The Nation Newspaper

Category: autopost

  • Why Tinubu is best choice for 2027

    Why Tinubu is best choice for 2027

    By Allison Abanum

    Nigeria’s journey toward economic recovery, social inclusion, and national renewal has taken a decisive turn under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     His administration has pursued bold, sometimes difficult reforms with a clear focus on long-term stability rather than short-term political comfort. From economic restructuring to education, infrastructure, security, and national pride, the record presents a compelling case for continuity in 2027.

    President Tinubu took the courageous step of removing fuel subsidy and unifying exchange rates—two long-standing distortions in Nigeria’s economy. These reforms have laid the foundation for long-term economic stability by eliminating inefficiencies, restoring fiscal transparency, and attracting genuine local and foreign investment.

    Government revenues surged significantly, doubling in some periods and reaching over ₦31.9 trillion in 2024. This expansion has enabled increased spending on infrastructure and social programmes without excessive borrowing. At the same time, the fiscal deficit dropped from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to about 3.0% in 2024, promoting fiscal discipline and reducing the debt burden on future generations.

    Foreign reserves also recorded a dramatic rise—from roughly $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by late 2024, with some reports indicating figures as high as $46 billion. Stronger reserves have improved confidence in the naira and enhanced Nigeria’s ability to withstand external economic shocks.

    Trade surpluses achieved over consecutive quarters further strengthened the balance of payments and supported currency stability.

    Non-oil exports expanded to nearly 48% of total exports, signaling a decisive move away from over-reliance on oil.

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    This diversification has increased resilience and positioned Nigeria for sustainable growth. Investor confidence followed suit, with the Nigerian Stock Exchange gaining around 48% in 2025, reflecting renewed faith in the economy and wealth creation for citizens.

    Credit ratings upgrades and increased foreign direct investment—particularly in the digital economy—have reduced borrowing costs and fueled job-creating ventures. With projected GDP growth exceeding 4% annually, the economy is on a trajectory that promises expanded opportunities, higher incomes, and improved living standards.

    Recognizing education as the bedrock of national development, the Tinubu- led administration launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), benefiting hundreds of thousands of students through tuition and upkeep support. By removing financial barriers to higher education, the program is building a skilled and competitive workforce.

    More than 900,000 Nigerians have received presidential grants and loans for entrepreneurship and skills development, empowering youth, supporting small businesses, and reducing unemployment. A new ₦70,000 national minimum wage has also improved workers’ purchasing power, stimulating economic activity and easing cost-of-living pressures.

    In the education sector, ₦80 billion was allocated to upgrade infrastructure in 100 federal unity schools, improving learning environments and strengthening national unity. All 47 federal unity secondary schools were reopened after temporary closures due to insecurity, ensuring uninterrupted access to education.

    Special attention has been given to vulnerable children, with the establishment of 119 learning centers nationwide, approval of a new National Policy on Almajiri Education, and the re-establishment of 157 model almajiri schools have begun reintegrating millions of out-of-school children into formal education. With new leadership appointed for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education and international support for reforms, these initiatives address the root causes of exclusion and social vulnerability.

    The Tinubu administration has prioritized infrastructure as a catalyst for growth. Major highway projects—including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road, and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway—are transforming connectivity, reducing travel time, and boosting trade. Over ₦2 trillion has been invested in road infrastructure, creating jobs and supporting long-term economic expansion.

    Ports have been modernized, with improvements at Tin Can Island and integration with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, alongside expanded rail networks. These upgrades have improved logistics efficiency, reduced import costs, and enhanced export competitiveness.

    The signing of the Electricity Act 2023 marked a turning point in Nigeria’s power sector by decentralizing generation and encouraging private investment. Reliable electricity is essential for industrial growth, small businesses, and household well-being.

    In housing, the administration launched diaspora mortgage schemes offering low-interest loans of up to ₦50 million and unveiled a nationwide housing platform covering all 36 states and the FCT. Through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, large-scale construction has expanded housing supply, including the groundbreaking project for 3,500 units in Renewed Hope City, Abuja—creating jobs and delivering modern living spaces.

    Improved security has been a major focus. Enhanced military operations have led to the elimination of over 13,500 terrorists, restoring peace in troubled regions and enabling farming, commerce, and daily life to resume safely.

    Cash transfers and targeted subsidies have provided direct relief to vulnerable groups, alleviating poverty and improving quality of life for millions.

    President Tinubu’s administration has also invested in national pride and unity. Outstanding performances by Nigeria’s women’s sports teams were generously rewarded. Following their 10th WAFCON title in 2025, Super Falcons players received $100,000 equivalent each, a three-bedroom apartment, and national honours (OON), while the technical crew received $50,000, housing, and honours. Similarly, D’Tigress players, after their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title in 2025, were rewarded with $100,000 each, apartments, and honours, with coaches also recognized.

    These rewards have inspired youth—especially girls—promoted women’s sports, and strengthened national unity through shared success.

    On governance and service delivery, digital identity enrollment expanded to over 126 million Nigerians in the NIMC database, improving efficiency, reducing fraud, and enabling targeted welfare programs. The re-adoption of the old national anthem further reinforced cultural heritage, patriotism, and historical continuity.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s record reflects decisive leadership, structural reforms, and inclusive policies aimed at securing Nigeria’s future. By stabilizing the economy, investing in people, rebuilding infrastructure,  strengthening security, and restoring national pride, his administration has set Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth and renewal. For voters looking toward 2027, continuity under Tinubu represents not just experience, but a clear vision for a stronger, more resilient Nigeria.

    •Allison Abanum writes from Orogun, Delta State.

  • ‘Production, circulation of substandard iron rods, grave threat to public safety’

    ‘Production, circulation of substandard iron rods, grave threat to public safety’

    National President Iron Rod and Steel Dealers Employers Union of Nigeria, Chief Gbenga Awoyale has said that persistent production and circulation of substandard iron rods in the Nigerian market remains one of the gravest threats to public safety in the country.

    He added that the recent events once again underscore the tragic cost of inaction, Chief Awoyale said in a statement.

    The statement reads: “The persistence of this crisis confirms that the challenge is not a lack of dialogue or diagnosis, but a lack of political resolve.

    The collapse of a three-storey building in Rivers State, with several Nigerians injured, is not an isolated occurrence.

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    “It is part of a disturbing pattern that has repeated itself across states and administrations. Official findings attributing such collapses to the use of substandard materials merely confirm what has been widely known within the industry and repeatedly acknowledged by policymakers.

    “These tragedies are not acts of fate; they are the outcomes of systemic regulatory failure and deliberate compromise.”

    Despite this awareness, decisive legislative and oversight action has remained elusive. Several attempts by the National Assembly to summon relevant regulatory institutions, particularly the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), as part of efforts to get to the root of the matter, have reportedly been frustrated by non-appearance and institutional resistance. What is deeply troubling is the apparent reluctance of the National Assembly to take critical action in response to this refusal to honour legislative summons, despite its constitutional authority to do so.

    This failure has weakened oversight, emboldened regulatory impunity, and allowed dangerous practices to continue unchecked.

    “At the heart of this failure lies the compromised enforcement of standards. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, which should serve as the nation’s first line of defence against unsafe products, has been gravely undermined by internal corruption and sabotage. Of particular concern is the situation in Lagos State, Nigeria’s industrial hub.

  • President Tinubu’s bold but subtle reforms

    President Tinubu’s bold but subtle reforms

    By Abiodun James Faleke

    As governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the foremost advocate and activist for the most fundamental and far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s federal system. At various times, then Governor Tinubu pushed his Attorney -General and Commissioner of Justice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), to press at the apex court in the Federation, the Supreme Court, the various rights of Lagos State that were perceived to be breached by the Federal Government.

    In that process, Lagos won several landmark cases which upheld its right to have statutory allocations under the constitution released to the state; its constitutional responsibility over urban planning and environmental control; its rights over lottery and games betting; its right to create new local government councils without prejudice to the concomitant responsibility of the National Assembly to effect the necessary constitutional amendments for such new councils to become viable legal entities.

    Of course, it is also well known that as governor of Lagos State, President Tinubu was the first to articulate the case for state police when he insisted that state created, regulated and run police outfits had become an inevitable imperative to an over-centralized, unitary police force so obviously incapable of effectively fulfilling its security obligations to a complex, diverse and plural Nigerian Federation.

    Against this background of his history of political and judicial activism in the pursuit of the restructuring of the Nigerian polity and the deepening of our federal practice, it was expected in several quarters that President Tinubu, on assumption of office, would take radical, even revolutionary, steps to effect path-breaking changes in the structure and character of the Nigerian Federation.

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    Such expectations not only underestimate the onerous complexities involved in the process of engineering fundamental structural change in Nigeria but also exaggerate the capability of one person, no matter how well-meaning, to remake and refashion the country according to his own imagination. Nigeria is a complex amalgam of an assortment of peoples, cultures, perspectives, perceptions, assumptions, beliefs and psychological outlooks as well as philosophical orientations.

    The strength and potential of any transformative leader for a reasonable degree of success in Nigeria is his strategic dexterity to bring about necessary change, mostly in an incremental manner and in a way that does not rupture ingrained habits and expectations with possible large-scale dysfunctional consequences.

    And that is the genius of President Bola Tinubu’s governance style in the little over two and a half years that he has been in power since May 2023. To his credit, President Tinubu has taken bold, reformative steps where necessary, especially with regard to the economy. But generally, he has proceeded cautiously, taking into consideration the myriad peculiarities and sensitivities of our diverse polity and recording concrete changes without destabilising consequences.

    Let us take the issue of the State police. The President of Nigeria will necessarily have to approach this issue more cautiously and tentatively than when considering the matter purely from the prism of a state governor. For one, not all states have the munificent fiscal resources to establish and fund state police outfits. Again, there is the understandable fear among opposition elements in states as to what antagonistic and dictatorial uses some state governors may deploy police outfits under their control. Furthermore, there is the issue of qualitative standardisation of training, psychological disposition, ethical orientation and professionalism that state police outfits cannot be allowed to fall below.

    All this implies that state police cannot be a matter of presidential diktat, brought into being ‘with immediate effect’. Rather, it will entail close collaborative hard work among the presidency, the national Assembly, state governors and legislators, as well as current members of the existing security architecture among critical stakeholders, as is currently being done. Yet, the continuing equipping, training and re-training of the military, police and intelligence services; the expansion and reorienting of the National Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC); Establishment of the Forest Rangers; upgrading and modernization of police training colleges etc are gradual reforms being undertaken in this critical sector by a President who knows he must tread cautiously, wisely but firmly to achieve defined objectives.

    In a similar vein, the Ministry of Livestock Production, headed by some of the best and brightest brains from the requisite parts of the country known for this form of animal husbandry, is planning for and gradually bringing about the much-needed modernisation of techniques, practices and orientations in an area of the economy with huge, yet untapped potential. Again, through the Electricity Act 2023, the administration has brought about a decentralisation that enables states to build and regulate their own electricity markets, with several states now actively establishing their own power supply markets to foster local development.

    Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the determined implementation of the Electricity Act, 2023, has enabled state governments to independently generate, transmit, and distribute power. Consequently, he notes that for the first time in history, state-level electrical markets now allow regions to design local energy solutions directed to meet their peculiar economic needs. Another important development is the development of a National Integrated Electricity Policy, which was approved in February 2025, and which defines the responsibilities of regulators, utilities, investors, technical operators and consumers, transcending traditional and renewable power generation sectors. This under Tinubu marked the end of over two decades without a broad -based roadmap for the power sector.

    Again, in the railway sector, the shifting of the responsibility for rail to the Concurrent Legislative List from the Exclusive Legislative List has been a major development under the Tinubu administration. This has opened up the space for states and private investors to develop rail projects and open new financing avenues. Some of the key standard Gauge lines focused on here include Kano-Katsina-Maradi, aimed for completion this year to boost trade; a major overhaul of the 2,024 km narrow -gauge line for economic revival in the Eastern Corridor and the Kaduna-Kano and Lagos-Kano Lines as key components of the sector’s modernisation drive.

    Perhaps the most poignant illustration of the difficulties and challenges of implementing reforms in a complex entity like Nigeria is the mixed reception accorded to President Tinubu’s tax reforms, which took effect at the beginning of this year. But for the tenacity of the President in insisting on the imperative of the tax reforms, the most intensive and extensive re-engineering of Nigeria’s fiscal governance architecture since independence, the complex of laws comprising the task reforms would have been stillborn.

     The opposition and animosity to the laws fueled by a mosaic of factors including imaginary regional antagonism, contrived tales of super exploitation of the less privileged, undemonstrated and unscientific assertions of tax imposition without developmental benefits to show, have been intense. At the commencement of the controversy, when the proposed new tax reforms were first unveiled to the public, a leading statesman from a part of the country declared vehemently that the law was dead on arrival; that it was designed against a particular region, even though he had not read the draft and had no intention of doing so!!

    Of course, architects of the Tinubu administration’s comprehensive tax law reforms have gone to great lengths and left no stone unturned to correct misconceptions and explain the essence of the reforms to Nigerians. Made up essentially of four components, the new laws encapsulate the Nigerian Tax Act (NTA); the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA); The Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (NRSA) and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act. As summarised in one report, “Together, these reforms consolidate and repeal more than a dozen outdated tax statutes, setting a unified direction for personal income tax, corporate taxation, VAT, capital gains, and fiscal governance”.

    Despite tax and economic experts’ expositions as regards the benefits of these reforms and their beneficial impacts, particularly on the most vulnerable individuals and corporate members of the private sector, some opposition political elements, labour leaders and civil society activists continue to make misleading claims on the tax reforms devoid of logical rationalisations or scientific validation. Under the new tax regime, for instance, small businesses enjoy considerable tax reliefs. In this regard, small companies with gross turnover less than N100m and fixed assets less than N250m are no longer required to pay Company Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax or the 4% Development Levy.

    Another feature of the tax reforms is that such multiple levies as TETFUND contributions, PTF, IT Levy and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Levy are replaced by a 4% Development Levy on assessable profits. Scores of duplicated tax obligations have been eliminated, and the sector has been streamlined for greater convenience and ease of doing business.

    Furthermore, those earning incomes less than N800,000 a year are now exempt from payment of Personal Income Tax, although high earners have a top marginal tax increment of 25%. In the same vein, while VAT payment is retained at 7.5%, essential food items, medical supplies and books now enjoy VAT exemption, thus exerting less pressure on the pockets, particularly of low-income earners.

    This is by no means an attempt to go into the details of the tax reforms Acts but only showing that rather than arbitrarily increasing taxes, the reforms actually ease the tax burden on the most vulnerable sections of the populace while striving to bring those currently evading tax payment while capable of paying into the tax net. Some try to play on an aversion to tax payment, which is endemic to most societies, to whip up sentiments against the government by instigating people to abhor the payment of taxes. In Nigeria, this attitude is not new; it dates back even to the First Republic.

    Thus, in a speech on the Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance delivered on the floor of the House of Representatives on 16th August, 1964, Chief Obafemi Awolowo came down hard on those politicians who had the habit of mobilising people against tax payment. In his words on that occasion, “What we have to guard against are misguided efforts in an attempt to solve the economic problems of this country, and also the vote-catching tactics of many politicians in this country, whereby they attempt to scare the people regarding anything that savours of taxation, whether direct or indirect.”

    Concluding that speech, Chief Awolowo averred that “And so it goes to show the effect of irresponsibility of certain politicians in this country by creating scares about payment of tax…and I would therefore wind up by saying that we, on the threshold of this New Constitution, are on the cross roads; there is that broad, smooth road, with promises of no- taxation, and efforts to get money from other places, leading nowhere but to perdition, poverty, disease and economic enslavement; and there is the other road – people who go there in pay tax. They also have to apply self-help and self-sacrifice to get where they want. But this road, Mr President, leads to success, to prosperity and to the exploitation of our natural resources by the people of this country”.

    • Faleke is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance

  • PDP’s leadership crisis and unravelling of Nigeria’s opposition

    PDP’s leadership crisis and unravelling of Nigeria’s opposition

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a leadership crisis, legal battles, and internal divisions that have left it struggling to survive ahead of 2027. The decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Nyesom Wike-led faction is a move that could worsen the party’s divisions and weaken democratic accountability, writes DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR RAYMOND MORDI.

    The once-dominant People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which ruled Nigeria for 16 consecutive years, now finds itself locked in a fight not merely for political relevance, but for its very survival. A party that once bestrode the country’s political landscape like a colossus is today consumed by internal warfare so intense that it threatens to erase its status as a national opposition force.

    What began as a seemingly routine leadership tussle over the National Secretary position has grown into a full-blown existential crisis, fracturing the party along bitter personal, factional, and regional lines.

    In the main, it is a power struggle between the group led by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and a rival group supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed. Other key figures include Adolphus Wabara, who serves as the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT); former Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Turaki). The real issue is not just about party positions in Abuja, but about who will shape the future of what was once Africa’s largest political party.

    Many observers say that INEC’s decision to recognise the Wike-aligned caretaker committee has not eased tensions. Instead, it has made divisions worse and set the stage for a long legal and political battle. Now, there is even doubt about whether the PDP will be able to field candidates in the 2027 general election—a question that would have seemed unthinkable ten years ago.

    This legal and political crisis is part of a wider trend in Nigeria, where courts are now deciding party matters that used to be settled internally. As the 2027 elections approach, the collapse of the main opposition party could push Nigeria toward one-party dominance, weakening the checks and balances essential to democracy. Personal ambition, legal tactics, weak institutions, and the ruling party’s influence are all contributing to the PDP’s decline.

     Crisis forged in court

    INEC’s decision to recognise the Wike-aligned caretaker committee came after a Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan that overturned actions by the PDP’s previous leadership. This cleared the way for an interim leadership favoured by the Wike group. Officially, INEC said it was following a court order, but many in the party see it as a move that shifts the balance of power.

    Instead of resolving the ongoing fight for control of the PDP, the recognition has increased mistrust and encouraged one faction to act as if it has already won. “This recognition does not solve anything,” said a senior PDP official involved in the legal battles. “It simply empowers one side to behave as if the conflict has ended. But the other side does not accept defeat, and that is what makes this moment extremely dangerous.”

    Soon after INEC’s decision, the Wike-aligned group quickly took steps to strengthen its control. They dissolved zonal structures and changed convention dates to March 29 and 30. They also met with INEC officials, though the rival faction claims these meetings are illegal because appeals are still pending in higher courts. Opponents see these actions as an attempt to make changes permanent before the courts can rule.

    The opposing group has strongly criticised INEC’s recognition. The Turaki-led faction says the decision is not neutral but evidence that the electoral body is siding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the opposition.

    PDP staff unions and the People’s Democratic Institute have also declared their support for the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), calling the Ibadan court ruling controversial and inconsistent.

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    Former Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, articulates a view widely shared within this camp. “Given the level of degradation that has unfortunately befallen the judiciary in this country,” he argues, “it is safe to say that judgments arising from issues about the PDP would be influenced by the APC-led government in power. The idea of recognising the Wike-led faction is simply to satisfy the ruling party by further destabilising the PDP.”

    Dr Eddy Olafeso, former PDP National Vice Chairman (Southwest), highlights problems with the Ibadan judgment. “The judge said he would not grant mandamus,” Olafeso says, “yet he went ahead and granted reliefs that were not even sought. INEC, which was supposed to be a neutral umpire, has now joined the fray.” For these stakeholders, INEC’s action is not a solution but an escalation, trapping the party in ongoing legal battles that could last until the 2027 elections.

     Judiciary’s pervasive role

    The PDP’s situation reflects a wider trend in the country, where judges and court orders now shape political parties more than internal agreements. Courts, once a last resort for tough disputes, are now the first choice for unhappy factions. This continues even though Section 84(14) of the 2022 Electoral Act was meant to limit court involvement to candidate nominations, not leadership issues.

    This legal overreach has serious effects. Parties like the PDP and Labour Party (LP) are stuck in ongoing court cases over leadership. These disputes use up money, create uncertainty, and weaken public trust in political institutions. A senior constitutional lawyer says these problems often happen because internal party democracy has broken down, so factions turn to the courts as their “last hope.”

    For governors, lawmakers, and other politicians, the risks are clear. A court could overturn party leadership just before primaries, making it too risky to stay. This legal uncertainty encourages defections, as politicians look for stability and support from the ruling party. In this way, the courts have unintentionally sped up political realignment.

     Will the PDP field candidates in 2027?

    Amid this turmoil, the main question for the PDP is whether it can organise itself well enough to field a united slate of candidates in 2027. This is becoming less certain. Some constitutional lawyers warn that the PDP could face the same fate as the APC in Zamfara State in 2019, when internal disputes kept the party off the ballot.

    “If there is no clear, legally recognised leadership by the time primaries are conducted,” an Abuja-based senior lawyer cautions, “the consequences could be catastrophic.”

    Two parallel and deeply troubling scenarios now loom.

    The first risk is fragmentation. If legal battles continue, INEC may face several competing lists of candidates from different PDP factions. This could lead to disqualifications, court-ordered changes, and more lawsuits after the election, hurting the party’s chances. This has already happened in Ekiti State, where INEC removed the PDP’s governorship candidate because of internal disputes.

    The second risk is that the Wike-aligned faction, now recognized by INEC, could take over party structures nationwide, hold primaries, and present its own candidates as the real PDP representatives. Critics say the goal may not be to win the presidency, but to keep the party too weak and divided to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

    Dr Olafeso frames this view bluntly. “Governor Makinde told the whole nation that Wike promised to hold the PDP down for President Tinubu in 2027,” he says. “From what is happening today, is he not holding the party down for the APC?”

    In this case, the PDP would still exist but act as a weak opposition, putting forward less competitive candidates and focusing on a few local wins instead of aiming for national success.

    Governors under pressure: who stays, who goes?

    The PDP now controls only four states: Oyo, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Zamfara. Even before the current crisis, the party lost many members. Five PDP governors joined the APC last year, and another moved to the Accord Party, blaming internal problems and leadership uncertainty. As a result, the APC now controls 30 out of 36 states.

    Given this situation, the choices of the four remaining PDP governors are very important. What they decide will show early on whether the party can continue as a national force.

     Seyi Makinde

    Faction: Turaki/Makinde-led group.

    Likely 2027 Path: High risk of defection to the ADC.

    Makinde is the most prominent governor opposing Wike and a key member of the dissatisfied group. His position in a Wike-led PDP seems impossible to maintain. He has built his political reputation on resisting the current leadership. As a southern progressive with national goals, he may join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but could also consider the APC if needed for his political future.

     Bala Mohammed

    Faction: Turaki/Makinde-led group.

    Likely 2027 Path: High risk of defection to APC.

    In the Northeast, where federal influence is strong, Governor Mohammed may decide to join the ruling party, especially if the PDP in Bauchi State comes under the control of his opponents.

     Ahmadu Fintiri

    Faction: Historically independent.

    Likely 2027 Path: Remain PDP or defect to APC.

    Fintiri is known for switching sides and may try to stay neutral for now. In the end, he will likely choose the option that gives him the best chance of re-election, even if that means joining the APC.

     Dauda Lawal

    Faction: Unclear.

    Likely 2027 Path: Remain PDP or defect to APC.

    Lawal governs a troubled Northwest state facing security challenges and is under pressure to maintain good relations with the Federal Government. This need for stability may be more important to him than loyalty to any faction.

    In all these cases, ideology matters little. As a former PDP leader in Enugu says, defections are “about staying relevant, not about ideology or what the people actually want.”

    The democratic deficit

    If the PDP collapses, it is not just an internal party issue—it is a real threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Since 2015, the PDP has been the only opposition party with a national presence. Its fall would unbalance the political system.

    Analysts warn that Nigeria may be moving from a democracy decided by voters to one decided by the courts, where legal details matter more than the people’s choice. “Governance should be determined by the electorate, not the courts,” the senior lawyer cautions.

    At the local level, the effects are clear. A former PDP youth leader notes that most Nigerians are not focused on party infighting. “People talk about hunger, school fees, and insecurity,” he says. “While elites fight over party structures, real issues are neglected.”

     Flicker of hope or end of the road?

    Is there still hope for the PDP? Reconciliation is possible in theory, but it becomes less likely with every new court decision and heated statement. It would take major compromises, probably led by respected elder statesmen. However, leaders like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who once brought order, are not involved.

    If there is no intervention, the likely outcome is a split. The Turaki/Makinde group could leave for parties such as the ADC or the NNPP, causing a major shake-up. This might create a smaller but more united opposition, but it could also mean losing the 2027 election to the APC.

    Right now, Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national headquarters, is a symbol of the party’s deadlock. Police sealed it during the crisis, showing how contested the party’s space has become. Whether the PDP recovers or fades away will affect not only the 2027 election but also the future of Nigeria’s democracy. The stakes are very high.

  • $1b National integrated poultry project pilot phase set to commence – Tegbe

    $1b National integrated poultry project pilot phase set to commence – Tegbe

    The Director General and Global Liaison of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership NCSP, Joseph Tegbe has disclosed that the $1 billion National Integrated Poultry Project pilot phase is set to commence.

    Enugu, Kaduna and Oyo states have been selected  for the pilot phase. Tegbe said the project would be expanded to states in other geopolitical zones of Nigeria in the coming year.

    He made the disclosure while speaking on Saturday at the Chinese New Year Temple Fair and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. The 2026 Chinese New Year is the year of the horse.

    Tegbe said when completed, “the project will deliver a combined output of six million eggs daily, house over seven million laying birds and more than two million broilers, and cultivate over 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans.”

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    He also noted that “Beyond feedstock for the farms, this initiative will support existing farmers through subsidized feedstock.

    “Beyond feedstock for the farms, this initiative will support existing farmers through subsidized feedstock. This project is not merely about food security, it is about jobs, dignity, and opportunity for Nigerians,” he said.

    Tegbe who also highlighted China-Nigeria collaboration on steel production said with the revitalization of the Ajaokuta, the country would be expecting an output  of 10 million metric tonnes per annum.

    According to him: “The revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Complex marks another inspiring chapter in our partnership. Long a symbol of unrealized potential, Ajaokuta is now poised for renewal through collaboration with China. With an expected output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum, a revitalized Ajaokuta will transform Nigeria’s economic trajectory, powering industries, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as a leading manufacturing and innovation hub in Africa.”

    He stressed that the government is determined to ensure the country recorded tangible progress that signals the dawn of a new industrial era.

    In the area of Knowledge Exchange and Educational Partnerships, Tegbe said  it has “continued to open doors for Nigerian students to learn from Chinese institutions, while welcoming Chinese scholars to Nigeria. These exchanges are building enduring bridges of knowledge and mutual understanding. In the year ahead, we seek to deepen cooperation through increased scholarships, joint research, and shared innovation, culminating in the development of new industrial parks that will serve as hubs for manufacturing, technology, and shared expertise.”

  • Faith, diplomacy unite: Oluremi Tinubu’s impactful presence at Trump’s prayer breakfast marks new dawn for Nigeria-US relations

    Faith, diplomacy unite: Oluremi Tinubu’s impactful presence at Trump’s prayer breakfast marks new dawn for Nigeria-US relations

    By Olukayode Ajulo

    In a venerated hall of Washington, D.C., where the realms of power and prayer beautifully converge, a monumental event took place on February 5, 2026. This was not merely a day on the calendar; it was a transformative moment that echoed through the city’s historic halls, redefining the narrative of diplomacy and faith in an age of uncertainty.

    At the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, U.S. President Donald Trump paused in the middle of his address to spotlight Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON. “We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at one of the largest churches in Nigeria—a very respected woman. It’s a great honour. Thank you very much,” he declared, drawing applause from an audience of global leaders, clergy, and influencers.

    This wasn’t mere courtesy; it was a diplomatic thunderclap, echoing the potential for deeper ties between two nations bound by shared aspirations and challenges. Senator Tinubu’s attendance at this faith-based gathering, organised under Trump’s auspices, transcends symbolism.

    Symbol of faith-driven diplomacy

    As an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God—one of Africa’s most influential Pentecostal denominations—she embodies the intersection of spirituality and statesmanship.

    Her presence, amid discussions on global religious freedom and security, underscores a strategic pivot: leveraging faith as a bridge to fortify Nigeria-US relations.

    In a world fractured by geopolitical tensions, this encounter highlights how personal acknowledgements from leaders like Trump can catalyse broader alliances. It’s a reminder that diplomacy isn’t confined to boardrooms; it thrives in spaces where values align, fostering trust that official summits often struggle to build.

    Saluting a pillar of strength: Commending Senator Oluremi Tinubu

    Before delving further into the broader implications, we must pause to salute and commend Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her unwavering supporting role to her husband, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As the steadfast partner in his journey—from the turbulence of Lagos politics to the pinnacle of national leadership—she has been a pillar of strength, quiet counsel, and moral grounding. Her grace under pressure, her commitment to family amid public scrutiny, and her dedication to service  exemplify the profound impact a supportive spouse can have on a leader’s success and a nation’s stability.

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    In her, Nigeria discerns not merely a First Lady, but a quintessential mother of the nation—one who cultivates hope, champions unity, and personifies resilience. Her presence inspires a collective spirit that binds the country together, fostering an atmosphere of optimism and strength as she navigates the complexities of national identity and progress.

    This exemplary model calls upon all spouses of leaders—across politics, business, and public life—to emulate her example. True partnership demands sacrifice, loyalty, and mutual uplifting

    When a spouse stands firmly behind their partner, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support, it multiplies their capacity to lead effectively and serve selflessly. Senator Tinubu’s life reminds us that behind every great leader often stands an equally great supporter, whose contributions may be unseen but are indispensable to enduring success.

    Strategic timing and global significance

    The significance of her Washington moment lies in its timing and context. With Trump back in the White House, his administration has signalled a renewed focus on protecting Christian communities worldwide, a stance Tinubu herself described as “divine intervention” during her remarks at the concurrent International Religious Summit.

    For Nigeria, grappling with insecurity in its northern regions and terrorist threats from groups like Boko Haram, this alignment opens doors to collaborative action. Trump’s praise isn’t just flattery—it’s an invitation to partnership, recognising Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s stability. By attending, Tinubu not only represented her nation but also amplified its voice on the global stage, positioning Nigeria as a key player in faith-driven international discourse.

    Tangible benefits for Nigeria: Social, cultural, defence, and legal gains

    This diplomatic manoeuvre promises tangible dividends for Nigeria across multiple fronts. Socially, it could invigorate exchanges on community development and women’s empowerment—areas where Tinubu has long advocated. Imagine joint initiatives drawing from U.S. expertise in education and healthcare, tailored to Nigeria’s youth bulge, fostering social cohesion and reducing vulnerabilities to extremism.

    Culturally, the event paves the way for richer bilateral ties, from gospel music collaborations to literary festivals that celebrate our shared Judeo-Christian heritage. Such exchanges would enrich Nigeria’s vibrant cultural tapestry, promoting tolerance and unity in a diverse society.

     On the defence front, the implications are profound. Trump’s emphasis on countering religious persecution aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Enhanced U.S.-Nigeria security pacts could mean advanced training, intelligence sharing, and equipment to bolster our armed forces, building on past collaborations.

     This isn’t about dependency; it’s about mutual strength, ensuring West Africa’s anchor nation can safeguard its borders and contribute to regional peace.

     Legally, the partnership holds promise for institutional reforms. Nigeria’s ongoing battles with corruption and judicial inefficiencies could benefit from U.S. models in the rule of law and human rights. Joint workshops on anti-corruption strategies might accelerate our Economic and Financial Crimes Commission efforts. Moreover, with Tinubu’s legal background as a former senator, this engagement could spur dialogues on extradition treaties and cybercrime cooperation, fortifying our legal framework against transnational threats.

     Seizing the momentum: A call to action

    Critics might dismiss this as fleeting optics, but history teaches otherwise. Moments like these have birthed enduring alliances. For Nigeria, emerging from economic headwinds and seeking global relevance, this is a golden opportunity. It signals to investors, allies, and adversaries alike that our nation is open for business, backed by influential friends.

     As we reflect on Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s poised presence amid Washington’s elite—and her inspiring example as a supportive wife and mother of the nation—let us seize this momentum. Policymakers in Abuja and Lagos must build on it, proposing concrete initiatives that translate goodwill into action.

     Spouses of leaders everywhere should heed her call to steadfast support. The future of Nigeria-US relations isn’t written in stone but in the bold steps we take now. In faith, family, and diplomacy, we find not just common ground, but a pathway to prosperity.

     Senator Oluremi Tinubu has lit the torch—it’s time for Nigeria to run with it.

    • Dr Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is the Attorney General of Ondo State.

  • Ahmad Aliyu and restoration of Sokoto Caliphate’s legacy

    Ahmad Aliyu and restoration of Sokoto Caliphate’s legacy

    By Abubakar Dan Ali

    In a decision that holds promise for cultural preservation, economic diversification, and identity renewal, the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has announced plans to restore historic and cultural sites across the state. Framed as part of a broader strategy to strengthen tourism, protect heritage, and improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the initiative draws inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate—one of Africa’s most influential pre-colonial states, renowned for its systems of governance, Islamic scholarship, judicial administration, and trans-Saharan intellectual networks that shaped much of West Africa in the nineteenth century.

    If pursued with discipline and sustained commitment, this effort could become one of the most consequential heritage and tourism interventions in the North-West Zone in recent decades, repositioning Sokoto State as a major centre of cultural learning, religious tourism, and scholarship in history. Governor Aliyu, therefore, deserves commendation, particularly in view of the governor’s clear determination to translate vision into action and to ensure that these restoration efforts deliver tangible, long-term benefits for the people of Sokoto State—economically, culturally, and socially.

    Sokoto State occupies a singular place of importance in the cultural and intellectual history of Northern Nigeria and indeed West Africa. As the cradle of the Sokoto Caliphate, founded in the early nineteenth century by Shehu Usman ɗan Fodio, the state is home to monuments, sacred spaces, manuscripts, and cultural landscapes that chronicle one of Africa’s most influential Islamic reform movements and systems of governance. The Caliphate’s legacy of scholarship, administration, trade, and social organisation continues to shape religious and cultural life across the region.

    Yet despite this remarkable inheritance, many of the heritage sites have suffered from decades of neglect, environmental degradation, and lack of investment. Several historically significant locations remain underdeveloped, poorly documented, or inaccessible to the public. In this context, the current administration’s decision to prioritise restoration signals an important recognition that cultural heritage is not merely about the past, but a strategic asset for the present and the future.

    At the heart of this initiative was Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s announcement during the commissioning of the remodelled Zawiyatu Sheikh Aliyu Bunza, where he articulated a bold vision that restoration of heritage sites would go beyond renovating mosques or historic buildings to become the foundation of a sustainable tourism ecosystem grounded in cultural pride. His administration has also taken steps in directing government agencies to prepare a comprehensive blueprint for heritage site restoration and management, a strategic move that reflects an understanding of the need for meticulous planning, professional stewardship, and sustainable execution.

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    Equally important is the administration’s openness to collaboration with federal government institutions and private stakeholders to achieve these goals. Heritage preservation and tourism development are capital-intensive and technically demanding endeavours that no single actor can successfully execute alone. An inclusive approach that draws on public expertise, private investment, and community participation increases the likelihood of success. This approach reflects a governance philosophy that is inclusive, pragmatic, and future-oriented.

    The potential economic implications of this initiative are significant. When properly managed, cultural tourism can generate employment, stimulate small businesses, attract investment, and expand revenue streams for the state government. Sectors such as hospitality, transportation, crafts, local commerce, and creative industries stand to benefit directly. For a state seeking economic diversification and youth employment, heritage-based tourism offers a viable and still underutilised pathway.

    Experiences from other countries demonstrate that this is possible. Morocco has successfully leveraged its historic cities, such as Fez and Marrakech, into major tourism hubs built around heritage conservation, artisan industries, and cultural festivals. In Senegal, the preservation and promotion of Gorée Island transformed a site of painful history into a global destination for cultural tourism and education, generating sustained economic activity for local communities. Ethiopia’s investment in the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the historic city of Harar has similarly positioned heritage as a pillar of national tourism revenue. These examples show that when history is thoughtfully preserved and professionally packaged, it can become a powerful driver of inclusive economic growth.

    Sokoto State, with its unique Caliphate heritage, scholarly traditions, and living religious institutions, possesses comparable potential to follow this path and translate cultural assets into sustainable economic opportunity.

    Several sites in Sokoto State already have strong tourism potential. The Hubbaren Shehu Usman ɗan Fodio, the tomb of the Caliphate’s founder, Shehu Usman ɗan Fodio, remains one of the most sacred historical locations associated with the nineteenth-century jihad and reform movement. With guided tours, the site could serve scholars, pilgrims, and history enthusiasts while efforts would be made to preserve its sanctity.

    The Sultan’s Palace, the enduring seat of the spiritual leadership of Nigerian Muslims, symbolises the living continuity of the Caliphate from 1809 to the present day. Carefully managed cultural and historical tours, exhibitions, and seasonal festivals would allow visitors to experience its history.

    Gidan Shehu, the residence associated with Shehu Usman ɗan Fodio and his family, offers another tourist attraction. Its conversion into a museum would provide educational value by showcasing manuscripts, artefacts, and narratives that reflect the Caliphate’s intellectual foundations and ethical ideals.

    Other sites—including the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Centre, the remnants of the old Sokoto city walls and gates, and heritage locations associated with Nana Asma’u—highlight the diversity of Sokoto’s historical landscape. Nana Asma’u’s legacy in education and women’s intellectual leadership, in particular, presents an opportunity to foreground progressive dimensions of the Caliphate often overlooked in popular narratives.

    Analysts have long noted that historic cities across Africa—from Marrakech to Timbuktu—draw thousands of visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences. Sokoto State, with its distinctive Islamic heritage, scholarly traditions, and royal institutions, has the potential to attract researchers, students, and international tourists interested in African and Islamic history. Harnessing this potential could significantly expand the state’s internally generated revenue while empowering local entrepreneurs.

    However, it is important to acknowledge that heritage restoration is neither cheap nor easy. Conservation demands sustained funding, technical expertise, adherence to preservation standards, and effective long-term management. Tourism development also requires supporting infrastructure—roads, accommodation, security, and promotion—to succeed. Governor Aliyu is already providing critical infrastructure that has contributed to changing the face of the city.

    Security considerations, particularly in Northern Nigeria, are central to tourism planning. Safe and welcoming environments are essential for attracting visitors. In this regard, the administration’s efforts to stabilise the state’s security situation deserve commendation.

    There is also the need for clear timelines, transparent budgeting, and regular public updates to maintain momentum. Partnerships with universities, conservation professionals, and international bodies such as UNESCO could help ensure that restoration efforts meet global standards and potentially position Sokoto State for international recognition.

    To the credit of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the focus on heritage revival aligns with earlier investments in religious and communal infrastructure, suggesting a broader commitment to strengthening the state’s social and cultural fabric. These actions point to a governance philosophy that values dignity, identity, and continuity alongside economic development.

    Ultimately, leaders are judged not only by policies announced but by the legacies they build. The restoration of Sokoto’s Caliphate heritage offers Governor Aliyu an opportunity to leave a legacy defined by cultural renewal, economic opportunity, and respect for history.

    Sokoto State citizens and stakeholders must support this development. They must recognise that cultural heritage belongs to the people, and its preservation requires their collective ownership. If sustained with integrity and consistency, this initiative can transform neglected monuments into vibrant spaces of learning, pride, and prosperity.

    Sokoto State’s past holds immense value. The task before Governor Aliyu’s administration is to ensure that the past becomes a resource for the present and an inspiration for the future.

    To Governor Aliyu: do not relent. Do not be deterred by inevitable challenges. Stay the course until these restoration efforts yield the positive outcomes that Sokoto deserves.

  • UBA GMD/ CEO advocates security, bankable projects, others to promote Southeast Vision

    UBA GMD/ CEO advocates security, bankable projects, others to promote Southeast Vision

    The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, has called on leaders and key stakeholders in the Southeast to prioritise security and peace, infrastructure development and the delivery of bankable, investment-ready projects.

    This, according to him, is critical if the Southeastern region of the country is to unlock its long-term development agenda under the South-East Vision 2050 (S8V2050).

    Alawuba made the call while delivering a goodwill remark at the Southeast Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholder Forum which was held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu on Wednesday.

    The multi-day forum was convened by the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, the Ministry of Regional Development and the South-East State Governments, to build consensus around a shared development pathway for the region and advance implementation-ready interventions aligned with national priorities.

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    Speaking in his capacity as GMD/CEO as well as the Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs and on behalf of Corporate Nigeria, Alawuba identified peace and security as the most urgent requirement for attracting investment into the region, noting that safety remains the first signal investors assess before committing capital.

    “The first thing the Southeast needs is peace. It is an established fact, world over, that investments flow in the direction of safety,” Alawuba stated, urging state governments and regional leaders to sustain coordinated efforts to secure lives, assets and infrastructure.

    He also challenged stakeholders to adopt a results-driven partnership model between government and the private sector; just as he noted that the success of the South-East Vision 2050 will largely depend on the region’s ability to articulate and package clear, measurable and value-adding projects capable of attracting long-term capital.

  • No region in Nigeria disqualified from passport issuance, says Immigration Service

    No region in Nigeria disqualified from passport issuance, says Immigration Service

    The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has dismissed reports that the Southeast region has been disqualified from the issuance of passports to Nigerians.

    The NIS said there was no iota of truth in the report claiming that equipment for Southeast issuance of the documents was dismantled and issuance of the documents foreclosed in Southeastern states.

    “The NIS categorically states that this report is entirely false and a gross misrepresentation of the ongoing government reforms to modernise passport administration”, said a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the NIS in Abuja, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Akinsola Akinlabi.

    The Service said: “The reality is that NIS has introduced a phased onboarding system to migrate passport offices, including those in foreign missions, to a centralised production framework.

    “This modernisation effort, which began in 2024, is designed to enhance the efficiency, integrity and security of Nigeria’s passport production system and not exclude any citizen.

    READ ALSO: PDP: Wike gets upper hand again

    “The Service has successfully onboarded passport offices in the Northeast and North Central states of Borno, Yobe, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, along with 35 international stations spread across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

    “Furthermore, scheduled migration for the five Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, and five additional international stations (Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland and Austria) is currently ongoing within the first quarter of 2026.

    “Consequently, the service has established a strict work-plan calendar to ensure this transition is seamless and does not disrupt delivery timelines, as the goal is to drive the process towards greater efficiency.

    “The public is therefore advised to disregard speculative narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension, as the Service continues to implement reforms in the overall national interest. Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to equitable service delivery and operational excellence”.

  • City Boy Movement appoints Blankson as Bayelsa state director

    City Boy Movement appoints Blankson as Bayelsa state director

    The national leadership of the City Boy Movement has appointed Bayelsa-based All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Osomkime Blankson, as the organisation’s State Director.

    The appointment, announced in a statement, is part of efforts to strengthen the movement’s grassroots structures and expand programmes aimed at youth engagement and leadership development across the South-South region.

    Blankson, who also holds traditional recognition, expressed appreciation to the national leadership for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to use the platform to advance initiatives that empower young people in the state.

    “I am honoured by this appointment and fully committed to building a strong, inclusive and purpose-driven City Boy Movement in Bayelsa State, aligned with our national vision,” he said.

    According to the letter conveying his appointment, Blankson will serve as the principal representative of the movement in Bayelsa State and is expected to coordinate activities in line with guidance from the National Secretariat.

    Read Also: Insecurity in Nigeria, globally sign of end times —Prophet Abiara

    The statement noted that the City Boy Movement operates under the leadership of its Grand Patron, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, and focuses on structured youth engagement, civic participation and leadership development among young Nigerians.

    Observers say the group has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for mentoring young people, promoting skills development and encouraging participation in community-building initiatives. With the new appointment, attention is expected to centre on expanding programmes that foster entrepreneurship, capacity building and constructive social involvement among youths in Bayelsa.

    The movement reiterated its commitment to nurturing future leaders and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development through education, engagement and empowerment initiatives.