The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • PDP to challenge exclusion from Ekiti governorship elections in court

    PDP to challenge exclusion from Ekiti governorship elections in court

    …says we submitted candidate’s name manually

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to challenge the exclusion of the particulars of its candidate from the provisional list of candidates for the Ekiti off-cycle governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The provisional list of candidates released by the commission on Monday revealed that the PDP candidate was excluded from the list by the commission.

    No official reason has been given by the commission for the exclusion, but it may not be unconnected with the current leadership crisis in the Party.

    But section 29(3) of the INEC guidelines for nomination of candidates for elections provides that the access code is to be made available only to the National Chairman and National Secretary of the parties, as contained in the INEC data.

    The section reads, “The National Chairman and National Secretary of political parties as contained in the Commission’s records shall be issued an access code for the electronic submission, withdrawal, and substitution of names and particulars of their candidates as elected at the political party primaries monitored by the Commission.”

    The guidelines also said that “where there are conflicting requests from the National Chairman and National Secretary of a political party, the access code shall be issued to the National Chairman of the party.”

    INEC also outlawed the manual submission of the names and particulars of its candidates for elections.

    The immediate past national chairman, Umar Damagun, who handed over affairs of the party to Tanimu Turaki, was in a position to obtain the access code from the commission before the expiration of his tenure and handed it over to the Turaki-led leadership.

    In a statement on Tuesday, National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the decision of the electoral umpire to exclude the name of its candidate was a further demonstration of the bias of the commission, saying the PDP would explore all legal means to get INEC to recognise its candidate.

    The statement reads, “The exclusion of the name and particulars of our candidate from the list of candidates for the 2026 Governorship Election in Ekiti State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet another confirmation of the biased disposition of the current leadership of the Commission towards the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “For the avoidance of doubt, INEC was duly notified of the conduct of our party’s governorship primaries. The Commission attended and monitored the exercise and subsequently issued reports confirming that the primaries complied with all extant laws and were democratically conducted.

    “Following this, INEC released the relevant nomination portal codes to our party, through which the official nomination forms were accessed, before they disingenuously blocked the code a few days before the submission date, causing us to resort to manual submission at their office (receipt of which was acknowledged).

    “Being fully aware of the grave and far-reaching consequences of excluding a validly nominated candidate from an election, INEC ought to have acted with caution and responsibility by including the name of Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, the duly nominated candidate of the PDP, in the published list of candidates.

    Read Also: 2027: Oyo governorship aspirant Aborishade dumps PDP for ADC

    “This would have been the safest and most lawful course of action for the Commission, had it acted without bias. There is no contrary submission before INEC disputing the validity of Dr. Oluyede’s nomination. There is also no court order restraining the Commission from recognising him as the PDP’s candidate. Indeed, INEC’s own monitoring report attests to the validity of the primaries and the nomination process.

    “Having failed to act appropriately, our party has immediately taken steps to approach the courts to compel INEC to do what it ought to have done in the first place.

    “While we undertake this long and tortuous legal route, we once again draw the attention of INEC to the expectations of Nigerians that the Commission must remain independent, impartial, and neutral in matters relating to political parties and the electoral process.

    “While we acknowledge the saying that he who pays the piper dictates the tune, the Commission must be conscious that the tune currently being dictated is dangerously high-pitched and will ultimately harm the piper. INEC must always act in defence of democracy, and never in antagonism to it.”

  • Fubara appoints new attorney general in Rivers cabinet reshuffle

    Fubara appoints new attorney general in Rivers cabinet reshuffle

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has appointed a new Commissioner for Justice following a minor reshuffle within the State Executive Council.

    As part of the changes, the governor redeployed Christopher Green from the Ministry of Sports to the Ministry of Justice, where he will serve as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

    The position became vacant after the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, was among the commissioners affected by the Supreme Court judgment that resolved the state’s political crisis.

    Read Also: Wike to Fubara: you are not 001 of Rivers state

    The ruling also invalidated the appointments of commissioners earlier screened and approved by the three-member Victor Oko-Jumbo-led House of Assembly.

    Sources said the renewed tension between the governor and the House of Assembly has made the appointment of new commissioners difficult, prompting Fubara to reassign responsibilities among existing members of the cabinet.

    Confirming the development, an official statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said Christopher Green would also continue to oversee the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.

  • Meaningful Gift Ideas in Nigeria That Go Beyond the Festive Season

    Meaningful Gift Ideas in Nigeria That Go Beyond the Festive Season

    Gift-giving is a big part of Nigerian culture, especially during festive periods like Christmas and year-end celebrations. From clothes and gadgets to cash transfers, gifts are how we show appreciation and strengthen relationships.

    But as inflation continues to reduce purchasing power, many people are rethinking how they spend and give money. The question is no longer just what to give, but how much value that gift holds over time.

    This shift is driving interest in gifts that do more than create a moment. Gifts that last. Gifts that grow.

    Why Inflation Is Changing How We Give

    Inflation affects more than prices at the market or fuel station. It quietly reduces the value of money sitting idle or spent quickly. During festive seasons, spending naturally increases, but much of that money disappears as soon as the celebrations end.

    For households already managing rising living costs, this has led to a more deliberate approach to gifting. People still want to celebrate, but they also want their money to work harder.

    This is why financial gifts are becoming more appealing. Instead of items that lose relevance or cash that is spent immediately, people are exploring ways to give money that retains value over time.

    What Makes a Gift Truly Meaningful Today

    A meaningful gift today does three things:

    1. It shows thoughtfulness.
    2. It supports the recipient beyond the moment.
    3. It aligns with current economic realities.

    This is where products like Gift A Yield come in. Offered by Credit Direct, Gift A Yield allows you to fund a Yield plan for someone else, turning a gift into a structured financial asset rather than a short-term expense.

    Instead of giving cash that may be spent immediately, the gift is placed into a Yield plan that begins earning and matures over a defined period.

    Why Financial Gifts Are Gaining Popularity

    Financial gifts are not new, but the way they are structured is evolving. Traditionally, gifting money meant handing over cash or making a bank transfer. While convenient, these methods offer no protection against inflation.

    Structured gifting changes that. It allows the giver to support someone’s future without requiring the recipient to make an immediate financial decision. For many people, this feels more intentional and more impactful.

    It also works across different relationships. Parents can gift children. Siblings can support each other. Employers can reward staff. Friends can mark milestones with something that carries long-term value.

    How Gift A Yield Works

    To send a Gift A Yield, both the sender and recipient need to have Yield accounts. The process is fully digital and straightforward.

    After logging in, the sender selects a Fixed Yield plan, chooses the option to create the plan for someone else, enters the recipient’s BVN-registered phone number, sets the duration, and funds the plan with a minimum of ₦50,000. A personal message can also be added.

    Once funded, the plan runs like any other Yield investment, with clear timelines and predefined returns.

    Why This Approach Makes Sense Long-Term

    Inflation may fluctuate, but the need to preserve value does not go away. Gifts that disappear quickly often leave little lasting impact, especially in tight economic conditions.

    By contrast, financial gifts help recipients start the new year with something tangible and structured. They also encourage better money habits without pressure or obligation.

    For the giver, it is a way to combine generosity with foresight. For the recipient, it is a reminder that someone thought beyond the moment.

    The Takeaway

    Festive seasons will always be about joy, connection, and celebration. That does not have to change. What is changing is how people define value.

    As inflation reshapes spending habits, gifts that hold meaning beyond the holidays are becoming more relevant. Gift A Yield reflects this shift by offering a way to give that lasts longer than December.

    Some gifts are opened once.
    Others keep working quietly in the background.

    And in today’s economy, that difference matters.

  • Tinubu congratulates Finance Minister Edun on royal honour

    Tinubu congratulates Finance Minister Edun on royal honour

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on his appointment to the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President welcomed the conferment of the honour on Edun, describing it as a recognition that reflects both his longstanding commitment to youth development and the priorities of the current administration.

    King Charles III appointed the Nigerian minister as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in recognition of his sustained contributions to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a global youth development initiative that equips young people with life skills, character, and leadership capacity.

    Read Also: 16th  Governor’s Belt : Edun lauds  LBHF’s organisers on successful tourney

    The programme operates in several countries, including Nigeria, where thousands of young people are currently benefiting from its leadership and personal development framework.

    President Tinubu noted that the honour bestowed on Edun, a key member of his economic management team, aligns with his administration’s emphasis on youth empowerment, opportunity creation, and national renewal.

    The President commended the minister’s industry and dedication, describing the recognition as well-deserved, and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s youth as leaders of today and tomorrow.

  • Okpebholo pays 13th month salary for Edo civil servants

    Okpebholo pays 13th month salary for Edo civil servants

    Governor Monday Okpebholo has delighted civil servants in Edo state by paying their 13th month salary.

    Workers at various ministries, including Information and Strategy, Lands and Housing, Environment and Sustainability, and Education in Iyaro, confirmed receiving the payment, describing it as timely and morale-boosting.

    Mrs. Rose Imonikhe, Director of Orientation at the Ministry of Information and Strategy, said the alert came as a pleasant surprise to staff.

    She said, “I woke up this morning, it was the alert that woke me up, the 13th-month salary. I’m grateful to the governor for what he has done. You can see me smiling, and that is how other officers in the Edo State civil service are smiling.

    Read Also: Okpebholo receives report indicting Obaseki on MOWAA, Radisson Blu Hotel

    “This Christmas period, most people must have spent their December salaries. So this will help them enter the new year with something in their pockets. Those with children’s school fees to pay can do so without stress, and others who are renewing rents will also benefit.This 13th-month salary will go very far.

     “The governor has played his part; it is left for civil servants to do theirs by being more committed. He is in a haste to deliver the dividends of democracy, and the civil service is the channel through which this can be achieved,” 

    Mrs. Bridget Igbinovia and Onyinyechi Florence described the payment as a clear demonstration of concern for workers’ welfare.

    Director of Administration, Mrs. Egbe Jocy, said the payment would strengthen morale and productivity across the service.

  • FG denies allegations of targeting opposition in anti-corruption drive

    FG denies allegations of targeting opposition in anti-corruption drive

    The federal government has dismissed claims that it is targeting opposition figures in its anti-graft efforts.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified that the government has no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition leaders. 

    The statement came in response to a fabricated document alleging the creation of a non-existent multi-agency task force called “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).

    Idris explained that the document falsely claims a task force involving the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, intends to aggressively target prominent opposition members, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). 

    He noted that the report misleadingly cites “multiple credible sources” to suggest a planned “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity.”

    “There is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP,’” the Minister emphasized. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains focused on implementing economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade, and restoring investor confidence.

    Idris described the attempt to label lawful accountability as political targeting as a dangerous diversion meant to shield so-called Very Important Personalities (VIPs) from the law. 

    “The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies,” he said.

    He assured that the government will not be distracted by perpetual politicking, stressing that Nigerians deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results, which the Tinubu administration is committed to delivering.

    The minister stated, “The Government underscores its foundational principles. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble. President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold this Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion. He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints. 

    “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where law enforcement and judicial agencies are obligated to perform their duties professionally, without interference, and in the nation’s best interest. 

    Read Also: CSOs slam governors over alleged diversion of FG’s palliative to citizens

    “Politicians and citizens are therefore enjoined to desist from engaging in disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, especially in an era where credibility is intrinsically linked to informational fidelity. 

    “With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance. We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to reject the politics of distortion and division. 

    “Every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to lawful association and political activity. Concurrently, our security and anti-corruption institutions retain the lawful mandate to operate in the nation’s interest.

    “As we draw the curtain on 2025 and step into a new year, this government will not be distracted by those invested in perpetual politicking. Nigerians deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results—and that is what the Tinubu Administration remains dedicated to delivering.”

  • Kaduna PAVE network urges community-led approach to tackle insecurity

    Kaduna PAVE network urges community-led approach to tackle insecurity

    The Kaduna State chapter of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Network (PAVE Network) has warned against relying solely on military measures to address insecurity, emphasizing that sustainable peace requires evidence-based, community-driven interventions.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, PAVE Network Chairperson and Coordinator, Eric John, reviewed violent extremism trends in Kaduna and the wider North-West, highlighting ongoing non-kinetic efforts to address the challenge.

    John described Kaduna’s security situation as complex, citing its strategic location, communal tensions, farmer-herder conflicts, and spillover of armed banditry from neighboring states. 

    He noted that extremist groups exploit forested areas, porous borders, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, particularly youth unemployment.

    While acknowledging current security operations, John stressed that force alone cannot defeat violent extremism. 

    “Kinetic approaches, if not complemented by prevention, dialogue, and development strategies, risk addressing symptoms rather than root causes,” he said.

    He added that PAVE Network prioritizes capacity building and dialogue across Kaduna and the North-West, engaging government institutions, security agencies, traditional leaders, women, and youth groups to co-create practical State and Local Action Plans on PCVE. These engagements, he said, allow communities to identify vulnerabilities and prevention priorities.

    John also highlighted community resilience campaigns that promote peace education, tolerance, and grassroots networks to counter extremist narratives.

    On questions about foreign military involvement and airstrikes, he urged caution, warning that speculation and misinformation could heighten tensions and erode trust between citizens and authorities.

    “We don’t want speculation. We want evidence-based approaches. Our work is about prevention from the community upward, not assumptions driven by fear or rumours,” he said.

    Read Also: Uba Sani’s new agenda for Kaduna’s rich mineral wealth

    He added that peace and security are collective responsibilities, calling on residents to remain vigilant, share credible information with relevant authorities and resist narratives that promote violence or division.

    The PAVE coordinator also urged the Kaduna State Government to deepen ownership of PCVE processes by embedding them into planning and budgeting frameworks, while encouraging security agencies to strengthen community engagement and uphold human rights.

    According to him, lasting peace in Kaduna and the North-West will depend not just on military strength, but on how well communities are empowered, institutions coordinated and citizens included in shaping solutions.

    “Peace and resilience are not just government responsibilities. They reflect who we are as communities,” he said.

  • NESREA shuts sunseed oil facility in Zaria over hazardous air emissions

    NESREA shuts sunseed oil facility in Zaria over hazardous air emissions

    The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed the Sunseed Oil facility in Zaria, Kaduna State, over excessive air emissions.

    In a statement signed by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor, the closure followed reports of persistent air pollution from the facility, which violated the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations requiring pollution abatement equipment and cleaner production methods.

    “The severity of the emissions posed an immediate threat to the surrounding ecosystem and the health of nearby residents, prompting the immediate closure of the facility,” the statement said.

    NESREA emphasized that the enforcement aligns with its commitment to ensuring industrial compliance and protecting the public from hazardous industrial discharges, including air pollutants and effluents.

    The agency’s Director General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned industrial operators to adhere strictly to national environmental regulations to prevent actions that could harm citizens’ health and the environment.

  • CSOs slam governors over alleged diversion of FG’s palliative to citizens

    CSOs slam governors over alleged diversion of FG’s palliative to citizens

    A coalition of civil societies, operating under the banner of The Osun Masterminds (TOM), on Tuesday accused state governors of diverting federal government palliatives and cash meant to alleviate hardship.

    The group alleged that the relief materials intended for vulnerable Nigerians were being hoarded and mismanaged.

    During the monthly state-of-the-state address, TOM’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, called for immediate transparency and accountability in the distribution of the relief funds. 

    He also highlighted the worsening hardship in the country, urging the federal government to provide additional palliatives to ease the burden on citizens.

    “We are in support of the decision of SERAP taking legal action against the state governments with regard to the spendings of the windfalls from the removal of subsidy on petroleum products. The leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had recently reported that state governors pocket the larger chunks of monies meant for their citizens.

    “If we do away with this humongous corruption and wasteful spending, more and more developmental projects will be executed for the benefit of the citizens. There’s the dire need to make the state governments more accountable.”

    Also, he berated Osun State House Assembly, seeking for clarification for expending N2billion within 9 months. 

    “As of the end of Quarter 3 2025, the Osun State House of Assembly had expended over 2 billion naira. Our question then, as we ask again now, is what responsibilities could have gulped over 2 billion in 9 months?

    “Till date, the visible projects that the Assembly is undertaking have been abandoned. The Gate House project and the rehabilitation of the Assembly Quarters remain uncompleted till date.”

  • 2027: Oyo governorship aspirant Aborishade dumps PDP for ADC

    2027: Oyo governorship aspirant Aborishade dumps PDP for ADC

    Human rights lawyer and 2027 Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Oyo state, Niyi Aborishade, has resigned from the PDP and joined the African Democratic Congress.

    Aborishade said his decision was informed by the deepening crisis within the PDP, which, according to him, raises concerns that the party may be unable to field a credible candidate in the next election.

    Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, he said persistent internal conflicts in the PDP made it impossible for him to continue, noting that the situation posed a threat to internal democracy within the party.

    He said, “In as much as PDP is not able to resolve its internal crisis, in as much as protagonist in PDP refuses to listen to any voice of reason, we are moving forward, we are moving to ADC.

    Read Also: Supreme Court orders resumption of Aborishade, others’ trial

    “ADC is prepared to give us opportunity to practice democracy, fairness, and equity. I’m moving with all my supporters from all the 33 local governments. Most of them are leaders of PDP, but they are moving with us.

    “We will make the party popular. When you see the caliber of people that have joined ADC, you will know ADC will become a formidable party in Nigeria.

    “The correct party now that is popular is ADC. And that’s where I belong. I will always work with the progressives. I will always work for the interests of justice and the best interests of Nigeria.

    In his remark, ADC chairman in Oyo State, Alhaji Yinka Olona said PDP is already dead and currently at the grave yard, and waiting for final burial, adding that the only viable opposition that will provide credible alternative is ADC.