The recent call for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation. Such rhetoric is not only divisive but also endangers our peace and security, as our Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.

History has shown us the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda. What began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes. We must learn from these lessons and act decisively.

I call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division. It is imperative to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence. The rule of law must prevail, and those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences.

Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity, and we must resist any efforts to sow discord among our people. Lagos and the Southwest have long been melting pots of cultures where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to our collective growth and development. The Igbo community, along with all other ethnic groups, is an integral part of this vibrant mosaic.

I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously. The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution.

It is alarming that, five days after this threat emerged, there has been a troubling silence. Immediate action to arrest, investigate, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda is crucial. This will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security.
Atiku Abubakar
1st of August, 2024.

“On behalf of my family, I extend hearty birthday wishes to my good friend, a dedicated patriot and former Governor of Anambra State, @PeterObi, on his 63rd birthday. May you enjoy many more years of good health and continued service to our nation. –AA”

Former Vice President and Wazirin Adamawa, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, has been notably active this week. Acting on behalf of the Lamido Adamawa, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, Atiku had the honor and privilege of supervising the turbaning ceremony of seven new traditional title holders at the Lamido's Palace in Yola, Adamawa State.

The turbaning ceremony is a significant cultural event, symbolizing the conferment of traditional titles and roles within the emirate. It highlights the enduring traditions and rich cultural heritage of the Adamawa Emirate. Atiku Abubakar's participation underscores his ongoing commitment and deep connection to his roots and the local community.

In addition to this ceremonial role, Atiku Abubakar also demonstrated his compassion and leadership by leading members of the Adamawa Emirate Council on a visit to the victims of the Yola Main Market fire earlier in the day. The market, a central hub for commerce in the region, was recently devastated by a severe fire, impacting numerous traders and local businesses.

During the visit, Atiku and the council members offered their condolences and support to those affected by the disaster, emphasizing the community's resilience and the importance of solidarity in times of crisis. This gesture of empathy was well received by the victims, who expressed their gratitude for the concern and support shown by the former Vice President and the council.

The message of Eid al-Adha is to remind ourselves of God's commandment to show love to one another and uphold peaceful interpersonal relationships. The essential purpose of that message is that we must put our trust in God Almighty at all times. Even in the face of the current hard times that many Nigerians are passing through, we must never fail to put trust in God and, more importantly, extend compassion and safety to the vulnerable people around us. This means that as we celebrate today, we must ensure that we extend good tidings of support and charity to one another, especially those in difficulty.

As we know that the essence of the celebration today is about a restoration of God’s mercy, it is thus incumbent on government at all levels to take a cue from the divine instruction and make sure that the hardships of the people are minimized. I urge Muslims in Nigeria and across the world to remember their responsibility of being good ambassadors of the religion by living their lives according to the practices and teachings of the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The festivities that we are undertaking today are borne out of the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and as also exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is thus our responsibility as Muslims to reflect on their examples in our lives by upholding the threshold of peace at all times. I wish every Muslim family a happy Eid celebration and pray for God’s protection and safety for everyone during and after the celebration. –AA

The Presidential Candidate of the People's Democratic Party in the 2023 Presidential Elections, today joined millions across the globe to celebrate the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The respected Opposition leader and former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria took to his Twitter page to wish our beloved Daddy GO a Happy 82nd Birthday. He wrote:

"Pastor Enoch Adeboye is a respected religious leader who has guided many in their faith. As he celebrates his birthday today, I, along with many others, wish him more years of success in his divine assignment. -AA"

TimeManager:

How much dollars did PDP leave for Buhari in our reserves?. We can't forget #Dasukigate.

-kiss the truth!

Tinubu’s administration owes Nigerians an explanation for the NNPC $3.3bn emergency loan.

In what appears to be a landmark economic decision of the Bola Tinubu-led administration, the Federal Government last year, precisely on August 16, 2023 through the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) secured a $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan, which according to the NNPC, was to help give support to the Naira and stabilize the Foreign Exchange market.

The curious thing about this transaction is that up till now, the Federal Government continues to keep mum about it, and the only information available to the public on the mega deal is coming only through unofficial sources from the NNPC.

The deal is supposed to be a crude-for-cash loan arranged by the African Export-Import Bank.

According to information available, a Special Purpose Vehicle called Project Gazelle Funding Limited is driving the deal, and it was incorporated in the Bahamas.

The SPV is the borrower while the NNPC is the sponsor, with an agreement to pay with crude oil to the SPV in order to liquidate the loan at an interest rate that is a little over 12 per cent.

What is even more confounding about this deal is why the Federal Government would register a company in the Bahamas, knowing full well the recent scandal of the Paradise Papers that involved that country.

Curiously also, Nigeria’s current Barrels Produced Daily (BPD) is 1.38 million, and according to the Project Gazelle deal, Nigeria is to supply 90,000 Barrels of its daily production, starting from 2024 till it is up to 164.25 million barrels for the repayment of the loan.

Now, this is where the details get disturbing because Nigeria’s benchmark for the sale of crude per barrel in 2024 is $77.96. A simple multiplication of that figure by 164.25 will give us a whooping $12bn.

It is on this note that we are calling on the Federal Government to speak up on this shady deal.

It is inconceivable that the Federal Government will lead the country to take a loan of $3.3b with an interest rate that is not more than 12 per cent, but with estimated repayment amounting to $12bn.

That is a humongous differential of about $7b between what is in the details of the deal on paper and what indeed is the reality.

There are questions to be answered on the integrity of this deal, and we earnestly request the Federal Government to talk directly on these cloudy details behind the deal.

We therefore demand, on behalf of the ordinary people of Nigeria, that the Federal Government provides answers to the following questions.

1. Has the Federal Government accessed the loan?
2. Is the loan in the government’s borrowing plan as approved by the National Assembly?
3. Who are the parties to the loan, and what specific roles are they expected to play?
4. What are the conditions to the loan, including tenor, repayment terms, the collateral, and the interest rate?
5. And, lastly, why register an SPV in the Bahamas knowing the recent scandal of the country’s notoriety for warehousing unclean assets?

-AA

There is mounting pressure on Peter Obi to dump his presidential ambition and run as vice presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2027.

Obi was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections; where he was placed third in the result announced by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Obi is being lured to contest in a joint-ticket with Atiku on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 presidential election.

According to a notable member of the PDP, Uche Rochas, who is in the vanguard of mobilising for Atiku towards 2027, “There is time and process for everything. He should know that and should stop running faster than himself.”

Rochas had declared:

Arc Uche Rochas @U_Rochas

“This is the only way that I can forgive Peter Obi my brother. I hope this message gets to him.

“There is time and process for everything. He should know that and should stop running faster than himself.”

Some stakeholders in the polity perceive Atiku/Obi joint ticket as a coming tsunami.

Meanwhile, some others are raising the question of what will become the place of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was vice presidential candidate to Atiku in 2023.

Uche Rochas had steered the the political storm when he declared his support for Atiku to contest for the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the former vice president has the right to do so.

[NationalDaily]

I have just arrived at the PDP National Secretariat, where I took a moment to sign the condolence register in memory of our recently departed National Woman Leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe. May her soul rest in eternal peace. -AA

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to dismiss President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its chairman over a lack of legitimacy as President of Nigeria.

Frank, who made this call in a statement in Abuja, said the President lost legitimacy following the discovery that he forged the Chicago State University (CSU) certificate he filed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the 2023 Presidential election.

He said: “If ECOWAS must remain relevant and retain its credibility and respect among member states, especially in dealing with the military junta now spreading fast like a pandemic across the sub-Region, it must act fast to protect its integrity.”

He equally called on past and present presidents of member states of ECOWAS to prevail upon the sub-Regional body to do the right thing by appointing another chairman in an acting capacity pending ratification during the next Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

He said that failure to act promptly would put the Regional body in a lame-duck position where all decisions reached during the tenure of Tinubu would not be respected and therefore null and void.

He called on the leadership of the military junta in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger Republic not to have any dealings, discussion, or negotiation with the Tinubu-led ECOWAS until the President is removed as its chairman.

Counsellor, Relationship and Marriage, Ruth Esumeh (left); chief host, Pastor Folake Daniels; motivational speaker, Ibukun Awosika; founder of Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Badaru, Nigeria Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau, James Usanga, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Kana, President Bola Tinubu, Force Commander ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, Brigadier General Al-hassan Grema, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa when President Tinubu visited the Nigerian Troops in Bissau on arrival for 63rd Ordinary Session of ECOWAS.

He urged the authorities of ECOWAS not to be deceived by the appointment and secondment of broadcast journalist and Channels Television reporter, Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe, to serve as Communications Advisor to the ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, in Abuja.

“This is a Greek gift; therefore, the Commission should beware,” he said.

He insisted that Tinubu’s administration, on the one hand, persecutes the media with the recent NBC’s last warning letter to ARISE Television, and on the other hand, it bribes them with generous appointments and paid advertisements as recently corroborated by Ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, who is the minister of FCT.

He called on the National Assembly to defend the nation’s constitution, democracy, and the rule of law by urgently commencing impeachment proceedings against Tinubu over gross violations of the constitution.

He insisted that the National Assembly cannot afford to stay aloof while the nation is crumbling under illegalities and breaches of the constitution committed by Tinubu, as contained in the sworn deposition by the CSU authorities.

He said: “A breach of the Constitution by a sitting President is an impeachable offense. We are calling on the National Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, to wake up and defend the Constitution.

“This is the time for them to uphold the law and constitution of the land. This is the time they must display patriotism irrespective of party affiliation by urgently commencing impeachment proceedings against the President.

“This is not all about party membership. It’s all about sustaining our democracy and ensuring peace, security, and development of the country.

“Nigerians expect them to exercise their constitutional powers to do the right thing if they are truly the elected representatives of the people.

“Otherwise, Tinubu’s stay in office will continue to bring national disgrace and embarrassment to Nigerians both home and abroad and equally chase away foreign investors from doing business in Nigeria because no foreign investor will come to Nigeria to invest while it remains under a President tainted with illegitimacy.“

He insisted that the President’s forgery saga is already making life difficult and creating hard times for Nigerians abroad who are seeking jobs as their certificates are now being subjected to thorough scrutiny to ensure they are not fake.

The Bayelsa-born political activist also called on the Supreme Court to handle the Presidential election petition appeal before it with the fear of God and national interest to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

He said: “We believe that the Supreme Court must not be biased and must do everything to protect our democracy. The world is watching to see if they will uphold the principles of true justice in the manner they will handle this case of perjury or lying under oath by Tinubu.”

According to him, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, recently said the judiciary does not base its decisions on sentiment or public opinion in deciding cases but on the constitution.

“Several vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the judiciary; it is, however, crystal clear that public opinions, no matter how serious [quote]or weighty they might be, cannot override or supersede the constitution of the country, which we apply in deciding each case,” the CJN said after swearing in 23 newly-appointed judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Frank added: “We now have a clear case of breach of the Constitution by a President who submitted a forged certificate to INEC, contrary to Section 137 (1) (j) of the Constitution, which stipulates that: ‘A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if – he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.’

“We expect the CJN and other Supreme Court Justices to courageously uphold the constitution by ensuring that a confirmed lawbreaker is not retained as the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has called on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to disqualify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office or compel him to resign over his alleged identity theft and certificate forgery.

HURIWA made this call in a press statement issued yesterday, Tuesday, October 3, 2023, following the revelation that the academic record from South-West College, which Tinubu used in gaining admission into Chicago State University (CSU) belonged to a woman.

The society civil group said the documents released by CSU to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was challenging Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential election in a US court, showed that Tinubu was enrolled as a female student with the name, Bola Adekunle Tinubu.

HURIWA described this as a shocking and shameful case of identity theft and certificate forgery, which has exposed Tinubu as a fraud and a liar, who has deceived Nigerians for decades.

The human rights group said Tinubu has no moral or legal right to continue to occupy the highest office in the land, having violated the constitution and the electoral laws of Nigeria.

They also accused Tinubu of being involved in other criminal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering, citing some documents purportedly obtained from the US authorities that linked him to these offences.

The Human Rights group, therefore, urged the Supreme Court not to act like Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ by allowing this malfeasance to be sustained. The group said the apex court has a duty to uphold justice and protect the integrity of the electoral process and the democratic values of Nigeria.

HURIWA warned that if Tinubu was not disqualified or made to resign, Nigerians would lose faith in their leaders and institutions, and might resort to civil disobedience and mass protests to demand accountability.

The group also called on Nigerians to rise up and reject Tinubu as their president, saying he was a potential embarrassment and danger to Nigeria and its international reputation.

UPDATE

The president of the Constitutional Court Marie Madeleine Mborantsuo and ministers under house arrest.
Members of the electoral commission are currently Unreachable

👉President, Constitutional Court, 1998-2001 and 2005-
Marie Madeleine Mborantsuo

Heartfelt condolences to the family, congregation, and community of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of Fountain of Life Church, @TFOLC. He was a beacon of faith and hope. May his soul rest in eternal peace. -AA

Dr. Otorkpa who is a Public Health specialist and Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health United Kingdom, said the appetite for drug abuse among the Nigerian young population is on the increase.

According to him, the illicit drug trade in the country is fueled by factors that include Nigeria’s “geographic location, economic disparities, political instability, and global demand for drugs.”

In a write-up, Dr Otorkpa suggested effective ways to curb the trend which include education and research, strengthening the law enforcement agencies, treatment, and rehabilitation among many others. His statement reads thus:

According to the United Nations Population Fund, Nigeria has a youthful population, with approximately 60% of its population below the age of 30. This demographic group represents a significant portion of the country's workforce and has the potential to drive economic growth and development. However, a growing portion of that population is falling prey to the snares of drug traffickers.

Drug trafficking in Nigeria has a complex history that can be traced back several decades. The illicit drug trade in the country is fueled by a combination of factors, including Nigeria's geographic location, economic disparities, political instability, and global demand for drugs.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed an increase in the production of methamphetamine within its borders. Nigerian criminal networks have been involved in the clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine, often utilizing makeshift laboratories and precursor chemicals imported from countries like China.

Nigerian drug traffickers have also established connections and collaborations with transnational criminal organizations, such as Latin American drug cartels and West African criminal networks. This enables them to access a global market and sophisticated smuggling techniques. The significant amount of drugs confiscated by the revitalized National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) from drug traffickers at Nigerian airports over the past two years provides a vivid insight into the unfortunate predicament faced by young people in Nigeria.

These seizures, occurring within a relatively short period, paint a troubling picture of the pervasive drug trade that poses a grave threat to the younger generation. The repercussions of this dire situation are evident in the rising number of young individuals who find themselves entangled in addiction and dependency issues. Rather than pursuing their educational aspirations and the opportunities provided by academic institutions, these vulnerable individuals are now compelled to seek solace and rehabilitation in dedicated facilities.

The situation is so bad that teachers have become customers to young drug peddlers within their schools while drug cartels have taken over nightclubs and the entertainment industry training our young people on how best to self-destruct while they smile to the banks with illicit wealth extracted from helpless addicts.

This must not be allowed to continue, Nigeria like many other countries, must as a matter of urgency address the growing drug appetite among its young population if not the country will have no future.

Why is this important?
Reversing the growing appetite of young Nigerians for illicit drugs is vital for the following reasons:

1. Health consequences: Drug abuse can have severe health consequences, both physical and mental, especially when it begins at a young age. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, damage to vital organs, impaired cognitive function, and increased risk of mental health disorders. Tackling drug appetite among the young population is essential to protect their well-being and ensure a healthy future generation.

2. Education and productivity: Drug use negatively affects educational attainment and reduces productivity. Young people who engage in drug abuse are more likely to experience academic difficulties, drop out of school, and have limited employment prospects. Addressing drug appetite among young Nigerians is vital for enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute effectively to society.

3. Crime and social consequences: Drug abuse is often associated with criminal activities, as individuals may resort to illegal means to support their addiction. This can lead to increased crime rates, including drug-related violence, theft, and other forms of illicit activities. By addressing the drug appetite among young people, Nigeria can reduce the societal and economic burden associated with drug-related crimes.
4. Economic impact: Substance abuse has a significant economic impact on individuals, families, and the country as a whole, the economic burden of the fake R039 pill alone have ruined many financially. The financial costs of addiction, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and increased law enforcement efforts, place a strain on the economy. By tackling drug appetite among young Nigerians, the country can mitigate these economic consequences and redirect resources towards more productive endeavors.

5. Social development and stability: Drug abuse can disrupt social structures and destabilize communities. Young people who are caught in the cycle of drug addiction often face challenges in forming healthy relationships, maintaining stable families, and engaging in positive community activities. By addressing drug appetite among young Nigerians, Nigeria can promote social development, strengthen community bonds, and foster a more stable society.

Strategies For Suppressing Illicit Drugs Appetite
To effectively tackle the consumption side of drugs in Nigeria, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach is required. In this piece, we have outlined some of the strategies that can be implemented:

1. Education and awareness: Implement widespread drug education programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. This can include the engagement of faith-based organizations to educate young Nigerians about the consequences of drug use, including its impact on health, education, and future prospects. Promote accurate information about drugs and empower individuals to make informed decisions.
2. Prevention programs: Develop and implement prevention programs that target high-risk groups, such as vulnerable youth, school dropouts, and marginalized communities. These programs can include life skills training, mentorship programs, extracurricular activities, and community outreach initiatives to provide alternatives to drug use and promote healthy lifestyles.
3. Strengthen law enforcement: Enhance law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking and illicit drug markets. This includes improving border control measures, intelligence gathering, and collaboration among relevant agencies. Stricter enforcement of drug laws can act as a deterrent and disrupt the drug supply chain.
4. Treatment and rehabilitation: With conditions such as serotonin syndrome ruining lives, globally there is a need to expand access to quality drug treatment and rehabilitation services. Establish treatment centers and facilities that offer evidence-based interventions, including counseling, detoxification, and rehabilitation programs. Ensure the availability of trained healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive care and support to individuals seeking help for drug addiction
5. Support for at-risk populations: Implement targeted interventions for at-risk populations, such as street children, displaced persons, and individuals living in poverty. Address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to drug abuse, including poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and inadequate social support systems.
6. Collaboration and international cooperation: Strengthen collaboration and cooperation with international organizations, neighboring countries, and partners involved in drug control efforts. Share information, intelligence, and best practices to combat drug trafficking networks and promote regional initiatives to tackle drug-related challenges collectively.
7. Research and data collection: Invest in research and data collection to better understand the scope and nature of drug use in Nigeria. Collecting accurate and up-to-date data can inform evidence-based policies, interventions, and resource allocation.
8. Community involvement: Engage local communities, religious organizations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders in drug prevention efforts. Encourage community participation in awareness campaigns, peer support networks, and community-led initiatives to address drug abuse.

It's important to note that tackling drug consumption requires a long-term commitment, adequate resources, and a multi-sectoral approach involving the government, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, families, and communities. By combining these strategies, Nigeria can make significant progress in reducing drug consumption and its associated harms.

The Presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party has sent in a well worded congratulatory message to the reelected Governor of Adamawa state after attempts by those who rigged the 2023 Presidential election to repeat same in the North East state.

In a message on his Facebook page H.E Atiku wrote "Congratulations, Gov Ahmadu Fintiri, on your deserved reelection as governor of Adamawa State. Thank you to the people of Adamawa and men and women of goodwill for staying the course in resisting coupists and enemies of democracy from having their way. The lesson from this exercise and others is the need for Nigerians to be vigilant and never give in to anti-democratic forces whose objective is to snatch, run with and undermine the mandate of the people as freely expressed in their votes. By the way, it is not yet uhuru as we still have one more major mandate to reclaim, and together as ONE, we shall accomplish the task for the good of our country and its people. -AA"

PRESS RELEASE
I'll never validate an illegitimate outcome of a flawed process

I have been notified of a fake press release attributed to me and purportedly giving legitimacy to the widely rigged presidential election of February 25.

The so-called press release did not emanate from me or my office, and it should be treated with repudiation, untrue, and deliberately contrived by those who illegally appropriated the mandate of the Nigerian people.

For the avoidance of any doubt, I wish to state categorically that my lawyers still have my unflinching mandate to challenge the outcome of the February 25 presidential election.

I join other lovers of democracy in Nigeria and friends of our great country in the outright rejection of the predetermined outcome of the February 25 election.

I shall continue to challenge the legality of that election, alongside my party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

The decision to challenge the sham election of February 25, the worst election in our democratic history, is not predicated on my personal interest but the interest of Nigeria and its people. It is aimed at deepening democracy and ensuring that we do not confer legitimacy to an outcome of illegitimacy.

My commitment to the democratic struggle in Nigeria is beyond an election season.

Signed:
Atiku Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party
and former Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
25th March, 2023

A top consultant of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Olatubosun Adeniyi Kuku, has been caught on tape revealing that Bola Tinubu, the flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), would offer $170 million to the commission’s officials to manipulate the results of the presidential elections across Nigeria.

“Asiwaju is giving INEC $170 million,” Mr Kuku, who described himself as the number one consultant for the commission, told an official in the audio obtained by Peoples Gazette this week. “We will share it around; everybody will do the bidding.”

Among several other midsize businesses, Mr Kuku was identified by The Gazette as the owner of Winning Keys Consult Ltd., located at 9, Usan Street, Durumi, Abuja, which claimed to have helped candidates win elective positions.

Mr Kuku, who said he visited Mr Tinubu when the former Lagos governor promised to bribe the electoral officials, disclosed that he had received N8 billion worth of election-related contracts from the commission.

“Last 2019, it is N7.8 billion the contract they gave me. Ask him who I am. They call me the Hembe Lembe of INEC. That’s what I do,” the consultant said.

In interviews, Mr Kuku repeatedly said he was not the one on the tape.

“It is not me,” the said by telephone on Friday morning. However, after The Gazette told him the voice was authenticated to be his, Mr Kuku abruptly hung up.

When The Gazette made another attempt to reach Mr Kuku shortly after his initial denial, he quickly said in Yoruba that the audio was recorded long ago and wondered why it could cause any troubles now. He failed to elaborate when pressed.

Whereas it could not be ascertained when or where the meeting Mr Kuku said he had with Mr Tinubu took place, his position as one of INEC’s biggest consultants was confirmed by The Gazette. INEC consultants have long been known to exploit their access to the electrical office towards personal inurement.

Yet, the electoral office strongly pushed back and summarily disowned Mr Kuku when asked for comments about the tape, which a pro-democracy activist described as “beyond disturbing.”

“The INEC chairman and national commissioners I know cannot accept money from any contestants,” spokesperson Rotimi Oyekanmi told The Gazette Friday afternoon.

“The processes that have been put in place have assured that no single person or any group of persons at all can influence the outcome of the presidential election in Nigeria,” the INEC spokesman added.

An INEC official said Mr Kuku’s status as a consultant with the agency would be placed under immediate review.

Bayo Onanuga, the APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesman, did not immediately respond to The Gazette’s request seeking his comments on the audio.

But Mr Tinubu has strongly denied all charges of corrupt practices or any attempts to compromise existing democratic processes. He was among the presidential candidates who signed a peace and fair pact in the weeks and days leading to today’s presidential election, saying it was only a continuation of his pro-democracy activity that peaked during the 1990s military junta.

Still, the candidacy of Mr Tinubu, a top contender in the presidential race being a choice of the ruling party and a key ally of President Muhammdu Buhari, has over time been tainted with age falsification, ill health, corruption and drug dealing allegations.

Ahead of the party’s presidential primary elections in June 2022, sources told this outlet that Mr Tinubu offered delegates bribes to secure their votes as the APC flag bearer.

The delegates confirmed to The Gazette that the APC flagbearer induced Ogun delegates with $25,000 and Adamawa $10,000.

Voting rights activist Greg Adesuwa said Mr Kuku’s disclosure about what he did with Mr Tinubu was not entirely new to Nigerian elections, which have for decades been characterised by violence, ballot box stuffing and outright rigging often linked to candidates and their political agents.

“This INEC contractor said Tiinubu was looking to bribe officials to the humongous amount mentioned, that is beyond disturbing,” Mr Adesuwa told The Gazette. “I hope the security agencies will work to investigate the man’s claim and hold all his co-conspirators to justice in this country.”

Mr Adesuwa said Nigerian politicians should move beyond seeing election as a violent and corrupt process and instead focus on polishing their ideas to make them sellable to the masses.

aydelicious:
Looking ahead