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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that credibility as an opposition force must be earned through electoral victories, not mere rhetoric and emergency coalition, as he pledged loyalty to the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the party’s national headquarters, Wadata House, Abuja, Wike dismissed claims by smaller political groups positioning themselves as leading opposition voices, insisting that performance at the polls remains the true test of relevance.

“You cannot become an opposition party without winning an election. Those who say they are leading the opposition have not contested any election successfully,” he said.

Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s political space, with parties jostling for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, Wike said his visit was to demonstrate solidarity with the new leadership and encourage a united front as the party rebuilds after internal crises.

“My coming here is to reassure you of my support. I have come to pledge my loyalty to the National Working Committee,” he stated.

He acknowledged that the PDP had faced significant challenges but noted that the party was gradually emerging from its internal strife.

“Yes, we have crisis, and we have almost come out of it. It will require hard work and sacrifice to move the party forward,” he said.

The minister urged the NWC to prioritise reconciliation, particularly by engaging members who had defected, many of whom, he noted, still retain interest in the party.
“Reach out to them. Most are concerned about opportunities, including tickets. You know what to do,” Wike advised.

He also cautioned against distractions, especially ongoing legal battles, expressing confidence that the party would prevail.

“We have defeated them at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The same God will see us through. Stay focused and work as a team,” he added.

In his response, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, assured that the new leadership would reposition the party and restore public confidence.

“We have capable hands and we are determined to lead the party to a higher level. We will not disappoint Nigerians,” he said.

Mohammed stressed that the PDP remained a viable platform for national leadership and would intensify efforts to secure electoral victories in 2027.

Also speaking, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, commended Wike’s continued support, describing his visit as a significant boost to the morale of the party’s leadership.

The visit underscores growing efforts within the PDP to reassert its dominance as Nigeria’s foremost opposition party, amid increasing competition and shifting political alliances.

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Tragedy averted in Lagos on Tuesday after a 33-year-old man jumped into the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge but was rescued moments later.

The man, identified simply as Olu, reportedly parked his silver Lexus SUV around the Yaba axis of the bridge before plunging into the water.

Eyewitnesses said he was quickly spotted, prompting swift intervention. The Divisional Police Officer in Yaba, CSP Adegbemi Isiaka, was alerted and immediately mobilised a nearby fisherman, who pulled the victim out of the lagoon.

He was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he received treatment.

Sources disclosed that Olu, said to be based in Ibadan, Oyo State, had travelled to Lagos with the intention of taking his own life.

According to accounts, he had suffered significant losses from cryptocurrency investments, which left him distressed and overwhelmed.

“He drove from Ibadan to Lagos just to jump from the bridge. He said he lost money in his investment and could not cope,” an eyewitness recounted.

The witness added that the DPO had to offer a token to the fisherman to ensure the rescue was carried out swiftly.

Confirming the incident, Lagos Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the man has since been discharged from the hospital and reunited with his family, who arrived from Ibadan after being contacted.

She added that the family has undertaken to get him professional help at a rehabilitation centre.

Adebisi also noted that the victim was counselled and warned against attempting suicide, which is considered an offence under Nigerian law.

The incident gained public attention after businessman Isaac Fayose shared a video online, urging people to check on loved ones.

In the now-viral clip, a witness narrated how Olu parked his vehicle, left his phones behind, and jumped into the lagoon, before help arrived just in time to save him.

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The International Monetary Fund (International Monetary Fund) has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s near-term economic outlook, warning that citizens may face even tougher living conditions as inflationary pressures, rising transportation costs, and persistent global shocks continue to strain household incomes across the country.

The warning comes at a time when Nigeria is experiencing a rare surge in crude oil prices, offering potential revenue relief for the government. However, the Fund cautioned that the benefits of higher oil earnings may be offset by rising debt levels, structural weaknesses in public finances, and ongoing global uncertainties.

Speaking during the Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa at the ongoing World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington D.C., Director of the IMF’s African Department, Abebe Selassie, said the impact of global geopolitical tensions is already being felt across African economies, including Nigeria.

He noted that rising transport and food costs were driving significant economic pressure on households.

“The immediate effect will be quite a bit of pressure, including on food security… transportation costs have gone up, it’s going to raise the cost of food and so quite a bit of dislocation,” Selassie said.

According to him, higher transportation expenses are already feeding into inflation, especially in urban centres where costs are rising sharply, while rural communities are also feeling the impact due to supply chain constraints.

We’re already seeing quite a lot of increase in transportation prices… Transportation costs are very high for people in urban areas, rural areas even more so,” he added, stressing that the situation is already placing visible strain on livelihoods.