A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Ulasi, has said that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, could restore hope among Nigerians if people listen to him in private conversations.

Ulasi made the statement during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, where he described Obi as a leader with clarity of vision and practical ideas for governance.

According to him, engaging the former presidential candidate one-on-one gives a different perception of his leadership capacity.

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He said: “If you listen to Peter Obi one-on-one, you will have hope for this country. You will have tremendous hope that somebody has a concept of what he wants to do and how he will do it for the overall benefit of our people.”

Ulasi also revealed that Obi had visited his residence multiple times in 2026, adding that one of such visits was arranged on short notice, during which he hosted other prominent guests.

He stated that his relationship with Obi dates back to his time as chairman of the National Republican Convention, when Obi first contested for governor of Anambra State.

On the state of his party, Ulasi expressed concern over internal divisions in the PDP, warning that it may struggle to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.

He said: “We’re a faction, and I don’t see how a candidate with credibility will emerge to stop Tinubu. The process Wike is going through also will not help the system.”

He further added: “I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader. These are part of the contradictions, which if I’m not properly informed and explained to, I will leave the party. And I want to be quoted accurately.”

Despite his criticism of the party structure, Ulasi maintained that Obi remains a figure who inspires confidence in Nigeria’s future.

There was mild drama at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as the Department of State Services arraigned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was docked on a five-count charge before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

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According to the DSS, the former governor allegedly conspired with others—currently at large—to intercept the private communications of the NSA, an act said to be in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Prosecutors told the court that El-Rufai had, during a television appearance in February, admitted to having links with individuals involved in the unlawful act.

The security agency further alleged that despite having knowledge of the crime, El-Rufai failed to report it to appropriate authorities, an omission it described as a punishable offence under the law.

It also claimed that the alleged use of technical equipment to carry out the interception posed a threat to national security and heightened public anxiety.

However, when the charges were read in court, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all counts.

His legal team, led by Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, subsequently filed an application seeking his release on bail pending the determination of the case.

The 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature has entered the adjudication stage following the formal handover of 223 entries by NLNG to the Advisory Board and panel of judges in Lagos on Monday.

The submission volume reflects a strong outing for the poetry category, broadly in line with recent cycles and demonstrating sustained participation from writers. While slightly below some peak years, the figure remains competitive, particularly when viewed alongside recent prose entries, underscoring continued interest in the Prize and reaffirming its significance within Nigeria’s literary landscape.

The general manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, represented by Abdul Umar, Manager, Government Relations, NLNG, described the handover as the beginning of a rigorous and defining process that will ultimately determine this year’s winning work.

“This marks the start of a process that demands attention, patience, and sound judgement, and will ultimately determine the work that defines this year’s Prize,” she said.

This year’s $100,000 Prize, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious literary honours, focuses on Poetry. Dr. Horsfall noted that the genre demands precision, depth, and clarity, with expectations shaped by the strong benchmark set in previous cycles, particularly the 2022 edition, which produced a winning work that continues to resonate within contemporary Nigerian literature.

She reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to sustaining a credible platform that promotes literary excellence and contributes to national development through the arts.

“At NLNG, we have consistently provided a platform that supports excellence and inspires a sustainable future. Beyond recognising talent, the Prize has contributed to the growth of reading culture, encouraged discipline in writing, and strengthened Nigeria’s literary landscape,” she added.

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Dr. Horsfall emphasised that the credibility of the Prize lies in the integrity of its adjudication process, which will involve months of detailed reading, evaluation, and deliberation, culminating in a longlist of eleven entries, a shortlist of three, and ultimately, the selection of a winner.

The entries were formally presented to the Advisory Board, chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who in turn handed them over to the panel of judges for evaluation in line with established standards.

Receiving the entries, Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo commended NLNG for its continued dedication to the Prize, noting that each edition reflects the evolving depth and diversity of Nigerian writing across genres.

She also acknowledged the writers whose submissions continue to sustain the Prize’s relevance and impact and urged the panel of judges to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and depth in selecting the winning entry.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored annually by NLNG, remains a flagship initiative in the company’s commitment to education, culture, and sustainable development, and continues to serve as a benchmark for literary excellence in Africa.