A political gathering in Delta State turned violent over the weekend. The first gunshots sent plastic chairs flying at the entrance to an All Progressives Congress (APC) congress venue in Ovade on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Supporters had arrived early for the event.
The disruption, which looked far more organised than usual party skirmishes, targeted Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, a member of the House of Representatives and daughter of former Delta governor James Ibori. Her camp believes it was a targeted assassination attempt. This incident has now joined a troubling list of political attacks in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, and analysts warn such violence could intensify as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
Amidst this, the spiritual month of Ramadan continues. Islamic teachings remind us that fasting is fundamentally a spiritual and moral exercise, not just physical abstinence. Ramadan offers a unique environment for moral reformation. The Qur'an states: “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwā.” The Prophet Muhammad also taught that a fasting person should avoid obscene speech, saying if insulted, “I am fasting.”
In related political news, APC governors are reportedly scheming against federal lawmakers over recent amendments to the Electoral Act, which they see as a betrayal. However, President Bola Tinubu has hinted he would like to see the return of most of the party's federal lawmakers to the National Assembly, except where rotational zoning applies. He made this comment at a State House interfaith breaking of fast with House members led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Turning to culture, gospel musician Tosin Bee (Oluwatosin Adejumobi) says gospel music brings hope and reassurance to Nigerians, no matter how bad the situation. “Our music is not entertainment; it’s a tool for healing, encouragement, and spiritual awakening,” she said, adding that in Nigeria, it “has become a voice that speaks peace, resilience, and purpose to the nation.”
Finally, filmmaker Laju Iren, known as The Lord’s Storyteller, promises a refreshing take on female representation in her new movie, Onobirẹ́n: A Woman’s Story, coming to cinemas on March 6. Iren notes that strong female characters whose stories aren't solely about marriage and family are not very prevalent. “Women are multifaceted people, but many stories do not really present them as multifaceted,” she said. Her film introduces Roli, a fisherwoman and businesswoman, reflecting the realities of many African women. Iren, whose Christian faith influenced the story, said, “It will be good to see a woman challenge gender norms.”
