States in the first five months of 2025, maintaining the country’s position as America’s leading African oil supplier.
Figures from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis show that the US purchased a total of 17.39 million barrels of Nigerian crude between January and May 2025.
Although energy-related goods like crude were exempted from recent import tariffs introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump, the volume still declined from the 20.4 million barrels valued at $1.52bn recorded during the same period in 2024.
The 12.7 per cent year-on-year drop in volume and 11.8 per cent decline in value point to shifting market dynamics and a potential reconfiguration of U.S. oil sourcing strategies, even as Nigeria remained top of the pile among African oil exporters.
In May 2025 alone, Nigerian crude exports to the U.S. stood at 4.2 million barrels, valued at $311m, a fall from $368m in April.
Crude oil continues to form the backbone of the country’s exports to the U.S., accounting for more than 62 per cent of American crude imports from Africa during the review period.
Nigeria’s shipments dwarfed those of Libya, Angola and Ghana, whose combined crude exports to the U.S. amounted to $811m.
Customs and C.I.F. (Cost, Insurance and Freight) data show that Nigeria’s oil exports to the U.S. stood at $1.34bn and $1.38bn, respectively, reinforcing its central role in U.S.–Africa energy trade, even as broader Nigerian exports have struggled under the weight of new U.S. trade rules.
While crude oil flows have remained relatively stable, Nigeria’s overall exports to the U.S. have declined sharply.
Total goods imported by the U.S. from Nigeria fell to $2.12bn in the first five months of 2025, compared to $2.65bn in the same period of 2024, a drop of $527m or nearly 20 per cent.
This comes amid a renewed protectionist agenda led by U.S. President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order on April 2 imposing a flat 10 per cent import tariff on most countries.
Nigeria, singled out for its previous trade surplus, was hit with a higher 14 per cent tariff rate.
Although crude oil was spared, the broader tariff regime has dampened U.S. demand for Nigerian non-oil goods, including agricultural produce and manufactured items.
In May 2025, total U.S. imports from Nigeria fell to $400m, down from $517m in May 2024.
The PUNCH observed that while Nigerian exports to the U.S. have weakened, American exports to Nigeria surged in the same period.
U.S. goods exports to Nigeria rose to $2.42bn between January and May 2025, up from $2.05bn in the corresponding period of 2024, a 17.8 per cent increase.
This sharp contrast led to a complete reversal in the trade balance between the two countries.
In the first five months of 2024, Nigeria held a $596m surplus over the U.S. By May 2025, the U.S. had flipped the script, recording a $295m surplus.
Monthly trade data further illustrate the shift. In May 2025, U.S. exports to Nigeria stood at $515m, while imports from Nigeria totalled $400m, giving America a monthly surplus of $115m.
One of the key contributors to the surge in U.S. exports to Nigeria is the automobile sector. In the first five months of 2025, the U.S. exported $426m worth of motor vehicles and parts to Nigeria, comprising $312m in passenger cars, $29m in trucks and buses, and $86m in parts.
Nigeria’s status as a top African trading partner of the U.S. appears to be waning. The country accounted for just 10.8 per cent of U.S. imports from Africa and about 14.8 per cent of exports to the continent during the first five months of 2025, both slightly down from the previous year.
Egypt emerged as the U.S.’s top African export destination, with American exports rising from $1.95bn in the first five months of 2024 to $3.43bn in the same period of 2025 — a staggering 76 per cent increase.
South Africa continues to dominate on the import side. The U.S. imported $8.67bn worth of goods from South Africa between January and May 2025, over four times what it imported from Nigeria.
Nigeria’s total trade volume with the U.S. now stands at $4.54bn, lagging behind Egypt and South Africa, and raising concerns about its competitiveness in the evolving U.S.–Africa trade landscape.
The Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for fairness in key elective and appointive leadership positions in the ongoing constitutional review exercise by the 10th National Assembly.
The group made the call at the South East Zonal Public hearing for Imo and Abia states which was held in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Saturday.
In a submission by its National Executive Committee, presented by Chizoba Iheka, the group commended the Benjamin Kalu-led Committee for its ongoing effort to birth a reviewed constitution for the country.
Ohaneze stated, “We advocate a deliberate service in this constitution to ensure that the key federal positions including the presidency, the Senate president, the Speaker, and other major offices of the country reflect the six geo-political zones.
“This will promote inclusiveness, a sense of brotherhood, and fairness in the distribution of leadership roles.
“It will be recalled that since the inception of the present democratic dispensation in the country, nobody from South-East geo-political zone has ever held the position of a leader.
“Nobody from South-East geo-political zone has ever held the position of Attorney General of the Federation, Head of Civil Defense, Immigration, Customs, and Minister of Internal Affairs and Agriculture, among others.”
The group noted that the proposal will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive federal structure, addressing the historical marginalisation of South-East and promoting national cohesion and development.
The All Progressives Congress has condemned the African Democratic Congress for its criticism of President Bola Tinubu regarding the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling it both insensitive and unacceptable.
In a statement released on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC criticised the ADC for politicising what should be a solemn period of national mourning, describing the party’s remarks as senseless and ill-timed.
On Thursday, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “good, decent, and honourable man” whose values of discipline, patriotism, and integrity will be remembered.
At a Special Federal Executive Council session held in Buhari’s honour at the State House, Tinubu noted that despite his flaws, Buhari’s unwavering commitment to national service set him apart.
However, in a statement on Friday, ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised the tribute, calling it a “deliberate publicity stunt” by what he described as an unpopular administration.
In response, the APC said the ADC’s outrage over the late President’s state burial only highlights the party’s hypocrisy and lack of sensitivity.
The statement read in part, “The party’s criticism of the dignified state burial accorded the late President is as spooky as it is unconscionable.
“Again, the ADC has showcased itself to be without any understanding of customary state practice, and lacking empathy and essential humanity. It has cut its own portrait as a party of mindless political dregs, a dump of Nigeria’s internally displaced politicians, ready to do or say anything in chase of attention but sinking itself deeper in quicks and ignominy.
“That the ADC is blowing up over the state burial of the late President only reflects the party’s duplicity and insensitivity. What would the ADC have had President Tinubu do? Deny the late President Buhari the honour of a befitting state burial? Withhold empathy and support for the bereaved former first family? As a party that can begrudge the dead, the ADC must surely disdain the living.
“It is unacceptable for the ADC to politicize a solemn moment of national grief, more so, as its senseless statement was issued during the week of national mourning for the late President. The party’s reference to heartfelt gestures and activities of the government in honour of the late President as “exploitation” is beyond the pale.
“It falls far outside the widest and wildest stretch of justifiable opposition politics. Clearly, the party and its villainous leaders have allowed their humanity to be corroded by desperation for inordinate and self-serving power.”
APC warns Nigerians to beware of ADC’s deceitful politics and baseless attacks on a hardworking President.
The statement read in part, “The late President Buhari lived a life of illustrious service to country as a soldier, military Head of State, a two-term democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was also just a human being, a father, survived by a loving but grieving family worthy of our collective empathy and support at this difficult time.
“President Bola Tinubu showed compassion and a deep sense of loss of a friend, close political associate and predecessor. He demonstrated patriotism and leadership by overseeing and participating in honouring the late President who gave so much to our dear nation.
“Nigerians must remain wary of the ADC and its band of political marauders prowling for power with nothing to offer Nigerians except peddling falsehood and vilifying a President who is hard at work for the transformation and progress of our nation.”
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.
Kwankwaso also visited the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, where he extended his sympathies to the Daura Emirate Council over the death of the former Nigerian leader.
During the visit, Kwankwaso met with Alhaji Mamman Daura, a close confidant and nephew of the late President, to personally express his condolences.
“May the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest,” Kwankwaso prayed during the visit.
The death of Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, has drawn an outpouring of grief and tributes from political figures and citizens across the country.
Kwankwaso’s visit is part of a wave of condolence visits to Buhari’s hometown of Daura, as Nigerians continue to mourn the passing of the former military and civilian leader.
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has said that the five states that make up the South-East geo-political zone have clear expectations regarding the proposals in the ongoing 1999 Constitution review by the National Assembly.
He stated this in his remarks at the South East Zonal public hearing for Imo and Abia on the Constitution Review held in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Saturday.
According to the governor, the South-East remains the only zone with five states, underscoring the need for at least, two additional states in the region.
He said, “Every other zone has six or more. This imbalance has led to underrepresentation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council. It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity. “Therefore, it’s only fair and just that we ask for the creation of at least two additional states in the South East.
“It is my well considered submission that Anim State should be one of the new states to be created. This is one state that will have an oil-producing status upon creation.
“This makes it commercially viable, with sufficient revenue base to self sustain.
“This should naturally go hand-in-hand with the creation of new local government areas for the zone.”
The governor noted that “Until a few years ago, Owerri served as the capital of us all. Today, we have Umuahia and Abakaliki as capitals of new states.
“Through our collective efforts, perhaps, we shall soon have more state capitals like Orlu, Aba, Nsukka, and more.
“I believe that this is the prayer of the entire South-East, and it shall come to pass by the grace of God”.
On indigineship, Uzodimma noted that though the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and work in any part of the country, he regretted that those born and raised in places where their grandparents may not have originated from are still regarded and treated as non-indigenes.
“We should not be seen to be speaking from two sides of our mouth. We need to legally define indigeneship by birth or long-term residence – say 10 years.
“Anyone born in a state or has lived in a state for upwards of 10 years should be a legitimate indigene of that state. This is common practice in advanced democracies.
“It was also becoming the norm in our pre-first Republic years, until that Republic was cut short. How else did Mallam Umaru Altine become the Mayor of Enugu in 1952 if not because he was accepted as an indigene of Enugu?
“That tells us something profound about our potential for unity if only the constitution can catch up with our history.
“I therefore urge this committee to seriously consider this matter as part of the proposed constitutional amendments.”
He also made a case for constitutional amendment to pave the way for rotational presidency, not along the North–South divide, but along the six established geo-political zones.
He continued, “This is not about tokenism but national stability. “Already, zoning has helped calm nerves over federal appointments. If Nigerians know that the presidency will rotate among the six zones, it will remove the fear of domination and deepen the sense of inclusion in the country.
“In addition, the time has come for us to take decisive steps on state police. The current centralised policing structure is overstretched and often disconnected from local realities.
“As the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, I can confirm that we support the decentralisation of the police for greater responsiveness and effectiveness.
“The fear that governors will misuse such a force is unfounded and frankly outdated.
“We cannot allow the past to paralyse the future when our citizens are crying out for safety and order at the grassroots.”
He called on the committee to leverage the nation’s diversity, saying, “Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. But that strength must be harnessed through law and equity. Therefore, our Constitution must reflect our shared values, not just our shared borders.
“Distinguished Honourable members, as you tour the country on this important assignment, may you be guided by the hope of millions who seek a Constitution that truly belongs to them: one that ensures fairness, equity, and a level playing field for all.
“As we all know, there are differing views across Nigeria about what our Constitution should reflect in order to fortify our young democracy. These perspectives mirror both the richness of our diversity and the inadequacies of a legal framework that often leaves many citizens feeling unprotected or unaccommodated in project Nigeria”.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has urged Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing constitution review process to demand greater accountability and transparency from the 10th National Assembly.
Speaking on Saturday at the Constitution Review Public Hearing in Owerri, the centre serving Imo and Abia States, Kalu highlighted the importance of citizens’ participation in the process.
The public hearing is a part of the ongoing efforts to review and amend the 1999 Constitution, with stakeholders and citizens making submissions on the way forward for the Nigerian state.
Kalu, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, noted that the exercise is a process and not an event, stressing that citizens’ continued engagement is crucial for ensuring that reforms are implemented in both the letter and spirit.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted Kalu as saying, “I urge you to hold us accountable. Ask the tough questions. Demand transparency. Insist on fairness. The future of our democracy depends on it.
“Today, I make a heartfelt appeal to every son and daughter of Abia and Imo: this is your Constitution. This is your moment. You are not just observers; you are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter. Do not hold back your ideas, your criticisms, or your aspirations.
“Your memoranda, your petitions, your passionate speeches, your questions: they all matter. They will shape the amendments that will be presented to the National Assembly, to the President, and, ultimately, to the Nigerian people. Let me be clear: we are listening.
“The strength of our democracy lies not in the pronouncements of lawmakers alone, but in the active participation of the people. Your robust contributions will ensure that the Constitution we produce is not just a legal document, but a social contract: one that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.
“As we look ahead, let us remember: constitutional reform is not an event, but a process. The bills we debate today will be debated in plenary, harmonised with the Senate, and transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for final approval. Only with your continued engagement, your vigilance, and your advocacy can we ensure that these reforms are not just passed, but implemented in letter and spirit.
“Nigeria’s greatness lies in its ability to have difficult conversations, to listen, debate, and find common ground. Today, in Owerri, we continue that noble tradition. To the people of Abia and Imo: your ideas matter. Your voices matter. Your future matters.
“Let us rise above division, embrace our shared destiny, and build a Nigeria where justice, equity, and progress are not just ideals, but everyday realities.”
He reminded the people that the Committee is currently considering 87 prioritised constitutional amendment bills, stating “Each touching on the most pressing issues facing our nation. I urge you, the people of Abia and Imo, to engage robustly on all thematic areas, especially those close to your hearts,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Tinubu in driving constitutional reform and institutional strengthening in Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude for the President’s support and commitment to working with the legislature to deliver a constitution that serves all Nigerians.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR. Under his stewardship, Nigeria has embraced a reform-heavy agenda: one that recognizes the urgent need for constitutional renewal, institutional strengthening, and
inclusive growth.
“President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, his respect for the legislature’s constitutional role, and his bold strides in
governance reform have created an enabling environment for this historic review. We are grateful for his support and leadership, and we remain committed to working with the executive to deliver a constitution that serves all Nigerians,” Kalu added.
The Social Democratic Party in South-West, on Saturday, dissociated itself from the recent coalition of opposition parties.
This was made known by the Chairman of Chairmen of the party in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Femi Olaniyi, popularly known as Ferrari, at the South-West Stakeholders’ meeting, held at the party’s secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He explained that instead, the party is focusing on developing a strategy to dislodge the All Progressives Congress at all levels of governance in the 2027 general elections.
PUNCH Online reports that a coalition of opposition parties adopting the African Democratic Congress as its platform for the 2027 general elections.
This decision was reached at a meeting attended by prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Senate President, David Mark; former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai among others.
However, Olaniyi emphasized that the SDP in the region would not be part of any coalition at the moment.
The chairman stated that no decision could be made on the matter without directives from the National Working Committee, and the party is still waiting for the NWC’s stance on the coalition.
Olaniyi, who also doubles as Lagos State Chairman of the party, assured party members that the NWC will guide and assist each state with membership cards, registers, and other necessary materials at the appropriate time.
He also emphasized the unity among leaders and stakeholders in the region, promising to rescue Nigeria from the current administration and bring a formidable government in 2027.
“We discussed about the challenges, progress and the coalition at our meeting. We have seen how everything is being played out in our party. So, we need to brief our members, especially our stakeholders in the region.
“In the six states of Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Oyo, respectively. We have been asking a series of questions regarding this so-called coalition, and we just called our people to intimate our resolve not to be part of any coalition at the moment.
“We make them to understand that no part of SDP in the region that joins the coalition.
“Nobody can take any decision on this coalition except the directive from our NWC. So, we are still waiting for our NWC to come up with its own stand and everything regarding this coalition. As it stands now, there is nothing like a coalition in SDP,” he insisted.
The chairman allayed the fear of party members on the various challenges confronting them in their respective states, saying, “The NWC has promised to guide us and assist each state with membership cards, register and every other thing at the appropriate time.”
Olaniyi maintained that there is unity among the leaders and all the stakeholders in the region as they always speak with one voice for the progress of the party.
“In 2027, we will rescue Nigeria from the current administration, bring a formidable government and show all Nigerians a true and real democracy,” he added.
Also speaking, a current serving lawmaker representing Ise-Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly under the SDP, Babatunde Omotayo, also corroborated the party chairman, saying “We are here to resolve some issues. We resolved issues and dialogued for the development of our party- SDP.
“The most important among what we discussed was how we can remain one and speak with one voice to move the party forward in the region. So, SDP as a political party doesn’t have plan to join the so called coalition,” he maintained.
Dignitaries at the meeting were Chairman of Chairmen, also the convener, and Lagos State Chairman, Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari); the host Chairman (Oyo), Okunlade Michael; (Ondo), Gbenga Akinbuli; (Ogun), Yinka Ola-Williams; (Osun), Yinus Gbadamosi; (Ekiti), Ayodele Bamikole; the Deputy National Woman Leader of SDP, Bosede Mercy Ilesanmi; a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Babatunde Omotayo and a host of others
The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old ex-convict, Mohammed Usman of Kofar Wambai Quarters, for allegedly deceiving and stealing mobile phones from women across the state under the guise of offering government assistance.
Usman was apprehended on July 14, 2025, after a woman from Ahmadiyya Brigade Quarters reported that he tricked her into handing over her phone by pretending to offer help through a fake government intervention scheme.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police said at least 17 more women have come forward with similar complaints.
Investigations also led to the arrest of three suspected receivers and the recovery of eight stolen phones.
“The suspect called unsuspecting women, claimed to be offering support from a government programme, gained their trust, then made away with their phones,” Kiyawa said.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, urged residents to be cautious of suspicious offers and reassured the public of continued efforts to tackle fraud and theft in the state.
A Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Mrs Funmi Ogun, has expressed confidence that new developments in the party will compel those who have left to return.
Ogun, a former Works Commissioner in the state, said that all hands were on deck to reposition the party for victory in the 2026 governorship election.
She stated that resolution of the internal wrangling in the PDP at the national level would positively impact the party in the state.
The former PDP State Secretary spoke in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Saturday during a chat with journalists after a meeting with supporters across the three senatorial districts at her campaign office.
The governorship hopeful, who said that Ekiti PDP had the support and ability to wrestle power from the governing All Progressives Congress, expressed confidence that she would clinch the party ticket and win the election.
She said, “PDP members joining other parties will soon return. Our National Working Committee members are united and all working together now.
“So, I think they are channeling the path towards resolving the issues and that will also affect us in Ekiti State because of the lingering problems that affected the conclusion of the congresses and things like that.
“But now that the issues have been resolved, they are working towards the national convention.
“So very soon, I believe the congresses in Ekiti State will be concluded and that has nothing to do with the timetable for primaries released by INEC.
“I want to assure our people that the PDP will soon bounce back in Ekiti. PDP is not dead in Ekiti, the party is alive and I am happy that today, we still have dedicated members. “These people here are the ones working in their wards, they are the grassroots people.
“I am going forward and I’m going to push it to the end. I will win that ticket and I will win the election come 2026. I have been on my mission of consultation, reconciliation and mobilisation for the past two years. I remain focused that PDP will win Ekiti State. I am hopeful of clinching PDP governorship ticket and by this time in 2026, I will be the governor in the Government House.”
She dismissed insinuation in some quarters that the coalition platform, African Democratic Coalition, is a threat to the PDP in the June 20 Ekiti governorship election.
Ogun said, “There’s no new party or coalition that can come and make any meaningful move. We have just a few months to primaries and we are a few months into the election, then you see people coming with a new party to the state, it won’t work, I’m not really bothered about that.”
