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An Islamic human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern, has called for constitutional amendments to establish Sharia courts in all South West states

MURIC also demanded that Fridays be declared public holidays in recognition of Muslim worship practices across the country.

The group’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, presented the proposal during the South West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional review.

Akintola, who was represented by Dr Jamiu Busari, a group leader, addressed the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

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He said the changes would enhance inclusiveness and protect the rights of Muslims in Nigeria’s Southwest region.

“No Sharia court currently exists in Southwestern Nigeria, where Muslims arguably form the majority.

“This contradicts the pre-colonial Yoruba experience before the advent of British rule,” Akintola said.


He urged the establishment of Sharia courts in all Southwestern states, including Edo, due to their Muslim populations.

He also called for constitutional provisions mandating state governors to establish Sharia Courts of Appeal.

“These courts will handle Muslim matters only, ensuring non-Muslims are not affected,” he added.

Akintola also urged the National Assembly to declare Fridays as public holidays for Muslim worship.

He said, “Thursdays and Fridays were traditional weekends for Muslims in the pre-colonial period.

“Currently, Nigeria recognises Saturday and Sunday as weekends, both favouring Christians,” he said.

He claimed the weekend structure was imposed by colonial authorities, with Saturday initially a half-day.


“Saturday was later made a full day to benefit Seventh-Day Adventists under Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime,” he added.

Akintola argued that the current weekend arrangement excludes Muslims and lacks religious balance.

“We demand Friday be included as a recognised weekend day for Muslims,” he said.

He noted Nigeria has eight national public holidays, five of which favour Christians and only three for Muslims.


Holidays listed include Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid-Kabir, Eid Fitr, and Maulud.

Akintola urged a constitutional amendment to make the Islamic New Year a public holiday.

He said this was already recognised in some states and should be adopted nationally.


He also called for the recognition of Islamic marriage certificates for official purposes

“Christian marriages conducted in churches or registries are officially accepted nationwide.

“But Nikkah marriages are not recognised, creating problems for Muslim couples in formal settings,” he added.

Akintola described this as discriminatory in a democratic society.

He said, “A religious group’s marriage is officially accepted while another’s is ignored — this must change.”

Akintola proposed that Islamic marriages be granted equal legal recognition as Christian marriages.

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria echoed the call for judicial reforms to create Sharia Courts.


MUSWEN also proposed courts specialising in Islamic finance to support Muslim economic practices.

In response, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jubrin Barau, gave assurances that all demands would be considered.

Barau was represented by Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, at the Lagos public hearing.

He said the Senate would review all submissions and report findings to the National Assembly.

NAN reports that other organisations, including youth, student, and women groups, also made presentations.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a swipe at a former presidential candidate of the party, Dumebi Kachikwu, over a recent threat to take legal action against members of a coalition that just joined the party.

Kachikwu, the ADC presidential candidate in the 2023 election, came in a distant fifth in the poll with 81,919 total votes.

He (Kachikwu) had accused the David Mark-led opposition coalition a few days ago of a forceful takeover of the party and threatened to seek legal action against the new leadership of the party.

Former ADC Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, recently announced the formal handover of the party leadership to former Senate President David Mark, along with former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, as interim National Chairman and Secretary of the party, respectively.

But in a swift response to Kachikwu’s threat, Abdullahi Umar, a party chieftain from Kano, faulted what he described as an empty threat, insisting that Kachikwu was only suffering from a symptom of frustration.

Addressing journalists in Kano, the former House of Representatives aspirant for Tarauni federal constituency said he found Kachikwu’s threat laughable and mind-boggling, how a mere inconsequential former presidential candidate would lay claim to being a stakeholder.

“If I may ask, which stake is Mr Kachikwu talking about? He neither belongs to the National Working Committee, NWC, nor the National Executive Committee, NEC. Therefore, his threat of legal action against our party, the ADC, is baseless and a smirk of contempt for democratic norms.


“He (Kachikwu) didn’t embark on a nationwide campaign, nor did he consult widely as a serious contender. He was just a pretender, doing the bidding of his paymasters, the APC.

“He was never part of the founding members of the ADC, so the whole talk about him being a stakeholder is nothing but a ruse. An African adage opines that he who desires a mat should first own a part of the land to lay the mat.

“Mr Kachikwu should have joined other Presidential candidates to own the ADC land, and perhaps, his mat will be considered to have a place to lie.”

He continued, “Even during the last presidential election, Mr Kachikwu, we learnt, was allegedly in contact with the APC, to jeopardise the process. He is a political jobber without electoral value whatsoever. If you would recall, he had a running battle with the leadership of the ADC in the run-up to the election. Therefore, he is not a partyman.”

He further said, “It is clear that the APC is jittery. Nigerians have finally gotten a platform to challenge and replace the APC, which has caused a lot of excruciating pain to them. So, if Mr Kachikwu thinks he will be a stooge or a mole for the APC to destabilise the ADC, like they did in LP and PDP, he should have a rethink. Because the ADC has come to stay, as the face of real and purposeful opposition, which would transform and build a country of our dreams.”

Abdullahi called on Nigerians to be vigilant and wary of political jobbers like Mr Kachikwu.

Nigeria’s fiscal outlook for 2025 is under serious threat, according to the International Monetary Fund, which has warned that the country must urgently revise its budget targets or face a deepening financial crisis.

The IMF’s latest Article IV consultation report, released on Wednesday, points to a significant risk of Nigeria exceeding its fiscal deficit projections for the year, driven by a combination of falling oil prices, lower production levels, and challenges in capital expenditure execution.

It called on the Nigerian authorities to take immediate action to recalibrate the country’s fiscal policies and budget expectations to reflect the current economic realities.

The report read, “Ensuring that the fuel subsidy savings accrue to the government would yield the proposed neutral stance—the full-year savings are estimated at two per cent of GDP. If the savings are not realised starting H2-2025 and given that tax policy reforms under consideration are not expected to deliver significant revenue gains in 2025, adjustment would have to come from the expenditure side (0.6 per cent of GDP), with staff recommending to prioritise adjustments to recurrent spending to protect growth-enhancing investments.”

The IMF’s findings are stark, warning that Nigeria’s fiscal deficit could reach 4.7 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product in 2025, significantly higher than the budgeted target.

It noted, “Absent policy actions, the fiscal deficit in 2025 would exceed budget expectations,” further underlining the urgency of revising the fiscal plan.

The report noted that the 2025 budget, which was originally based on optimistic projections for hydrocarbon revenues, now faces considerable challenges as a result of the global downturn in oil prices and the ongoing uncertainty in the oil sector.

According to the IMF, “The 2025 budget was based on optimistic hydrocarbon revenue projections, even before the price decline since April,” highlighting the disconnect between initial revenue assumptions and the current economic environment.

In addition to the revenue shortfall, the IMF expressed concerns over the implementation of capital expenditure, a crucial component of the 2025 budget.

Despite ambitious spending plans, the IMF noted that Nigeria’s history of difficulties in executing large-scale infrastructure projects suggests that the capital expenditure targets will be challenging to meet.

“Budgeted capital expenditure is likely to exceed implementation capacity, given execution in previous years,” the IMF warns, indicating that infrastructure development could be further delayed, exacerbating the fiscal challenges.

In light of these developments, the IMF strongly recommended that Nigeria’s government take immediate action to adjust its fiscal policies and revise the 2025 budget. “The authorities have announced that they will adjust the budget to lower oil prices, while pushing for higher hydrocarbon production and continuing with administrative efforts to boost revenue,” the report stated.

However, it is clear that, without a formal revision of the budget and updated fiscal targets, Nigeria will remain vulnerable to escalating economic instability. The report read, “However, without a revised budget or announced budget targets, projections of the fiscal stance and financing needs are uncertain.”

The IMF recommended that Nigeria adopt a neutral fiscal stance in 2025, a policy designed to safeguard macroeconomic stability while maintaining crucial investments in growth-enhancing sectors.

The IMF also emphasised the importance of enhancing social support for vulnerable households, particularly in light of Nigeria’s increasing poverty levels and food insecurity.

It urged the government to move swiftly to scale up its social safety nets to mitigate the adverse effects of economic hardship on the most vulnerable populations.

In its analysis, the IMF highlighted the need for Nigeria to diversify its revenue base away from oil dependency, emphasising that the country must broaden its tax base and strengthen revenue mobilisation efforts to avoid an over-reliance on oil revenues.

The IMF urged the government to continue its tax reform agenda, which includes modernising the value-added tax and corporate income tax systems. However, it is clear from the IMF’s analysis that these reforms will take time to yield significant results.

Despite the IMF’s concerns, Nigerian authorities have expressed their commitment to recalibrating the 2025 budget and implementing the necessary adjustments to address the country’s fiscal challenges.

The report also captured the Federal Government’s response, noting, “The authorities are confident that increased oil production and in-year adjustments will be sufficient to compensate for lower oil prices in 2025. They stressed their resolve to bring the savings from the fuel subsidy removal to the budget and staying the course with domestic revenue mobilisation, while looking to diversify financing sources and relying more on private sector involvement in delivering infrastructure projects.”

The report further highlighted the importance of managing Nigeria’s growing sovereign debt. Public debt increased to 53 per cent of GDP in 2024, up from 49 per cent in 2023, largely due to the fiscal deficit and exchange rate depreciation.

The IMF warned that if fiscal reforms are not implemented, Nigeria’s debt burden will continue to grow, placing additional pressure on public finances. It also suggested that Nigeria explore alternative financing options, such as public-private partnerships and pre-export financing, to ease the pressure on external borrowing.

However, the IMF stressed that any new financing arrangements should be carefully managed to avoid exacerbating Nigeria’s debt vulnerabilities. The IMF also addressed the importance of improving capital expenditure management and prioritising investments that yield high economic returns.

The report highlighted the need for Nigeria to rationalise its capital expenditure, focusing on projects critical for long-term growth and job creation. The IMF further emphasised the need for enhanced public investment management and accurate fiscal data, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing challenges with budget execution.

“Staff encourages the authorities to enhance the accuracy of fiscal forecasting with the 2026 budget. A budget based on reasonable revenue projections will better allow for the needed prioritisation of initiatives,” the report noted.

The IMF further praised Nigeria’s significant economic reforms, recognising progress in macroeconomic stability and resilience over the past two years.

It particularly commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for maintaining a tight monetary policy to combat inflation and welcomed reforms aimed at strengthening the banking system, enhancing financial inclusion, and promoting capital market growth.

It also highlighted improvements in the foreign exchange market, noting the stabilisation of the naira and a reduction in inflation to 23.7 per cent in April 2025, down from 31 per cent in 2024.

Also, the IMF acknowledged fiscal performance improvements, bolstered by better revenue collection, naira depreciation, and increased grants. However, the IMF cautioned that while positive strides have been made, challenges remain, and Nigeria must continue with its reforms to ensure long-term growth, reduce poverty, and safeguard against global uncertainties.

In response, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring economic stability despite the global uncertainties highlighted in the IMF’s recent Article IV Consultation report.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, responded to the IMF’s concerns, emphasising the government’s proactive approach to safeguarding the country’s economic resilience.

Edun expressed gratitude for the IMF’s recognition of Nigeria’s ongoing reform efforts, particularly highlighting the progress made in improving the country’s fiscal and external positions.

Responding to the IMF’s warning about risks arising from global economic uncertainties, including oil price fluctuations and market volatility, Edun reiterated the government’s determination to ensure stability.

The statement read, “In response to the downside risks highlighted in the IMF’s report—particularly uncertainties in the global economy—the Minister reaffirmed the government’s proactive stance.

“He emphasised that the implementation of the 2025 Budget is being carried out with a focus on safeguarding reform gains and ensuring economic stability. The government continues to monitor developments in the international oil market and global trade environment and is taking responsive measures to mitigate potential risks while maintaining momentum toward inclusive growth.


“The Federal Government remains fully committed to sound economic management that promotes macroeconomic stability, broad-based growth, and improved living standards for all Nigerians.”

Earlier, the World Bank described Nigeria’s 2025 federal budget as overly ambitious, warning that the Federal Government may be forced to turn to the CBN’s Ways and Means facility to finance likely revenue shortfalls.

The bank gave this warning during the public presentation of its latest Nigeria Development Update report titled ‘Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth’ in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu signed the 2025 Appropriation Act into law, approving a record budget of N54.99tn, the highest in Nigeria’s history.

The budget was raised from the initial proposal of N49.7tn submitted to the National Assembly. The fiscal plan makes provisions for N13.64tn in recurrent expenditure, N23.96tn for capital projects, N14.32tn for debt servicing, and N3.65tn for statutory transfers, while projecting a deficit of N13.08tn to be financed through domestic and external borrowing.

The budget assumptions include a crude oil benchmark of $75 per barrel, oil production at 2.06 million barrels per day, an average exchange rate of N1,400/$, and an inflation target of 15 per cent.

Speaking at the event, the World Bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria, Mr Alex Sienaert, said that despite strong revenue gains recorded in 2024, Nigeria’s 2025 budget assumptions remain optimistic and may prove difficult to meet.

He said, “It’s a very ambitious budget. Even with the very positive revenue sort of tailwind that we have… even considering that, it looks like it’s going to be pretty hard to meet some of the ambitious revenue targets that are in there.”

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, faulted the World Bank’s claim that Nigeria’s 2025 budget is overly ambitious, insisting that the projections are modest and aligned with the country’s growth capacity.

“Is the projection of the 2025 budget ambitious? No, they are not,” the minister said. “They are all modest. Because even in the presentation, two things were said — some oil prices are about $60, but the average for Nigeria is $73 because of our premium grades.”

He argued that budgets should be aspirational and not constrained by present challenges.

Ralph Nwosu, founder and pioneer Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said former Senate President David Mark is leading the coalition to the Presidential Villa.

The coalition, which was established to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, had earlier chosen Mark and ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Chairman and Secretary respectively.

Speaking at the YarÁdua Centre in Abuja, where the ADC coalition is being unveiled, Nwosu said, “We all decided to resign so that Mark can paddle this canoe and get us to the Villa.”

Nwosu described Aregbesola, estranged ally of Tinubu, as a man of unparalleled service record.


“Nigerians are yearning for change. They are yearning for the coalition. I congratulate you both and assure you that working with the NWC and NEC members you will meet, you have no problem.


“I will be talking as a floor member. My job will not end until we sing the national anthem in the Villa. That will be the real hope. Nigeria has been in ICU. Lives are being lost everyday. My appeal to the emerging political leaders is to take Nigeria from the ICU to global reckoning because we can!

We can help Mark and Aregbesola by the way we conduct ourselves. Anybody who says anything against what we’ve done today is not ADC member. We shouldn’t be apologetic. We need to be ready for this battle. More will come, but the way we are we will surmount them.”

Among those who attended the event were former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections; Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna; Rotimi Amaechi, former Transportation Minister; Emeka Ihedioha, former Imo governor, among others.

2023 Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has said that opposition figures are working to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour confirmed that talks are ongoing to form a united opposition coalition led by key figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi.

“The only way that we can move this country forward in terms of the opposition is to come together.

“We cannot afford to divide our votes again.

“Add Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s votes to His Excellency Peter Obi’s votes, they’ll completely take out the current sitting president,” he said.

He added that split votes had cost the opposition dearly in previous elections and stressed the importance of forming a formidable front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Rhodes-Vivour disclosed that discussions within the coalition are at an advanced stage and that the group would soon announce the political platform on which it intends to run.


“The conversation now is that we are working to put a coalition together.

“We are going to hear announcements by tomorrow or next tomorrow, and everybody is coming together.

“That’s our main focus. At that point, we can then authoritatively say this is the party that we are going to run on,” Rhodes-Vivour said.

The 42-year-old politician also launched a scathing attack on President Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a “failure,” particularly in the areas of economic management and public welfare.

“This government ultimately has been a failure.

“When you talk about the quality of life, the cost of living, this is the highest cost-of-living crisis that Nigeria has faced in the last 40 years,” the former gubernatorial candidate said.

He also criticised the federal government’s handling of security, citing a high death toll across the country.


“You look at security: over 10,000 people have died in the North, and about 7,000 people have died in the South.

“On the international tourism index, we have gone from number 8 to number 6.

“You can talk of policies all you want, but if people are experiencing hardship, simultaneously, you are renovating the vice president’s residence,” he added.

Rhodes-Vivour further took a swipe at the Lagos State Government, accusing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration of prioritising political self-interest over service to the people.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a former international football player, Segun George Hunkarin, and his associate, Ntoruka Chinedu, for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria through Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Chinedu, a regular traveller known for importing clothes from Turkey and exporting foodstuffs from Nigeria, was arrested on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, upon arrival from Turkey via an Ethiopian Airlines flight with a stopover in Addis Ababa.

A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday stated that a search of his hand luggage uncovered 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grammes, which he had reportedly collected in Ethiopia before heading to Nigeria.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Hunkarin, a former professional footballer who had spent years playing in Brazil.

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“Investigation showed that the suspect was coming from Turkey on an Ethiopian Airlines flight but transited through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he collected the luggage from another person before heading to Nigeria. Further checks revealed that an accomplice, who turned out to be the former professional footballer Segun Hunkarin, was waiting for Chinedu at the airport car park to collect the consignment from him.

“Hunkarin, who had spent years in Brazil playing for football clubs, was promptly tracked and arrested at the car park. In his statement, Hunkarin claimed that while playing professional football in the South American country, he had only trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but had never brought any to Nigeria,” he added.

In another development, Babafemi said a Europe-based businessman, Amen Okoro Godstime, was arrested at Lagos airport on Friday, June 27, while attempting to smuggle 5,000 tablets of tramadol (225mg) disguised as malaria drugs such as Lonart, Amatem, and Aluktem.

He added that Okoro was caught at Terminal 2 during the clearance of passengers for a Royal Air Maroc flight to Spain via Casablanca. Okoro claimed he intended to move the drugs to Italy through France, where he resides.

At Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives intercepted two drug traffickers arriving from different parts of the world on June 27.

He noted that one, 38-year-old bar attendant Ezenwaka Chibuzor Emmanuel, was arrested with 17.5kg of methamphetamine and 3.05kg of cocaine concealed in bedsheets. He had travelled from Johannesburg via Addis Ababa.

The second, 54-year-old Azu Follygan Kpodar, arrived from São Paulo, Brazil, with a plastic liquid soap container that, upon analysis, was found to contain 1.25kg of liquid cocaine. Kpodar, who trades in toys in Brinquedo, São Paulo, claimed he bought the substance while shopping for his upcoming wedding in Nigeria.

Babafemi said, “At Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, NDLEA operatives on Friday, June 27, intercepted a Maputo, Mozambique-based bar attendant, Ezenwaka Chibuzor Emmanuel. A search of his luggage led to the discovery of 17 cardboard-sized parcels of methamphetamine weighing 17.5 kilogrammes and three parcels of cocaine weighing 3.05 kilogrammes.

“The 38-year-old suspect was coming from Johannesburg, South Africa, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight when he was interdicted and subjected to a search, during which the illicit drugs concealed in bedsheets packed in his bags were discovered.

“Another passenger on the same Ethiopian Airlines flight, 54-year-old Azu Follygan Kpodar, was also intercepted at Enugu airport by NDLEA operatives. When Azu, who arrived from São Paulo, Brazil, was searched, a liquid soap plastic container marked YPE was discovered in his luggage. The substance was promptly taken for analysis at the NDLEA forensic and chemical laboratory, Enugu, where it tested positive for cocaine. The substance, which turned out to be liquid cocaine, weighed 1.25kg. The suspect, who is a toy seller in Brinquedo, São Paulo, Brazil, claimed he purchased the substance while shopping for his wedding ceremony in Nigeria.”


Meanwhile, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives at the Seme border in Badagry arrested 26-year-old Vode Jean-Luck, a Beninese national, on June 24 while attempting to smuggle 69 balls of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 29.5kg, into Nigeria.

In Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Babafemi said operatives on 25 June raided the residence of a notorious drug dealer, Mary Bolanle Oladele, also known as “Iya Nafi,” recovering various quantities of skunk, tramadol, and flunitrazepam.

In another operation in Delta State, 72-year-old Christy Ejaro was arrested in the Niger CAT area of Warri on June 24. Several sachets of skunk packed for retail were recovered from the grandmother.

As Nigeria marked the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, last week, Olalekan Abiola, one of the children of the late business mogul and politician, Chief MKO Abiola, the widely acclaimed winner of the election, spoke to Sunday Vanguard during the anniversary at the family residence in Ikeja, Lagos on the impact of the incident on the family and on democracy in Nigeria.

He also shared his views on the best way to immortalize his father among other issues. Excerpts:

It has been over 30 years since the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election and over 27 years since the demise of your parents. How has the journey been so far for the family?

Honestly, it’s been 27 years of trauma, especially with my mother’s assassination. I am saying this because she was all the way with us at home when my father was in detention at that time. She was not arrested, she was not detained by the military junta and she was not under house arrest.

One minute my mom was at home, in good health, and the next minute she had been shot. So that was more painful, more traumatic than the fate my father suffered.

In my dad’s case, he had been locked up for like four years before he died, so we had been used to not seeing him anymore.

Four years before he (MKO Abiola) died, he was already in detention but my late mom was the one that we could talk to and relate with. All the time, we were on the phone with her a couple of days before she died. We were expecting her to come and see us in the US when she was killed. That was more traumatic than my father’s own, but equally they were both painful, definitely.

“But now that my mother has been killed, we were hoping that my daddy will come back to us, so that we will be able to try to rebuild our lives”, but that never happened. So it happened that, basically, due to June 12th agitation we lost both parents. So it is both painful.

How has the family been able to navigate through all?
Well, we’re quite fortunate that our parents educated us. So we’re all educated. So we all can work and engage in some form of business activities. Both parents were equally well-off. Even though my father’s companies have been hijacked by my older brother, Kola, my mother still left quite enough for us to be able to survive with. I won’t say I cannot complain, because I know that I’m better off.

What about support from your late parents’ friends, and family members
It’s (support) been here and there. Initially, when this current democratic journey began in 1999, we got some level of support but a lot of failed promises from officials of government who would promise to help rebuild my late father’s business concerns. They, Federal Government till date promised to pay the debts that they are owing my father to the family. They never did it till the moment.

How much does the Federal Government owe your late father?
I’m not sure what the figure is but successive administrations, from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, kept promising to pay the debts. They will always promise to set up a committee to pay back the debts but none of them ever did. My father had many outstanding debts accruing to him in several ministries. Ministry of Communications; there is one that I know of in the Ministry of Education because his companies supplied books and the Ministry of Defense. So these are the three ministries where these monies were meant to be paid from.

The Obasanjo government said they had to set up a committee to go and do an audit but they never did before they left office. When (former President Goodluck) Jonathan became President, the first two years, it was almost impossible to get to him and by the time we were able to meet him, it was like election time was approaching. So, he said I should not worry, that once the election was over and he gets a second term, it is one of the first things that he would do but he never came back.

Then, Muhammed Buhari came, he too didn’t act but he gave us June 12 Democracy Day. And maybe, he thought that since he’s done that he felt he didn’t have to pay us. Now that President Bola Tinubu is there, hopefully he is going to do the audit and pay off the long outstanding debts.

Has he (Tinubu) promised the family?
He has not said anything about it yet.

Do you feel betrayed by his (MKO’s) travails in the hands of his military junta’s friends considering their closeness?
I think that the main issue with my father is that he was ahead of his time in so many ways. I am saying so because, today, if anybody wins election in Nigeria, no matter the tribe, that person is going to be sworn-in. The worst thing they will tell you is to go to court. Once you get to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court declares you the winner, nobody can stop your swearing-in. So my father was ahead of his time, you know.

You see him more as a pathfinder
Yes, he was a pathfinder of some sorts because he was the first Yoruba man to win an election to be annulled in Nigeria. In the past, they didn’t need to annul elections which southerners contested but did not win, but MKO won and he presented some sort of challenge to the status quo who never believed that he was going to break all the barriers that had been placed before him.

This was a Yoruba man who, though was a Muslim with a Muslim running mate, was still voted for massively by Christians. He was a Yoruba man who defeated a Hausa-Fulani man in his home state of Kano. This happened because, MKO had spent so much time cultivating relationships the country.

And when he came out to run, he had support from everywhere. So I think that he was a victim of his own success. He was the first Yoruba man to win an election and he was liked by everybody. Yoruba only win an election in a free and fair contest in the country. They didn’t believe that. They were shocked. So he broke the jinx.

What are the lessons learnt from your late father
I think the most important thing I learnt from him is to hold on to our religion, Islam. I say this because this was what my father did that made people love him. All he did were based on Islam, which teaches us as Muslims to be charitable. My father never drank alcohol. He never went partying. He was not a party freak neither was he a gambler. The only thing you could say about my father that was kind of negative was that he had a lot of women but a lot of these women were those that came to him to give themselves to him willingly. Some of them came with children and said their husbands had abandoned them.

They usually begged him for shelter, school fees and even with food. They used to come and line up in front of this house every month to collect their allowances. My father would get some of them apartments or a house. Then they began to call themselves Mrs. Abiola, even though many of them were not. They would change their children’s names to Abiola and that was why my father wrote in his will that DNA test had to be done for all those who claimed to be his children.

About 120 children came forward to say they were MKO’s children but only 54 of them passed the DNA test at the end of the day (meaning 66 failed). So it was these women who were the ones coming to him and not him going around looking for them. When my father was alive back then, we saw women outside the house everyday.

About 10 to 15 different women, with different shapes and complexion, would come to see him for one thing or the other everyday. I think the main lesson I learnt from my dad was holding fast to religion.

So he was very religious…
He was very religious. And he raised us to be very religious. He raised us to pray five times a day and engage in charity which we call Sadaka in Islam. He used to say “I am not carrying this money anywhere. So let me just help people”. And he believed that the more he helped people, the more Allah helped him. Look at how he won the June 12, 1993 election, Allah helped him and even now. The man has been dead for 27 years, yet Nigerians are still bringing his memory back to life as if he died two weeks ago.

Does that really give you any kind of joy?
Of course yes! I am really happy for him. Because how many Nigerians do something or how many people did something meaningful in life and after they have died, people are still remembering what they did? It is incredible. So I am happy for him.

Your view on efforts by governments at the Federal and Ogun State levels to immortalise him
It means that every year Nigerians will have to remember the struggles of those who brought about the current democracy that everyone in the country is enjoying now for which my father and my mother paid the supreme price. So, that is really important for me as their son who is personally feeling the impact of their struggle which have helped us collectively.

Another thing I want them to do is that they should acknowledge that he was actually an elected president that the people of Nigeria freely and fairly voted for to lead them. To properly immortalize him, I am calling on government to consider giving him the honour of putting his picture in the Presidential Villa among the pictures of past Nigerian presidents who served the country in the past.

This is even more so if people like former Head of State Sani Abacha or General Babangida who were never elected by the people but came into power through military coups have their pictures there as former Heads of State. When you even consider the fact that Chief Shonekan who was even an interim head of state is enjoying the same privilege, then the question would now be, why not MKO who was elected by Nigerians should not have his picture displayed in Aso Rock? Another appeal that I am making to the government is that all the allowances and benefits that should have accrued to him as the president of the country be paid to the family in full like the entitlements that are being paid to former leaders should also be awarded to his family as a form of compensation.

And any debt the Federal Government owes him should also be paid to the family. That is I think the least that the family can ask the government to do. The government should do something to make sure that MKO’s legacy is carried out in accordance to the Nigerian law. The Nigerian government should help make sure that his will is implemented according to the Nigerian law.

What is the plan to bring family members together?
Brother Kola ordinarily ought to be the leader for all the children of the late MKO. He should be the leader of all the children. But what he is doing right now? He is the leader of his mother’s children. So Kola has not been able to bring us all together, he has been unable to do so for whatever reason to step into the role. He seems to only care about his own mother’s kids. The issue is that Brother Kola has not shown proper leadership in bringing other children together.

Your opinion on impacts of June 12 struggle on the country’s democracy
I am happy that this has been the longest span in terms of our democratic attempts. As a country, we have celebrated 26 years of unbroken democratic rule which had never happened before. In the past, the longest span had been five years. Again, unlike what had obtained in the past, nobody is going to dominate the others like we used to have.

No tribe is dominating any other tribe. Next time the presidency comes to the South, it should go to the South-East because they have not gotten it yet. So the next one now we are going to support hopefully somebody from the South-East. There is more equity in the system now than what it used to be.

Twenty-three governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday concluded a two-day strategic meeting where they supported the resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, saying it was part of the party’s evolution.


The governors, while noting that there is a renewed coordination between federal and state institutions, particularly the prioritisation of fiscal reform, food security, energy transition, infrastructural modernisation, and social sector revitalisation, called for investment in surveillance infrastructure and improved welfare of security agencies’ personnel in the frontline.

The meeting, which was hosted by Governor Monday Okpebholo, had all the governors on the APC except Sokoto State, Dr Ahmad Sokoto who was represented by his deputy, Hon Idris Gobir-Danchadi.

Part of a communiqué read by the chairman of the PGF, the governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, said: “The PGF acknowledged the resignation of the National Chairman of the APC, His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.


“The PGF reaffirmed its unshakable belief in a united, just, and prosperous Nigeria. It is committed to working collaboratively to deliver bold reforms, strengthen institutional trust, and accelerate socio-economic development across all geopolitical zones. The governors resolved to remain faithful stewards of the APC’s values, leveraging state-level innovation and intergovernmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation from the bottom up.”

On fiscal governance and security, the “PGF welcomed the increase in fiscal transfers to states and the emerging investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook. With multiple APC-led states now attracting significant domestic and foreign direct investment, the Forum acknowledges efforts to professionalize procurement processes, digital governance systems, and enhanced regulatory frameworks. The governors pledged to build on the momentum to deliver infrastructure that unlocks productivity and drives inter-state competitiveness.

“The Forum commends our security Agencies as well as the ongoing efforts in countering criminality and safeguarding national sovereignty. Governors reaffirmed their support for inter-agency coordination, community policing, and grassroots intelligence systems.”

The forum observed a need for greater investment in surveillance infrastructure and the welfare of frontline personnel. It expressed condolences to families affected by insecurity, particularly the people of Benue and Niger States and reaffirmed its collective resolve to support the President’s national security architecture, especially his action in Benue.

A comprehensive appraisal of the nation’s economic, social, security, and political trajectory was undertaken by members of the Forum.

They pledged continued alignment with national objectives, in line with the principles of constitutional federalism.

Acknowledging the effectiveness of macroeconomic stabilisation policies such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and debt rationalisation, the forum expressed support for a strategic pivot towards social equity and inclusive prosperity.


The governors emphasised that while economic indicators show signs of recovery, growth must be further democratised through expanded investments in food security, job creation, poverty eradication, MSMEs, and social safety nets.

The forum reaffirmed the critical role of sub-national governments as engines for economic renewal, committing to deepen economic decentralisation in line with Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates all levels of government to promote the welfare of the people.

Regarding leadership cohesion and party renewal, the PGF recognised the recent influx of governors, National Assembly members, and other key stakeholders into the APC as a clear affirmation of public confidence in the party’s leadership model and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The forum encouraged all Nigerians, both home and abroad, to rally behind President Bola Tinubu and the APC as the nation moves towards a more secure, inclusive, and forward-looking future.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the formal welcome of the governors of Akwa Ibom and Delta States, Pastor Umo Eno and Sheriff Oborevwori, respectively.

As Nigeria prepares to mark the 2025 National Environmental Sanitation Day (NESD), the federal government has urged states that have not yet reinstated the monthly environmental sanitation (clean-up) exercise to do so.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made the call during a briefing on the 2025 National Environmental Sanitation Day commemoration with the theme: “Safe Sanitation and Hygiene for Disease Prevention”.

He said the exercise is crucial in preventing sanitation-related diseases and fostering a sense of community responsibility.



The National Environmental Sanitation Day is usually marked every 28th June to raise awareness on issues of sanitation.


The minister represented by the Director Pollution and Environmental Health, at the ministry, Engr Dr Bahijjahtu Abubakae, said this year’s theme goes a step further than business as usual by emphasising not just the provision of sanitation facilities, but also the importance of managing them safely to prevent disease.

Lawal said sanitation related diseases cause morbidity and deaths each year, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

“A large number of children die every year due to sanitation and hygiene related diseases, and more than 3.5 million children suffer from diarrheal diseases in Nigeria. Children who are less than five years old are more prone to such diseases. These diseases can have significant economic impacts on individuals, families, and communities, including lost productivity, medical expenses, and reduced economic opportunities.”

He further said poor sanitation can also lead to contamination of water sources, soil, and air, leading to long-term environmental degradation.

The minister also noted that poor environmental sanitation is responsible for occurrence of significant percentage of preventable communicable diseases particularly in developing countries including Nigeria.

The minister said Sanitation is a fundamental human right, and access to safe sanitation is essential for human dignity, health, and well-being but unfortunately, many communities in the country still lack access to basic sanitation facilities, putting them at risk of waterborne diseases and other health hazards.


While emphasizing the Ministry commitment to improving sanitation and hygiene practices across the country, the minister said the Federal Ministry of Environment has made several efforts towards the delivery of sanitation and hygiene mandates to the Nigerian citizenry.

Naira continues depreciation against dollar at official forex marketPublished on June 26, 2025By Ogaga Ariemu

The naira continued depreciation against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Wednesday.

The Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate data on Wednesday showed that the Naira weakened slightly to N1,549.26 on Wednesday from N1,549.04.

This means that the Naira marginally dropped by N0.22 against the dollar on Wednesday.

DAILY POST reports that this is the third time Naira has recorded depreciation against the dollar this week.

Meanwhile, at the Naira black market, the Naira gained N5 on Wednesday to close at N1,590 per dollar, up from N1,595 the previous day.

This showed that the naira ended Wednesday with sentiments at both foreign exchange markets.

Recall that on Monday and Tuesday this week, the Naira depreciated at the official market but has remained relatively stable at the black market.

The Northern Elders Forum on Tuesday said the country is bleeding from the North, calling on the government to act now before it is too late.

It also condemned in the strongest terms what it described as “the brutal massacre of innocent Nigerian travellers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State,” calling the atrocity a chilling reflection of the country’s deepening security crisis and failure of leadership.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by NEF’s spokesperson, Prof Abubakar Jiddere, the group said it was “shaken to its core” by the premeditated slaughter of 18 citizens, including women and children, who were ambushed, hacked to death, and set ablaze while en route to a wedding in Quan-Pan, Plateau State.

“This country is bleeding, and it is bleeding from the North.

“The obligation to protect life and restore order is not a favour the government grants, it is a constitutional imperative. Failure to act now is not just negligence. It is complicated,” the statement noted.

Jiddere said: “This premeditated atrocity is not only a crime against humanity but a stark indictment of a nation losing its grip on the most basic duty of governance, the protection of human life.”

According to credible reports, the victims, including women and children, hailed from Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area in Kaduna State and were on their way to a wedding in Quan-Pan, Plateau State, aboard a clearly marked official vehicle of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. After losing their way, they sought help in Mangu, only to be met with savagery.


Jiddere added, “They were ambushed, hacked down, and burnt alive in what can only be described as a merciless, calculated act of terror.

“Let us be clear: this was not a case of mistaken identity. It was not random. It was an act of evil.

“In any functioning society, a marked official vehicle carrying unarmed civilians, particularly women and children, would be seen as sacrosanct.

“That such a group could be slaughtered in cold blood speaks volumes about the depths of hate, lawlessness, and moral decay festering in parts of our nation.”

The group lamented that the northern region of Nigeria was bleeding daily from unchecked violence.

“In the North-West, villages are emptied and lives stolen through mass abductions and killings.

“In the North-East, terror persists. In the North-Central, random killings and kidnappings have become routine.


“What was once sporadic unrest has mutated into systemic terror, thriving under the shadow of impunity and governmental inertia,” it added.

The Northern Elders Forum rejected silence, tokenism, or bureaucratic lip service.

“This is not the time for vague promises. It is the time for uncompromising, sustained action,” it said.

The NEF demanded “Immediate arrest, public prosecution, and uncompromising punishment of all those responsible for the Mangu massacre;

“Accountability from the Plateau State government and all relevant security agencies, including restitution to the victims’ families and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria;

“A federal security overhaul, not symbolic redeployments, but a real, strategic, and well-funded campaign to reclaim the North from bandits, terrorists, and killers;

“Massive deployment of trained security personnel and intelligence assets to violence-ridden regions across Northern Nigeria.”


It consoled the grieving families, the people of Giwa LG, and the Ahmadu Bello University community.

“We grieve with you. We rage with you. And we stand with every Nigerian regardless of ethnicity, faith, or region, who has suffered because those in power have failed to keep them safe.

“This moment demands courage. It demands honesty. Above all, it demands action. Enough is enough,” it said.

In a tragic escalation of violence in Nigeria’s North-Central region, about 20 soldiers were reportedly killed in the early hours of Tuesday during a fierce attack by armed bandits on a military camp near Bangi, in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The deadly ambush, which occurred around dawn on June 24, 2025, saw the heavily armed assailants overrun the camp after a sustained gun battle.

Sources within the security forces told SaharaReporters that the bandits launched a surprise assault.

“Today, about 20 soldiers were killed by armed bandits near Bangi, Mariga LGA of Niger State in an early morning attack on their camp,” a source close to the military told SaharaReporters.

Details surrounding the attack are still emerging, but preliminary reports indicate that several soldiers were also injured.

SaharaReporters obtained photographs of the soldiers who were killed during the clash.

The incident has sparked renewed fears over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Niger State, where communities have repeatedly come under attack from bandit groups operating with alarming audacity.

Sources told SaharaReporters that residents of the area are fleeing out of fear of further attacks.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Earlier on Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported that an unconfirmed number of military personnel had been killed while attempting to repel a bandit attack along a highway in Zamfara State.

Sources revealed that among the casualties was an officer, Lieutenant Isma'il Yahya.

In a separate but related incident, terrorists stormed Tofa village, where they reportedly killed more than 15 residents.

Tofa community, situated in Magami district of Gusau Local Government Area in Zamfara, has been devastated by repeated bandit attacks.

Located near Gusau, the state capital, the village has reportedly been abandoned by most of its residents, unable to pay the levies imposed by bandits and left without sufficient security protection.

“The bandits on Sunday attacked the community; they ambushed the troops and killed many of them. The families of the dead soldiers have been informed, but the army has been silent on the incident.

“In Tofa, over 15 people were massacred, many others were injured, and some were nowhere to be found,” a source said.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: PRESIDENT TINUBU'S ROLE IN THE JUNE 12 STRUGGLE

The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to recent comments made by Alhaji Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa State, on live television, in which he falsely accused President Bola Tinubu of supporting the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Alhaji Lamido's claims represent a distortion of history and a regrettable attempt at revisionism. He alleged that President Tinubu only rose to prominence after the formation of NADECO and claimed that Tinubu's mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mobilised market women to back the annulment. These allegations are patently false.

Let us set the record straight: Alhaja Mogaji never mobilised market women to support the unjust annulment. Had she done so, she would have lost her position as market leader in Lagos. While she once had a personal relationship with then-President Babangida, this was before the annulment crisis.

It is important to remind Nigerians that Alhaji Lamido, as secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—the party whose candidate, MKO Abiola, won the June 12 election—was among those who failed to oppose the military's injustice. The SDP leadership, including Lamido and chairman Tony Anenih, wrote their names in the book of infamy by surrendering the people's mandate without resistance. To their eternal shame, Lamido and Anenih teamed up with the defeated National Republican Convention to deny Abiola his mandate.

In sharp contrast, Senator Bola Tinubu stood firm even before General Abacha dissolved the political parties and all democratic institutions, including the National Assembly, on November 17, 1993, following his coup.

Days after General Babangida addressed the Senate and announced his decision to step aside on August 27, 1993, the setting up of an interim government to replace him, Senators debated the speech. On the Senate floor on August 19, 1993, Tinubu unequivocally condemned the annulment, describing it as another coup d'état and urging Nigerians to reject injustice and lawlessness.

The records captured his contribution, showing that he supported upholding the June 12 election, not against it, as Lamido claimed.

"We have a situation that suggests that the abortion of the June 12 election is another coup d'etat," Senator Tinubu said. "My question is, when are we going to stop tolerating injustices, coup d'etat and abuse by the people on whom we invested so much resources—the public funds of this country?… Yes, it is true that we have a crisis, but for every action, there must be a reaction. This is a self-inflicted crisis because, without the abortion or annulment of the June 12 election, there would be no crisis like this. We have a government that made the law and abused its law. Therefore, the present military administration, by virtue of abrogation and violation of its own decree, has committed a crime," the Senator from Lagos West told his colleagues.

The election winner, Abiola, was out of the country when the legislators debated Babangida's offer to step aside for an interim government. He returned in September 1993. And who followed him to the Abacha military group, then openly planning a coup against the Ernest Shonekan-led ING? It was Tinubu. Photographs exist today, showing Tinubu behind Abiola and Abacha.

Abacha took over on November 17, 1993, and dissolved all democratic institutions, including governors, the National Assembly, and the state legislature. Tinubu and a group of senators reconvened in Lagos, defying the junta. Tinubu, Ameh Ebute, Abu Ibrahim, and others were arrested and kept at Alagbon. The police took them to court and fabricated a case against them. While in police detention, Tinubu continued to fund pro-June 12 protests in Lagos, including the blockade of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Weeks after Abacha supplanted the ING, it quickly became clear to Abiola and Tinubu that Abacha would not be a soldier of democracy as he reneged on allowing Abiola to reclaim his mandate.

Enter the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). It was born on May 15, 1994. Comprising a broad coalition of Nigerian democrats, it called on the military government of Sani Abacha to step down in favour of the winner of the June 12, 1993, election, MKO Abiola. On the first anniversary of his election, Abiola made a declaration at Epetedo in Lagos, announcing himself as the duly elected president. Ten days after, on June 22, he was arrested, following which many pro-democracy activists also escaped from Nigeria, including Bola Tinubu. Tinubu lived in exile for nearly five years while Lamido and his ilk made deals with Abacha. While Tinubu was away, agents of the junta bombed his home in Balarabe Musa Crescent, Victoria Island.

Thankfully, Lamido admitted that Tinubu played a significant role in NADECO. Indeed, Tinubu did more. He also backed Professor Wole Soyinka's NALICON, offering material resources to fuel the struggle.

It is well-known that Tinubu played a leading role in the agitation against the June 12 annulment. Many NADECO leaders and journalists in exile and at home openly admitted that Tinubu sustained them and provided them with funds for the struggle.

With his narrative, Lamido appeared confused about the role of NADECO. It was an offshoot of the June 12 crisis. NADECO provided a platform to channel the struggle. Hitherto, all the resistance was left to civil rights groups, journalists, and a section of labour, such as NUPENG.

It is thus disappointing that Alhaji Lamido, despite acknowledging Tinubu's NADECO role, would attempt to rewrite history for political reasons and being a member of the Coalition of the Disgruntled.

We advise Lamido to check his facts before going on television to spread falsehoods. It does not help his image, and the coalition he belongs to engages in revisionism. Revisionism does not serve the cause of truth or our nation's interests.

We do not want to believe that Alhaji Lamido suffers from what psychologists call tall poppy syndrome. However, the conclusion is inevitable as it appears that Lamido is envious of Tinubu's democratic credentials. The facts remain clear: President Tinubu was—and remains—a steadfast advocate for democracy, in contrast to the record of Lamido and others who capitulated in the face of military oppression and intimidation.

BAYO ONANUGA

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

June 22, 2023

Political observers appear united in reaching a consensus that the coalition is largely motivated by widespread discontent with President Bola Tinubu’s handling of national affairs.


On their part, promoters of the coalition argue that the administration has failed to address pressing national issues, including security of lives and property.


According to them, the essence of life is being eroded on daily basis because of the administration’s lack of capacity to deal issues of national development.

It is also note worthy to consider the fact that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, smarting from their electoral defeat by Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), realized that Tinubu’s victory may not have been possible if they had worked together.

Key Players

Atiku, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Dr. Umar Ardo, and Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola are among the prominent figures driving the coalition.

Challenges

Despite its best efforts, the coalition faces internal power struggles, lack of ideological clarity, and criticism from Nigerians who question their ability to unseat Tinubu’s administration, arguing that key promoters are largely driven by personal ambitions than a genuine concern for Nigerians.

Current Status and Prospects

The coalition’s prospects are uncertain, with some analysts expressing doubts about the group’s ability to overcome internal differences and pose a significant challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have, at various times, dismissed the coalition as lacking the requisite cohesion to pose any significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 elections, citing the opposition’s lack of experience in fighting for democracy and good governance.

Current developments

At inception, the coalition faced a challenge of making a choice between fusing into an existing political party or registering a new one.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) were considered but internal wrangling over party positions forced the opposition leaders to return to the drawing board.

A new block, made up of largely northern elements under the aegis of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), and led by its convener, Dr. Umar Ardo, joined the coalition and canvassed for the registration of a new political platform.

As a result, the National Coalition set up committees to consider the viability of either an existing party or the establishment of a new one.

The National Coalition Sub-Committee on the Formation of a New Political Party, chaired by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Dr. Umar Ardo as Secretary, set out to work and turned in their report.

In its report signed by Amaechi, the subcommittee voted in favour of registering a new party.

It also gave reasons why an entirely new political party remains the most viable option to challenge Tinubu and APC in 2027.

According to the five-page document obtained by Sunday Vanguard, in Abuja, the report formed the basis for the coalition applying to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new party named All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The document titled: Report of the Sub-committee on the formation of a new Political Party for 2027 Elections, read in part:

“The Sub-committee met, discussed extensively on the subject matter and arrived at two resolutions. First, it formulated its arguments justifying the registration of a new political party as the best approach in successfully defeating the incumbent. “Second, it recommends and provides a name, logo, manifesto and constitution of the new party.

“A. Justification and Strategic Advantages of Registering a New Political Party

Advantages:

Institutional Innovation: Establishing a new party allows the creation of fresh political structures, ideology and internal democracy not weighed down by past failures or entrenched interests;

Strategic Unity

A new party serves as a common platform with a unified all opposition groups around a new vision and purpose, thus overcoming fragmentation and distrust among the diverse opposition groups;

-Public Perception of Authentic Change: Nigerians are more likely to support a new, purpose-driven party that symbolizes a clean break from old brands.

“Moral High Ground: Attempting registration tests democratic institutions. If blocked (which is highly unlikely if a public approach is taken), it exposes government and INEC bias, thereby rallying public sympathy and international support;

“Legal and Political Leverage

Denial of registration offers grounds for judicial redress (e.g., writ of mandamus), strengthening the opposition’s case for electoral reforms; Confusion and Weakening of Incumbents: The exodus of credible opposition leaders to a new platform would destabilize existing parties (PDP, APC, NNPP, LP), creating internal turmoil;

“Mobilization Power:

A new party can be built with broad coalitions of all critical opposition stakeholders from inception, avoiding legacy baggage and appealing to youth, independents and disenfranchised Nigerians;

“Narrative Control: A newly formed party can craft and own its political narrative and brand identity from scratch, unlike co-opting an existing one with historical liabilities; Symbolic Rebirth of Democracy: Represents democratic renewal and reawakening, offering a psychologically powerful alternative to politics-as-usual; and Testing Democratic Integrity: The process of registration challenges the fairness of INEC and promotes accountability and transparency in the system early enough before elections.

“Conclusion

Registering a new political party is not just a tactical maneuver – it is a bold strategic act that redefines the opposition’s purpose, unites diverse stakeholders, mobilizes public sentiment, creates an authentic alternative to entrenched political forces and spontaneously galvanizes popular momentum. It is the clearest path to inspiring hope, energizing voters and transforming Nigeria’s democratic future.

Recommending All Democratic Alliance

1. Justification for the Founding of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA)

• The All Democratic Alliance (ADA) is envisioned not merely as a political party but as a national renaissance movement, deeply rooted in democratic idealism, justice, and visionary leadership; and ADA offers a credible, people-centered alternative to existing political formations, aiming to unify all or most of the nation’s opposition groups and individuals and re-establish trust and common purpose amongst themselves.

2. Strategic Timing and Political Opportunity

• Rising public disillusionment with both ruling and opposition parties has created a political vacuum.

• ADA is uniquely positioned to:

• Capture the aspirations of patriotic elites, youths, professionals, and disenchanted voters.

• Offer a real alternative to the current political

decay.

• Channel the growing demand for national healing and competent leadership.

3. Guiding Philosophy and Ethical Compass

• ADA is founded on moral clarity, drawing

inspiration from the enduring symbolism of a Tree— representing:

• Strength and Stability

• Wisdom and Knowledge

• Growth and Renewal

• Heritage and Tradition

• It seeks to redefine leadership in Nigeria based on vision, merit, ethical governance and public spirit.

4. The attached Logo, Manifesto and Constitution encapsulate the symbolic power of the party, its Vision and Mission and Core Objectives, all outlining the ideological principles and values on which the party stands. The Motto of the party is Justice for All.

5. Conclusion and Recommendation

• The All Democratic Alliance is not just viable — it is imperative for Nigeria’s survival and renewal.

• Its founding principles, structure and vision reflect a strategic, moral and political readiness to contest and win the 2027 general elections.

• The Sub-Committee respectfully urges this august house to:

• Adopt the registration of a new political party as its first approach to engaging the incumbent for the 2023-2027 transitional elections;

• Approve the formal establishment of ADA; and

• Authorize national rollout and public mobilization in preparation for full participation in the 2027 elections”.

This report and its recommendations were subsequently adopted by the main coalition committee setting in motion the process leading up to the political group applying to INEC for registration as ADA

MRS has raised the pump price of premium motor spirit (petrol) to N925 in Lagos, from N885 as of Friday morning.

The change in MRS petrol price came after the Dangote refinery raised the ex-depot price of the product from N825 to N880 on Friday.

According to a post on its X handle on Saturday, MRS said PMS would now go for N955 per litre in the Southeast.

In Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti, MRS customers are to buy the product at N935 a litre.


According to the post, MRS customers in the North East would buy petrol at the rate of N955 while those in the North West and North Central would pay N945 for the product.

In the post, the retail outlet asked its customers to check out its “updated pump prices across all MRS stations nationwide,” noting that the new prices became effective from today, June 21, 2025.


The PUNCH reports that MRS is one of the major distributors of Dangote refinery’s products.


It is expected that other Dangote partners like Heyden and AP will hike pump prices soon.

The PUNCH reports that importers had earlier increased their prices following the rise in crude prices.

Reacting to this on Monday, the president of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Festus Osifo, accused oil marketers of exploiting Nigerians through inflated petrol prices, insisting that the current pump price of PMS should range between N700 and N750 per litre.

He criticised the disparity between falling global crude oil prices and the stagnant retail price of petrol in Nigeria.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the attacks occurred in two communities in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of the state on Thursday night.

According to eyewitnesses, gunmen stormed the Tangur district in Bokkos LGA around 8 pm, shooting indiscriminately as they broke into homes and killed many people.

The Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the attack to our correspondent in Jos on Friday, said 13 people, mostly women and children, were killed in Jwan community of the council area.

He said the attackers, who were heavily armed, fled the scene before security agents arrived.

Mallai said, “There was an attack on Thursday night in a village called Jwan in Tangur district, Bokkos Local Government Area. Right now, 13 persons have been confirmed dead, mostly women and children. It happened around 8 pm on Thursday.

“The people were just in their homes when suddenly, they saw some persons carrying guns and suddenly started shooting at them. The men in the village came out but they couldn’t defend themselves because the attackers, who were heavily armed, were just shooting.”


“Some of them (men) had to hide but the women and children, who were more vulnerable, were hit by bullets. So, 13 of them have just been confirmed dead this morning. Before any security agents could get to the village, the attackers had left the place. The village is mourning right now.”

The Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Amalau Amalau, corroborated the reports, stating that several people were killed and others were receiving treatment in various hospitals.


“Yes, it’s true. They came and attacked our people last night. They killed several people, and others are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. We took some of the victims to JUTH while some were taken to the cottage hospital here in Bokkos.”

“We have reported the matter to the security agents, and it is not something they are not aware of,” the chairman said.

In a similar attack on Thursday, six people were killed in Chakfem community, in the neighbouring Mangu Local Government Area.

The Vice Chairman of Mwaghavul Youths Development Association, Panam Madugu, who confirmed the killings, described the incident as unfortunate.

According to him, the attackers arrived around 8 pm, killed six people, and left the community before security agents responded.


“The attack took place in Chakfem village last night. The herders just attacked the community last night and killed six persons. It is rather unfortunate. They just came around 8 pm, and after killing the people, they left the community. We have reported the incident to the security agents,” Madugu said.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Alabo Alfred, couldn’t be reached for comment as his phone indicated that it was switched off.

However, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, said he had dispatched members of his team to Bokkos to find out the situation of things.

“I don’t have information about the incident but members of my team went to Bokkos today. I’m sure they will get details of what happened and report back. I will let you know when the information about the incident is available,” the SEMA boss said.

The House of Representatives has exonerated the Republic of Togo of blame in the issuance of fake academic certificates in a controversy that rocked the education sector a few years ago.

This is just as the House Committee on Public Petitions has turned its attention to the Republic of Benin, where an alleged syndicate specialising in certificate forgery is in full swing.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Bitrus Laori, disclosed this during a resumed investigative hearing in Abuja on Friday, following a petition filed by Sovereign Legal Practitioners on behalf of key education stakeholders.

The petition questions the Federal Ministry of Education’s sweeping pronouncement last year that implicated both Togo and the Benin Republic in academic fraud.

According to Laori, diplomatic findings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have cleared Togo of any wrongdoing, reaffirming the credibility of its educational institutions.

“The Republic of Togo has been cleared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The outstanding issue remains with the Republic of Benin,” Laori stated.

The committee has fixed Thursday, July 10, 2025, for a fresh hearing on the Benin Republic following a formal adjournment prompted by the absence of the lawyer representing the petitioners.

Similarly, the Committee also summoned the Federal Ministry of Education to appear before it and provide clarity on its 2024 directive regarding pre-qualification exams for foreign degree holders.

“This matter is adjourned to July 10, and we are issuing another summons to the Federal Ministry of Education. We need clarification on the pre-qualification examinations being imposed on graduates from the Benin Republic, which is currently affecting hundreds of Nigerian students and graduates,” Laori said.

The development follows a major sting operation in late 2024, when a Nigerian undercover journalist exposed a lucrative certificate-for-sale scheme in the Benin Republic, eliciting widespread public outrage and immediate administrative action by the federal government.

Many civil servants were dismissed for presenting degrees obtained from unaccredited private universities in both Togo and Benin between 2017 and 2024.

However, with Togo now cleared, attention is now on the Benin Republic.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to end the persistent killings and kidnappings in Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, PFN President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, described the situation in Benue State as a national tragedy, urging the federal government to rise to the occasion with urgent and effective intervention.

Bishop Oke stressed the need for the government to reclaim territories allegedly taken over by terrorists and restore them to their rightful indigenous owners. He noted that the continuous attacks on innocent civilians had led to widespread displacement and trauma, especially in Benue State.

“The PFN sympathizes with the Governor and people of Benue State over the relentless killings. We are deeply concerned about the alarming state of insecurity in the nation, with Benue being a critical flashpoint that has suffered for too long,” he said.

Faulting the current security architecture, the PFN President said a comprehensive overhaul is urgently needed.

“The current security system has failed us. Killings are taking place across the country, and the carnage has been relentless. What is happening in Benue is not a case of two parties fighting; it is an invasion by illegally armed bandits seeking to displace and dominate indigenous communities,” he stated.

Bishop Oke further condemned the repeated attacks on Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, describing them as “heinous acts” against vulnerable citizens who should have been under state protection.

“This is not about Benue people killing themselves. These are external invaders committing atrocities. If any state deserves a declaration of emergency, it is Benue,” he added.

While acknowledging President Tinubu’s recent directive for special security forces to move into Benue, Bishop Oke said the action appeared belated and insufficient given the scale of the crisis.

“It is not enough to visit as a ‘Mourner-in-Chief.’ The President must act with the full weight of his office and protect the lives and land of the Benue people. Treating this as internal conflict is misleading and dangerous,” he warned.


He also extended the PFN’s concerns to Plateau, Taraba, and other regions suffering similar attacks, urging the Federal Government to restore law and order across affected areas.

“The Federal Government owes Nigerians a duty to restore peace and security. We believe President Tinubu has the capacity to handle the situation if he acts boldly and decisively,” Bishop Oke emphasised.

He concluded with a call for credible, impartial leadership in the security sector, saying: “We cannot continue to ask the cat to watch over the meat. The time has come to place the right people in charge of protecting Nigerians.”

The PFN reiterated its prayers for the people of Benue, Plateau, and the nation at large, while urging swift and genuine action from the presidency.