Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has picked former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general election. The development marks a significant turnaround for Amaechi, who had earlier ruled out the possibility of deputising Atiku after contesting—and losing—the party’s presidential primary. Confirmation of the former Rivers State governor’s acceptance came on Saturday through a former Rivers State chairman of the ADC, Sampson, who simply responded “yes” when asked if Amaechi had agreed to the vice-presidential slot. Amaechi had been one of the leading aspirants in the ADC primary…

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has renewed his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that there is no justification for his continued detention. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made the call during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, according to a video circulated by his supporters. The ex-presidential candidate maintained that Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, should not be held for actions such as making comments on radio or criticising public figures. “I have said it repeatedly, there is no reason whatsoever for keeping Nnamdi Kanu.…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, in what insiders describe as part of ongoing political consultations ahead of future elections. The meeting, which involved allies of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is believed to be geared towards strengthening opposition collaboration and promoting a people-centred political agenda. A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and member of the movement, Ladipo Johnson, disclosed details of the engagement in a statement issued shortly after the meeting. He described the parley as “strategic and impactful,” noting that discussions centred on national unity,…

Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has raised fresh concerns over the role of local informants and collaborators in sustaining terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the country. Musa said the persistence of insecurity is largely driven by the support criminal groups receive from within communities, describing such assistance as a critical lifeline for their operations. The minister spoke on Friday at the 2026 edition of The Platform Nigeria, held to mark Democracy Day and hosted by Poju Oyemade. Addressing participants on the theme, “Governance, Democracy and National Security,” Musa said terrorists and bandits rely heavily on civilians for food, intelligence, logistics…

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday sentenced five men to 25 years’ imprisonment each for their roles in a cross-border arms trafficking network that allegedly supplied weapons to Boko Haram-linked operatives in Niger State. The convicts — Yusuf Muhammad (alias Bature), Goni Ibrahim Bindi (alias Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tukur (alias Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim, and Musa Alhaji Adamu (alias Gado Banufe) — were jailed after they pleaded guilty to four-count charges bordering on terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms, and providing material support to a terrorist organisation. Delivering judgment, Justice Binta Nyako held that their guilty pleas, alongside tendered…

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Caleb Mutfwang has declared that his administration will not enter into any form of negotiation with terrorists or criminal groups, insisting that sustained military and intelligence-led operations remain the only pathway to lasting peace in the state. Mutfwang made the declaration on Friday in Jos during a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting, where he reviewed his administration’s security strategy and broader development agenda for Plateau State. “Negotiating with criminals is not an option. We will continue to push them out of our communities,” the governor said, reinforcing his administration’s hardline stance against armed groups responsible for…

Nigeria’s theatre and film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, dramatist and scholar, Kola Oyewo, who passed away at the age of 80 after a battle with enlarged prostate. Oyewo’s death was announced on Friday via an Instagram post by fellow actor Kunle Afod, who described him as a “true legend” whose contributions to stage and screen would endure for generations. “Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow,” Afod wrote. “His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be…

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has warned that any legislature that lacks the courage to reject or amend executive proposals cannot be regarded as truly independent, insisting that robust oversight remains the backbone of democratic governance. Saraki made the assertion on Friday during the June 12, 2026 edition of The Platform, where he joined other speakers to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the state of its institutions. The former Kwara State governor said the strength of any democracy is largely determined by the ability of lawmakers to act independently of the executive arm of government, stressing that parliamentary approval…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has berated President Bola Tinubu over his 2026 Democracy Day address, accusing him of failing to confront the realities of worsening economic hardship and instead offering what it described as recycled promises after three years in office. The opposition party, in a strongly worded statement on Friday, said the President’s speech reflected “a campaign-style narrative” rather than a sober assessment of governance, insisting that Nigerians were again being told to endure hardship in anticipation of future prosperity. According to the ADC, the address was “long on promises and short on accountability,” arguing that it failed…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday conferred national honours on 50 pro-democracy figures, including veteran journalist and activist Niran Malaolu, human rights advocate Joe Okei-Odumakin, and other key actors of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, in commemoration of the 2026 Democracy Day. The honours, announced during the June 12 national ceremony in Abuja, recognised individuals drawn from journalism, civil society, academia and the military who played critical roles in resisting military rule and advancing the return of democratic governance in Nigeria. Among the most prominent civilian awardees are Niran Malaolu, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Sam Omatseye, Segun Babatope, Bola Bolawole,…