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| THE CABLE NG | 4 May 2025 | From sexual harrasment to "organ harvesting": Dr. Oby Ezekwesili denies allegation of bribery as Natasha strengthens position against Akpabio | Dr. Oby Ezekwesili has been outspoken in the demand for an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She has also called for Akpabio to step aside for an impartial probe and for the senator’s petition to be handled. Last Thursday, Sandra Duru, a UK-based activist, better known as Professor Mgbeke, alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan fabricated the sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. Duru also claimed that the senator told her the former minister was paid to back the sexual harassment allegations. ‘NO MONEY CAN BUY MY VOICE’ In a post on X on Saturday, Ezekwesili said she cannot be bribed to support a cause she is committed to. “I see how my unwavering support for your cry for justice has sent your adversaries into a frenzy—resorting to desperate, laughable falsehoods,” she wrote. “No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers. “They know—without a doubt — that no amount of money, not even all the wealth in every Central Bank in the world, can buy my convictions, voice, and stance on any matter I choose to support. So, worry not, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.” The former minister added that she would continue to support the senator “wholeheartedly”. “Our commitment to justice is unshaken, and we will not relent until justice is served,” she said. | SENATOR NATASHA; DR OBY EZEKWESILI; SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO | CABLE | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 4 May 2025 | EFCC commences investigation into misappropriation allegation against NNPC's Mele Kyari as he denies being in EFCC custody | Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports claiming he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion allocated for refinery rehabilitation. In a statement posted on Saturday via his X account (formerly Twitter), Kyari dismissed the reports as “clear mischief” and a calculated attempt by unnamed individuals to tarnish his reputation. “Over the past few days, and particularly in the past two hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. “This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know,” the 60-year-old wrote. Kyari, who was removed from his position following a presidential directive dissolving the NNPCL board and management, said he is currently taking a “well-deserved rest” after years of demanding public service. “It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years—17 of those in management roles, and especially the last 5 years and 9 months—I had little time for leave, even for two weeks,” he noted. | EFCC; MELE KYARI; NNPCL; MISAPPROPRIATION | https://www.channelstv.com/2025/05/04/mele-kyari-denies-being-in-efcc-custody-amid-2-9bn-probe/ | ||||
| PUNCH | 5 May 2025 | Rivers Crisis: National Assembly objects to PDP governors lawsuit, demands N1billion over frivolous suit | The National Assembly has called on the Supreme Court to dismiss a suit filed by 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the case is procedurally flawed and lacks merit. The federal legislature, in a preliminary objection dated April 22, 2025, stated that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case and demanded N1 billion in costs for what it termed a "frivolous and speculative suit." The dispute stems from President Bola Tinubu’s March 18, 2025, proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected State House of Assembly members. The President appointed retired Rear Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the sole administrator during the six-month suspension period. The National Assembly ratified the decision through a voice vote. The PDP governors, representing 11 states, filed suit number SC/CV/329/2025 at the Supreme Court, challenging the President’s authority to suspend democratically elected officials and replace them with unelected appointees. They sought judicial clarification on whether the President, under the guise of a state of emergency, can lawfully interfere with gubernatorial offices and whether the Attorney-General’s threat to suspend governors contradicts the 1999 Constitution and principles of federalism. Additionally, they questioned the validity of the National Assembly’s approval of the emergency through a voice vote instead of the constitutionally required two-thirds majority. The plaintiffs requested the court to nullify the state of emergency proclamation and sought an injunction preventing the federal government from interfering with elected state officials. However, the National Assembly countered that the suit was improperly filed, noting that the plaintiffs failed to issue the mandatory three-month pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly. It also argued that the governors lacked resolutions from their respective State Houses of Assembly, a requirement for invoking the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction. Further, the National Assembly asserted that the plaintiffs were attempting to dictate how legislative votes should be conducted and labeled the case as speculative and an abuse of the judicial process. It insisted that the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction over the matter, as the plaintiffs had not adhered to due legal procedures. The case remains pending as the Supreme Court deliberates on the jurisdictional issues raised by the National Assembly and the governors’ constitutional challenge to the President’s emergency declaration. | EMERGENCY RULE; PDP; NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; SUPREME COURT; RIVERS STATE | https://punchng.com/rivers-emergency-rule-nassembly-counters-pdp-govs-lawsuit-demands-n1bn/ | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 5 May 2025 | Regional Interests Fester: Kano Governor sticks with Kwankwaso, LP's Obaze leaves, APC seeks more Igbo membership | With the ongoing defection rave, fresh speculation surrounds the possible switch of Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement. Adding to the suspense, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has publicly declared his allegiance, stating, "Wherever he goes, we are ready to follow." While Kwankwaso has yet to confirm or deny his next move, Yusuf’s statement has intensified conversations about the movement’s political future. In a separate development, Oseloka Obaze, a longtime associate of Peter Obi, has resigned from the Labour Party, citing irregularities in the party’s April 5, 2025, Anambra governorship primary. In his resignation letter, Obaze condemned the process as "fraught with outright irregularities, bordering on fraud and criminality," further highlighting the party’s ongoing leadership crisis at the national level. Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, at the weekend, intensified their campaign to deepen party’s acceptability in the region. They made the plea while addressing newsmen shortly after the APC South-East select leaders consultative meeting in Enugu. Among the APC leaders in the zone that attended the meeting were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, governors of Imo and Ebonyi states, Hope Uzodinma and Francis Nwifuru, respectively; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, Dozie Ikedife, and the executive members of the APC zonal leadership of the APC. Addressing newsmen, Uzodimma, on their behalf, said that the meeting resolved to continue to work towards making the APC a dominant party in the region. He said that the meeting was geared towards finding ways to make people of the South-East region see reasons to join the ruling political party. | APC; SOUTH-EAST; LP; PDP; APC; KANO STATE | GUARDIAN GUARDIAN | ||||
| THIS DAY | 6 MAY 2025 | National Assembly resumes plenary today, places constitution and electoral reforms on front burner | The Senate has announced plans to begin reconciling key stakeholders in the Rivers State political crisis as it resumes plenary after the Easter and Eid-el-Fitr recess. The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele said national priorities include political tensions, fiscal reforms, and security concerns. Top on the agenda is the 2024 Tax Reform Bills aimed at boosting government revenue and improving service delivery. On Rivers State, Bamidele said the Senate would work with the executive to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure reconciliation. He also highlighted rising insecurity in parts of the country and pledged stronger engagement with security agencies. The Senate will screen presidential nominees, including those appointed to the South-South Development Commission, and expedite the ongoing Constitution and Electoral Act reviews to strengthen governance and election integrity. Bamidele added that pending bills of national interest will be fast-tracked, and committees will conduct public hearings to ensure citizen participation in lawmaking. | SENATE; RIVERS STATE; TAX REFORM BILLS; CONSTITUTION; ELECTORAL ACT | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 6 MAY 2025 | #Anambra2025: Ahead of Tinubu's visit this Thursday, Soludo dismisses defection rumours and reaffirms his loyalty to APGA | Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, yesterday, dismissed rumours that he might soon quit All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for All Progressives Congress (APC), after the working visit of President Bola Tinubu to the state. Soludo made the clarification at the thanksgiving ceremony of National Chairman of APGA, Mr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, held at St Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Fegge, Onitsha South Local Government Area. He stressed that Anambra was APGA all the way. The governor said after his eight years’ tenure, another governor of APGA extraction would succeed him. He said it must be acknowledged that APGA was the first registered progressive political party in Nigeria since 2002. According to Soludo, “APGA is and remains our own. APGA is for the progressives and you can see unprecedented development in Anambra under APGA. And the first was Mr Peter Obi and we all saw development and the next was Chief Willie Obiano and you all here can attest to the fact that Anambra is making progress and now under me, Professor Charles Soludo, you can see what is happening in just three years in office, that is why I am saying that Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra, as simple as that and there no going anywhere. It is APGA all the way.” Soludo declared, “Even after my tenure, another progressive governor would come in under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and nothing else.” | GOVERNOR SOLUDO; ANAMBRA STATE; APGA; APC | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 6 MAY 2025 | NJC holds its 108th meeting, says judicial appointees will now be subjected to public scrutiny, suspends 3, investigates 27 judges | In a revolutionary move, the National Judicial Council (NJC), the highest disciplinary body for Judicial Officers in Nigeria, says that, henceforth, Judges’ appointments will undergo public scrutiny, to determine whether they are fit and proper to occupy the post of judicial officer. The Council at its 108th meeting, which ended on Wednesday, resolved that henceforth, the names of candidates being considered for appointment as Judicial Officers to Superior Courts of Record will be published for information and comments by the public. The primary objective of this initiative, according to the judicial body, is to solicit comments from the public where there is objection to the integrity, reputation, and/or competence of the candidates by opening the process to public participation and scrutiny. In a press release signed by Mrs Kemi Ogedengbe-Babalola, the Deputy Director of Information, NJC, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, amongst other decisions, also placed three Judges on suspension, while it gave a stern warning to the fourth. The sanctioned Judges were also placed on the watchlist for a period of three to five years, during which they cannot be promoted. The body also constituted nine Panels, to investigate 27 judicial officers for various allegations of misconduct. | NJC; JUDICIAL APPOINTEES; SUSPENSION; | THISDAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 7 MAY 2025 | Senate Begins Tax Reform Bills’ Consideration Today as Finance Panel Submits Report | The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced during plenary that the Senate would begin consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, which were introduced months ago by President Bola Tinubu. This followed the submission of the fiscal report by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. Akpabio directed the committee to “distribute copies of the bill to all senators to enable them to study it so that they would be able to make informed contributions during the consideration.” He also charged lawmakers to address Nigeria’s rising insecurity and economic hardship, urging them to work with “integrity, unity, and a sense of urgency” as the country faces “deepening hunger and insecurity.” He cited “rising living costs, instability in the energy sector, and escalating insecurity” as key challenges, and described the violent conflicts and environmental issues across the regions as “the bleeding wounds of the republic.” Reflecting on the recent recess, which coincided with Easter and Eid-el-Fitr, Akpabio said, “The burdens on our shoulders are enormous, and no season better prepares the soul to carry such burdens than the one we’ve just passed through.” He reaffirmed the Senate’s support for the Tinubu administration and pledged legislative backing to stabilize the country. On reforms, he acknowledged public demand for greater accountability and called on lawmakers to act with courage and diligence, warning, “The people are watching. The world is watching. Our constituents are watching. And history—silent but not sleeping—is watching. | SENATE; TAX REFORM BILLS; PLENARY; PRESIDENT TINUBU; SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 7 MAY 2025 | NJC Summons 18 Judges in Imo State over Alleged Age Falsification and Misconduct | Eighteen judges of the Imo State judiciary have been summoned by the National Judicial Council (NJC) following a petition from the Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP) alleging age falsification and misconduct. The petition accused the judges of altering their ages at various times to gain unfair advantage in securing judicial appointments. CSEP described the scandal as “unprecedented” and of “an alarming proportion,” highlighting that the same group had previously exposed and secured the removal of former Chief Judge Justice Chikeka for similar reasons. The NJC has summoned the accused judges to respond to the allegations, amidst ongoing concerns about integrity and transparency in the judiciary. The controversy surrounding the appointment of a new acting Chief Judge of Imo State has deepened tensions between Governor Hope Uzodinma and the NJC. The governor bypassed the three most senior judges, citing alleged infractions such as age falsification and misconduct, and instead appointed the fourth-ranking judge—a move the NJC rejected as unconstitutional. Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Christopher Chidera has called for sanctions against Appeal Court judges for the misuse of ex parte orders, particularly those related to the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), arguing that accountability must apply to all levels of the judiciary. | IMO STATE; JUDICIARY; NJC; GOVERNOR HOPE UZODINMA | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 7 MAY 2025 | More Committees, More Summits: Senate Leader to lead Oversight Committee on Rivers as Senate organises 3-Day Security Summit. | The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action in response to the political and security crises affecting various parts of the country. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the formation of an 18-member committee chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to provide legislative oversight over Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. This move, made in line with constitutional provisions, is aimed at promoting accountability and transparency in the governance of Rivers State during this transitional period. The Senate also emphasized its commitment to democratic processes and swift legislative intervention. Simultaneously, the Senate resolved to hold a three-day National Security Summit in Abuja to address the growing wave of insecurity across the country. The summit will involve stakeholders from all sectors, including government, civil society, traditional institutions, and security agencies, and aims to generate actionable policy recommendations. This comes as the House of Representatives called on security chiefs to ramp up deployments to Otukpo, Benue State, amid ongoing violence, and launched an investigation into the fire outbreak at Giwa Barracks and rising terrorist threats. Both chambers of the National Assembly are intensifying their efforts to address Nigeria’s urgent governance and security challenges through oversight, consultation, and policy review. | RIVERS STATE; SENATE; SOLE ADMINISTRATOR; NATIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT; NATIONAL ASSEMBLY | THIS DAY | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN DAILY TRUST | 7 MAY 2025 | Gale of defections rock PDP, LP: 22 PDP Delta House of Assembly Members, 6 Delta House of Reps members, 2 LP Reps move to APC | All 22 remaining members of the Delta State House of Assembly, including Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, Six House of Representatives members from Delta State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), making the Assembly fully APC-controlled. Six federal lawmakers from Delta also switched from PDP to APC, while two Labour Party (LP) reps defected to the PDP. This mass defection followed consultations led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and was seen as part of the APC’s strategy to consolidate power in the South-South region. President Tinubu met with Oborevwori, fueling speculation about further defections, including from governors in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Rivers, and Kano. Meanwhile, Valentine Ozigbo, formerly of the Labour Party, called the LP a "failing enterprise" and predicted a wave of defections due to weak leadership. In Kano, APC leaders clashed over the possible defection of NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, with APC Chairman Ganduje open to it but Minister Yusuf Ata firmly opposed. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar denied rumors of his defection to the APC and instead pushed for a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. He dismissed criticism from Daniel Bwala, a former ally turned APC supporter, and reaffirmed his commitment to national rebuilding efforts through cross-party alliances. | DETLA STATE; DEFECTIONS; APC; PRESIDENT TINUBU | THE GUARDIAN DAILY TRUST | ||||
| THIS DAY | 8 MAY 2025 | #Anambra2025: Tinubu visits Anambra as Soludo assures him of support in 2027 | President Tinubu paid a visit to Anambra State on Thursday, 8 May. He was received with flourish, elegance, and exceeding excitement — an undisputed affirmation of the Igbo saying, “Nkea bu nke anyi” (He is our own). Earlier, he had inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikwe University; the new Government House, and Solution Funcity. Speaking at Ekwueme Square, a stadium, where an open meeting was held with an array of South-East leaders, opinion moulders and other citizens, President Tinubu thanked the people of Anambra for the warm welcome and their support. “I know our diversity will lead to prosperity. This is the first time Mr Tinubu would be visiting Anambra State since he was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on 29 May 2023. The presidential visit was broadcast live on various television stations, including Channels TV. | SOLUDO; 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS; ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION | THIS DAY | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 8 MAY 2025 | LP Caretaker Committee sets up panel to investigate Abure's anti-party activities | The future of the opposition Labour Party (LP) has continued to hang in the balance, following a rash of disciplinary measures, including the suspension of its lone state governor, Dr Alex Otti, and some members of the National Assembly elected on the party’s platform. This is just as the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee slammed a cease and desist order on the embattled factional national chairman, Mr Julius Abure, as well as an investigation into his financial dealings during his term in office. Coming more than a month after the April 4, 2025, Supreme Court ruling on the matter, which effectively invalidated Abure’s claims as national chairman, the renewed hostilities leave the impression of a further recourse to litigation. Incidentally, none of the parties to the fresh hostilities in LP suspended the former presidential standard bearer. However, aside from the Abia State governor, Otti, the representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in the Senate, Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and some members of the House of Representatives were purportedly suspended from the Abure faction of the party. Nonetheless, the mainstream NCC leadership headed by Senator Usman, in a bid to assert its authority, set up a six-member Disciplinary Committee to probe Abure for alleged impersonation, financial misconduct, and “actions deemed detrimental to party unity.” The committee, chaired by Senator Kingibe, has 21 days to conclude its investigation and recommend appropriate sanctions. In her remarks during a press conference in Abuja, Senator Usman denounced Abure as an ‘impostor’, even as she apologised to key party stakeholders, including Obi and Otti, for what she described as Abure’s “uncouth and unprovoked” verbal attacks. | LABOUR PARTY; NATIONAL CARETAKER COMMITTEE; INEC; NEC; JULIUS ABURE | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THIS DAY | 8 MAY 2025 | Local Government Elections: Lagos APC set to hold Primaries this Saturday, 10th May 2025 | The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has scheduled its primaries for the upcoming local Government elections this Saturday. Party leaders, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the secretariat in Ogba, urged aspirants to support a peaceful, consensus-driven process. Out of 470 chairmanship aspirants, 432 were cleared, while 38 were disqualified or withdrew. The party will adopt indirect primaries with delegates serving as voters, and all 57 council chairmanship candidates will likely emerge through consensus. Aspirants are required to appear at the secretariat with only one agent, and any who arrive with a crowd risk disqualification. | APC PRIMARIES; LAGOS | THIS DAY | ||||
| THIS DAY | 8 MAY 2025 | Senate passes two of Tinubu's four Tax Reform Bills, set to pass the other two next Thursday | The senate passed two of the tax reform bills, namely the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2025, at plenary yesterday. The bills introduce structural changes, renaming the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and establishing a governing board led by a non-executive chairman. Additionally, the tax derivation principle now identifies the place of consumption as the basis for revenue allocation, ensuring states receive VAT based on goods and services consumed within their jurisdictions. The Senate retained the 7.5% VAT rate and revised revenue-sharing allocations, granting the federal government 10%, states 55%, and local governments 35%. It also established the Tax Appeal Tribunal to handle tax disputes and created the Office of the Tax Ombud to oversee tax administration, both funded through the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Further provisions in the bills grant the NRS authority to combat tax fraud and evasion, including tracing and confiscating illicit proceeds. A revised penalty system was introduced for offenses like failure to register, file returns, or remit tax, with fines ranging from N10,000 to N200,000 and potential imprisonment for severe violations. The Development Levy will continue funding critical agencies such as TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA, with allocations set for cybersecurity and defense initiatives. The Senate also rejected a clause imposing heavy fines for unauthorized disclosure of institutional information, calling it excessive and self-serving. | TAX REFORM BILLS; SENATE; FIRS | THIS DAY | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 9 MAY 2025 | Senate passes final two of four critical Tax Reform Bills | Yesterday, the Senate passed the final two out of four Tax Reform Bills presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With the passage of the Senate and the House of Representatives will still go into a conference committee to harmonise areas of difference in the bills as passed in the respective chambers before the final drafts are sent to President Tinubu for approval. In a move that redefines inter-governmental fiscal relations, the Value Added Tax (VAT) derivation formula was revised. VAT will now be distributed based on place of consumption rather than origin, with the Federal Government receiving 10 per cent, states 55 per cent, and local governments 35 per cent. The first two bills, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024 and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, were passed on Wednesday.The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025 were passed during plenary just a day after, completing a unified package transmitted by the executive late 2024. The four bills represent the most comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax architecture in decades. At their core, the reforms aim to streamline tax administration, simplify compliance, promote equity and improve revenue generation across all tiers of government. The centrepiece of the new framework is the replacement of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). The restructured agency will be governed by an independent board comprising a chairman, an executive vice chairman, six executive directors, and representatives from strategic economic ministries. | TAX REFORM BILLS; SENATE; FIRS; NRS; PRESIDENT TINUBU | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 9 MAY 2025 | Labour Party Caretaker Committee suspends Julius Abure and LP former National Secretary, Farouk Umar for six months | The Senator Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party (LP) National Caretaker Committee (NCC) has announced the suspension of former National Chairman and Secretary of the party, Julius Abure, and Farouk Umar for six months. This was afterthree LP members of the House of Representatives dismissed their purported suspension from the party, describing it as “laughable” and a desperate attempt by a “dethroned emperor” to cling to power. In a statement signed by Usman and the NCC’s Secretary, Sen Darlington Nwokocha, in Abuja, last night, the party leadership asserted that the decision was a sequel to the findings of the Sen IretiKingibe-led six-member Disciplinary Committee, inaugurated on Wednesday. The statement reads, “Following an in-depth investigation by a committee led by Sen IretiKingibe and Peter Ameh, the National Executive Council (NEC) of LP has ratified the committee’s recommendations concerning the anti-party activities and gross misappropriation of party funds by Abure and others. The investigative report revealed significant financial misconduct and prompted the following disciplinary actions: “Abure has been suspended for an initial period of six months and is prohibited from presenting himself as the National Chairman of the LP. Farouk, the former National Secretary, was identified as a co-signer in most of the fraudulent bank withdrawals and transfers alongside Abure. Consequently, he has also been suspended for an initial six-month period, pending further investigation. All members of Abure’s National Working Committee (NWC) are directed to cease acting as representatives of the Labour Party’s NWC". He called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest Abure for impersonation, while the INEC should ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment as a way of preserving the integrity of the apex court and protecting democracy. | LP; ABURE; INEC; NCC; NWC, FAROUK | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| THE GUARDIAN | 9 MAY 2025 | #OndoDecides2024: Appeal Court upholds Aiyedatiwa's victory, dismisses NNPP's suit, says it lacks merit | The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital, has dismissed an appeal filed by the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Gbenga Edema, challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy, Olayide Adelami, in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election. The appellate court affirmed the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court, which ruled against the standard-bearer of the NNPP, in his bid to invalidate the primary election that produced Aiyedatiwa and Adelami as APC’s candidates. In a unanimous judgment, delivered by Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, the appellate court upheld the lower court’s dismissal of Edema’s suit, citing procedural flaws and abuse of the judicial process. The appellate court, which equally resolved all issues against Edema, dismissed the appeal for lacking merit and imposed a N1 million fine against the appellant in favour of each of the respondents, which include Aiyedatiwa, Adelami and INEC. | COURT OF APPEAL; NNPP; APC; GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS | THE GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 9 MAY 2025 | Kano Government bans live political programmes to curb spread of inflammatory speech | The Kano State Government has imposed a ban on all live political programmes aired on radio and television to curb the spread of inflammatory speech. The ban was announced by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a meeting with media executives in Kano. Waiya said the decision was not intended to silence political voices but to protect public order and moral standards. According to him, the government feels that the use of derogatory and abusive language during live political discussions could jeopardise public decency and peace, which is why the action was taken. “We are not out to gag the media or suppress political opposition, our concern is to uphold responsible communication that aligns with the cultural and religious sensitivities of Kano State.” Waiya said. As part of new broadcast guidelines, all guests appearing on radio or TV programmes in Kano must now sign an undertaking to refrain from making offensive or inflammatory remarks. Presenters have also been warned against asking provocative questions or making gestures that could incite contentious responses. | KANO STATE; FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND PRESS | DAILY TRUST | ||||
| RADIO NIGERIA | 12 MAY 2025 | PDP Implosion: PDP appoints Bukola Saraki to lead Reconciliation Committee to resolve internal crisis | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and former governors have appointed former Senate President Bukola Saraki to head a seven-member reconciliation committee, as the party moves to resolve ongoing internal conflicts. The decision was announced following a meeting in Abuja. Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the committee’s mandate is to engage with party members, build consensus, and promote unity ahead of two key events: the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27 and the National Elective Convention in August. Since the 2023 general elections, the PDP has faced a wave of internal challenges, including the defection of some governors and legislators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The crisis escalated following a political rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Disputes over leadership in the South-South zone and the unresolved vacancy in the position of National Secretary, vacant since December 2024, have deepened divisions within the party. Despite several interventions by the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BoT), NEC, and the Governors’ Forum, efforts to restore internal cohesion have thus far been unsuccessful, leading to further fragmentation at state and zonal levels. The most high-profile defection occurred on April 23, when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other senior officials formally joined the APC, delivering a significant blow to the PDP’s image and diminishing its prospects ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Mohammed said the meeting of current and former governors was convened specifically to address these issues and develop strategies to reposition the party. | PDP; SARAKI; IMPLOSION; 2027 ELECTIONS | RADIONIGERIA | ||||
| VANGUARD | 12 MAY 2025 | Local Government Elections: APC primaries go south as aspirants kick against alleged imposition of candidates | ANGRY reactions have greeted the just concluded chairmanship primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, as aggrieved aspirants and groups kicked against the alleged imposition of candidates by some party leaders. The aggrieved party members and leaders faulted those using President Bola Tinubu’s name to impose their candidates. Recall that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, had slated July 12 for the conduct of chairmanship and councillor positions in the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 LCDAs. The APC Electoral Committee had last week cleared 432 chairmanship aspirants out of the 470 that submitted the nomination forms for the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. 55 Chairmanship candidates emerged from the process, which was held at the party Secretariat, ACME, Ogba, on Saturday. Earlier, delegates of no fewer than two LCDAs boycotted the exercise due to an unresolved internal crisis rocking the party’s council chapter. The affected areas include: Lagos Mainland LG and Yaba LCDA. Aside from the incumbent chairmen who lost, it was a mixed feeling for former lawmakers who participated in the exercise. A former lawmaker, Yinka Ogundimu, who represented Agege at the State House of Assembly, lost to Abiodun Akinola. Also, the General Manager of the Lagos Ferry Services, LAGFERRY, Ladi Balogun, who is nursing the ambition to lead his council, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, lost to another aspirant, during the exercise. However, a former House of Representatives member, Babatunde Hunpe, was elected to lead the Badagry Local Government towards achieving better growth. Protests rock exercise The aftermath of the exercise, however, generated angry reactions as aspirants and concerned groups rejected the results. Shortly after the announcement of results, the incumbent Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Olufunke Hassan, described the outcome as a “rumour.” Hassan, who faulted the exercise, said: “A rumour has come to my notice of the imposition of one Moyosore Adebanjo as the APC Chairmanship Candidate for Onigbongbo LCDA. “This candidacy has emerged through the kangaroo process of imposition, which negates the well-known norms of electing a candidate of the party, which is either through consensus or party primary. “The hallmark of internal democracy in the political party is that every candidate must undergo approved primaries, which negates the imposition of candidates. However, the charade that took place at the APC party state Secretariat, Lagos, which was orchestrated by Onigbongbo LCDA party leader (name withheld) and her cohorts, was a mere smokescreen that can neither stand the test of morality nor judicial scrutiny.” Also in Amuwo-Odofin LGA, some party members rejected the emergence of the candidate, saying he was imposed via the influence of the party leadership. The group, identified as the Progressives Group, in a protest letter, said: “We will resist any attempt to impose a Chairman selected from Abuja or any external power structure. “Such undemocratic interference is a direct insult to the will of the people and an assault on the very foundation of grassroots governance. “Amuwo-Odofin deserves leadership born from the community, leaders who understand our daily struggles, aspirations, and unique local realities. We say no to political mercenaries who seek to hijack our future for selfish interests. “We are championing a new narrative for grassroots governance, that is, one rooted in transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. Our new reality is anchored on people-driven leadership that prioritises education, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, participatory democracy and others. “Our people must be allowed to freely elect their leaders through an uncompromising, transparent, fair, and credible electoral process. It should be strongly noted that we will mobilise, organise, and resist every action aimed at not making our votes count. “This is not just a political stance; it is a movement to restore dignity, autonomy, and people-centred development to Amuwo-Odofin. We call on all stakeholders to stand with us as we defend the soul of our local democracy.” We must challenge this absurdity—Ex-Communications Minister Meanwhile, former Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olarenwaju (retd), warned against alleged plans by LASIEC to conduct elections into 37 LCDAs not recognised by the Constitution. Speaking on the development, Gen. Olanrewaju said: “We need more voices to challenge this absurdity. “If elections were to be conducted in 20 constitutionally recognised LGAs, indigenes would form 90 per cent of the contestants. With an additional 37 LCDAs, the indigenes have been schemed out of the contest. “It is obvious now that the state indigenes have lost their patrimony. I think one of the participating parties can go to court and challenge the status quo. Can’t this course of action be taken? “It is unconstitutional to contest elections in both 20 constitutionally recognised LGAS and unconstitutionally incubated 37 LCDAs in Lagos State. This election will be a nullity if any of the participating parties should challenge the conduct of the election in the court.” YP chairmanship candidate kicks Also, the Youth Party, YP, Chairmanship Candidate for Eti-Osa LGA, Ayodele Adio, insisted that LASIEC can not conduct elections into the 37 LCDAs, saying they are not constitutionally recognised. Adio, in a statement, faulted the efforts by some stakeholders in APC to conduct elections in the LCDAs. He said: “We are hearing that elections are going to be held in 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs. That was a combustible issue in the debate we had in the public hearing because, just like the Youth Party did several other lawyers and several other political parties had made the clear argument that it was illegal to contest elections in 37 LCDAs that are not recognized by the Constitution. “Unfortunately, we seem to have carried on business as usual. I say this because, if indeed those 37 LCDAs are recognized by law, Jimi Benson, and James Faleke who represent Ikeja Constituency will not be sponsoring an amendment in the National Assembly to recognize the 37 LCDAs as legitimate local government in Lagos. “Because they also recognized that those LCDAs are not recognized by law and hence the reasons for sponsoring that bill in the National Assembly, so that Constitution can be amended to recognize those 37 LCDAs and until that amendment is made, it is illegal, it is unconstitutional to conduct or elect members into those LCDAs that are strangers to the law. “President Bola Tinubu was the one who created the LCDAs. He was so passionate about them that he fought for them up to the Supreme Court. He’s been president for two years now. His administration only sends money to the 20 Local Governments recognised in Lagos. “As passionate as he is about the 37 LCDAs, none of them got a dime from Abuja. So, why are we perpetuating this gross and brazen illegality to conduct elections into offices that are not recognised by the law? How is it going to be funded?” | LG ELECTIONS; APC; LAGOS STATE | VANGUARD | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 12 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: Ganduje comes under fire for suggesting APC's openness to one-party system, says multi-party system destroys governance | Ganduje had, in an interview with State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, insisted the APC was not actively pursuing a one-party system. He, however, added that if Nigerians gravitated en masse to the ruling party, “we cannot quarrel with that.” “Leaders worried about a one-party state have no need to fear. A one-party state is not by force; it is by negotiation. It is by other political parties seeing the effect of the positive governance of our party. If they decide to come to our party willingly, I think there is nothing wrong with that,” he said. He had also claimed that a multi-party system spoils governance, saying, “Today, China is one of the strongest countries in the world and is a one-party system. We are not saying we are working for a one-party system, but if this is the wish of Nigerians, we cannot quarrel with that. “You know they say too many cooks spoil the soup; too many political parties spoil governance,” Ganduje said. Ganduje’s remarks came amid the wave of defections to the APC, including those of Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) who joined the party after meeting with President Tinubu on Friday. The opposition has been further depleted in recent weeks with the defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor and 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa as well as other state officials and lawmakers to the APC. Several National Assembly members have also defected, fuelling concerns that the APC-led government may be orchestrating a gradual slide to a one-party state. Last week, former President Goodluck Jonathan spoke against it, warning that any move to establish a one-party state through political manipulation to serve individual ambitions would be detrimental to the country. Although the presidency and the APC leadership have denied any intention to pursue a one-party agenda, Ganduje’s latest comments have re-ignited speculation that state resources might be quietly deployed to undermine the opposition. In separate interviews with Daily Trust yesterday, opposition parties, civil society groups and pro-democracy advocates condemned Ganduje’s remarks, warning against attempts to stifle political plurality. | APC; ONE PARTY SYSTEM; MULTI PARTY SYSTEM; GANDUJE | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| ICIR NIGERIA | 12 MAY 2025 | ASUU holds 23rd National Delegates Congress, elects Prof Chris Piwuna as new President | THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected a professor, Chris Piwuna, as its new national president. A consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital and Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, Piwuna succeeds Emmanuel Osodeke, another Professor of Soil Science from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, whose tenure began in 2021. The election took place during ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress, held at the University of Benin, Edo State, on Sunday, May 11. Piwuna, who previously served as ASUU’s vice president, won the presidency after defeating Adamu Babayo, a professor at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Confirming the news to The ICIR, Osodeke stressed that the new president had resumed office immediately. The election was amid unresolved issues between the Nigerian government and ASUU, which has consistently identified poor funding as a major contributor to Nigeria’s educational challenges. In September 2024, the union noted that the government used “delay tactics” to deal with its members. The ICIR reported ASUU’s demands to include renegotiating the 2009 Federal Government and ASUU agreement, providing revitalisation funds for public universities, paying all earned academic allowances and withheld salaries, and addressing promotion arrears. Underfunding public universities has been a recurring issue, sparking prolonged ASUU strikes, including an eight-month industrial action in 2022. | ASUU; UNIVERSITIES; NEW PRESIDENT | ICIR | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 12 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: Mixed reactions as Dame Jonathan endorses Tinubu for 2027 poll, says “turn-by-turn” model is essential for national unity | Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has declared readiness to support President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, foreclosing insinuations that her husband, Goodluck, may be drafted to re-contest under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next general elections. The former First Lady ruled out any return to Aso Rock Villa, but said she will campaign alongside Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the incumbent President, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mrs. Jonathan also insisted on the principle of rotational leadership, describing the “turn-by-turn” model as essential for national unity. She disclosed this while acknowledging the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday night. | PATIENCE JONATHAN; 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS; TINUBU | GUARDIAN | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 13 MAY 2025 | More Defections: Three Kebbi PDP Senators Defect To APC | The three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Kebbi State at Senate plenary on Tuesday, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Senators are Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central); Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) Their letters of defection were read separately on the floor of the chamber by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary. The National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the Governor of Kebbi State, Mohammed Idris, were at the Senate chambers in solidarity with the defectors. The defection was seen as a major political development in Kebbi State, and it came amid ongoing realignments within the national political landscape. The defection of the three senators is expected to bolster the APC’s influence in Kebbi State and the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general election. | DEFECTIONS; KEBBI; HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; APC; PDP | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 13 MAY 2025 | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swears in 2 INEC Commissioners | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in two National Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC). They are Abdulrazak Tukur, representing the North West region and Sunday Aja, representing the South East. The President administered the oath of office on the Commissioners just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Also sworn in by President Tinubu were members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Justice Buba Nyaure from Taraba State and Ikpeme Ndem from Cross River State. However, after the swearing in ceremony, FEC members entered a closed door session with President Tinubu presiding. Those who attended the FEC meeting included Vice president Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Also present were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, among others. | PRESIDENT TINUBU; INEC; COMMISSIONERS; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 13 MAY 2025 | House of Representatives reject 7 Constitution Amendment Bills including bill to allow for rotational presidency and bill to strip INEC of powers to register and regulate political parties | The House of Representatives has rejected seven constitutional amendment bills, including a bill to allow for the rotation of the Offices of the President and the Vice President among the six geopolitical zones of the country. The six other bills include bill to strip the Independent National Electoral Commission, the powers of registration and regulation of political Parties in Nigeria and transfer same to the Office of the Registrar General of Political Parties sponored by Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the Hosue; Bill to create Office of the State Auditors-General for Local Governments and the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils; Bill to provide for the Number of Judges of the Federal High Court to be not less than one hundred. Others are Bill to empower the National Judicial Council to Fix and Review, in conjunction with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Salaries, Allowances, and other Emoluments of Judicial Officers and staff of the judiciary; and a Bill to create Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State. Among the bills, only the bill on zoning sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, was debated. The proposed law is titled, A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Principle of Rotation of the Offices of the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Country, Namely: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West and for Related Matters (HB. 2291). In his lead debate, Kalu argued that the proposed law would enhance inclusivity and foster unity across the federation. “This will enable every part of this country to contribute to the national leadership of this country. There is no region that does not have capable people who can lead. It would increase national cohesion and national unity. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander,” he said. However, the proposal drew mixed reactions from lawmakers. Sani Madaki, who represents Dala Federal Constituency, opposed the bill, stating: “We should not put this in our Constitution, we should allow it as it is, there is already something where political parties decide to zone.” In contrast, Ali Isa, Minority Whip of the House, supported the bill, arguing: “We should support it, we should even extend it to governors. Some states are marginalised and need to be given fair treatment. It would promote fairness.” | HOUSE OF REPS; ROTATIONAL PRESIDENCY; CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| VANGUARD | 13 MAY 2025 | Natasha Vs Akpabio: Federal High Court fixes June 27 for judgement on Natasha's suspension. While Natasha is asking the court to set aside the judgment, the Senate is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to meddle in "internal affairs" of the Senate | The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, slated June 27 to deliver judgement on the suit the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed to quash the six-month suspension that was slammed on her by the Senate. Read Also: Senator Natasha faces Senate, Akpabio in court over suspension Justice Binta Nyako okayed the matter for judgement, after all the parties adopted their final briefs of argument. Cited as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, are Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, as well as and the Chairman of Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Nedamwen Imasuen. The embattled lawmaker, through her team of lawyers led by Mr. Jubril Okutekpa, SAN, urged the court to invalidate her suspension which she said was done in disobedience to a valid court order. However, the defendants challenged the jurisdiction of the court to meddle in what they termed as an internal affair of the Senate. More so, the defendants accused the plaintiff of breaching an order the court made on April 4, which gagged the parties from making public utterances on the matter pending before it. The Senate President, Akpabio, through his lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, specifically drew the attention of the court to what he described as “a satirical apology” the plaintiff tendered to him on her Facebook page. Akpabio insisted that the said apology made mockery of the order of the court. Meanwhile, before she adjourned the matter for judgement, Justice Nyako said she would first consider the issue of contempt that was raised by the parties before deciding all the preliminary objections. | FEDERAL HIGH COURT; NATASHA; AKPABIO; SUSPENSION | VANGUARD | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 14 MAY 2025 | June 12 Brouhaha: Former Governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido asks Tinubu to pay Abiola’s family ₦45bn as restitution for June 12 annulment | A former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has called on President Bola Tinubu to compensate the family of the late Moshood Abiola with ₦45 billion as restitution for the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. Lamido made the call on Tuesday during the public presentation of his autobiography, Being True to Myself, in Abuja. He argued that the payment would not only symbolise justice but also offer moral closure to what remains one of Nigeria’s most painful democratic reversals. “Before I end my remarks, I would like to appeal to the President, President (Bola) Tinubu, to close the chapter of June 12,” Lamido said. Referring to a former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida’s recent memoir, Lamido stated, “In his book, General Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election. He said that. “When I went to him, he said that Abiola was being owed ₦45 billion, and therefore, if he were the President, he would pay the money. So, it means Abiola is being doubly punished, denied his own presidency and also his own money. “Please, tell the President to please let him pay Abiola’s family the money for which he has been suffering, for which he has been denied his own presidency — ₦45 billion. It’s very, very important. When this money is paid, the chapter will be closed,” he added. Lamido’s appeal came in the wake of revelations from Babangida’s released memoir, ‘A Journey in Service,’ in February, which has reignited national debate about the events of 1993. In the book, Babangida, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that Abiola won the annulled election, widely considered the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. According to Babangida, Abiola of the Social Democratic Party secured 8,128,720 votes against Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC), who polled 5,848,247 votes. Babangida admitted that annulling the election was the most difficult decision of his life, citing fears of military coups and national instability. He took responsibility for his administration’s missteps, while also claiming that the decision was executed by forces within his government. He further alleged that the announcement of the annulment was made without his authorisation. The claims elicited mixed reactions nationwide. While President Tinubu and others have lauded Babangida for finally recognising Abiola’s victory, critics — including human rights groups — argue that the memoir attempted to deflect accountability. In 2018, a former president, Muhammadu Buhari, posthumously awarded Abiola the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest national honour. The Buhari administration also declared June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, in recognition of Abiola’s contribution to the country’s democratic development. | JUNE 12; ABIOLA; TINUBU; LAMIDO; DEMOCRACY | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 14 MAY 2025 | President Tinubu set to visit Abia on Friday, 23 May as groups urge Alex Otti to endorse Tinubu for 2027 election. | Ahead of President Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Abia State on the 23rd of May, 2025, Igbo apex group Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Tuesday, urged Governor Alex Otti to emulate Governor Charles Soludo by endorsing President Tinubu for reelection by 2027. The deputy National President of Ohanaeze faction, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement, noted that the adoption of Mr. President by Gov Otti is very crucial, especially now Southeast is benefiting immensely not because he has done well for the zone but to also affirm our commitment to his leadership in the forthcoming elections. He commended Otti for the completion of the Port Harcourt Road project, which had suffered neglect for over 15 years, stressing that this achievement represents not only a victory for the governance of Abia State but also serves as a pivotal opportunity for the Governor to embrace President Tinubu’s national vision and policies. He urged Otti to draw inspiration from Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, during President Tinubu’s visit to Anambra, by boldly affirming that his administration has officially adopted President Tinubu as their sole candidate for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. “In light of Governor Otti’s commendable accomplishment in completing the Port Harcourt Road project, which had suffered neglect for over 15 years, Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends heartfelt congratulations,” he said. “This achievement represents not only a victory for the governance of Abia State but also serves as a pivotal opportunity for the Governor to embrace President Tinubu’s national vision and policies. “We earnestly urge our Governor, Alex Chioma Otti, to draw inspiration from the recent commendable actions of Anambra State’s Governor, Charles Soludo, who adopted Tinubu during his visit to Anambra. “Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally advocates for a similar stance from the leadership in Abia State, encouraging Governor Otti to align strategically with President Tinubu. Such alignment is not merely a political maneuver; it is an opportunity to foster deeper connections with the federal government, thereby augmenting the potential for development and investment in our region. “We call upon all Abians and esteemed members of the Igbo community to rise in unison and extend a rousing welcome to President Tinubu upon his visit on May 23, 2025, and at this occasion serve as a powerful symbol of our collective aspiration for progress, unity, and national development. “In conclusion, let us seize this opportunity to not only welcome President Tinubu with open arms but to also affirm our commitment to his leadership in the forthcoming elections. “The time for decisive action is now, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands ready to champion a united front for the benefit of Abia State and the entire Igbo Nation.” | ABIA; ALEX OTTI; 2027 GENERAL ELECTION | GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 14 MAY 2025 | APC set to hold National Summit to assess the implementation of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda on Thursday, May 22 | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed May 22 to hold a national summit to assess the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and chart a strategic path forward. In a notice signed by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, the event was described as a platform for “dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning” for both the party and the country. Sources within the APC national secretariat told Daily Trust that the summit, which will be held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is part of broader efforts to consolidate the party’s hold on power ahead of the 2027 general elections. President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are expected to lead the deliberations. Also invited are former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Other attendees include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. Serving and former governors, deputy governors, former Senate Presidents, former House Speakers, and all APC lawmakers at the national level are also expected. The summit will also host APC ministers, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and members of key party organs including the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC). Former party leaders, representatives of APC support groups, women, youths, and persons with disabilities are also slated to attend. It will be the party’s largest gathering since its NEC meeting in February. | APC; RENEWED HOPE AGENDA; 2027 GENERAL ELECTION; NATIONAL SUMMIT | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THE CABLE | 14 MAY 2025 | Deputy Senate President sponsors motion seeking inclusion of LG representatives as members of FAAC, cites Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy | The senate on Tuesday called for the urgent inclusion of LGAs and area council representatives in the federation account allocation committee (FAAC). The motion, sponsored by Barau Jibrin, senator representing Kano north and deputy senate president, seeks to harmonise the composition of FAAC with recent constitutional interpretations by the supreme court. Jibrin Isah, senator representing Kogi east, led the motion during the plenary on behalf of Barau, who was the presiding officer The deputy senate president noted that section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution recognises LGAs as the third tier of government, entitled to a direct share of the federation account under section 162(3). He said the supreme court has made clear that sections 162(5) and (6) of the constitution do not confer any proprietary interest on state governments over LG allocations. “The duty of the states is simply to convey allocations from the federation account to local governments,” he said. He added that the apex court also recognised that direct payment to LGs would be consistent with the constitution and ensure smoother financial administration. “Paying LGCs through the states has not worked. Justice demands that allocations from the federation account be paid directly to the local governments,” he added. Barau further observed that section 5 of the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act 1981 currently lists only federal and state representatives as members of FAAC. He said the provision no longer aligns with the supreme court judgment of July 2024, noting that it must be urgently updated to reflect the constitutional reality. “Representatives of the states had always stood in for the local governments at FAAC, but in light of the supreme court’s position, it is now imperative that each state’s LGCs and the FCT’s area councils have direct representation,” he added. Adamu Aliero, senator representing Kebbi central, said the motion should be formalised into a bill. “We should even go beyond an ordinary motion. We should formalise it by presenting a bill making it mandatory for local government and area council representation at FAAC meetings,” Aliero said. “It is abnormal for a beneficiary of the federation account not to be around whenever distribution is taking place.” Aliero said when he served as governor in 1999, LGs received funds directly from the federation account, which according to him, restored accountability. “This idea is welcome, and it will bring transparency and accountability in the way local government funds are being given out,” he added. Simon Lalong, senator representing Plateau south, said the motion supports grassroots development, which is the only true path to national progress. “If we are talking about autonomy, if we are talking about grassroots development, the only place that we can ensure Nigeria moves forward is at the local government level,” Lalong said. “Once there are small LPOs going around in that place and the money is there, it will bring up a lot of millionaires.” Diket Plang, senator representing Plateau central, also supported the motion and urged the senate not to stop at a resolution. “I have been a councillor and a local government chairman. If there is direct funding from the federation account to the local government, there will be a lot of developmental changes,” Plang said. “Whoever has a hand in the federation account should be a participant when sharing is taking place.” Idiat Adebule, senator representing Lagos west, said the motion was well-timed and would promote transparency. “Nigerians are actually waiting for these kinds of motions,” she said. “It will enable those who are part of the sharing formula to be at the table, for them to know what exactly is being shared, what, and why.” The senate urged the federal government to ensure that one representative per state and the federal capital territory (FCT) is included in FAAC to represent LG interests. The upper chamber also resolved to communicate the resolution to the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, who is the chairman of FAAC, for immediate action. The senate also sought the concurrence of the house of representatives. | DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT; LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION; FAAC | CABLE | ||||
| VANGUARD | 14 MAY 2025 | Lack of Priority? Tinubu's government comes under fire as Ministers unveil plans to present their ministries’ achievements at the International Press Conference in UK | Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works and other ministers are heading to an International Press Conference in London, the United Kingdom, where they will present their ministries’ achievements. Bode Adeyemi, the Project Internal Coordinator of the President Bola Tinubu Midterm Legacy Projects Review Committee, made this known on Tuesday while speaking at a press conference in Abuja. Adeyemi said the ministers and heads of departments and agencies will use the opportunity to showcase the Tinubu administration’s achievements and legacy projects. According to him, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe; the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Usman Osidi; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacheous Adedeji; and several others are expected to attend the conference. “President Bola Tinubu’s government has made unprecedented achievements under twenty-four months of administration despite all the distractions and the global economic situation. We have painstakingly taken detailed records of all major achievements of this administration and confirm that every well-meaning Nigerian and the international community alike should be proud of the Midas touch President Bola Tinubu has given to Nigeria’s leadership, which has culminated in a verifiable success story, he said. “All the projects have been put together as a compendium and also a version put into a website that would be launched during the forthcoming event. We commend honourable ministers, Director Generals of agencies, heads of commissions and departments for their relentless efforts that have brought about the success this administration has recorded.” Earlier, during the organising team’s meeting, the APC Chairman, UK Chapter, Tunde Doherty, maintained that the London conference would present the right narrative about governance in Nigeria to the international community and dispel opposition propaganda about President Tinubu’s administration. He argued that the Tinubu administration has made significant achievements in infrastructure, economy, security, job availability, healthcare development, aviation and digital economy. Doherty said, “The singular fact that Nigerian and private refineries started production under this administration is an unforgettable achievement. The local government autonomy push by the President is another giant stride, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road, Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, IMF debt repayment, removal of subsidies that have doubled allocation to states, enforcement of the rule of law and security are giant strides the Tinubu administration will always be remembered for.” | TINUBU; UK INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE; NIGERIA'S MINISTRIES | VANGUARD | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 15 MAY 2025 | Perceived Threat: DSS sues Prof Pat Utomi over plan to establish a shadow government, says it's an attack on the Constitution | The Department of State Services (DSS) has sued Prof. Pat Utomi over his alleged plan to establish what he called, “a shadow government” in the country. The DSS, in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, prayed the court to declare the move as an attack on the constitution. In the fresh suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, Utomi, the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is sued as sole defendant. The security outfit, in the suit filed on May 13 by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), contended that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country. The DSS argued that not only was the planned shadow government an aberration, it constituted a grave attack on the constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government that is currently in place. It expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a grave threat to national security. The plaintiff, therefore, urged the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”. It also sought a declaration that “under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null and void”. The plaintiff prayed the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”. The plaintiff, in its grounds of argument, hinged its prayers on the fact that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria. It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. According to the DSS, Section 14(2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom the government through the constitution derives all its powers and authority. It contended that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacked constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions. The plaintiff further stated in a supporting affidavit that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace and constitutional order. The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Its constituent institutions. It stated that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, Professor Patrick Utomi, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he termed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet,’comprising of several persons that make up its ‘Minister’.” “The ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government, contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). “The defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria. “While inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, the defendant stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; the Policy Delivery Unit Team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga: and the council of economic advisers. “Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection,” it said. The DSS said in the discharge of its statutory duties, it had gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. “The defendant’s actions amount to an attempt to usurp or mimic executive authority, contrary to Sections 1(1), 1{2), and 14(2Xa) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), which exclusively vests governance in institutions duly created under the constitution and through democratic elections. “The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant,” it said. The agency said it would be in the interest of justice, national security and the rule of law for the court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal. The suit is yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing. (NAN) | DSS; PROF PAT UTOMI; SHADOW GOVERNMENT; CONSTITUTION | THISDAY | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 15 MAY 2025 | FCTA Appropriation Bill passes second reading in the Senate as Sen. Abdul Ningi objects, says bill was not circulated ahead of debate in compliance with Senate rules | The senate has passed the N1.78 trillion statutory appropriation bill for the federal capital territory (FCT) for the 2025 financial year through second reading. President Bola Tinubu transmitted the budget proposal in a letter addressed to Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, and read at Tuesday’s plenary. Tinubu urged lawmakers to expedite its passage to facilitate key development projects within the FCT. “In compliance with section 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby lay before the National Assembly the 2025 FCT budget proposal for consideration,” the letter reads. “The passage of the budget would facilitate investment in health and social welfare, increase agricultural production, and improve job creation. “I urge the National Assembly to give this budget the urgent attention it deserves, in the interest of accelerating development within the FCT.” The budget was read for the first time and proceeded to second reading on the same day — an unusual legislative move made possible by a motion from Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader. He called for the suspension of senate standing order 78(1), which ordinarily prohibits a second reading on the day of introduction. However, Abdul Ningi, the Bauchi central lawmaker, resisted the move, citing senate rules 77(3) and 77(4). Ningi argued that the bill had not been circulated to lawmakers ahead of debate. But despite his objection, the senate proceeded to consider the bill’s general principles. The breakdown of the budget includes N150.35 billion for personnel costs, N343.78 billion for overhead and N1.29 trillion for capital expenditure. In his lead debate, Bamidele explained that the bill seeks to authorise the withdrawal of N1.783 trillion from the FCTA’s statutory revenue fund, covering the fiscal year from January 1 to December 31, 2025. He said 85 percent of the capital component would go toward completing existing projects, while 15 percent would fund new initiatives. “The aim is to deliver an effective, service-oriented administration that prioritises infrastructure and essential services in the FCT,” he said. The appropriation bill has been referred to the senate committee on FCT, which is expected to present its report within one week. | SENATE; FCTA; APPROPRIATION BILL; APC EKITI | THISDAY | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 15 MAY 2025 | British High Commissioner expresses concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, highlights UK's partnership with NSA's office to mitigate challenges | The United Kingdom has expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, describing it as “worrisome.” This is coming amidst an upsurge of violent attacks in Plateau, Benue, Borno states by bandits. Speaking to journalists at his Abuja residence on Wednesday, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, attributed the instability to regional spillovers from neighbouring countries such as Sudan and Niger. He noted that the UK government is actively working with Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser and investing in security infrastructure to help mitigate the challenges. Montgomery also raised alarms over increasing incidents of visa fraud, linking them to a recent surge in visa rejections. He advised prospective visa applicants to ensure that they submit accurate and complete documentation to improve their chances of approval. Despite the concerns, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic and trade relations with Nigeria through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). The partnership aims to boost cooperation in key sectors such as education, agriculture, financial services, clean energy, digital technology and the creative industry. The envoy welcomed the latest World Bank report, which projects Nigeria as being on a path toward economic recovery—an outlook that he said reinforces its potential as a strong investment destination for the UK. He revealed that trade between the two countries currently stands at £7.2 billion. While praising the progress in bilateral trade, Montgomery acknowledged a decline in the UK’s hydrocarbon exports to Nigeria, attributing it to increased local production—a development he described as positive. In a move to support Nigerian exports, the UK announced tariff-free access for 3,000 products, including cocoa, cashew nuts, prawns, and flowers. Addressing questions on the rising migration of skilled health workers to the UK, Montgomery said the British government is working to manage immigration levels, citing that over 1.6 million people had migrated to the UK in the past two years. He emphasised that such a high level of migration is unsustainable in the long term. Still, he noted that Nigerians account for over 10 per cent of recent UK visa approvals, reflecting the strength of bilateral ties. | UNITED KINGDOM; NIGERIA; INSECURITY; NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 15 MAY 2025 | Senate Confirms 5 INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners namely Umar Yusuf Garba (Kano), Sa’ad Umar Idris (Bauchi), Chukwuemeka Ibeziako (Anambra), Umar Mukhtar (Borno), and Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem (Bayelsa) | The Senate on Wednesday approved the nomination of five Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This followed the consideration and adoption of a report by its Committee on INEC. The confirmed nominees are Umar Yusuf Garba (Kano), Sa’ad Umar Idris (Bauchi), Chukwuemeka Ibeziako (Anambra), Umar Mukhtar (Borno), and DrJohnson Alalibo Sinikiem (Bayelsa). Each of the RECs is expected to serve a term of five years in office. Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC, Oyo South), who chaired the INEC Committee, said all the five nominees met the constitutional and professional requirements for the role. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had forwarded the names of the nominees to the Senate in a letter dated March 18, 2025, seeking legislative confirmation. “In compliance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward, for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following five (5) nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the President’s letter read in part. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over plenary said, “I wish them success as they take on the responsibilities of INEC, and urge them to act fairly and equitably to promote democracy and ensure justice for all.” | SENATE; INEC; RECs; NOMINATION | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THE CABLE | 15 MAY 2025 | Reactions trail JAMB Registrar's apology over UTME failure. "Don't use emotions to cover institutional failure. Resign!" Nigerians troll. | Some Nigerians have reacted to a video of Ishaq Oloyede, the registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), breaking down in tears as he apologised to candidates affected by technical errors in the 2025 unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME). In a trending video, the registrar, visibly in tears, took responsibility for the errors and apologised for the trauma caused to affected candidates. Many Nigerians on X reacted to the development –some welcomed the apology, while others called for the registrar’s resignation. | JAMB; UTME; MASS FAILURE; TECHNICAL GLITCH | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 16 MAY 2025 | Bill to make voting mandatory scales second reading at House of Representatives | A bill proposing mandatory voting in elections for qualified Nigerians has scaled second reading at the house of representative. The bill, which is sponsored by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, passed the second reading stage after an extensive debate on Thursday. Leading the debate, Daniel Ago, the co-sponsor, said the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to tackle the problem of low voter turnout. He said compulsory voting law would increase civic engagement and voter participation, making electoral involvement a legal obligation rather than a personal choice. Ago said the bill, if passed into law, would strengthen democracy by improving representation, foster a more politically aware country, and reduce vote buying. Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, supported the bill and said adding that citizens are expected to perform certain civic responsibilities. He cited Australia, where voting is compulsory, saying it is a crime not to vote, noting that it has resulted in a stable and inclusive governance in the country. “In Australia, it is an offence not to vote in any election. There are some incentives that you will be denied for not voting,” he said. Kalu said Nigerians should be part of the decision-making in elections. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member from Rivers state, said there are no incentives for citizens to support a compulsory voting law. Abiante referenced Kalu’s argument, asking what incentives citizens would be denied if they do not vote. “What are the incentives that would be denied to citizens?” he asked. “Voting should be free,” Abiante added. Abiante also expressed concerns about the voter register, saying, “It is not clean”. “Who will provide the logistics for Nigerians abroad to come home and vote?” Abiante asked. But Abbas responded, noting that there are some exceptions in specific laws. Mark Esset, a lawmaker from Akwa Ibom state, who also rejected the bill, said the house should not enact a compulsory voting law when citizens have “lost confidence” in voting process. “It is a good bill, but we are trying to build something on nothing. While we want to make voting compulsory, there should also be a law to make voting count,” he said. While lawmakers were opposing the bill, Kalu consistently interrupted them, citing order 9, demanding that they confine their argument to the rules of the debate. Abbas had to correct him, clarifying that the debates were in line with the bill’s general principles. When the speaker called for a voice vote on the bill, the “ayes” were louder than the “nays”. | SECOND READING; HOUSE OF REPS; COMPULSORY VOTING | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 16 MAY 2025 | House of Representatives resolves to probe ‘technical error’ in JAMB’s 2025 UTME | The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the technical error that compromised the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The green chamber passed the resolution during plenary on Thursday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Adewale Adebayo, a lawmaker from Osun state. The results from JAMB’s 2025 UTME were released on May 9. A breakdown showed that more than 78 per cent of candidates scored less than 200 points out of the 400 maximum points obtainable. This spurred protests that questioned the overall integrity of the examination process. JAMB undertook an early review and uncovered a major “technical error”. On Wednesday, Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, during a press conference in Abuja, said the results of 379,997 candidates were affected. He said the board discovered discrepancies linked to faulty server updates in its Lagos and south-east zones, which led to the failure to upload candidates’ responses during the first three days of the examination. Oloyede said the problem, which was caused by one of the two technical service providers for the exercise, went undetected before the results were released. He affected candidates will now have the opportunity to retake the examination between May 16 and May 19, 2025. The development has sparked mixed reactions, with Nigerians airing their views across social media platforms. THE MOTION Moving the motion, Adebayo said many Nigerians have suffered losses while travelling long distances to their UTME examination centres. In his contribution to the motion, Sada Soli, a lawmaker from Katsina state, urged the house to commend the JAMB registrar for admitting the technical error and apologising to Nigerians. He said the JAMB boss has “demonstrated integrity” and increased the board’s revenue since he was appointed into office. However, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said it would be up to the committee conducting the investigation to decide whether or not to commend the JAMB registrar. The motion was unanimously adopted when it was subjected to a voice vote by Abbas. Consequently, the house asked the federal government to establish CTB centres across all LGAs in the country. The house also asked JAMB to release the results of under-16 students who participated in the examination. | HOUSE OF REPS; TECHNICAL ERROR; JAMB; POST UTME | CABLE | ||||
| VANGUARD | 20 MAY 2025 | Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly resigns over PDP’s minority status. | The Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko (PDP- Esan North East II) has voluntarily resigned her position due to the minority status of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Assembly. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Oligbi-Edeko was elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023, and served in that capacity until her resignation. In her resignation speech, the former deputy speaker said that she resigned her position to allow for justice, fairness, and equity for all the constituencies. She thanked the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her constituency in the assembly. Lawmakers in the House took turns to praise her unwavering dedication, passion for public service, and the high level of integrity she consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure. Many of the lawmakers described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her tenure as deputy speaker Meanwhile, Mr Osamwonyi Atu (APC-Orhionmwon East), has emerged the new deputy speaker after a unanimous vote by members. Also following the former deputy speaker’s resignation, the Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC-Esan West) moved that all the entitlement due to the office of the deputy speaker should be accorded her. The motion was seconded by the minority leader, Charity Airobarueghian (PDP-Ovia North East 1), while other lawmakers supported and adopted the motion. (NAN) | EDO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; RESIGNATON; DEPUTY SPEAKER; | VANGUARD | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 20 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: Atiku and Obi deny reaching any agreement on a power-sharing deal for the 2027 presidential race. | The presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have denied reaching any agreement on a power-sharing deal for the 2027 presidential race. The speculation emerged following a report that Atiku had offered Obi the vice-presidential slot on a joint ticket for the 2027 elections, allegedly committing to serve only one term. The report claimed this proposal was first discussed during a private meeting between the two men earlier this year in the United Kingdom. It further alleged that Obi was working to secure the support of his key loyalists for the alliance. But addressing the rumour on Monday, Obi dismissed the reported arrangement, insisting that those claiming he had agreed to run as anyone’s deputy were engaging in selfish politics detrimental to national progress. The former Anambra State governor, who was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, stressed that his focus remained on promoting good governance and addressing issues affecting Nigerians. Obi made the clarification during a visit to the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa, where he also donated N20 million to support the diocese’s hospital and school. Also, former Vice President Atiku described the speculation as unfortunate, stressing that the coalition effort he is championing, along with Obi and other leaders, is still at the exploratory stage and focused on providing a credible alternative platform for Nigerians. Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said, “We must be very careful about speculation. “Right now, Atiku and all the other coalition leaders, including Obi, are focused on birthing this coalition in response to Nigerians’ yearnings. Nigerians believe this administration must go. They want to reclaim their country. “If we are already discussing positions, it’s like putting the cart before the horse. People are engaging in dialogue with varying perspectives, but until a concrete position is taken by those in the discussion, anything to the contrary is just speculation.” Ibe added: “The process is ongoing. A lot of ground has been covered. The focus now is on building a viable platform. Speculation at this point is unhelpful to the process or to what they are trying to achieve. That’s not where they are at the moment.” Speaking further, Obi said, “I am in a coalition against hunger, poverty, and ill health. Politics for me is not about position; it is about doing the right thing. I just returned from Rome this morning, and my focus is on the education of our children, not on political appointments. In Nigeria, we often avoid the real issues—what we should be discussing is how to educate our children.” | NIGERIA DECIDES 2027; GENERAL ELECTIONS; PDP; LABOUR PARTY; OPPOSITION | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THE CABLE | 20 MAY 2025 | Natasha VS Akpabio: Unending imbroglio as Senator Natasha petitions IGP accusing Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of using proxies to taint her image | Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has petitioned the inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, is behind “a coordinated smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing her reputation. In a letter dated May 15 and titled ‘Petition Against Coordinated Defamation and Cyberbullying by Sponsored Syndicate at the Behest of the President of the Senate – Godswill Akpabio,’ the lawmaker accused Akpabio of “deploying media proxies to publish false and damaging stories” about her. Akpoti-Uduaghan cited several online platforms which simultaneously published articles on May 10 accusing her of sponsoring terrorism, orchestrating killings in Kogi central, and involvement in illegal arms deals. “These publications were not only identical in content but also strategically timed and syndicated across various platforms in a manner that clearly suggests a centrally coordinated attack,” Ehiogie West-Idahosa, counsel to the senator wrote in the petition. The lawmaker said the claims were not only “baseless, malicious, and defamatory,” but also posed a danger to her life, her family, and her political career. She described the publications as “cyberbullying and character assassination” orchestrated to delegitimise her as a federal lawmaker and create grounds for politically motivated investigations or legal actions. Akpoti-Uduaghan pointed out that this is not the first time she has been “targeted”. She referenced previous efforts to “malign” her during the 2023 Kogi state governorship election, where she contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In her petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for a “thorough” investigation into the individuals and media outlets involved, and particularly urged the IGP to probe the role of Akpabio in the matter. “I respectfully request that your esteemed office investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to justice all individuals and organizations involved in this coordinated defamation campaign,” the petition reads. “It is imperative that those who misuse their positions of power to intimidate and malign others are held accountable.” She also urged the police to take steps to protection, citing threats to her security arising from the terrorism allegations. “This pattern of cyberbullying and political blackmail must not be allowed to continue unchecked,” she added. “It poses a grave threat to democracy, free speech, and the integrity of our institutions.” ‘I HAVE NOT SEEN THE PETITION’ When contacted by TheCable for comments on the allegations, Eseme Eyiboh, special adviser on media and publicity to Akpabio, said he was not in a position to respond as he had not seen the petition. “How do you want me to respond to a petition I haven’t seen? You have seen the petition, but I have not seen it,” Eyiboh said. Following his remarks, the reporter offered to send a copy of the petition via WhatsApp, which he agreed to. Several hours after the document was sent, Eyiboh did not provide a formal response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations. | NATASHA; AKPABIO; IGP; KOGI CENTRAL; NATIONAL ASSEMBLY | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 20 MAY 2025 | "The Executive frustrated all attempts to pass impactful legislation because I was not a rubber stamp," Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki criticises the weak state of Nigeria's legislative institution. | Bukola Saraki, a former senate president, says the eighth national assembly was repeatedly “harassed and obstructed by the executive”. He spoke on Saturday, at the 2025 Reunion Gala of the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) in Houston, Texas. The former governor of Kwara was president of the senate from 2015 to 2019. Saraki said repeated attacks on him were ignored by citizens, a scenario that weakened his successors in the national assembly. “The legislature is an institution created to make laws, oversee the executive, and represent the people,” Saraki said in his speech shared with TheCable by Yusuf Olaniyonu, his spokesperson. “A legislative leader must have character. He must be bold to speak truth to power. For me, the confidence to act in this manner came from these three sources. “Why would I be a Senate President and could not lead the Senate to ask questions on what the loans the executive branch is seeking approval is meant to be spent for?” He added that if he had acceded to all of ex-president Muhammadu Buhari’s requests, he would have been hailed as a loyalist and ally. Saraki alleged that all efforts to pass impactful legislation were frustrated by the executive. “I decided to amend the Public Procurement Act to require government agencies to buy only Nigerian goods and services—unless unavailable locally—to boost local production and employment,” he said. “We were not successful because the bill got caught in the politics leading to the 2019 elections and thus, did not get the required attention from the House of Representatives. “The legislature under my leadership was silenced, harassed, assaulted, bullied, and blackmailed, and the executive deliberately frustrated the passage of good laws, initiatives, and recommendations that would have been highly beneficial to our society. “We were like orphans. “The elite and ordinary people kept quiet, were nonchalant, and stayed aloof. “Now, years after we left office, subsequent leadership of the National Assembly would rather be a rubber stamp and play dumb because they do not want to go through the harrowing experience that Saraki went through. “I could have agreed with everything the Presidency under Buhari wanted and cut deals with them all the way. I would have been a good ally. “Thus, when I read posts on social media or stories in the traditional media criticizing the current National Assembly and praising our tenure, I just shrug my shoulders and feel unconcerned. “This is a big failure of followership, and it is an enabler for the continuous failure of leadership. “These sad developments are indications that our institutions are weak. Instead of building institutions, we are building strong men and women.” Saraki said Nigeria’s leadership problem stems from elected officials arriving office without clear plans or vision. He added that such leaders often end up running the government on impulse or relying on “government scammers” who pitch the same recycled ideas to every administration. In 2015, Saraki defied the All Progressives Congress (APC) hierarchy to become senate president, with backing from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — triggering a strained relationship with the Buhari-led executive. His tenure was marred by recurring legal battles perceived in certain quarters as politically motivated. Tensions heightened after he defected to the PDP, prompting a failed APC-led effort to unseat him. | SARAKI; BUHARI; RUBBERSTAMP; INSTITUTIONS | CABLE | ||||
| THE CABLE | 20 MAY 2025 | JAMB incompetence stir tribal conflict as South-East House of Reps lawmakers demand JAMB registrar’s resignation, proposes July 2025 for fresh UTME | The south-east caucus in the house of representatives has demanded the resignation of Ishaq Oloyede, registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The lawmakers also called for the cancellation of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The caucus said a new UTME for 2025 should be conducted between July and August. BACKGROUND The results from JAMB’s 2025 UTME were released on May 9. A breakdown showed that more than 78 per cent of candidates scored less than 200 points out of the 400 maximum points obtainable. This spurred protests that questioned the overall integrity of the examination process. JAMB undertook an early review and uncovered a major “technical error”. Last Wednesday, Oloyede, during a press conference in Abuja, said the results of 379,997 candidates were affected. He said the board discovered discrepancies linked to faulty server updates in its Lagos and south-east zones, which led to the failure to upload candidates’ responses during the first three days of the examination. Oloyede said the problem, which was caused by one of the two technical service providers for the exercise, went undetected before the results were released. He said affected candidates can now retake the examination between May 16 and May 19, 2025. The development has sparked mixed reactions, with Nigerians airing their views across social media platforms. The house of representatives has resolved to probe the examination body over the alleged technical error. ‘SOUTH-EAST MOST AFFEECTED’ In a statement issued on Monday, the lawmakers said the five south-east states were “directly impacted” by the “score distortions”. “Over the week, we have shown restraint and waited for JAMB’s remedial measures in addressing what is clearly a disastrous and catastrophic institutional failure that has shaken the trust and confidence of students and families across the country,” the statement reads. “While we appreciate the fact that instead of concealing or obfuscating, professor Oloyede has come out to admit JAMB’s failure, we state most unequivocally that what JAMB has offered in remediation falls far short of the expectations of our impacted constituents. “Indeed, JAMB’s knee-jerk and fire-brigade approach has neither been sufficient nor desirable. “Traumatised students in the south eastern states, many of whom are still taking their WAEC examinations, have been invited with less than 48 hours’ notice to present themselves to retake the rescheduled UTME examination.” The lawmakers said the notice to the candidates was “far too short” for most of the students, resulting in low turnout. In some cases, the rescheduled date was said to have clashed with ongoing WAEC. “The outcome has been heart-wrenching for students and parents, and agonisingly shambolic, to say the very least,” the legislators said. “However, for the thousands of students across the five south eastern states of Nigeria, the tainted and flawed outcome of the 2025 UTME examination has clearly stripped and denied them of any equal and adequate educational opportunities. “As a result of the above reasons and many more, we call for a total cancellation of the 2025 UTME examinations, and a new date fixed for same across the country. “To this end, we call for the immediate suspension of those at the commanding heights of JAMB’s digital operations and examination logistics. “The Registrar of JAMB is said to be a good man, but leadership must have consequences. We, therefore, call on the registrar of JAMB, professor Ishaq Oloyede, to do the needful, by resigning his appointment, to pave way for a thorough examination and remediation of the root causes of this national shame. “That is the way to go in any civilised democracy, and we expect no less.” The statement was signed by Igariwey Enwo, leader of the south-south caucus in the lower legislative chamber. | JAMB; HOUSE OF REPS; SOUTH EAST; | CABLE | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 21 MAY 2025 | ECOWAS @50: Yakubu Gowon restates Nigeria's foreign policy, acknowledges current challenges facing the bloc | Former Head of State and one of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has reiterated that Nigeria has no permanent enemies or friends, but permanent interests. This was in response to concerns from the West that that country and Africa are increasingly partnering with Russia. He made the remarks at the International Conference on ‘ECOWAS at 50: A Story of Resilience and Integration,’ held in Lagos, and organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), in partnership with Konard-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), in Lagos. On fear of Russia, he said: “During our time, there was also that fear as well that our policies created at that time wouldn’t suit Nigeria. Nigeria does not have a permanent enemy or friend but interests, so that is the way we try to look at problems and to ensure we are able to find some solutions to them. Rest assured that we would make sure such relations do not influence our relationships with those countries, and we take note so we ensure we do not create problems for ourselves.” Acknowledging that ECOWAS is currently undergoing some challenges such as insecurity and exit of three countries, Gowon recalled that though there were different types of governments – military and socialists – in power in the various countries at the time the bloc was established, , everyone acted with a specific interest of driving the region forward. NIIA’s Director-General, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, observed that ECOWAS has, over the last 50 years, proven itself to, perhaps, be the most successful model for regional integration in the Global South. He added that the bloc set the pace for what today is called the African solution to African problems. German Consul General, Weert Börner, reiterated his country’s commitment to ECOWAS. Resident Representative, KAS, Nigeria, Marija Peran, recollected that from inception, the sub-regional body has embodied the aspirations of a people determined to harness their shared destinies in pursuit of integration, peace and sustainable development. Former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, emphasised the need to recognise that ECOWAS is a work in progress, adding that the region would not finish solving its problems. RELATEDLY, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, tasked West African countries on unity and economic stability to foster growth and development in the sub-region. He gave the charge in his speech during the First Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, titled “One Region, One Dream: Advancing the Promise of West Africa.” He said even if physical land borders divide the lands, they must never divide their purpose. Akpabio urged the parliamentarians to use their opportunity of converging on Abuja to renew their pledge to build a united West Africa, where the region’s economies would thrive, cultures flourish, and children inherit a legacy of peace, prosperity, and unshakable unity. The Senate President said: “ECOWAS was never meant to be a concept; it was meant to be a clarion call to every West African. Our journey to greatness has just begun, and together, we can write a new chapter in the history of our beloved region.” | ECOWAS; NIGERIA; FOREIGN POLICY; | GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 21 MAY 2025 | History of Budget Padding in Nigeria: BudgIT Report reveals 11,122 projects worth N6.9trn inserted in the 2025 Budget. Ministry of Budget kicks. | BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation promoting budget transparency and accountability in Nigeria and other African countries, said Tuesday that it uncovered 11,122 projects worth N6.93 trillion that were inserted by the National Assembly into the 2025 national budget. The figure, according to an 18-page report released by the organisation on Tuesday, represents 12.5% of the N54.99 trillion budget signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 28. In December 2024, President Tinubu presented a proposed budget of N49.7 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year to a joint session of the National Assembly. The budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity”, was presented at the House of Representatives chambers in Abuja. Tinubu said the 2025 Appropriation Bill was designed to ensure macroeconomic stability, reduce poverty, promote economic growth, enhance human capital development, and address insecurity. 2027: Tinubu has support of all South East govs – Umahi Akpabio: Lawmakers not elected to fight executives In February 2025, the President requested an upward review of the proposed budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion. The increase, he said, was due to additional revenue generated by key federal agencies: N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), N1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service, and N1.8 trillion from other government-owned agencies. On February 13, 2025, the National Assembly passed a revised budget of N54.99 trillion for the 2025 financial year, further raising the president’s revised proposal by N700 billion. The budget passage followed the presentation of reports by the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations during separate plenaries at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. A detailed analysis of the BudgIT report revealed that 238 projects—each valued above N5 billion and totalling N2.29 trillion—were inserted into the budget with little or no justification. “Also, 984 projects worth N1.71 trillion and 1,119 projects within the range of N500 million to N1 billion, totalling N641.38 billion, were indiscriminately inserted into the budget,” the report stated. Further analysis showed that 3,573 projects worth N653.19 billion were directly assigned to federal constituencies, while 1,972 projects valued at N444.04 billion were allocated to senatorial districts. The report also highlighted numerous questionable projects, including 1,477 streetlight installations worth N393.29 billion, 538 borehole projects totalling N114.53 billion, and 2,122 ICT-related projects valued at N505.79 billion. Additionally, N6.74 billion was earmarked for the “empowerment of traditional rulers”. “Shockingly, 39% of all insertions—4,371 projects worth N1.72 trillion—were forced into the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget, inflating its capital allocation from N242.5 billion to N1.95 trillion,” BudgIT said. The Ministries of Science and Technology, and Budget and Economic Planning, also had their capital votes inflated by insertions to N994.98 billion and N1.1 trillion respectively. | BUDGET PADDING; BUDGIT; | GUARDIAN GUARDIAN | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 21 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: North West Governors endorses Tinubu for 2027 as APC Chairman, Ganduje assures them of automatic 2nd Terms tickets. Baba Ahmed reacts to this. | Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has declared that the people of the North-West will ultimately judge the performance of political leaders in the 2027 general elections, particularly on issues of violence, poverty and insecurity. As part of activities marking the second anniversary of President Tinubu, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has earmarked 19 days for projects’ commissioning. This was part of the decisions taken yesterday at the 14th Executive Committee meeting of FCTA, chaired by Wike. Baba-Ahmed, in a post on his verified X handle while reacting to the endorsement of Tinubu for a second term by the North-West All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, over the weekend, in Kaduna, stated: “The people who will judge all politicians against their exposure to violence, death and poverty have been forgotten. It’s almost as if they think people don’t matter.” At the political gathering, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, moved a motion endorsing Tinubu for a second term in 2027. The motion was seconded by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who also passed a vote of confidence in the President’s leadership. APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, announced that governors in the North-West zone would be granted automatic tickets to contest for a second term during the 2027 elections. Ganduje maintained that Tinubu remained committed to the development of the North-West and the country at large. Responding to the development, Baba-Ahmed posted: “APC governors in North-West recently endorsed PBAT, endorsed themselves and every elected office holder and defectors from the region. They forgot the people who will judge all politicians against their exposure to violence, death and poverty. It’s almost as if they think people don’t matter,” he said. Baba-Ahmed recently resigned from Tinubu’s administration, signalling growing disenchantment among some Northern stakeholders within the ruling party. ACCORDING to a statement by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the commissioning of projects will commence on June 10, 2025 and will go on for 19 days. Some of the projects scheduled for commissioning, The Guardian gathered, include the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, Bus Terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi, as well as Apo/Wassa road. Others are N16 interchange and roads to connect Maitama through Katampe to Jahi, Inner Nothern Expressway from Ring Road 3 (Idu to Kubwa Road), CN8 from N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to Court of Appeal, N20 Flyover Onnex Kubwa Road and Life Junction to Ring Road III. Also, the FCTA Executive Committee approved the award of a contract for the upgrade of streetlights on Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (Ring Road I). The Acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the project was among the seven approved memos submitted by the FCDA for consideration. | NORTH WEST GOVERNORS; FCTA; APC; NIGERIA DECIDES 2027 | GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 21 MAY 2025 | 2026 FCT Area Council Elections: APC pegs Chairmanship forms at N20m, rules out all hopes of automatic tickets | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 FCT Area Council elections, pegging the cost of its chairmanship forms at N20 million and councillorship forms at N2.5 million. According to the schedule signed by APC’s National Organising Secretary, Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will begin on May 22 and close on May 28, while completed forms must be submitted by May 29. Amid speculation about automatic tickets, particularly for recent defectors, the APC FCT Chairman, Alhaji Murthar Abubakar, dismissed such claims. This includes the incumbent chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Speaking at the unveiling of the Yunusa Dantani Sarki (YDS) Foundation in Karimo, Abuja, the AMAC APC Vice Chairman, Saidu Yaro Karishi, who represented Abubakar, stated that no aspirant would be given a free pass. “There is no automatic ticket for anybody for the 2026 AMAC election. Every aspirant will go through the primaries. Everyone must seek votes from the people,” Karishi said. Unveiling his agenda, Hon. Yunusa Dantani Sarki declared his intention to contest the AMAC chairmanship, promising to bridge the divide between indigenes and non-indigenes and end administrative stagnation. Reacting to Maikalangu’s defection, Sarki said the lack of guaranteed tickets gives him confidence. “President Goodluck Jonathan was an incumbent and he was defeated in 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari. The people will decide,” he said. | APC; FCT; AREA COUNCIL; | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 21 MAY 2025 | Dave Umahi makes bold claims, says that inspite of political affiliations, all 5 South-East governors are supporting Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. | In what seemed like setting up Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said all the five South-east governors were already supporting President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, in spite of their political affiliations. This came just as the south east zonal executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, formally re-presented as their nominee for the office of National Secretary, Sunday Ude-Okoye, or the zone would massively pull out of the party. Also, a former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has declared that the forces behind the embattled National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, were not bigger than the South-East caucus of the party. But the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, who stood in for the acting National Chairman, Amb Illya Damagum, told the South East delegation that the National Working Committee (NWC)would look into their request and forward the outcome to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting holding May 27. At the same time, the PDP senators yesterday declared that contrary to claims by their colleagues, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), their party remained strong and would continue to wax stronger. According to a release issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the minister made the statements in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking Tinubu’s second year in office. Umahi, who called on opposition figures in the zone, like Obi, to join the train and back the president, disclosed that a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was nearing completion and users would have to pay a toll effective December 2025. Umahi said, “All the governors in the South-east, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the president.” Of the five governors, those of Imo and Ebonyi belong to All Progressives Congress (APC), the Enugu governor is a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governor of Anambra is of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), while the Abia governor belongs to Labour Party (LP). According to Umahi, the South-east is witnessing a new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development under Tinubu. He said, “The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Tinubu is doing. “Before, when I was governor and deputy governor, one of our major concerns in Ebonyi State was the lack of federal presence. But today, nobody remembers that issue anymore. Under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are ongoing in Ebonyi State.” Umahi stated that while cries of marginalisation used to dominate conversations in the South-east, the current administration had made significant progress in addressing long-standing concerns about infrastructure and appointments. He stated, “Today, the South-east has a Minister of Works for the first time, and we’re seeing real projects—Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge. The president has already paid 30 per cent of the cost of that bridge.” He also hinted of plans by South-east leaders to endorse Tinubu for re-election in 2027. Umahi said, “We’re even planning a summit to bring together all South-east leaders to endorse the president for the 2027 elections formally. We want our projects to be completed, the country’s unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo.” Umahi urged key regional opposition figures to align with the president for the greater good of the South-east. He stated, “Leadership is not about self – it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President. “He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South-east is happy with the president.” Providing updates on four major national projects—the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the soon-to-be-procured Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor—Umahi described them as transformative investments designed to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and deepen regional integration. On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the minister revealed that over 80 per cent of Section 1—spanning 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and terminating at Eleko Junction—had been completed. He said work was also progressing on Section 2, which covers 55 kilometres, from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border. According to Umahi, “By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages. “It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways. “Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B—65 kilometres in total—covering 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom. The host communities’ excitement speaks to these projects’ transformative impact.” On the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the minister explained its historic significance, and stated that the route was conceived during the Shehu Shagari administration over four decades ago. “The Trans-Saharan Trade Route dates back to colonial-era planning. President Tinubu is now bringing these long-abandoned visions to life,” he said. Commending the president’s leadership and foresight, Umahi said, “God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, he is actualising that vision. These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians.” He reaffirmed that the legacy projects were economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and forward-looking. S’East PDP Re-presents Ude-Okoye for Nat’l Secretary, Says It Will Quit If Rejected The south east PDP zonal executive committee has re-presented as their nominee for the office of National Secretary, Sunday Ude-Okoye, or the zone would massively pull out of the party. Senator Osita Ngwu, who read the communique of the Southeast caucus read and handed over their position to Arapaja said, “Mr. Chairman, on the 14th of May, 2025, the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee met at Enugu State Government House and a forum was fully formed. “After the meeting, a committee was raised and the reason why we visited here today is to make a presentation of the communique that was issued at the end of the meeting. ‘’Mr. Chairman, if you recall, on March 31st, 2025, the Supreme Court, which is the apex court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, brought to a closure the protracted issue surrounding the puzzle of the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party. “Following that judgment of the Supreme Court, the PDP Governors’ Forum also met in Oyo State on the 14th of April, 2025, and passed a resolution. You can also recall that here, at the National Office on April 29th, the National Working Committee met and adopted that resolution of the governor’s forum. “And what is that resolution? The resolution is that the South East Zonal Executive Committee should meet and nominate a candidate that will fill in the position of the National Secretary. Mr. Chairman, I need to remind us, or make it clear, that the position of the South East on this issue has always been to find a pathway to a lasting resolution of the impacts and crisis in the PDP. “And also, in all intent and purpose, to ensure that this party continues to progress well. We are looking for a lasting peace so that we can perform better in the upcoming and subsequent election. ‘’Mr. Chairman, from our communique, which is in this report that I am going to hand over to you, and in the meeting that was recently held by the South East Executive Committee of the party at the Zonal Office, we unanimously agreed and nominated the former youth leader of the party, Rt. Honorable S.K. Ude-Okoye, to be our nominee for the position of the National Secretary of our great party, the PDP.” Continuing, he said, ‘’Mr. Chairman, we are going to give you this report, and our prayers and our urge and our appeal is that this party should carefully look through even other precedents that have been set in replacement of National Working Committee members or other officers of the committee of the PDP that has been done. We are not trying to set a precedent. We are not trying to do a new thing because precedent has been set.’ ‘’We are asking you to look at a zone, who has been the backdrop and backbone of the PDP, a zone who has delivered all the National Assembly members, all governors to the PDP in the past, a zone that is eager to redeem its past glory. We are praying that the request of this zone should not be jeopardized. Let us look at it based on the point of its merits. ‘’Let it be a stepping stone in our urge and our drive to reposition our party. We are not here to make another request, but we are speaking to our consciences so that whatever decision that is taken at the end should be for the interest of the party and a position that is going to support us, a position that is going to lift the morale of the members of this great party towards a sustainable growth and a path of recovery.’’ In the last paragraph of the communique, the caucus however threatened that there would be a mass defection, if their request was not heeded. Receiving their position, Arapaja said, ‘’This resolution will be discussed at the end of the day, during our next meeting. We will decide on the way forward, and that decision will be forwarded to the NEC which I am quite sure you know is fast approaching. We will look at it, we will do justice to it, we will do our best. ‘’But, you know, when we transmit it to the NEC, which I am quite sure most of the members are present there, some of our leaders who are not here as well, who are members of NEC as well, so we can find a lasting solution jointly to it. ‘’But there is something that I read somewhere, but I will ask that you will consider your position with the PDP. You didn’t mention it here but I think everybody already read it. Well, I know you are not happy with the situation, and it’s inevitable in any political party, as big as it this. It’s a natural political practice. We are able to speak, to express our opinion. ‘’I know you are not happy and I understand why you are not happy, but even as you are angry out there, we can find a solution. It’s like a landlord running out of his own house, because the house is leaking. So, we’ll do our best. What we’ll do is to fix the problem, and I know we can do it, together we can do it. There is a solution. “This is the only party that belongs to the people. Yes, it doesn’t belong to anybody. It’s the only party where you can feel peaceful, you can express your opinion. It’s just like that in any family. So, I want to appeal that. We can do it. We can resolve it. And I know we will resolve it. And I know, and I’m quite sure, that PDP will overcome. ‘’As I said, the resolution will be thoroughly discussed. We’ll do our best and as you know, NEC has the final say,’’ Arspajs stated. Meanwhile, Udenwa, has declared that the forces behind Anyanwu were not bigger than the South-East Caucus of the party. Udenwa made the remark while insisting that the South-East Caucus of the PDP stood with Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary. Featuring on Arise Television’s Programme, Morning Show, the former governor faulted the decision of the committee led by Senate President, Bukola Saraki to recognise Anyanwu as National Secretary. He insisted that Anyanwu’s tenure ended when he opted to contest the governorship election in Imo State. “For some time, for over one year, we have been on this issue. The South-East zonal executive committee kept nominating Ude-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary. “If we are to continue on that line, it’s our prerogative to continue on that line and we have been asked severally to present a candidate and we have done it. If there is any contrary recommendation, then we are left to present our own candidate. “We do know that the committee should be able to resolve the crisis and it should not come up with what is contrary to the recommendation as this is our candidate. “As far as we are concerned, Anyanwu’s tenure ended when he opted to contest for governorship. He gave up his position as National Secretary and it’s left for us as the South-East Caucus to represent another candidate. “We have done that three times now – if our presentation is being turned down, it means nobody wants us to make presentation again and we have made our position very clear. “I don’t believe that whatever forces are behind Anyanwu are stronger than the South-East Caucus of the party. It can never be because the South-East Caucus is an established zone within the party. If that caucus takes a decision, it’s binding and our recommendation to the national can’t be taken away. “Wike is a member of the party, NEC and a former governor of the party, so that is as far as his own power goes. I don’t know what extra power he has but whatever such powers may be can never equate to a zonal caucus of the party. “This party has a constitution and a way of doing things; we can’t arrogate to one man the powers to override what a zone can do. I don’t know any man within the party with such powers,” Udenwa said. PDP Senators: Our Party Waxing Strong PDP senators have declared that contrary to claims by their colleagues who recently defected to the ruling APC, their party remained strong and would continue to wax stronger. Rising from its meeting at the National Assembly, the Senate PDP Caucus, in a statement, assured the people that there was no crisis in the main opposition party. They specifically said, “Contrary to insinuations that the party is in shreds and on the verge of collapse, our party remains strong and will continue to wax stronger. The PDP Senate Caucus observes that the current conflicts in the PDP is not unique to the party. “All the other parties such as the All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party, the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party, the Social Democratic Party, among others, have their own shares of crisis and conflicts. “The Senate Caucus of the PDP, therefore, urges all our teaming members to remain resolute in their commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the Party. “The Caucus believes that the series of activities lined up by the leadership of the Party will throw up a new lease of life and leadership in the Party that will make it competitive in future elections. “The Senate Caucus of the PDP states further that the beauty of democracy is in the existence of robust opposition to keep the ruling party in check to ensure good governance. “Celebrating of the emasculation of other parties and tilting towards a one party state will not advance the cause of democracy. The Senate Caucus of the PDP states that it is not averse to the idea and ideals of coalition. “The Caucus observes the synthesisation of ideas and creating a harmony of ideals will further the beauty of democracy. However, the Caucus advises that any such coalition should be driven by political parties and not individuals. “As the biggest of all the opposition parties, the PDP’s Umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of Coalition. The Peoples Democratic Party, therefore, should drive the Coalition if and when it becomes necessary. “Finally, the Senate Caucus of the PDP states emphatically that the party is a big brand that is competitive. In all nooks and crannies of Nigeria, there are PDP members.” | APC; 2027 ELECTION; PDP; DAVID UMAHI; TINUBU; NIGERIA DECIDES 2027 | THISDAY | ||||
| CABLE | 22 MAY 2025 | APC holds National Summit today, 22 May 2025, tags it "Dialogue, Reflection and Strategic Planning” | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has invited stakeholders to a national summit scheduled for May 22. Themed ‘Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far’, the summit will hold at the Banquet Hall of the presidential villa in Abuja. The event is designed as a platform for “dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning for the future of our great party and the nation”. According to the invitation signed by Ajibola Basiru, APC national secretary, the summit is expected to bring together party chieftains across all levels. Participants will include President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives. Also listed are governors, federal lawmakers, former officeholders and members of the national caucus and executive committees. “All members of the national and zonal executive committees of the APC are invited,” Basiru wrote. The invitation extends to all ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, as well as members of the 2023 presidential campaign council. Stakeholders from the state assemblies, including speakers and deputy speakers who are APC members, are also expected to attend. Others listed include zonal officers of the party, diaspora representatives, youth and women’s wings, as well as media and social media influencers. The notice added that each geopolitical zone would be represented by two persons from various affiliated groups, including youths, women, the media, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The summit will also host state organising secretaries, publicity secretaries and youth leaders. Seven additional stakeholders are expected to be nominated from each state to join the deliberations. | APC; NATIONAL SUMMIT; NIGERIA DECIDES 2027 | CABLE | ||||
| TRIBUNE ONLINE | 22 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: Prospects for new coalition deepens as ADC set to meet opposition leaders today | LEADERS of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are to hold a crucial meeting in Abuja today following its choice by the promoters of the Coalition of Political leaders to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidency. The meeting, which will receive the report of the two negotiating teams set up by the ADC in the wake of negotiation, followed indication that key opposition figures – including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-governors Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Kayode Fayemi – have settled on the ADC as the preferred platform for a grand coalition to unseat President Tinubu. The decision of the main opposition figures was reached at a high-level meeting held Tuesday night in Abuja, where the influential political actors resolved that the ADC presents the most viable structure for their united front. Following the feelers, the ADC leaders fixed today for the negotiating committees to brief the national organs of the party on their assignments with the party expected to ratify strategies to be adopted by the rainbow coalition to achieve its primary goal. The meeting is the climax of more than six months of consultation and negotiation involving ADC team, other like-minds, leaders of the coalition across the country on the planned all inclusive movement to confront the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election. It was learnt that some ADC stalwarts met behind closed doors, on Wednesday, in the federal capital as part of preparations for today’s briefing by the negotiating teams. One of the negotiating committees of the ADC is led by the deputy national chairman of the party, Dr Bamidele Ganiyu Ajadi, while the second one is headed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the ADC, Dr Mani Ibrahim Aman. The national chairman of ADC, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, who confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune on the phone, the stakeholders’ meeting of the party taking place today, said further details would provided after briefing by the negotiating teams. “We have two negotiating teams. One of them is Dr Bamidele Ganiyu Ajadi and the second one is headed by Dr Manny Aman. I am not a member of any of the coalition negotiating committees. I’m not a member of any of the committees, but the joint team has been going round the country to hold consultations with high-profile politicians and influential individuals across all major strata of the society. “The idea is to bring together the patriots because Nigeria needs a rescue now. So, our negotiating teams are going to brief the NWC tomorrow. Until after that meeting, we cannot say much. “We have been meeting for more than six months. The meetings have been going on in all parts of the country because one, it is not only about political parties. All those involved are meeting with civil societies; they are meeting with patriotic Nigerians, who are concerned about the way things are going in our country. “Tomorrow, we will have our own meetings. They will brief us and we take our decision. May be you hear about the breaking news concerning the coalition more formally. Advancing more reasons for the coalition, the ADC national chairman said: “The patriots in Nigeria want to come together to rescue the country as our democracy is going down. One cannot understand why 75.5 percent of Nigerians would be living below poverty line. It is inexplicable. “Members of the negotiating teams are coming to brief all the members of the National working Committee (NWC0 and the National Executive Committee of the ADC today. “I can’t give you further details until we finish our meeting tomorrow,” Nwosu stated. Meanwhile, in a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election, the key opposition figures agreed that the ADC presents the most viable structure for their united front. The meeting, according to reliable sources, was the culmination of months of strategic consultations, backchannel negotiations, and quiet alliance-building among various political interests disillusioned with the current trajectory of governance under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Sources familiar with the deliberations told Nigerian Tribune that several party platforms were considered, but the ADC emerged as the consensus choice due to its neutral posture, flexible internal structures, and national spread – qualities deemed essential for a multi-party coalition. “Yes, they have adopted a coalition platform,” a senior associate of Atiku confirmed on condition of anonymity. “They chose the African Democratic Congress as the operational base for this historic alliance.” To operationalize the coalition, a number of committees have now been constituted to work out key modalities, including harmonisation of structures, development of a joint policy agenda, and the integration of various support groups. These committees are expected to produce a framework that will pave the way for a formal unveiling of the coalition and its roadmap to 2027. A source privy to the negotiations said the birth of the coalition was the outcome of intense and often discreet political engineering aimed at building a credible alternative to the APC. “What you’re seeing is the result of several meetings, some of which involved fierce arguments and delicate compromises. But as of last night, the coalition was effectively born.” Interestingly, the ADC was not always the publicly touted option. Insiders revealed that speculation around the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was part of a deliberate strategy to misdirect the ruling party and avoid premature disruption. “There was never a firm decision to go with the SDP,” one coalition insider noted. “That was a decoy, and it served its purpose.” Within Atiku’s camp, the mood is said to be cautiously optimistic. According to close aides, the former vice president sees the coalition as a rare opportunity for Nigeria’s fragmented opposition to close ranks and offer a credible alternative leadership vision. “This is no longer about party labels – it’s about rescuing Nigeria. That’s the message they’re uniting around,” said one source. While there have been concerns over lingering divisions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), coalition leaders are reportedly confident that these internal disagreements can be resolved in time. “We’re working on the theory that time, pressure, and the reality of the moment will force unity. Everyone understands what is at stake,” a participant at the Abuja meeting said. The formal announcement of the ADC as the coalition platform is expected in the coming weeks, as committee work wraps up and broader consultations continue across the political spectrum. If successful, the coalition could mark the most formidable challenge yet to President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, bringing together an unlikely alliance of former rivals and ideological foes united by a shared goal: removing the APC from power in 2027. | ADC; COALITION; NIGERIA DECIDES 2027; PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION | TRIBUNE | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 22 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: PDP Senators & House of Reps members from Osun and Benue publicly endorse Tinubu. APC National Secretary challenges them to extend the gesture by dumping PDP to join APC. | The three Peoples Democratic Parties (PDP) senators from Osun, yesterday, endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. Also, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the two chambers of the National Assembly, from Benue State, yesterday, endorsed Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. But the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who is a member of the PDP, was absent at the endorsement venue. From Osun, Senators Kamarudeen Lere Oyewumi (PDP, Osun West), Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajagunla (PDP, Osun Central), and Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (PDP, Osun East), made the declaration yesterday in a communiqué issued in Abuja. They expressed their steadfast support for President Tinubu’s continued leadership. “This overwhelming endorsement goes beyond mere symbolism. It is a clear reflection of genuine confidence and satisfaction with President Tinubu’s delivery of democratic dividends. “There is no credible opposition within our ranks, the entire Osun State stands resolutely united behind this historic decision,” part of the communique read. Excited at the development, the National Secretary of the APC, and governorship hopeful in the state, Senator Ajibola Basiru, commended the bold moves by the PDP senators. Basiru, in a statement by his Campaign Organisation, and signed by Prof. Remi Ajala, urged the senators to extend the gesture by leaving the PDP, for the progressive camp, adding that, “They have done what the Yoruba would call Omoluabi. “The public recognition by the PDP senators of President Tinubu’s achievements is another testimonial that Nigeria is working under our leader and moving towards the clear path of development.” From Benue, the APC Caucus in the federal legislature also called for greater synergies between their governor, Hyacinth Alia, the relevance security agencies and the federal government, in ending the incessant insecurity in the state. The endorsement of Tinubu came on the heels of defections, supports and top gear politicking across the country, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Addressing journalists at the National Assembly on behalf of his Colleague, Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue North East) and the entire 10 House of Representatives members, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West), said the endorsement was in appreciation of the many laudable projects and massive interventions by President Tinubu in Benue. | PDP; OSUN; OPPOSITION; TINUBU; APC | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 22 MAY 2025 | "Stop politicising educational issues," JAMB Registrar clings to seat, says calls for resignation were fuelled by ignorance and misinformation. | Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has rejected demands by critics for his resignation following challenges during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Speaking yesterday during a meeting with key stakeholders, including chief external examiners and civil society organisations, in Abuja, Oloyede dismissed the calls for his resignation, stating that those criticising his leadership lack the competence to question his stewardship. “Truck pushers cannot direct pilots,” he said, in reference to critics whom he believed were unqualified to advise on matters of education. In a related development, JAMB announced it will conduct another mop-up examination for candidates who missed their just-concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Oloyede acknowledged the emotional strain experienced while announcing the UTME results but clarified that it was not indicative of institutional weakness. He stressed that JAMB remained committed to resolving issues affecting the examination process. He also rejected any suggestion that administrative failures were due to incompetence or ethnic bias. Oloyede stated, “JAMB will conduct a special mop-up examination for candidates who missed the 2025 UTME for genuine reasons, covering approximately 5.6 per cent of total candidates. “We are creating a new mop-up. Even those who missed the earlier exam due to absence will be given another opportunity. It’s not extraordinary. In any academic setting, makeup exams are normal.” Oloyede’s remarks followed demands for his resignation, particularly from the South-east Caucus of the House of Representatives, following controversies that trailed this year’s UTME. He emphasised that JAMB was committed to inclusiveness and fairness in the exam process and reassured stakeholders that the mop-up will ensure no candidate was unjustly left out. He said, “People say, ‘Where is he from?’ That never mattered to me. I’ve worked with people based on their competence, not their ethnicity. The idea that this is a conspiracy is baseless.” He added that many public reactions were fuelled by ignorance and misinformation, calling on stakeholders and the media to stop politicising educational issues. Oloyede also reminded the public that UTME was a placement test, not a measure of intelligence. “UTME ranks candidates for available spaces in tertiary institutions. It is not the final measure of a student’s intelligence or future,” he said. He stressed that university admissions took into account multiple criteria, including post-UTME scores and institutional assessments. The registrar spoke emotionally about the suicide of a 19-year-old candidate, Opesusi Timilehin, over low UTME scores and called for a minute of silence in her honour during the meeting. “That tragedy broke all of us. Unfortunately, there were also false reports – some parents called me pretending their children had died, only to ask for money later,” Oloyede claimed. He revealed he initially considered resigning over the incident but was persuaded to stay the course by those who believed the candidates needed his continued leadership. Oloyede explained, “When this happened, my first reaction was to resign. But people advised me that the students will never forgive you – it would appear as though you abandoned them in their moment of need.” While many expected the results of the rescheduled UTME to be released on Wednesday, Oloyede was silent on the issue during the meeting. However, JAMB spokesperson Dr. Fabian Benjamin, assured that the results will be released shortly via an official press statement. Oloyede concluded the session by expressing gratitude to stakeholders and reaffirming his commitment to accountability, transparency, and fairness in the conduct of JAMB’s duties. “Let us not descend to the level of opportunists exploiting challenges for personal or political gain. We will fix what went wrong and continue to build an examination system Nigeria can be proud of,” he said. The JAMB registrar added, “But when things started happening and people are saying, ‘Which one is you?’ which is unfortunate because you need not look at where you come from. But I never knew, because I knew him as a human being who was performing his services. So please, let us not descend to the level of those people who are out there. “I say it for the fourth time that no conspiracy theory is relevant to this case. There is nothing to say north, south, or that you buy more outside. Something happened like people who have been doing something well for years and something just went wrong. I did not throw them under the bus. No.” He further urged stakeholders to stop ethnic profiling of education and criticised those who exploit difficulties to promote ethnic or conspiracy-driven narratives. He asserted that many criticisms of JAMB’s operations were rooted in ignorance. The registrar commended his team’s efforts and stressed that JAMB did not discriminate based on background or ethnicity. | JAMB; UTME; REGISTRAR; | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 22 MAY 2025 | Hope for Peace in Rivers State? Wike and Fubara camps move toward reconciliation. | After a lull, a fresh dimension is creeping into the Rivers State political impasse. The war of words, especially on social media and radio stations, and the chaotic atmosphere being created by supporters of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is apparently waning. Checks by The Guardian showed that supporters of both camps are now posting peaceful content and emphasising the need to give peace a chance. This is coming barely 11 days after Fubara urged his supporters to tone down, and also, Wike’s recent comment that the suspended governor remains “his boy and son”. Wike, in the interview, admitted that he was not fighting Fubara, but instead, those around him who plan to “reap where they did not sow.” Findings showed that both Wike and Fubara have been meeting behind closed doors recently. Stakeholders in the state, especially some supporters of Fubara, have condemned the conditions itemised by Lloyd for proper reconciliation. In an interview in Port Harcourt, the lawmaker had listed conditions for reconciliation. But a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chizi Enyi, criticised the former Emohua Local Council boss for issuing the conditions. | RIVERS STATE; WIKE; FUBARA | GUARDIAN | ||||
| CHANNELSTV | 23 MAY 2025 | PAYBACK TIME? FG files criminal charge against Senator Natasha Akpoti over assasination claims | The Federal Government has instituted a suit against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over alleged defamatory remarks made on live television. Advertisement The suit filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on May 16, 2025, has Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant. The government accused the senator of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person”, citing Section 391 of the penal code, CAP 89, laws of the federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law. The list of witnesses shows that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, will testify during the trial. One of the charges is linked to the allegations Akpoti-Uduaghan, wherein she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her. The Federal Government is accusing the Senator of “making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person,” citing Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law. Advertisement FG accused the Senator of having, in the TV interview, made an imputation concerning Senator Akpabio, saying that, “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me. “Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks. He then emphasized that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. “What is important to me is to stay alive, because dead men tell no tales, who is going to get justice for me?” a statement FG said, the Senator knew or had reason to believe that such imputations would harm the reputation of the Senate President. In count two, Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of “Making an imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person, contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, and punishable under Section 392 of the same Law. “That you, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on or about the 3rd day of April 2025, during the same Politics Today programme on Channels Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, made the following imputation concerning Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State. “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me. When he met with him, he then emphasized that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. “You knew or had reason to believe that such imputations would harm the reputation of Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State”, the charge added. She was also accused of having, on or about March 27, 2025, during a two-way telephone conversation with one Sandra C. Duru in Abuja, made the following imputation concerning Senator Akpabio, to wit: “That girl that was killed, what’s her name, umm Imoren Iniubong, her organs were actually used for the wife, because the wife was really ill… when they killed the girl, and her organs were used for the wife. “You knew or had reason to believe that such imputation would harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio”, the Federal Government alleged in the charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for her arraignment. | FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; ASSASINATION; NATASHA AKPOTI; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 23 MAY 2025 | Outcome of APC National Summit: Members drum up overwhelming support for Tinubu as Akpabio claims more politicians are pressing to join the "moving train." | With just less than two years to the 2027 general election, President Bola Tinubu, has begun to consolidate his chances ahead of a potential second term run with an expanding party base amid dwindling opposition that has been hit by mass defections to the ruling party. At the same time, the opposition coalition, too, has started to mull the options before it, chief of which is to either align with one of the existing parties or form a new one. This is coming on the heels of a major boost to the President’s 2027 potential bid, as key apparatchiks of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors of the party, members of the national assembly and other stakeholders endorsed him for another term in office yesterday. However, Tinubu, for the first time yesterday, reacted to the unceasing defection from the opposition parties to the APC and the alleged decent to one-party state, saying, “don’t blame a people bailing out a sinking ship. I am expecting more to come.” The president, who insisted that the development reflected democratic choices, not one-party threat, promised that the next two years would be great for the Nigerian people. Tinubu, who spoke at the APC National Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, also stressed that the 1999 Constitution guaranteed freedom of movement and association. According to him, it’s one party that was ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians. “You don’t blame a people bailing out a sinking ship. I am expecting more to come, that is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy that guarantees the freedom of movement and the freedom of association. Welcome to the progressives,” he said. Responding to concerns that the influx of prominent figures joining the APC could lead Nigeria to a one-party state, the president asserted that the defections demonstrated the democratic preferences and ambitions of the populace. Tinubu, who was assertive, promised to lead the nation to the promise land. “I’m glad about what we have and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. We’re in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget the freedom of movement and the freedom of association are not criminally punishable. “Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean. The endorsement today, the ‘carry go’ expression—I know road. We will lead you on to that promised land,” he declared. Tinubu’s comments came amid mounting concerns in opposition circles that the political landscape might be tilting dangerously toward single-party dominance. He gave reassurances on the nation’s economic trajectory, stating that the administration’s efforts to revamp Nigeria’s economy were yielding results. His words: “The resuscitation of the Nigerian economy is on course. The hope is standing before you—take it on. You are the leaders and the conscience of this country. Nigeria will be industrialised. The next two years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision.” Referring to party faithful and supporters, some of whom might feel left out of political appointments thus far, the president called for more patience and trust. “To many of you I have not offered political positions, be patient, many things are coming,” he said, signaling a broader inclusion strategy as his administration advances. On the fuel subsidy removal policy, which his administration owned two years ago after it was removed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu said it was well justified, noting that a large chunk of savings from the subsidy regime had gone into healthcare provision, education and security. The president, however, described his deputy, Kashim Shettima as a member of his administration’s think tank. “Mr Vice President, even if I will stand on existing protocol, I will recognise you because you are a member of the Think tank,” he said. 2027: APC Apparatchiks Endorse Tinubu The path to the 2027 presidential election might have begun to ease off for President Tinubu with about two years to the end of his first term as the governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s National Assembly caucus and other members of the APC have thrown their weight behind the president’s re-election. The vote of confidence passed on the president came at the APC National Summit held on yesterday at the Banquet hall of the Presidential Villa. The event, which was meant to review the midterm performance of the Tinubu administration was turned to an endorsement summit for his re-election bid. Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, revealed that APC governors met at their meeting on Wednesday and expressed satisfaction on the midterm performance of the president. “As I speak only this afternoon, members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum met at my lodge and took five different decisions to bring to the leadership and members of our great party. Taking advantage of this summit that we are satisfied with, the mid term review and performance evaluation report of the Renewed Hope Agenda. “We are aware that Nigerian nation is moving in the right direction, economically, socially and politically, and that we are convinced that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria will get to her destination faster in prosperity. “We have made the resolution of these governors that the president to be used and be Adopted as our flag bearer for 2027 presidential election, for the second time in office. “That the governors produced by All Progressive Congress are hereby charged to take responsibility to manage federal government policies, occupied the political space in their domains and take responsibility for winning all elections in their states,” he said. Uzodinma, therefore, moved a motion that Tinubu be adopted as the party’s candidate in 2027, and the motion was seconded by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani. President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on his part, said though things were difficult for Tinubu in 2023, he could see everything turning around for him in 2027. Akpabio recalled that during the campaign for 2023 elections, large rallies in some regions were organised but when votes were announced, Tinubu could not get 25 per cent from those regions. “So, there is no need for eloquent speeches. Let the results that will come in 2027 reflect the action and the speeches that we are saying here today. “Please note that in politics, it’s not over until it’s over. It’s the tree that bears the sweetest fruit that also gets the highest amount of stones. “So, everything said here will show that yes, you are on course. You did it in Lagos, you are doing it in Nigeria. Even Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, has changed. The diplomats have confirmed that. This was not the way it was before you came. The economy has changed. “But the reality is that we are not there yet, and we don’t want them there. Of course, Mischief makers are still meeting in the night, so politics is the game of witchcraft. They meet in the night, and things change in the day.” On a lighter note, Akpabio faulted Uzodinma for moving the motion to pass vote of confidence in Tinubu, saying as members of the legislative arm, they were in better position to move the motion while Abbas seconded. On that premise, he said, “I move that the president be returned as the candidate of the APC in 2027 and as the President of Nigeria.” The motion was seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. Abbas, while speaking, noted that as they turned their gaze on 2027, they must acknowledge both the achievements they had made and the challenges that lay ahead. He said this was the time for every APC stakeholder to intensify grassroots engagement, articulate the achievements of the administration in clear and compelling terms. Abbas added: “Now is the time for every APC stakeholder to take our message directly to our communities. An electoral victory in 2027 will not be won on paper alone. It can only be secured by the confidence we inspire among our people. “We can only inspire confidence by demonstrating how our policies are improving people’s lives and how they will continue to enhance the lives of Nigerians. “All of us must effectively market the successes of the Tinubu Administration, specifically the recovery of fiscal health, the job creation drive, the expansion of infrastructure, and the security gains. “Every APC governor, every APC Senator and Member, every Minister and Commissioner, every Special Adviser and Assistant, every Board Member, and indeed every political appointee of this government must also collaborate with the president to translate his initiatives into tangible benefits that resonate with citizens across every ward.” In his remarks, the National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, said the forum was not only meant to serve as a convergence of ideas and ideals but as a moment of reflection on where the party stood, what it has achieved, and what lay ahead for it and the country. He said at the heart of their current political and developmental journey was the Renewed Hope Agenda – a bold and necessary blueprint put forth by Tinubu. He stressed that the agenda was not just a political slogan; it was a comprehensive vision aimed at resetting the foundations of governance, restoring economic vibrancy, and instilling a renewed sense of national purpose. He said when the president campaigned on the Renewed Hope Agenda, he was not offering empty slogans, he was presenting a contract with the Nigerian people, a bold vision for economic revitalisation, institutional renewal, and inclusive development. According to him, “Barely two years now into his administration, we can confidently say that Renewed Hope is no longer a vision on paper, it is a reality in motion.” Ganduje noted that as the governing party, they must rise as the first and most steadfast defenders and implementers of this vision and as progressives. “As I stand before you, I must stress this truth: we cannot go into the future divided, unprepared, or reactive. The challenges of our nation require a cohesive, disciplined, and ideologically sound party. “Our goal must not only be to win elections, but to lead with purpose, to earn the trust of Nigerians continuously, and to inspire belief in governance again,” he added. APC N’Central Backs Tinubu’s Re-election At another function, the APC North Central zone has also endorsed Tinubu to run for another tenure of four years ahead of the 2027 elections. The political leaders from the zone made their decision known on Wednesday night in Abuja at the APC North Central zone stakeholders’ meeting. The motion to endorse Tinubu for 2027 was moved by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. While reading the communique after the meeting, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdulahi Sule commended the president for the numerous developmental strides being executed across the North Central zone. The communique was jointly signed by Akume, Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Sule, Rev. Fr .dr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Umar Bago of Niger, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Senator Simon Lalong, and Mr. Zaphani Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties. Sule added that from infrastructure projects, road rehabilitation, educational upgrades, to rural electrification and agricultural initiatives, the positive impact of his Renewed Hope Agenda was gradually transforming the region into a hub of opportunity and growth. The governor stressed that the region acknowledged these efforts as a clear demonstration of the president’s sincere commitment to equity and national development. “We, the leaders and critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North Central Geo-Political Zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, after extensive deliberations on matters of national importance and regional development at our strategic meeting held on Tuesday, May 21st, 2025, at the Lagos/Osun Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, hereby resolve as follows: “Unanimously pass a vote of confidence in the President’s leadership and endorsement for second term: “Having critically examined the current trajectory of national governance and noting the courage, foresight, and tenacity with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has steered the ship of State amidst daunting challenges, we unanimously pass a vote of confidence in his administration. “In furtherance of this conviction, we wholeheartedly endorse President Tinubu to contest for a second term in office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2027, in order to consolidate the gains of his reforms and bring them to full fruition.” The North Central leaders also passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the party led by Ganduje for promoting internal democracy, party unity, and progressive governance. Sule added that they affirmed their unwavering loyalty and alignment with the core ideals of the APC. Earlier, the Coordinator of North Central APC and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazaq said despite the transitional inconveniences of the early stage, the president’s reforms were bearing good fruits, and the future looks bright. Noting that this was clear from all measurable economic indices, Abdukrazaq commended the president for the national forest guards policy, saying the bold effort placedlocal communities at the heart of our national security strategy. According to him, “It is a policy that we are confident will effectively secure our forests and curtail activities that are inimical to the safety of lives and property and the territorial integrity of our nation. The North Central has never been this favoured in national reckoning. Yet our region stands to gain a lot more. At this meeting, Ganduje commended the president for providing the enabling environment for the party and for also executing reforms that are positive, making the ruling party attractive for people to feel that APC was a party to join. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev. Others were former Governors Yahaya Bello, Tanko Almakura, Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Ahmed Wase, former deputy speaker, House of Representatives; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, among others. | APC; NATIONAL SUMMIT; AKPABIO; | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 23 MAY 2025 | Opposition Coalition mulls registration of a new political party to contend with APC | Opposition coalition against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, has entered a new phase with the appointment of a two-term Senate President, David Mark, as its chairman. Also, a former Minister of Power and Steel and former governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke was appointed the chairman of a committee to determine whether to continue with existing political party. At the same time, the immediate past Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi, was nominated to chair the committee to consider the registration of a new political party against the APC in the 2027 general election. These details were disclosed by the convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Dr. Umar Ardo, after a meeting where they resolved to join the coalition of opposition against the APC. In a communique signed by the chairman of the League of Northern Democrats, Ibrahim Shekarau and Ardo, they said, ‘’We resolved to support the National Opposition Coalition Group chaired by Senator President David Mark in driving the transitional politics towards the 2027 general election.’’ He also said the National coalition group against APC appointed two committees to decide whether to join any of the existing political parties and to register a new political party for the coalition to join. Accordingly, Ardo said, “Dr. Liyel Imoke is to chairs committee on whether to continue the coalition on existing political party. Also, Rotimi Amaechi is to chair the committee whether to register a new party for the coalition exercise.” On the League of Northern Democrats, Ardo explained that, ‘’We approved our constitution and minutes of previous meetings and directed the legal adviser to conclude the process of the registration of LND as an association. ‘’We resolved to contribute in the dialogue on either registering a new political party or fuse into an existing one. ‘’We resolved that our first option is to register a new party in order to accommodate many independent members of the larger established political parties who currently feel reluctant to move into a smaller party but who are willing to move out to form a new party. ‘’In the alternative, to fuse into an existing party as a primary and necessary alternative. We resolve to coordinate a meeting of a larger various northern groups as agreed a few weeks ago in the ACF meeting in Kaduna to solidify northern positions. “We resolve to mobilise Northern Nigerians to pressure the government, particularly the NASS leadership, to uphold the provisions of the Constitution which they swore to do. ‘’To this end, we resolve to mobilise Nigerians to a civil resistance against the leaderships of NASS to force them to declare the seats of all the legislators in Delta and Kebbi States, who cross-carpeted to other political parties as stipulated by Sections of the constitution. ‘’We resolved to engage the 19 Northern governors on their seeming inertia to the terrible situation in the North – endemic poverty, state of destitution of our people, insecurity, unemployment, and the appalling economic crisis in the region, which we concluded is as a result of poor governance at the state and local government levels,” the communique stated. Amaechi’s C’ttee Submits Report Meanwhile, the Rotimi Amaechi committee of the opposition coalition has submitted its report, recommending the formation of a new political party with the name All Democratic Alliance (ADA). A document sighted by THISDAY, and signed by Amaechi, titled: ‘’Justification for the Founding of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) and dated May 20, claimed that, ‘’The All Democratic Alliance (ADA) is envisioned not merely as a political party but as a national renaissance movement, deeply rooted in democratic idealism.” On justice, and visionary leadership, the document stated that, “ADA offers a credible, people-centered alternative to existing political formations, aiming to unify all or most of the nation’s opposition groups and individuals and re-establish trust and common purpose amongst themselves.” Discussing the strategic timing and political opportunity, the report stated that, “Rising public disillusionment with both ruling and opposition parties has created a political vacuum. “ADA is uniquely positioned to capture the aspirations of patriotic elites, youths, professionals, and disenchanted voters. Offers a real alternative to the current political system and Channel the growing demand for national healing and competent leadership.” Hinting at the guiding philosophy and ethical compass, it stated that, ‘’ADA is founded on moral clarity, drawing inspiration from the enduring symbolism of a Tree— representing: Strength and Stability, Wisdom and Knowledge, Growth and Renewal.” With heritage and tradition, it stated that the party “seeks to redefine leadership in Nigeria based on vision, merit, ethical governance and public spirit. ‘’The Logo, Manifesto and Constitution encapsulate the symbolic power of the party, its Vision and Mission and Core Objectives, all outlining the ideological principles and values on which the party stands,” adding that, “The Motto of the party is Justice for All.” In view of this, the committee stated that, ‘’The All Democratic Alliance is not just viable — it is imperative for Nigeria’s survival and renewal. Its founding principles, structure and vision reflect a strategic, moral and political readiness to contest and win the 2027 general elections.” The Sub-Committee therefore urged the coalition to ‘’Adopt the registration of a new political party asits first approach to engaging the incumbent for the 2023-2027 transitional elections. The report noted that the Sub-committee was constituted about two weeks ago to look at the feasibility of registering a new political party as a viable vehicle to successfully challenge the incumbent government in the 2027 general election. ‘’The Sub-committee met, discussed extensively on the subject matter and arrived at two resolutions. First, it formulated its arguments justifying the registration of a new political party as the best approach in successfully defeating the incumbent. Second, it recommends and provides a name, logo, manifesto and constitution of the new party. ‘’A new party serves as a common platform with a unified all opposition groups around a new vision and purpose, thus overcoming fragmentation and distrust among the diverse opposition groups; ‘’Public Perception of Authentic Change: Nigerians are more likely to support a new, purpose-driven party that symbolises a clean break from old brands. ‘’Moral High Ground: Attempting registration tests democratic institutions. If blocked (which is highly unlikely if a public approach is taken), it exposes government and INEC bias, thereby rallying public sympathy and international support; ‘’Legal and Political Leverage: Denial of registration offers grounds for judicial redress (e.g., writ of mandamus), strengthening the opposition’s case for electoral reforms; ‘’Confusion and Weakening of Incumbents: The exodus of credible opposition leaders to a new platform would destabilise existing parties (PDP, APC, NNPP, LP), creating internal turmoil; ‘’Mobilization Power: A new party can be built with broad coalitions of all critical opposition stakeholders from inception, avoiding legacy baggage and appealing to youth, independents and disenfranchised Nigerians; ‘’Narrative Control: A newly formed party can craft and own its political narrative and brand identity from scratch, unlike co-opting an existing one with historical liabilities; ‘’Symbolic Rebirth of Democracy: Represents democratic renewal and reawakening, offering a psychologically powerful alternative to politics-as-usual; and ‘’Testing Democratic Integrity: The process of registration challenges the fairness of INEC and promotes accountability and transparency in the system early enough before elections. “Registering a new political party is not just a tactical maneuver – it is a bold strategic act that redefines the opposition’s purpose, unites diverse stakeholders, mobilises public sentiment, creates an authentic alternative to entrenched political forces and spontaneously galvanizes popular momentum. It is the clearest path to inspiring hope, energising voters and transforming Nigeria’s democratic future.” | OPPOSITION; POLITICAL PARTY; APC; PDP; SDP; ADA; TINUBU | https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/05/23/tinubu-consolidates-an-expanding-apc-dwindling-opposition-weighs-counter-options/ | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 23 MAY 2025 | Rivers Crisis: Tinubu sends ₦1.48trn 2025 Rivers Budget to NASS for approval | President Bola Tinubu has officially submitted the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State to the National Assembly for consideration, following the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly. Advertisement In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, the proposed budget totals ₦1.481 trillion, with major allocations aimed at revitalizing key sectors. Infrastructure tops the list with a proposed ₦324 billion, while the health sector is allocated ₦106 billion, including ₦5 billion earmarked for free malaria drugs. The education sector is set to receive ₦75.6 billion while ₦31.4 billion is proposed for agricultural development. The budget, according to the proposal, focuses on strategic investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, with the aim of generating approximately 6,000 new jobs. In a formal communication to the National Assembly, President Tinubu is asking the Senate for an expeditious consideration. The Senate has referred the bill to its Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule, with instructions to review the proposal and report back to the chamber as soon as possible. Tinubu also wrote to the House Representatives for the Rivers State budget approval, reminding the House that the Supreme Court had nullified the 2025 budget presented by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Emergency rule After months of political squabbles between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members who are loyal to the Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025. In a nationwide broadcast proclaiming the state of emergency, the President also announced the suspension of Governor Fubara; his deputy Ngozi Odu; and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months. The president nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the first six months. Tinubu hinged his decision on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he can’t continue to watch the political situation in Rivers escalate without taking any action. The suspension of elected officials has been widely condemned by civil society groups and activists who have also continued to call for their reinstatement. There have also been protest for and against the emergency rule by the people of Rivers State, especially women since its declaration. However, the appointed administrator has remained in office and currently overseeing administrative affairs of the oil-rich state. | TINUBU; APPROPRIATION BILL; RIVERS CRISIS | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 23 MAY 2025 | Akwa Ibom Politics: "Defect with me to APC or resign," Governor Eno tells his Cabinet | Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has directed all commissioners and political appointees to defect with him from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions. Eno said it was no longer news that he had decided to defect to the APC. “Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave PDP is still living in the 18th century, “Eno stated. The Governor reportedly gave the directive to Commissioners and his political appointees during the ongoing state Executive Council Meeting taking place in Uyo on Thursday, according to sources from the meeting. According to Governor Eno, he has admired President Bola Tinubu from a distance and would want to align with him. He warned his appointees that he had nothing to negotiate with them than for them to follow him or leave the stage. “Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you. “Let me tell you, anybody who believes when I leave PDP, he will use the party structure to fight me is lying because I will still control the PDP structure”, the source quoted Eno as saying. Many sources have confirmed that Eno would likely jettison PDP on June 6, bringing to an end more than 25 years of the party being in power in Akwa Ibom State. | GOVERNOR UMO ENO; AKWA IBOM STATE; PDP; APC; DEFECTION | GUARDIAN | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 26 MAY 2025 | PDP Implosion: Nyesom Wike backs out from reconciliation agreement, accuses accused party leaders of betrayal. | Efforts by the leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the 2027 general election yesterday suffered a setback as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, pulled out of the party’s peace deal. Wike, in a statement, announced that he had pulled out of all reconciliation agreements previously reached within the party. Daily Trust reports that since the change of guards on the political scene in 2015, observers expected the PDP to have some bite by effectively checkmating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because of its longstanding might while it held sway as the ruling party between 1999 and 2015. But pundits have argued that the PDP has remained comatose to the extent that when it is now in the news, it is mostly when its notable members are fighting, defected to the APC or when tongues are wagging over its protracted leadership tussle, making it difficult to do anything a potent opposition should be doing. Wike expressed concerns that the party has declined into “Dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders.” He also accused key party leaders of betrayal, dishonesty, and serial violations of mutual understandings. “Since after the 2023 general election, the PDP has been wantonly swinging from one part of a slippery precipice to another,” Wike said, noting that several efforts had been made to “Arrest this pernicious virus of dishonesty and treachery,” he said. Wike, who was the leader of the influential G5 group within the PDP, also blamed Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for allegedly sabotaging reconciliation efforts. “I made it clear to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, that he was the architect of our problems, pointing out to him that non-adherence to agreements reached was the bane of the party, and that he was the chief culprit of this anomaly,” Wike said. He disclosed that during a G5 meeting in Lagos, the governors had resolved to bury the hatchet and move forward. He added that this was followed by a broader meeting in Abuja at Senator Bukola Saraki’s guest house, involving other top PDP figures, including Governors Bala Mohammed, Umaru Fintiri, and Makinde, alongside Saraki himself. The Rivers former governor said the Abuja meeting yielded a set of clear resolutions, including recognition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary in line with a Supreme Court judgment, the withdrawal of all court cases relating to Rivers State by the party’s national legal adviser, and an end to cases about state of emergency in Rivers. “To my chagrin, Seyi Makinde had connived with Peter Mba of Enugu State to orchestrate the summoning of the meeting of so-called South-East leaders to recommend that if Ude Okoye was not adopted as secretary, they would pull out of the PDP,” Wike alleged. Wike also accused party officials of attempting to sideline Anyanwu by presenting the deputy national secretary as acting national secretary, and using a letter from him to call for a National Executive Committee meeting, moves Wike said were “In complete violation of the agreements reached.” He cited an incident on May 24, 2025, in Jos, where a PDP zonal elective congress was aborted because INEC refused to attend. The reason, he said, was because the letter of invitation was signed by the deputy national secretary, not the duly recognised national secretary. “This is undeniably distasteful, provocative and annoying, to say the least,” Wike added. Reflecting on his long association with the PDP since 1998, Wike expressed dismay that those he helped to rise to political prominence had turned against him. “It is on record that none of these persons have done anything close to what I have done to sustain this party,” he said. “What is more painful is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them and I would never do so,” he added. The minister said he has lost faith in the trust and camaraderie that once existed among party stakeholders and would no longer participate in any further reconciliation deals. “I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained,” the minister said. But when contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Media, Sulaiman Olarenwaju, declined to comment on the allegations against the governor. Wike’s action won’t distract us – Saraki Reacting to the development, the former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said Wike’s action will not deter or distract the reconciliation committee led by him. The spokesman to Senator Saraki, Yusuph Olaniyonu, told Daily Trust yesterday that “Dr. Saraki is a mediator that all the parties have confidence in. The same thing applies to other members of the committee. “The committee will be undeterred by any development and continue the engagement towards building a new consensus around charting the way forward for the party.” The PDP Governors’ Forum had suggested that the convention be held in Kano during their meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State. But a member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) told Daily Trust yesterday that while stakeholders are committed to ensuring the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting holds tomorrow, there is the possibility that the convention would be postponed due to unresolved issues in the party. | PDP; WIKE; RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE; BUKOLA SARAKI | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 26 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: Atiku and Peter Obi meet with northern political leaders as coalition talks intensify. | Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, yesterday met with northern political leaders from across the 19 northern states as coalition talks intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The event, believed to have been convened by the secretariat of the emerging coalition, brought together hundreds of political figures under the banner of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) North, in Abuja. Apart from Atiku and Obi, other dignitaries at the meeting included former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; former Kogi State governor Captain Idris Wada; former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who delivered the keynote address on insecurity in the North. | #NIGERIADECIDES2027; ATIKU; PETER OBI; NORTH; COALITION | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| CHANNELS TV | 26 MAY 2025 | Akwa Ibom Politics: IPI issues statement over expulsion of Channels TV journalists from Akwa Ibom State House. Governor Eno had expelled them over the video clip confirming his planned defection from PDP to APC. | The International Press Institute (IPI) on Sunday called on Governor Umo Eno to recall the Channels TV journalists expelled from the Akwa Ibom State Government House in Uyo. The crew, a journalist and a cameraman, were evicted over the publication of a video clip in which Governor Umo Eno finally confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). But in a statement jointly signed by its Legal Adviser and Chairman Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, and Secretary of Advocacy Committee, Ochiaka Ugwu, the institute wants the state government to rescind the eviction. “The International Press Institute (IPI) has called for the immediate recall of the Channels TV journalists expelled from the Akwa Ibom State Government House on the state government’s orders,” the statement read. “The Channel TV Correspondent and Cameraman were expelled following a video clip aired on Channels TV in which Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, was seen confirming his imminent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).” Describing the “state government’s reckless action as an alarming development,” IPI said the journalists were experienced media personnel with a deep knowledge of government’s activities. To IPI, “no journalist should be made to face this kind of humiliating treatment simply for doing their job,” adding that, “We will continue to support and encourage impartial reportage no matter the situation.” “We strongly condemn the Akwa Ibom State Government’s action, which is a direct attack on the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. The state government’s action is also a gross violation of SECTION 22 of CHAPTER 2 of the constitution, which provides that “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.” “It is especially distressing and disappointing that Governor Umo Eno, considered a media-friendly state executive, could behave in this unacceptable and anti-democratic manner. We hereby remind him that independent journalism, press freedom and unbiased reportage are essential to democracy. We call on the governor to immediately reverse the expulsion and save his government from further embarrassment.” | AKWA IBOM; CHANNELS TV; JOURNALISM; | CHANNELSTV | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 26 MAY 2025 | "You have no justification for labelling the National Assembly a rubber stamp," Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele replies critics, presents facts. | Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday opposed key opposition parties in the country for labelling the National Assembly a rubber-stamp parliament without any justification or proof. Bamidele, currently representing Ekiti Central, made the clarification in a statement by his media directorate yesterday, in Abuja. He said if the National Assembly was a rubber-stamp, it could not have held over 39 meetings with the executive arm to trash out all grey areas in the Tax Reform Bills, 2024 before they were eventually passed. The statement enumerated the diverse interventions that the National Assembly had taken in the overriding public interest. According to the statement, the National Assembly had at its inauguration on June 13, 2023, embraced strategic engagement and partnership to address thorny national issues in the pursuit of the country’s vital and peripheral interests. It read: “Despite its non-adversarial approach to the legislative business, the parliament has been under sustained public criticisms with leading opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) describing it as a rubber-stamp legislative institution.” Amid the public criticisms, Bamidele said he differed with the opposition parties that the National Assembly was still a rubber stamp to the executive, noting that the claim had no justification. Bamidele first cited the case of the Tax Reform Bills, 2024, which he said, were initiated in November 2024, but finally scaled through legislative scrutiny six months after they were laid before the National Assembly. He said: “If we are actually a rubber-stamp parliamentary institution as most opposition political parties have claimed, the bills would have been passed within one week or two weeks after they were laid before us. “In the process of passing the bills, both executive and legislative arms held over 39 engagements to trash grey areas in the Tax Reform Bills, 2024 before both chambers of the National Assembly eventually passed the bills. “During this period, the engagements involved diverse interests and stakeholders across the federation. The tax reform bills could have been rushed within one or two weeks. But it took us six months to secure input from all critical stakeholders – civil society organisations, professional bodies, religious leaders and leaders of thoughts. “The process includes all behind-the-scenes efforts, closed door meetings and subtle disagreements that took place between the legislature and the executive before their passage. We also organised public hearings just to accommodate inputs from diverse interests. “We extended our engagements to all captains of industries to enable us pass the tax reform bills that will stand the test of time; meet the needs of our people and ensure the overriding public interest in the exercise of our constitutional mandates,” he said. “At the end of it, he said the lawmakers found a way of resolving all issues around the tax reform bills in the overriding public interest. “The people do not know all the efforts and sacrifices we made to ensure the effective delivery of public goods. They were only eager to label us a rubber stamp when the bills came from the executive,” he added. Rather than grandstanding on the floors, Bamidele explained that the National Assembly at different times invited the executive for engagement with a view to thrashing out grey areas in the bills. He, also, cited the case of the 2025 Appropriation Act, which according to him, was laid before the joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, 18th December 2024, but passed on February 13, 2025. He explained that if the National Assembly was actually a rubber stamp, it could have hastened the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bills by the end of the 2024 fiscal year in order to sustain the January to December budget cycle, which had become the country’s practice in recent times. “We did not give the budget back to the executive until February 2025. We did a lot of due diligence. Every committee of the National Assembly duly engaged heads of agencies to properly scrutinise the budget also in the overriding public interest. “We are working in the interest of the people. We are always taking into consideration the need to ensure good governance in all our undertakings and the need to use legislative frameworks to promote good governance in the federation,” Bamidele explained. | NASS; SENATE; RUBBER STAMP; TAX REFORM BILLS | THISDAY | ||||
| CABLE | 26 MAY 2025 | House of Reps Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, withdraws Compulsory Voting Bill after pushback from Nigerians, pledges commitment to further dialogue to foster voluntary participation. | Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, has withdrawn the bill seeking to make voting compulsory for eligible Nigerians. The bill was co-sponsored by Abbas and Daniel Ago, lawmaker representing Bassa/Jos north federal constituency of Plateau state. On May 15, the bill scaled second reading in the green chamber. Leading the debate, Ago said the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to tackle the problem of low voter turnout. He said compulsory voting law would increase civic engagement and voter participation, making electoral involvement a legal obligation rather than a personal choice. Ago said the bill, if passed into law, would strengthen democracy by improving representation, foster a more politically aware country, and reduce vote buying. The bill proposed a six-month jail term or a fine of N100,000 for eligible voters who fail to participate in elections. However, the bill was strongly criticised by a broad spectrum of Nigerians, including civil society organisations (CSOs) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The NBA had said the proposed piece of legislation is “regressive” and inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution. ‘WITHDRAWAL WILL ALLOW FOR DIALOGUE’ In a statement issued on Monday by Musa Krishi, his special adviser on media and publicity, Abbas said he withdrew the bill after “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders”. “From the outset, the bill was introduced with the best intentions, which is to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout,” the statement reads. “Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium and Brazil, where it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box. “Nevertheless, the speaker acknowledges that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment. “Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.” Abbas added that the bill’s withdrawal would allow for “further dialogue” on how best to foster voluntary participation that honours our democratic ideals and the rights of Nigerians. With the bill withdrawn, no further legislative action is expected to be taken on it. | HOUSE OF REPS; COMPULSORY VOTING; | CABLE | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 27 MAY 2025 | FCTA seals PDP headquarters, others, over non-payment of ground rent, grants 14 days to defaulters to clear debt | Following the outcry generated by the decision of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to possess the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent, from 10 to 43 years, President Bola Tinubu has intervened by granting the defaulters a 14-day window to clear their debt. The Director of Land, FCTA, Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, disclosed this last night while addressing the press. The enforcement exercise that began yesterday saw properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals being sealed off and with ownership now transferred to the FCTA. Nwankwoeze, accompanied by the SSA Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said through the president’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have two weeks to settle the outstanding ground rents, with associated penalties. He said for properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million would be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed, while those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts would pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed. Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II would pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the ground rent owed. “Also, all those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (two weeks) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration. “Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has granted a 14 days (two weeks) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles. “Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.” The FCTA had sealed off Wadata Plaza, the headquarters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others over ground rent indebtedness. Other premises possessed in Wuse Area of Abuja during yesterday’s exercise, included the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Ibro Hotel, Nigeria by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Access Bank and Total Energy. In all, the titles of over 4,794 properties were revoked for defaulting in paying ground rent amounting to N6.9 billion for between 10 and 43 years. The Director of Land, FCTA, Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, clarified during the exercise that what was physically repossessed was the property belonging to Senator Samaila Mamman Kofi that PDP was occupying. He insisted that there was no political undertone behind the action, adding the occupants were duly also served evacuation order. He noted that the property had since March 2025 been revoked while the occupants had been repeatedly warned to vacate the building to enable the FCTA take effective possession of the property. “We don’t deal with occupants, we deal with property owners, we don’t deal with occupants or tenants. Senator Samaila Mamman Kofi was duly served the revocation notice and out of abundance of caution, we also came here and pasted the revocation notice served on Samaila Mamman Kofi at his Kaduna address, the address on record. “Samaila Mamman Kofi is the owner of the property and the address we have in our records for him is that of Kaduna and we duly served him. This is a copy of the revocation notice and the evidence of service, this is him, served since the 14th of March 2025 and a copy of this was duly pasted at the gate of this building. “So, I don’t know if you are talking of writing to PDP, we don’t normally write to tenants or occupants, we write to the owners of the property, that is with whom we have a contract,” Nwankwoeze said. He said available record showed that the owner of the property was owing FCTA 28 years of ground rent. He added that the onus is now on the owner of the property to approach the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike on the possibility of regaining possession, and of getting any consideration, saying that will be decided by the minister. Earlier, the FCTA had taken possession of the premises of Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Ibro Hotel, Access Bank and Total Energy in Wuse also due to non-payment of ground rent. The enforcement led by the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, followed a statement issued last week by FCTA threatening revocation of all affected titles over non-compliance with statutory obligations. Galadima said Total Energy on plot 534 Cadastral zone A02 Wuse Zone 1, had accumulated over a decade of unpaid ground rent, leading the authority to revoke their title in March 2025, while the property hosting Access Bank branch located on plot 2456, Wuse 1, Cadastral Zone A02, and belonging to Rana Taher Furniture Nigeria Limited, was revoked over non-payment of 34 years of unpaid ground rent. “So, today is just to comply with what we have said that we are going to take over all the revoked properties and we are starting with a plot 534 Cadastral zone A02 that Wuse Zone 1, owned by Total PLC,” he said. Also, in relation to the Access Bank branch, the Director of Land, FCTA, Mr Chijoke C, said the title had legally reverted to the FCT, as such the occupants must vacate or resolve their land title through official channel. He also stressed that the claims by FIRS that it was not owing on its building, located in Wuse Zone 5, as untrue. According to him, FIRS was owing FCTA ground rent amounting to 25 years. | FCTA; PDP; GROUND RENT; | THISDAY | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 27 MAY 2025 | ECOWAS @ 5O: Tinubu departs Abuja for Lagos today to mark 50th anniversary as ECOWAS re-enacts the 1975 declaration | President Bola Tinubu has been scheduled to leave Abuja today, May 27, 2025, for Lagos to celebrate, along with other leaders, the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECOWAS golden jubilee was flagged off in Accra last month. According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Lagos events will include re-enacting the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island. At the Eko Hotels and Suites event, President Tinubu, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, will highlight the economic bloc’s milestones. Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, will review the bloc’s 50-year journey, which panellists at the NIIA will later analyse. The only surviving Head of State, who signed the ECOWAS declaration, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), will participate in all the ceremonies and deliver a speech at the Eko Hotels. Also, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, will deliver the welcome address. However, in Lagos, Tinubu will, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, commission some projects. The statement also stated that Tinubu would observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Lagos before returning to Abuja. | BOLA AHMED TINUBU; FCT ABUJA; LAGOS; ECOWAS | GUARDIAN | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 27 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: Abure faction of Labour Party opposes automatic tickets, declares presidential ticket open | The Julius Abure faction of Labour Party (LP) said the presidential ticket of the party was not reserved for Peter Obi, but open to all qualified Nigerians interested in aspiring for the office. It said LP was not perturbed by Obi’s declaration that he would contest the 2027 general election on the platform of the party. Obi had weekend assured his supporters that he would contest the 2027 general election on the LP platform. He said this while speaking to a group of young supporters in a seven-minute, 16-second video circulating on the party’s WhatsApp platform on Saturday. The viral video was also confirmed by his spokesman, Dr Tanko Yunusa, and National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh. Reacting, LP, through Ifoh, said, “The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been drawn to the news trending in the media that the party is ‘celebrating’ that its candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to run on the platform of the party in 2027. “I want to state emphatically that I was quoted out of context and, therefore, the impression conveyed by the news was erroneous, inaccurate and does not in any way reflect the position and mood in the party. “First, while we are not opposed to anybody running under the platform of the Labour Party in the 2027 general election. We need to make it categorically clear that the party has a long standing rule on how its candidates shall emerge and automatic ticket is not one of the routes. “Recall that at the party’s National Convention in 2024, the party had erroneously granted automatic tickets to our former presidential candidate and the only governor of the party. However, that decision has since been rescinded and reversed after consulting the statute books. “Second, His Excellency, Peter Obi, hours after he spoke of his intention to run under the Labour Party, was on Sunday (yesterday) seen in a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja without the permission and consent of the Labour Party leadership. “This, to us, is really confusing and we think that Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race. “We have consistently said Labour Party will not go into any coalition or merger of any sort ahead of 2027 general election. Therefore, Obi’s continued association with the coalition is not only distasteful but unacceptable to the party. It is also an affront to the party leadership and we view his position as a total disregard to the party’s right to make decision bidding its affairs. “We are, therefore, by this statement letting Nigerians know that the presidency for 2027 is open to anyone who wants to run under the platform of the party.” But the Nenadi Usman-led faction of LP debunked the report by the Abure group that Obi attended the coalition meeting on Sunday without the consent of the party. In a statement by Senior Special Adviser, Media, to Usman, Ken Asogwa, the party said, “To be clear, the National Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party, under the able leadership of Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman, expressly approved and endorsed Peter Obi’s participation in the ongoing patriotic convergence of well-meaning Nigerians committed to dismantling the rudderless Tinubu administration. “It is worth reiterating that Obi has consistently maintained that his interest lies solely in a coalition focused on eradicating hunger, insecurity, and poor governance – a vision that aligns squarely with the founding principles and aspirations of the Labour Party. “It is therefore baffling that individuals who have been shown the exit door for their anti-party activities now seek to question a move so clearly rooted in national interest. One is left wondering whose agenda Julius Abure and his cohorts have truly been advancing. Is it that they disagree with Obi and the Labour Party that Nigeria is presently facing an unprecedented crisis requiring collective action to salvage? “While the Labour Party wholeheartedly welcomes the coalition movement driven by the Nigerian people, we also reaffirm Peter Obi’s unequivocal right to contest the 2027 elections under the Labour Party platform – should the ongoing coalition efforts fail to materialise.” | LABOUR PARTY; PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION; | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| GUARDIAN | 27 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: Internal Party crisis and legal battles continue to threaten oppositions' chances in 2027. | Emerging political developments have continued to cast doubt on the ability of opposition parties to present a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Most major opposition parties, such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), are entangled in deep-seated internal crises and protracted legal battles that threaten their cohesion, credibility, and electoral readiness. Even the coalition forces that once boasted of unseating President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC now appear uncertain, struggling to agree on a viable political platform. The earlier excitement surrounding the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai once hinted could serve as a launchpad for the opposition, is steadily fading, replaced by confusion and a lack of coordination. The four major opposition parties are currently grappling with internal crises and legal battles, a development that has triggered a wave of defections to the ruling APC. In some cases, elected officials have chosen to remain within their parties but have openly pledged support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, further weakening the opposition’s unity and resolve. For instance, the PDP, once the dominant force in the country’s political landscape, is struggling to recover from a chain of internal crises and debilitating legal battles. Haunted by factionalism, leadership disputes, and a weakened national cohesion, the party’s hopes of mounting a serious comeback against the APC are increasingly doubtful. The PDP has remained in a prolonged political limbo since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election, where its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, came second to President Bola Tinubu of the APC. Although Atiku challenged the outcome up to the Supreme Court, the legal loss only deepened internal disillusionment. Beyond the presidential defeat lies a more complex issue: the PDP has failed to resolve the longstanding problems of zoning, succession, and internal democracy — all of which continue to haunt the party. At the core of the party’s woes is the unresolved fallout from the contentious 2022 presidential primary, which saw Atiku emerge as flagbearer, sidelining the South-East and South-South blocs that had argued it was their turn to produce the candidate. That decision fractured the party ahead of the 2023 polls. It triggered the G-5 rebellion — a group of five influential PDP governors led by Rivers State’s Nyesom Wike, who refused to back Atiku and eventually aligned with Tinubu, even if unofficially. Now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the APC-led federal government, Wike remains a divisive figure within the PDP. His continued membership in the party while simultaneously working with the Tinubu administration has been a source of legal and moral contention. The lingering controversy over the position of the PDP’s national secretary is fast becoming a political landmine for the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The tussle, currently playing out between factions in the South-East, has not only deepened regional distrust within the party but also exposed the PDP’s inability to enforce internal decisions. With conflicting court orders and rival claimants laying hold of the office — one backed by the National Working Committee and another by influential state stakeholders — the impasse is stalling key strategic decisions and threatening the unity of the party’s base in the region. Unless urgently resolved, the row risks alienating a critical voting bloc and weakening the PDP’s chances of presenting a cohesive national front against the ruling APC. For instance, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, is considering exiting the PDP over what insiders describe as the party’s continued disregard for equity and internal consensus. This comes on the heels of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to the APC. Both governors are reportedly frustrated by the PDP’s handling of the National Secretary debacle, which has pitted key South-South and South-East blocs against each other. Governor Eno has expressed that one of his key reasons for considering leaving the PDP is the party’s failure to resolve the issue surrounding the National Secretary, as it may ultimately affect his re-election bid due to uncertainties over who would sign his nomination form. The governor stated that it would be better to move to a stable platform rather than remain in a party where internal crises could jeopardise his political future. Labour Party factions clash over Peter Obi’s role in 2027 coalition efforts The Labour Party’s internal crisis has deepened as rival factions issued conflicting statements regarding former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s involvement in coalition efforts to unseat the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections. The faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman, Chairperson of the Labour Party’s National Caretaker Committee, has endorsed Obi’s coalition engagements. Meanwhile, the camp led by sacked former chairman Julius Abure has criticised the move, declaring that the party is not part of any alliance and will not tolerate “unauthorised political adventures.” Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to Usman, stated yesterday that the party leadership fully supports Obi’s participation in the coalition. He described the alliance as “a patriotic convergence of well-meaning Nigerians committed to dismantling the rudderless Tinubu administration.” Asogwa added that Obi’s focus on addressing hunger, insecurity, and bad governance aligns with the Labour Party’s core values. “The National Caretaker Committee expressly approved and endorsed Peter Obi’s participation,” he said, calling any opposition from “discredited former party officials” both baseless and anti-national. However, a counterstatement from the Abure-led faction, signed by Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, strongly opposed Obi’s actions. According to Ifoh, Obi’s continued coalition efforts represent “a direct affront to the party’s internal processes” and were undertaken without consultation or approval from the party’s national leadership. “The leadership of the Labour Party has observed with growing concern the recent political moves by Mr Peter Obi,” Ifoh said. “His actions operate completely outside the purview of the party and constitute a glaring show of disrespect.” The Abure faction further warned that the 2027 presidential ticket is not guaranteed for any aspirant, including Obi, stating that “there will be no automatic endorsements.” The faction emphasised that the Labour Party is not part of any merger discussions and vowed to resist attempts to turn the party into “a backup plan or a vehicle for political convenience.” The Usman-led faction dismissed these claims as “comical,” accusing Abure of clinging to a “self-convened and unlawful 2024 convention,” which it said was nullified by the Supreme Court. “It is baffling that individuals who have been shown the exit door for their anti-party activities now seek to question a move so clearly rooted in national interest,” Asogwa remarked. SDP faction condemns coalition against Tinubu, urges focus on transformation A faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Wole Adesina has raised concerns over what it described as two alarming trends that threaten the party’s integrity and unity. In a statement yesterday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, criticised the influx of aggrieved politicians into a coalition purportedly aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu without presenting a concrete alternative vision for Nigeria’s progress. “The influx of some aggrieved politicians in a desperate coalition to ‘send President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to Lagos’ without showcasing any clear-cut alternative agenda for Nigeria’s transformation is disturbing,” Mohammed said. He emphasised that the SDP would not align with any coalition that lacks a credible plan for Nigeria’s development. “The party is not for sale or lease to any group and will not be part of any anti-government plots or coalition that lacks a clear alternative agenda for Nigeria’s transformation,” he added. While distancing itself from efforts to undermine the mandate secured in the 2023 general elections, the faction reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the federal government. It pledged to hold the administration accountable without resorting to subversive tactics. The faction further urged SDP leaders nationwide to reject attempts to usurp their positions and report such incidents to the appropriate authorities. It called on party members and supporters to remain calm and assured them that efforts to secure full recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are ongoing. Opposition coalition lacks strategy, unity to challenge Tinubu, says Sam Amadi As preparations for the 2027 presidential election intensify, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, has warned opposition leaders to exercise caution in their efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a master of “dark politics.” Amadi, who also serves as the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, criticised the coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, calling it weak in strategy and organisation. Speaking yesterday on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Amadi accused the opposition of focusing on elite politics at the expense of meaningful reforms, contrasting their approach with the intentionality exhibited by the All Progressives Congress before its victory in the 2015 general elections. “They’re not really working harder,” Amadi remarked. He highlighted the coalition’s internal challenges, stating: “In 2015, you had a situation where politicians perhaps understood who should go first. It was clear that Buhari had the votes of at least a significant constituency. He always had more than nine million votes in each election he lost—bankable votes. And the leaders were perhaps clear in their minds that this is where to go. “Here, I think there’s a problem of people perhaps exaggerating their importance, their right to govern. And so, the ego crisis is going to be a problem.” Amadi also noted differences in political intensity, suggesting that Tinubu’s approach is far more calculated. “Jonathan wasn’t that intense and didn’t play the type of politics that Tinubu, a master of dark politics, does,” he said. “Now, you have a government that understands the dark arts of politics and is perhaps proficient and unrestrained in using them. They’ve learned from their successes and from the PDP’s failures.” He further warned of potential betrayals and infiltrations within the opposition ranks. “It’s likely that there will be more intrusions into the opposition camp, more betrayals. They’re going to plant people,” he predicted. Amadi criticised the lack of a clear leader or unifying ideology within the coalition. “The level of seriousness the APC had as an opposition—their capacity to engage civil society, infiltrate and manipulate various sectors, and even work the media—is absent now,” he observed. “Everyone seems more focused on personal opportunities, whether it’s for now or 2031. So, from a strategic and operational standpoint, the coalition is weak on both fronts. It’s far more diverse, diverse in expectations and interests. And crucially, it lacks a unifying ideology. What does it stand for?” Amadi concluded. Northern coalition urges electorate to resist impunity, promises united front for 2027 polls A section of the coalition of politicians opposed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the electorate to assert their authority in determining leadership at all levels of government in the 2027 general elections. The chairman of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) (North), Babachir Lawal, made this statement following the group’s second expanded meeting held in Abuja. Lawal decried what he described as “the impunity of elected leaders who run away with the people’s mandate by purporting to make decisions for their constituents without consultation.” In an apparent reference to the endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by the Hope Uzodimma-led Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and some members of the National Assembly, the coalition accused them of bypassing the electorate. The group alleged that these leaders were endorsing themselves and others for re-election without seeking the input of their constituents, thereby usurping the power of the people. The coalition urged the electorate to sanction such leaders at the polls, warning that doing so would serve as a deterrent to others who might adopt similar practices in the future. The delegates at the meeting expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity in the Northern region, which they noted has led to increased poverty, loss of lives and property, unemployment, and widespread destitution. They observed that fear, emotions, and knowledge are key drivers of society and resolved that the North must prioritise knowledge over fear and emotions in political decision-making. The group further resolved that the North must present a united front in future political choices to ensure the region maximises its participation and benefits in national politics . Promising to unveil a political platform to advance the region’s interests, the coalition emphasised the need for selfless leadership within political parties and in public governance. They called for leaders who prioritise the well-being of the region and the nation as a whole. Atiku’s ambition threatens opposition coalition for 2027, says legal expert A legal practitioner, Ige Asemudara, has expressed doubts over the opposition’s ability to mount a credible challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027, citing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a potential stumbling block. According to him, Atiku’s involvement in the ongoing coalition efforts could derail progress. “Atiku has never shown a willingness to sacrifice for democracy beyond his personal ambition to become president. Any coalition he is part of cannot succeed. He is too selfish,” Asemudara said. He described the crisis in the PDP as self-inflicted and rooted in selfish interests, while attributing the internal turmoil in the Labour Party to external forces determined to neutralise the party ahead of the next general elections. According to him, “Atiku is a perpetual defector, and the fact that the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, a former presidential running mate of the PDP, could also defect is shameful. “The only real hope lies in building a viable coalition, but Atiku remains a major setback,” he added. Asemudara also criticised opposition figures for blaming Tinubu. “Tinubu fought hard for power; no one should expect him to hand it over easily. 2027 will depend on how quickly the opposition can fix themselves and whether coalition members are truly committed to making it work,” he said. | OPPOSITION PARTIES; INTERNAL PARTY CRISIS; LABOUR PARTY; PDP; APC; NIGERIA DECIDES 2027 | GUARDIAN | ||||
| VANGUARD | 27 MAY 2025 | ABIA STATE POLITICS: Governor Alex Otti signs 18 bills into law including the Abia State Senior Citizens Law 2025 and the Abia State Orientation Agency (Amendment) Law 2025 | Governor Alex Otti, Monday, signed 18 Executive Bills into law. The latest bills brought to 30, the number of Executive Bills signed into law by the Governor since he came to power two years ago. Speaking while assenting to the bills, Gov. Otti said that the new laws “encapsulate thoughtful legislative provisions for achieving” his Government’s vision in critical areas such as “performance-based administration, accountability, and delivery of good governance.” He said that the legislations “align with the survey of the community and neighborhood development proposals, captured in his manifesto and the recommendations of the transition committee report of 2023.” The Governor saluted the State House of Assembly for its focused leadership and commitment to the new Abia and for providing strong legislative support to the programme and policy outlays of the Executive branch of Government. He further spoke on the effects of the bills so far signed into Law under his administration. He said:”Without legislative support, much of whatever is achieved in the short period of time could have cost a lot of money. And, I have no doubt that the volume of legislations we have put in place will guarantee the sustenance of the gains that have been made over the last two years. “Whether you are looking at managing infrastructure expansion protocols, greater development roadmap, or smaller agencies of government, many of us in this room would agree that, a lot is changing in terms of development approach in our urban and semi-urban centres. “My conviction is that the excellent leadership of the new Government will not just endure, it will bear even greater fruits in the years ahead. “What we have gathered to do this afternoon represents another layer of our holistic Government philosophy. This session offers us a unique opportunity to tie us as partners with the shared vision of building a new Abia. Presenting the bills, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa described the bills as “abstract but very impactful on the people,” adding that some of them are amendments. “These 18 bills, some of which are amendments to the old laws. The results and effects of the bills will be visible in the lives of the people. He noted that the administration had brought joy in the State and assured of the continuos support of the Executive by the Legislature. In their goodwill messages, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, the Majority Leader, Uchenna Kalu Okoro and the Member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele said that Governor Otti has maintained pragmatic, focused and visionary leadership in the State. They assured of the cooperation and collaboration of Abia State House of Assembly towards the sustainance of good governance in the State. Reviewing the bills and laws , the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna disclosed that a total of 30 Executive bills have been passed under Governor Otti. He noted that the Government of Dr. Otti run on transparency and policy driven bills and laws which he said are in line with the manifesto of the Governor. The Commissioner listed some of the 18 bills signed into law to include; Abia State Senior Citizens Law 2025, Abia State Road Maintenance Agency (repeal) law 2025, Abia State Estate Development Agency (Repeal) Law 2025, Abia State Orientation Agency (Amendment) Law 2025 among others. The Bill assenting ceremony by the Executive Governor of the State was witnessed by members of the expanded Executives Council of Abia State Government and members of the House of Assembly including the Speaker and Deputy speaker of Abia House of Assembly. | ABIA STATE; ALEX OTTI; GOVERNOR'S CONSENT | VANGUARD | ||||
| VANGUARD | 27 MAY 2025 | #AnambraDecides2025: APC Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates meet Tinubu, vow to deliver Anambra to APC | Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Anambra Governorship election to be held on Nov. 8, has vowed to deliver the state to the APC. Ukachukwu made the pledge while addressing State House Correspondents after the presentation of the APC flag to him and Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday. Ukachukwu said the president charged him and his running mate to bring the state to the centre. “He has given us a charge to go and bring Anambra to the centre, and that’s what we’re going to do. Anambra cannot continue to be a one-party system. ”The president was in Anambra recently and saw how ready and how charged the party people are in Anambra. He was happy about the turnout of the people that came out to receive him.” Ukachukwu said he was confident that the APC would triumph in the gubernatorial election because he and his running mate were the ones that made APGA strong. “I was a former senatorial candidate of APGA. I left APGA with all my supporters to join APC. The Labour Party, the YPP and other political parties have joined us in the journey. “We have over 80 groups that are lining up to join us. This makes APC bigger. It means nothing is left of APGA in the state. “It’s not the first time an incumbent will be losing an election; it happened in Zamfara, in Imo and other places. Even in Anambra, this situation is not new to us,” he said. (NAN) | ANAMBRA; GOVERNROSHIP; TINUBU; APC; | VANGUARD | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 28 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: PDP holds NEC meeting amidst challenges. Sule Lamido says he won't attend PDP meetings until Wike is expelled | After more than a year of delays and multiple postponements, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finally convened on Tuesday in Abuja. The meeting, held at the party’s presidential campaign office—Legacy House in Maitama—was relocated from the PDP national secretariat in Wuse Zone 5, which was sealed on Monday by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The last NEC meeting was held on April 18, 2024. Since then, repeated efforts to reconvene the party’s highest decision-making body had been frustrated by internal divisions and leadership wrangling. It reportedly took intense pressure from party leaders and PDP governors to ensure Tuesday’s meeting held, following a controversial statement by the embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, announcing a postponement. Tuesday’s meeting was attended by several PDP governors, party officials, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), former governors, and National Assembly leaders. These included Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara. Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Lamido claimed Wike’s continued presence in the PDP threatens the party’s peace and stability. “Wike is a disaster. He is a product of the PDP, made relevant by the party, nurtured and celebrated by the party. But today, he turns around to destroy it,” Lamido said. “I cannot sit in the same meeting with impostors. Until the party removes these people, I will not attend PDP meetings. I am still a loyal member, but I won’t dignify this rot.” The ex-governor also criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for sealing the PDP national secretariat — a move he attributed to Wike. “To seal the PDP secretariat, an institution that gave you life, is un-African, un-Nigerian, and a total abuse of power,” he said. “Wike’s thinking is warped. He lacks the cultural and moral grounding that our political tradition demands.” Lamido faulted the PDP’s national working committee (NWC) for failing to expel Wike and other members accused of engaging in anti-party activities. “What exactly is the NWC afraid of?” he asked. “Why hasn’t Wike been expelled? Why is Samuel Ortom (former governor of Benue) still on the board of trustees after publicly endorsing Tinubu? “These are fundamental breaches. If this party is to survive, it must cleanse itself.” Observers had expected the PDP to finally address the contentious issue of the national secretary position, deliberate on the zoning of national offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, and respond to the escalating internal rift sparked by Wike’s role as FCT Minister—including his directive to shut down the party’s headquarters. The PDP has struggled with internal strife since the 2022 presidential primaries, which saw former Vice President Atiku Abubakar defeat Wike at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. Wike subsequently refused to support Atiku’s candidacy, instead aligning himself with then-APC presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since losing the 2023 general elections, the PDP has been dogged by leadership disputes, factionalism, and defections. Many stakeholders had hoped this NEC meeting would mark a turning point. However, the party deferred key decisions to the next NEC meeting, now scheduled for 30 June. A source who attended the meeting told Daily Trust: “Only two issues were formally on the agenda: the composition of the convention committee and the South-East’s report on the national secretary. As the communiqué stated, these matters will be fully deliberated at the next NEC. The date and zoning formula for the convention will also be discussed.” Another party insider said most contentious matters had already been resolved by the PDP governors and key stakeholders in earlier caucus meetings before the NEC convened. “The main NEC meeting is set for 30 June. This one was to demonstrate party unity and disprove assumptions of an imminent implosion. “The issues of the national secretary, zoning, and convention date will be finalised. Anyone who refuses to abide by the party’s constitution will be shown the way out,” the source added. Damagum accuses APC of one-party ambition Acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state out of what he called fear of defeat in 2027. Reading the NEC communiqué to journalists at Legacy House, Damagum said: “NEC stands in firm resistance to the sinister plot by the Tinubu-led APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party totalitarian state, as evidenced by desperate attempts to stifle and annihilate opposition parties through open siege, threats, and intimidation of opposition figures and democratic institutions.” He argued that the alleged plan stemmed from the APC’s “mortal fear of inevitable defeat in 2027, owing to its dismal performance in government.” The PDP also expressed concern about the country’s deteriorating political and economic conditions, urging President Tinubu to reverse what it called “anti-people policies” and take urgent steps to address worsening insecurity and a deepening economic recession. “NEC condemns policy inconsistency, wholesale corruption, massive treasury looting, budget padding, and the diversion of public funds that characterise the Tinubu administration. These failures have led to infrastructural decay and a collapse of investor confidence,” the communiqué stated. Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the PDP stated: “Our party believes in democracy, the rule of law, and the supremacy of the people’s will, as expressed through free, fair, and unhindered democratic participation in a multi-party political system.” Damagum also announced that NEC had ratified the composition of both the National Convention Planning Committee and the Zoning Committee. The National Convention is scheduled to take place from Thursday, 28 August, to Saturday, 30 August, 2025. The Zoning Committee includes Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa) as chairman, Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) as vice chairman, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) as secretary. The National Convention Planning Committee comprises Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) as Chairman, Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun) as Vice Chairman, and Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu) as Secretary. Damagum added that the NEC had received the South-East Zonal Executive Committee’s resolution on the issue of the national secretary and would deliberate on it at the next NEC meeting on June 30. Earlier, before the closed-door session, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, told the NEC members that PDP governors and members had faced mounting threats and pressure from the APC-led federal government. “This dispensation is different. We are encountering booby traps, innuendos, and political manoeuvrings. Today, there’s a wave of defections and talk of coalitions—even some of our own are being targeted,” he said. “But our members remain strong and resolute. There is no form of intimidation or cajoling we have not endured. Yet we are committed to our mandate.” The governor stressed that the PDP governors remained united and had consistently worked together to preserve the party’s relevance and visibility. “You can see that we are here together. We wish those who have left well, but this isn’t the first time members have left and returned. We believe many will come back,” he said. He also took a swipe at the APC, saying, “Other parties are fragmented, with factions and divided loyalties—even in the National Assembly and among governors. But we remain united. We’ve been holding strategy meetings across states—from Plateau to Taraba, Oyo to Delta—and issuing communiqués on key governance issues. We are not giving up.” APC reacts Reacting to the outcome of the NEC meeting, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed allegations of intimidation and one-party tendencies, insisting the PDP is simply grappling with self-inflicted internal crisis. The APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said in a telephone interview with Daily Trust that the ruling party is focused on governance and not distracted by the affairs of the opposition. “The PDP needs to revisit its conscience and check from within whether it was formed to strengthen or weaken democracy,” Ibrahim said. “The APC is a progressive party that is busy giving out the dividends of democracy. We don’t have time to intimidate or muzzle opposition parties—it’s not in our character.” He added that the disarray within the PDP is a product of its internal contradictions, not external interference. “The infighting among them is what is weakening them. That is what is intimidating them. It’s an internal issue. It has nothing to do with the APC.” Meanwhile, a mild drama unfolded at the end of the Senate plenary on Tuesday, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other APC senators made light of the PDP’s NEC meeting. Akpabio had earlier informed the chamber that the PDP’s NEC was scheduled to hold at the party’s Legacy House office in Maitama, Abuja. The communication, signed by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), appeared to amuse the Senate President, who burst into laughter after reading it aloud. This came just a day after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed the PDP’s national headquarters, an action widely perceived to be politically motivated and linked to the internal party crisis in which FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is deeply enmeshed. Wike, a former PDP governor, who has aligned with the APC since the 2023 elections, had reportedly withdrawn from all reconciliation efforts within the PDP and opposed the NEC meeting unless his ally, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was recognised as the party’s substantive national secretary. As the plenary wrapped up, Akpabio quipped, “We will adjourn today’s meeting to enable our colleagues to proceed to the NEC meeting to consider a lot of issues of national importance, including but not limited to the affirmation of the good leadership that is currently enveloping the entire nation.” He added, “PDP, please use the right faction when you are taking decisions.” When Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion for adjournment, he added his own jab: “I would think that they will also endorse the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Whatever it is, I wish them good luck.” Rising to second the motion, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, stated, “While I rise to second the motion for the adjournment, I want to place it on record that the NEC meeting will not do any democratic aberration.” He then formally seconded the motion. However, when Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, APC senators loudly chorused “nay” in a mock rejection of the adjournment. Akpabio, still chuckling, overruled the nays and declared, “The ayes have it.” Plenary was therefore adjourned to allow PDP senators to attend the NEC meeting. Collapse of PDP would imperil democracy, says Sule Lamido Meanwhile, former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, yesterday warned that the disintegration of the PDP would pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic future. Speaking on Channels Television, Lamido said the PDP has played a foundational role in the country’s Fourth Republic since 1999 and remains critical to sustaining democracy. “If the PDP collapses, Nigeria will collapse,” he said. “Where there is no opposition, then there will be an emperor. And emperors are always destroyed by their greed.” Lamido credited the PDP with restoring civilian governance after years of military rule, arguing that the party’s legacy created the space for later leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu, to emerge. “If the PDP had not restored democracy in 1999, there would have been no Buhari in 2015 and no Tinubu in 2023,” he said. He stressed that President Tinubu, more than anyone, needs the PDP to function as an effective opposition and democratic check. “Tinubu needs the PDP to put him on his toes. If the party collapses, no one will be there to question him,” he said. Despite the ongoing internal turmoil within the PDP, Lamido, 76, said he remains committed to the party and its ideals. “I will not leave the PDP. The party is part of Nigeria’s history. If it dies, a major part of our democratic experience dies with it,” he said. His comments come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as discontent within major parties fuels speculation about defections and new coalitions. On March 20, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others announced a coalition aimed at challenging President Tinubu in the next election. The emerging alliance is banking on the combined 12 million votes Atiku and Obi polled in 2023—over four million more than what Tinubu secured—to build momentum ahead of 2027. Nonetheless, Lamido insisted that a robust opposition, particularly from the PDP, is indispensable to the country’s democratic health. “A strong opposition is not a luxury—it is a necessity for Nigeria’s survival,” he said. PDP has reawakened – Bode George Also speaking, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, described the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as a rebirth, saying it has learnt from its past and is ready to rebuild. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, the former Deputy National Chairman said the 99th NEC meeting was a turning point, adding that the 100th NEC in June would be a landmark. “This party is an Iroko tree; it doesn’t just die. There has been a rebirth of freedom and procedural thought as laid down by our founding fathers. We are determined never again to self-manipulate our doctrines,” he said. He expressed disappointment over the sealing of the PDP national secretariat by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). “I was shell-shocked. They locked up the secretariat on the day of our NEC meeting. And the painful part is that the FCT minister is a beneficiary of our party. He grew through our platform—from local government chairman to minister and governor,” he said. He said the action was ‘cultural betrayal’. “If I were him, I would have paid the amount personally and returned the receipt to the party. That’s what a true son of the family would do,” he said. Asked if the party would take responsibility, he said, “yes, we erred. But record-keeping has suffered because of the high turnover in political positions. Since 1999, there have been changes in leadership, making it hard to track liabilities”. On the PDP’s crisis, George noted past mistakes but said the NEC meeting marked a new beginning based on selflessness and unity. Quoting the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, he said: “We must have more selfless leaders and fewer selfish ones.” Reacting to claims that the PDP was a dying party, he said, “that’s their wish. No organisation in the world is crisis-proof. What matters is how you rise above it”. He also dismissed suggestions that not zoning the presidential ticket to the South in 2023 was the party’s undoing. “The resurrection of the PDP started yesterday. The party is not for any individual. Atiku was not at the NEC meeting, but the meeting still held. This is a collective responsibility.” Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he stressed the need to guide younger members and stop the manipulation of the party’s principles. “We want to stop dancing on the graves of the founding fathers,” he said. | PDP; #NIGERIADECIDES2027; TINUBU; SULE LAMIDO; NEC | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| DAILY TRUST | 28 MAY 2025 | Nigeria’s debt to hit N162trn as President Tinubu seeks National Assembly's approval of fresh N17trn loan | Nigeria’s public debt profile will rise to N162.025 trillion as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sought the National Assembly’s approval for fresh loans’. The president requested the legislature to approve new borrowing plans totaling $21.5 billion, along with €2.19 billion, 15 billion Japanese yen and a €65 million grant, as part of the federal government’s 2025–2026 borrowing framework. Using the current official exchange rate as of May 27, 2025 at N650 to $1; the proposed borrowings of $21 billion (N13.65 trillion), €2.19 billion (N4 trillion), 15 billion Japanese Yen (N174 billion) and €65 million (N116 billion) will amount to N17.355 trillion, pushing the country’s debt burden to N162.025 trillion. The data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) indicated that N56.6 trillion of the country’s current N144.67 trillion debt profile was borrowed by Tinubu’s administration as his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, left it at N87.379 trillion. The president’s fresh loan request was contained in letters read separately at both chambers of the National Assembly by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. He said the request for the external borrowing was to enable the government fund priority projects across infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, security and employment generation. “These projects were selected based on technical and economic evaluations and are geared toward addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit, reducing poverty, creating jobs, and boosting food security,” the president stated. Citing the impact of subsidy removal and dwindling domestic revenues, Tinubu emphasised the urgency of closing the financial gap through prudent external borrowing, noting that the funds would be targeted at sectors such as power, railways and healthcare. “I want to emphasise that the projects and programmes included in the Borrowing Plan were selected based on thorough technical and economic evaluations as well as their anticipated contribution to the socio-economic development of the country. “These initiatives aim to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, all of which will improve the livelihoods of the average Nigerian. The majority of these projects and programmes will be implemented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.” He said given the urgent need to stabilise the economy, it was crucial to seek the consideration and approval of the National Assembly for the 2025-2026 External Borrowing Plan as it would enable the government to fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian people through timely disbursement and effective project implementation. In another letter, Tinubu requested the National Assembly’s approval to raise up to $2 billion through the issuance of foreign currency-denominated financial instruments in Nigeria’s domestic debt market. “This request is pursuant to the provisions of Section 44 (1) and (2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and Section 1(7) of the Executive Order, which requires National Assembly approval for all new borrowings and appropriation of the proceeds,” the president wrote. He said the proceeds would be invested in critical sectors of the economy to drive growth, infrastructure, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. The strategy, according to him, aims to diversify government funding sources, stabilise the naira and deepen the local financial market. He said it would allow investors have the opportunity to earn reasonable income on their US Dollar funds, while allowing the government to channel the funds to productive uses in the economy. However, he acknowledged that the capital raising would increase Nigeria’s public debt stock and debt servicing costs. N758bn bond to clear pension arrears In a third request, Tinubu asked the legislature to approve the issuance of bonds worth N757.98 billion in the domestic market to offset outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme as of December 31, 2023. The request, he said, followed the federal government’s non-compliance with several provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014 over the years due to revenue constraints. “This bond issuance will enable the federal government to meet its obligations to retirees, restore confidence in the pension system, and improve the welfare of retired public servants,” Tinubu wrote. It’s fiscal irresponsibility – Experts Reacting to the fresh loans’ request, the Executive Director at the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Umar Yakubu, alleged that it would only fund over bloated governance structure. “We’ve reached a level of fiscal irresponsibility where we finance government excesses with borrowing because overtime, statistics has shown that these borrowings have little or no impact on the common man,” he told Daily Trust. A development expert, Joseph Momoh, said continuous borrowing by the current administration might further deepen poverty rather than fast track development. “If you look at the indices, nothing serious had changed. Look at cost of living, insecurity and poverty, it is on the rise and they keep borrowing without results,” he said. A professor of Capital Market Studies at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Uche Uwaleke, said: “Loan is in order if tied to specific projects with high positive impact on the economy. In order to ensure this, the loan proceeds should be ring-fenced and its utilization subjected to strict monitoring by not only government agencies but also by civil society groups and the media.” Under Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria’s public debt has jumped from N87.379 trillion as of June 2023 (one month after Buhari’s exit from power) to N142.319 trillion as of September 2024, an increase of N56.6 trillion. Checks by Daily Trust showed that Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N144.67 trillion ($94.23 billion) as of December 31, 2024, representing a 48.58 per cent increase compared to N97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) recorded at the end of December 2023. The DMO disclosed this in its latest report on the country’s public debt profile. The report also revealed a quarter-on-quarter rise of 1.65 per cent from the N142.32 trillion ($88.89 billion) recorded at the end of September 2024, highlighting the continuous increase in the nation’s debt burden during the final quarter of the year. An analysis of Nigeria’s public debt on a year-on-year basis showed an increase of N47.32 trillion, representing a 48.58 per cent rise from December 2023 to December 2024. Nigeria’s external debt increased by 83.89 per cent from N38.22 trillion ($42.50 billion) in December 2023 to N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion) in December 2024. The rise was attributed to new external borrowings and the impact of naira depreciation, which raised the naira equivalent of dollar-denominated debt. External debts rose by N1.4 trillion, moving from N68.89 trillion ($43.03 billion) as of September 2024 to N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion) in December. This was influenced by new foreign loans acquired in the last three months of the year, alongside the further weakening of the naira. External debts account for 48% of total public debt As of December 2024, external debts made up of 48.59 per cent of Nigeria’s total public debt; and domestic debts, 51.41 per cent. A breakdown of external debts showed that the federal government accounted for N62.92 trillion ($40.98bn); while states and the Federal Capital Territory held N7.37 trillion ($4.80 billion). The rise in public debts has raised concerns among economic analysts regarding Nigeria’s fiscal stability. The sharp increase, particularly in external debts, highlights the nation’s vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations and changes in global economic conditions. With the continued depreciation of the naira, the cost of servicing foreign debt could escalate, adding pressure on the country’s financial resources. Further checks by Daily Trust showed that out of the N54.2 trillion budget passed by the National Assembly for 2025, N14.3 trillion was earmarked for debt servicing. The budget also had a fiscal deficit of N13.08 trillion. | LOAN; NASS; TINUBU; BORROWING | DAILYTRUST | ||||
| THIS DAY LIVE | 28 MAY 2025 | Rivers State of Emergency: Rivers Administrator to defend 2025 budget before Joint National Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee | The Senate yesterday, revealed that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas and other key functionaries would defend the state’s 2025 budget before the Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee to Oversee Emergency Rule in Rivers State. The upper chamber also assured Nigerians that it had determined to ensure the people of Rivers State “are not shortchanged due to the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18.” The Leader of the Senate/Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee to Oversee Emergency Rule in Rivers State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this at the inaugural meeting of the committee held in Abuja. After President Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers State, the President of the Senate, President Godswill Akpabio, had subsequently constituted an 18-member Committee on Emergency Rule under the chairmanship of Bamidele. Among others, the inaugural meeting was attended by Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Munguno; Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Nwebonyi; Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Adamu Aliero; Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa; Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru and Chairperson, Senate Committee on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Senator Oluranti Adebule. At the inaugural meeting yesterday, Bamidele revealed that both chambers of the National Assembly had agreed to hold a joint session to oversight the 2025 budget of the state, which the sole administrator laid before the parliament last week through President Tinubu. According to a statement, Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central in the Senate, assured Nigerians that the National Assembly, “is determined to work closely with members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee to Oversee Emergency Rule in Rivers State to ensure financial propriety and good governance. “It is our understanding with our colleagues in the House of Representatives that the sole administrator and other relevant functionaries of the state will all appear the joint ad-hoc committee of both chambers of the National Assembly when it is time for them to defend the 2025 the budget at the National Assembly,” Bamidele said with assurance to provide effective oversight in the state. He, further, noted that the inaugural meeting “was a necessary ritual to enable the committee carry out its assignment and mandate. The committee will guarantee that the democratic rule will continue to function in Rivers State despite the declaration of emergency rule. “The Senate is committed to the rule of law as well as the tenets of democracy. I am also confident in the pedigree of the members of this ad-hoc committee to deliver on the role of oversighting the activities of the sole administrator of Rivers State,” the chairman of the ad-hoc committee further said. Bamidele, therefore, challenged all members of the committee to be diligent and thorough in providing oversight functions for the Government of Rivers State and ensuring that the citizens of Rivers State are not shortchanged due to the declaration of emergency rule He noted that the 2025 budget of the Rivers State Government, “has been presented to the National Assembly by the Sole Administrator through the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The budget is being referred to our committee. “The committee has just finalised on its workplan as well as the timetable that will ensure proper budget defence by the sole administrator of Rivers State. The budget defence will involve other state officials of the state, especially the Accountant-General of Rivers State, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and relevant officials in charge of the economy of the State. “As much as possible, the National Assembly will ensure propriety in the discharge of our oversight functions. We will also ensure that governance does not suffer in Rivers State during the period of emergency rule,” Bamidele further assured Nigerians. | RIVERS STATE 2025 BUDGET; NASS; STATE OF EMERGENCY | THISDAYLIVE | ||||
| VANGUARD | 28 MAY 2025 | #NigeriaDecides2027: Senator Orji Kalu wears ‘Tinubu 2027’ campaign attire to plenary, says it's an open endorsement for Tinubu's 2nd term agenda. | Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, on Tuesday attended Senate plenary in an outfit bearing the inscription “Tinubu for President 2027.” Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly complex, the former Abia State governor described the outfit as a deliberate and open endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term ambition. “Can you see what I’m wearing? If you look at the dress I’m wearing, you will know what it is,” he said. “This is the endorsement for president. My dress is perfectly tailored to that and the South-East caucus is fully in support.” Kalu noted that others within the All Progressives Congress (APC) had also begun wearing the same attire, describing it as part of a growing show of solidarity with the president. “People are already wearing it; I’m not just the first person wearing it,” he said. “Because you people have a gold eye, that you can see what I’m wearing. I’m wearing something for the president, our president, your president.” The senator revealed that the APC southeast caucus had endorsed Tinubu weeks ago, in a move led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and backed by the Governor of Ebonyi State and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. “We endorsed him weeks ago, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by the governor of Ebonyi and the deputy speaker. We initiated the national endorsement,” he added. Kalu further praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, saying they reflect strong leadership. | 2027 CAMPAIGN; NIGERIA DECIDES 2027; SENATE PLENARY | VANGUARD | ||||
| THE CABLE | 28 MAY 2025 | Corruption and Asset Recovery: AGF says EFCC & ICPC recovered N277bn, $105m in 2024 | Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered N277 billion and $105 million in 2024. Fagbemi spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a summit on asset recovery. He noted that asset recovery is essential in the fight against corruption, economic crimes, and illicit financial flows. The AGF said Nigeria had recorded some successes in asset recovery, both at domestic and international levels, in the past couple of years. “In 2024 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reported to have reclaimed over N248 billion, $105 million, and 753 duplexes in its asset recovery efforts,” Fagbemi said. “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is also reported to have recovered N29.685 billion in cash and $966,900 in assets. “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has equally intensified its efforts in seizing assets linked to drug-related crimes, ensuring that illicit proceeds do not fuel further criminal activities. “Nigeria has successfully repatriated significant funds from abroad, reinforcing our commitment to financial accountability. “With regard to international recovery and repatriation of assets, which is within the purview of the federal ministry of justice, it is pertinent to state that from 2017 to date, the ministry, working in collaboration with its counterparts and international partners (the US, UK, Bailiwick of Jersey, Ireland, and Switzerland), was able to facilitate the execution of various agreements. “This led to the payment of fines, recovery and repatriation of assets in the sum of $763,734,000, and 6,472,610 pounds. “Of these sums, a total of 102.88 million dollars and 2,062,000 pounds (Galactica assets 52.88 million dollars, Glencore fined 50 million dollars, Useni/Miner 2,062,000 pounds) was recovered from 2024 to date.” In January 2025, the federal government and the United States signed an asset return agreement on $52.88 million recovered from the Galactica assets. The assets were linked to Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former minister of petroleum, and her associates. | CORRUPTION; ASSET RECOVERY; EFCC; EFCC; 2024 | CABLE | ||||