Corridors of power.

AN OUTSPOKEN OPPOSITION figure is supposedly growing disenchanted with what he sees as endless meetings and fruitless boardroom deals. Following a recent strategy session, the former high-ranking official reportedly told his inner circle that it would be his last. Word is, he dismissed their host as a liability who contributes nothing to the movement. Now, he's said to be considering a solo path — or even fracturing the alliance altogether — in a bid to improve their odds of success.

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A LEGISLATOR HAS been isolated by colleagues—and it’s no mystery why. After supposedly rallying peers to attend an empowerment forum in the constituency, the lawmaker, it is said,   has gone missing. The understanding was that the initiative would rotate and support would be reciprocated. But since hosting dozens of fellow legislators, the organiser has reportedly vanished: unreachable on known contacts and absent from parliamentary sittings. Frustrated colleagues are now purportedly plotting to have the legislator removed from influential committees they currently serve on.

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IS A YOUTHFUL legislator shaking down witnesses attending an ongoing House hearing? The man has reportedly installed himself as the plenary’s unofficial welfare officer, demanding outrageous sums from witnesses — all while claiming to have the backing of his colleagues. Whispers suggest he has been telling them that their fate lies in his hands, and that their cooperation could sway the outcome. While backroom lobbying is part of parliamentary culture, the brazen manner of this lawmaker — particularly in the context of ongoing uproar on public sector extortion — is jaw-dropping.

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WITH THE 2027 elections fast approaching, speculation about who is eyeing what seat is heating up. A governor believed to be in the good books of the powers that be has gone all-in striving for national relevance. At a recent high-profile event, the governor was overheard telling party insiders about gunning for the Deputy President slot ahead of the polls. The politico is determined to convince power brokers over ability to bring both mobilising muscle and a financial war chest. Whether those the governor is trying to court are paying attention remains to be seen.