ETHICS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS SIX MONTHS SUSPENSION FOR SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN THAT HER OFFICE BE LOCKED FOR THE DURATION THAT HER SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES INCLUDING THOSE OF HER AIDES BE WITHDRAWN THAT HER SECURITY BE WITHDRAWN AND BE PREVENTED FROM COMING ANYWHERE NEAR THE SENATE. The day God will remember them one by one, Nigerians will be jubilating.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a challenge brought by Republican committees and Vice President JD Vance to federal campaign finance rules that limit spending coordinated between political parties and candidates. The case originated during Vance’s 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio and questions whether restrictions on such spending violate First Amendment protections. The court will take up the matter in its next term starting in October.⁠
⁠
The plaintiffs—including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, and former Congressman Steve Chabot—argue the limits “severely restrict political party committees from doing what the First Amendment entitles them to do: fully associate with and advocate for their own candidates for federal office.” The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the limits last year, citing a 2001 Supreme Court ruling. Lawyers for President Donald Trump’s administration supported the appeal and asked the court to appoint a third party to defend the existing law.⁠
⁠
The justices also approved a motion from the Democratic National Committee and related groups to intervene in defense of the spending limits. “The Republican Party has spent decades trying to eliminate statutory limits on political party expenditures that are coordinated with candidates’ campaigns,” attorney Marc Elias said. The challenge follows a broader trend in campaign finance litigation, including the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, which struck down limits on independent expenditures by outside groups.⁠
⁠
​​​🔗Head to our bio for the full story

A ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was struck by drones in international waters near Malta early Friday, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The vessel, Conscience, suffered damage to its generator and hull, leaving it without power and stranded. A nearby tugboat helped extinguish the fire, and Malta confirmed that 16 people aboard were safe, with no serious injuries. The coalition accused Israel of carrying out the strike but offered no direct evidence. Israel has not commented.⁠
⁠
Video shared by activists showed fire and damage to the ship’s deck, with smoke rising and holes visible. Codepink activist Tighe Barry said the vessel had lost its flag prior to the attack and was at risk of being impounded by authorities in Malta, Greece, or Turkey. The captain reportedly requested re-entry into Maltese waters, warning of a “huge risk to life.” The ship had departed from Tunisia and was due to be joined by more volunteers in Malta, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, who did not board and remains safe.⁠
⁠
The incident comes amid a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel has blocked all aid since March. Over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to Gaza health officials. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned Friday that critical food and medical programs could shut down within weeks without renewed access. Turkey condemned the strike and pledged to pursue accountability, calling it an attack on maritime security.⁠
⁠
​​​🔗Head to our bio to download the Ground News app and read the full story as reported by 163 sources.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that he possesses the capacity to become Nigeria’s president, though he has not confirmed any intention to run in the 2027 election. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 15, 2025, Makinde stated, “I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes.”  

While expressing confidence in his leadership abilities, Makinde emphasized that his current focus remains on governing Oyo State and addressing internal challenges within his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He remarked, “We must fix our party for you to even aspire to be anything.” 

Regarding the upcoming 2027 general election, Makinde suggested it would be a contest between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than between the PDP and APC. He criticized the APC’s governance, citing economic instability and security issues.  

Although Makinde did not announce a presidential bid, his comments have fueled speculation about his potential candidacy, especially amid discussions within the PDP about fielding a southern candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu. 

📺: @vanguardngrnews