APC Chieftain Abdullahi Abdulmajeed joined ARISE NEWS to discuss the race for Kwara’s governorship seat.
According to him, Ambassador Abdulfatai Seriki Gambari’s emergence as the candidate of the ruling APC will resonate more with the people, party stakeholders - from the President and Governor to grassroots leaders.
He argues that Gambari brings leadership readiness, productive capacity, and generational representation that aligns with what Kwara needs right now.
Setting the Record Straight: Senator Seriake Dickson is Presidential Material, But Remains Committed to the Obi-Kwankwaso TTicket
In the ongoing national conversation about coalition-building and the future of Nigeria’s opposition politics, clarity and context are very important. Recent interpretations of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson’s remarks during his appearance on Charles Aniagolu’s programme on Arise TV have generated unnecessary controversy.
It is important to address these distortions directly and reaffirm the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s principled position.
When Charles Aniagolu interviewed Senator Dickson, the framing suggested that the decision by Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join the NDC represented a favour done to the Senator and the NDC. Senator Dickson immediately and firmly corrected this impression. Such a suggestion, he noted, is not only factually inaccurate but also disrespectful to his person, his legacy and the enormous sacrifices he has made in building a viable political platform for democratic renewal in Nigeria.
The Senator’s correction was not borne out of ego, but of truth. If any conversation about favours must arise, the accurate perspective is that Senator Dickson extended a significant gesture to the broader opposition movement. While they were in the ADC, Senator Dickson founded the party and offered the NDC’s platform to stranded opposition politicians across the country without demanding a kobo from any of them. As a leader with a distinguished record of public service, he was—and remains—fully qualified to contest the presidency himself.
Instead, he made the deliberate and statesmanlike choice to yield the platform in the interest of forging a stronger, more united political front capable of delivering the change Nigerians desperately need. That was the precise point he sought to make during the interview.
At no point did Senator Dickson assert that Mr. Peter Obi is not as qualified as himself. Regrettably, some overzealous supporters have taken segments of his comments out of context, weaponising them to launch unwarranted attacks on the Senator and the party leadership. This misinterpretation does a disservice to the spirit of unity the NDC is working to cultivate.
The purpose of the interview was to provide a broad overview of the legal framework that mandates direct primaries — a requirement that has, in turn, created challenges for all political parties in implementing them. He used the opportunity to assure Nigerians that concrete steps are being taken to correct the observed anomalies which occurred as a result of the constraint of time and the newness of the party. This was the core position and primary objective of the interview.
Senator Dickson’s credentials are beyond reproach. He has served as Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, spent two terms in the House of Representatives, governed Bayelsa State for two terms, and is currently serving his second term as Senator. Before then, he served as State Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), National Legal Adviser of the AD, and member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) representing Bayelsa. He was also an active Niger Delta activist who championed numerous causes in the region. These roles, combined with his deep background in law, governance, institution-building, and political organisation, place him on equal footing with any leader in the country.
The establishment of the NDC itself reflects his vision, commitment, and tireless efforts to create a credible alternative to the ruling party. He did this at a time when all opposition politicians were gravitating towards the APC and the ADC. He has been a lone voice in the Senate speaking against the misgovernance of the APC-led administration, and he is not someone who can be associated with seeking favours from aspirants, not even the ruling party. It is this integrity that he has built over the years that has attracted many people across the country, including the presidential candidate and the vice presidential candidate, into the party.
So, why would the people to whom he has offered a platform, along with his followers, choose to denigrate that platform and expect the man not to speak up? That was the caution he gave.
Having said that, he has since returned to his role as leader to accommodate and work with everyone. The hint has been given, and the sooner people learn not to come to a platform he accommodated and seek to demarket him, the better. Most Nigerians believe that the action was right and that there was no reason to be offended. However, he has reason to take offense and push back against that narrative.
Against this backdrop, it is both disrespectful and ungrateful for anyone to frame the entry of other leaders into the party as a favour done to Senator Dickson and the NDC. On the contrary, by willingly offering the platform at the disposal of the coalition, he demonstrated rare political maturity, sacrifice, humility, patriotism and generosity of spirit, a fact that must be acknowledged in any honest assessment.
As we intensify efforts to promote our candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, we must all embrace a higher standard of conduct. Promoting our standard-bearers is a shared responsibility, but it should never involve framing narratives that undermine the National Leader or other leaders of the party in order to elevate one individual. There is enough credit to go around.
We are partners in a common cause, working together for the good of Nigeria. This is not, and must never become, a competition of egos among ourselves.
In conclusion, while we must enthusiastically and vigorously promote our candidates, supporters and party members should be careful to avoid undermining, disparaging, or denting the image of the party, its leadership, or any individual within the movement. It is entirely possible and indeed necessary to champion our ticket with conviction and energy without diminishing anyone else.
True political maturity demands that we build up rather than tear down. Senator Seriake Dickson’s sacrifice and leadership exemplify this standard. He has since demonstrated it by welcoming the Obidient movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement and directing the party to assimilate them at the national and state levels. What more can one ask for? Let us honour it by maintaining unity, truth, and mutual respect as we march forward. Nigeria deserves nothing less.
Dr. Adesusu Maxwell Adodo is a public affairs analyst and writes from Lagos
*A Call for Justice, Reconciliation and the Protection of Internal Democracy*
*By the Kwara Progressive Coalition*
The Kwara Progressive Coalition, a pro-democracy movement dedicated to the progress and development of Kwara State, has stated that the recent position taken by the Kwara State APC Elders Caucus concerning the governorship primary that produced Speaker Salihu Yakubu Danladi as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections deserves serious attention from every stakeholder within our great party.
The group in a strongly worded statement said, The intervention of the elders is significant not merely because of who they are, but because of what they represent.
These are men and women who have devoted decades of their lives to building political structures, nurturing democratic institutions, supporting progressive causes, and safeguarding the collective interests of our party and state.
When such respected elders publicly express concern about the credibility of a process that will ultimately determine the future of our party and the political destiny of Kwara State, their views should not be dismissed. They should be carefully examined.
Their statement confirms what many party members across the three senatorial districts have quietly expressed over the past several weeks.
There exists widespread dissatisfaction regarding the circumstances surrounding the governorship primary process.
There exists deep concern regarding the manner in which critical decisions were taken.
There exists growing apprehension that many committed party members, stakeholders, grassroots leaders, and loyal supporters feel excluded from decisions that will profoundly affect the future of the APC in Kwara State.
The issue before us is therefore bigger than any individual candidate.
It is bigger than any political camp.
It is bigger than any temporary advantage.
It is fundamentally about the credibility of our internal democratic processes and the future electoral viability of our party.
The APC emerged as a progressive movement because it promised something different.
It promised inclusion over exclusion.
It promised participation over imposition.
It promised internal democracy over political authoritarianism.
It promised fairness over arbitrariness.
These principles cannot become negotiable simply because succession politics has arrived.
History has repeatedly shown that political parties are rarely defeated by external opponents before they are first weakened internally by unresolved grievances, perceived injustices, and avoidable divisions.
The warning signs are already visible.
Across communities, wards, local governments, and senatorial districts, conversations are taking place among party faithful who feel disappointed, alienated, and unheard.
Many of these individuals are not opposition members.
They are loyal APC supporters.
They are the foot soldiers who defended the party when victory was uncertain.
They are the grassroots mobilisers who delivered electoral success.
They are the stakeholders who sacrificed personal interests for collective goals.
Their concerns deserve to be heard.
Their grievances deserve attention.
Their loyalty deserves respect.
The intervention of the APC Elders Caucus therefore provides an opportunity for reflection and corrective action.
This is not the time for arrogance.
This is not the time for triumphalism.
This is not the time to dismiss genuine concerns as mere bitterness.
Rather, this is the time for leadership.
Leadership requires listening.
Leadership requires consultation.
Leadership requires reconciliation.
Leadership requires the courage to place the long-term interests of the party above short-term political calculations.
We therefore respectfully call on the National Chairman of the APC, members of the National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, and the broader leadership of our great party to carefully examine the concerns raised by the elders.
The APC cannot afford to enter a critical election cycle burdened by avoidable controversies and unresolved internal disputes.
The stakes are simply too high.
We also respectfully appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the leader of our great party and the foremost beneficiary of a united and strong APC, to encourage every necessary step that will strengthen cohesion, restore confidence, and reinforce democratic principles within the party.
Mr. President understands better than most that enduring political success is built not merely on victory, but on legitimacy.
The strength of the APC has always resided in its ability to accommodate diverse interests while preserving unity of purpose.
That tradition must not be abandoned.
Most importantly, we urge all stakeholders to remember that no individual ambition is greater than the future of the party.
No temporary political advantage is worth the risk of permanent division.
No succession arrangement is worth undermining the confidence of loyal party members.
The APC remains the dominant political platform in Kwara State.
However, political dominance is not sustained through imposition.
It is sustained through trust.
It is sustained through fairness.
It is sustained through consultation.
It is sustained through legitimacy.
The concerns raised by the Kwara APC Elders Caucus present an opportunity to strengthen those foundations.
We urge the party leadership to seize that opportunity before it is too late.
History will ultimately judge not only the decisions we make, but also the warnings we choose to ignore.
Why Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Remains the APC’s Strongest Governorship Option in Kwara
Kwara Young Progressive Forum and Good Governance Initiative has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national and state levels to urgently revisit and reverse the ill-advised decision to rescind the endorsement of Nigerian foremost industrialist and entrepreneur, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, as the governorship candidate of the APC in Kwara State.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its Convener, Dr. Adams Abdulwahab Opeyemi, the group warned that the APC risks losing Kwara State to the opposition PDP in 2027 if this grave anomaly is not immediately corrected.
The group expressed deep dismay at the shabby treatment meted out to Ambassador Seriki, a competent, honest, and committed member of the party both in Kwara and at the national level. “It is unacceptable and counterproductive for a man of such integrity, who has sacrificed immensely for the progress of the APC, to be humiliated and discarded in this manner,” the statement read. “This kind of internal betrayal of loyal and capable party leaders only erodes confidence in the party and plays directly into the hands of the opposition.”
The Forum argued forcefully that in the face of the brewing political storm in Kwara, where the PDP and other opposition forces are gathering dangerous momentum, the most viable and formidable candidacy capable of weathering the tempest and securing victory for the APC is that of Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki.
A quintessential grassroots mobilizer with a proven track record of job creation not just for Kwarans but for Nigerians at large, Seriki stands head and shoulders above other contenders. The statement highlighted Seriki’s pivotal role in leading the historic “O to Ge” movement that successfully ousted the Saraki political dynasty, a feat that redefined Kwara politics and opened the door for progressive governance.
“Ambassador Seriki embodies the genuine aspirations of the teeming young people of Kwara State. He is their voice, their hope, and their champion for a new Kwara that works for all,” Dr. Opeyemi declared.
The group further drew attention to Seriki’s impressive strides in the private sector, where his entrepreneurial ingenuity has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, alongside his passionate commitment to the ordinary people through various empowerment programmes. These initiatives have lifted thousands of Kwarans from abject poverty, providing skills, capital, and opportunities to the most vulnerable in society.
“While others talk, Seriki acts. His love for the masses is not rhetorical but demonstrable through tangible impacts that have transformed lives across the state,” the statement added.
The Kwara Young Progressive Forum and Good Governance Initiative therefore issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Chairman of the APC, and other critical stakeholders within the Kwara APC to immediately intervene and utilize the remaining narrow window before the formal submission of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to correct this dangerous anomaly.
“Restoring the people’s mandate in the person of Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki is not just the right thing to do, it is the only strategic decision that guarantees APC’s victory in Kwara in 2027. Failure to act decisively will amount to political suicide and hand over the state to the opposition on a platter of gold. The time to act is now!” the group warned.
Signed: Dr. Adams Abdulwahab Opeyemi Convener, Kwara Young Progressive Forum and Good Governance Initiative
From Relief to Resilience: How the Bloom Project is Transforming Vulnerable Lives in Delta State
DELTA STATE, NIGERIA — What began as a modest distribution of food aid and financial literacy training has blossomed into thriving, independent micro-businesses for vulnerable women in Delta State. The Oke Umurhohwo Foundation, on the 14th of May, carried out a series of impact assessments and follow-up visits, revealing how intentional, grassroots support is breaking the cycle of poverty for widows and single mothers.
During the outreach, the Foundation track-tested its Bloom Project—an initiative designed to provide financial literacy and economic safety nets to vulnerable women—and its Back to School initiative. The results demonstrate that even the smallest interventions can serve as a catalyst for long-term economic self-reliance.
Turning Aid into Enterprise: The Bloom Project Success Stories
The primary focus of the outreach was assessing the long-term economic independence of Bloom Project beneficiaries. The Foundation’s volunteer team documented remarkable turnarounds, proving that the participants successfully weaponized their financial literacy training to build sustainable livelihoods: ● Idogho Martha (Ufuoma Community): A physically challenged single mother living with one leg, Martha refused to let adversity dictate her future. Using the business management and customer relationship skills gained from the 2024 Bloom Project, she established a tailoring business. To accelerate her growth, the Foundation provided her with an additional ₦70,000 grant and committed to providing upcoming customer service training.
● Vote Edith (Afisiere Community): Formerly a low-wage worker packing sachet water at a factory, Edith used the emergency food support she received from the project in 2024 as the financial buffer needed to launch her own independent food business. Today, she is her own boss. The Foundation reinforced her success with a ₦70,000 expansion grant during the visit.
"What once appeared to be a simple 10kg bag of rice and financial literacy training has now become the seed of sustainable businesses and renewed hope for these families," said Ruth Adewale, Executive Director at the Oke Umurhohwo Foundation. Assessing Classroom Impact: The Back-to-School Initiative In tandem with economic monitoring, the Foundation team revisited Oharisi Primary School to measure the ongoing impact of its previous education material distribution. The school's proprietress, Mrs Ben Oru, warmly welcomed the returning team of volunteers and expressed immense excitement over the Foundation’s continued commitment to the pupils. She personally guided the volunteers through the accessible classrooms, facilitating engaging introductions with teachers and students, which made the assessment process both seamless and deeply interactive. Following the tour, school administrators reported that while total enrollment numbers held steady, the pupils who received sandals, uniforms, school bags, and writing materials showed marked improvements in classroom participation, attention spans, engagement in daily school activities, and overall self-confidence. Reflecting on these visits, members of the volunteer team expressed profound surprise and encouragement at the lasting impact of what initially seemed like modest interventions. The volunteers noted that they had not fully anticipated the sheer level of transformation that our seemingly modest support could ignite in the lives of the beneficiaries. Next Steps and Future Outlook The Oke Umurhohwo Foundation will continuously monitor the progress of these beneficiaries over the next six months. The data gathered from Martha and Edith’s businesses will be used to scale the Bloom Project model, with the goal of expanding the intervention to reach hundreds more vulnerable women across Delta State. The Foundation extends its gratitude to Executive Director, Ruth Adewale, Documentarian, Oghenevwovwe Ibie, and Photographer, Kelvin Wilson, as well as other volunteers who were on the ground, Debbie, Festus and Kingsley, for leading the field deployment and invites corporate partners to join them in laying foundations for a self-reliant future.
Lawyer Withdraws from Giwa’s Defence as Court Fixes June 22 for ruling on passport application
Counsel to Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa, Mr. Farooq Akanbi, on Wednesday formally withdrew from representing the defendant in his ongoing trial over alleged forgery and impersonation before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo, paving the way for Giwa to continue his defence in person
At the resumed proceedings before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, Akanbi apologised to the court over his conduct at the previous sitting when he exited the courtroom before the judge entered, an action that led to an adjournment of the case.
He insisted the incident was not intended as a mark of disrespect to the court and subsequently announced the withdrawal of his legal representation for the first defendant "to enable him represent himself."
The development followed the events of June 3 when the court declined to proceed with the matter after the defence counsel's absence triggered concerns over proper representation.
At Wednesday's proceedings, Giwa informed the court he had a pending motion dated May 28, 2026, seeking reliefs connected to his medical condition and the release of his international passport.
Responding, prosecuting counsel Wisdom Madaki challenged the authenticity of medical documents attached to the application. He told the court that after being served with the motion, the prosecution wrote to General Hospital, Nyanya, to verify the medical report relied upon by the defendant, but the hospital allegedly denied issuing the document. The Nyanya hospital also said the Doctor whose name is on the medical report does not work at the hospital and the purported medical report presented to the court by Victor Giwa is fake.
Madaki further disclosed that Giwa later filed a further affidavit containing another medical report purportedly from the same hospital, prompting another request for verification.
"In view of this, we apply for a short adjournment to enable confirmation from the hospital, or we proceed with the substantive issue," Madaki submitted.
However, Giwa opposed the request, arguing that once he had filed a further and better affidavit, the prosecution was foreclosed from responding.
He maintained that it would be unconstitutional to subject his application to an investigation, adding that if the prosecution believed the documents were forged, it could pursue a separate investigation.
He also urged the court to accord weight to his standing at the Bar and release his documents to facilitate medical treatment.
In a brief ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie agreed with the defendant that the motion was ripe for hearing and proceeded to entertain arguments on the application.
Adopting his motion and supporting processes, Giwa urged the court to discountenance the prosecution's counter-affidavit, arguing that its deponent relied on information obtained from an interested party in the matter.
Madaki, on his part, urged the court to dismiss the application. The defendant also moved a separate application dated May 14, which the prosecution did not oppose.
After listening to the parties, Justice Onwuegbuzie reserved ruling on the applications until June 22, 2026.
Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, are facing trial over allegations of forging official documents and impersonating Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Awa Kalu. Both defendants have denied the charges.
NDC Approves Key Appointments In New Media And Strategic Communications
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved the appointments of Agada Abuh Theophilus as Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, and Brian Dennis as Deputy Director of New Media and Strategic Communications
Agada Abuh Theophilus (@TheoAbuAgada) is a strategic communications professional with a proven record across political campaigns, corporate brand management, institutional PR, and new media. Agada is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Communications, specialising in strategic communication for social and institutional development, and is currently a PhD candidate researching election administration and management.
Brian Dennis (@XBrianDennis) is a communications analyst with seven years of experience in strategic and political communications. He holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution.
The party is excited to welcome both appointees and looks forward to the energy, expertise, and fresh perspective they bring to its communications efforts. The NDC is confident that their leadership will strengthen the party’s voice and deepen its engagement with Nigerians across every platform.
Signed:
Osa Director National Publicity Secretary Nigeria Democratic Congress
A civil society organisation has submitted a petition to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly concerning the ongoing criminal case involving Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.
The petition was delivered during a peaceful procession to the Assembly, where members of the group called for adherence to due process, fairness and the rule of law in the handling of the matter.
In the petition, dated June 7, 2026, and signed by Emmanuel Kolawole, the organisation expressed concerns about the legal proceedings involving Akanbi and urged relevant authorities to ensure that all actions taken are consistent with constitutional and legal standards.
The group referenced longstanding disputes within the Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area relating to land matters and community affairs. It noted that Akanbi has been involved in community activities and advocacy on issues affecting local residents.
According to the petition, the organisation is seeking greater transparency regarding the investigation and prosecution process and has called on relevant institutions to ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially.
The group also urged authorities to respect the constitutional rights of all parties involved and to maintain public confidence in the justice system through adherence to established legal procedures.
Among its requests, the organisation called for a review of the case, access to relevant legal processes in accordance with applicable laws, and assurances that all prosecutorial decisions are based on the evidence presented through lawful procedures.
Copies of the petition were reportedly sent to several public officials and institutions, including the Governor of Lagos State, the National Assembly leadership, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the National Human Rights Commission.
The organisation stated that it intends to continue engaging relevant authorities on the issues raised in the petition.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions or the Nigeria Police Force regarding the petition.
NDC Leaders in Kano Accuse Kwankwaso of highhandedness, Seeking Total Control, Undermining Party Inclusiveness
In a strongly worded press statement, top officials of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North-West zone have clarified recent internal developments within the party and accused Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his supporters of attempting to monopolize party structures in Kano State, contrary to agreements on power-sharing and inclusiveness.
The statement, issued by Mohammed Rabiu Serina, described as NDC North-West Vice Chairman and Hussaini Isa Mariga, NDC Chairman, Kano state chapter, was aimed at setting the record straight before party supporters, stakeholders, and the general public.
According to the statement, from the inception and registration of the NDC, the National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, appointed Serina and Mariga as pro tem officers. Serina was appointed Pro Tem Vice Chairman for the North-West Zone, while Mariga was appointed Pro Tem Chairman of Kano State. These appointments were subsequently ratified at the party’s congresses and National Convention, making them substantive officers.
The two leaders said they were entrusted with building and strengthening the party’s structures in their jurisdictions and diligently discharged this responsibility until the entry of Senator Kwankwaso and his supporters. Prior to his joining, they held several discussions with him and facilitated his admission into the party. Upon his arrival, the National Leader directed them to work closely with Kwankwaso, accord him due respect, and provide necessary support and accommodation to strengthen the party.
During the state congresses, disagreements arose when Senator Kwankwaso sought to assume complete control of the party structure in Kano State. The leaders resisted this in the interest of fairness and inclusiveness.
Consequently, the National Leader invited all parties to a meeting at his residence, where an amicable resolution was reached: Senator Kwankwaso and his supporters would control 60 percent of the party structure in Kano State, while the party retained 40 percent. The National Leader further insisted that both the State Chairman and the National Vice Chairman retain their offices, an arrangement accepted by all parties.
Since then, the statement noted, they have continued to work harmoniously with Senator Kwankwaso, consulting him regularly and showing him respect in line with the National Leader’s directive. Some even adopted the Kwankwasiyya symbols as a demonstration of goodwill and unity.
However, serious concerns emerged during the nomination process. In line with party policy, nomination forms for State House of Assembly positions were issued through the State Chairman. Hussaini Isa Mariga collected the forms for Kano State and, as a mark of respect and trust, delivered them to Senator Kwankwaso with the expectation that prior agreements would be honored.
Despite repeated engagements, Senator Kwankwaso allegedly refused to allow access to nomination forms by party members outside the Kwankwasiyya group. He declined to allocate any of the forty State House of Assembly forms, twenty-four House of Representatives forms, three Senatorial forms, or the Governorship form to party members not part of his political movement.
More troubling, according to the statement, was his refusal to allocate nomination forms to the State Chairman, Serina himself, or any other party officer not affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya group. In an effort to reach a compromise, Serina personally appealed to him to release at least five State Assembly forms and seven House of Representatives forms, while leaving all Senatorial positions under his control. This request was also rejected.
The leaders subsequently formally communicated their concerns to both Senator Kwankwaso and the National Leader, outlining the frustrations of supporters who had invested their time, resources, and commitment in building the party long before Kwankwaso’s arrival.
The National Leader personally met with Senator Kwankwaso on two occasions and appealed to him to accommodate other stakeholders and work toward a mutually acceptable arrangement. The National Working Committee also deliberated extensively and dispatched a formal delegation to engage him. The goal was to ensure the party in Kano State remained inclusive and that credible aspirants with electoral value were given opportunities to contest.
The statement emphasized that no individual possesses an exclusive monopoly over political wisdom or electoral viability in Kano State. Among those recommended by the party leadership was Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who joined the party not because of Senator Kwankwaso but because of his confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. He possesses both the political experience and the capacity to finance and sustain his own electoral campaign.
There are numerous other credible and electable individuals who deserve consideration, the leaders added. Senator Kwankwaso’s refusal has also affected prominent figures interested in contesting Senatorial positions, including Senator Kabiru Gaya, a former Governor and four-term Senator.
Despite repeated consultations, appeals, and interventions by the National Working Committee, Senator Kwankwaso remained unwilling to compromise. The statement said he expressed dissatisfaction with any arrangement that did not grant him total control and threatened to leave the party if his demands were not fully met. He has also reportedly stated on several occasions that he maintains loyal supporters across multiple political parties and is prepared to move elsewhere if necessary.
In light of these developments, the NDC leaders informed supporters and the public that Senator Kwankwaso does not appear committed to building the party on the basis of inclusiveness, consultation, and collective ownership. Their own commitment remains focused on working with the National Leadership and party members across Nigeria to build a credible alternative political platform.
“We are not members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, and we cannot accept a situation in which membership of a particular political group becomes the sole criterion for participation, recognition, or eligibility for elective office within our party,” the statement declared. “Such an approach undermines democratic principles, discourages inclusion, and threatens the unity and growth of the party.”
Addressing recent allegations regarding financial contributions, the leaders clarified that the decision requiring aspirants to make payments directly into the party’s official account was a collective party decision and not the initiative of any individual. They stated that at no time have they approached Senator Kwankwaso for financial support. Prior to his joining, they independently funded party activities in Kano State and have continued to do so.
For the avoidance of doubt, their records indicate that Senator Kwankwaso has not made any financial contribution to the party structure in Kano State or at the national level. The only formal request made by the National Working Committee was for contributions toward the Presidential Campaign Council, a standard party practice applicable to both the presidential candidate and running mate, who would also be signatories to the campaign structure. Beyond this, no financial demands have been made of Senator Kwankwaso at either the state or national level.
Rather than strengthening the platform that welcomed him and his supporters, Senator Kwankwaso has, in their view, engaged in actions and statements that have undermined the unity, stability, and growth of the party. They therefore considered it necessary to bring these developments to the attention of the National Leader, the party leadership, their supporters, and the Nigerian public.
In conclusion, the statement reaffirmed that the party belongs to all its members and not to any individual or political movement. The NDC remains open to all Nigerians who genuinely desire to contest elections and contribute to the development of a viable political alternative. The leaders remain willing to work with Senator Kwankwaso in accordance with the directives of the National Leadership, provided such cooperation is based on mutual respect, inclusiveness, and commitment to the growth of the party.
The joint statement was signed by: Mohammed Rabiu Serina NDC North-West Vice Chairman
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson's Enduring Opposition Legacy and the Institutional Genesis of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
In Nigerian politics, where perception is often shaped by the loudest voices and the largest crowds, it is easy to assume that the most visible figures are also the originators of a movement. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has, in recent months, become closely associated in the public mind with the arrival of high-profile politicians and their large support bases. That association, while understandable, obscures a more important and earlier history.
The NDC did not begin with the entry of former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi in 2026. Its foundations were laid years earlier through the deliberate and sustained work of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
Long before the NDC became a national talking point, Dickson had already established a consistent record of building and strengthening opposition politics. In 1998, he was elected Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Bayelsa State at a time when the PDP dominated the political landscape in the Niger Delta. Leading an opposition party in that environment was not a path to quick political reward. It was a commitment to the principle that democracy requires credible alternatives to the ruling establishment.
His role expanded nationally between 2000 and 2002 when he served as National Legal Adviser of the Alliance for Democracy. In that capacity, he contributed to shaping the legal and organisational framework of one of the major opposition parties of the Fourth Republic. These early experiences revealed a clear pattern: while many politicians built their careers by aligning with those in power, Dickson repeatedly chose to help construct institutions outside the corridors of government.
Senator Dickson’s political career began in the Alliance for Democracy (AD), where he served as a key figure and national legal adviser. His principled stance and organizational acumen drew the attention of prominent leaders. Even while still aligned with the AD, the then-Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, recognized Dickson’s potential and sought him out to lead a political group supporting his ambitions.
Jonathan reportedly urged Dickson to cross over to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to serve in his administration, an invitation rooted in shared vision for Bayelsa and the broader Ijaw nation. Dickson accepted the offer, driven by a genuine desire to serve his state and people. Jonathan appointed him Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Bayelsa State (2006–2007). In that role, Dickson played a pivotal part in the political machinery that propelled Jonathan first to the governorship of Bayelsa and later to the vice-presidential ticket alongside the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua. This period marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect and service to the Niger Delta.
Even after moving into the PDP, he remained associated more with reconciliation and party-building than with political brinkmanship. He served on and chaired committees tasked with resolving internal disputes and strengthening party structures. This reputation as a consensus builder and institution-focused politician would later define his approach to the NDC.
One of the most persistent misconceptions about the NDC is that it was hurriedly assembled as a vehicle for the 2027 presidential election. Party records and Dickson’s own public statements show otherwise. The process of registering the NDC began as far back as 2017. For nearly nine years, the party existed as a vision that had to navigate administrative hurdles, repeated engagements with INEC, and the complex requirements of establishing a new national political platform.
During those years, state coordinators were identified, grassroots structures were quietly developed, and individuals invested personal resources in building membership bases with no guarantee that the party would ever secure formal registration. This was not the work of a temporary electoral coalition. It was an attempt to create a durable political institution.
If the primary goal had been personal political advantage or financial gain, the rational decision would have been to align with the ruling party at various points. During the Buhari years, and again during the current administration, many politicians abandoned opposition platforms in search of accommodation. Dickson did not.
Instead of joining the government of the day, a move that would have offered easier access to power and resources, he chose to remain in opposition and, more significantly, to invest in building an entirely new national party from the ground up. Building a political party in Nigeria demands years of financial commitment, organisational labour, and personal sacrifice with uncertain returns. That Dickson chose this route, rather than the more comfortable path of defection, undercuts any suggestion that the NDC was conceived as a purely transactional enterprise. In Nigeria’s often turbulent political landscape, few figures embody commitment to opposition principles and democratic pluralism as consistently as Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
The former Governor of Bayelsa State and current National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has carved a reputation as a dogged opposition stalwart, refusing to compromise his convictions even amid immense pressure, federal might, and shifting alliances. His political journey reflects a deep-seated belief that a vibrant multi-party system is essential for healthy democracy, and that a drift toward one-party dominance poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s progress.
Dickson’s reputation for resilience was cemented during his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State. In the 2015 gubernatorial election, amid the national “change” wave that swept the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power at the federal level under President Muhammadu Buhari, Bayelsa stood out as a PDP stronghold. Despite the full deployment of federal resources and machinery aimed at capturing the state, Dickson fought tenaciously and emerged victorious in a fiercely contested poll (later confirmed in a rerun). This victory, against the tide of national sentiment, established him as one of the most dogged political fighters of the modern era.
President Buhari reportedly made overtures to lure Dickson into the APC fold, offering promises of federal patronage and special recognition. Yet Dickson remained steadfast, prioritizing his principles over personal gain. His refusal to defect underscored his commitment to opposition politics and his belief in providing credible alternatives to the ruling party.
Elected to the Senate representing Bayelsa West, Senator Dickson has continued to champion opposition causes with vigor. Often described as a lone but consistent voice, he has spoken passionately on behalf of ordinary Nigerians, critiquing governance failures while advocating for accountability, good governance, and national unity. His interventions frequently reflect a balanced, nationalistic perspective, rising above narrow partisanship to address issues affecting the federation as a whole. Whether on security, economic reforms, or institutional strengthening, Dickson’s contributions emphasize constructive opposition rather than outright confrontation.
Central to Dickson’s philosophy is the conviction that a one-party system is antithetical to true democracy. He has repeatedly warned against the risks of political monopoly, arguing that robust opposition and competition are vital for accountability and progress. This vision propelled him to initiate processes for registering the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a viable national platform.
When INEC lifted the embargo on new party registrations, while many politicians flocked to the APC, Dickson moved in the opposite direction. He reopened and championed the NDC, transforming it from a nascent entity into a national coalition attracting aspirants seeking genuine alternatives. Under his leadership, the party built grassroots structures across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, drawing in influential figures early on, including Senator Kabiru Marafa from Zamfara, Senator Aishatu Binani from Adamawa in the North-East, and Amanda Pam in the North-Central region.
Dickson’s doggedness, integrity, and proven leadership have been instrumental in attracting broader support. Prominent politicians such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso eventually collapsed their respective movements ( the Obidient movement and the Kwankwasiya movement ) into the NDC. By the time they joined, the NDC was already gaining significant momentum as a credible national force. Their decision to adopt the NDC over more than 20 other parties was no coincidence; it stemmed from trust in Dickson’s uncompromised values and the party’s emerging structures and appeal as a vehicle for change from the status quo.
Obi and Kwankwaso’s alignment with the NDC, leading to Obi’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate with Kwankwaso as running mate, highlighted the platform’s growing stature. Dickson’s role as a bridge-builder and kingmaker has positioned the NDC as a potent opposition force ahead of future elections.
According to those involved in the party’s formation, Obi and Kwankwaso were welcomed as partners in an institutional project, not as customers purchasing access to a ready-made structure. The distinction is important. A movement can be driven by the popularity of individuals. An institution is sustained by rules, structures, and collective responsibility.
This original vision explains much of the current tension within the party. The debates over party supremacy, the integration of support groups, and the conduct of primaries are not random. They reflect the collision between the institutional philosophy on which the NDC was founded and newer tendencies that treat the party as a temporary vehicle for personal or group ambitions.
Across several states and the Federal Capital Territory, party organisers spent years building local structures, registering members, and investing personal resources long before the NDC entered national consciousness. Many did so because they believed they were helping to construct a lasting political institution rather than a short-term electoral arrangement. Their commitment helps explain the intensity of the current disagreements. For those who built the platform, the central question is not merely who can attract the largest crowds, but whether the original purpose of the party will be preserved.
Before the controversies surrounding the South East primaries, the disputes over party supremacy, or questions about accountability can be properly understood, the origin of the NDC itself must be established. The evidence points to a platform that began not with the arrival of celebrity politicians, but with years of quiet, consistent work by a politician who repeatedly chose the more difficult path of building opposition institutions when easier options were available.
That history is not merely background. It is the lens through which everything that has followed must be viewed.
Throughout his career, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has demonstrated that political longevity and influence need not come at the expense of conviction. From his early days supporting Jonathan, through his defiant governorship victory, to his current leadership of the NDC, he has consistently prioritized service to Bayelsa, the Ijaw nation, and Nigeria at large. His advocacy for multi-party democracy remains a bulwark against authoritarian drifts, reminding citizens and leaders alike that opposition is not mere dissent but a cornerstone of democratic vitality.
As Nigeria navigates its complex political future, Dickson’s trajectory serves as a compelling case study in principled opposition. In an era where expediency often trumps ideology, his steadfastness offers hope that genuine alternatives can emerge to strengthen the nation’s democratic fabric.
Dr. Benedict Asemota is based in Baltimore and he is Public affairs analyst and researcher
The Plateau Regeneration Group (PRG) has dismissed recent comments by former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, alleging that Plateau State highways are unsafe and that displaced communities have been involved in attacks on vehicles.
The group described the claims as misleading, exaggerated and capable of creating unnecessary fear among residents, investors and visitors.
PRG said while citizens are entitled to express opinions on national issues, such statements must be guided by facts and not framed in a way that misrepresents the security situation in Plateau State.
The statement signed by Pam Datiri Spokesperson of Plateau Regeneration Group (PRG) and made available to newsmen on Sunday noted that Plateau State, like many parts of the country, has faced security challenges over time, but insisted that this does not justify portraying the state as generally unsafe for movement or economic activity.
The group maintained that the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang has adopted a multi-layered and community-driven security strategy aimed at restoring lasting peace across the state.
It explained that the strategy includes sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, DSS and other security agencies through regular security council meetings and joint operations.
PRG further said the government has strengthened community policing structures through engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders and faith-based organisations to enhance intelligence sharing and early warning systems.
According to the group, these engagements have improved rapid response to security threats in several flashpoint areas across the state.
It added that the administration has also provided logistical support to security agencies, including operational vehicles, communication equipment and surveillance support to improve efficiency in difficult terrains.
PRG stated that peacebuilding initiatives, including inter-communal dialogue, conflict resolution platforms and rehabilitation support for displaced persons, have also been intensified to address the root causes of insecurity.
Despite isolated attacks by criminal elements in some parts of the state, the group said the government has remained committed to protecting lives and property through sustained security collaboration and coordination.
It stressed that thousands of residents, traders, students and visitors continue to travel across major highways in the state daily without incident, warning against generalising isolated cases as the overall reality.
PRG also described Plateau State as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful, scenic and hospitable destinations, noting that it continues to attract visitors, investors and tourists nationwide.
The group said the allegations made by the former minister amounted to mischief and did not reflect the lived realities of residents or the steady inflow of lawful activities across the state.
It further noted that Plateau people are widely known for their hospitality, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, adding that attempts to portray communities as hostile were unfair and misleading.
PRG expressed concern that claims suggesting displaced communities attack highways could stigmatise victims of violence who are still recovering from displacement and trauma.
It said such statements risk undermining peacebuilding efforts by government and security agencies.
The group urged political leaders and public commentators to exercise restraint and ensure their remarks are factual and responsible.
It warned that unverified claims could cause panic, discourage investment and damage the image of Plateau State. PRG reaffirmed that Plateau remains open, peaceful and welcoming, with security agencies working continuously to safeguard lives and property.
It added that the state government remains committed to sustaining peace and improving security across all communities.
The group called on residents and stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to consolidate peace and reject narratives that promote fear and division.
APC Faces Imminent Disqualification Over Plot to Field Non-Party Member Hon Gabaya in AMAC/Bwari APC Primaries
A major legal and political crisis is brewing within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as whistleblowers and party insiders sound an urgent alarm over an alleged plot to hand an official ticket to Hon. John Gabaya.
Investigations have uncovered a catastrophic flaw in the plan: Hon. John Gabaya is not a registered member of the All Progressives Congress.
The evidence revealed that in Igu Ward Register Blanks Out, A meticulous review of the official, certified APC membership register for Igu Ward—the specific ward where the politician is supposed to be registered—has revealed that his name is completely absent from the party’s database.
Under the guidelines of both the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution, party membership at the ward level is a mandatory prerequisite for any individual seeking sponsorship or nomination in a primary election.
Insiders tracking the development confirm that no supplementary lists or official logs contain his name, making his potential candidacy an absolute legal nullity from the outset. It was gathered that no Primaries Held Compounding the membership crisis is an even more explosive revelation: no APC primary election was held to produce him as a candidate.
Reports from the field indicate that internal party actors are currently attempting to manufacture results and publish Hon. John Gabaya's name as the "winner" of a consensus or contested primary that never took place. Section 84 of the Electoral Act strictly mandates that political parties must hold valid democratic primaries—monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—to nominate candidates.
The Stakeholder's Warning: "A Clear Booby Trap" Reacting to the development, a prominent APC Stakeholder and leader within the FCT Coalition of Loyal Party Members, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, issued a scathing warning to the National Working Committee (NWC) during an emergency briefing in Abuja.
Umar cautioned that desperate power brokers are trying to force a candidate through the back door, oblivious to the catastrophic legal implications.
"We are raising this alarm because we love this party and we cannot sit fold-armed while a few individuals walk us into a clear booby trap," Umar stated. "Go and look at the register for Igu Ward right now.
The name Hon. John Gabaya is completely missing.
He is not a registered APC member. On top of that, everyone in Bwari and AMAC knows that no primary election took place.
"If the NWC goes ahead to publish the name of a non-member as the winner of a ghost primary, they are signing our political death warrant for APC as a party at the 2027 general election."
Why This is Legal Suicide for APC Political analysts and legal experts are echoing Umar's warnings, stating that if the APC national leadership goes ahead to award the ticket for the Area Council elections, they are handing an effortless victory to the opposition. The moment the APC fields a non-member who emerged from a ghost primary, the opposition party will not even need to fight on the field.
They will simply gather the certified true copies of the Igu Ward register and empty polling unit reports, head straight to the Election Petition Tribunal, and have every single APC vote thrown out as "wasted votes."
Similar to the costly precedents seen in Zamfara and Rivers states in previous election cycles, the courts hold zero tolerance for forged primaries.
The judiciary can completely bar the APC from fielding any candidate for the council seat, handing an effortless victory to rival parties.
Legitimate APC aspirants who spent millions purchasing nomination forms and mobilizing voters across Bwari and AMAC are already preparing to launch fierce pre-election lawsuits if a non-member is arbitrarily imposed over them.
"The APC leadership is facing a massive compliance emergency" Umar insisted.
As Alhaji Mohammed Umar and other stakeholders have made clear, publishing a fictitious primary result for a candidate whose name does not exist on the Igu Ward register is a guaranteed recipe for total electoral forfeiture.
The clock is ticking, and party stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention before the nomination window is sealed.
The legal team representing Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who is standing trial over the murders of Prince Demola Akinloye and Mr. Sheriff Salami, has accused elements within the police of conducting a biased investigation and called for a thorough review of the case.
Speaking at a press conference attended by journalists, civil society groups and representatives of the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Adedotun Ajulo and Damian Ukpa, maintained that their client was being subjected to what they described as media trial and persecution linked to longstanding disputes within the community.
The legal team acknowledged the deaths of Akinloye and Salami as tragic, but argued that the incidents had been politicised by interested parties seeking to advance personal interests.
According to the lawyers, Akanbi and several other youths from Ajiran Community had been investigated multiple times by different police formations and other authorities over the incidents, which occurred in 2023 and 2024.
They alleged that the murder allegations resurfaced whenever disputes involving land ownership and chieftaincy matters emerged in the community. The lawyers further claimed that Akanbi had been a prominent advocate for what they described as equitable distribution of proceeds from community lands.
The legal team criticised the role played by a senior police officer, alleging that he exceeded his mandate during the investigation. They said legal actions challenging some of the police decisions are currently pending before the courts.
The lawyers also faulted the decision to declare Akanbi wanted in February 2026, arguing that the action was taken without a valid court order. They further alleged that following the declaration, his property in Ajiran was attacked and destroyed by unidentified persons.
They also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure the safety and well being of their client while in custody.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has faulted Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, for granting reliefs that were not sought by any of the parties in a dispute involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a judgment delivered by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam of the Court of Appeal, the appellate court held that the trial judge went beyond the reliefs before her when she recognised a factional caretaker committee in the PDP leadership crisis.
The dispute stems from a judgment delivered by Agomoh on January 30, in which she held that the PDP caretaker committee led by Abdurahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu was the legitimate faction of the party. The Court of Appeal said none of the parties had sought such a declaration.
“In the instant case, there is clearly a live issue where the trial court went outside the reliefs sought to recognize and uphold a factional caretaker committee,” Onyemenam said.
The appellate court added that if the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought on appeal had not been tied to the legitimacy of the Ibadan convention already nullified by the Supreme Court, it would have ordered a retrial on the leadership organs purportedly created or validated by the convention.
“Once the Convention itself has been pronounced null, void and of no effect by the Supreme Court, any superstructure erected upon it is necessarily without legal foundation,” the court held.
The court said the legal foundation of the Anyanwu-led caretaker committee recognised by the trial court had been extinguished by the Supreme Court's judgment. It added that revisiting the issue would serve no practical legal purpose.
The Court of Appeal stopped short of expressly describing the trial court's action as ultra petita, a legal doctrine referring to situations where a court grants relief beyond that sought by the parties.
Part of the judgment reads: “This Court would be driven to the conclusion that the offending portions of the judgment, and indeed the judgment as a whole insofar as the excess permeates the decision, are a nullity and liable to be set aside ex debito justitiae.
“A direction to the trial court to retry an issue that has been settled at the apex level would, in effect, invite it either to repeat what has already been decided or to purport to sit in judgment over the Supreme Court, both of which the law forbids.
“On the merits, I hold that, by reason of the binding decisions of this Court in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/1695/2025 and of the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/CV/164/2026, which nullified the Ibadan Convention of 15th–16th November 2025 and settled the core issues underlying this appeal, there is no longer any live controversy between the parties.”
The judgment was supported by Justices Mohammed Mustapha and Okon Abang, the other members of the three-member panel.
The decision effectively nullifies the basis upon which the Federal High Court recognised the caretaker committee linked to the Abdurahman Mohammed faction of the PDP.
Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its national journey. For decades, the country grappled with deep-rooted economic and structural challenges that constrained growth, weakened public confidence, and limited opportunities for millions of citizens. At such moments, leadership is measured not by the ability to avoid difficult decisions, but by the courage to confront them. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he inherited an economy facing multiple exchange rates, unsustainable fuel subsidies, mounting debt obligations, infrastructure deficits, insecurity, inflationary pressures, and declining investor confidence. These challenges had real consequences for ordinary Nigerians, reflected in rising living costs, unemployment, and uncertainty about the future. Rather than postpone hard choices, the administration launched the Renewed Hope Agenda, a reform programme designed to address the structural weaknesses that have hindered Nigeria's development for years. While the reforms have required sacrifice, they have also begun laying the foundation for long-term economic stability and national renewal. One of the administration's most significant priorities has been restoring macroeconomic stability. By implementing fiscal and monetary reforms, government has sought to strengthen public finances, improve revenue generation, and rebuild investor confidence. Increased government revenues and improved fiscal management have created greater capacity for investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare. Economic indicators are gradually showing signs of improvement. Growth has remained positive, foreign reserves have strengthened, and efforts to stabilise prices and improve food supply chains are beginning to ease inflationary pressures. While challenges remain, these developments suggest that the economy is moving toward a more sustainable footing. Beyond the macroeconomic numbers, the impact of government policies is becoming visible across several sectors. Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Major road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the East-West Road, are intended to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic activity. Investments in ports, airports, and logistics systems are also expected to enhance Nigeria's competitiveness and support long-term growth. Agriculture has received renewed attention as government seeks to strengthen food security and create jobs. Support for farmers through fertilisers, improved seedlings, mechanisation initiatives, and expanded agricultural financing aims to increase productivity while reducing the country's dependence on food imports. As these interventions mature, they hold the potential to lower food costs and improve rural livelihoods. The energy sector is also undergoing significant transformation. Efforts to increase crude oil production, expand domestic refining capacity, promote gas utilisation, and invest in renewable energy are intended to improve energy security and support industrial development. Programmes encouraging the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) are helping to provide more affordable energy alternatives for transportation and businesses. In healthcare, government has prioritised strengthening primary healthcare services, expanding health insurance coverage, and improving maternal and child health outcomes. Upgraded healthcare facilities, enhanced workforce training, and support for local pharmaceutical production are contributing to a more resilient healthcare system capable of serving a growing population. Education and youth empowerment have also emerged as key priorities. Through initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), more students now have access to financial support for higher education. Investments in digital skills, vocational training, and technology programmes are equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy. Support for entrepreneurship and small businesses is another important pillar of the administration's strategy. Policies aimed at strengthening local production, supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting industrial development are helping create jobs and stimulate economic diversification. Security remains central to national development. Continued efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and crude oil theft have contributed to improved stability in several parts of the country. Enhanced security not only protects lives and property but also creates the environment necessary for investment and economic growth. Complementing these efforts is the Renewed Hope Initiative, led by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Through programmes focused on women, youth, vulnerable populations, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, the initiative has expanded social support and brought direct assistance to communities across the federation. It is important to acknowledge that the reform process has not been without difficulties. Many Nigerians continue to face economic pressures, particularly from the high cost of living. These concerns are genuine and deserve sustained attention from policymakers. However, meaningful reform often requires navigating short-term challenges in pursuit of long-term gains. The critical question before the nation is whether Nigeria should continue on the path of reform or return to policies that many experts believe contributed to economic distortions and fiscal pressures. The answer lies in maintaining focus, strengthening implementation, and ensuring that the benefits of reform reach every segment of society. The signs of progress may still be emerging, but they are increasingly visible. Stronger economic fundamentals, expanding infrastructure, growing support for education and healthcare, and renewed efforts to empower businesses and communities all point toward a nation working to reposition itself for future prosperity. Nigeria's transformation will not happen overnight. It requires patience, consistency, and collective commitment from z, the private sector, civil society, and citizens alike. Yet the foundation being laid today has the potential to create a more stable, productive, and inclusive future. As we look ahead, there is reason for cautious optimism. With sustained reforms, responsible leadership, and the resilience for which Nigerians are known, the country can unlock its enormous potential and build a future that delivers opportunity and prosperity for all.
Prince Ikim, Renewed Hope Ambassadors Coordinator, writes from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Court Adjourns Giwa Forgery Trial as Defence Counsel Walks Out Before Judge Enters
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, was forced to adjourn the ongoing forgery and impersonation trial of Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa after defence counsel exited the courtroom before the presiding judge entered.
The defendant and co-accused, Ibitade Bukola, are standing trial before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie over allegations of forging official documents and impersonating Senior Advocate of Nigeria Awa Kalu.
Prosecuting counsel, Wisdom Madaki, who held brief for Eristo Asaph of the Inspector-General of Police’s legal team, told the court that defence counsel, Farooq Akanbi, arrived in court but left before proceedings commenced, leaving the defendant without representation.
According to the prosecution, the withdrawal was a deliberate attempt to stall the proceedings of today, despite prior service of the prosecution’s response to Giwa’s application for release of his international passport, alongside a “further and better affidavit” filed on May 22, 2026.
“I showed him the document for identification… after reviewing it, he said he had no objection but insisted his motion was more important,” Madaki told the court, adding that both defence teams were aware of the filings.
When proceedings resumed briefly, Giwa informed the court that his counsel had declined to continue with the case and that he would represent himself, citing urgency in his application for the release of his international passport.
He also relied on his constitutional right to self-representation under Section 36 (6) (C) of the 1999 Constitution.
However, the prosecution urged the court to proceed in order to avoid further delay, noting that the matter was already ripe for hearing.
In a firm ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie declined to proceed, holding that the defendant’s counsel remained on record and must account for his absence.
“I will not allow that. The first defendant has counsel. Let him come and clear the air,” the judge ruled, stressing that the court expected proper withdrawal procedures or communication from counsel.
The judge further observed that the defence had shown “no respect for the court” by failing to ensure representation or formally notifying the court of any change in legal strategy.
Consequently, the matter was adjourned to June 10, 2026, for continuation of trial, while the next date sitting for 4th June 2026 was vacated due to the court’s official engagement.
There is a particular kind of audacity in a foreign company using a country’s own courts to shield itself from that country’s own regulations. That is precisely what Optasia, the South African-listed fintech founded by Lebanese-Nigerian entrepreneur Bassim Haidar, did in April 2026, and Nigerians should be furious about it.
The FCCPC had spent the better part of a year trying to bring Optasia and its Nigerian subsidiary, Nairtime Nigeria Ltd, into line with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025. The rules were generous: an initial 90-day compliance window ran from July 2025, and when that proved insufficient, the FCCPC extended the deadline all the way to January 5, 2026. Six months of grace.
By any standard, that is not a regulator being unreasonable.
Under Haidar’s watch, Optasia did not comply.
Instead, on April 24, 2026, the company went to the Federal High Court in Abuja and obtained an interim injunction (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026) restraining MTN Nigeria and Airtel Networks from suspending or interfering with Nairtime’s access to the telecoms platforms through which it operates. In plain terms: a company founded by a man who proudly describes himself as Nigerian-born used Nigerian courts to prevent Nigerian telcos from obeying a directive issued by a Nigerian regulatory body.
The FCCPC, stung, accused “vested interests and their foreign collaborators” of spreading misinformation to undermine consumer protection efforts.
Haidar’s company dressed this up in the language of consumer welfare, arguing that millions of Nigerians who depend on airtime credit would suffer. That framing deserves scrutiny. If Optasia truly cared about those consumers, it had six months to regularise its operations and ensure service continuity on compliant terms. It chose not to.
The court manoeuvre was less about protecting Nigerians, than it was about protecting a business model that Haidar built, deliberately, to operate outside the reach of any framework that might allow Nigerian competitors a foothold.
The FCCPC’s new lending regulations are a framework for transparency regarding fair loan terms, disclosed charges, ethical debt recovery, and data sharing with credit bureaus. These are not radical demands. Rather, they are the baseline expectations that Optasia meets without complaint in the more than 30 other countries where it operates.
The question Nigeria needs to ask is a simple one: why is Haidar’s company willing to play by the rules everywhere else, but fights them tooth and nail here? The answer, most likely, is that it has found Nigeria easy enough to push around
Group Commends Nigerian Security Forces, NSA Ribadu for Decisive May Onslaught Against Terrorists
The Community Safety Vanguard, a leading civil society organisation dedicated to peace, security, and good governance in Nigeria, strongly commends the gallant men and women of Nigeria’s security agencies and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the massive and highly successful military operations conducted across the country in the month of May 2026.
We salute the professionalism, bravery, and strategic brilliance displayed by our troops in joint land, air, and maritime operations that resulted in the elimination of 317 terrorists and criminals, the rescue of 221 kidnapped victims, the arrest of 314 suspects, and the recovery of 93 assorted weapons.
The operations also led to the surrender of 18 terrorists, the destruction of three illegal refining sites, and the recovery of 21,910 litres of stolen petroleum products.
This resounding success, as disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, clearly demonstrates the renewed vigour and effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture under the current administration.
From the North-East, where Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 73 insurgents and rescued 112 civilians, to the North-West under Operation Fansan Yamma that eliminated 24 terrorists and rescued 22 kidnap victims; from the North-Central operations that dismantled illegal arms manufacturing facilities in Plateau State, to the South-South’s fierce battle against oil theft and the South-East’s sustained pressure on criminal and secessionist elements — our security forces have sent an unmistakable message: _Nigeria will no longer be a safe haven for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and economic saboteurs._
We particularly commend Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, as the architect and driving force behind this intelligence-driven synergy among security agencies. His leadership has injected fresh energy, coordination, and strategic direction into the nation’s security apparatus.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for the confidence reposed in Mallam Ribadu, a decision that is clearly yielding positive results in the fight against insecurity.
However, while we celebrate these victories, we urge Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and all security agencies not to rest on their oars. The gains of May must serve as fuel for even more aggressive, sustained, and total warfare against these enemies of the state. We call for the complete obliteration of all terrorist networks and the total severance of their supply chains, which remain their lifeline. Half measures will no longer suffice.
We acknowledge with deep concern the recent kidnapping of school children and teachers in Oyo State. We strongly condemn this dastardly and barbaric act in its entirety. We demand the immediate and unconditional rescue of all the abducted school children and teachers. *They must be returned to their families safe, unharmed, and in one piece.
We commend President Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser for the timely recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State. This proactive step is a welcome development. We call on all security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure that these innocent children and their teachers are rescued without further delay.
The Community Safety Vanguard calls for decisive, ruthless, and uncompromising action against kidnapping and banditry in all parts of the country. Enough is enough. The blood of innocent Nigerians must no longer be used to enrich criminals.
As we continue to support the efforts of our security forces, we call on all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation to rally behind the military, police, and other security agencies in this renewed fight to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace and security across our beloved nation. Intelligence sharing, vigilance, and patriotic support from citizens are critical to total victory.
Signed: Comrade Abbas Johnson National Coordinator Community Safety Vanguard
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NSCDC commander faults police report on officer’s death, says foreign interests behind attacks on mining marshals
The Commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), John Onoja, has rejected a police report linking one of his officers to over ₦2 billion in suspicious transactions following the death of a mining marshal operative.
Onoja also alleged that foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities are behind what he described as sustained attacks aimed at discrediting the mining marshals.
In a statement issued in response to a viral publication titled “Nigeria Police Arrest Three NSCDC Officers over colleague's Death, Trace Over ₦2 Billion To Suspect's Bank Account”, Onoja described the report as false and misleading.
He said the account allegedly linked to the investigation recorded transactions amounting to less than ₦1 million within the last year.
“The Zenith Bank account number 1008392780 of Jibrin Labaran from the statement of account of the last year contains a total debit of ₦760,457.25 and total credit of ₦760,129.85, being his emolument as an officer, as against a ₦2 billion claim in the purported police investigation report that was published online,” he said.
Onoja accused officers of Team N of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), led by Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, of repeatedly interfering with lawful Mining Marshals' operations in Nasarawa State.
“There is a history of consistent blackmail by Team N of the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force headed by one CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, over one year now on the same site as he has consistently disrupted Mining Marshals' lawful operations on the site,” he said.
He alleged that the same police team had previously arrested some mining marshals operatives and attempted to undermine ongoing prosecutions involving suspected illegal miners.
Onoja said he had written to the Inspector-General of Police requesting that the investigation into the death of Agada Levi, a Deputy Superintendent of Corps attached to the Mining Marshals, be transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Hence, my letter to the IGP requesting the matter be transferred to DSS for impartial review and handling. The modest thing to do was for the police to transfer the case to DSS,” he said.
The Mining Marshals’ Commander said the organisation supported Levi’s family after his death and sponsored his burial.
“I called a meeting of family members in my office and set up a burial committee, and all programmes and expenses were carried out from the committee without requesting a kobo from the family,” he said.
Onoja added that friends of the mining marshals later donated ₦3 million to Levi’s widow.
He further alleged that foreign nationals whose mining operations had been shut down were sponsoring efforts to undermine the mining marshals.
“We have it on good authority that the Chinese men whose illegal mining site was shut down in Nasarawa State are the ones bankrolling CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi for this blackmail.
“The real players in the background that are using CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi are the foreign nationals that are united as common enemies against the mining marshals,” he said
Onoja also claimed that police officers accompanied foreign nationals during an attempt to arrest the lead prosecution counsel for the mining marshals.
“During the said illegal outing to arrest our lawyer, the soldiers standing guard in the estate did not allow them because, surprisingly, they were in the company of Chinese men to arrest our lawyer in his residence,” he said.
He said the death of Levi was the first fatality recorded by the Mining Marshals since the unit was established more than two years ago.
He said: “We are not denying that Agada Levi died in the line of duty, sadly. But none of the Management Team of Mining Marshals knows anything about his death.
“CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi is only trying to use the occasion to achieve his obvious unfinished objectives against the mining marshals.”
Onoja urged the public to remain calm while relevant authorities review the matter.
“To this end, while the DSS begins to look into the investigation of this case on our request, we urge the public and all patriotic Nigerians who are reading between the lines to be calm, and to discountenance their cheap lies and blackmail,” he said.
*MIKANG APC RERUN: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE STATUS OF THE ELECTION*
We have observed with concern the circulation of misleading claims suggesting that Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil won three districts out of 4 from the Mikang APC State Assembly primary rerun.
For the avoidance of doubt, available records from the collation process show that the election was disrupted by incidents of violence and allegations of over-voting in several areas, leading the Returning Officer to cancel or suspend results from affected locations.
In Piapung District, comprising Piapung A and Piapung B, the election process was not successfully concluded following reported incidents of violence, intimidation and other irregularities, particularly in Ward B where thugs threatened and broke the car windows of former Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, and former Rep member Rt. Hon. George Daika, who was only insisting that the register must be used for accreditation. Piapung Ward A witnessed over-voting which led to the cancellation of the result.
Similarly, Lalin recorded over-voting too, while in Tunkus the election was disrupted with violence on Friday that led to the stealing and tearing of results by thugs from the Speaker’s camp who knew they were losing by a wide margin. An act which led to the arrest of some members of Hon. Naanlong’s campaign council.
It is important to state that the Returning Officer did not accept results from Piapung A, B, Lalin and Tunkus.
On Saturday May 30, 2026 fresh election took place in Tunkus and Lalin federal wards of Tehl district, but thugs stopped and threatened electoral officers from going into Paipung to conduct elections in the two federal as instructed by the returning officer.
From the results collated before the disruption of the process, Hon. Timdi Nkat maintained a significant lead. In Garkawa District, where voting was largely completed, Hon. Timdi Nkat secured overwhelming support from party members, winning decisively across the district and demonstrating the confidence reposed in him by APC faithful.
The question many party members continue to ask is simple: if there is confidence in victory, why should anyone fear a peaceful, free and credible election in every affected ward? The democratic process must be allowed to run its full course without intimidation, disruption or interference.
We therefore urge men of the press, party faithful and the general public to disregard rumours, misinformation and self-declarations being circulated on social media.
The only valid outcome will be the one officially communicated by the APC National Secretariat after all outstanding issues have been resolved.
We remain grateful to our supporters for their patience, discipline and commitment to peace throughout the process. We urge everyone to remain calm, law-abiding and confident as we await the final and official position of the party.
RESULTS COLLATED BEFORE THE DISRUPTION OF THE PROCESS
*Integrity Youth Alliance Raises Concerns Over Representation in Nasarawa APC Primaries*
The Integrity Youth Alliance (IYA) has expressed concern over the outcome of recent primary elections conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, alleging that the process did not adequately reflect the state's political diversity and inclusiveness.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group said the emergence of candidates for key elective positions has generated debate among party stakeholders, who believe that broader representation should have been considered in the selection process.
According to the alliance, the APC governorship candidate and the three senatorial candidates that emerged from the primaries are all from the same demographic bloc, a development it said has raised questions about balance and equitable participation within the party.
The group cited the case of Mrs. Angela Aya Bako, a female aspirant who sought to contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election but was disqualified from the process. The alliance noted that her exclusion sparked concerns among supporters who viewed her as a credible contender, while other aspirants were allowed to participate.
It also referenced the replacement of Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, with Abubakar Nalaraba for the Nasarawa South Senatorial seat, arguing that the decision has further fueled discussions about inclusiveness and internal party democracy.
The alliance recalled previous calls by stakeholders for equal opportunities within the APC and urged the party leadership to ensure that all segments of the state's population feel adequately represented in its political arrangements.
IYA warned that perceptions of exclusion could have electoral consequences ahead of future elections, stressing that political parties perform better when their structures and candidate selections reflect the diversity of their support base.
The group also pointed to the APC's performance in the 2023 presidential election in Nasarawa State, where the party lost to the Labour Party despite the state's status as an APC-controlled state. According to the alliance, the outcome highlighted the importance of broad-based political inclusion and stakeholder engagement.
Furthermore, the group said recent political developments have led to speculation among some party members about the direction of the APC in the state and its impact on the party's future electoral prospects.
The alliance called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and other party leaders to intervene and promote fairness, equity, and wider participation in the allocation of elective positions in Nasarawa State.
"The APC was founded on the principles of justice, inclusion, and equal opportunity. These values should continue to guide the party's decision-making processes in order to strengthen unity and improve its electoral prospects," the statement said.
Lauds process that produced Sunday Biggs as Candidate
Former Governor of Plateau State and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, has described the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primary elections as credible, transparent, and democratic, saying the exercise sharply contrasted with what he termed “results written in hotel rooms” by other political parties.
Jang, in a statement issued Friday through his Media Consultant, Comrade Clinton Garuba, congratulated the PDP for the successful conduct of its primaries nationwide, particularly in Plateau State, where Hon. Sunday Garba Biggs emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
According to the former governor, the smooth conduct of the exercise reflected the high level of organisation, unity, and internal democracy within the PDP.
“There is no doubt that the difference in approach, planning and execution as witnessed during the primary elections of the PDP and that of the other political party was like night and day,” he stated.
Jang alleged that while the PDP allowed the wishes of members to prevail through a transparent process, some political parties resorted to imposition and impunity where “results were merely written in hotel rooms despite elections holding on the field.”
He said the PDP had once again demonstrated its commitment to democratic ideals and the supremacy of the people’s mandate.
The elder statesman also warned individuals parading themselves as factional members of the PDP in Plateau State to desist from acts capable of destabilising the party, insisting that the PDP in the state remains united under the leadership of Chief Raymond Dabo.
He urged party faithful and Nigerians to place collective interest above personal ambition, stressing that the PDP remains the best platform to restore hope and good governance in the country.
Jang further called on Nigerians not to lose faith despite the prevailing economic and social realities, assuring that “there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
He also urged Plateau citizens to remain vigilant and determined ahead of future elections, emphasising the need to protect their votes as witnessed during the 2023 general elections.
According to him, only through unity, vigilance, and commitment to democratic values can the people elect leaders of their choice and deepen democracy in the country.
“We wrote election results many times” - Kaduna governor’s aide boasts of past rigging
The Special Adviser on Political Matters to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Abubakar Mamadi, has boasted about past manipulation of election results in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Mamadi, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Igabi Federal Constituency, also suggested that the manipulation and irregularities that allegedly characterised the All Progressives Congress primaries in Kaduna State could be repeated during the 2027 general elections.
He made the remarks in a video clip while reacting to comments by former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, who had claimed that some candidates produced by the party could not win the general election.
Zailani, who lost the APC senatorial ticket for Kaduna Central to Senator Shehu Sani, accused party leaders of injustice and intimidation while questioning the electoral strength of some candidates.
“They went and gave tickets to people who cannot win elections. What they did clearly shows they do not want President Tinubu to win the 2027 election. It is important that we let the cat out of the bag and inform the President that these people are deceiving him and cannot deliver Kaduna for him,” he said.
He further argued that intimidation would not stop resistance against alleged manipulation.
“These threats are unnecessary because nobody can intimidate me. If you rigged the primaries, do you think you can rig the general election? The masses will resist you,” Zailani added.
Responding while playing host to stakeholders from Igabi on Thursday, Mamadi said he had watched the former speaker’s video and noted specific claims raised.
“I saw a video of the former Speaker (Yusuf Zailani) making some claims. I took note of three claims he made in the video,” Mamadi said.
Mamadi then addressed Zailani’s criticism of the primary election process.
“First, he said the primary election results were written and concocted and therefore we cannot win the general election. But I want us to use our brains, since we are not drug addicts,” he said.
He also recalled what he described as previous involvement in manipulating election outcomes.
“I also want to remind him of how both of us, alongside some other people, rigged elections, not only primaries but general elections in the past,” he said.
“We wrote election results in Igabi, not once, not twice. If he has forgotten, it is important to remind him that we wrote election results many times in Igabi. I’m talking about general elections, not primaries. So if he is still thinking about primaries, we have also written general election results.”
Mamadi also referred to previous encounters with security agencies while responding to comments about arrests.
“Secondly, I also saw him boasting that he is not afraid of anybody or being arrested. Let me remind him of how both of us once sneaked away to evade arrest after we received invitation letters from the Commissioner of Police. So now he is boasting that nobody can arrest him. Who is he fooling?” Mamadi asked.
He further referenced an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while questioning Zailani’s comments.
“When he was also invited by the EFCC, I personally saw how he was sweating and looking frustrated. So why is he now boasting that nobody can do anything to him?” he asked.
Mamadi concluded by dismissing Zailani’s criticism and urging party stakeholders in Igabi to ignore him.
“Let me tell him that we are strong enough to deal with him even without federal intervention. I want to plead with stakeholders in Igabi to ignore him and not be bothered by his outbursts. He is envious and pained by defeat,” Mamadi said.
“He has spent 20 years occupying a particular political position and is now being confronted with the reality that he may lose that seat. Change, even in the scriptures, is inevitable.”
Public Approval of President Tinubu Stands at 30.2%, EBDA Mid-Term Survey Finds
Nationwide poll shows worsening economic experience is the dominant driver of public sentiment
ABUJA, Nigeria, 29 May 2026 — Exactly three years after his inauguration, public approval of President Tinubu stands at 30.2%, according to a nationwide survey released today by Eagle Badger Data Analytics (EBDA). Some 47.5% of respondents disapprove, 18% are neutral, and 4.4% declined to answer. Compared with EBDA’s mid-year survey twelve months ago, approval has fallen seven points and disapproval has risen four. The survey’s central finding is that lived economic experience is the single strongest predictor of how Nigerians rate their president, outweighing every other factor measured.
Regional and Demographic Picture Approval is uneven across the country. It is highest in the North East (39.2%) and stands at 37% in both the South West and North West, with the North Central at 30.3%. It is lowest in the South East (16.5%) and the South South (13.5%), where disapproval reaches 62.9% and 59.8% respectively. These southern readings are consistent with the previous wave, suggesting a settled rather than volatile pattern. The only demographic and regional group to record net positive approval is South West respondents aged 56 and above, at +18.7%. Among working-age Nigerians nationally, disapproval runs at 63.6%.
Economic Experience: The Dominant Variable For the first time, EBDA asked whether respondents’ economic situation today is better or worse than it was three years ago. The responses were emphatic: 62% say they are worse off, against 23.3% who say they are better off. In the South East, 78.5% report deterioration; in the South South, 75.5%. Nationally, 42.4% say they are much worse off, more than five times the share who say they are much better off.
The cross-tabulation between economic experience and approval is stark. Among those who say their situation is much worse, 73.2% disapprove. Among those who say their situation is somewhat better, 70.7% approve. The relationship is near-linear across all five economic categories.
“A single approval number tells you the temperature. The zonal and economic cross-tabulations tell you where sentiment is concentrated, and what is shaping it. That second question is the one policymakers and government should care about. — Sharon Orisakwe, MD, EBDA”
Why the Recovery Is Not Yet Felt Macro indicators have improved on most measures: headline inflation has fallen from a peak of 34.8% in December 2024 to 15.7% by April 2026; real GDP growth has risen above 4%; the naira has recovered from ₦1,740 to around ₦1,370 to the dollar. Yet the World Bank reports that the share of Nigerians living in poverty rose from 56% in 2023 to 63% in 2025, placing roughly 140 million citizens below the line. EBDA’s finding that 62% of respondents say they are worse off sits within one percentage point of that poverty estimate.
The explanation is the difference between a falling rate and a falling price. Disinflation means prices are rising more slowly, not that they are falling. Since May 2023, the general price level has risen roughly 80% and food prices by more than 90%. A bag of rice that cost ₦35,000 in mid-2023 still costs around ₦80,000 today. The minimum wage rose from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 over the same period; petrol rose roughly sevenfold; the exchange rate roughly tripled. Macroeconomic stabilisation and household purchasing power have moved in opposite directions.
“The two indicators are not in conflict. They are measuring different things, and the distance between them is itself the policy problem government is yet to resolve. — Sharon Orisakwe”
Global Comparative Context Incumbent approval has weakened across much of the world. US President Donald Trump stands at 36% approval; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 23%; French President Emmanuel Macron at a record low of 18%. South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa stands at 38%. The sharpest contrast is Ghana, where President John Dramani Mahama records 67% approval across every region, following a 32% cedi appreciation against the dollar and a fall in inflation from 23.8% to 5.4% in 2025. The pattern is consistent: where macroeconomic gains have reached household prices and incomes directly, approval has followed. Where they have not, it has not.
Implications for Policy The evidence points to a clear conclusion. Sentiment is unlikely to shift in response to improved macroeconomic data alone. It will respond to changes households can observe directly: stable or falling prices for staple goods, restored security in productive rural areas, and incomes that keep pace with the cost of living.
“The most important finding in this survey is not the approval figure. It is the strength of the link between economic experience and public sentiment. Until that experience improves at the household level, sentiment is unlikely to move, whatever the aggregate indicators show. — Sharon Orisakwe”
Methodology: Fieldwork was conducted by telephone in April 2026 using proportionate stratified random sampling across all six geopolitical zones, in respondents’ preferred languages. Margin of error ±3% at a 95% confidence level.
About EBDA: Eagle Badger Data Analytics is a Nigerian research and analytics firm specialising in public opinion measurement, economic sentiment tracking, and data-driven policy analysis.
Jos - The Plateau State Child Protection Network (CPN) has declared that Nigeria cannot genuinely celebrate Children’s Day while thousands of vulnerable children remain trapped in abuse, trafficking, hazardous labour, drug addiction and institutional neglect.
The Network issued the warning in Jos on Thursday during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration themed: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
Speaking on behalf of the Network, Plateau State CPN Coordinator, Sandra Dirmwa Chikan, challenged government authorities, parents, communities and stakeholders to move beyond what she described as “performative celebrations” and confront the worsening realities facing children across the state.
According to her, the volume of child abuse, trafficking and exploitation cases reported daily to the Network exposes a deep systemic failure in child protection structures.
“Are we truly ready to have an honest conversation about the state of our children? We cannot authentically champion a ‘Future Now’ while structural gaps continue to compromise their present,” she said.
“We cannot celebrate in good faith while our phone lines and offices are inundated daily with agonising cases of child abuse, trafficking and child labour. The statistics are not just saddening; they are a damning indictment of our collective failure.”
The Network raised concerns over increasing incidents of child trafficking, sexual abuse, forced labour and the growing number of out-of-school children involved in hazardous artisanal mining activities across several local government areas of the state.
CPN further lamented that many trafficked children repatriated from neighbouring states and countries often return traumatised, addicted to drugs and rejected by their families, with little or no rehabilitation support from the state.
The group also disclosed that vulnerable children are frequently pushed into unsafe orphanages and poorly regulated care institutions due to the absence of functional state-backed transit shelters and rehabilitation centres.
It warned that mental health crises and substance abuse among children are rapidly increasing.
Despite the concerns, the Network commended the Plateau State Government for establishing the Child Rights Implementation Committee (CRIC) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, describing both as important structural steps toward strengthening child protection systems.
CPN also praised the creation of a dedicated data office within the Ministry of Women Affairs and the deployment of the Children First software designed to track children in care institutions.
The Network further acknowledged support from the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency in monitoring orphanages and enforcing child welfare standards.
However, Chikan warned that the impact of the newly established structures would remain limited without immediate funding and operational backing.
“Frameworks alone cannot rescue a child in crisis,” she stated. She noted that interventions targeting displaced children, orphans and survivors of violence have continued to suffer major setbacks because resources meant for implementation have not been released.
The Network also expressed concern over the dismissal of a defilement case involving a four-year-old survivor by the Office of the Attorney General.
While noting that authorities explained the withdrawal was procedural to allow further investigation, CPN demanded clarification over the defendant’s alleged failure to appear in court and attempts to remove the child from school despite an existing restraining order.
The organisation warned that it would resist any attempt to compromise justice in the matter.
As part of its demands, the Network called for the immediate release of funds to the Child Rights Implementation Committee, establishment of state-funded transit shelters for abuse survivors, stricter monitoring of orphanages and alternative care homes, and the operationalisation of Community Child Protection Committees across the 17 local government areas of Plateau State.
It also demanded quarterly stakeholder accountability meetings involving law enforcement agencies, community leaders and child protection actors to address emerging threats and strengthen response mechanisms.
The Network urged citizens to stop shielding perpetrators of child abuse and trafficking because of political, social or family affiliations.
“When you see a child in need and turn a blind eye, you are not neutral. You are fanning the flames of abuse and injustice,” the group stated.
CPN called on the Plateau State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, parents and residents to shift attention from ceremonial celebrations to what it described as the “non-negotiable defence” of children’s lives and future.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed that its long-awaited Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Assembly primaries will proceed nationwide on Friday, May 29, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party explained that the shift in the actual voting to May 29 was necessitated by logistical challenges caused by the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the associated public holidays. Many aspirants and members of the screening team who had converged in Abuja for the exercise are currently stranded due to the non-availability of flights and other transportation difficulties.
According to the NDC, May 28 will now be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities.
“The party has decided that May 28 should be used for arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparations, while the actual primaries will now hold on May 29,” the statement read.
Party teams will also use the day to engage with stakeholders, party elders, and aspirants in their respective states. However, the NDC warned that no state agencies, including the Police, INEC, or the Department of State Services (DSS), are expected to participate in any meetings or programmes on May 28. It stressed that any activities conducted outside the approved guidelines would be considered unauthorised and illegal.
Order of Primaries on May 29 The primaries on May 29 will be conducted in the following sequence:
1. Presidential affirmation 2. National Assembly primaries/affirmation 3. State Assembly primaries/affirmation 4. Governorship primaries/affirmation
Results from the various states will be collated and forwarded to the party’s National Headquarters, where only the National Working Committee (NWC) is authorised to announce them. State executives or teams have no mandate to declare any results.
The party urged all participants to maintain peace and decorum during the exercise. “We call for understanding and urge all participants to conduct themselves responsibly, as the party has zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism,” the statement added.
The clarification was jointly signed by Senator Moses Cleopas, National Chairman, and Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, National Secretary.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, Rita Dominic, D’banj and the Big Question Every African Creator Should Be Asking
At the Africa Soft Power Summit 2026 in Nairobi, the conversation was bigger than who wore what, who gave a fire speech, or who got the loudest applause.
It was about what African creatives do next.
Let’s be honest. African culture is already everywhere. Our music is global. Our films are travelling. Our fashion is influencing runways, even American prom culture. Our actors, influencers, designers, comedians and storytellers are moving numbers online every day.
But the question the Africa Soft Power Summit 2026 put on the table was simple: after the visibility, who owns the value?
That is why the Bolanle Austen-Peters, Rita Dominic and D’banj conversation matters.
Bolanle Austen-Peters is not just a theatre champion. She is proof that creativity can become infrastructure. Through Terra Kulture, BAP Productions, stage plays, films, training, production systems and jobs, she has shown that African storytelling can become a full value chain. Her Terra Academy for the Arts has also trained over 60,000 young people for the creative industry.
Her point was clear: the creative economy is not vibes. It is business. It creates jobs, supports fashion, hospitality, tourism, production, media, design and several other sectors. But for it to scale, financiers need to stop treating creativity as a soft or unclear sector and start understanding the business models behind it.
Rita Dominic brought the conversation closer to Nollywood and to every public-facing creative who has ever had visibility without control.
Rita is not just an actress. She is a filmmaker, producer and Co-Founder of The Audrey Silva Company. She has seen Nollywood move from the DVD era to streaming and global platforms. Her point was simple but powerful: visibility can open doors, but ownership is what keeps value in your hands.
During the DVD era, Nollywood actors became famous across Africa, the diaspora and the Caribbean. But the people who controlled the business were often the marketers, gatekeepers and executive producers. Streaming later gave Nollywood global reach, but it also created a new problem: data. If creators do not have access to the backend numbers, how do they know their value? How do they negotiate properly?
That is why Rita’s line hits hard: visibility gets you hired, but ownership gets you paid for life.
For actors, actresses, influencers and public-facing creatives, the product is not only the film, song or post. Sometimes the product is the face, style, voice, image, trust and audience. But if you do not own the platform, the IP, the catalogue, the production company, the data or the business behind that visibility, the real value may still sit elsewhere.
Then D’banj brought the conversation into music, IP and capital.
D’banj is not just a hitmaker. He is also the Founder and CEO of The C.R.E.A.M Platform, a creative enterprise built to help discover, support and monetise African talent. From music to entertainment business, brand partnerships, platform building and continental relevance, his career shows how an artist can move from performance into cultural enterprise.
His point was also very direct: creators are celebrated socially, but questioned commercially. A bank may welcome you, take pictures with you and tell you how much their family loves your work. But once you ask for funding, the question becomes: where is your collateral?
For D’banj, the answer is IP.
That is the part many creatives miss. Your catalogue is an asset. Your character can become an asset. Your format can become an asset. Your audience can become an asset. Your platform can become an asset. But only if it is structured, protected and understood as a business.
Together, their presence at the ASP Summit in Nairobi gave creators a clear message: the next era is not only about talent. It is about structure.
And now AI don enter the chat.
AI can help creators produce cheaper, test ideas, translate content, create visuals, analyse audiences and scale stories across markets. But AI also raises another big question: if your voice, image, script, sound, face or creative style becomes data, who controls it?
That is why African creators need to move from posts to ownership. From followers to formats. From skits to IP. From songs to catalogues. From influence to equity. From “I have numbers” to “I have a business investors can understand.”
And the interesting thing is, money is looking at this space. Across Africa, more investors, platforms, funds, banks and development institutions are paying attention to the creative economy, tech, AI, fashion, film, music, gaming and creator-led businesses.
But capital does not usually chase vibes alone. It follows models, rights, audiences, revenue, distribution and serious ambition.
That was the Africa Soft Power Summit’s point.
The creator economy is no longer just about being seen. It is about being bankable.
So for actors, influencers, filmmakers, musicians, stylists, writers, producers, content creators and creative founders, the next big thing may not be another viral post.
It may be the company behind the post.
The IP behind the character.
The platform behind the audience.
The catalogue behind the sound.
The system behind the talent.
At ASP Summit in Nairobi, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Rita Dominic and D’banj reminded everyone that African soft power is sweet, but ownership is sweeter.
ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC) OFFICIAL REBUTTAL: AMAC CLARIFIES SIGNPOST REVENUE PARTNERSHIP, DISENGAGES TAKUSHARA ENTERPRISE LTD AND CONFIRMS VALID ENGAGEMENT OF M/S BRAINSHELTER LTD
The Management of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) wishes to draw the attention of the general public, corporate organizations, and business owners to a misleading and outdated report currently circulating on various online media platforms.
The publication erroneously claims that the Council disowned M/S Brainshelter Ltd and maintained an active contract with M/S Takushara Enterprise Ltd.
The Management completely refutes that narrative and stands to correct the record based on current administrative realities.
The report in circulation does not reflect the present position of the Council, and the public is urged to disregard its contents to avoid paying revenue into the wrong hands.
To set the record straight, the Executive Chairman and Management of AMAC officially announce that the Council has fully disengaged M/S Takushara Enterprise Ltd (also operating as Takushara Nigeria Limited) from aiding or acting on behalf of the Area Council in the collection of revenue for Signposts and Outdoor Advertisements. Any previous mandate given to them has been revoked, and they no longer have the authority to demand or enforce revenue collection within the municipality.
Consequently, AMAC Management wishes to formally inform all business owners, advertising agencies, and stakeholders that M/S Brainshelter Ltd has been officially engaged to handle the collection of revenue for Signposts and Outdoor Advertisements moving forward.
Business owners are hereby advised to accord them the necessary cooperation in line with this new directive.
To ensure safety and compliance, the Council reiterates that all financial transactions must be processed through verified municipal channels.
Business operators are warned not to make any revenue payments to agents of the disengaged M/S Takushara Enterprise Ltd. All legitimate payments must strictly be channeled into the Council’s designated Account through the newly authorized framework led by M/S Brainshelter Ltd.
Signed:
Kingsley Madaki
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman AMAC. Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu
AMAC Disowns Fake Revenue Letter for Outdoor Advertisements and Signposts, Affirms Valid Contract with M/S Takushara Enterprise Ltd
The Management of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has issued an official disclaimer disowning a fraudulent engagement letter currently circulating to the public regarding the council's advertisement revenue unit.
The Council management urged business owners, corporate organizations, and residents within the municipality to completely disregard the document, labeling it a total forgery designed to mislead taxpayers.
According to the statement from AMAC Management, the fake letter purportedly dated 26th April 2026—claims that a new technical partner, M/S Brainshelter Ltd, has been engaged to handle the collection of revenue for Signpost and Outdoor Advertisements.
"The Management of the Council hereby disclaims this letter entirely.
The general public should disregard the document and refuse any engagements with individuals parading themselves as officials based on this forged letter," the statement read.
M/S Takushara Enterprise Ltd Contract Remains Fully Valid Setting the record straight, AMAC Management emphasized that the area council, operating as an organized and law-abiding government body, would not double-engage partners over the exact same revenue jurisdiction.
The Management clarified that its existing contract with M/S Takushara Enterprise Ltd to aid the council on revenue collection for Mobile Advert and signpost revenue is active, fully recognized, and remains completely valid until the end of the 2026 revenue year.
Taxpayers are advised that all legitimate transactions concerning Outdoor and signpost should continue to be channeled exclusively through the authorized framework involving M/S Takushara Enterprise Ltd. AMAC Management issued a strict warning to the business community, advertising agencies, and individuals operating within the federal capital city to protect their data and finances:
Do not share any official databases or corporate information with agents of M/S Brainshelter Ltd.
Do not make any financial payments based on the fraudulent April 26 letter.
All legitimate council revenues must strictly go through authorized single treasury accounts and verified official channels.
The Management further confirmed that an internal probe is already active to unravel the source of the scam.
"We have commenced a full investigation to determine how this kind of fraudulent publication got into circulation to the public without the knowledge or authorization of the Council," the statement noted.
Concluding the release with a seasonal goodwill message to the residents of the municipality, the Management added, "Barka da Sallah in advance."
In the ever-evolving story of Nollywood, only a few individuals can truly be described as foundational pillars of the industry. One such remarkable figure is Uchenna Mbunabo — a respected filmmaker, producer, entrepreneur, farmer, and talent developer whose contributions to the Nigerian film industry have spanned over two decades.
Interestingly, the surname “Mbunabo” translates to “One and Two,” a name that has become synonymous with consistency, excellence, and longevity in African cinema. Popularly known as “Chairman” within entertainment circles, Uchenna Mbunabo has built a reputation not only as a successful producer but also as one of the quiet architects behind Nollywood’s growth and global visibility.
Born in 1985 and hailing from Onitsha, Uchenna Mbunabo ventured into film production as early as 2003, at a time when Nollywood was still developing its identity and structure. Through resilience, hard work, business intelligence, and an exceptional eye for talent, he steadily established himself as one of the most influential producers in the history of African cinema.
Beyond entertainment, he is also a successful entrepreneur and farmer. He owns one of the largest poultry farms in Nsukka, reflecting his passion for investment, job creation, and sustainable business development outside the film industry.
Today, Uchenna Mbunabo is widely recognized for owning one of the largest independent film production catalogues in Africa by an individual producer. His productions have reached millions of viewers across Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the diaspora through both traditional distribution channels and digital platforms.
Building a Digital Entertainment Empire
Through his production company, Scene One and Two Productions, he has continued to shape and expand the Nigerian entertainment industry. He also operates over 20 YouTube movie channels, making him one of Africa’s biggest digital movie distributors.
Some of his popular platforms include:
* Uchenna Mbunabo TV * One and Two Films TV * Uchenna Mbunabo French TV
Alongside several fast-growing entertainment channels, including Yoruba-language movie platforms designed to reach broader audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
Through these platforms, he has not only expanded Nollywood’s global reach but has also created opportunities and employment for countless actors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, editors, and creatives working behind the scenes.
A Reputation Built on Humility and Excellence
Despite his enormous success and influence, Uchenna Mbunabo remains one of the most humble, calm, and scandal-free personalities in the Nigerian entertainment industry — a rare quality in today’s highly publicized media landscape.
His humility, generosity, discipline, and professionalism have earned him deep respect among colleagues and industry stakeholders alike.
Over the years, he has played a major role in discovering, mentoring, supporting, and projecting several actors and actresses who have gone on to become household names across Africa and beyond.
Stars Associated With His Productions
Many of Nollywood and Ghallywood’s finest stars have either featured prominently in his productions or benefited from his platform and mentorship. Notable names include:
…among many other exceptional talents who continue to shine globally.
Storytelling Rooted in African Reality
His movies are admired for their originality, cultural relevance, emotional depth, and strong connection to everyday African realities. Whether centered on love, family, tradition, sacrifice, or social issues, his productions consistently resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Perhaps Uchenna Mbunabo’s greatest legacy lies in the countless opportunities he has created for aspiring actors, producers, directors, scriptwriters, and creatives searching for a pathway into the entertainment industry. Many young talents who once lacked visibility found purpose and recognition through his support and productions.
A Legacy Beyond Fame
In an era where fame is often accompanied by controversy, Uchenna Mbunabo stands as a symbol of dignity, humility, discipline, and consistency. His journey is more than a Nollywood success story; it is a testament to the rewards of vision, perseverance, and quiet impact.
As Nollywood continues to gain international recognition and cement its place among the world’s leading film industries, the contributions of icons like Uchenna Mbunabo deserve to be celebrated and documented.
He is not just a producer — he is a builder of dreams, a creator of stars, a mentor to many, and a silent force whose influence on African cinema will remain unforgettable for generations to come.
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