In Summary: Coup attempt, Alison Madueke contracts, Türkiye ties and other politics stories of the week

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Nigeria’s DHQ confirms coup attempt, indicted officers to face military trial

After initial denial some months ago, The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) last Monday said investigations into alleged misconduct by some officers revealed claims of a plot to overthrow the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Back in October 2025, the DHQ had announced the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

It was reported in the media then that the officers, ranging in rank from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government. The reports also linked the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the alleged plot. Reacting at the time, the former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the publication was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, adding that the matter was strictly a disciplinary issue handled internally.

Providing an update on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had been conducted in line with established military procedures.

Alison-Madueke had no real influence over awarding of contracts – Lawyer tells UK court

The trial of former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke over corruption allegations while in office continued Thursday in London, the United Kingdom (UK).

During the trial session, her lawyer said that while in office she had no real influence over the awarding of lucrative government contracts and was merely a “rubber stamp” for official recommendations.

Alison-Madueke was minister for petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015 under then-president Goodluck Jonathan, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of accepting bribes and a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Prosecutors say Alison-Madueke lived a life of luxury in London, with oil and gas industry figures having provided the use of high-end properties and given her lavish gifts to try and influence the awarding of lucrative contracts.

But Jonathan Laidlaw, her lawyer, told jurors at London’s Southwark Crown Court that purchases were made on Alison-Madueke’s behalf because Nigerian ministers were forbidden from having bank accounts abroad.

He also said Alison-Madueke, 65, disputed the extent to which properties were provided for her use and the amounts of goods she received, but that all that was spent on her personally, in one way or another, was reimbursed.

Tinubu strengthens Nigeria–Türkiye ties with new defence deals

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last Monday, arrived Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkiye, on a State visit.

At the visit, Nigeria and Türkiye agreed to work together and fast-track cooperation in trade, energy and defence to boost jobs, investment and shared prosperity. A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said the president’s plane touched down at precisely 9.03 pm local time in the country.

The Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Türkiye, Ambassador Zayyad Abdulsalam, and other embassy officials were also on hand to welcome him.

ADC unveils 50-member policy, manifesto committee

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Thursday announced the composition of its 50-member Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee, tasked with crafting a people-centred policy framework for national governance.

The party said the committee was chaired by John Odigie-Oyegun, with Pat Utomi as deputy chairman and Salihu Lukman as secretary.

The committee comprises a diverse group of Nigerians, including former public office holders, academics, technocrats, policy experts, civil society leaders, and professionals, representing a wealth of experience in governance, economic management, social development, security, and democratic reform.

According to the party, the committee’s mandate is to articulate a clear, coherent, and credible policy direction that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians and positions the ADC as a serious alternative platform for responsible leadership and national renewal.

“The committee is tasked with articulating a clear, coherent, and credible policy direction that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians and positions the ADC as a serious alternative platform for responsible leadership and national renewal,” the statement read.

Resignations rock Kano Government following Governor Yusuf’s exist from NNPP

Following Governor Abba Yusuf’s resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) last week, key political appointees believed to be loyal to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have begun to resign enmasse from the government.

The resignations, which started when it was obvious the governor was leaving the NNPP, have now gathered momentum, and widely seen as a direct fallout of the governor’s decision to formally disengage from the NNPP — the political platform that brought him to power and is closely associated with Kwankwaso’s political movement.

Sources within the Kano Government House confirmed that several aides, board members, and special advisers identified with the Kwankwasiyya political structure have submitted letters of resignation, citing political realignment and personal conviction as reasons for their exit.

One appointee told BusinessDaySunday that the resignation was a necessary political decision, adding that loyalty to Kwankwaso remained non-negotiable.

Fresh blow on PDP as court nullifies Ibadan National Convention

A Federal High Court in Ibadan Friday set aside the recent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in the Oyo State capital on November 15, 2025.

In its judgment, the court declared the convention invalid and restrained members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Tanimu Turaki from presenting themselves as the party’s national officers.

The court further held that the Caretaker Committee headed by Mohammed Abdulrahman, alongside Samuel Anyanwu, remains the only recognised leadership of the PDP at the national level until a fresh and properly conducted National Convention is held.

The ruling added a new layer to the internal leadership crisis that has continued to unsettle the opposition party for months.

Senate moves to harmonise views on Electoral Act Amendment Bill

The Senate Thursday, constituted a seven-man committee to collate, harmonise and distil lawmakers’ contributions and opinions on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, with a mandate to present a consolidated report to the chamber next Tuesday.  The decision followed over two hours of consideration of the bill’s provisions during a closed-door session.

The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Niyi Adegbomore.

The Senate had, last Thursday, commenced consideration of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2026, moving into a closed-door session to review documents submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.

Donald Duke dumps PDP, joins ADC

Former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke on Friday dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

With supporters cheering him on, Duke formally joined the ADC ranks, receiving his membership card in Ward 5, Calabar Municipality.

This is Duke’s second departure from PDP. He previously left for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and became the party’s presidential candidate, a move that sparked controversy.

The ADC leadership in Bakassi Local Government Area called on Cross Riverians to identify with the party, describing it as a credible platform for transformative change in Nigeria.

The call was made after a stakeholders’ meeting involving chapter executive members, ward chairmen, and secretaries of the party in Bakassi. The leaders urged Nigerians to reclaim the country from what they described as the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting.

Over the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

A versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability.

Iniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University.

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