Obi, Soludo Godfather Drama, Umahi's Ebonyi Stand, and More: Najia Pulse Evening Recap
From Anambra to Ebonyi, the political heat is rising across Nigeria. Tonight's headlines bring you the godfather drama that isn't, a minister's bold declaration, and a coronation fit for royalty. Here's what's moving the needle.
Peter Obi not godfather to Soludo's children, says First Lady's aide
The camp of Anambra State's First Lady has fired back at claims that former Governor Peter Obi is a godfather to Governor Chukwuma Soludo's children. Daniel Ezeigwe, media aide to Dr Nonye Soludo, set the record straight: Obi is not a godfather to any of the Soludos' kids. The real story? Dr Nonye Soludo is the confirmation godmother to Obi's daughter, while Mrs Margaret Obi is the baptismal godmother to one of Soludo's daughters. Family ties, yes. Political godfatherism, no.
Lagos Task Force denies stopping driver over vehicle inscription
In Lagos, the Task Force is washing its hands of a viral incident involving a Toyota Tacoma with a 'TRD 4×4 Sport Tacoma' marking. The agency says it didn't stop the driver, doesn't demand permits for vehicle inscriptions, and has actually stopped enforcing traffic offences. So who did? That remains the question.
2027: Delta NDC candidate rejects monarchs' endorsement of Oborevwori
Chris Iyovwaye, the Delta State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, is not backing down. He's rejected the endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole Urhobo candidate for 2027. His message? Traditional rulers can't override the constitutional right of Deltans to choose their governor at the ballot box. He's staying in the race, period.
No rainbow coalition in Ebonyi, Umahi declares
Minister of Works David Umahi is drawing a line in the sand. There is no rainbow coalition in Ebonyi State, he declares. If anyone thinks Wike has candidates there, the minister says he hasn't been informed. Umahi reaffirmed his full support for President Tinubu and warned against hate speech as campaigns heat up. Ebonyi stands with the APC, full stop.
Police, DSS, ICPC cleared me, says Gbajabiamila
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, says the investigative reports are out and they clear him. The Police, DSS, and ICPC all found no wrongdoing, he insists. He thanked President Tinubu for pushing due process and announced a ₦1.15bn empowerment programme for about 5,000 beneficiaries in Surulere. Clean record, big moves.
Ronaldo extends record as Europe's most-capped international
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still rewriting history. He reached 234 caps for Portugal after a 1-0 win over Wales in the UEFA Nations League. Luka Modrić trails at 202, with Sergio Ramos on 180. The GOAT debate? He's not leaving much room for argument.
Jonathan, Olu of Warri attend new Opobo king's coronation
It was a royal affair in Rivers State as King Charles Douglas Jaja was crowned the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife were there, alongside Rivers Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, the Igwe of Onitsha, and the Olu of Warri. Tradition, dignity, and a new era for Opobo.
That's your evening recap. Stay locked in with Najia Pulse for the stories that matter to Africa, told the African way.