Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, has stated that Abuja is still regarded as one of the safest capitals globally, despite the recent security alert issued by the United States embassy.

Idris made this known in a statement released on Monday in reaction to the US embassy’s directive advising its staff and their families to avoid non-official visits to military and government locations within the federal capital territory (FCT).

“Stay alert in public places and be mindful of surroundings. Avoid large gatherings and limit unnecessary travel,” the United States mission in Nigeria said in a statement.

“Vary daily routines to reduce predictability. Familiarise oneself with emergency exits in buildings.”

The minister acknowledged the right of foreign missions to issue guidance to their citizens but emphasized that there is no immediate or defined threat in Abuja.

“We recognise and respect the right of foreign missions, including the U.S. embassy, to issue travel advisories to their citizens,” the statement reads.

“However, it is important to state categorically that Abuja remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.”

He noted that Nigeria’s security and intelligence forces are actively working to safeguard lives and property across the country, particularly in the FCT.

According to him, the security system in Abuja is not only proactive but has also recorded “significant success in detecting, preventing, and neutralising threats”.

Idris pointed out that the advisory from the US appears to stem from broad international concerns rather than a direct threat in Nigeria’s capital.

“We reiterate to all diplomatic missions, investors, development partners, and the general public that there is no cause for alarm,” he said.

“The federal government remains fully committed to the safety of all residents and to maintaining Abuja’s reputation as one of the most secure capitals in the world.”

He encouraged the public to go about their normal routines with confidence, while also staying alert and reporting any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna, says some opposition figures are skeptical about the possibility of securing registration for a new political party under the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A number of opposition leaders aiming to build a coalition against President Bola Tinubu have submitted an application to INEC for the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition effort is being led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and el-Rufai.

While speaking on Monday during an interview on the Arise Television programme ‘Prime Time’, el-Rufai noted that many opposition actors are doubtful that INEC, under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, would approve the registration of a new party.

He compared the current INEC chairman to his predecessor, Attahiru Jega, who oversaw the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Many of us do not believe that under the current leadership of INEC, a new party would be registered because Mahmood Yakubu is not Jega and President Tinubu is not Jonathan. Those were the people in charge when APC was registered,” he said.

Although ADA has been formed, el-Rufai said he believes the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is the most suitable platform for the coalition, citing its legacy, emotional significance, and historical relevance.

He added that if a consensus is reached, opposition leaders are ready to let go of their original parties to unite under one platform.

“I strongly believe that SDP is the best platform for the coalition because it has a history, a legacy, sentimental value and everything about it is almost perfect. I am advocating for that amongst my colleagues,” he said.

He went on to criticise the Tinubu-led administration, pointing to what he described as a “91 percent disapproval” and labelling it “the worst in history”.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for credible leadership, and political leaders must put aside their personal ambitions to confront national challenges.

“There is 91 percent disapproval of this administration. The worst in history, but Nigerians are looking for a credible option,” he said.

“They want to see people coming together, putting aside their differences and ambition to remove this failure of a government.

“I have no ambition; I just feel like having contributed to bringing about this tragedy to Nigeria by contributing to the emergence of Bola Tinubu as president, I should, in my last lap, contribute to removing this evil that I believe will destroy Nigeria if left unchecked.”

Tinubu Never Liked Me

Commenting on his personal relationship with the president, el-Rufai said, “Bola Tinubu never really liked me, but we never really got along. In the party, I was Buhari’s boy”.

He mentioned that he had a closer relationship with Bisi Akande, the former governor of Osun State and APC chieftain.

“The person I got along with was Baba Akande,” he said.

A statement made by former presidential aide Reno Omokri during an episode of The Honest Bunch podcast released on Monday night, June 23, 2025, has prompted a response from Segun Showunmi, who served as Atiku’s spokesperson during the 2019 presidential campaign.

In a clip from the podcast, Omokri stated: “Atiku wanted me to be his spokesperson. I said no, I’m not going to be a spokesperson for a president and then be a spokesperson for a presidential candidate. But, I hired his media team, and I hired Segun Showunmi; I interviewed him and set his salary.”

Reacting to the claim, Showunmi posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, referencing a tweet by user Imran Muhammad.

He wrote: “It will be a waste of saliva responding to this rubbish. Amina Jambo, my friend, got Lulu Obaifo to convince me to visit Waziri, and when I did. I asked the questions and then visited Uyi Giwa Osagie. Then, he got a call from Ogd while they were in Dubai, then got to Abuja, then agreed with Atiku, then met with Dane Waters of met Eta Uso, then met Yemi Hilda.”

He added: “The younger man is delusional. I first set eyes on him at a Defence of London advertising in Dubai! Believe Reno if you like nonstop talking of rubbish.

“Ask him what the terms were and what the role of the then COS of Atiku, the Maiduguri man. Hire ko, hire ni.

“That was how he kept screaming rubbish about drugs and the president and what he was later to pretend to forget now that he talks rubbish.

“Na who no know Reno dey listen to his trash!”

The full episode of The Honest Bunch podcast runs for over an hour, with Omokri discussing various topics including how Pat Utomi helped him make his first million in dollars, his connections with Atiku and Jonathan, and his current strong support for Tinubu.