Morning recap: Wike draws fresh battle lines with APC governors, Trump TV goes live, FG seals deal for 12 US helicopters, other top stories

File photo of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Fresh political tensions have emerged ahead of the 2027 elections as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike defended the Rainbow Coalition and accused some APC governors of pursuing their own political interests. Wike said his priority was to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while allowing politicians to support candidates of their choice in other contests.

In the United States, the White House launched a 24/7 streaming channel known as Trump TV as a dispute between President Donald Trump’s administration and major news organisations continues.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has moved closer to acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States.

Also making headlines, Aliko Dangote said his group plans to invest more than $10bn in power, while a former LASU vice-chancellor said public universities may need to charge at least N1m in annual fees to achieve financial independence.

Here’s your complete morning roundup:

1. 2027: Wike draws fresh battle lines with APC governors

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the Rainbow Coalition would continue to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu while politicians retain their preferred candidates for governorship and legislative elections. He also said, “Life or death, I will never support a character of Hope Uzodimma to be the Senate President of Nigeria.”

Read Here: https://punchng.com/2027-wike-draws-fresh-battle-lines-with-apc-govs/

2. Trump TV goes live as major US networks halt coverage

The White House has launched a 24/7 streaming channel featuring past moments, announcements and other content from Donald Trump’s administration. The launch comes as ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC have suspended their shared White House pool coverage following an escalating dispute over media access.

• 2027: Yayi promises continuity, unveils development plan
• Trump TV goes live as major US networks halt coverage
• Return of ASUU strikes at state universities

Read Here: https://punchng.com/trump-tv-goes-live-as-major-us-networks-halt-coverage/

3. FG seals deal for 12 US attack helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force has taken a step towards acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters after a signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Texas. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the acquisition would enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Read Here: https://punchng.com/fg-seals-deal-for-12-us-attack-helicopters/

4. Dangote plans $10bn investment to tackle power crisis

Aliko Dangote said his conglomerate plans to invest more than $10bn in the power sector to address Nigeria’s electricity crisis and support industrialisation. “We want to invest over $10bn alone in power,” he said in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Read Here: https://punchng.com/dangote-plans-10bn-investment-to-tackle-power-crisis/

1. Public varsities need N1m fees for financial independence – ex-LASU VC

In an interview with The PUNCH, former LASU Vice-Chancellor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello said public universities may need to charge at least N1m annually per student to achieve financial independence. She explained that institutions face major running costs, including LASU’s monthly payroll of over N1bn and electricity bill of about N140m.

Read Here: https://punchng.com/public-varsities-need-n1m-school-fees-for-financial-independence-ex-lasu-vc/