Category: Daily Trust

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has dismissed political coalitions being championed by some opposition figures, describing their promoters as ‘politically expired, bitter individuals driven by personal vendetta.’

Abdulaziz spoke during an interactive session with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Kano on Tuesday.

Reacting to questions on whether the presidency was worried about the coalition moves ahead of 2027, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained ‘completely unperturbed.’

‘The president, I can tell you, is unperturbed. He is completely not disturbed. He is not in any way jittery about whether it is coalition or any political formation. Because, one, is that the people that are championing these things, most of them are politically expired. There are people with no political weight or relevance that would jitter the government or the president. We have had serial contesters who had, you know, thrown their hearts into the ring on many occasions. And they were fully lost. And nothing much has changed. In fact, their star is dimming,’ he said.

He argued that the so-called coalition leaders were only concerned with their exclusion from power rather than the welfare of Nigerians.

‘Then secondly, you should also know that these are a group of bitter individuals. People driven by personal vendetta and a sense of personal loss. And their concern is not the people, is not the ordinary Nigerians. Their concern is that they are not on the table. And Nigerians have sufficiently understood this. And that is why the coalition is not catching fire as they thought it would,’ he added.

Abdulaziz maintained that Tinubu’s leadership style was focused on tough but necessary reforms rather than political expediency.

‘There is a difference between leadership and politics. Politics is a game of popularity. Leadership is a game of nation building. And that is what President Tinubu is doing. To really take hard-hitting decisions, even if they affect him personally. But those decisions that he feels are for the good of the country,’ he said, citing infrastructure projects, the student loan scheme, and subsidy reforms as examples.

On concerns that the administration was concentrating major projects in the South, Abdulaziz said such claims were ‘largely political,’ stressing that the president has continued with multi-billion naira projects in the North, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, and the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line.

‘If this man is wicked or doesn’t like the North, he could leave these projects to be abandoned. He can withhold financing. If there is no financing, these projects will stagnate or will even naturally die. But none of these projects that he inherited, which are massive, are actually stopped,’ he said.

Abdulaziz added that the Tinubu administration was also embarking on new projects such as the Sokoto-Badagry highway, stressing that development under the president was ‘holistic and not fragmented.’

Two Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been arrested by the police over the alleged killing of 72-year-old Abba Mustapha over alleged witchcraft, in Ngala LGA of Borno State.

The spokesman of the police, ASP Kenneth Daso Nahun, confirmed that the two people suspected to be involved have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.

He said the incident, which happened at the ISS IDP camp on Saturday, has created tension, but the prompt intervention of the police calmed the situation.

‘The suspects, one Modu Mohammed, 25, and Annami Modu, 32, accused the deceased of bewitching the wife of one of them, who fell ill. ‘They went to the victim’s house and beat him with sticks. Our men rescued him and conveyed him to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead,’ he said.

He said that the body of the deceased has been released to his family for burial, while an investigation has been launched to ensure justice.

He urged the community to report incidents to the police instead of resorting to violence.

The Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Olusola Odumosu PhD, has ordered the deployment of 4500 personnel across the nook and crannies of the FCT ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebration.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Command, DSC Monica Ojobi, on Monday, said the deployment is in a bid to ensure security of lives and property as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in the FCT and its environs before, during and after the celebration.

The deployment of officers and men cuts across specialised departments and units such as Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adakasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE).

According to the statement. There is also a massive deployment to vulnerable locations and soft targets such as shopping malls, recreational centres, prayer grounds, markets, motor parks, amusement parks, City Gate, 3 Arms Zone, government buildings and areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

‘In a bid to ensure proactiveness and prevent emergency or unforeseen circumstances, men of our undercover unit have already been deployed for covert operations and surveillance.

‘Black spots like uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals are also covered to avert security breaches,’ it added.

Dr Odumosu gave matching orders to all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure their respective area councils are on top of their game and ensure their presence is felt to avoid security hitches, according to the statement.

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed two people and burnt down the palace of the District Head of Kirawa town of Gwoza LGA of Borno State.

Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened when the terrorists infiltrated the community bordering Cameroon on Monday night.

‘They killed two civilians, and another one was abducted by the assailants. Many people have fled to Cameroon, for fear of another attack. The insurgents also burnt other buildings in the community.’ ‘In fact, we are all afraid that the town is no longer secure because the Cameroonian soldiers protecting us have left,’ said a source identified simply as Ibrahim.

Senator Mohammed Ndume, (APC, Borno South) confirmed the attack, saying the community, which resettled recently, have witnessed renewed attacks.

‘The attacks on Kirawa and other communities have become a source of concern. Many resilient IDPs, supported by Governor Zulum, have returned to their ancestral homes,’ he said.

He commended the efforts of Nigerian troops in the fight against insurgency, and appealed for establishment of military ‘platoons’ in vulnerable communities.

He also called on the federal government to fortify the military with drones and attack helicopters to reinforce the attack pattern of the military.

The attack came barely three days after the insurgents ambushed the civilian JTF members escorting passengers on Kirawa -Pulka road, killed one and set ablaze six commercial vehicles.

Last month, a military base was dislodged by the insurgents in the area, killing four soldiers under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and abducted a teenage girl.

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not enjoy a ‘free ride’ to the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Reacting to remarks credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible comeback on the PDP, the GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, said the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

Hamzat said, ‘With due respect, Professor Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about the return of former President Jonathan. However, only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately, God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,’ Hamzat said in a statement.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians were yearning for progress, not a return to the past, warning that Jonathan represents an ‘old order’ many citizens are ready to consign to history.

He said, ‘The Jonathan era cannot be painted as a perfect time. It was a period when the diversity of our nation began to be deeply mismanaged, rekindling ethnic tensions and religious bigotry, a legacy that has unfortunately worsened under subsequent governments,’ he added.

He also revisited Jonathan’s foreign policy record, faulting Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to break ranks with the African Union and support NATO’s intervention in Libya.

He described the move as a ‘strategic blunder’ that destabilized the Sahel and aggravated insecurity across Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries.

On the domestic scene, the GHSM leader insisted that Jonathan still has questions to answer on corruption allegations that trailed his administration, particularly the infamous Dasukigate arms procurement scandal.

Hamzat, however, affirmed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

‘If President Jonathan desires a return to Aso Rock, he must be ready to square up with nationally unifying aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,’ Hamzat declared.

He maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision to tackle the nation’s challenges, insisting that ‘the only way forward is forward, not backward.’

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said that Nigeria is not yet where it is supposed to be in its journey through 65 years of independence.

However, he urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the persistent challenges of poverty, insecurity and mistrust.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Sulaiman Wali, spoke on Monday at a pre-independence public lecture held at the Coronation Hall, Kano Government House, as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

‘Nigeria at 65 is still far from the nation of our dreams. But this is not a reason to despair; it is a call to action. Unity is not about uniformity, but about celebrating our differences while working towards a common destiny,’ he said. He called on citizens to take ownership of nation-building by participating actively in democratic processes, supporting security initiatives, and embracing youth development programmes.

‘Security is not just the absence of war or crime; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and unity,’ he added.

As Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, the governor said Kano is determined to chart a new course where its youth are seen as agents of peace, innovation, and development, rather than tools for violence and division.

He said Nigeria’s milestone anniversary should serve not just as a celebration but as a moment of sober reflection on how citizens and leaders alike can contribute to national unity, peace, and prosperity.

‘I stand before you today filled with pride, gratitude, and responsibility. Pride, because we are gathered to celebrate Nigeria at 65; gratitude, because it allows us to reflect on our journey; and responsibility, because as leaders and citizens, we must translate noble words into concrete actions,’ Yusuf said.

The governor stressed that security goes beyond deploying weapons or security forces but involves creating opportunities for justice, economic empowerment, and unity.

‘The Safe Corridor Initiative’s rehabilitation and reintegration approach can turn despair into hope and danger into opportunity. It teaches us that no life is beyond redemption if society chooses to guide rather than abandon,’ he added.

Earlier, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, presented a paper titled: ‘Safe Corridor Initiative – The Kano Model: A Special Intervention Project of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to Address Thuggery and Other Related Crimes in Kano State Through a Non-Kinetic Approach.’

The commissioner explained that the initiative targets repentant political thugs and drug users by providing counselling, de-radicalisation, skills acquisition, empowerment, and reintegration into society.

According to him, the programme is anchored on the recognition that the state’s youthful population is an asset that must be properly harnessed rather than allowed to drift into crime.

The decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider registering new political parties has stirred debate among analysts, politicians and observers, with concerns over whether the move will strengthen or weaken Nigeria’s democracy.

On September 11, INEC announced that 14 political associations had met the initial requirements to proceed to the next stage of registration. If successful, they would join the existing 19 recognised parties, raising the total to 33.

This development comes five years after INEC de-registered 74 out of 92 political parties in the country for failing to meet constitutional requirements for continuous existence. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, explained at the time that the affected parties had failed to secure the minimum electoral threshold as stipulated in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

For the fresh exercise, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the commission had received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, but only 14 scaled the first hurdle. The associations include the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), African Transformation Party (ATP), Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Grassroots Initiative Alliance (GRIP), Green Future Party (GFP), Liberation People’s Party (LPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), National Reform Party (NRP), Patriotic People’s Alliance (PPA) and People’s Freedom Party (PFP).

According to INEC, ‘Each request was assessed on the basis of its prima facie compliance with Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2 and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.’

Daily Trust, however, gathered that some interim leaders of the proposed parties were officials of the de-registered parties in 2020.

For instance, Rev. Olusegun Peters, former national chairman of the de-registered Democratic People’s Congress (DPC), now leads the proposed Allied Conservative Congress (ACC). Though not among the 14 cleared, ACC is listed among the 171 associations seeking registration.

Peters recently said ACC was determined to win the 2027 presidential poll and redirect Nigeria on a conservative ideological path if registered.

Questions and scepticisms

The move has raised questions about whether the new associations, if eventually registered, will make any meaningful difference in the political space.

Some observers fear they could face the same fate as the 74 de-registered parties. Others doubt their capacity to win elections or address Nigeria’s governance challenges.

Concerns have also been raised about whether the new platforms will meet electoral thresholds or present manifestos that foster unity, inclusivity and democratic growth. Critics argue that if leaders of defunct parties are returning with new platforms, the outcome may not change.

On the other hand, some analysts maintain that democracy thrives on healthy competition, and more parties would give Nigerians wider choices at the polls. They argue that while opposition parties have failed in their roles and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been accused of bad governance, new parties could provide alternatives.

Bad omen for democracy?

Elder statesman and former presidential candidate, Chief Chekwas Okorie, expressed concern over the recurring cycle of registration and deregistration, describing it as a ‘bad omen for democracy.’

Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and later the United Progressives Party (UPP), which was de-registered in 2020, told Daily Trust that opposition parties should be allowed to exist to provide alternatives for political heavyweights denied tickets in big parties.

He said ‘After another round of elections, another round of de-registration will commence. I have never seen a country that operates this kind of confused system. Since the government no longer pays grants to political parties, those registered should be allowed to remain on the register. The beauty of the multi-party system is that when people don’t get space in major parties, they can still contest under smaller ones.

‘Many political parties have collapsed on their own without de-registration because it costs money to maintain a party office and staff. When a party is inactive, its leaders eventually give up.’

Similarly, Hon. Bernard Mikko, a political scientist and former federal lawmaker from Rivers State, said INEC should register all qualified associations, describing it as a ‘good omen for democracy.’

Mikko, a former PDP governorship aspirant who later joined APC, said:

Once the associations meet requirements, INEC should register them. Those that fall short or fail to win elections can then be de-registered, but the process must be transparent. It shouldn’t look like witch-hunting. There is freedom of association, and these are constitutional matters.’

New parties not the

solution – Analysts

Other analysts, however, argue that new parties will not solve Nigeria’s problems.

Political analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo told Daily Trust that existing parties already provide enough choices, describing the proposed ones as ‘political liabilities’.

‘New parties won’t make any difference. They can’t even make a positive noise for change. They are just wasting INEC’s stationery. Nigerians should be able to join from the existing ones,’ he said.

Another analyst, Aminu Yakudima, said the proposed 14 parties, including ADA, might not survive electoral thresholds, let alone win elections.

‘Most of these parties don’t have viable manifestos or grassroots structures. Forming a party requires resources, experience and membership mobilisation. Without these, they cannot add value to the electoral process. The 2027 elections will be between two or three parties – APC, PDP and maybe ADC,’ he said.

Also, former PDP deputy publicity secretary and now APC chieftain, Barrister Abdullahi Jalo, argued that Nigeria’s real problem lies in governance, not the proliferation of parties.

He said: ‘Registration of new parties is constitutional but a waste of time and resources. Our problem is governance and leadership. Even the existing parties are not living up to expectations. What Nigeria needs is accountability and reforms, not more parties.’

With Kwara State facing a housing deficit of over one million units, private investors have begun to step in to support government efforts in addressing the challenge.

Speaking at a programme to mark its third anniversary in Il?rin, Group Managing Director of Experience Vision Creation (EVC), Engr Fola Oyedeji, said the company’s entry into Kwara was aimed at introducing a standard housing model similar to what is obtainable in Lagos, Port Harcourt and other top cities in the country.

He noted that the housing deficit nationwide is estimated at between 28 and 32 million, stressing that no single government could shoulder such a burden.

According to him, public private partnerships remain the most realistic option to close the gap and provide affordable homes.

‘Three years ago when we started in Kwara, awareness was very low. Today, more developers have come on board, creating competition that prevents monopoly and offers civil servants and other residents wider choices,’ Oyedepo said.

He added that the company’s projects are designed with long-term planning and attention to detail, while the state’s ongoing infrastructure drive has further boosted investor confidence in the housing sector.

Kwara State Commissioner for Works, AbdulQowiy Olododo, who was present at the event, said his attendance was to support youth participation in the industry.

He described the initiative as consistent with the government’s vision for urban planning, city expansion and the smart city project.

Operations Manager of EVC, Mahmoud Babatunde, said the anniversary activities were designed to highlight the company’s growth over three years and its role in housing delivery.

He explained that the programme was marked with project allocations, staff community service and public engagements.

According to him, the anniversary served as a point of reflection on the company’s operations and its plans for the future.

A National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, while ruling on an ex-parte application by Dangote Refinery on Monday, specifically restrained the defendants, which included Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, (NNPCL), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), from cutting crude and gas supply to Dangote Refinery.

The application was filed by George Ibrahim from Ogwu James Onoja law firm in Abuja seeking ‘an interim injunction.

Ibrahim, in the motion, sought an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st Defendant (NNPCL), its members, agents, servants, privies, representatives, assigns or howsoever described, from directing or effecting a halt in the supply of crude oil and gas to the Claimant. He further prayed the Court to restrain them from embarking on any industrial action against the Claimant with the intention of crippling operations, blocking access roads, obstructing vehicular movement, or otherwise disrupting the operations of the Claimant or the licensees of the 2nd to 4th Defendants, as contained in the directives issued by the 1st Defendant on September 26, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Ibrahim argued that the Applicant is a duly licensed petroleum production and distribution company, engaged in refining and producing petroleum and petrochemical products for general public consumption in Nigeria. He stressed that the company provides essential services critical to the Nigerian economy and the well-being of the public.

He further contended that in recent times, incidents of sabotage by some employees at the Claimant’s plant had raised grave health and safety concerns, necessitating a re-organisation exercise which led to the disengagement of some staff. This, he noted, was communicated to all employees through a memo dated September 25, 2025.

In his brief ruling on the ex parte application, Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience was in favour of the Applicant, as the continuation of the threatened industrial action would irreparably damage its business and undermine the provision of essential services to the Nigerian public.

The judge ruled that it was in the interest of justice to restrain the Respondents in order to preserve industrial peace and safeguard the continuous provision of essential services pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Subilim accordingly granted the restraining order and directed that same be served on the defendants forthwith, together with the motion on notice.

The Court held that the order shall subsist for seven days only.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 13 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

Reconciliatory meeting drags

The fresh peace meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve the rift between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report last night.

The meeting, which had the leadership of the PENSASSAN led by its President, Festus Osifo and the representatives of Dangote Refinery in attendance, was convened with a view to ending dispute

While the union leaders were led by the General-Secretary of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, led other government officials.

Daily Trust reports that the federal government had on Sunday summoned the leadership of PENSASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to an emergency meeting over the ongoing rift between the duo.

However, the meeting, which was earlier scheduled for 2:00pm, started at about 3:50pm owing to the late arrival of critical stakeholders involved in the matter, before it later went into a close-door session.

Speaking, Dingyadi said, ‘What’s happening today is very dear to our economy and to the security of the country. We have been informed that PENGASSAN is on strike.’

Hours after the meeting started behind closed doors, a shouting match could be heard from the Conference room where the meeting was being held.

A source, who was part of the meeting, confided in our correspondent that representatives of Dangote Refinery stuck to their guns, insisting that it would be hard to bring those who have been eased out back to the company.

The source said the sacked workers were described as saboteurs by the Dangote Refinery representative – the statement, he said, angered the labour leaders at the meeting.

‘The meeting started smoothly after you people went out of the venue. That is when both the ministers of labour and finance had spoken to the two parties, to let them know the implications of their actions.

‘So, the two parties were allowed to make their presentations and laid out their demands, but they all stuck to their guns. Nobody between the two parties was ready to shift ground,’ the source confided in Daily Trust last night.

NLC places other unions on red alert

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has commenced mobilisation of its affiliate unions, stressing that it would join forces to fight the company for violating labour laws.

The Congress, in an internal memo signed by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero and obtained by our correspondent, specifically said the company violated Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, vILO Conventions 87 and 98, arguing that it was treating national labour laws with contempt.

It read, ‘This letter serves as a formal and urgent request in response to the protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade being waged by the Dangote Group against the Nigerian working class.

‘The ongoing battle with PENGASSAN and NUPENG is merely a symptom of a deeper sickness; a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.

‘The Dangote Group has operated for too long as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our national labour laws with contempt. Their facilities are not workplaces but plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few.

‘The time for pleading and endless, fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now.

‘Consequently, we have resolved as follows: 1. Request for total mobilization of all Unions and workers. All aforementioned affiliate unions are hereby placed on IMMEDIATE AND FULL ALERT.

‘You are requested to commence, with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility falling under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

‘To start full preparation for an engagement with Dangote across the nation. You are requested to immediately begin mobilising your members and resources for a full-scale, decisive engagement against the Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance. This action aims to compel the conglomerate to:

‘Unconditionally respect the right of every worker to freely join a union of their choice. Cease all forms of intimidation, victimisation, and union-busting activities. Submit to the authority of our nation’s labour laws and institutions.

‘Each union is to set up an Action Mobilisation Committee and liaise directly with the NLC National Secretariat within the next 72 hours to coordinate strategy, logistics, and communication. Unity of purpose and action is non-negotiable.

‘The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the resistance of organised labour. No amount of media verbiage and paid hirelings will stop us from fighting for our liberty in the face of apparent Regulatory capture, where the state seems to have abdicated its responsibility to hold this behemoth accountable for its breaches of our laws.

‘The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built this conglomerate; we will not let it become a monument to their oppression. Together, we stand! Together, we will overcome.’

The crypto market continues to shuffle as the top crypto coins right now react to surging volumes, shifting sentiment, and key technical levels. XRP price declines have added pressure despite higher liquidity, while the latest Cardano (ADA) price drop underscores ongoing volatility across major altcoins. For many traders, these swings signal profit-taking and repositioning ahead of bigger moves.

But one project is growing as more than just another presale headline: BlockDAG (BDAG). With $415M raised at $0.0013 in Batch 30, confirmed miner shipments across the globe, its Awakening Testnet, and a multi-year BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship, BlockDAG is capturing attention beyond crypto circles. Buyers are now viewing it not only as one of the top crypto coins right now but as a competitor for long-term growth, with a realistic path toward the $20 target.

XRP’s Price Declines Among Rising Volumes

The spotlight remains on Ripple after XRP price declines saw it fall 6.32% in just 24 hours, sliding from $3.01 to $2.82. This pullback came even as daily trade volume surged nearly 94% to $6.52 billion, suggesting heavy profit-taking or strategic repositioning by traders. Despite this drop, XRP has still posted a 7.39% gain over the past week, proving resilience in a rough market.

XRP’s market capitalization currently sits at $168.3 billion, keeping it among the largest digital assets. Yet analysts warn that XRP price declines coupled with sharp volume spikes often signal instability, raising questions about whether buyers or sellers will control the next move.

Still, XRP maintains its reputation as one of the top crypto coins right now, with consistent institutional interest and cross-border utility.

Cardano Struggles With Heavy Selloff

Alongside XRP’s struggles, the Cardano (ADA) price drop has drawn significant attention. ADA plunged nearly 12% in a single day, falling to $0.7936, its steepest one-day loss since April. The move pulled Cardano’s market cap down to $30.3 billion, well off its all-time high of $94.8 billion.

In the past 24 hours, ADA traded between $0.7921 and $0.8875, with volumes at $1.36 billion, about 1% of the entire market’s liquidity. Over the past week, Cardano lost another 6.05%, cementing its reputation for volatility. Currently, ADA sits 74% below its all-time high of $3.10 from September 2021.

This Cardano (ADA) price drop reinforces that even top-tier altcoins are not immune to sharp selloffs. For ADA holders, maintaining support near $0.79 will be critical to preserving confidence among market roughness.

Full Throttle: BlockDAG’s F1® Edge and Miner Shipments Rev Up Adoption

While XRP price declines and the Cardano (ADA) price drop dominate short-term news, BlockDAG is busy proving its long-term credibility. The project has raised $415M in presale, currently priced at $0.0013 in Batch 30 with a confirmed $0.05 listing price, showing strong market sentiment.

The most powerful driver of momentum is BlockDAG’s multi-year BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship. As BWT Alpine’s Exclusive Layer One Blockchain Partner, BlockDAG branding will feature on F1® race cars, team merchandise, and fan simulators. Beyond visibility, the deal includes interactive fan zones, hackathons, and Web3 integrations, giving the project global cultural reach. CEO Antony Turner called it a showcase of DAG technology for billions, while BWT Alpine’s Flavio Briatore praised its transformative potential.

BlockDAG’s adoption extends beyond branding. Miner shipments are already rolling out worldwide, with X-Series devices supporting decentralization alongside over 3M X1 app miners. This hybrid Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Engagement ecosystem strengthens scalability and security. On top of that, the Awakening Testnet has activated core blockchain functions, streamlined ledger upgrades, and introduced real-time explorer tools, demonstrating technical readiness before mainnet launch.

Together, these milestones position BlockDAG far ahead of many presale projects. With real adoption, institutional partnerships, and cultural integration, BlockDAG is now viewed as one of the most compelling top crypto coins right now, and its $20 target doesn’t look out of reach.

Final Word!

The latest volatility shows that even the top crypto coins right now face challenges. XRP price declines highlight short-term instability despite rising volumes, while the Cardano (ADA) price drop underlines how quickly sentiment can reverse. Both assets remain influential, but they are fighting to prove resilience in a choppy market.

BlockDAG, however, is pulling ahead with substance. With $415M raised, miner shipments already underway, a live Awakening Testnet, and its high-profile BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship, it is combining technology with mainstream visibility. This rare mix of adoption, credibility, and cultural integration is why traders see BlockDAG not only as one of the top crypto coins right now but as a project with a real chance at hitting $20.

For buyers, the message is clear: while XRP and Cardano go through price roughness, BlockDAG is already racing on the fast track to leadership.