LIONFACE NEWS INTERNATIONAL

  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Owan West Local Government Area has stepped up high-level consultations to bring on board one of the most influential political figures in the area, Sir (Hon) Tunde Alex Ikhidero, as part of its strategic drive to strengthen the party’s structure and grassroots reach, particularly in the Iuleha axis with strong emphasis on Eruere community. Sir Tunde Ikhidero is widely regarded as a towering pillar in Owan West politics, whose experience, pedigree and political capital have continued to shape political conversations across the local government and the wider Owan federal constituency. A former aspirant for the House of Representatives, Sir Ikhidero’s foray into federal politics firmly positioned him as a leader with vision, courage and capacity to mobilise across wards and communities. Hailing from the popular and respected Ikhidero family of Eruere, Sir Tunde commands organic loyalty and deep-rooted influence, especially within the Iuleha ...

By Hon Daniel Asekhame  Orhiomwon Local Government Area has emerged as a major battleground in Nigeria’s unfolding political realignment as a massive wave of decampees from the ruling and opposition parties openly pitched their tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring an end to politics of deception, exclusion, and failed leadership. The historic gathering, which marked the official unveiling of ADC activities in Orhiomwon LGA, was led by towering political figures and grassroots leaders, including Senator Roland Owie , Senator Uzamere , Dr. Isaiah Osifo , and the Leader of ADC in Orhiomwon LGA, Don Festus Osagie Osagbiovo . The event attracted a multitude of ADC supporters, party faithful, youths, women, and new members whose presence underscored the growing loss of confidence in the current political order. Addressing the energized crowd, the leaders delivered hard-hitting speeches, condemning the present government as grossly incapable of providing security, de...

Owan and the Politics of Deception: Greed, Weak Leadership, and the Betrayal of Rotation   Owan land is today confronted with a dangerous tale of lies—one carefully woven to mask greed and justify political desperation. The current member of the House of Representatives is allegedly telling sections of the community that “the presidency wants some people back,” all in a bid to secure a third tenure in the House. This claim is not only misleading; it is insulting to the intelligence of the Owan people. How can the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria selectively “want people back” without any regard for the long-established rotational dynamics of Owan land? The presidency neither manages nor determines local rotation arrangements. Such stories are clearly fabricated to deceive the electorate and create a false sense of inevitability around personal ambition. This is not leadership; it is naked greed. This pattern is sadly familiar in African politics, where politicians seek ...

By Hon Daniel Asekhame  On January 10, 2026 , residents and students in Ekpoma, Edo State took to the streets to protest an escalating wave of kidnappings and insecurity in their community — particularly around Ambrose Alli University (AAU) , where fear has become part of daily life. What began as a peaceful demand for safety quickly became a flashpoint for deeper political dysfunction across Nigeria. Within days, 52 young Nigerians — including dozens of university students — were arrested , remanded in prison under charges including malicious damage and armed robbery, and held at Ubiaja Correctional Centre . Critics say the arrests were indiscriminate and, in many cases, unconstitutional — with students reportedly being picked up from their hostels in late-night police raids , not at the protest scene. Civil society groups and political figures have condemned the government’s response as an assault on democratic rights rather than an effort to secure the lives and property o...

  Nigeria today wears the tragic mask of a republic, but in truth behaves like a banana state—lawless, unjust, and hostage to a political elite that has lost all sense of purpose, morality, and national duty. The rule of law has collapsed. Justice has been auctioned. Governance has been reduced to endless power struggles, personal vendettas, and reckless looting of public resources. Those elected and appointed to serve the people have abandoned development. Instead of building roads, schools, hospitals, and industries, they fight one another like vultures over political appointments, contracts, and access to public funds. Governance has become warfare, and the Nigerian people are the casualties. The greatest tragedy of this failure is the total collapse of the legislature—both at the national and state levels. The National Assembly and most State Houses of Assembly have surrendered their constitutional responsibilities. Rather than act as watchdogs of democracy, they have becom...

By  Hon Daniel Asekhame  A wave of civil unrest has erupted in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, as citizens take to the streets in protest against the persistent failure of government to safeguard lives and property. The riot and mass protest represent a collective outcry against the alarming escalation of kidnappings and senseless killings that have turned once-peaceful communities into theatres of fear and mourning. This spontaneous uprising is not an act of lawlessness but a desperate expression of public anguish. It is a damning indictment of the Edo State Government under Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and by extension, the Federal Government of Nigeria, both of which have woefully abdicated their constitutional responsibility to provide security for the people. When citizens are forced to protest for the most basic right—the right to live without fear—it is a clear signal of systemic governance failure. Rather than confronting the growing in...

Hon Daniel Asekhame  Nigeria has ceased to function as a serious country. What we have today is a banana republic where the rule of law is dead and justice is sold to the highest bidder. Those elected to govern have abandoned development and turned governance into a dirty fight for power, money, and personal survival. The executive loots, the legislature sleeps—or worse, sells itself. National and State Assemblies that should protect democracy have become rubber stamps, bought over and silenced. Nowhere is this failure more shameful than in Rivers State, where public funds are wasted on endless political wars while the people suffer. Personal ego has replaced public service. This government is not focused on hunger, insecurity, or development. Their only agenda is 2027. While Nigerians struggle to survive, politicians are already plotting the next election, draining the nation dry. But this crisis is not only about leaders—it is about us. Citizens sell their votes. Corruption h...

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE EDO STATE OBEDIENT MOVEMENT SUPPORTERS.  We are compelled to address the recent falsehood circulating in Edo State alleging that the Obedient Movement has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This claim is false, misleading, and entirely fabricated by the APC in Edo State. This desperate act of propaganda exposes a ruling party that has lost its grip on the people and can no longer rely on performance or credibility. Instead, the APC has chosen the path of deception in an attempt to confuse Edo citizens and weaken the growing influence of the Obedient Movement. We categorically state that no authentic member of the Obedient Movement in Edo State has any interest in supporting the Tinubu administration, an administration that has deepened hardship, insecurity, and economic suffering across Nigeria. The timing of this lie is not accidental. The APC’s panic is a direct response to the political realignment caused by Mr. Peter Obi’s decision to work ...

   TRUMP CAPTURES MADURO  The world has reached a breaking point and can no longer tolerate dictatorship, oppression, and the reckless abuse of power. The reported capture of Venezuela’s strongman, Nicolás Maduro, under the watch of Donald Trump is seen by many freedom-loving people as a bold and welcome development. For too long, the people of Venezuela have been brutalized by a failed dictatorship that destroyed their economy, crushed dissent, and pushed millions into hunger and exile. This moment should send a clear warning to despots everywhere: the era of impunity is coming to an end. Leaders who loot public funds, rig elections, silence opposition, and rule through fear must be held accountable—no matter how powerful they believe they are. The call must now extend beyond Latin America. In West Africa and across the African continent, corruption, misrule, nepotism, and the shameless misappropriation of public resources have become a way of life for many leaders. ...

  By  Hon Daniel Asekhame  Nepotism, Favoritism, and the Growing Hardship of Nigerians Under APC Rule Nigeria today stands at a critical crossroads, burdened by deepening economic hardship and a political culture that many citizens believe has failed them. At the heart of this crisis is the alarming rise of nepotism and favoritism, which have become defining features of governance in the country. Competence, integrity, and merit are increasingly sidelined, while personal connections, ethnic loyalty, and political patronage determine who gets opportunities to lead. As a result, capable Nigerians who could drive national development are shut out of decision-making, and the nation continues to suffer the consequences. Under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), many Nigerians feel abandoned and unheard. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, the cost of living has risen sharply, placing unbearable pressure on ordinary citizens. Telephone tariffs h...

  What the Edo State ADC Must Do to Win the Presidential Election As Nigeria approaches another defining presidential election, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State stands at a critical crossroads. Winning Edo’s votes will not happen by chance; it will require strategy, discipline, grassroots mobilization, and clear leadership. To succeed, the party must fully activate its structures, empower women and youths, ensure responsible leadership at the state level, and intelligently exploit the weaknesses and contradictions of the ruling party at the national level. The foundation of any electoral victory is a solid grassroots presence. The ADC in Edo State must strengthen its ward, local government, and senatorial district structures. Party offices should not exist only in name; they must function as mobilization and coordination centers. Regular town hall meetings, community outreach programs, and issue-based engagement will help the party connect with voters at the gr...

By Hon Daniel Asekhame  In a significant escalation of international counter-terrorism efforts, the United States military launched airstrikes against ISIS-linked militant groups in northwest Nigeria in late December 2025. The strikes, which targeted extremist positions near Sokoto State, were carried out with the approval and cooperation of the Nigerian government , marking a major moment in the decades-long fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Nigeria has faced a persistent security crisis for more than a decade, with multiple armed groups operating across its northern and central regions. Most notably, the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, while Islamic State-aligned fighters have expanded operations into the northwest. Traditional security forces have struggled to contain these threats due to gaps in intelligence, equipment, and coordination. In this context, the United States — already a partner in intelli...

A Christmas Message of Gratitude, Hope, and a Call for Peace in Nigeria As we celebrate this Christmas season, our hearts are filled with gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of life, love, and preservation. Christmas reminds us of God’s mercy and faithfulness, and as Nigerians, we are thankful that He has kept us alive and in good health despite the many challenges we have faced as a nation. We give thanks to God for sustaining families, communities, and the entire country through the year. We are especially grateful for the gift of good health to Nigerians across all states and regions. In a time when many nations are battling sickness, hardship, and uncertainty, God has remained our refuge and strength. This Christmas is a reminder that even in difficult times, hope is alive and God’s grace is sufficient. However, as we celebrate, we cannot ignore the deep concerns facing our nation, particularly the growing insecurity. In Edo State and across Nigeria, citizens continue to live in...

  A TRIBUTE OF SYMPATHY AND CONSOLATION TO THE FAMILY OF CHARLES IDAHOSA The news of the passing of Charles Idahosa in Benin City, Edo State , has been received with deep sorrow and a heavy heart. His sudden departure has left a painful void, not only in the lives of his immediate family but also among friends, associates, and all who knew him. At moments like this, words often feel inadequate. Death is a profound reminder of the fragility of life, and the pain of losing a loved one is one of the hardest burdens any family can bear. Charles Idahosa’s life, however, was one that touched people in meaningful ways, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he left behind. To the Idahosa family, we extend our deepest condolences. May you find strength in the love you shared with him, comfort in the memories you created together, and peace in knowing that his life was not lived in vain. Though he is no longer physically present, the values he stood for and the i...

HON DANIEL ASEKHAME  Why We Cannot Wait Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. For millions of citizens, patience has worn thin, hope has been stretched to its limits, and silence is no longer an option. The growing urge to change the current government is not driven by impatience or propaganda, but by lived realities: large-scale corruption, crushing taxation, entrenched nepotism and favoritism, a failed legislature, and pervasive rot across federal ministries. Nigerians cannot wait because survival itself is at stake. At the heart of the public anger is systemic corruption. Corruption in Nigeria is no longer hidden; it is brazen and institutionalized. Public funds meant for hospitals, schools, roads, security, and social welfare routinely disappear into private pockets. While citizens struggle to afford food, transportation, and basic healthcare, public officials live in obscene luxury, insulated from the hardship their decisions create. This betrayal of trust has destroyed con...

  Hon Daniel Asekhame.  As Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential election, political strategists and ordinary Nigerians alike are already assessing which parties might triumph where, and by what margins. Among the most challenging targets for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would be replicating or exceeding its presidential performance in Edo State — a state historically known for competitive, fluid political loyalties and strong turnouts for opposition parties. To put the numbers in perspective: Edo State had about 2.5 million registered voters in 2023, but total accredited voters were far lower, around 600,000. In that election, the APC secured only a small fraction of the votes — far below the aspiration of 2.5 million votes from  Edo State. In the 2023 presidential election, Edo State voters gave the Labour Party (LP) dominant support, with the APC trailing far behind. According to detailed results: APC received just 37,728 votes (about 14%). Labour Part...

Hon Daniel Asekhame. Since assuming power in 2015, the All Progressives Congress (APC) came to office on the wings of massive public goodwill. Nigerians were promised renewed security, economic prosperity, an end to corruption, and a better standard of living. Nearly a decade later, many Nigerians are asking a painful question: what went wrong? One of the biggest failures of the APC has been the economy. Inflation has risen sharply, the cost of basic food items is beyond the reach of average citizens, and unemployment—especially among the youth—has reached alarming levels. The naira has continued to lose value, while salaries remain stagnant. For millions of Nigerians, survival has become a daily struggle. Insecurity, which APC once pledged to end decisively, has worsened. Banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence have spread across regions that were once relatively peaceful. Farmers can no longer access their lands freely, contributing to food shortages and higher pric...

  An been, an aide to Atiku Abubakar. Rather, my political history places me firmly among those who stood with Peter Obi in 2018, when Ndi Igbo collectively met with Atiku Abubakar in good faith. Everything that was said on that historic occasion—including the tears shed by Professor Ben Nwabueze in the pursuit of justice, equity, and national balance—cannot and must not be in vain. Today, many justify their political positions on the simplistic ground of “the turn of the South,” including the very “WIKES” who wished to become Atiku’s Vice-Presidential candidate in 2023. For my part, I have not seen, and I still do not see, anything “Southern” about the current Asiwaju-led APC Federal Government, either in composition, philosophy, or practice. More fundamentally, no one so far has clearly, credibly, or convincingly explained the strategy for winning the North, nor identified the political partner capable of delivering the North, so as to avoid the dangerous illusion of ...

Hon Daniel Asekhame .  As Nigeria moves steadily toward the 2027 general elections , the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces both a historic opportunity and a formidable challenge. Public dissatisfaction with dominant political parties, rising youth political awareness, and growing demand for accountable leadership have created space for alternative platforms. For the ADC to convert this opening into electoral victory, the party must take deliberate, strategic, and people-centered steps. Unity remains the backbone of electoral success. The ADC must prioritize internal cohesion by resolving factional disputes early, enforcing party discipline, and promoting inclusive decision-making. A transparent internal democracy—especially in candidate selection—will help prevent defections and post-primary crises that have weakened many parties in the past. Winning elections in Nigeria is impossible without a solid grassroots base. The ADC must move beyond urban visibility and establish fun...

  Hon Daniel Asekhame.   Nigeria’s political landscape has long been dominated by a few major parties, most notably the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) represents a growing desire among many Nigerians for alternative political platforms capable of addressing persistent governance challenges. Since its formation, the ADC has gradually carved a space for itself in Nigeria’s evolving democratic experiment. The African Democratic Congress was founded in 2006 as a reform-oriented political party aimed at promoting good governance, social justice, and inclusive development. Initially operating at the margins of national politics, the party focused on building grassroots structures and presenting itself as a credible alternative to the dominant political forces. Its ideology emphasized internal democracy, rule of law, and people-centered leadership—values that resonated with ...