Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu never liked him, even when they were both part of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufai made the comment during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Monday.

He described himself as a loyal supporter of former President Muhammadu Buhari during their time in the party and mentioned that he was much closer to APC chieftain and former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande. “Tinubu never really liked me. We didn’t have that relationship. In the APC, I was seen as Buhari’s boy,” El-Rufai said. “The person I worked closely with was Baba Akande.”

Speaking further, El-Rufai expressed doubts about the possibility of a new coalition political party emerging under the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu. He compared the current INEC boss to his predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who oversaw the registration of the APC during his tenure, hinting that the political environment now is less open to such developments.

After nearly two weeks of rising clashes between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he called a “complete and total” ceasefire between both countries. He made the declaration on Monday evening, saying the agreement would officially take effect within 24 hours. This announcement follows a chaotic period that saw the U.S. launching heavy airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a location used by U.S. forces.

While Trump shows his confidence in the ceasefire deal, things on the ground suggest otherwise. Iranian officials quickly denied agreeing to any formal truce. Their foreign ministry did hint, however, that they might reduce military action; but only if Israel also holds back.

Israel, on the other hand, claimed they picked up fresh missile launches from Iranian territory shortly after the ceasefire was announced. In response, Israel reportedly prepared new airstrikes, though Iran denied any fresh attacks from their side.

International observers say the situation remains very fragile. There’s still no clear written agreement detailing how both sides will back down, especially concerning Iran’s nuclear activities, which was the cause of the dispute.

The news of the ceasefire brought quick reactions from the global economy. Oil prices dropped sharply, sliding more than 3% as traders relaxed over possible disruptions in the Middle East, especially around the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies. Stock markets also rallied. U.S. futures climbed nearly 1%, while Gulf country’s financial markets bounced back by up to 3%. European and Asian stocks posted gains as well, as investors bet on lower risks in the region. Meanwhile, gold prices and U.S. treasury yields dropped, and the dollar weakened, signaling that traders are betting central banks

The tension between the United States and Iran has taken a serious turn after both countries exchanged military strikes in the past few days, putting the entire Gulf region on edge. It all started on Friday, June 21, when the U.S. military carried out a heavy airstrike operation called Operation Midnight Hammer. Using stealth bombers, submarines, and precision-guided missiles, the U.S. hit three of Iran’s major nuclear sites located deep underground in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. According to U.S. officials, those sites were targeted to weaken Iran’s nuclear program and stop any further development.

The U.S. government later said the mission was successful, claiming significant damage was done to Iran’s nuclear facilities. President Trump also warned that America was ready to strike again if Iran pushed back.

Not long after, Iran responded.

In the early hours of Sunday, June 23, Iran launched several missiles toward U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, calling their counterattack Operation Tidings of Victory. Reports from Qatar confirmed that most of the missiles were intercepted, and no casualties were recorded, but Iran described the strike as a strong warning to Washington.

Additionally, Iran’s parliament passed a controversial bill threatening to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea route where almost a quarter of the world’s oil passes through daily. If Iran follows through with this threat, it could disrupt global oil supply and send fuel prices soaring.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is not taking chances.

Thousands of American troops have been deployed to the Gulf region, alongside warships, submarines, fighter jets, and missile defense systems. Two major aircraft carriers; the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Nimitz; are already stationed in nearby waters, ready for action if needed. The situation has left countries in the region on high alert. Leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and other Gulf states are calling for calm while strengthening their own security. There are also concerns that Iran might use allied groups like Hezbollah or militias in Iraq to launch attacks indirectly.

Globally, Russia and China have openly criticized the U.S. strikes, describing them as dangerous. The United Nations held emergency talks, urging both sides to avoid further violence. However, oil prices surprisingly dipped slightly, as many traders believe the situation might cool down through diplomacy before it disrupts oil supplies.

In the U.S., political debates have broken out. Some lawmakers, including Republicans and Democrats, have raised questions about whether the President had the authority to carry out the strikes without full approval from Congress. Others argue the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear program. For now, both sides appear to be watching each other closely. The U.S. has made it clear they are ready for further military action, while Iran has promised more retaliation if provoked.