A former girlfriend of Tolani, also known as Dian, the alleged killer of Lagos State University graduate Adijat Adisa, has revealed she ended their relationship due to his toxic behaviour.

The ex-girlfriend, who chose not to reveal her name in a WhatsApp chat with Vanguard, said she dated Dian (Tolani) when she was younger and couldn’t speak up at the time when she he raped her.

She further revealed that when she saw the video interview of the deceased’s mother calling for justice, she felt sad and hoped he would be caught. She added that, according to her source, Dian (Tolani) is currently not in Nigeria.

In her words, while speaking to our correspondent, she said, “I know him very well because we dated for a while, but I broke up with him because he was extremely toxic.

“I don’t know how true it is that he killed the young lady, but I know he’s toxic. This case has been trending on TikTok since March. I even sent it to a few friends who knew us when we were together. Right now, Tolani is not in Nigeria.

“We dated back then, which is why I once posted him on my WhatsApp status, but that was a long time ago. I texted one of my friends who isn’t in Nigeria and is also Dian’s (Tolani’s) best friend. According to him, Tolani hasn’t said anything, but he’s not in Nigeria, so obviously, they’re together, and he’s hiding him. I just stayed calm.

“The case is very serious. I pray they catch him. Because he’s currently on the run, and he has turned off all his handles. They should catch him honestly because I am a victim of rape from him. I was young and couldn’t say a word to anyone.”

A source also revealed that the suspect is the son of her former school proprietress at Standard Children School, located in the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos State. The source added that the suspect’s Facebook name is “Ancestor Diane Funds”, which may suggest his involvement in internet fraud, commonly known as “Yahoo Yahoo”.

Continuing, she added, “The mother used to be our proprietress when both her children attended the school. But after they graduated, I started seeing her selling foodstuffs. Diane used to be very humble back then, until I started noticing his lavish lifestyle on Facebook.”

The story began trending after an interview with the mother of the deceased, who called on the Lagos State Police to seek justice for the alleged killing of her daughter.

In a video interview with Punch, Adisa alleged that her daughter was killed and used for ritual purposes by her boyfriend.

She said she had single-handedly raised Adijat from primary school through university and the completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

The mother of two explained that her daughter had been dating a man identified as Dian, whom she had met only once. Adisa said she became suspicious after seeing scars on her daughter’s body and advised her to end the relationship.

According to her, Adijat failed to show up at work on February 26. Later that day, Dian called to say they had a misunderstanding and that Adijat had fainted at his house.

She said the case was reported to the police after her daughter was confirmed dead. The police allegedly found charms in the suspect’s house.

“When I met him, I told my daughter I didn’t like him and asked her to stop seeing him. She told me he is from Igbira. I said I don’t like those people,” Adisa said.

“One morning, her boss called to say Adijat didn’t show up at work. I tried calling her several times, but her number wasn’t going through. I began to panic.

“The guy she was dating also called to say he had been trying to reach her but couldn’t. Later that evening, he called again and said she had fainted after a disagreement at his house. He asked me to come to his house in Abule Egba.

“When I got there, his father confirmed that my daughter was dead. We went to Meiran Police Station to report the case.

“My daughter went to his house on February 26, and he killed her that same day. The police took photos of charms found at his home. We have pictures showing how he hacked my daughter’s face. The mortuary also confirmed scars on her head and hands.

“I don’t know if he’s a Yahoo boy, because my daughter never told me what he did for a living. She only said he graduated from Lagos State Polytechnic, once worked at Stanbic Bank, and now owns a boutique in Agege and a pure water factory.”

Adisa added that some of his family members tried to suppress the case at the Meiran Police Station, prompting her to transfer it to Panti. She called on Nigerians to support her demand for justice, stating that her daughter’s blood was found in a bucket.

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and said the suspect is still at large.

“It’s clear the boy committed the offence, but he is still at large. We don’t arrest by proxy, so we can’t arrest his family members. However, we are making efforts to find and arrest him,” Hundeyin said.

Press Release

The issue of underrepresentation of Ndi Igbo in federal appointments has long been a contentious matter, with concerns escalating over the composition of the National Population Commission (NPC). Given the critical role this commission plays in census activities, determining population figures that directly affect resource allocation, political representation, and developmental funding, the lack of fair Igbo inclusion raises serious questions about the credibility and accuracy of census data regarding the Southeast. This discrepancy has led to justified concerns about the population figures that would be declared for the Southeast.

Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja strongly advocates for a proactive approach and advices that the Southeast should conduct its own census and maintain independent records, allowing for an objective comparison against NPC declared figures. This measure is necessary to safeguard the region’s political and economic interests and ensure that national population data does not become a tool for marginalization.

The power to conduct a population census in Nigeria is exclusively vested in the federal government through the National Population Commission (NPC) by virtue of Section 213(4) and Second Schedule, Item 8 of the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 2 (2009) and the National Population Commission Act (Cap N67, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) establishing the National Population Commission (NPC) as the only body authorized to conduct population and housing censuses in Nigeria.

However, given the challenges of none inclusion of Ndi Igbo in the recent composition of NPC, Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja advocates that the Southeast should establish its own independent regional census initiative to verify and maintain accurate records of its population. This can be achieved by the formation of an Independent Igbo Census Bureau (ICB) and a collaboration with Town Unions and Local Governments to conduct sample based audits in Igbo states.
By doing this, the Southeast will be applying a global best practice and initiative to ensure the accuracy of population data from the NPC. Several countries and regions have implemented independent population audits alongside official government censuses. India, with its vast population, has developed independent verification mechanisms to cross-check official census data where census accuracy is disputed. Kenya has faced challenges with census accuracy, particularly in marginalized regions. In the United States’, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a Post-Enumeration Survey (PES) to assess the accuracy of official census results. This survey identifies undercounts and overcounts, ensuring that population figures are not manipulated for political purposes.

In South Africa, a dual census methodology, where independent audits are conducted alongside government led censuses have been employed to ensure that population figures reflect reality. State led demographic initiatives have also been conducted by Lagos State under the Household Enumeration Project although for urban planning and development projections. The State Population Mapping is also an initiative geared towards tracking the demographic shifts and assess infrastructure needs in Kaduna State.

By adopting elements from these global and state models, the Southeast can establish a credible, independent population audit system that ensures fair representation in national policymaking. Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja urges Southeast Governors, and lawmakers to immediately commission this initiative and safeguard the region’s demographic identity. The initiative to conduct demographic studies and population surveys will not only enhance independent data collection for regional planning, economic forecasting but will provide grounds to challenge of census discrepancies using comparative data If there are concerns about NPC’s official census figures. Southeast can use state collected data to highlight disparities and to engage the Census Tribunal for redress If the Southeast believes that NPC census figures underrepresent its true population.

Indeed, Igbo representation in NPC matters is because, the composition of the NPC significantly impacts how census data is collected and processed. If Igbo representatives are excluded or underrepresented, key decisions, such as resource allocation for census operations, methodology for data gathering, and analysis, may not sufficiently factor in the demographic realities of the Southeast. There is also the Risk of downplaying Igbo population figures because historically, there have been discrepancies in population figures allocated to the Southeast versus other regions, with suspicions that the numbers reported for Igbo states have been systematically undercounted.

Without fair representation in the NPC, there is a risk that official census results may continue to misrepresent the true population strength of the Southeast, weakening its bargaining power in national policymaking. Census data directly influences representation in legislative seats, federal allocations, and infrastructure development. If the Southeast is shortchanged in population figures, it leads to reduced political leverage, lower funding for developmental projects, and diminished electoral influence, all of which have long-term consequences for Ndi Igbo.

With independently verified census data, the Southeast can challenge discrepancies in NPC figures with factual evidence. This initiative would ensure that the Southeast is not forced to accept population statistics that may have been skewed to serve political interests. A comparative census will allow Ndi Igbo to demand for equity and defend its interests while reinforcing the need for transparency in national population reporting. Ignoring the underrepresentation of Igbo interests in the NPC risks reinforcing systemic marginalization. By conducting its own census, the Southeast will establish a credible population record that serves as an unbiased benchmark against official NPC figures.

Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja calls on Southeast Governors, lawmakers, and stakeholders to support this initiative. The time has come to take charge of the region’s demographic identity and ensure that every Igbo citizen counts, both in numbers and in national policy.

Sir Chidiebere Nwabueze Udekwe, KSC
PRESIDENT
OTU OKA-IWU ABUJA

Law teacher, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a six-year United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking Persons in Africa, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, has hailed the judgment of the FCT High Court, which sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.

Describing Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme’s verdict as a landmark, Ezeilo, SAN, in a tweet, said the ruling will not only act as a deterrent to potential offenders but also offer hope to victims of gender-based violence.

The tweet reads:

“Justice has finally been served for the late gospel singer Osinachi, as the FCT High Court has convicted and sentenced her husband ( Peter Nwachukwu)for her tragic death in April 2022.

“This landmark ruling not only acts as a deterrent to potential offenders but also offers hope to victims of gender-based violence, encouraging them to break their silence. The mother and the twin sibling, now raising the three children who endured this traumatic experience, deserve unwavering support. Let this victory for justice catalyze change and protection for everyone.”

On 23 January 2003, an Owerri High Court presided over by Justice Njideka’s mother-in-law, Hon. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, now a justice of the Supreme Court, sentenced seven persons, including Chief Vincent Duru, alias Otokoto and Chief Leonard Unaogu to death, for their involvement in the brutal murder of 11-year-old Ikechukwu Okoronkwo on September 19, 1996, at Otokoto Hotels, Owerri.

Also condemned to death for the same offence were Alban Ajaegbu, Sampson Nnamito, Ebenezer Egwuekwe, Rufus Anyanwu and Lawrence Eboh. In her over three-hour judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme described Chief Duru as “a hardened and unrepentant murderer.”

Nwosu-Iheme said she found it extremely difficult to believe the stories told by Chief Duru to the effect that Chief Unaogu and himself did not know each other before this ugly incident nor ever regarded themselves as close friends.

On 18 May 2018, however, the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

In her lead judgment, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun held that the circumstantial evidence relied on to convict and sentence the appellant by the lower courts was not sufficient.

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, presided by Hon. Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme on Monday sentenced the husband of late gospel singer, Osinachi, Peter Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.

Nwachukwu was found guilty of culpable homicide resulting in the death of the deceased (his wife) on April 8, 2022.

The judge held that the prosecution has proven the burden of proof placed on it by the law and subsequently found the defendant guilty.

Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), on behalf of the Federal Government, on a 23-count charge.

The charge was on culpable homicide punishable with death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation of children, spousal battery, among others.

In the course of the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two children of the late Osinachi, who testified as fourth prosecution and fifth prosecution witnesses, PW4 and PW5, respectively. The prosecution also tendered 25 documents as exhibits before the court. The defendant testified for the defence and further called four other witnesses and tendered four exhibits in his defence.

Shortly before sentencing, the defendant’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, in his allocutus pleaded with the court to be lenient in its judgment.

Similarly, the prosecution counsel, Mrs Aderonke Imala, urged the court to give force to the law as stipulated.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme subsequently sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1, while he was sentenced to two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8,9, 12, 13, and 18.

The court sentenced him to six months imprisonment on Count 10, three years imprisonment in Count 11, while he was fined the sum of N500,000 and N200,000 respectively on Counts 6 and 7.

On 23 January 2003, an Owerri High Court presided over by Justice Njideka’s mother-in-law, Hon. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, now a justice of the Supreme Court, sentenced seven persons, including Chief Vincent Duru, alias Otokoto and Chief Leonard Unaogu to death, for their involvement in the brutal murder of 11-year-old Ikechukwu Okoronkwo on September 19, 1996, at Otokoto Hotels, Owerri.

Also condemned to death for the same offence were Alban Ajaegbu, Sampson Nnamito, Ebenezer Egwuekwe, Rufus Anyanwu and Lawrence Eboh. In her over three-hour judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme described Chief Duru as “a hardened and unrepentant murderer.”

Nwosu-Iheme said she found it extremely difficult to believe the stories told by Chief Duru to the effect that Chief Unaogu and himself did not know each other before this ugly incident nor ever regarded themselves as close friends.

On 18 May 2018, however, the Supreme Court overturned the verdict.

In her lead judgment, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun held that the circumstantial evidence relied on to convict and sentence the appellant by the lower courts was not sufficient.

NAN/Vanguard Newspapers

Many do not know that Joseph Otteh and Access To Justice (A2J ) were the first winners of the Gani Fawehinmi Award for Social Justice and Human Rights, 2010, which was instituted by the Nigerian Bar Association (NB) through its Human Rights Institute. The award was N1million and a plaque.

The initiative for the award came from the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI).

Joseph Otteh, the Convener of Access (A2J) to Justice, reportedly became ill on the night of March 27, 2025, and passed away the next day in a Lagos hospital.

Not a few have hailed the life of this activist who spent most of his life striving for a more transparent, independent, and accountable judiciary.

Otteh’s work through A2J which he founded focused on strengthening the legal system and ensuring justice for all.

With decades of experience fighting for judicial reforms, the rule of law, and human rights protections, Otteh was a well-known voice in legal advocacy.

He was a Global Public Service Scholar at NYU and received a Master’s degree in law from both the University of Lagos and New York University.

He also served as a Visiting Researcher at the Danish Centre for Human Rights.

Otteh authored Fading Lights of Justice and Litigating in the Public Interest.

He contributed extensively to legal scholarship, consulting for institutions such as the British Government’s J4A Programme, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), the Nigerian Bar Association, the European Union’s Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

As a key figure in legal reforms, Otteh served on committees that shaped Nigeria’s legal framework, including the Lagos State Committee on the Review of Criminal Procedure Laws and the Committee on the Review of the Coroner Law.

Joseph Otteh contributed significantly to strengthening human rights safeguards and improving justice administration in Nigeria and through A2J he helped drive advocacy for judicial independence and accountability.

He earned accolades such as the MacArthur Foundation’s Award for Effective and Creative Institutions and more.

Okechukwu Nwanguma of RULAAC had a lot to say:

“I met Joseph Otteh at the civil liberties organization (CLO), where he was head of the legal project.

“Among his outstanding intellectual works was the publication entitled ‘Justice Denied’.

“His contributions to judicial Independence were immeasurable.

“Joseph Otteh, through his leadership at Access to Justice (AJ), significantly advanced judicial independence, integrity, and effectiveness in Nigeria. His pivotal role in reforming the Lagos State coroner’s law is particularly notable, marking a major step toward accountability regarding extrajudicial killings.

“He received an award recognition for his immense contributions.

“Otteh’s impact earned AJ the prestigious $650,000 MacArthur Foundation award in 2009, highlighting their efforts against human rights abuses. He attributed this achievement to the successful advocacy for coroner law reform, aiming to reduce extrajudicial executions by ensuring that deaths are properly investigated.

“He contributed to the efforts to address Police Brutality.

“In an interview, Otteh emphasized that police brutality is an acute issue in Nigeria, despite the country’s democratic status. He remarked on the shocking prevalence of police violence, torture, and extrajudicial killings, noting that such problems are not unique to Nigeria but are prevalent across multiple regions, particularly in countries with stable governance.

“He spoke on human rights under democracy in Nigeria.

“Otteh assessed human rights conditions post-military rule, suggesting that while some individual rights have gained better protection in Nigeria’s democracy, there remained systemic issues, particularly related to police violence and extrajudicial killings. He acknowledged the courts’ ability to provide remedies but reiterated the need for continued advocacy to ensure all rights are upheld.

“He understood the challenges and projected to the future.

“He expressed concern over the potential for political instability and military interference in governance. Despite the progress made, Otteh highlighted ongoing challenges, including the inadequacy of responses to police brutality and the increasing rate of extrajudicial killings, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to address these critical issues.

“In short, Joseph Otteh’s commitment to enhancing access to justice and safeguarding human rights remains a vital part of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for a just society. His legacy serves as a reminder of the continuous need for advocacy and reform in the face of systemic abuses.”

Olumide Ayeni (SAN) wrote: “The profundity of the Access to Justice Programme assisted us in reforms of the administration of justice sector in Ogun State in my time as Attorney-General.”

A lawyer, Kingsley Ejiofor, wrote: “Nigeria has lost a great man! He stood for what was right and just.

“I called him Prophet Jeremiah following his Vanguard article of 20 February 2025 on the state of the Judiciary, amongst other issues he highlighted. He simply laughed it off and sent an emoji to me.

‘‘May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”Bob Arnot wrote: “Joseph worked with us on DFID and EU-funded programmes.

“He was a modest man and an excellent colleague. Condolences to his family and friends from the Arnot family.”

Senior Programme Manager, Africa, at National Endowment for Democracy, Christopher O’Connor, wrote: “Joseph will be missed. He was a tremendous advocate for judicial reform.

“I am certain his legacy of compassion and vision for a better tomorrow will continue to inspire others.”

Prof Chidi Odinkalu wrote: “Raised in Agbor, Delta State, in the Niger Delta by a father who was a high school teacher from Imo State, Joe was one of the first two colleagues whom I engaged in the legal directorate of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Lagos in 1991.

“He brought tremendous integrity, intellect, and industry to the role, and had remarkable reserves of both clarity and empathy.

“Joe received his legal education at the Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ile-Ife.

“In 1999, Joe founded the group Access to Justice ‘to work towards rebuilding the institutional credibility of the Nigerian legal and justice system, restoring public faith in its institutions’.

“He approached that task with both courage and single-mindedness, doing a lot of good along the way.

“Joe epitomised the lawyer as a gentleman and professional of civic virtue.

“Unknown to most, Joe was the force & craftsman behind the current revision of Nigeria’s Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules.

“It reflects very much not merely his ability to identify problems but also his commitment to forging the relationships required to address them.

“On 28 March, Joe succumbed reportedly to complications from diabetes, leaving behind an aged mother, wife and three children.

“Thirty years ago, in 1995, Joe authored a defining study of the customary court system in the 17 states of southern Nigeria under the title: The Fading Lights of Justice.

“As an advocate, Joe did his utmost to ensure that those lights were kept aflame; to postpone the date when the future he divined would come to pass.

“That title could only have come from a man who was well ahead of his time and had the acuity to see the future.

“The heavens will be enriched by the acquisition of this incredible angel.”

• Caution against country’s move towards one-party state
• We didn’t fight to end military dictatorship only to enthrone civilian authoritarianism, they say
• Presidency insists Tinubu not building one-party state

Eighteen notable personalities, comprising professionals from different backgrounds, on Sunday, alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is making effort to dismantle the democratic foundations of the Fourth Republic towards reducing Nigeria to one-party state.

Consequently, they called on Nigerians to be vigilant and speak out to protect hard-fought democracy. 

In an open letter titled, “Defending Democracy: A Call to Resist the March toward a One-Party State in Nigeria,” they expressed serious concern about the emerging authoritarian rule that constitutes a grave threat to Nigerians’ hard-won civil rule.

The letter was jointly signed by Professor Adele Jinadu, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Chief Tola Adeniyi, Dr Jibrin Ibrahim and Olufemi Adegbulugbe.

The other signatories are: Richard Akinola, Abdul Mahmud, Dr Sam Amadi, Auwa Ibrahim Musa (Rasfajani), Nnimmo Bassey, Adeola Soetan, Honourable Uche Onyeagocha, Uzodinma Uwaogbe, Mma Odi, Femi Aborishade and Osa Director.

Describing themselves as Democrats, they expressed intense concern that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was using subterfuge to castrate political pluralism by muzzling opposition and inducing defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

According to them, the government is deploying coercive organs of the state, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to blackmail, intimidate and force key opposition figures to do its bidding. 

They noted that the creeping authoritarianism has dire consequences, including a risk of returning to a culture of impunity, where the absence of opposition breeds arrogance and unaccountable governance.

Besides, they said the ugly trend jeopardises the federal character of the Nigerian democracy by suffocating the diversity of voices and interests that make up the republic, as they warned that the situation stifles the political space for young Nigerians to organise, question, and contribute to the national discourse.

While reminding President Bola Tinubu of his role in the bitter struggle that culminated in the restoration of civil rule in Nigeria in 1999, they asserted that the current drift toward a one-party state is a betrayal of the ideals that many of us—and indeed President Tinubu himself—fought for during the darkest days of military.

“We urge the Nigerian people, civil society, the media, and the international community to stand vigilant and speak out. History will not be kind to silence in the face of this unfolding danger.

“We did not fight to end military dictatorship only to enthrone civilian authoritarianism. We must rise now to defend democracy, or risk losing it forever,’ they stated.

Part of the letter read: “We, the undersigned democrats, raise our voices in alarm and solidarity at this critical hour in the life of our nation.

Nigeria’s democracy—hard-won through decades of struggle, sacrifice, and steadfast resistance against authoritarian rule—is under grave threat.

“We are witnessing, with increasing dismay, a calculated and systematic effort by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismantle the democratic foundations of our republic and reduce Nigeria to a one-party state.

“Under this administration, political pluralism is being eroded not by persuasion or performance, but by bribery, blackmail, and coercion. Serving and former governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and key opposition figures are decamping en masse to the ruling party, not out of conviction, but out of fear and pressure.

“The pattern is disturbingly clear: an invitation by the EFCC for questioning on financial impropriety is swiftly followed by political capitulation. This weaponisation of state institutions for partisan gain corrodes public trust and undermines the integrity of our democracy.”

‘We must say it clearly: a democracy without opposition is not a democracy. The presence of multiple, vibrant parties is not a luxury—it is the lifeblood of any democratic system. It provides citizens with real choices, ensures accountability, encourages debate, and fosters innovation in governance.

“The drift toward a one-party state is a betrayal of the ideals that many of us—and indeed President Tinubu himself—fought for during the darkest days of military dictatorship. It is not what we envisioned when we stood in the streets demanding civil rule. It is not what the constitution guarantees. And it is not what Nigeria’s future demands.

“The implications of this creeping authoritarianism are dire:

• We risk returning to a culture of impunity, where the absence of opposition breeds arrogance and unaccountable governance.
• We jeopardize the federal character of our democracy by suffocating the diversity of voices and interests that make up our republic.
• We stifle the political space for young Nigerians to organize, question, and contribute to the national discourse.

“This must stop.

“We call on Mr President to remember the democratic path that brought him to power, to respect the multi-party architecture of our republic, and to end the persecution and intimidation of opposition leaders.

“The strength of a democracy lies not in the dominance of one party, but in the ability of many to coexist, compete, and cooperate for the good of all.

“We urge the Nigerian people, civil society, the media, and the international community to stand vigilant and speak out. History will not be kind to silence in the face of this unfolding danger.

“We did not fight to end military dictatorship only to enthrone civilian authoritarianism. We must rise now to defend democracy, or risk losing it forever.”

Tinubu not building a one-party state —Presidency

• Dismisses allegations of coercion, bribery, blackmail

The Presidency has dismissed claims that recent defections of prominent opposition politicians into the All Progressives Congress (APC) are part of a plot to create a one-party state, insisting that democracy in Nigeria remains “strong and alive” under President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused “disgruntled opposition figures” and “partisan human rights crusaders” of peddling falsehoods about Nigeria’s political direction following the defection of key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

The intervention came as the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) prepares for a critical meeting this week to address mounting internal challenges, including a surge of defections, leadership disputes, and growing divisions over coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party’s recent troubles have sparked alarm among its loyalists and some political observers, who fear the opposition is disintegrating in the face of APC’s strategic political gains.

“The seismic shift caused by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s open declaration of support for President Tinubu, along with the defections in Delta and Rivers States, certainly threw the opposition into disarray,” Onanuga said.

“But contrary to their baseless claims, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria.”

He dismissed allegations of coercion, bribery, and blackmail in securing defections, stressing that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to democratic ideals, including freedom of association and multi-party competition.

“The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs,” the statement added.

“It is not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties.”

Within the PDP, however, the defections have exposed deeper fractures that could shape the party’s fate heading into 2027.

Governors and party leaders are sharply divided over whether to pursue a coalition with other opposition groups – a strategy championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar – or focus on internal rebuilding.

The NWC is expected to deliberate on recommendations for a national convention and decide on its stance regarding a coalition at an upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

But insiders warn that the party risks further implosion if it fails to present a united front.

The leadership vacuum, highlighted by disputes over critical offices such as the National Secretary, has also fueled concerns that the PDP might lose more ground to an increasingly assertive APC.

Despite the Presidency’s assurances, some opposition figures argue that the scale and speed of recent defections are alarming and could damage Nigeria’s fledgling multi-party democracy if not checked.

They accuse the APC of using the “power of incumbency” to tilt the political playing field in its favor – charges the ruling party strongly denies.

Yet analysts note that political realignments are not unusual in Nigeria’s volatile political environment, especially as election cycles approach. President Tinubu himself rose to power partly by building alliances across party lines to defeat a sitting government in 2015 – a fact the State House emphasized in its defense.

“Politicians changing party affiliation is not new or peculiar to Nigeria,” Onanuga said.

“President Tinubu is an avowed democrat and a firm believer in multi-party democracy,” he added.

The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central at Nigeria’s Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken a satirical swing at Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, posting a mock apology over allegations of sexual harassment which she first raised earlier this year.

In a letter shared on her official Facebook page late Sunday, Natasha, adopting a tone heavy with sarcasm, apologised for what she described as the “grievous crime” of maintaining dignity and self-respect in Akpabio’s presence. 

She suggested that legislative success in some quarters appeared to be tied to personal compliance rather than merit, and mocked the idea that her refusal to entertain alleged advances constituted a disruption to an established order.

The senator further ridiculed what she portrayed as an inflated sense of entitlement among some male politicians, implying that competence and electoral victory were secondary to personal submission. 

She also affirmed her continued resistance to such pressures, describing herself as “unafraid, unbought, and unbroken”.

The letter reads, “SATIRICAL APOLOGY LETTER

“From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

“Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio,

“It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

“How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

“I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.

“Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.

“I remain,

Yours in eternal resistance,

Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan