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I Was There, Obi Never Offered You Anything – Journalist Replies Adeyanju

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Veteran journalist, author, and columnist, Ike Abonyi, has dismissed recent allegations by human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, attempted to offer him money in exchange for political support.

Abonyi, who disclosed that he personally arranged and attended the meeting between Obi and Adeyanju ahead of the 2023 elections, insisted that no such offer was ever made.

In a statement released in Abuja on Friday, Abonyi described Adeyanju’s claims as false and misleading.

“It pains me to publicly disagree with a friend, but I cannot remain silent while untruths are being spread,” Abonyi wrote. “Deji Adeyanju recently claimed that he withdrew support for Mr. Obi after Obi admitted to investing Anambra State funds in his family business. I was present at that meeting, which lasted about three hours, and at no point did Obi make such a statement or offer money. I was deeply shocked when I read Deji’s post.”

Abonyi revealed that immediately after reading Adeyanju’s July 26, 2022, tweet, he sent him a private message:

“Deji, did you and Obi meet again apart from the one I attended? Haba! I’m shocked. You are free to support anyone you choose, but blackmailing with falsehoods is not right. You didn’t even consider our friendship.”

He added that this was not the first time Adeyanju had made negative remarks about Obi. On July 9, 2022, following another post where Adeyanju suggested Obi could accept a political appointment from APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, Abonyi said he reached out again:

>“My brother, when did it get to this? Obi is not looking for any job Tinubu has to offer. Even if you no longer support the Obi project, please stay on issues that will protect your reputation.”

Abonyi said Adeyanju never responded to his messages or answered his calls, despite his efforts to settle the matter privately.

He stressed that throughout the meeting, no financial inducement was offered or promised, noting that Obi simply shared his personal and political journey—stories he had publicly repeated many times before.

The journalist further recalled that Adeyanju had, on several occasions in the past, openly described Obi as the best candidate and had even encouraged him to leave the PDP to pursue his presidential ambition elsewhere.

“Adeyanju has every right to withdraw his support from Obi if he chooses,” Abonyi stated. “But what he must not do is base his change of position on lies and unfounded claims.”

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Foreign

Goodluck Jonathan Reportedly Stranded in Guinea-Bissau After Sudden Military Takeover

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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly stranded in Guinea-Bissau following the military’s announcement of a takeover on Tuesday.

Jonathan, who travelled to the country as part of an international election observation mission, was expected to oversee the release of official results before the unexpected shift in power disrupted all movement. Sources say he and other foreign observers are currently unable to leave as security restrictions tighten across the capital.

The situation has sparked concern among regional stakeholders, with diplomatic channels said to be monitoring developments closely. So far, neither Jonathan nor Nigerian authorities have issued an official statement on his safety or plans to return.

The unfolding political tension in Guinea-Bissau continues to draw global attention, especially as the fate of the election results remains unclear.

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Foreign

China Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

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China has restated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain national stability.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the assurance after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday.

In a statement shared via X, the ambassador said China “firmly supports” the Nigerian government’s development strategies that align with the country’s realities and long-term goals.

Dunhai also emphasized that China remains opposed to any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs “under the pretext of religion and human rights.”

The meeting further strengthened diplomatic ties between both nations, with discussions centered on security collaboration and sustainable development.

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News

U.S. Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa, Restricting His Entry Into the Country

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Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has disclosed that the United States government has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country for now.

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka said he was notified of the development through an official letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October 23, 2025.

He explained that he decided to make the matter public to inform organizations and individuals expecting him in the U.S. not to proceed with any travel-related plans.

> “I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” Soyinka said, expressing shock at the decision. “I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour that could warrant such an action. I keep asking myself—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States?”

According to Soyinka, the letter from the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the U.S. Consulate stated that the revocation was in accordance with U.S. Department of State regulations but gave no specific reason for the decision.

His revoked visa was a B1/B2 category, typically granted for business and tourism purposes.

Earlier in September, PM News reported that Soyinka had declined a request from the U.S. Consulate to attend a visa re-interview, saying he initially believed the notification letter was fake or a scam.

Despite the development, Soyinka emphasized that he bears no animosity toward U.S. authorities, adding that his previous interactions with American diplomats had always been cordial.

He concluded by noting that he would continue to seek clarification on the matter but does not regard the revocation as a personal attack.

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