“Nigerians deserve honesty. Peter Obi should stop pretending and tell us where he stands. We will not allow what happened in 2023 to happen again, especially if it will hurt the Igbo cause.”

A youth group, Omenuko Ndigbo United, has warned Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, against isolating himself from the current push to unite opposition forces ahead of the 2027 polls.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Benjamin Madu, president of the group, said Obi’s reluctance to engage fully in coalition talks raises concerns about a repeat of what happened in the last elections.

“We are not happy with Peter Obi. Instead of joining hands with others to rescue Nigeria, he seems to be focused only on himself. This is not the time for selfish politics,” the statement reads.

Madu accused Obi of allowing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the 2023 elections by refusing to collaborate with other opposition leaders.

He cautioned that such a move could again sabotage the chances of producing a president of Igbo extraction in 2027.

“The current president is from the South. This is the best time for Ndigbo to push for the presidency. But we need unity. If Obi leaves the coalition, it will be harder for an Igbo person to become president in 2027 or even in 2031,” Madu said.

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“Obi is not fully part of the plans, and it’s starting to look like he is playing another game. We need to know what he really wants.”He also pointed to recent criticisms of Obi by APC supporters like Reno Omokri, which, according to him, were reminiscent of 2023 tactics used to confuse the opposition and voters.

Referencing David Hundeyin, a journalist, Madu said previous warnings about avoiding fragmentation in the opposition should be taken seriously this time around.

He urged the former governor of Anambra to make his position known and stop the “political ambiguity”.

“Nigerians deserve honesty. Peter Obi should stop pretending and tell us where he stands. We will not allow what happened in 2023 to happen again, especially if it will hurt the Igbo cause,” he said.

On May 22, Obi assured LP’s supporters that he would still contest future elections on the party’s platform.

“I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” he said.

“But today, in all the parties, there are problems; these are deliberate problems caused by the system. These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity.

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“Parties will function very well because you can not have a system working without a strong opposition.”

The United States has retained its position as the world’s most powerful military in the 2025 Global Military Strength Index, published by Global Firepower.

Israel and Iran, two key players in the Middle East, were ranked 15th and 16th respectively, highlighting their continued influence in regional military dynamics amid ongoing tensions.

Published annually, the GFP index analyzes over 60 indicators including manpower, equipment strength, financial resources, logistical efficiency, and geographical advantage to evaluate a nation’s military posture.

The latest ranking reflects the global shifts in defense preparedness, strategic alliances, and geopolitical tensions shaping national security policies around the world.

According to the report, the rankings are not solely determined by the size of a country’s armed forces or defense budget, but rather a comprehensive mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Smaller nations with advanced technology, training, and defense infrastructure continue to challenge larger militaries in global standings.

Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa remain Africa’s strongest military powers in the new ranking, while European and Asian countries dominate the top tier.

The GFP list has become a benchmark for military observers, analysts, and policymakers in assessing global defense capabilities.

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Here is the list of 40 countries ranked in the 2025 Global Firepower Index.

1. United States
2. Russia
3. China
4. India
5. South Korea
6. United Kingdom
7. France
8. Japan
9. Turkiye
10. Italy
11. Brazil
12. Pakistan
13. Indonesia
14. Germany
15. Israel
16. Iran
17. Spain
18. Australia
19. Egypt
20. Ukraine
21. Poland
22. Taiwan
23. Vietnam
24. Saudi Arabia
25. Thailand
26. Algeria
27. Sweden
28. Canada
29. Singapore
30. Greece
31. Nigeria
32. Mexico
33. Argentina
34. North Korea
35. Bangladesh
36. Netherlands
37. Myanmar
38. Norway
39. Portugal
40. South Africa

A middle-aged woman has been confirmed dead in Imo State after a bomb explosion rocked Awo-Idemili, a community in Orsu Local Government Area of the South-eastern state, as reported by PREMIUM TIMES.

The woman, Ngozi Umeh, hailed from Ubaheze village in the community.

The incident happened at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Eke Ubaheze Market Square in the community.

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, in a statement on Thursday, said the explosive was believed to have been planted by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said preliminary investigations showed that the deceased woman stepped on the explosive, which caused it to explode.

“She was critically injured and later confirmed dead at the hospital, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention,” he said.

The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, upon receiving the information, deployed various operatives, including personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, to cordon off the area and evacuate victims.

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He said the deployed operatives also swept the market vicinity to detect any other possible unexploded explosives planted in the area.

“The area has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under enhanced security surveillance,” he said.

Mr Danjuma, according to the statement, has commiserated with the family of the deceased woman and prayed for the quick recovery of other injured victims.

The police chief assured the residents of Orsu and Imo State in general that the command remains resolute in its determination to root out all criminals threatening the state’s peace.

He urged residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, as adequate security measures have been implemented to forestall the recurrence of such incidents.

Mr Danjuma appealed to all residents of the state to report to the police any suspicious items, persons, or movements for action.

Investigation

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Mr Okoye said the police commissioner ordered an investigation into the incident.

“The deputy commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department has been directed to commence a comprehensive investigation aimed at unmasking and apprehending the perpetrators,” he said.

Not the first time
This is not the first time a bomb explosion would rock a market in Imo State, which has witnessed increased attacks, like other states in the South-east region, in recent years

In November last year, at least two people were killed when a bomb exploded at the International Market in Umuna, a community in the Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

IPOB has been blamed for the worsening attacks in the region.

Security agencies and government facilities are often targeted in the attacks.

But the separatist group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

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IPOB is leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria.

The Obidient Peoples Party (OPP) is one of the 110 political associations that submitted letters of intent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)seeking registration ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the document released on Wednesday by INEC, the protem chairman of the OPP is Barry Avotu Johnson with its headquarters at No. 3 Mekanbo Close, Along Durban Street, Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria.

EFCC quizzes Abuja businesswoman Halimat Tejuosho over alleged appointment scam

Here are tens facts to know about the former governorship candidate in Delta state

1. From Delta State, Ughelli North LGA, Evwereni Village
2. Born in Badagry, Lagos State on August 5, 1974
3. Married with children
4. BSc in Political Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
5. Former National Chairman, unregistered EndSars Nigeria Youths Democratic Party (NYDP)
6. Founding Member and Director of Political Affairs, OBIDIENT MOVEMENT WORLDWIDE
7. Labour Party Deputy National Youth Leader, South
8. Frontline Aspirant for the Chairmanship Position of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)
9. Board of Trustees Chairman, ASSOCIATION OF BEAUTY PAGEANTS, FASHION DESIGNERS AND EXHIBITORS OF NIGERIA (ABPFEON)
10. Member, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abuja Chapter

It is not immediately clear if OPP is linked to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), under whom ‘Obidient Movement’ gained momentum during the lead-up to the 2023 general election.

The movement began on social media and transformed into offline rallies and campaign activities across multiple states.

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Obi eventually finished third in the poll with 6,101,533 votes. Some LP candidates across the country also benefited from the wave of movement.

The Obidient movement launched a digital portal for member registration and the issuance of identity cards in April 2025.

It remains unclear whether the movement has any connection to the OPP listed by INEC.

EFCC quizzes Abuja businesswoman Halimat Tejuosho over alleged appointment scam

A significant crisis is emerging within Atiku Abubakar’s faction in light of recent developments involving influential politicians from the newly established political party, All Democratic Alliance.

These developments indicate a deliberate effort to exclude the former vice president from the role of Presidential Flagbearer.

The National Opposition Coalition Group, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the registration of a new political party—the All Democratic Alliance.

SHOCKER!!! How Aisha Achimugu’s N11bn got Sun Trust Bank MD, Halima Buba into trouble

The application, dated June 19, was acknowledged by INEC on Friday, signalling the coalition’s determination to float a new platform instead of aligning with any existing political party.

Despite the registration move, underground games have begun, with some powerful politicians, notably former APC members, already plotting to sideline Atiku as their presidential flag bearer, citing the risk of losing the election should Atiku pick the ticket due to his records.

Sources within the party, who requested anonymity, have indicated that there are four names under consideration for the position of president and his vice-presidential running mates; however, the former vice president is not among those considered for these roles.

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“It can’t be Atiku, they are afraid of losing the election if Atiku should be their flagbearer. The funniest point is that some of Atiku’s allies are also rooting for another person, a popular candidate that can actualize the dream of the party.

“Major problem now is who’s going to announce the names and who those names without Atiku are. Two powerful politicians from South and North are likely to be picked; they are the people’s choice as far as this party is concerned,” the source said.

The formation of ADA, backed by some other key political heavyweights, including former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats and former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo, seeks to capitalise on mounting public dissatisfaction and political realignments to stop President Bola Tinubu at the next poll.

Meanwhile, Nollywood veteran and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has stated that the presidential ticket of the newly formed All Democratic Alliance (ADA) will be open to aspirants from all geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, made this known during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a current affairs programme on Channels Television.

Addressing concerns about zoning and power rotation, Okonkwo warned against relying on gentlemen’s agreements or informal promises within party ranks.

“Politicians have shown that it is very difficult to trust them even when the person promises one term. So, if somebody has taken a term from the South and it is in the middle of the game and the person is not performing like Tinubu, you are going to get into a problem,” he explained.

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He continued: “If you get another Southerner, he is going to stay there for eight years. The North will say no, this is injustice. Nobody will allow Tinubu to continue because he is not performing. So, the best is to throw it open. When the best comes in, every other person will support him and the person will promise to do four years.”

Businessman, Pebeto Enerji Limited arraigned by EFCC for $75,000 fraud

Iran launched missile attacks Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the volatile region.

Shortly after the attack, the Gulf nation of Bahrain that is home to the U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters temporarily suspended flights in its airspace, which is similar to what Qatar did shortly before it was hit.

Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace is now safe.

Iran said the attack in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on its nuclear sites over the weekend, signaling its likely desire to de-escalate.

Iran also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas.

Iran announced the attack on state television as martial music played. A caption on screen called it “a mighty and successful response” to “America’s aggression.”

The Ain al-Assad base housing U.S. troops in western Iraq was also targeted, an Iraqi security official who was not authorized to comment publicly told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

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But Iran did not claim credit for that attack, which could have been carried out by militias.

It was not immediately clear if there was damage to the Iraq base or any injuries.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the attack by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards was “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, its airspace, and international law.”

Al Udeid is also home to the Combined Air Operations Center, which provides command and control of air power across the region as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the largest expeditionary wing in the world.

The retaliation came a day after the U.S. launched a surprise attack Sunday morning on three of Iran’s nuclear sites.

Just before the explosions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”

Israel expands war to include symbolic targets
Earlier in the day, Israel expanded its war against Iran to include targets associated with the country’s struggling theocracy, striking the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests.

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As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. The persistent fire has become a reality for civilians in both countries since Israel started the war to target Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked “regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran,” but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran’s government, their archenemy since the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Israeli military warned Iranians that it would continue to attack military sites around Tehran over “the coming days” as its focuses has shifted to symbolic targets as well. The military issued the warning on the social platform X, though Iranians are struggling to access the outside world as an internet shutdown has crippled the country.

The latest strikes unfolded only hours after President Donald Trump openly raised the possibility himself after just a day earlier inserting America into the war with its unprecedented stealth-bomber strike on three Iranian nuclear sites.

“If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” he asked on his Truth Social website.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later described Trump as “simply raising a question.” However, suggestions of overthrowing the Iranian government drew new anger from Tehran, which insists it will not negotiate at this time and is threatening to retaliate directly against either American troops or interests in a Mideast already inflamed by the still-raging Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Tehran strikes open new chapter of war
In the Tehran strikes, Israel blew open a gate at Evin prison. Iranian state television shared black-and-white surveillance footage of the strike at the facility known for holding dual nationals and Westerners often used by Iran as bargaining chips in negotiations with the West.

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Evin also has specialized units for political prisoners run by the paramilitary, all-volunteer Revolutionary Guard, which answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The facility is the target of both U.S. and European Union sanctions.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in Iran or significant damage, though the semiofficial Tasnim news agency said there had been a power cut reported outside of Tehran following the Israeli strikes.

Iranian state television also aired footage it described as being shot inside Evin, with prisoners under control inside the facility. However, the Washington-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran expressed worry about the condition of prisoners there.

“Many families of current detainees have expressed deep concern about the safety and condition of their loved ones held inside the prison,” it said.

Earlier Monday, Iranian Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of joint staff of armed forces, warned Washington that its strikes had given Iranian forces a “free hand “ to “act against U.S. interests and its army.”

Tens of thousands of American troops are based in the Middle East, many in locations within range of short-range Iranian missiles.

The Israeli military also confirmed it struck roads around Iran’s Fordo enrichment facility to obstruct access to the site. The underground site was one of those hit in Sunday’s attack by the United States on three nuclear facilities. The Israeli military did not elaborate.

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“The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,” Israel’s Defense Ministry said.

According to an Israeli official familiar with the government’s strategy, Israel is targeting these sites to put pressure on the Iranian administration but is not actively seeking to topple it. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal government deliberations.

AP