₦airaland Forum

NELSON OGBU TAKES ADO SERVICE PROJECT TO CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS ACROSS PARTY LINES

As the 2027 campaign season gathers momentum, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ado State Constituency, Patriot Nelson Ogbu, has commenced engagements with critical stakeholders from Ado Local Government Area across party lines.

The engagements have taken him to the homes and offices of prominent sons and daughters of Ado in different cities, villages and towns where he presents his campaign manifesto and other campaign materials, outlining his vision for the development of the constituency.

At the centre of the engagements is his Ado Service Project 2027, a development blueprint anchored on character, driven by service, and focused on purposeful, accountable and people-centred representation.

During the interactions, stakeholders spoke highly of Ogbu, particularly highlighting his record of selfless service, integrity, commitment to the people and capacity to deliver on responsibilities. They acknowledged his contributions to public service and community development, while expressing appreciation for his decision to consult widely and engage stakeholders across political divides.

Ogbu assured the stakeholders that, if given the opportunity to represent Ado State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, he would prioritise practical development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening rural infrastructure, empowering young people and transforming agriculture into a more productive and profitable venture.

His outreach across party lines underscores the importance of consultation, unity and collective responsibility in pursuing the development of Ado Local Government Area.

Through these engagements, Ogbu is sharing his vision with community leaders and other stakeholders while building a common platform for dialogue and collective action towards the future of Ado.

“INSIST ON TRANSPARENT ELECTION”, MARK TELLS ECOWAS

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark has told a delegation of the Economic Commission of West Africa (ECOWAS) to declare to the Nigerian government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that only a transparent and credible election will be accepted by the regional body.

The opposition party Chairman said this in Abuja on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the ECOWAS on what was described as a “pre-election fact-finding mission” to Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election in January.

The Head of Mission, and former Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Victor Bockarie Foe, explained that part of the Mission’s objectives was to assess the state of preparedness for the effective conduct of the coming general elections as well as the political atmosphere in the country in the build-up to the elections.

While briefing the delegation, the ADC leadership expressed concerns about INEC’s level of preparedness and overall commitment to delivering a free and fair election. They also highlight what they described as “government’s capture” of state institutions, including the judiciary and the INEC as well as the various threats of violence emanating from the ruling party.

In his remarks, Senator Mark noted that election in Nigeria is critical to the stability of the West Africa region and will therefore attract global attention.

“This is why we must all work together to ensure we get it right. You have made us to understand that your mission is pursuant to the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework. We are quite happy with this. But the best way to prevent conflict, especially in relation to elections, is to ensure that it is free, fair and transparent,” he said.

“We in the ADC have committed ourselves to the highest standards of peaceful conducts before, during and after the elections. But we need ECOWAS to join us in insisting on a credible election now. We want the same thing -a peaceful and stable Nigeria and West Africa. This is why you must tell the Federal Government and the INEC that they must not do anything that could plunge Nigeria into needless crisis. This must form a part of your early warning signals,” he said.

The head of Mission, Mr. Bockarie Foh, promised to report the party’s concerns as well as those of other stakeholders in the country to the regional body, while emphasising the significance of peace and stability in Nigeria to the entire region.

Other members of the ECOWAS Mission included Francess Piage Alghali, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Julius Fofanah Sandy, representing the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives’ Committee, Segrine Mamadou, Head of Electoral Assistance Division, among others.

Mopamuro Progressive Women Accuse TSG of Backing ADC

…Call on APC Leadership to Caution Faleke Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

An All Progressives Congress (APC) support group, Mopamuro Progressive Women (MPW), has accused the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State of allegedly using the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mobilise support for the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a press statement issued by the Coordinator of the women's group, Mrs Funmilola Zaccheaus, MPW alleged that TSG was discreetly mobilising support for the ADC's presidential candidate while presenting itself as a group committed to President Tinubu's political interests.

The group also alleged that TSG was backed by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, whom it called on the APC leadership to caution over what it described as activities capable of undermining the party's efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

"Our attention has been drawn to the nefarious activities of an organisation known as the Tinubu Support Group in Mopamuro, which is allegedly using the name of the President to conceal its intention of mobilising support for the ADC.

"We find it appalling that those who intend to support the ADC would hide under the President's name. We are also concerned by claims that the group is being sponsored by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, who many believe to be a supporter of Mr President," the statement said.

MPW further alleged that some individuals associated with TSG were opposed to the APC's success in Mopamuro and urged its members to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts to mislead party supporters.

The statement also expressed concern over the alleged mobilisation of support for an Atiku Abubakar presidency, describing it as inconsistent with the group's public identification with President Tinubu's political interests.

According to MPW, the alleged activities warranted scrutiny, particularly at a time when APC leaders across Mopamuro and Kogi State were working to secure President Tinubu's re-election.

The group called on the APC's national leadership to urgently address its concerns and caution Hon. Faleke over the allegations.

"We call on the national leadership of our party to call Hon. James Abiodun Faleke to order to prevent any disruption of the grassroots mobilisation efforts being undertaken by party leaders in Kogi State to secure a landslide victory for Mr President," the statement added.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term ambition, assuring the President that its members would intensify grassroots mobilisation and political engagement across Mopamuro Local Government Area to secure his re-election in 2027.

"We want to assure Mr President that Mopamuro Progressive Women stands firmly behind his leadership and will work tirelessly to mobilise women, families and grassroots supporters across Mopamuro for his second-term victory. We are committed to taking his message and achievements to every community and ensuring that the people understand the importance of sustaining his administration beyond 2027," the group stated.

Alleged Thugs’ Threat to Disrupt NDC NEC Meeting Sparks Intimidation Fears

Alleged Abuja Disruption Attempt Raises Fears Over NDC NEC Meeting
An alleged attempt by suspected political thugs to disrupt preparations for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja has raised concerns over political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday evening, October 25, at JD Event Centre, Abuja, where unidentified men allegedly attempted to destroy decorations put in place for Monday’s meeting.

Organisers said the men were resisted but reportedly threatened to return and disrupt the proceedings.

Reacting to the development, Dr Prince, a concerned observer associated with Northern Integrity Professionals (NIP), condemned the alleged incident, describing it as unacceptable in a democratic society.

“This is totally uncalled for. We are in a democratic setting, and everyone must be allowed to exercise their civic rights without intimidation,” he said.

Dr Prince expressed concern over what he described as the deterioration of democratic practices, stressing the need for citizens and international observers to defend constitutional rights and democratic institutions.

He also questioned whether public officials were upholding the oaths they took upon assuming office, arguing that such commitments should serve as a continuous standard for assessing the exercise of public authority.

The reported incident comes amid previous reports of violence involving NDC members and supporters, including the disruption of a party meeting in Nkanu West, Enugu State, in September and an October 22 attack on the convoy of an NDC State House of Assembly candidate in Ebonyi State.

Police reportedly said the Ebonyi attack left one person dead and three others injured. However, no evidence has been established linking the previous incidents to Sunday's alleged disturbance in Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the men allegedly involved in the Abuja incident and whether a formal police complaint had been lodged remained unclear.

The development comes ahead of the NDC's third NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, October 26, at 10 a.m., during which the National Treasurer is expected to present the party's statement of account.

The programme also includes the commissioning of the party's new national secretariat in Jabi, Abuja, at 2 p.m., followed by the inauguration of its National Campaign Council and the presentation of Certificates of Return to candidates at 5 p.m.

The planned activities are expected to draw media attention amid renewed calls for peaceful political participation and respect for democratic rights.

Whether the alleged threat will affect the party's scheduled activities remains to be seen, as attention shifts to the security arrangements for Monday's proceedings.

ACT-2027 Targets 5m Votes for Tinubu’s Re-Election, Unveils Mobilisation Plans

Arewa Christians for Tinubu 2027 (ACT-2027) has set a target of five million votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, urging its members to intensify political mobilisation across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The group’s Convener and National Coordinator, Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako, announced the target during the dedication of its national secretariat at Ogun House, No. 74 Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja, on October 4, 2026.

Ngbako said the organisation would mobilise Christian voters across northern Nigeria in support of Tinubu’s second-term ambition, describing ACT-2027 as a political movement seeking greater participation by Christians in the region’s political process.

He called on members to take the campaign to states, local government areas and wards, with a focus on market women, youths, pastors and other grassroots constituencies.

“Arewa Christians are for Tinubu 2027,” he declared, urging members to work towards achieving the five-million-vote target.

The national coordinator explained that ACT-2027 was the political wing of the Arewa Christians Development Association (ACDA), stressing that it was neither a church nor a denomination but a political platform for Christian participation in governance.

Speaking on the theme, Building Arewa Through Christ-Centred Service, Ngbako said the development of northern Nigeria required collective responsibility, sacrifice, integrity and peaceful coexistence among its diverse religious and ethnic communities.

He maintained that the region’s challenges could not be addressed by government alone, calling for greater commitment to public service and community development.

According to him, Christ-centred service should be guided by love, sacrifice and integrity rather than religious hostility, personal ambition or the pursuit of political contracts.

He also cautioned against using religious platforms to promote hatred and division, saying the group’s mission should focus on practical contributions to the development of the region.

Ngbako cited biblical references from Ezekiel 37, Nehemiah 2:18 and Jeremiah 29:7 to reinforce his call for renewed hope, collective action and the pursuit of peace and prosperity in northern Nigeria.

Explaining the group’s support for Tinubu’s re-election, he identified economic reforms, inclusive governance and policy continuity as key reasons for backing the president.

He cited the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market as examples of the administration’s economic policies, arguing that the measures were necessary to address longstanding economic challenges.

Ngbako also pointed to the administration’s appointments and initiatives in education, consumer financing, agriculture and infrastructure as areas he believes require continuity.

He said the group’s position was that programmes introduced under the current administration should be given sufficient time to produce their intended results.

As part of its advocacy efforts, ACT-2027 also announced plans to unveil a book titled Meet President Tinubu and His 52 Managers of the Economy in December.

According to Ngbako, the publication documents the administration’s economic management structure and profiles 52 officials associated with key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Bank of Industry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigeria Customs Service.

He described the book as an effort to provide information about the government’s economic policies and counter what he characterised as misinformation surrounding the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The coordinator appealed to supporters and stakeholders to pray for the success of the planned book unveiling and help secure access to President Tinubu to formally launch the publication.

He also encouraged members to establish ACT-2027 structures across their respective states and expand the group’s grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 general election.

Ngbako concluded by expressing optimism about the group’s political mobilisation efforts, invoking Psalm 20:7 and dedicating the secretariat to the service of God and the development of northern Nigeria and the country at large.

He called for peace, unity and prosperity in Arewa and Nigeria.

Court Rules Against ECOWAS Leadership, Says Darma's Replacement Was Unlawful


The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ruled in favour of former Commissioner for Internal Services Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, finding that the process through which he was removed and replaced by ECOWAS authorities did not comply with Community law.

The judgment marks a setback for actions taken by both the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and the Council of Ministers, which formalised Darma's replacement after Nigeria recalled him and nominated a successor.

At a press briefing, Darma said the Court drew a distinction between a member state's right to nominate a Commissioner and the legal protections attached to the office once an appointment has been made.

"The Court therefore declared that Nigeria's recall of me did not, by itself, terminate my appointment or create a vacancy in my office," he said.

According to Darma, the Court determined that the process leading to his replacement began with a memorandum issued by the former President of the Commission on 30 October 2025.

The Court found that the memorandum was not merely an administrative measure but formed part of a process that significantly affected his responsibilities and ultimately led to his replacement.

It also held that the actions were taken without affording him an adequate opportunity to answer allegations made against him.

Despite Nigeria's subsequent recall and the Council of Ministers' decision to formalise a replacement, the Court ruled that the legal conditions required under ECOWAS legal instruments for terminating a Commissioner's mandate had not been met.

As a result, the Court declared the removal and replacement unlawful and ordered that Darma be paid outstanding remuneration and benefits due until the expiry of his tenure.

The Court also awarded US$50,000 in damages and ordered the ECOWAS Commission to bear the costs of the proceedings.

Darma said the ruling went beyond his personal circumstances.
"This judgment is not a personal victory. It is a victory for the rule of law, institutional integrity, accountability and due process within ECOWAS," he told journalists.

He called on ECOWAS institutions to comply fully with the judgment and review existing rules to avoid similar disputes in the future.

Arewa Christians Declare Fasting, Prayers for Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Campaign Flag-Off

A northern Christian support group, Arewa Christians for Tinubu 2027 (ACT-2027), has declared a one-day fasting and prayer session for President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria ahead of its planned campaign flag-off in Kaduna.

The group also announced plans to dedicate its national secretariat in Abuja on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen its activities across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement dated October 22, the National Coordinator of ACT-2027, Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako, said the fasting and prayers were intended to seek divine intervention for the president and the country ahead of the 2027 political campaign season.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled to hold from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the group's national secretariat, Ogun House, No. 74, Central Business District, Abuja.

Expected guests include Right Reverend Stephen Tunde Adegbite, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, Reverend Kure Wumanyi and Bishop Jonathan Maaji.

Other invitees include religious leaders, women and youth leaders, development partners and members of the press.

According to the group, the secretariat's dedication will mark the beginning of a new phase of activities focused on translating faith into development through educational support, skills acquisition, empowerment programmes, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and civic education across Northern Nigeria.

ACT-2027 describes itself as an umbrella development platform for Arewa Christians across the 19 northern states and the FCT.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting development initiatives and promoting peace and civic engagement in the region.

The announcement comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political groups and support organisations beginning to mobilise around potential campaigns and candidates.

BAS Group Clinches Two SME Finance Awards at 2026 BAFI

BAS Capital and BAS Finance have won two major awards at the 2026 BusinessDay Banking and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, in recognition of their contributions to small business financing and capital raising in Nigeria.

BAS Capital was named SME Investment Bank of the Year, while BAS Finance received the SME Lender of the Year award at the ceremony held on October 9 at The Civic Centre in Lagos.

The awards mark the second consecutive year that companies within the Nigerian financial services group have received recognition at the annual event. BAS Capital was previously named Emerging Investment Bank of the Year.

The recognition comes amid persistent financing challenges facing Nigeria's micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which contribute significantly to economic output and employment but often struggle to access formal credit.

Estimates of the country's SME financing gap vary, with a figure of ₦13 trillion, equivalent to about 17 per cent of gross domestic product, cited at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Directors Annual Directors Conference.

Beyond high interest rates, business owners frequently face lengthy loan approval processes and stringent collateral requirements, limiting their access to formal financing.

Group Chief Executive Officer of BAS Group, Abdulateef Hussein, said addressing the financing gap required financial institutions to match funding arrangements with businesses' specific needs.

“The question is not only whether capital exists. It is whether anyone has done the work of matching it to the business in front of them,” Hussein said.

He explained that a manufacturer with a confirmed order might require short-term working capital, while a company preparing for an acquisition could need structured growth capital rather than another overdraft.

BAS Capital provides capital-raising and advisory services to businesses that have outgrown conventional lending but remain underserved by traditional investment banks.

The company structures transactions and mobilises funding from institutional and development finance sources to support business expansion.

Its Managing Director, Yinka Adetuberu, said many growing businesses had viable markets and expansion plans but lacked access to institutions willing to structure financing suited to their size.

“The companies we work with are not short of ambition or of a market. They are short of someone willing to do the structuring work at their size,” Adetuberu said.

Meanwhile, BAS Finance focuses on businesses that may not meet conventional bank lending requirements, providing financing linked to receivables and productive assets rather than relying exclusively on traditional collateral.

Through Zuvy Technologies, acquired in 2025, the group also provides invoice-backed financing to suppliers serving large corporate customers.

Managing Director of BAS Finance, Adnan Kayode, said effective SME lending depended on the ability to assess business transactions and repayment risks rather than relying solely on conventional collateral.

“Lending to a small business well is an underwriting problem before it is a capital problem,” Kayode said.

He added that access to information about invoices, buyers and delivery records could help lenders assess risks more quickly and provide financing when businesses need it.

BAS Group said its financial services model was designed to support businesses through different stages of growth, from working capital and invoice financing to capital raising, investment advisory and insurance.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Abuja, BAS Group operates across lending, investment banking, wealth and asset management, financial technology, healthcare and insurance.

Its businesses include BAS Capital, BAS Finance, BAS Wealth, BAS Financial Services, BAS Technologies, ALLY Healthcare and ALLY Microinsurance.

Plateau Indigenous Youths Reject Petition Against DSS, Accuse Fulani Groups of Orchestrating ‘Calumny’ to Halt Security Operations


A coalition of Plateau indigenous youth organisations has defended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow, saying recent petitions and viral videos accusing security operatives of bias and criminality are deliberate attempts to derail anti-insurgency efforts.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association and Coordinator of Indigenous Youth Nationalities, Northern Zone, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Esq., accused Fulani groups of attempting to undermine joint security operations through petitions and social media campaigns.

He called on the Federal Government to protect the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow from what the coalition described as political and criminal pressure.

The youth bodies said the campaigns were a distraction that could benefit militants and called on the Federal Government to sustain ongoing security operations while investigating any allegations of wrongdoing.

The coalition, comprising Afizere, Anaguta, Atakar, Atten, Bache, Berom, Gamai, Irigwe, Kunlere, Mushere, Mwaghavul, Ron, Pan, Tarok and other ethnic youth bodies, stated its position at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT

Addressing journalists, leaders of the coalition said their attention had been drawn to a petition dated October 5, 2026, signed by Mujahid Abdullahi, Esq., on behalf of the Plateau chapters of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Fulbe Youth Development Association (FUYODA) and other organisations.

The petitioners had alleged biased and discriminatory operations against Fulani communities and held the DSS responsible for the killings and abductions of Fulani members, cattle rustling, the poisoning and shooting of cattle, among other crimes.

A video making the rounds on Facebook and other social media platforms made similar claims, alleging that only the Nigerian Army was acting in the interest of peace on the Plateau.

The coalition said the petition and video were intended to distort the facts and mislead Federal Government authorities and the general public.

According to the group, five objectives were discernible from the alleged campaign:
1. To intimidate and blackmail the State Director of the DSS, Mr Paul Damian.
2. To discredit the operations of the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow, which, according to the coalition, led to the arrest of a notorious militant leader, Ardo Mahmoud Adams.
3. To disrupt ongoing joint operations involving local security volunteers.
4. To discourage inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.
5. To portray the Nigerian Army as the only effective security force in the state.

Presenting what it described as the facts of the matter, the coalition claimed that joint operations by the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow had exposed a pattern in which cattle were allegedly grazed alongside armed militants who attacked and occupied communities.

The group alleged that at least 152 hamlets, villages and communities had suffered such attacks.

It said Mr Paul Damian and the DSS were not involved in killings or cattle rustling, adding that cattle intercepted while grazing on farmlands were held pending the identification of their owners and the alleged perpetrators.

The coalition also alleged that Fulani militants had continued to ambush security operatives.

It cited the June 1, 2026, attack on a newly deployed DSS base at Nding Sesut, Fan, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, as well as the August 23, 2026, attack on Tanjol and Tarai villages in Jol community.

According to the coalition, more than 400 militants attacked the communities, ambushed and killed two DSS officers, and took away their rifles before retreating to Rankum, in the Mahanga area of Riyom Local Government Area.

It further alleged that Mobile Police Force officers were killed two weeks ago in Dares and Kwi villages in Bokkos and Riyom Local Government Areas, respectively.

The group also claimed that the Operations Officer of Operation Rainbow, DSP David Babale, was ambushed and killed near a military checkpoint around Rakok village, on the outskirts of Barkin Ladi.

The coalition said similar ambushes had occurred at Kantoma and Alohgom in Mangu Local Government Area.

It also alleged that sponsors of the militants were raising ₦20 million to intensify media campaigns, file court cases and publish petitions, particularly in certain media outlets, in an effort to frustrate the crackdown on insurgency.

The group called for a thorough investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct, compromise and collusion involving some Army personnel.

It warned that any demand for the withdrawal of the DSS, Mobile Police Force and Operation Rainbow from Plateau State would amount to support for the continuation of attacks and displacement.

It urged President Bola Tinubu and other Federal Government authorities not to succumb to what it described as manipulation.

“We smell a rat,” the coalition said, adding that the petition and video should be regarded as “ploys and strategies of distraction” and should not be accorded any value.

The coalition called for the appreciation and encouragement of the security agencies rather than their distraction or arbitrary removal.

The statement was jointly signed by Amb. Ezekiel Peter Bini, President of the Irigwe Youths Movement and Chairman of the Coalition; Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Esq., President of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association and Coordinator, Northern Zone; Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau, President of the Tarok Progressive Youths Association and Coordinator, Southern Zone; and Mr Jonathan Kyesmang Yusuf, President of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement and Coordinator, Central Zone.

SECURITY IS EXPENSIVE: KOGI WEST YOUTH GROUP CARPETS SENATOR KARIMI, WARNS HIS ACTIONS COULD HURT APC

A political pressure group in Kogi West Senatorial District, Kogi West Youth for Change (KWYC), has criticised Senator Sunday Karimi over alleged attempts to turn public opinion against Local Government Councils in Kogi State, warning that his actions could undermine the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of future elections.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Olurotimi, the group faulted the Senator’s reported claim that each Local Government Area in the state receives an average of ₦500 million monthly from the Federation Account, arguing that such statements could create unnecessary tension between residents and their elected council chairmen.

KWYC maintained that Local Government Councils in the state had demonstrated strong commitment to tackling insecurity and deserved support rather than what it described as politically motivated criticism.

“Security is expensive, and protecting lives and property requires substantial financial commitment. The Local Government Chairmen are working alongside the State Government and security agencies to make our communities safer. Political leaders should support these efforts instead of making statements capable of creating distrust between the people and their elected representatives,” the statement said.

The group also recalled that Senator Karimi had reportedly declared at a function in Kabba that the governorship of Kogi State should go to Kogi West, describing the position as premature given that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is still in his first term.

According to KWYC, political ambition must be pursued with discipline and respect for the party’s processes, warning that personal interests should not be allowed to create divisions within the APC.

The group further questioned the Senator’s alleged political activities outside his immediate constituency, including reported scholarship interventions for students in Kogi East and "pretentious" efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the district.

While acknowledging that supporting students outside one's constituency could be a positive gesture, KWYC alleged that some of the Senator’s supporters were backing opposition candidates in House of Representatives and Kogi State House of Assembly elections within Kogi West.

“It is politically self-defeating for anyone to weaken the very platform on which he stands for election. The APC is built on collective effort, shared responsibility and loyalty. Anyone seeking re-election should be at the forefront of strengthening the party, not engaging in activities that could undermine its electoral prospects,” the statement added.

The group warned that such alleged activities, if established, could hurt the Senator’s own political interests and weaken the party’s grassroots structures in Kogi West.

KWYC expressed support for the Local Government Chairmen, commending their efforts to address security challenges and calling for stronger collaboration among the State Government, councils, security agencies and community leaders.

“While the State Government and Local Government Councils are working hard to make our communities safer, we cannot afford to allow political considerations to undermine these efforts. The fight against insecurity requires resources, intelligence, operational coordination and the support of the people,” the statement read.

The group urged Senator Karimi to exercise restraint in his public comments and use established party structures to address disagreements, rather than engage in actions capable of deepening divisions.

KWYC reaffirmed its support for Governor Ododo’s security efforts and called on APC leaders to prioritise party unity, public safety and the welfare of the people.

“We will not allow anyone to destroy the unity of our party in Kogi State. Kogi West deserves responsible leadership, our communities deserve security, and the APC deserves the loyalty and commitment of all those elected on its platform,” the group declared.

NEDL to Reconnect Shiroro–Gwada, Shiroro–Erena Feeders After Stakeholder Talks


Niger Electricity Distribution Limited (NEDL) has announced plans to reconnect the Shiroro–Gwada and Shiroro–Erena electricity feeders following successful stakeholder engagement facilitated by the Deputy Governor of Niger State.


The Company said the decision followed the conclusion of discussions and the development of a strategic framework designed to improve electricity service delivery, strengthen stakeholder cooperation and establish a sustainable payment arrangement.


Recall that NEDL had on Friday last week disconnected the 33kV Gwada and Erena electricity feeders linked to the 132kV Shiroro Transmission Station over the persistent accumulation of unpaid electricity bills by customers in the affected communities.


However, in a public notice Thursday 15th October, 2026, NEDL said the agreement would provide a framework for improved collaboration among stakeholders and support the sustainable delivery of electricity services to the affected communities.


“Niger Electricity Distribution Limited (NEDL) is pleased to inform its esteemed customers and the general public that the Shiroro–Gwada and Shiroro–Erena feeders will be reconnected following successful stakeholder engagement facilitated by the Deputy Governor of Niger State.


“The reconnection follows the conclusion of discussions and the development of a strategic framework aimed at improving electricity service delivery, strengthening stakeholder cooperation and establishing a sustainable payment arrangement going forward”, the notice read.


The Distribution Company expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor of Niger State for facilitating the engagement, while commending all stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to resolving the matter.


NEDL reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders and the communities it serves to promote sustainable electricity services and improve customer experience.


The planned reconnection is expected to restore electricity supply to customers served by the two feeders, following the successful conclusion of the discussions.

NEDL Disconnects Gwada, Erena Feeders Over Unpaid Electricity Bills

Niger Electricity Distribution Limited (NEDL) has disconnected the 33kV Gwada and Erena electricity feeders linked to the 132kV Shiroro Transmission Station over the persistent accumulation of unpaid electricity bills by customers in the affected communities.

The Company announced the disconnection in a public notice on Friday, stating that the action took effect immediately after repeated engagements and interventions failed to resolve the problem of non-payment.

According to NEDL, disconnection notices were issued to affected customers in July 2026, giving them an opportunity to clear their outstanding bills and regularise their accounts before the latest action.

“The Management of Niger Electricity Distribution Limited (NEDL) wishes to inform the public that electricity supply through the 132 kV Shiroro Transmission Station–33 kV Gwada Feeder and the 132 kV Shiroro Transmission Station–33 kV Erena Feeder has been disconnected with immediate effect.

“This action follows the persistent accumulation of outstanding electricity bills due to widespread non-payment by customers served by the affected feeders, despite repeated engagements and interventions by the Company. In July 2026, disconnection notices were issued to affected customers, giving them an opportunity to settle their outstanding bills and regularise their accounts”, the notice read.

The Company said the continued failure of customers to meet their payment obligations had made the operation of the affected feeders commercially unsustainable.
NEDL also addressed the belief among some consumers that living in communities hosting the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station exempts them from paying electricity bills.

It clarified that proximity to a power generation facility or residence in a host community does not automatically exempt customers from paying for electricity consumed.

“NEDL is aware that some consumers in the affected communities believe that their status as host communities to the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station exempts them from paying for electricity.

“For clarity, proximity to a power generation facility or residence in a host community does not, in itself, exempt customers from paying for the electricity they consume. All customers supplied through NEDL’s distribution network are required to pay in accordance with applicable tariffs and the prevailing regulatory and commercial framework”, it added.

The Distribution Company stressed that all customers connected to its network must pay for electricity in line with applicable tariffs and the prevailing regulatory and commercial framework.

It explained that persistent non-payment undermines the financial sustainability of electricity distribution and limits its capacity to maintain and improve service delivery.

NEDL said it had exhausted reasonable avenues for customer engagement, sensitisation, payment recovery and amicable resolution before proceeding with the disconnection in accordance with applicable regulations and established industry procedures.

The Company urged affected customers to settle their outstanding bills and contact its designated customer service channels to regularise their accounts and confirm the requirements for restoring electricity supply.

It also called on community leaders, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to support efforts to improve payment compliance and protect electricity infrastructure.

NEDL reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable and sustainable electricity services, noting that achieving this goal requires cooperation from all stakeholders and the timely payment of electricity bills.

AEDC Launches Mypower Mobile And Web App

...Ushering In A New Era of Digital Customer Service

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has launched the AEDC MyPower Mobile and Web Apps, expanding its digital service channels and giving customers faster and easier access to a wide range of electricity services from their mobile devices or web browsers.

The launch forms part of AEDC’s Customer Service Week activities, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to putting customers at the heart of everything it does.

The MyPower Mobile and Web Apps further strengthen this commitment by giving customers greater convenience, accessibility and control in managing their electricity services.

The launch marks another step in AEDC’s digital transformation and customer experience journey, as the Company continues to leverage technology to make its services more accessible and responsive.

The MyPower Mobile and Web Apps bring essential electricity services together in one digital ecosystem. Customers can buy electricity tokens anytime and anywhere, pay their bills, report power outages and other service issues, and lodge and track complaints. Customers can also view their energy consumption, access bills and payment receipts, manage multiple accounts and meters, and update their personal information digitally.

The platforms also include a staff verification feature, enabling customers to confirm the identity of AEDC personnel before granting access to their premises.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Z. Okwuokenye, FNSE, said the MyPower platforms are part of AEDC’s broader effort to build a more customer-focused and digitally enabled organisation.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As their needs and expectations evolve, we must evolve with them. The MyPower Mobile and Web Apps are significant steps in that direction, using technology to give our customers greater control over how they interact with AEDC and access the services they need. We are committed to continuously improving the way we serve our customers and building an organisation that is more responsive, accessible and aligned with their expectations.”

The two digital options give customers flexibility in choosing how they interact with AEDC. Customers who prefer mobile access can use the MyPower Mobile App, while those who prefer to use a computer or mobile browser can access the MyPower Web App and enjoy a range of similar services and benefits.

By bringing key transactions, account management and service requests into a connected digital environment, AEDC is expanding the options available to customers and making it easier for them to engage with the Company remotely.

The staff verification feature also provides an additional layer of security during customer interactions, allowing customers to confirm the identity of AEDC personnel before granting access to their premises.

The Chief Operating Officer of AEDC, Engr. Blessing Ogbe, FNSE, said the MyPower Mobile and Web Apps reflect the Company’s focus on continuously improving the customer journey.

“For us, this launch is another step in how we are redefining the way we serve our customers. We are building a culture where customer feedback informs how we design our processes, improve our channels and deliver our services. The MyPower Mobile and Web Apps reflect that approach, and we will continue to listen, learn and innovate to ensure that the experience we provide keeps pace with the expectations of the customers we serve.”

AEDC remains focused on building a service experience that is increasingly connected to the needs and expectations of its customers. As the Company advances its digital journey, the MyPower Mobile and Web Apps will continue to evolve, with new capabilities introduced to create greater value and provide customers with more ways to access and manage their electricity services.

The AEDC MyPower Mobile App is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, while the MyPower Web App is accessible via crm.abujaelectricity.com. Together, the digital options give customers across AEDC’s franchise area the flexibility to choose the channel that works best for them.

About AEDC Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) is an electricity distribution company in Nigeria, committed to delivering dependable electricity to millions across the nation's key commercial centres - Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa states.

In May 2023, a Transcorp-led consortium, became the core investor in AEDC, following its 60% acquisition of the company's shares. Since this strategic acquisition, the company has intensified efforts to upgrade substations, expand distribution networks, and integrate cutting-edge technologies, to enhance power supply reliability and operational efficiency.

AEDC prioritizes customer experience and consistently strives to create value for all stakeholders, while contributing to the socio- economic development of the regions it serves.

For inquiries, please contact: Omede Odekina Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc. (AEDC) omede.odekina@abujaelectricity.com.

Tinubu Administration Strengthens Innovation Drive, Awards ₦100m to Nigerian Innovator

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and commercialise homegrown technology, with the Tinubu administration supporting a nationwide initiative that has reached more than 3,500 young Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative, driven through a partnership between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and AfriLabs, culminated in the 2026 InnovateNaija Final Pitch Event and Awards Ceremony in Abuja, where 15 national finalists were recognised and an Abia State innovator emerged overall winner with a ₦100 million prize.

Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula, co-founder of Farm Speak and developer of the PenKeep Smart Poultry Climate Control System, won the top prize for her innovation designed to help farmers manage climate related challenges in poultry, aquaculture, greenhouse and smart irrigation systems.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the quality of innovations showcased by young Nigerians demonstrated the depth of talent available across the country.

Udeh said the administration was focused on ensuring that Nigerian innovations move beyond ideas and prototypes to the marketplace by connecting researchers and innovators with investors, industries and other stakeholders capable of supporting commercialisation.

According to him, commercialisation would enable innovators and researchers to generate revenue from their work while contributing to economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods.

The minister disclosed that President Tinubu had forwarded a bill to the National Assembly seeking the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Development Fund to provide dedicated funding for research, inventions and innovations with commercial potential.

He said the administration also wanted Nigerian made products to compete on the basis of quality, stressing that Nigerians should patronise locally developed products because they meet required standards rather than solely out of patriotic considerations.

The government’s innovation drive is being complemented by NASENI’s partnership with AfriLabs, which has helped expand InnovateNaija beyond Nigeria’s major technology centres to communities across the country.

Speaking on behalf of AfriLabs, its Director of Programmes, Nanko Madu, said the organisation worked closely with NASENI to create a platform capable of identifying, supporting and celebrating innovators regardless of their location.

Madu said InnovateNaija was designed to provide young Nigerians aged 15 to 40 with mentorship, technical support, funding, market access and visibility, while FutureMakers targets younger innovators between five and 16 years.

She said both programmes had reached more than 3,500 young Nigerians across the 36 states and the FCT, with innovations spanning agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare, education and climate technology.

According to Madu, the initiative was particularly important because Nigeria continues to rely heavily on imported technologies, many of which may not adequately reflect the country’s infrastructure, electricity supply, climate, languages, cultural realities and purchasing power.

She said the programmes were therefore designed to identify Nigerians already developing solutions in classrooms, workshops and laboratories and create pathways for those innovations to receive support and reach the market.

InnovateNaija produced 36 state champions, with each initially receiving ₦2.5 million, while the top three national solutions received ₦100 million, ₦30 million and ₦20 million respectively.

The governors of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Plateau and Kaduna states further demonstrated support for the initiative by matching the ₦2.5 million grants given to their respective state champions, increasing the support to ₦5 million each.

For the overall winner, Akpagbula, the recognition represents an opportunity to expand a locally developed climate smart technology that she said could help reduce losses suffered by farmers.

The agricultural engineer, who co-founded Farm Speak with her husband, Kita Okoma, said farmers could lose a substantial portion of their produce because of climate related challenges, while technologies such as PenKeep could help them gain greater control over their production environment.

She said funding remained one of the major challenges facing hardware innovators in Nigeria, alongside infrastructure and electricity, adding that the ₦100 million prize would help the company expand its production capacity and reach more farmers.

At NASENI, the innovation drive has been anchored by the agency’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who has been credited with creating opportunities for Nigerian innovators to develop scalable solutions and take them closer to the marketplace.

Halilu said NASENI was repositioning its research and development activities around Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation, with the agency seeking to bridge the gap between research and the marketplace.

Under his leadership, NASENI has expanded opportunities for innovators, researchers and public servants to develop and showcase solutions to national challenges, while creating pathways for promising technologies to attract support and scale.

In addition to the InnovateNaija awards, NASENI presented prizes and development grants to winners of its Inter Agency and Intra Agency innovation competitions. Three Inter Agency winners received development grants totalling ₦140 million, while three Intra Agency winners received ₦22.5 million in cash prizes.

Head of the NASENI Innovation Hub, Busola Perez Folayan, said the agency was deliberately taking its innovation programmes beyond established technology centres to identify talents at the grassroots.

She said InnovateNaija received more than 1,000 applications before public voting produced 36 state winners and the final 15 national contestants.

Perez Folayan added that NASENI would continue supporting successful innovators through incubation, business development, technical assistance and investor matching to improve their prospects of commercialising their ideas.

The state level support has also strengthened the initiative. Anambra State’s Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, said Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration immediately approved matching funds after NASENI approached the state.

Okoli said the intervention was consistent with the governor’s technology driven development agenda, disclosing that 111 startups had received about ₦364 million through various state programmes.

She added that 264,000 people had been trained in digital skills, while the state was developing a 13.7 hectare Solution Innovation District to provide space and support for startups, innovators and technology entrepreneurs.

The collaboration between the Federal Government, NASENI, AfriLabs and participating state governments underscores a broader effort to move Nigerian innovation from classrooms, workshops and laboratories into the marketplace, while creating funding, mentorship and commercial opportunities for the next generation of Nigerian technology and engineering entrepreneurs.

Why We Walked Out of Kogi East-Kogi West Alliance Meeting — Kogi West Chieftain

…Says meeting was a “deceitful black market”

A political stalwart from Kogi West has explained why the delegation from the senatorial district walked out of a meeting convened to explore a possible political alliance between Kogi East and Kogi West ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kogi State.

The chieftain, who spoke exclusively with Daily Independent on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, described the meeting as a “cunning contraption” allegedly designed to make Kogi West accept a pre-arranged alliance that would ultimately favour Kogi East.

He expressed disappointment with what he described as the “models” presented by the Kogi East delegation, arguing that the proposals placed Kogi West at a significant disadvantage.

“I must say that we were disappointed,” he said. “The Kogi East delegation put forward strategies that seemed to rate us very low.”

“I think they completely underrated us. They put forward many proposals to take power from Kogi Central, but all of those proposals will eventually land the governorship in the East and tie our hands to the back. For us, this is unacceptable and we wouldn't have accepted it.”

The chieftain recalled the 1999 governorship election, arguing that Kogi West had previously lost an opportunity to produce the governor despite securing the ticket of a major political party.

“It is not only the Central that has deprived us of the governorship. In 1999, the most popular party in Nigeria at the time gave us the governorship ticket. But Kogi East fielded their son on the platform of the then APP and defeated our son,” he said.

“If the proposed alliance must work, Kogi East needs to take a step back and reconsider their determination to use us to take power from our closest neighbour.”

He further warned that Kogi West would not accept what he described as a self-serving political arrangement that places the district at a disadvantage, saying its leaders would consider other options for achieving their governorship aspiration.

“In 2023, the incumbent won because the West worked with the Central. West didn't vote their sons. They deliberately voted a candidate from the Central with the hope of taking power from him after his tenure. It is a norm in Nigeria. Anyone who does a first term will want to do a second term.

“The options before us are to support who has five years to go or wait till eternity if we are giving it to the East. With the way the delegation of Kogi East behaved at the meeting, they only want to take power and then ensure that no one is able to take it from them again. We cannot be trapped in such a selfish arrangement", he said.

The political stalwart also expressed concern about how the people of Kogi West would perceive continued political engagement with Kogi East, alleging that the latter was seeking an alliance after failing to secure the governorship independently in 2023.

“Kogi East was not happy to have lost power and now they are desperately trying to seize power. They thought they could go it alone in 2023. But after realising no single ethnic group can produce the governorship alone, they are now coming to us,” he said.

He rejected suggestions that members of the Kogi West delegation were acting as supporters of any particular political bloc, insisting that the district's interest was paramount.

“It was an insult for them to begin to call us supporters of anyone after we rejected the slavery they are negotiating with us. We are supporters of Kogi West. We want the governorship, but we won't go into the market blind,” he said.

“We reject any proposal that won't give us the governorship ticket first and we won't be bullied by any ethnic group. If Kogi East is genuine, they should step down and allow Kogi West to have it in 2027.”

On the possibility of renewed engagement with Kogi Central, the chieftain said Kogi West remained open to discussions with all political interests, stressing that its immediate priority was to secure the governorship either in 2027 or at the nearest opportunity.

“We are open to discussing with everyone to find a solution. We are interested in the governorship, but we don't want to be deceived,” he said.

“Kogi East have proven with the model presented at our meeting that they are not sincere with us. They only wanted to walk us into a dark room to arm-twist us.”

Ahead of the 2027 governorship election, political negotiations and realignments have intensified among the three senatorial districts in Kogi State, with stakeholders examining possible alliances and power-sharing arrangements.

While some political actors in Kogi West argue that the governorship should return to the district in 2027, others favour an arrangement that would see the incumbent complete two terms before power is handed to a Kogi West candidate.

Kogi East, meanwhile, has also been positioning for the governorship, with political actors from the district seeking alliances ahead of the 2027 contest.

In the 2023 governorship election, political alignments between Kogi West and Kogi Central contributed to the electoral outcome, while the People's Democratic Party candidate, Senator Dino Melaye, emerged from Kogi West and the Social Democratic Party candidate, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka, from Kogi East.

As political consultations intensify ahead of 2027, the question of zoning, rotation and the terms of any prospective alliance is expected to remain a major issue in determining the direction of Kogi politics.

Senator Osunbor @75: The Legal Luminary, Legislative Brain and Statesman Who Has Served Nigeria With Distinction

By Emman Ovuakporie

As Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor clocks 75 today, October 5, 2026, Nigeria celebrates a distinguished legal scholar, administrator, legislator and former governor whose public career has spanned academia, law, legislation and executive governance.

Born on October 5, 1951, in Iruekpen, in present-day Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Osunbor has, over the decades, built a reputation around law, public service and national affairs.

His career has taken him from the classroom and courtroom to the National Assembly and the Edo State Government House.
His record is particularly notable for the combination of academic excellence and political experience that has characterised his public life.

A Scholar From an Early Age
Osunbor began his education at the P.T.T.C. Demonstration Primary School, Igueben, where he studied from 1957 to 1962. He proceeded to Anglican Grammar School, Ujoelen, Ekpoma, from 1963 to 1968, and later attended Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida-Ora, for his sixth-form education.

He was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Law between 1971 and 1975 and graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Law.
His undergraduate performance earned him the Certificate for the Best Faculty Student and the Certificate for the Best Student in the Department of Public and Private Law.

He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1976. He also received the certificate for the student with the best overall performance in the Nigerian Bar Examination and the Dr. Taslim Olawale Elias Prize.

His academic journey subsequently took him to the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, as a Rhodes Scholar. He earned a PhD in Law in 1981. His doctoral thesis focused on directors' and shareholders' participation in corporate administration and the governance of large public companies.

From the Lecture Room to the Senate

Osunbor began his academic career as a Lecturer in Law at Kaduna Polytechnic during his National Youth Service period between 1976 and 1977, where he taught Company Law, Commercial Law and General Principles of Law.

He later joined the University of Lagos as a Lecturer II in 1981 and rose through the academic ranks to become Lecturer I and subsequently Senior Lecturer.

In 1990, he was appointed Professor of Law at Lagos State University. He later served as Professor and Head of the Department of Business Law and subsequently as Dean of the Faculty of Law.

His academic career also included a stint as Visiting Fellow at Queen's University Belfast and participation in the Salzburg Seminar on Transnational Law and Legal Institutions.

Beyond teaching and administration, Osunbor has practised law, with particular emphasis on legal drafting and litigation, since 1976.

The 'Attorney-General of the Senate'

In 1999, with the return of democratic rule, Osunbor entered the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Edo Central Senatorial District. He was re-elected in 2003, serving two terms until 2007.
His legislative career was distinguished by his involvement in committees dealing with some of the most important areas of national governance, including justice, human rights and legal matters, rules and procedures, ethics, government affairs and electoral issues.

He also chaired the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. He was involved in several Senate and National Assembly joint and ad-hoc committees, including work connected with constitutional amendment and the legislative list.
His strong legal background and active participation in legislative affairs earned him the informal sobriquet "Attorney-General of the Senate" among his colleagues, a reflection of the prominent role he played in legal and legislative debates during his years in the upper chamber.

His legislative record also included sponsorship of bills touching on electoral legislation, the National Industrial Court and the revision of the Laws of the Federation.
Governor of Edo State
In the 2007 governorship election, Osunbor was elected Governor of Edo State on the PDP platform and assumed office on May 29, 2007. His tenure, however, was cut short following a legal challenge to the election.

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal nullified his election in March 2008 and declared Adams Oshiomhole the winner. Osunbor challenged the decision, but on November 11, 2008, the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City upheld the tribunal's decision. The court's judgment brought his tenure as governor to an end.

The 2007 election and the subsequent litigation remain part of the history of Edo State's post-1999 democratic experience. It is therefore more accurate to describe his tenure as a relatively brief administration rather than attribute its termination to a "self-inflicted" or "questionable" court verdict without qualification.

A Short Tenure, An Ambitious Development Agenda
Despite spending roughly 17 months in office, Osunbor's administration pursued programmes across several sectors, including roads, education, health, agriculture and security.

Contemporary accounts of his administration highlighted road rehabilitation and construction, efforts to revive agricultural development, renewed attention to education and bursary programmes, as well as investments in security.

His administration's development philosophy was captured in its aspiration of "Taking Edo State to Greater Heights of Excellence."

One of the areas he placed considerable emphasis on was agriculture. His administration sought to revive the state's agricultural farm settlements and strengthen agricultural production, with the broader objective of improving food security and creating economic opportunities.

His supporters and political associates have continued to point to the pace of projects undertaken during his relatively short period in office as an important part of his gubernatorial legacy.

Beyond Office: A Voice in National Affairs
Osunbor's public engagement did not end with his tenure as governor.
He has remained active in national discourse, regularly commenting on constitutional reform, electoral reform, democratic institutions, governance and the rule of law.

In recent years, he has continued to speak publicly on Nigeria's political development. In 2024, for example, he spoke on electoral reforms, constitutional governance and concerns about the rule of law.
In 2026, he became prominently involved in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), serving as the party's National Legal Officer.

In July 2026, he publicly commented on a Court of Appeal decision concerning the party's congresses.
In May 2026, he also appeared on Channels Television's Politics Today, where he discussed the country's emerging political realignments and described the ADC as a platform he believed could provide a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

These recent engagements demonstrate that, even at 75, Osunbor remains an active participant in Nigeria's political and constitutional conversation.

A Life of Service and Scholarship
Beyond politics, Osunbor's contribution to Nigeria includes his years as a legal educator, author and practitioner.

His career has been marked by a rare combination of scholarship and practical public service: a professor who entered the legislature, a lawyer who served as governor, and a legislator whose legal expertise shaped his contributions to legislative business.

He has also received numerous honours and recognitions for his contributions to education, law, public service and society. He has been associated with the Anglican Communion and has served as Chancellor of the Esan Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

He was also conferred with a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), honoris causa, by Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

A Personal Legacy

Osunbor is married to Lady Ussieh Osunbor, and they are blessed with six children.

At 75, his story is therefore more than that of a former governor or two-term senator. It is the story of a man whose professional journey has traversed the university classroom, the legal profession, the National Assembly and the executive branch of government.
From Iruekpen to the University of Nigeria, from Warwick to the lecture halls of Nigerian universities, from the Senate chamber to the Edo State Government House, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor has spent decades participating in the intellectual, legal and political development of Nigeria.

His 75th birthday offers an opportunity not only to celebrate the milestone but also to reflect on a career defined by law, scholarship, public service and continued engagement with national affairs.

Happy 75th birthday, Senator Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor.
May the years ahead bring continued strength, wisdom and fulfilment as you remain engaged in the service of your people and the wider Nigerian project.

Veteran broadcast journalist Oche Otene has received the Media Personality of the Year Award from the Book Society of Nigeria.

The honour recognises more than 15 years of work in broadcasting, covering news, current affairs, elections, governance and public-interest programming.

Reacting to the award, Otene said, “The reward of hard work is more work,” describing the honour as recognition of his dedication and motivation to continue raising standards in journalism.

Beyond broadcasting, Otene has hosted numerous events, serving as a moderator and master of ceremonies at conferences, public forums and professional gatherings. He has also moderated panel sessions featuring experts and stakeholders in media, governance, democracy and national development.

He previously won the Best Newscaster of the Year Award at the Nigerian Radio Awards.

Otene’s career spans Radio Benue, Radio One Lagos (Radio Nigeria), Channels Television Lagos, Raypower FM, Nile Radio, Fresh News, OOJ Media and Democracy Radio.

His presenting credits include AIT News Hour, The Electoral Process, an INEC-sponsored programme, Watching the Vote by YIAGA Africa, The Ultimate Morning Show on Raypower Abuja and Leadership Lab on Democracy Radio Abuja.

Through these roles, as well as his work hosting events and moderating panel discussions, he has covered and engaged audiences on elections, democracy, governance and national development, further establishing his reputation in Nigeria’s media industry.

Otti Constitutes Abia LP Governorship Campaign Council, Names Obioma Orji Isiala Ngwa North Coordinator

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the constitution of the Abia State Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 election.

The governor appointed Dr. Obioma Orji as the Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency Coordinator of the Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council.
The development was contained in a statement signed on Friday, October 2, 2026, by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity.

According to the statement, Governor Otti will serve as Chairman of the campaign council, while the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, will serve as Vice Chairman.

The council will be headed at the state level by the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, as Director-General.

Other state directors appointed to the campaign council are Dr. Eric Egwuibe, Director of Finance; Dr. Chibuzor Obiesili, Director of Strategy and Planning; Mr. Kelechi Nwaiwu, SAN, Director of Legal; Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Director of Publicity; Dr. Christian Anokwuru, Director of Special Duties; and retired AIG Arungwa Nwazue, Director of Security.

The governor also approved the appointment of zonal coordinators for the three senatorial zones of the state.
Professor Udochukwu Ogbonna was named Coordinator for Abia Central; Chief Emeka Charles Kalu for Abia North; and Hon. Chimaobi Ebisike for Abia South.

At the state constituency level, Dr. Reuben Obioma Orji was appointed to coordinate the campaign in Isiala Ngwa North.

Other constituency coordinators include Mr. Innocent Eleogu for Ikwuano; Hon. Dannie Ubani for Isiala Ngwa South; Mr. Emmanuel Maduforo Ufomba for Osisioma North; Mr. Innocent Enyinnaya Anyanwu for Osisioma South; Col. Emeka Chilaka (Rtd.) for Umuahia Central; Chief Okey Onyemuwa for Umuahia East; and Dr. Aham Uko for Umuahia North.

Hon. Jerry Uzosike will coordinate Umuahia South, while Mr. Ikerionwu Okarimie and Mr. Silas Eke will coordinate Bende South and Bende North, respectively.

The campaign council also has coordinators for Isuikwuato, Ohafia North, Ohafia South, Umunneochi, Aba Central, Aba North, Aba South, Obingwa East, Obingwa West, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Arochukwu.

The inauguration of the campaign council members is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026, at 12 noon at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.
The statement directed all members to be seated before the arrival of Governor Otti at the venue.

The constitution of the campaign council marks the formal establishment of the Labour Party's campaign leadership structure in Abia ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Alternative Bank has opened a new branch in Gwarinpa, Abuja, expanding its presence in the capital while pushing financing into renewable energy and other areas beyond conventional banking services.

The bank launched the branch on Wednesday before traditional leaders, government representatives and institutional partners.

Alternative Bank Executive Director, North-Central, South-East and South-South, Garba Mohammed, said the new location would give customers easier access to the bank’s financing products, including Alt Power.

Alt Power allows customers to finance renewable energy installations and repay the cost over time.

“We provide services that give people access to renewable energy. We call the product ‘Alt Power’,” Mohammed said.

“We bankroll the cost of setting up renewable energy systems in people’s homes and give them the opportunity to pay over a period of time.”

Mohammed said the product reflects a broader approach in which the bank uses partnership financing to widen access to capital.

The Federal Ministry of Environment also used the Gwarinpa launch to call for a stronger role for financial institutions in funding Nigeria’s environmental priorities.

Representing Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, the ministry’s Deputy Director, Policy and Planning, identified renewable energy, waste management, climate-smart entrepreneurship and green businesses as areas requiring greater financing.

The ministry said government cannot meet environmental goals alone and called for stronger participation from financial institutions, businesses, development partners and communities.

The discussion placed the new Gwarinpa branch within a wider question: how banks can finance practical responses to energy and environmental challenges.

The Emir of Nasarawa, HRH Ibrahim Usman Jibril, also urged Alternative Bank to expand beyond major urban centres.

He said many semi-urban and rural communities still lack nearby banking services. Greater physical access, he argued, could bring more people into formal finance and encourage savings.

For Alternative Bank, the Gwarinpa launch adds another physical location to its expansion while creating a new access point for products such as Alt Power.

The branch also gives the bank a platform to connect customers with agriculture, business and other partnership-based financing services.

About Alternative Bank: Alternative Bank operates a partnership-based, non-interest banking model. The bank provides banking and financing solutions to individuals and businesses, including renewable energy financing through Alt Power. More information is available at altbank.ng.

A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aare Tolu Bankole, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lead Nigeria to what he described as the “promised land” if the administration’s reforms are sustained.

Bankole, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, welcomed President Tinubu back to Nigeria after his working vacation abroad and congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He described the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, enterprise and unity of Nigerians, while stressing that nation-building requires sacrifice, patriotism and collective responsibility.

According to him, the President’s return provides an opportunity for the administration to focus more closely on implementing its policies and ensuring that economic improvements translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

Bankole cited recent economic indicators, including Nigeria’s 3.89 per cent real GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 3.13 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

Manufacturing also recorded 3.29 per cent year-on-year growth during the period, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

He also noted the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee in September to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate to 23 per cent, while inflation stood at 15.39 per cent. The CBN confirmed the 23 per cent MPR decision at its September 21–22, 2026 meeting.

Bankole said the figures should be viewed alongside the government’s broader economic reforms, including foreign exchange reforms, the Petroleum Industry Act, Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and the banking recapitalisation programme.

He said the objective of the reforms should ultimately be to create greater stability for businesses, strengthen investor confidence, expand employment opportunities, improve access to credit and increase resources available for infrastructure and social programmes.

“Transformation does not happen overnight. It takes time, discipline and consistency for foundations to become prosperity that people can feel,” Bankole said.

He urged Nigerians to support the APC-led administration in forthcoming elections, arguing that continuity would enable the government to consolidate its economic policies and translate them into broader improvements in living standards.
“The goal is simple: the sacrifices of today must lead to real, measurable prosperity for every household tomorrow,” he said.

Bankole said Nigeria was at a defining stage of its development, adding that sustained implementation of economic policies, stronger institutions and productive investment would be critical to determining the long-term impact of the ongoing reforms.

He further said President Tinubu’s return meant a renewed focus on governance and implementation.

“President Tinubu has returned to more work, not less. The task ahead is to build on what is working, fix what needs fixing, and make sure growth reaches everyone,” he said.

Bankole expressed his belief that Nigeria could achieve greater prosperity if the country sustained the reform programme and supported efforts aimed at improving economic opportunities for citizens.

The crisis rocking the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has taken a legal dimension as one of its presidential aspirants, Dr Johnson Emmanuel Chukwuka, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the emergence of Abbas-Bin Aliyu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Chukwuka, through Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1853/2026, is contesting the validity of the presidential primary reportedly held on May 29 and 30, 2026, which produced Aliyu as the party’s candidate.

In the suit, the plaintiff is asking the court to declare the primary invalid and nullify the outcome that purportedly returned Aliyu as the winner.

He is also seeking an order declaring him the duly elected presidential candidate of the ADP based on the May 29 and 30 primary exercise.

Chukwuka further wants the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove Aliyu’s name from its notice board and recognise him as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The plaintiff argues that the nomination process violated Sections 29, 77, 84, 86 and 88 of the Electoral Act 2026, as well as provisions of the ADP guidelines governing its presidential primary.

The dispute has been further complicated by a separate complaint reportedly lodged by the ADP with the Inspector-General of Police over an alleged unauthorised upload of a presidential nomination form on the INEC portal.

According to the party, the disputed form was allegedly prepared and uploaded by Fatima Mustapha, a former staff member and former INEC liaison officer whose authority to handle candidate-upload matters had earlier been withdrawn.

The party has also written to the INEC Chairman, requesting that electronic audit trails, login records and IP addresses connected to the disputed upload be preserved as part of an investigation.

An internal memorandum dated September 2, 2026, reportedly asked Aliyu to clarify whether he had any knowledge of or involvement in the disputed transaction.

Chukwuka’s legal team has argued that the developments raise additional questions about the process through which Aliyu’s nomination was submitted, maintaining that the party’s candidate must emerge in compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the ADP’s internal guidelines.

The Federal High Court is expected to determine the issues raised in the suit, including the validity of the disputed primary and the nomination of Aliyu as the ADP’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

…Promises Dangote, Mangal to embrace stronger corporate social responsibility

Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, an economist, grassroots politician, real estate entrepreneur and three-term member of the House of Representatives for Bunu/Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency, has explained why he is seeking to represent Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2027.

Yusuf, who is also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), said his ambition is driven by a desire to transform Kogi West through youth empowerment, economic opportunities, improved corporate social responsibility and effective representation.

In this interview, he spoke on his plans for the youth, tackling the “Yahoo-Yahoo” mentality, engaging industries operating in the district, creating opportunities in the digital economy and replicating the developmental achievements recorded in Bunu/Kabba/Ijumu.

Excerpts:

Q: How do you intend to tackle the “Yahoo-Yahoo” mentality among young people and redirect them towards legitimate sources of income?

The first thing is to drum it into their ears that you can make money legally without engaging in illegal activities.

Unfortunately, the “Yahoo-Yahoo” mentality is also beginning to creep into politics. Some young people now see politics as a profession. They have nothing else doing, yet they spend their time waiting for politicians and election seasons. As soon as elections approach, they begin moving from one politician to another, seeking opportunities.

It will take a lot of effort to reorient our young people and restore the right values in them. My intention, by the grace of God, is to identify respected youth leaders, men and women of honour, and role models from our communities who can engage directly with young people and share their life experiences.

There is nothing more powerful than someone who grew up in the same community, faced similar challenges and eventually succeeded sitting down with young people and telling them how he or she navigated those challenges.

We must make our young people understand that there is a reward for doing the right thing. God comes first, and there are consequences to our actions. It is possible to succeed without engaging in crime or doing what is wrong.

But we must also provide alternatives. It is not enough to simply tell young people not to engage in illegal activities. We must create opportunities that enable them to earn a legitimate living.

Q: How do you intend to create those alternatives and opportunities?

That is why I intend to engage companies operating in our communities, including Dangote and Mangal, to take corporate social responsibility more seriously.

We need to ask important questions: What benefits are the people in these communities receiving? How many local people are these companies employing? How many drivers, supervisors and clerical workers are from the immediate communities?

People are losing their natural habitats and, in some cases, being displaced as industrial activities change their environment. If that is happening, what are they getting in return?

I believe that when we engage these companies constructively, they will understand why stronger community-focused corporate social responsibility is important. I intend to make that engagement a priority.

Q: Beyond corporate social responsibility, what other measures would you pursue to empower young people?

I also want to focus strongly on education and the future of our young people.

Unfortunately, our curriculum has, for a long time, been skewed towards preparing young people to look for jobs rather than creating jobs. A child goes through university believing that after graduation, the next step must be to submit applications and wait for employment.

Fortunately, some courses and programmes are now being introduced in our universities to encourage entrepreneurship and enable young people to create opportunities for themselves.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, on his 72nd birthday.
In a birthday message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu joined the Oyedepo family, Living Faith Church Worldwide and the Christian community in celebrating the cleric’s contributions to faith, leadership, education and human development.
The President acknowledged Bishop Oyedepo’s contributions to the moral and spiritual development of individuals and communities, particularly his emphasis on integrity, discipline, diligence, responsibility and excellence.
Tinubu also commended Oyedepo’s advocacy for values aimed at strengthening families, institutions and society, noting that his messages of hope, purpose and personal responsibility had resonated with people in Nigeria and beyond.
The President highlighted the Bishop’s contributions to education and human-capital development through institutions including Covenant University and Landmark University, which he said had provided platforms for academic excellence, leadership development, entrepreneurship and innovation.
According to Tinubu, Oyedepo’s influence extends beyond the pulpit to education, publishing, leadership development and humanitarian service, with the Living Faith Church maintaining an international presence across Africa and other parts of the world.
“Bishop David Oyedepo has devoted decades to preaching faith, promoting integrity and encouraging excellence, while investing substantially in education and the development of human capacity,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended social-development initiatives associated with Oyedepo’s ministry, including schools, healthcare facilities and humanitarian interventions, as well as the David Oyedepo Foundation’s support for education and people in need.
Tinubu prayed that God would continue to grant the Bishop wisdom, strength, good health and renewed grace as he advances the causes of faith, education, morality and human development.
He wished Oyedepo “many more years of fulfilment, good health and continued service to God and humanity.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over alleged attacks on its members and supporters across several states, warning that continued violence against opposition political activities could create a situation in which citizens may be forced to consider alternatives to relying solely on the security agencies for protection.

The party made the position known during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, where its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned the response of relevant authorities to reported incidents of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abdullahi stressed that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to support a political party of his or her choice, while registered political parties are entitled to organise meetings and conduct lawful political activities.
“The Nigerian Police is not APC police. It is the police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the responsibility of the government and security agencies is to protect citizens and enforce the law without regard to political affiliation.
“These are not extraordinary demands. They are the ordinary requirements of constitutional government,” Abdullahi said, stressing that Nigerians should be able to organise and campaign openly “without fear for our lives.”
The ADC said it had documented incidents between July 2025 and September 2026 involving alleged attacks on opposition meetings, destruction of party property, assaults on political participants and threats against citizens over their political preferences.
It said the incidents occurred in states including Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu.
The party, however, acknowledged that responsibility for some of the incidents had not been conclusively established.
“Nevertheless, their frequency, the nature of the activities affected, and the questions surrounding the response of the law enforcement agencies give us serious cause for concern,” Abdullahi said.
He cited the February attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, during a political rally, as well as reports of gunshots at the residence of former Edo State governor and former APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where political leaders had gathered.
Abdullahi said although the Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack, reported damage and ordered an investigation, the party was yet to see arrests, prosecution or a public account of the outcome of the investigation.
He also referred to an alleged recent attack on ADC members preparing for a political meeting in Community Ward 1, Odua-Akwa, Rivers State, which he said resulted in the death of a party member identified as Kamadjo.
According to him, the incident had been reported to the police, but the party was concerned about what it described as an inadequate response.
Abdullahi further alleged that an opposition gathering in Enugu was attacked by armed men, resulting in injuries, while another attack was reportedly recorded during preparations for a meeting in a ward in Ogun State.
He called for comprehensive investigations into the incidents, including allegations involving private individuals and public security personnel.
“These incidents require proper investigation, including an examination of allegations against both private individuals and public security personnel who were complicit, or who have inspired people to carry out the kind of attack they are carrying out against our members,” he said.
The ADC spokesman said security agencies should also examine whether adequate preventive measures were put in place where attacks occurred around scheduled political meetings, opening of party offices, movements of political leaders and other lawful political activities.
He warned that continued failure to protect political actors could undermine citizens' confidence in the democratic process.
“The public must not have to accept that holding a political meeting in Nigeria is an activity for which you need to take a large insurance,” Abdullahi said.
The party's position comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC has previously urged its candidates and supporters to resist provocation, reject political violence and focus their campaigns on issues.
The party has also publicly called for security agencies to investigate attacks against its members and prosecute those found responsible, while insisting that it remains committed to peaceful democratic participation.

Abdullahi said the authorities must demonstrate through concrete action that Nigerians can participate in politics without intimidation, adding that political competition should ultimately be decided through lawful democratic processes rather than violence.

Senator Manu Urges Calm After Fulani-Mambilla Clash, Condoles With Victims’ Families

...hails Gov Kefas, security agencies timely intervention

Senator representing Taraba Central, Haruna Manu, has appealed for calm and peaceful coexistence following the recent clash between Fulani and Mambilla communities in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Manu, in a statement personally signed by him, expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the violence and urged residents to put the incident behind them and embrace peace.

The clash reportedly occurred last Tuesday in Mbamga communities along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, leaving nine residents dead.

Reacting to the development, the senator called on his constituents and members of the affected communities to remain calm and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.

“I want to appeal for understanding and plead with the families of the victims of the clash. This development is uncalled for, especially at this trying period for all and sundry,” Manu said.

He also commended Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, for what he described as his timely intervention in the crisis.

“I want to equally thank His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas, for his timely intervention to quickly nip the clash in the bud before it escalates,” he added.

The former Taraba Deputy Governor also praised security operatives for restoring peace to the communities.

Manu urged the various communities to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and work together to prevent a recurrence of violence in the area.

Nigeria has moved to deepen its economic, trade, investment and innovation partnerships with Sweden and other Nordic countries following the formal presentation of Letters of Credence by Ambassador Lola Akande to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

The ceremony in Stockholm formally marked the beginning of Akande’s diplomatic mission in Sweden, with the ambassador also concurrently accredited to Denmark, Finland and Norway.

Speaking at a Vin d’Honneur held at the Ambassador’s Residence in Stockholm after the credentialing ceremony, Akande expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting her with the responsibility of representing Nigeria abroad.

She also thanked the Swedish government and people for their warm reception, pledging to pursue a close, constructive and results-driven relationship between Nigeria and Sweden.

“The challenges and opportunities before our nations require purposeful partnership,” Akande said.

“Nigeria stands ready to work closely with the Government of Sweden, our fellow African missions and Nordic partners to advance shared priorities in trade, investment, innovation, sustainable development, peace and security.”

The ambassador stressed the need for stronger Nigeria-Nordic cooperation in areas capable of driving economic growth, technology transfer, innovation and sustainable development.

Akande also acknowledged Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, members of the African diplomatic group and Diplomatic Corps, officials of the Embassy of Nigeria and the Nigerian community in Sweden for their support.
She further emphasised the importance of African unity and collective action, noting that sustainable development would be better achieved through collaboration, mutual respect and practical partnerships.

The ambassador is expected to present her Letters of Credence in Denmark, Finland and Norway in the coming weeks, further expanding Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement across the Nordic region.

The Nigeria Nordic Business Alliance (NNBA), led by its Director-General, Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, KJW, welcomed Akande’s credentialing as an opportunity to strengthen private-sector and institutional cooperation between Nigeria and the Nordic countries.

The Alliance said it seeks to facilitate two-way access between Nigerian and Nordic investors, businesses and institutions while supporting practical partnerships across key sectors.

It identified trade and investment, technology, innovation, skills development, infrastructure, maritime development and media collaboration as areas with potential for deeper cooperation.

The NNBA said it would work to translate the longstanding goodwill between Nigeria and the Nordic countries into concrete opportunities for businesses, institutions and communities on both sides.

The development comes as Nigeria seeks to expand international economic partnerships, attract investment and create greater opportunities for Nigerian businesses in strategic global markets.

The Federal Government has launched a new incentive programme aimed at removing barriers to maternal and newborn healthcare and reducing preventable deaths across Nigeria.

The initiative, flagged off at the State House, Abuja, by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is designed to encourage more women to access timely, quality and life-saving healthcare services during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.
The programme, introduced under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMI), seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the country’s persistent maternal and neonatal mortality burden by addressing both the demand and supply sides of healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was another important step towards ensuring that every Nigerian child has a healthy start in life and that no woman loses her life while giving birth.
She said the intervention aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places human capital development and improved health outcomes at the centre of national development.
The First Lady stressed that reducing maternal and neonatal mortality requires deliberate action and stronger collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, development partners, communities and other stakeholders.
She also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and his team for their commitment to improving Nigeria’s health sector.
“It’s been a joy working with you. You work so passionately, even if people don’t know, not just locally but internationally. And what you have brought to this table has made it easy for me to do the job whenever you come,” she said.
Senator Tinubu added that the new incentives would complement ongoing government efforts to improve access to quality maternal and newborn services and encourage greater utilisation of available healthcare facilities.
The Coordinating Minister, Professor Pate, said MAMI was developed under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative to tackle key challenges affecting maternal healthcare, including access to primary healthcare facilities, skilled personnel, essential commodities and affordability.
He disclosed that more than 60,000 women had received free Caesarean sections and other emergency obstetric services through the National Health Insurance Authority, while more than 120,000 frontline health workers had been retrained.
Pate added that thousands of healthcare facilities had been revitalised, while over 6,000 women affected by obstetric fistula had received corrective treatment and empowerment support.
The Minister said the new incentives would encourage pregnant women to register early for antenatal care, deliver in health facilities and return for postnatal services.
He also highlighted the importance of maternal nutrition, noting that well-nourished mothers are essential to developing the human capital required for Nigeria’s future.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said Nigeria’s maternal mortality burden remained unacceptably high, stressing the urgency of targeted interventions to save the lives of women and newborns.
He said MAMI targets 172 Local Government Areas across 33 states, representing about 20 per cent of Nigeria’s LGAs but accounting for approximately 55 per cent of maternal deaths.
According to him, the initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality by 30 per cent and neonatal mortality by 20 per cent in targeted areas by 2028, while providing free, timely and comprehensive care to about 2.9 million pregnant women.
Salako disclosed that more than 250 health facilities are currently implementing the programme in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Ogun states, with over 32,000 women and 1,700 newborns already benefiting from emergency obstetric and neonatal care.
He said the new incentives would reinforce behaviours that save lives, particularly early antenatal registration, facility-based delivery and postnatal follow-up.
The Federal Government said the initiative would contribute to increased utilisation of essential maternal and newborn healthcare services while strengthening the capacity of healthcare facilities and frontline workers to provide timely and quality care.

Political stakeholders from the seven North-West states have named a new support group for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s 2027 re-election bid after the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo.

The group, Bello Muhammad Goronyo (BMG) Associates for Asiwaju/Shettima 2027, was unveiled when a delegation led by Dr. Haris H. M. Jibril visited Goronyo in his office on Wednesday, September 10, 2026.

The stakeholders also asked Goronyo to serve as the organisation’s National Convener and Leader, citing his experience in political mobilisation, youth engagement and grassroots organisation within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They specifically referenced his role as Director of Youth Mobilisation for the North-West during the 2023 Presidential Campaign Council and his subsequent service as Zonal Secretary of the North-West APC.

The group said it would mobilise grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, communicate the achievements of the Renewed Hope administration and encourage constructive participation by Nigerians, particularly youths and women.

Accepting the leadership role, Goronyo commended the stakeholders for their confidence in him and pledged to provide strategic direction for the organisation.

“As the Secretary of the Support Groups of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Presidential Campaign Council, we will continue to work with you, mobilise Nigerians and engage our people constructively towards ensuring the successful return of our dear President, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in 2027, Insha Allah,” he said.

The minister urged members to ensure that political mobilisation remained disciplined, peaceful and focused on listening to citizens and explaining government policies and programmes.

He highlighted major infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Corridor and Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road.

Goronyo subsequently inaugurated the organisation and charged its members to remain united, accountable and inclusive while working with APC leaders and stakeholders across the North-West to strengthen support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Investigator, Jim Obazee, has recommended that university accounting departments and professional accounting organisations use the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 2025 audited accounts as a case study in teaching deceptive accounting practices.

Obazee, who described the apex bank’s 2025 audited accounts as riddled with irregularities, called for the document to be withdrawn and restated in the national interest.

He made these remarks at the commissioning of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) headquarters in Lagos, where he presented his eight-page analysis sharply criticising the CBN’s audit disclosures.

Obazee, who was the founding chief executive of the FRC, has twice investigated the CBN for malfeasance—findings that led to the removal of two former governors. His briefing note to then-President Goodluck Jonathan resulted in the suspension and eventual removal of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in 2014, while his later investigations contributed to the sacking of Godwin Emefiele and his ongoing prosecution by the EFCC.

In his latest analysis, Obazee concluded that CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso deceived both President Tinubu and federal lawmakers by publishing only summary consolidated and separate financial statements for 2024 and 2025, without releasing the full audited accounts for either year.

“Summary financial statements do not, by themselves, justify withholding the complete annual financial statements from users where the applicable law and/or financial reporting framework requires a complete set,” Obazee said. “Section 50 of the CBN Act, 2007, is clear on this.”

Obazee criticised the 2024 summary for significant financial reporting issues and expressed disappointment that the FRC had not acted before the release of the similarly problematic 2025 summary statements in July 2026.

“The questionable issues in these financial statements are nothing but shocking, brazen, and vexatious,” he stated.

“If these are the financial statements that the CBN transmitted to the President and the National Assembly in compliance with Section 50(1) of the CBN Act, 2007, then the CBN has deceived the President and the National Assembly. They have essentially called every Nigerian a ‘financial reporting illiterate’ by publishing these statements on the World Wide Web for the world to see.”

Obazee’s analysis highlighted key concerns, including fraudulent financial reporting with non-comparable year-on-year figures, as seen on page 157 and attested on page 145 by the bank’s auditors.

He also pointed to confusing reporting directions, earnings management (pages 173, 176, 193), deceptive accounting practices (pages 136, 138, 142, 144, 146, 147, 181, and others), weak corporate governance, and issues regarding the auditors’ independence (pages 145, 146, 198).

He questioned whether the CBN would accept such audited accounts from any deposit money bank under its supervision or whether its joint auditors would allow this type of reporting from any client other than the CBN.

“Is the CBN now allowed to issue accounting standards for itself and alter them at will? Is the CBN no longer a public institution?” Obazee asked, urging federal lawmakers to rely on Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to probe the matter.

Obazee’s call underscores the importance of transparency, adherence to statutory standards, and strong oversight in Nigeria’s financial reporting ecosystem.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has inaugurated the Forum of State Directors-General of Public Procurement, with stakeholders describing the initiative as a major step towards strengthening transparency, accountability and efficiency in public spending across Nigeria.

The inauguration was held on Tuesday at the NGF Secretariat in Abuja and brought together Directors-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), or their equivalents, from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Development partners and other stakeholders in the procurement sector also attended the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of the NGF, Abdulallateef Shittu, said the inauguration came at a critical time when the country was seeking to recalibrate its economic architecture.

Shittu stressed the enormous responsibility before state procurement authorities, noting that public procurement plays a critical role in budget implementation and the delivery of government projects at all levels.

He urged members of the forum to uphold professionalism, transparency and efficiency in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Director-General of the federal BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aware of the inauguration of the Committee of Practice of Public Procurement and had given his support to the initiative.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its commitment to improving living standards and reducing poverty.

Adedokun described the inauguration as a significant development in Nigeria’s procurement history, saying an effective and transparent procurement system could attract foreign direct investment, boost GDP and stimulate the growth of domestic industries.

He urged members of the forum to strictly adhere to due process, fairness and transparency in the implementation of public projects.

ADSC, DDI Commend BPP Leadership

In a goodwill message, Dr Osahanze Idahosa, who represented the President/CEO of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC) and Douglas Development Institute (DDI), commended Adedokun for creating an enabling environment for collaboration and capacity development in the procurement sector.

Idahosa said Adedokun’s openness to partnerships had enabled ADSC and DDI to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s procurement systems at the federal level.

He described the inauguration as significant not only to the forum but also to the broader public procurement reform agenda, particularly at the subnational level.

“Subnational procurement systems are where policy meets people, where transparency and value for money either take root or falter,” Idahosa said.

He urged the new leadership of the forum to deepen accountability, efficiency, professionalism and transparency in public procurement across the states.

According to him, ADSC and DDI have supported procurement transformation through capacity-building programmes, study exchanges and institutional development initiatives aimed at modernising public spending.

Idahosa also recalled a study exchange to South Africa involving one of the forum’s members, saying the experience underscored the need to extend procurement reforms achieved at the federal level to the states.

He said public procurement was too important to governance to be left to isolated efforts, stressing the need for collective commitment across federal and subnational institutions.

He further noted that public procurement accounts for an estimated 15 to 30 per cent of GDP and is linked to between 50 and 60 per cent of leakages in public financial management.

ADSC and DDI congratulated the new leadership and pledged continued support through training, research, knowledge-sharing platforms and international study exchanges.

New Chairman Promises Collective Leadership

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman of the forum, Ehimoni Ibiyomi, described his appointment as the beginning great of things.

"Today is not simply another meeting or gathering of procurement regulators. It represents the beginning of a new institutional chapter in our collective efforts to strengthen public procurement administration, regulation and professional practice at the sub-national level in Nigeria.I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for the confidence reposed in me and for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of this Forum.I accept this responsibility with full recognition that the office is not about an individual. It is about collective leadership, institutional cooperation and a shared commitment to improving the quality of public procurement across our States.

APPRECIATION TO THE NIGERIAN GOVERNORS’ FORUMLet me begin by expressing our profound appreciation to the leadership and Management of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum Secretariat for providing the platform for the formal inauguration and recognition of this Forum.

"This gesture is significant.For the Forum to function effectively, there must be a structured relationship between the institutions responsible for procurement regulation and the political leadership of the States.

"The Nigerian Governors’ Forum provides an important national platform through which the collective interests of State Governments can be discussed and advanced.

The recognition of our Forum within this broader institutional environment therefore creates an opportunity for procurement to receive the level of strategic attention it deserves in the governance and development agenda of our States.We are particularly grateful for the confidence demonstrated through this engagement, and we assure the Nigerian Governors’ Forum that we will justify this confidence through professionalism, responsibility, transparency and measurable results.

APPRECIATION TO THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

"I also wish to acknowledge the presence and support of the Federal Bureau of Public Procurement.

The Federal BPP has a critical role in Nigeria’s public procurement architecture, and the relationship between the Federal BPP and State Procurement Regulatory Authorities must be one of partnership, knowledge exchange, coordination and mutual institutional respect.Our Forum does not seek to duplicate or compete with the Federal BPP.Rather, we seek to complement the national procurement reform agenda by strengthening the sub-national procurement institutions and ensuring that the experiences, innovations and challenges of the States are effectively brought into national conversations on procurement reform.We look forward to a closer and more structured relationship with the Federal BPP in the areas of technical support, capacity building, professional development, regulatory knowledge sharing, research, standardization and procurement reform.APPRECIATION TO THE WORLD BANK AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

"Our appreciation also goes to the World Bank, particularly the team working under SPESSE, for its continued commitment to strengthening public procurement systems and professional capacity in Nigeria.

"The establishment and formal recognition of this Forum comes at a time when procurement is increasingly being recognized not merely as an administrative function, but as a critical instrument for achieving fiscal responsibility, value for money, infrastructure development, service delivery and sustainable economic development.We therefore see development partners not merely as sources of funding, but as strategic partners in institutional development, knowledge transfer, innovation, research, capacity building and sustainable reforms.

"As a Forum, we are prepared to develop practical programmes that can attract technical assistance and partnership from the World Bank and other development partners.We would particularly welcome collaboration in areas such as:professionalization of State procurement institutions;continuous capacity development for procurement officers;sustainable and socially responsible procurement;digital procurement and procurement data management;procurement performance measurement;development of procurement policies and guidelines;institutional strengthening;research and knowledge development; andpeer learning and exchange programmes.

APPRECIATION TO OTHER INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

"I equally acknowledge the presence and interest of the African Development Study Center, the Association of Procurement Professionals of Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission, and other invited institutions and stakeholders.Their presence demonstrates a fundamental reality: public procurement cannot be successfully reformed in isolation.Procurement intersects with corporate governance, business registration and compliance, professional standards, research, finance, technology, infrastructure development and broader public-sector reform.

"For this reason, our Forum intends to pursue strategic partnerships with relevant institutions and organizations whose mandates can contribute to improving the quality and effectiveness of public procurement across the States.

THE VISION OF THE FORUM Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,As we commence this new chapter, we must be clear about what we want this Forum to become.Our vision is to build a strong, professional, collaborative and nationally recognized platform for the Heads of State Public Procurement Regulatory Authorities, capable of contributing meaningfully to procurement reform and good governance in Nigeria.

"We want a Forum that does not merely meet, but delivers", he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu currently has the strongest pathway to securing re-election in the 2027 presidential election, despite emerging challenges from Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, according to a report by ADSC META.

The report, signed by Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADSC META, assessed the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, focusing on governance performance, political structures, coalition dynamics, voter behaviour, economic indicators, institutional influence and leadership capacity.

The report noted that the contest is increasingly being shaped by three major political figures: President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), and Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

It stated: "While political conversations remain highly emotional and often driven by partisan loyalties, the responsibility of policy institutions is to examine the evidence, assess the realities, and identify the factors that are most likely to shape electoral outcomes.

"Following an extensive review of governance performance, political structures, coalition dynamics, voter behaviour, economic indicators, institutional influence, and leadership capacity, ADSC META finds that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presently maintains the strongest pathway towards securing a second term in office.

"This conclusion is not founded upon political preference. It is derived from a comparative assessment of the political environment as it currently exists."

Incumbency, APC structure favour Tinubu

According to the report, the power of incumbency remains President Tinubu's most significant advantage going into the election.

"The first and perhaps most significant advantage enjoyed by President Tinubu is the power of incumbency," it stated.

It added: "Across Africa and indeed much of the democratic world, incumbency remains one of the most powerful political assets available to any leader seeking re-election. Incumbent leaders enjoy visibility, access to state institutions, policy influence, extensive media attention, and a level of national presence that opposition candidates often struggle to match."

The report also described Tinubu as "arguably the most experienced coalition builder in contemporary Nigerian politics," citing his longstanding reputation for political strategy, alliance-building and management of competing interests.

"Long before becoming President, he established a reputation as a political strategist capable of identifying talent, building alliances, managing competing interests, and constructing durable political structures," the report stated.

It further noted that the political architecture that helped produce the APC as a governing party remains one of the major political achievements of the Fourth Republic.

"The APC today possesses extensive structures across the federation, including governors, legislators, local government networks, political stakeholders, traditional institutions, and strategic alliances.

"Regardless of public opinion regarding the administration’s policies, these structures provide a formidable electoral foundation."

Economic challenges could determine Tinubu's fate

ADSC META, however, acknowledged the economic challenges confronting the Tinubu administration, including inflation, rising food prices and the impact of fuel subsidy removal and exchange-rate reforms.

"The report acknowledges that President Tinubu’s administration continues to face significant criticism. Inflation remains a major concern. Rising food prices continue to place pressure on households.

"The removal of fuel subsidies created substantial economic discomfort. The exchange rate reforms introduced uncertainty during their initial implementation.

Many Nigerians continue to express frustration regarding the pace at which economic relief is reaching ordinary citizens.

"These concerns are legitimate and should not be dismissed."
The report nevertheless argued that present economic hardship may not by itself determine the outcome of the 2027 election.

"However, elections are rarely determined solely by present hardship. They are often influenced by voter expectations regarding the future," it stated.

It said the critical question for the Tinubu administration would be whether its reforms begin to deliver visible benefits before the final phase of the election cycle.

"Should inflation decline, infrastructure delivery improve, foreign investment increase, employment opportunities expand, and economic confidence strengthen, the administration may successfully transform what currently appears to be political liabilities into electoral advantages."

Obi's challenge is converting popularity into structure

The report described Peter Obi as one of the most compelling figures in Nigeria's contemporary political environment, particularly among young voters, professionals, entrepreneurs and members of the diaspora.

"His reputation for fiscal prudence, administrative discipline, accountability, and modest leadership style continues to resonate strongly among young voters, professionals, entrepreneurs, members of the diaspora community, and citizens seeking a different model of governance.

"His greatest political asset remains credibility."
It also acknowledged Obi's ability to build a movement-driven political following rather than relying solely on traditional political structures.

"Unlike many politicians whose support is largely dependent on traditional structures, Peter Obi has successfully cultivated a movement-driven political following," the report stated.

However, ADSC META identified the conversion of his popularity into an effective nationwide political organisation as a major challenge.

"Yet national elections demand more than popularity.
"Nigeria’s electoral reality requires extensive organisational capacity, nationwide penetration, grassroots mobilisation, coalition management, regional acceptance, vote protection systems, and political structures capable of operating effectively in thousands of wards and polling units.

"The challenge confronting Peter Obi is not visibility. The challenge is conversion. The ability to convert public enthusiasm into a nationwide electoral machine remains one of the defining questions surrounding his candidacy."

Atiku's experience, national reach acknowledged

The report also recognised Atiku Abubakar's extensive political and executive experience, describing him as one of Nigeria's most experienced political figures.
"Atiku’s greatest strengths remain experience, national reach, political relationships, and policy familiarity," it stated.

However, the report identified generational change as a potential challenge for the former vice president.
"A growing segment of the electorate increasingly associates his candidacy with the old political establishment at a time when younger voters are demanding generational renewal and alternative leadership models."

Opposition unity key to 2027 contest

According to ADSC META, opposition cohesion could prove to be one of the most decisive factors in determining the 2027 presidential election.
"Perhaps the most important variable identified by ADSC META is opposition cohesion.

"If opposition forces remain divided between multiple platforms, President Tinubu’s pathway towards re-election becomes significantly clearer. A fragmented opposition disperses votes, weakens organisational efficiency, and reduces the likelihood of a unified national alternative emerging.

"Conversely, a disciplined and united opposition coalition could substantially alter the political landscape."

The report also compared the leadership strengths of the three major contenders.
"President Tinubu’s strengths are most visible in political organisation, coalition engineering, strategic negotiation, and institutional management.

"Peter Obi’s strengths are most visible in fiscal discipline, administrative efficiency, public accountability, and reform-oriented governance.

"Atiku Abubakar’s strengths are most visible in executive experience, economic policy familiarity, and national political engagement."

It added: "Each candidate possesses significant leadership qualities.
However, elections are not won solely by competence. They are won through a combination of competence, structure, alliances, timing, public sentiment, and organisational strength."

Tinubu remains candidate to beat, report says

Based on its assessment, ADSC META concluded that Tinubu currently occupies the strongest strategic position ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

"Based on the evidence available today, ADSC META concludes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the candidate with the clearest institutional pathway to victory in 2027."

The report, however, cautioned against interpreting the assessment as a prediction of an inevitable victory.

"This assessment should not be interpreted as a declaration of inevitability. Elections remain dynamic. Economic conditions can change. Political alliances can shift.

"New coalitions can emerge. Public opinion can evolve rapidly. Political history repeatedly demonstrates that electoral outcomes are rarely determined years before voting begins."

It nevertheless maintained that Tinubu's incumbency, party structure, coalition-building capacity, political organisation, institutional reach and electoral preparedness currently give him an advantage over his major challengers.

"Nevertheless, when measured against the realities of incumbency, party structure, coalition capacity, political organisation, institutional reach, and electoral preparedness, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu currently occupies the strongest strategic position among the leading contenders.

"The road to 2027 remains open. The opposition still possesses opportunities to redefine the contest. Yet as matters stand today, the incumbent remains the candidate to beat."