Today’s Headlines: Obi Knocks Tinubu, Urges him to Step Down; Fresh Ebola Scare as NCDC Isolates Two

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon his second-term ambition, accusing him of lacking the energy and capacity to govern Nigeria effectively. Speaking at the homecoming of former Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson in Yenagoa, Obi criticised the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government over poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare and inadequate electricity.

Obi said the NDC would offer Nigerians an alternative focused on economic production, national unity and improved security. He promised to support industries and small businesses to create jobs, develop seaports across the South-South region and improve road infrastructure. Dickson urged Bayelsans to support Obi and other NDC candidates, while calling on party members to mobilise peacefully and defend their votes against intimidation.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has isolated two suspected Ebola cases in the North-East as laboratory tests and contact tracing continue. The agency said the individuals had not been confirmed positive, with results expected within 12 hours of receiving their samples. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information, practise good hygiene and seek medical attention if they develop unusual symptoms.

The development follows Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported Ebola case on October 20, involving a woman who arrived from Uganda and was later evacuated to Switzerland. The NCDC said six contacts who completed 21 days of monitoring without symptoms were expected to leave quarantine on Sunday. Public health experts called for stronger surveillance, timely communication and preparedness, while urging Nigerians to remain calm and follow official guidance.

Nyesom Wike, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke have faced allegations of anti-party activities following their public support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid despite belonging to opposition parties. Their actions have raised concerns about party loyalty and internal discipline within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Accord Party. However, the three politicians and their party representatives have defended their positions, describing the political arrangements as legitimate or strategic.

While the PDP, APGA and Accord Party constitutions contain provisions against anti-party activities, party leaders have offered different explanations for the politicians’ actions. Meanwhile, civil society organisations have criticised the development, arguing that party leaders should enforce their constitutions and apply disciplinary measures where necessary. They warned that allowing prominent members to support rival parties could weaken internal democracy and undermine the opposition’s ability to maintain distinct political identities.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has presented staff of office and three official vehicles each to 19 newly coronated emirs, comprising 11 first-class and eight second-class traditional rulers. The ceremony, held at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, and other traditional leaders.

Lawal said the presentation recognised the traditional institution’s role in promoting peace, stability and development. He urged the emirs to uphold justice, treat their subjects fairly and maintain accessible palaces. The governor also pledged to complete the rehabilitation of remaining royal palaces, while the Sultan of Sokoto urged the rulers to respect constituted authority and preserve the dignity of their positions.

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