Political analyst and policy strategist, Baba Yusuf, has shared his thoughts on the possible chances of a joint presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Friday, Yusuf explained that although both politicians may attract millions of supporters nationwide, the alliance could still face constitutional and political challenges required to win a presidential election in Nigeria. According to him, electoral victory in Nigeria is not only about securing a large number of votes. He stressed that candidates must also achieve the required geographical spread across different regions of the country, particularly the North and the South, to satisfy constitutional provisions. His comments followed the recent political development involving Obi and Kwankwaso, who reportedly exited the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and aligned with the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC. Reports indicated that internal party disagreements and legal disputes contributed to their departure from the ADC. While analysing the political landscape, Yusuf noted that both leaders still possess strong political influence and public support. He stated that a significant number of Nigerians who did not participate in the 2023 election may become active voters in 2027, which could increase the voting strength of emerging political alliances. However, he argued that popularity alone may not be enough to guarantee success at the presidential level. He explained that the Nigerian electoral system requires broader national acceptance and strategic alliances capable of producing balanced support across multiple states and regions. Yusuf further emphasised the importance of political consultations, coalition-building, and negotiations among opposition leaders. In his opinion, successful political movements are usually built through cooperation rather than individual ambition. He suggested that experienced political figures such as Atiku Abubakar could play a significant role in discussions surrounding power-sharing arrangements and opposition unity ahead of the 2027 election cycle. According to Yusuf, political leaders seeking to challenge established structures must focus on unity, compromise, and inclusive decision-making. He warned that any political movement driven by personal interest or a “stand-alone” mentality may struggle to achieve the level of national consensus needed to win a presidential contest in Nigeria. The discussion surrounding a possible Obi–Kwankwaso alliance has continued to generate reactions among political observers, supporters, and stakeholders across the country. Many analysts believe that coalition politics may become one of the defining factors leading into the 2027 general elections. Political observers also argue that voter mobilisation, youth participation, economic concerns, and regional balancing are likely to shape electoral outcomes in the coming years. With political realignments already taking place, attention remains focused on how opposition figures will position themselves ahead of the next presidential race. For now, debates about possible alliances, negotiations, and coalition strategies continue to dominate Nigeria’s political atmosphere as parties and political actors prepare for what could become one of the country’s most competitive elections in recent history.
Vandalism Disrupts Power Supply in Abuja Once More Several parts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, were plunged into darkness following another incident of vandalism targeting the 330-kilovolt Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the occurrence through its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement released late Thursday. Incident Details The incident, which occurred at around 11:43 PM on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, led to the loss of electricity supply from the grid. Upon investigation by TCN’s patrol team, it was discovered that a section of the power conductor between towers T216 and T218 had been stolen by vandals. Mbah explained that a maintenance crew has already been deployed to the site, and efforts are underway to replace the vandalized components and restore bulk power supply through the affected transmission line. However, no specific timeline has been provided for when power will be fully restored. “A TCN lines patrol team from the Abuja Regional Office was dispatched to determine the fault’s cause. It was confirmed that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218. Restoration efforts are ongoing, and power supply is expected to resume soon,” Mbah stated. Affected Areas The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) earlier announced outages in various parts of the capital city, including: Repeated Vandalism Cases This latest attack is a recurring issue, with LMSINT MEDIA reporting earlier in the year that the Shiroro-Kaduna line suffered five instances of vandalism between February and March 2024. These incidents not only disrupt power supply but also strain the nation’s already fragile electricity infrastructure. Call for Action The TCN urges communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power infrastructure to curb the menace of vandalism. The restoration of the damaged transmission line remains a priority to ensure uninterrupted power supply to affected areas. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Abdullahi Mukit for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of $3,500 through online scams. The arraignment took place at the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday, where Mukit faced two charges: possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining money under false pretenses. Mukit pleaded not guilty to the charges when read before the court. EFCC’s Counsel Seeks Trial Date Prosecuting counsel, Ahmed Yerima, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant at a correctional facility pending the start of the trial. However, defense counsel, Idowu Alaba, informed the court of an ongoing plea bargain agreement on behalf of his client. Alaba requested a short adjournment to conclude the agreement and suggested that the defendant remain in EFCC custody. Court’s Decision Justice Mojisola Dada approved the defense’s request, ordering Mukit to remain in EFCC custody until December 9, when the court will hear the plea bargain agreement. Details of the Alleged Offense According to EFCC, Mukit committed the offenses on April 18 in Lagos. The defendant allegedly used fraudulent documents linked to his text-plus account and mobile number to scam victims by impersonating a female. He reportedly obtained $3,500 from unsuspecting members of the public. These acts, according to the EFCC, violate sections 1(1)(2), 6(8)(b), and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
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130 people have been taken into custody by police for hacking and cybercrimes. According to Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects include 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians on Sunday. In a statement, Adejobi said that their actions were a threat to national security. “The suspects were allegedly using computers and other advanced devices to facilitate criminal activities at a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where this strategic operation was carried out through a coordinated raid,” he said. “Officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) participated in the operation, which was directed by AIG Benneth Igweh, Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday, November 3, 2024.” According to him, the Force is still looking into the matter, stating that a scientific analysis was being conducted on the exhibits that were retrieved from the accused. READ ALSO: Hardship: What I would have done differently – Atiku A force spokesperson went on to say that after the investigations were over, the accused will face charges in court. We love to have you back again. Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter.
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently intercepted cocaine worth over N4 billion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. NDLEA operatives seized 845 wraps of cocaine, weighing 18.72 kg, which were allegedly smuggled by an international drug syndicate operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The contraband, valued at N4.49 billion, was hidden in the waste compartments of two rear lavatories on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Lagos on October 29, 2024. The NDLEA, alerted to the suspicious packages, retrieved the drugs, wrapped in nine polythene bags. Around 30 suspects have been interrogated in connection with the case. Reports indicate that couriers transported the drugs from Brazil to Ethiopia through ingestion and later excreted them in Addis Ababa, where they were collected by other traffickers. These traffickers attempted to smuggle the drugs into Nigeria but were foiled with help from the airline and other airport partners.In related news, NDLEA also intercepted other illicit drugs, including 2.928 kg of cocaine, cannabis, and tramadol 225 mg, concealed in body cream containers and art pieces intended for export to Australia, UAE, and the UK via courier companies in Lagos. At Lagos’s Apapa seaport, NDLEA officers seized 754,000 tablets of tapentadol and acetaminophen 225 mg, valued at N525 million, from an incoming container from India. In the Federal Capital Territory, a 24-year-old man was caught with 147,000 tramadol pills, while another was apprehended with 512 grams of methamphetamine. READ ALSO: Obi’s remark on turning church vigils into night shifts sparks mixed reactions Further arrests included suspects in Kogi, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Ondo, Kaduna, and Edo, with large amounts of drugs and fake currency discovered in vehicles, hotels, and rural areas. The NDLEA also advanced its anti-drug campaign through educational outreach under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) program, providing lectures at schools, workplaces, and community centers nationwide.NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended officers for their efforts in both enforcement and education, acknowledging their dedication to combatting drug abuse and trafficking across Nigeria. we love to have you back again, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter
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Four girls are saved while a Nigerian lady is given a 12-year term for sex trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire. The Boundiali Court in Côte d’Ivoire has sentenced Sandra Okon, a Nigerian woman from Akwa Ibom State, to 12 years in prison for sex trafficking. The conviction follows the successful rescue of four young Nigerian females who were trafficked to Mali on false pretenses of lawful employment. The young ladies were safely recovered as a result of the operation, which was organized by the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organization (GAHTO), which is headquartered in Mali, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). At a press event in Uyo, NAPTIP’s Uyo Zonal Commander, Emmanuel Awhen, disclosed the information while highlighting the difficulties in breaking up transnational trafficking networks. “These young ladies suffered severe adversity, but because of NAPTIP and GAHTO’s prompt action, they are now secure and getting the help they need to reintegrate into society,” Awhen said. READ ALSO He clarified that traffickers had tricked the girls into being coerced into sexual slavery by luring them with the promise of work at supermarkets and salons. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the operation began when one of the girls was able to use a different phone to call a NAPTIP official, explaining her predicament and leaving voicemails that allowed for a coordinated rescue with foreign allies. More than fifty young Nigerian women are still pushed into forced prostitution in Mali, according to the rescued females. Awhen responded by advising parents to and guardians to exercise caution when dealing with people who offer international employment prospects, and they urged the Akwa Ibom State government to provide more assistance in the fight against human trafficking.
