Politics
Minister Of Steel’s Gesture To Tinubu Receives Mixed Responses
Following his kneeling before President Bola Tinubu during the Monday swearing-in event, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, received a range of responses on social media.
Audu bowed down to Tinubu after taking the oath of office at the swearing-in ceremony, which was held in Abuja, the state capital.
After swearing in 45 new ministers who had been approved by the Senate on Monday, Tinubu formally inaugurated them as members of the Federal Executive Council.
One of the 45 ministers inaugurated at the swearing-in ceremony conducted at the Presidential Villa is Audu, a native of Kogi State.
In the video, the minister prostrated before the President after signing the oath of service register and everyone cheered him on with a round of applause.
The video received mixed reactions from some Nigerians on the X (formerly Twitter) app, some hailing the act as a gesture of respect in the Yoruba culture, while others think otherwise.
Reacting to this, #masonsokun4real, said, “Na grace the guy get if na me I go do pass that one. I love to serve my country.”
#m_laweee said, “The guy is like a son to him, he was the son of Audu and you know how Audu was to Tinubu.”
#feyifrank wrote, “I don’t know what others feel about this but I see a sense of gratitude and appreciation on the face of the minister. To be considered for a position among this huge population of ours is not as easy as a lot of us might think regardless of our qualifications and competence.”
Another X user, #RashwalRashwal, said, “That’s how a well-brought-up African appreciate when things worthy are bestowed to them. It is time for Audu to prove his worth in the Ministry of Steel… Kogi is blessed with abundant steel and other solid mineral resources. So Audu is positioned so right.”
While #Ayoappeal is of the opinion, “Nigerians and the culture of ‘hero worshipping’, respect is good but shouldn’t be this way in an official function but our people like oju aye. I will be keeping an eye on Shuaibu for his performance.”
And #ajaGunSEgun_ said, “He’s only showing appreciation for a given opportunity to share in the national cake, like other political elites in the past. So, you’re definitely part of the problem if you’re moved by this flimflam.🤷”
#OneNaijaPatriot wrote, “I was behind the wheels this afternoon listening to Naija FM 102.7 condemning two of the ministers prostrating and kneeling for the President while they were being sworn in. Seeing this video now makes me question the reasoning faculty of the Presenters of that Radio Station.”
#harunaibrahim said, “This clearly indicates that the selection process was not competency-based, but loyalty and Godfathers.”
Politics
“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.
Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.
ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back
“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.
The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.
He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.
Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.
In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.
He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.
Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.
He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.
Politics
Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting
There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.
The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.
However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.
ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition
Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
Politics
Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift
The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.
SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.
He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.
In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.
The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.
Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.
The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.





