The top political news in Nigeria is currently dominated by two major, interconnected stories: the US designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and the deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a court order.
Here are the top political headlines and developments:
1. US Designation Over Religious Persecution
- US President Donald Trump officially designated Nigeria as a “COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN” citing an “existential threat” to Christianity in the nation.
- Trump’s post on X claimed that “Thousands of Christians are being killed” by “Radical Islamists” and that the US “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
- He announced he is directing the House Appropriations Committee and Congressman Riley Moore to “immediately look into this matter.”
- Reaction: A former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari commented that the US sanctions could negatively “affect Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.”
2. PDP Convention Crisis and Judicial Conflict
The opposition PDP is in turmoil after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the party not to proceed with its National Convention, slated for November 15-16 in Ibadan.
- The Court Order: Justice James Omotosho ruled that the PDP allegedly failed to meet “all statutory requirements” and did not conduct valid state congresses.
- PDP’s Defiance: The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, rejected the ruling as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process” and vowed to appeal the decision, stating that preparations for the convention would proceed.
- Key Reactions:
- Former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, strongly criticized the judge, stating the ruling “will consume this country” and should be addressed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a notable figure in the PDP’s internal crisis, welcomed the court verdict, stating that “impunity has no place in PDP.”
