Nigeria News (Standard)
Presidency Rejects Obi’s Call for Tinubu’s Resignation Amid Political Tensions
Presidential aides dismiss Labour Party leader’s demand, say President Tinubu remains focused on governance priorities
Presidential aides dismiss Labour Party leader’s demand, say President Tinubu remains focused on governance priorities
The Presidency has dismissed recent calls by Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi for President Bola Tinubu to resign, insisting that the president will not step down and remains committed to delivering on his mandate. The statement was made in Abuja on Tuesday by senior officials in response to growing criticism from opposition figures.
According to the Presidency, Obi’s suggestion that Tinubu should vacate office is baseless and does not reflect the current realities in Nigeria’s political landscape. The officials stated that the president continues to focus on implementing his administration’s policies and addressing national challenges, including economic reforms and security operations across various regions.
The call by Obi comes at a time of heightened political rivalry following the 2023 general elections, where Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious. Opposition parties, particularly the LP and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have continued to challenge aspects of the electoral process and question government performance on key issues such as inflation, unemployment, and security incidents across several states.
In their reaction, presidential aides reiterated that the president remains undeterred by what they described as “distractions” from aggrieved opposition leaders. They urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms while assuring that government will continue to prioritise the welfare of citizens. “President Tinubu is committed to fulfilling his promises and will not be swayed by calls lacking constitutional backing,” one official said in Abuja.
There has been no immediate response from Obi or LP officials following the Presidency’s statement. Analysts say such exchanges are likely to intensify as Nigeria heads into another cycle of political activities ahead of forthcoming state-level elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Authorities Set to Deport Nigerian Over Domestic Violence and Multiple Convictions
Move follows series of criminal convictions; Nigerian embassy yet to comment on possible repatriation support
Move follows series of criminal convictions; Nigerian embassy yet to comment on possible repatriation support
United States immigration officials have concluded plans to deport a Nigerian national following his conviction for domestic violence and other criminal offences. The deportation order, which was confirmed on Tuesday, comes after the individual was found guilty in several cases involving domestic abuse and related crimes.
Authorities in the US said the decision was taken in accordance with federal laws that mandate the removal of non-citizens convicted of certain offences. The Nigerian, whose identity has not been disclosed as at press time, reportedly exhausted all legal avenues to contest his removal before the order was issued.
The development is expected to draw attention among Nigerian diaspora communities, as cases of deportation over criminal convictions remain a recurring issue. Legal experts say US immigration law provides little room for appeal once a non-citizen is convicted of crimes categorised as aggravated felonies or domestic violence. Many Nigerians living abroad have raised concerns about fair access to legal representation and consular support in such matters.
As at the time of filing this report, the Nigerian embassy in Washington D.C. had not released any official statement regarding the deportation or whether consular assistance would be provided for the affected individual upon arrival in Nigeria. Human rights advocates have previously urged government to offer reintegration programmes for deportees, especially those returning under challenging circumstances.
It remains unclear when exactly the deportation will take place or if further legal interventions may delay the process. Observers say the case underlines ongoing challenges facing Nigerians abroad who fall foul of host country laws, and highlights calls for increased awareness campaigns on compliance with foreign legal systems.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDC Candidate Rejects Enugu North Bye-Election Result, Alleges Irregularities
Opposition candidate demands cancellation as INEC declares winner; calls for investigation into alleged electoral malpractice
Opposition candidate demands cancellation as INEC declares winner; calls for investigation into alleged electoral malpractice
The candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Enugu North Federal Constituency bye-election has rejected the outcome of the poll conducted on Tuesday, June 23, in Enugu State. The NDC flagbearer described the election result as unacceptable and alleged that irregularities marred the process.
According to reports from the constituency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concluded collation late Tuesday and declared a winner in the tightly contested bye-election. However, the NDC candidate swiftly condemned both the conduct and outcome, insisting that several incidents of malpractice were recorded at various polling units.
The Enugu North Federal Constituency bye-election was closely watched, given its significance for party representation in the National Assembly from South-East Nigeria. The contest drew heightened attention after previous court rulings nullified earlier results and mandated a fresh poll. Many constituents and political observers saw this rerun as an opportunity to restore credibility to local representation.
In a statement released after INEC’s announcement, the NDC candidate expressed disappointment with what he called ‘widespread irregularities’ during voting and counting. He called for immediate cancellation of the declared result and urged INEC to launch a full investigation into alleged ballot box snatching and voter intimidation. As at press time, no response had been received from INEC officials or other party representatives regarding these allegations.
It remains unclear whether the NDC will formally challenge the result in court. Political analysts note that electoral disputes have become increasingly common in South-East constituencies, often leading to prolonged legal battles and delays in effective representation. Stakeholders are calling on relevant authorities to address concerns raised by aggrieved parties in order to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerians Protest Delay in Evacuation at Pretoria Embassy as June 30 Deadline Approaches
Federal Government says five flights approved, but stranded citizens fear rising xenophobia and demand immediate action
Federal Government says five flights approved, but stranded citizens fear rising xenophobia and demand immediate action
Hundreds of Nigerians stranded in South Africa staged a protest at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria on Sunday, demanding urgent evacuation ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups. The demonstrators, many of whom had registered for government-assisted repatriation, chanted, “We wan go o, we no go gree,” expressing frustration over delays in scheduled evacuation flights.
The protest comes as anxiety grows within the Nigerian community in South Africa following months of anti-migrant demonstrations and threats from local groups targeting foreigners. The Federal Government began repatriating willing Nigerians earlier in June, with the first evacuation flight carrying 268 returnees landing in Lagos on June 11. However, subsequent flights have faced postponements, leaving over 1,000 registered Nigerians still awaiting their turn.
The President of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), Smart Nwobi, said about 300 citizens were left stranded after a planned second flight was cancelled at the last minute. “Many had gathered at the mission ready to leave before being informed that the flight would not depart,” Nwobi stated. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has attributed the delays to documentation and verification processes being conducted with South African authorities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured affected Nigerians that Government remains committed to their safe return and has approved five evacuation flights to bring everyone home. “No Nigerian willing to return will be abandoned,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said during a press briefing last week. Crisis response units have also been established in Pretoria and Johannesburg to coordinate support for those affected.
With the June 30 deadline drawing near, many stranded citizens say they are increasingly concerned for their safety and have called on Abuja to speed up repatriation efforts before tensions escalate further. Meanwhile, officials continue negotiations with South African authorities on documentation requirements to facilitate smooth departures.
