The senator representing Kwara South, Saliu Mustapha, has announced the completion of a degree from a British university.

What he announced

In a social media post on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, Mustapha said he had earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Finance from Arden University in the United Kingdom. He described it as a proud personal milestone, thanked God and said he had always believed education is a lifelong journey that opens doors regardless of a person's age or status.

Background

Mustapha, a member of the All Progressives Congress, was elected senator for Kwara South in 2023. Arden University offers degree programmes largely through online and blended learning, which allows working adults to study part-time. The academic qualifications of Nigerian politicians often attract public interest, with debates this week over President Bola Tinubu's university record and Education Minister Tunji Alausa's claim that the President graduated with a first class.

How people reacted

Many people congratulated the senator and praised him for setting an example of continued learning, while others questioned how he combined his studies with his legislative duties.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again spoken boldly about his political influence in Rivers State, dismissing the chances of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and insisting he remains a major force in the state.

"You cannot wish me away"

According to Wike, he would only have reason to worry if Amaechi stood a realistic chance of a significant political comeback in Rivers State.

The former Rivers governor made it clear that leaving Government House in Port Harcourt has not reduced his influence or weakened the structures he built over the years.

"I am not a governor, I am a minister, but you cannot wish me away in Rivers State, because the people know what I stand for and because of the people I have raised," Wike said.

His statement appears to be a direct message to those who believe his appointment as FCT Minister has taken him away from the centre of Rivers politics.

Claims about the APC

Wike also claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had little political strength in Rivers State before he decided to support the party.

"Before I decided to support the APC, the party did not exist in Rivers State," he said.

That is a bold claim, given the long rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, who both served as governors of Rivers State at different times.

"I have killed the Obi wave"

Wike did not limit his remarks to Rivers. He also turned his attention to the movement around NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, claiming he had already weakened its influence in the FCT.

"As for the NDC, I have killed the Obi wave in the FCT," he said.

The remarks reflect Wike's confidence in his political strength, although his claims about the APC and about Obi's support remain his own assessment.

The road to 2027

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the political battle in Rivers State is expected to draw even more attention. Wike, Amaechi and other influential figures may once again find themselves on opposing sides as parties prepare for another contest.

For now, Wike is making one thing clear to his opponents: he may no longer be governor, but he has no intention of surrendering his influence in Rivers State.

Over to you

Is Wike still as politically powerful in Rivers State as he believes, or will the 2027 elections reveal a different picture?

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has spoken about the political future of Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara.

What he said

Responding to questions at his monthly media chat in Abuja on Thursday, 5 November 2026, Wike reportedly said Fubara is a young man and cannot say his political future is gone. He said that not being a minister today does not mean he will not be one tomorrow.

Background

Fubara succeeded Wike as Rivers governor in 2023, but the two fell out soon afterwards, leading to a long political crisis in the state that included a period of emergency rule. The pair later reconciled, and Fubara has backed Wike's Rainbow Coalition supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election. Fubara is not expected to seek a second term as governor in 2027, and Kingsley Chinda is the APC governorship candidate in the state, though a suit seeking to disqualify him is due for hearing on 10 December. At the same media chat, Wike denied any role in the court ruling that made Rochas Okorocha the APC's Imo West Senate candidate.

Why it matters

Wike's comments suggest that Fubara may be offered a role in the federal government in future, as part of the political arrangements in Rivers.

How people reacted

Supporters of both men welcomed the comments, while critics said Rivers politics was being decided by a few powerful figures.

Nigerian politics will teach you lessons no classroom ever can.

Just look at former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and the current governor, Hope Uzodinma, smiling, joking and singing together like two old friends who have never had a political disagreement.

Rivals on paper

These are the same political figures whose camps have been involved in a legal dispute over a senatorial candidacy.

Yet here they are, laughing and enjoying themselves, while some of their supporters are outside exchanging insults, fighting imaginary battles and treating political disagreements like personal family wars.

The real problem

Some supporters have destroyed friendships, fought their neighbours and made enemies of people they have known for years, all because of politicians who can sit together tomorrow, shake hands and laugh over a bottle of expensive wine.

The painful part is that some supporters are even willing to risk their lives defending these politicians. Meanwhile, the politicians themselves understand that politics is a game of interests, and today's enemy can become tomorrow's ally.

Look at Rochas and Hope again. Do they look like people who cannot stand each other?

A lesson for supporters

This should be a serious lesson to Nigerians, especially those who insult, threaten and attack others over political differences.

Support whoever you want. Campaign for your preferred candidate. But never allow political loyalty to turn you into an enemy of your fellow citizens.

At the end of the day, the politicians you are fighting for may be laughing together while you are still carrying their quarrel on your head.

Over to you

Nigerians, when will we learn that politicians are not worth dying for? Look at the picture and tell us: who is really fooling who?