Afternoon recap: PDP loses five Reps, FG files charges against coup suspects, other top stories

Afternoon recap

From a fresh wave of defections shaking the House of Representatives to the Federal Government of Nigeria filing charges over an alleged coup plot, Tuesday’s developments reflected rising political and security tensions.

The day also saw international attention as US President Donald Trump claimed his country intercepted a Chinese shipment to Iran, while in Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila enjoined a Kogi lawmaker to remain in the ADC amid party disputes.

in a related development, Peter Obi raised the alarm over media regulation, warning of threats to press freedom as the country approaches another election cycle and key institutions face scrutiny.

Here’s your complete afternoon roundup:

Rising political realignments swept through the House of Representatives as lawmakers switched parties in what signals early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At plenary, multiple defection letters were read, showing movement across major and minor parties, with the Peoples Democratic Party losing five members and the All Progressives Congress recording two losses.

Addressing concerns over the trend, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu noted it reflects democratic freedom rather than instability, stating, “This is to show the country that no party is stiffled. People are leaving the majority party to the minority parties and the minority parties to the majority party. This is the beauty of democracy.”

The defections affected several states, including Niger, Kebbi and Osun, while lawmakers also moved into parties like the African Democratic Congress and Accord Party, highlighting shifting alliances as internal crises continue across parties.

PDP loses five Reps, APC two in fresh defections

Mounting security concerns came to the fore as the Federal Government of Nigeria filed a 13-count charge against six individuals over an alleged plot to wage war against Nigeria and commit acts of terrorism.

Those charged include two retired senior military officers, a serving police inspector and other civilians, with proceedings set to begin at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The charge accused the defendants of conspiring “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” while also alleging failure to disclose intelligence about the plot.

Prosecutors further declared that the defendants, “knowing that a treasonable act was intended to be committed, did not give information thereof… to either the President or a peace officer,” adding that some of them handled funds linked to terrorism financing.

The case follows earlier arrests of military personnel and ongoing concerns about threats to national security.

BREAKING: FG files 13-count charge against coup plotters

Fresh geopolitical tension emerged as US President Donald Trump claimed that American forces intercepted a ship allegedly carrying a Chinese “gift” to Iran during a ceasefire period.

The development raises questions about ongoing military support and international agreements involving the two countries.

Speaking on the incident, Trump disclosed the ship had “a gift from China” which “wasn’t very nice,” adding, “I was a little surprised,” as he believed there had been an understanding with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He noted that assurances had previously been given that there would be no Chinese weapons deliveries to Iran, making the reported interception a potential breach of trust.

The claim comes amid ongoing global concerns about arms transfers and regional stability involving Iran and its allies.

Trump says US stopped ship delivering Chinese ‘gift’ to Iran

Amid growing political tension within party structures, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised a Kogi lawmaker, Leke Abejide, to remain in the African Democratic Congress and resist pressure to defect.

Gbajabiamila, speaking at a public event, described Abejide as a committed politician and enjoined him to consolidate his political base within the party, saying, “Stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party, ADC. Do not abandon them.”

He also encouraged the lawmaker to strengthen his influence and build alliances, insisting that no one should take over a structure built through personal effort.

The advice comes shortly after the ADC leadership announced the expulsion of Abejide and others over alleged anti-party activities, further deepening internal disputes.

VIDEO: Stay in ADC, Gbajabiamila urges Kogi rep to resist defecting to APC

Amid growing concerns over media regulation, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised a recent advisory by the National Broadcasting Commission, warning that it poses a threat to press freedom and democratic principles.

Obi described the development as troubling, stating, “Yesterday’s advocates of democracy, today’s oppressor of the press… Nigeria is drifting dangerously,” while emphasising that “a free and responsible media should not be an enemy to any administration.”

He added that “attempting to stifle voices, moderate opinions, or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation only weakens our already fragile democracy,” urging authorities to focus instead on governance challenges.

The NBC had earlier warned broadcasters against ethical breaches and stressed that violations of the broadcasting code would attract sanctions as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi slams NBC’s new media advisory