Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has alleged that he is facing threats to his life after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his New Year message.

Obi’s claim follows comments made by Felix Morka, the national spokesperson for the All-Progressives Congress (APC), who reportedly said, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets.”

In his New Year address, Obi highlighted the deteriorating political, economic, and security conditions in Nigeria, claiming the government’s assurances of improvement were far from reality. He noted the growing challenges facing the nation, stating that Nigeria’s situation had worsened over the past 18 months under the current administration.

Obi pointed out that Nigeria remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with over 100 million people living in extreme poverty. He also remarked that Nigeria’s economy had sharply declined, moving from the largest economy in Africa in 2014 to its current position, with a GDP now below 50% of what it was a decade ago.

Reacting to Morka’s statement, Obi asked if he had truly “crossed the line,” considering the threats against his life and the safety of his family and associates. In a post on his X handle, he challenged anyone who believes he had overstepped to clarify where he had done so, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining respect while speaking the truth.

Obi stressed that he would not be silenced in his pursuit of truth, particularly as he believes the country is drifting toward undemocratic practices. He expressed concerns about the increasing authoritarian and repressive nature of the current regime, with freedom of expression being systematically suppressed.

He concluded his post by calling for a better and freer society for future generations.

Have I really crossed the line?

I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of "crossing the line" and has…

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) January 6, 2025

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has refuted claims that he has left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A close associate of El-Rufai dismissed the rumor, attributing it to mischief-makers. The aide emphasized that a political figure of El-Rufai's stature would not switch parties without making an official announcement.

Addressing the speculation on his verified X account (formerly Twitter), El-Rufai urged the public to ignore the baseless claims about his political allegiance. He also disclosed that he has instructed his lawyers to take legal action against those spreading the falsehood.

“Please disregard the patent lies and rumors about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai wrote on Sunday.

Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers.

— Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (@elrufai) January 5, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his justification for the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a "necessary" step to safeguard Nigeria's future. The subsidy removal, announced during his swearing-in ceremony in May 2023, led to a significant increase in fuel prices and sparked widespread protests and criticism.

Critics argue that the decision has caused severe hardship for many Nigerians. However, during a visit to Enugu State on Saturday, Tinubu defended the move, emphasizing its importance for the country’s long-term stability and growth.

Addressing stakeholders at the Government House in Enugu, Tinubu likened the nation to a family sharing a single house, stressing the need to build a sustainable foundation for both current and future generations. "You cannot spend the future of generations yet unborn in advance. Don’t bankrupt the nation before they are born," he stated.

Acknowledging the backlash, Tinubu expressed confidence in his ability to lead and bring together a capable team to rebuild the nation. "I know people will fight, grumble, abuse me, and everything, but I asked for the job. I know what it takes. I believe in myself, and I believe I can gather a very good team and build a nation," he affirmed.

The New York judge overseeing President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money case has scheduled sentencing for January 10, just 10 days before his inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan indicated he is unlikely to impose jail time. Trump, who became the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime, can choose to appear in person or virtually for the sentencing.

In an 18-page ruling, Merchan upheld Trump’s conviction by a New York jury, dismissing various motions from Trump’s legal team to overturn the verdict. Instead of incarceration, the judge is leaning toward an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump would face no conditions following the sentencing. However, the decision would see him entering the White House as a convicted felon.

Although Trump faced a potential four-year prison term, legal experts had long doubted that the judge would impose jail time. Merchan emphasized that incarceration was not a likely outcome, a view also shared by prosecutors, who deemed a jail sentence impractical.

Following the decision, Trump criticized the ruling on his platform, Truth Social, calling it a “Rigged Charade” and labeling Merchan a “radical partisan.” He claimed the decision was unconstitutional and threatened the presidency’s future.

Trump’s conviction in May involved 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. The payment was allegedly intended to silence claims of a 2006 sexual encounter.

Trump’s attorneys had sought dismissal of the case on various grounds, including an argument that former presidents are immune from prosecution for acts committed while in office. Merchan rejected this claim but acknowledged that Trump would regain immunity once sworn in as president. As a result, the judge deemed it necessary to impose sentencing before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.