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Kamala Harris and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to Share Stage at London Literature Festival

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By Prosper Mene 

London, October 21, 2025

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will join celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for a special conversation at the London Literature Festival on Thursday, October 23.

The event, held at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in partnership with Foyles bookstore, is part of Harris’s tour for her new memoir, 107 Days. Fans are excited for what promises to be a lively discussion between two influential women known for their powerful voices.

Kamala Harris announced the event on X, saying she’s thrilled to talk with Adichie at the festival. Her book, 107 Days, shares stories from her time as vice president, covering the final months of the Biden-Harris administration. The memoir has already become a bestseller in the U.S., and this London stop is a chance for Harris to connect with readers across the Atlantic. The conversation will likely explore how her experiences in politics tie into themes of leadership and storytelling.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the award-winning author of books like Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun, is no stranger to big stages. She recently won the Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, where she spoke about challenges facing literature today. Her newest novel, Dream Count, tells the story of four women chasing love and purpose. Adichie’s sharp insights and bold views make her a perfect match to dive deep into Harris’s memoir.

The London Literature Festival, running through October 26, brings together writers, thinkers, and readers for a week of inspiring events. This talk is a highlight, blending politics and literature in a way that’s sure to spark thought. Tickets are available through the Southbank Centre’s website or Foyles, with options to watch online for those who can’t attend in person. The event is expected to draw a large crowd eager to hear these two trailblazers.

This conversation comes at the right time, a time when stories matter more than ever. Harris, a history-making politician, and Adichie, a literary star, both know the power of words to shape ideas and inspire change. Their discussion will likely touch on how personal stories influence leadership and why literature remains a vital force in today’s world. Don’t miss this chance to see two remarkable women share their perspectives on the global stage.

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Iyabo Ojo Celebrates Daughter Priscilla, Juma Jux, and Baby Rakeem’s Arrival in Nigeria

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By Prosper Mene 

Lagos, Nigeria – October 21, 2025 

Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo threw a joyful welcome party for her daughter Priscilla Ojo, son-in-law Juma Jux, and their newborn son, Prince Raheem Ayomide Mkambala, nicknamed Rakeem, as they arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, October 20.

The family landed in Lagos after spending time in Tanzania and Canada, marking their first visit since Rakeem’s birth in August. Iyabo shared the heartwarming moment on Instagram, showing a lively celebration filled with music, dance, and family love.

The surprise welcome took place at Iyabo’s Lagos home, where friends and relatives gathered to greet the trio. A live band played a Nigerian-style version of Juma Jux’s hit song “Ayo Mi Tide,” getting everyone dancing. Priscilla, holding baby Rakeem, was all smiles as she walked into the festive scene. Juma Jux, a popular Tanzanian singer, joined the fun, dancing to his own tune. Iyabo, dressed in a colorful ankara outfit, led the celebration, clearly thrilled to have her family home. “Welcome back, my loves!” she wrote online, sharing the video with her millions of followers.

Priscilla and Juma Jux’s love story has captured hearts across Nigeria and Tanzania. The couple, who met in 2024 through mutual friends, got married earlier this year in a series of ceremonies in both countries. Their Lagos wedding in April was a star-studded event, attended by Nollywood stars like Funke Akindele. Rakeem, born on August 24 in Toronto, Canada, is their first child. Iyabo traveled to Canada to support Priscilla during her pregnancy and was present for the birth, proudly stepping into her role as a grandmother.

The family recently held a naming ceremony for Rakeem in Tanzania, following Swahili traditions. Photos showed Priscilla, Juma Jux, and Iyabo in matching white outfits, celebrating with loved ones. Now, their arrival in Nigeria has sparked excitement among fans, who flooded social media with comments. “This family is goals! Rakeem is so lucky to have such a loving grandma,” one fan wrote. Another said, “Iyabo always makes everything big and beautiful!” The welcome video has already gained over 500,000 views, showing the family’s widespread popularity.

As Priscilla, Juma Jux, and Rakeem settle into life in Lagos, fans are eager to see what’s next. Iyabo has hinted at family outings and possible music collaborations for Juma Jux with Nigerian artists. For now, the Ojo household is filled with joy, with Iyabo embracing her new title as “sexiest grandma.” She shared a simple message online: “Family is everything, and our love crosses borders.” This warm homecoming is a new chapter for the growing family, blending Nigerian and Tanzanian cultures with love and celebration.

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Nollywood Star Shawn Faqua and Sharon Ifunanya Make History with Nigeria’s First Train Wedding

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By Prosper Mene 

Lagos, Nigeria – October 20, 2025 –

In a ceremony that blended romance, innovation, and the rhythmic pulse of Nigeria’s railways, Nollywood actor Shawn Faqua and his bride, Dr. Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe, exchanged vows aboard a moving train, etching their names into the annals of Nigerian wedding history as the first couple to say “I do” on rails.

The white wedding, which tooka place yesterday aboard a specially decorated Lagos-Ibadan train departing from the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Alagomeji-Yaba, Lagos, transformed the locomotive into a rolling chapel of love. As the train chugged along the scenic route, guests, clad in elegant purple and sage green attire for the bridal party, witnessed the couple’s union under a canopy of floral arches and twinkling lights. Sharon, radiant in a high-neck lace gown with intricate beading and long sleeves, beamed as she declared, “Hey guys, we’re getting married on the train!” Shawn, ever the showman, added with a grin, “First ever! Breaking records!”

This choice of venue wasn’t just a spectacle; it symbolized the couple’s shared journey. “The train represents motion, progress, and the beautiful ride ahead,” a close friend of the couple told reporters, echoing the sentiment that has captivated social media.

The event quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and congratulations from fans who hailed it as a “refreshing twist on Nigerian weddings.”

Even the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) joined the celebration, posting on social media: “History made—the first-ever wedding on a moving train in Nigeria. Proof that the journey can be just as beautiful as the destination.

The festivities capped a whirlwind weekend that began with a vibrant Igbo traditional wedding on Friday, where the couple donned multiple looks inspired by ’70s and ’80s nostalgia. Sharon stunned in a gold sequinned blouse paired with a red hollandaise wrapper and beaded headwrap, while Shawn complemented her in a dark awuru ensemble with isiagu prints and cowrie-adorned cap. The bridal party, including Sharon’s bridesmaids in coordinated cultural attire, served as a testament to sisterhood and heritage, with the hashtag #OgeIfunanya trending as guests danced to highlife tunes and partook in the symbolic wine-carrying rite.

Their love story, one of “divine timing,” began at a worship event in October 2024, where Shawn, a devout actor known for roles in films like The Black Book, caught Sharon’s eye while leading prayers. What started as a spiritual connection blossomed into romance, grounded in faith and mutual respect. By January 2025, Sharon casually mentioned her dream of a train ride, a whim that Shawn turned into magic. On May 31, 2025, during a surprise excursion on the very same rails, he proposed, kneeling amid the countryside views. “It felt so right,” the couple shared in pre-wedding reflections.

Sharon, 30 (born November 19, 1994), is no stranger to the spotlight herself. A trailblazing entrepreneur from Anambra State, she serves as CEO of Shamol Experience Limited and POSÈ Global, curating events with the same flair that defined her nuptials. Known online as Akwa Ugoo, she holds a doctorate and has mentored countless women in personal branding. This marriage marks her second; she openly shared how her previous union ended amicably at her ex-husband’s initiation, viewing it as a chapter that paved the way for true partnership with Shawn. At 37, Shawn brings his charismatic energy from the screen to real life, with the duo’s chemistry evident in every shared glance.

The star-studded affair drew Nollywood heavyweights like Stan Nze and his wife Blessing Obasi, as well as Buchi Franklin, who filled the train cars with laughter and toasts.

Social media erupted with reactions, from awe at the creativity—”Who else is booking a train for their vow renewal?”—to nods at its subtle nod to Nigeria’s reviving rail infrastructure.

One netizen quipped, “Nigerian weddings just leveled up, next stop, space?” while others praised the eco-friendly vibe of a venue that minimized traffic chaos.

As the train pulled into Ibadan for the reception, the couple stepped off hand-in-hand, ready for their honeymoon. “From faith to forever, we’re just getting started,” Shawn posted, with Sharon adding heart emojis.

 

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Security Harasses Activist at EndSARS Memorial: Yemi Adamolekun Assaulted While Laying Flowers at Lekki Toll Gate

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By Prosper Mene 

Lagos, Nigeria – October 20, 2025 

Human rights activist Yemi Adamolekun was assaulted by security operatives at the Lekki Toll Gate while attempting to lay flowers in memory of victims killed during the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, has reignited fury over Nigeria’s unhealed wounds from the youth-led uprising against police brutality.

Adamolekun, Executive Director of the Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE) coalition, arrived at the iconic site, now a symbol of state violence, on the fifth anniversary of the massacre that claimed at least 12 lives on October 20, 2020.

Eyewitnesses and footage show her being manhandled, pushed to the ground, and prevented from placing the wreath, despite the peaceful nature of the act. EiE Nigeria condemned the harassment in a statement on X, stating, “While peacefully laying a wreath in remembrance of the #LekkiMassacre, #_yemia was harassed by overzealous security agents. Even in honouring the dead, citizens are intimidated.

The confrontation unfolded amid a small gathering of activists marking the somber occasion. Security forces, including police and possibly other agencies, had cordoned off the area, citing potential unrest. Videos circulating online depict officers surrounding Adamolekun, one grabbing her arm forcefully as she protested, “I’m just laying flowers for the dead!” The activist, known for her tireless advocacy on governance and rights, was heard pleading for de-escalation before being shoved away. No arrests were made, and Adamolekun was eventually allowed to leave unharmed but visibly shaken.

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju swiftly denounced the assault on X, writing, “I condemn the harassment of notable human right activist Yemi Ademolekun of #EiENigeria by security agents who have no respect or regard for human rights in Nigeria.”

Supporters echoed the outrage, with posts like one from Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization quipping, “Perhaps the security men were afraid of the flowers,” highlighting the absurdity of stifling a memorial gesture. Objectv Media shared footage of the scuffle, captioning it: “Yemi Adamolekun of Enough-Is-Enough (EiE) Harassed at Peaceful EndSARS Memorial in Lagos #EndSARSmemorial.”

The #EndSARS protests erupted in October 2020 as a cry against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), notorious for extortion, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The Lekki Toll Gate crackdown, where soldiers opened fire on unarmed protesters waving Nigerian flags, remains a stark emblem of impunity. A judicial panel later confirmed the massacre, but accountability has been elusive—few officers have faced justice, and victims’ families continue to seek compensation.

This latest incident underscores a troubling pattern of suppressing remembrance. In 2022, on the second anniversary, police tear-gassed activists including Adamolekun at the same site.babffc Today, as Nigeria grapples with fresh waves of protests like #EndBadGovernance, critics argue the state views any nod to past dissent as a spark for renewal. Anietie Ewang of Human Rights Watch noted in a recent report that “the country moves on too quickly from events such as the #EndSARS protests, and this is reflective of the impunity within which Nigeria’s security forces operate.”4e5bf1

As videos of the assault amassed thousands of views, calls for investigation poured in. EiE Nigeria demanded an apology and probe into the officers involved, while online voices trended #JusticeForEndSARS and #RememberLekkiMassacre.

Samuel Ekpeowoh, a legal strategist, posted: “Five years after #EndSARS, and the state is still afraid of flowers… We remember because they want us to forget.” Adamolekun, undeterred, reaffirmed her commitment in a follow-up statement: “We will not be silenced. The dead deserve their flowers, and the living deserve justice.”

With the fifth anniversary shadowed by this fresh violence, activists vow to persist. Memorial vigils are planned across Lagos and beyond, a defiant bloom against efforts to bury the past. For a nation still haunted by Lekki’s ghosts, today’s flowers carry the weight of unfinished reckoning.

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Igbo Women Demand Urgent Release of Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer, and Protesters in Abuja Crackdown

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By Prosper Mene 

Abuja, Nigeria – October 20, 2025 

Igbo women are calling for the immediate release of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of jailed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, his lawyer Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and other activists arrested during a protest in Abuja today.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, demanded the government free Kanu, who has been detained for four years despite a court ruling that his arrest in 2021 was illegal.

Police used tear gas and blocked roads to stop the protest near the Presidential Villa, arresting at least eight people, including Kanu’s brother and lawyer, near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Sowore condemned the arrests, saying the detainees were beaten and taken to the FCT Police Command. He demanded their immediate release.

The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) and American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) led the outcry, calling Kanu a “freedom fighter” and slamming the government for ignoring court orders. AVID’s Dr. Sylvester Onyia said Kanu’s detention is unlawful and urged the release of all those arrested. The IWA vowed to mobilize more women for future protests, praising support from figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

Protesters carried signs reading “Obey the Courts: Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and sang for peace, but police cited a court order limiting protests near key sites like Aso Rock. Some, like presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, criticized the activists, while others, including lawyer Inibehe Effiong, defended their right to protest.

The women’s groups warned that if the detainees are not freed soon, they will escalate protests across Nigeria and beyond. They argue that Kanu’s detention, while his health worsens, risks further unrest in the Southeast. More actions are planned in Lagos, Enugu, and abroad as the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement grows.

The arrests have caused widespread outrage on social media, with hashtags like #FreeNnamdiKanuNow and #JusticeForIPOB trending across platforms.

Activists and supporters are sharing videos of the protest, showing police firing tear gas and detaining peaceful demonstrators. The IWA has called on the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to pressure the Nigerian government to respect judicial rulings and release Kanu and his supporters.

Meanwhile, community leaders in the Southeast are urging calm but firm action. “We cannot sit back while our sons and daughters are treated like criminals for demanding justice,” said Chief Ada Okoye, a prominent IWA member. She announced plans for a women-led vigil in Aba next week to keep the pressure on. As tensions rise, the government faces growing scrutiny over its handling of the IPOB issue, with many warning that continued detentions could deepen divisions in Nigeria.

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Ogun Commissioner: Educate Girls for Nation’s Growth

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By Prosper Mene 

Abeokuta, October 17, 2025 

In a call to action on the International Day of the Girl Child, Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, declared that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without prioritizing the education of its girls, positioning it as an indispensable driver of societal transformation and economic advancement.

Speaking at the state-wide celebration held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Adeleye emphasized that investing in girl-child education is not merely an educational imperative but a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s overall development. “No nation can progress without girl-child education,” she asserted, urging governments, development partners, community leaders, and religious figures to collaborate in fostering environments that ensure access to quality education, including cutting-edge technological training. “We must create inclusive spaces where girls’ voices shape decisions, from classrooms to national platforms,” she added.

The event, themed around accelerating global commitments to girls’ rights and futures, drew participants from across Ogun State, including educators, students, and representatives from examination bodies. Adeleye highlighted the ministry’s unwavering dedication to bolstering girls’ education and leadership while safeguarding them against violence and exploitation through robust legal enforcement. “As a ministry, we are committed to deliberate investments in their growth,” she affirmed.

Supporting these sentiments, Dr. Ayobami Suberu, Ogun State Branch Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), addressed the young attendees, advocating for digital literacy amid evolving assessment methods in international exams. “Embrace technology, it is the key to unlocking your potential in a digital world,” Suberu advised, underscoring the need for girls to adapt to modern educational demands.

Ogun State’s initiatives align with broader national and global efforts to bridge gender gaps in education. Recent reports from UNICEF and local studies, such as those in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, reveal persistent challenges like poverty, cultural barriers, and insecurity that hinder girls’ school retention. Yet, progress is evident: Oyo State’s recent assessments show improved performance in national exams, a trend Adeleye hopes Ogun will amplify through targeted interventions.

As the world marks this day under the theme “A New Media for a New Era,” Adeleye’s message says one thing: Educating girls today builds resilient nations tomorrow.

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Lagos Water Transport Project to Boost Women’s Safety, Says EU Chief

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By Prosper Mene

Lagos, Nigeria – October 17, 2025

The European Union (EU) has praised Lagos State’s new water transport project, called Omi Eko, for making travel safer, especially for women. EU Head Gautier Mignot spoke at a meeting on Friday, saying it will help ease traffic and protect female passengers in the busy city.

“This project will change water travel in Lagos. It will cut road jams and make things safer for women,” Mignot said. He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading the €410 million plan, which includes new boats, terminals, and security features.

Omi Eko means “Lagos water” in Yoruba. It’s part of the state’s plan to fight climate change. The EU and partners are giving most of the money: €360 million from Europe, plus €40 million from Lagos and €10 million from companies. It starts in June 2025 and finishes by 2030. The project will clean 140 km of waterways, add 78 electric ferries, and build or fix 25 terminals.

Safety is a big focus because women often face dangers on buses and roads. New terminals will have cameras, lights, safe waiting spots, and easy payments with Cowry Card. “We want everyone to feel secure,” said Oluwadamilola Emmanuel from the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

The project could shorten trips by half and use clean energy to reduce pollution. Soon, waterways might handle 10% of commuters, up from 2% now. Governor Sanwo-Olu calls it a key step for better roads, rails, and rivers. It will create jobs and help the economy grow.

For commuter Ivy Junaid, it’s good news. “Ferries are faster, but safety worries me. Better lights and cameras will help a lot,” she said.

Lagos has 20 million people and bad traffic. This project could inspire other African cities. The EU sees it as a strong partnership with Nigeria.

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‎Peter Obi Meets Commonwealth Leader in London, Pushes for Youth Empowerment

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By Prosper Mene 

‎London, October 17, 2025 

‎Nigeria’s Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Brown Obi, convened with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, at the organization’s historic headquarters in Marlborough House. 

‎The Thursday meeting, held amid rising global concerns over youth disenfranchisement and democratic erosion, underscored a shared vision for empowering the next generation as the bedrock of sustainable progress.

‎The discussions, which spanned over an hour, delved into critical pillars of development: fortifying democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, broadening educational access, and harnessing youth potential across the 56-member Commonwealth bloc.

‎With more than 2.5 billion of its citizens under 30, representing over half the world’s youth, the Commonwealth stands at a crucial juncture, where investing in young minds could redefine economic and social trajectories for decades.

‎Mr. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State renowned for elevating the region’s education sector from 26th to first nationally during his tenure, passionately advocated for Nigeria-specific interventions. “For a nation as richly endowed as ours with human and natural resources, meaningful investment in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship is key to unlocking the vast potential of our youth,” he stated in a detailed post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

‎He highlighted youth unemployment as “one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” urging “intentional and practical action” through skills training, quality schooling, and fostering environments where small and medium enterprises can flourish. Such measures, Obi argued, would not only propel Nigeria’s growth but also amplify its contributions to the broader Commonwealth agenda.

‎Hon. Botchwey, the first African woman to helm the intergovernmental body, acknowledged these sentiments with fervor. Reaffirming her administration’s priorities, education, youth engagement, and job creation, she emphasized building “inclusive societies that uphold democracy, good governance, justice, and equal opportunity for all.” In her view, youth empowerment transcends policy rhetoric: “It is not only vital to sustaining democracy but also indispensable to shaping a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all Commonwealth citizens.”

‎ Botchwey’s reformist zeal, drew high praise from Obi, who lauded her as “a trailblazer whose dedication to education, youth empowerment, and democratic ideals continues to strengthen the global Commonwealth community.”

‎Mrs. Margaret Obi, a steadfast partner in her husband’s public service journey, accompanied him to the meeting, symbolizing the couple’s holistic approach to advocacy. Known for her discreet yet impactful philanthropy, particularly in women’s and community initiatives, her presence reinforced the conversation’s emphasis on equitable opportunities for all demo

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NGO Urges Stakeholders to Invest in Nigeria’s Girl-Child Future Amid Rising Gender Disparities

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The Women in Total Girl Development (WIT-GIRL) NGO has charged parents, educators, government officials, and corporate leaders to prioritize investments in the holistic development of the girl child.

‎Speaking at a high-stakes event in Akwa Ibom State’s capital, the organization highlighted how empowering girls through education and emotional support isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s national progress.

‎The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” drew a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including local influencers, policymakers, and youth advocates. It comes as recent reports from UNICEF and the World Bank underscore Nigeria’s persistent gender gaps: over 13 million children are out of school, with girls disproportionately affected due to poverty, early marriage, and discriminatory policies.

‎In the North, for instance, only 21% of girls complete secondary education, perpetuating cycles of inequality that hinder economic growth.

‎Delivering the keynote address, Professor Valerie Asanwana, a renowned gender equity expert and WIT-GIRL ambassador, painted a vivid picture of untapped potential. “The girl child is not a burden, but a builder. The boy child is not a rival but a partner,” she declared, urging the audience to dismantle outdated narratives. “Support your daughters emotionally, academically, and career-wise. Investing in their education is a secure future for your family and the nation. We must create equal opportunities for both genders, or risk leaving half our population behind.”

‎Prof. Asanwana’s words resonated deeply in a country where gender-based policies continue to sideline women from leadership roles.

‎She decried the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political and corporate spheres. Women hold just 4% of seats in the National Assembly, calling for immediate reforms. “Unfavorable policies against women in leadership are not just injustices; they are economic sabotage,” she added, citing studies showing that gender-inclusive policies could boost Nigeria’s GDP by up to 30%.

‎WIT-GIRL which was founded in 2018 to bridge educational divides in underserved communities, has already impacted over 5,000 girls through scholarships, mentorship programs, and advocacy workshops. The NGO’s flagship initiative, the “Girl Leaders Academy,” equips young women with skills in STEM, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, fostering resilience amid crises like economic downturns and climate challenges.

‎Event participants shared testimonials: One beneficiary, 16-year-old Chioma from a rural Uyo village, credited the program with derailing her family’s plans for early marriage. “WIT-GIRL showed me I’m the change I lead,” she said, now eyeing a career in environmental engineering.

‎The gathering wasn’t without controversy. Some traditional leaders present pushed back against rapid cultural shifts, arguing for “balanced” investments that include boys. However, a panel of experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, countered with data: For every dollar invested in girls’ education, societies see returns of up to $10 in health, productivity, and reduced poverty rates.

‎WIT-GIRL Executive Director, Mrs. Ekaette Udoh, issued a direct challenge: “Stakeholders, this is your moment. Donate to scholarships, advocate for policy changes, and mentor a girl today.

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Half of Conservative Members Want Badenoch Sidelined Before 2029 Election

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By Prosper Mene 

A new poll revealed that half of Tory members believe Kemi Badenoch should be ousted as leader before the next general election in 2029.

The findings which was published exclusively by Sky News and conducted by YouGov, expose deep fissures within the party’s ranks just months after Badenoch’s narrow victory in the leadership contest.

The survey of 652 Conservative members, carried out between September 26 and October 2, shows a near-even split on Badenoch’s future: 46% want her to remain at the helm, while a decisive 50% argue she should step aside. This “brutal” verdict, as described by Sky News’ chief political correspondent John Craig, shows a growing sense of despair among the grassroots, who fear the party faces electoral oblivion without a change at the top.

Just 14% of respondents believe the Conservatives can secure a majority in 2029, with 34% predicting a humiliating second-place finish behind Labour.

Badenoch, who triumphed over Robert Jenrick in the 2024 leadership race, now trails her rival in member preferences. When asked who they would favor as leader, 46% backed Jenrick compared to 39% for Badenoch, with 11% opting for neither. Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, emerges as the clear frontrunner among potential successors, beating out other contenders like former prime minister Boris Johnson (22% support in a successor poll) and shadow housing secretary James Cleverly (20%).

In head-to-head matchups, Jenrick holds comfortable leads, signaling a potential swift challenge if Badenoch falters further.The poll’s timing could not be more inopportune for Badenoch, whose first party conference as leader has been overshadowed by defections and dire polling.

On October 7, twenty Tory councillors jumped ship to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK , the latest in a string of high-profile exits that Badenoch dismissed as “shedding baggage” from the party’s 14-year stint in power.

Reform, which surged to prominence in the 2024 election by capitalizing on voter discontent over immigration and economic woes, now consistently outpolls the Conservatives nationally, with projections suggesting the Tories could be reduced to as few as 17 seats in a hypothetical vote today.

Adding fuel to the fire, 64% of Tory members endorse an electoral pact with Reform UK to avoid splitting the right-wing vote – a non-starter for Badenoch, who has repeatedly ruled out any alliance with Farage, whom she accuses of harboring ambitions to “destroy” the Conservatives. Nearly two-thirds (73%) would even welcome a post-election coalition with Reform in a hung parliament.

Farage himself polls strongly among Tory members, with 53% viewing him favorably despite Badenoch’s opposition.Despite the personal favorability hit – 70% of members hold a positive view of Badenoch, against 29% unfavorable – the broader mood is one of pessimism. This echoes wider public sentiment: an Ipsos poll from early October found only 22% of Britons expect Badenoch to become prime minister, with 63% deeming it unlikely. Even among 2024 Conservative voters, nearly half (48%) share this skepticism. The party’s net favorability languishes at -36, its lowest on record, as Reform’s anti-establishment appeal continues to erode Tory support.

Badenoch’s allies, including Jenrick himself, have rallied to her defense, with the shadow justice secretary insisting she is the “right person” to lead despite the numbers.

For Badenoch, the message from her own members is unequivocal: adapt or be replaced.

 

 

 

 

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