The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

  • JUST IN: Tinubu signs instrument of clemency

    JUST IN: Tinubu signs instrument of clemency

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed instruments of clemency and pardon, completing the formal process of exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant relief to selected individuals convicted of various offences.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the move follows consultations with the Council of State and wide public opinion on the subject.

    However, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list, invoking his discretionary powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). 

    The review led to the deletion of persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms.

    Others, previously listed for full pardon, had their sentences reduced or commuted.

    “The decision was guided by the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to respect the rights and feelings of victims, boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations,” the statement said.

    It added that the principle of justice as a “three-way traffic” — balancing the rights of the accused, the victim, and society — also informed the President’s careful approach.

    Read Also: You can’t influence North against Tinubu, Alawuje tells Atiku, Obi

    The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.

    In a structural reform accompanying the exercise, President Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    He further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises, mandating compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only deserving persons benefit.

    Tinubu appreciated public engagement on the matter and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and improved administration of justice in Nigeria.

  • JUST IN: Senate begins screening of Service Chiefs

    JUST IN: Senate begins screening of Service Chiefs

    Senate has commenced the screening of newly nominated Service Chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    This followed the arrival of the nominees into the Senate chamber alongside their family members and other senior members of the Armed Forces.

    The delegation was led into the Chamber by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Basheer Lado.

    This followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele suspended Order 12 on floor privileges to allow strangers into the chambers and for the Senate to resolve into a Committee of Whole to do the screening.

    The motion was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate.

    The new Service Chiefs for screening and confirmation include the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.

    Before the screening commenced the Senate Leader moved that since the Senate earlier screened General Oluyede for the position of Chief of Army Staff, he should be regarded as a class captain leading the  other nominees for the screening.

    Read Also: Service chiefs meet with Defence Minister, NSA ahead today’s screening

    After the motion was seconded by Senator Ngwu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said it would be right to allow Oluyede to relieve his experience in his previous office as COAS and his perspective on the way forward as the CDS.

    Thereafter, Oluyede took the podium and began introducing himself.

    He said his experience as COAS was both challenging and rewarding.

    On the challenges, he said: “We know the resources are not enough. The enablers are not enough. It makes it difficult to prosecuting the fight against bandits and terrorists.”

    He said it is incumbent on the country to develop its own equipment to prosecute wars and other forms of insecurity due to skyrocketing cost of importing arms and armament.

    He said there is something special about being a soldier. As a soldier you have to sacrifice your entire life. As an ordinary person, when there is a threat you are expected to retreat but as a soldier you are expected to go forward.

    He also called for strengthening the Nigeria Police Force to be able to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

    “At present, the military is doing some of the work the police are supposed to do,” he said.

    At this point, Senate President Akpabio requested senators that  Oluyede be allowed to take a bow since he was formerly screened and approved by the chamber as CDS.

    The request was approved by the Senators.

    Details shortly…

  • Nigeria not a violator of religious freedom, FG insists

    Nigeria not a violator of religious freedom, FG insists

    Nigeria has again dismissed claims by some foreign officials suggesting that terrorists  target only Christians.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said such assertions are misleading and not reflective of the country’s complex security realities.

    Idris, who was on CNN on Tuesday night clarified  that the right to freedom of religion is enshrined in the nation’s constitution. 

    The Minister also said that there is a renewed focus by the Tinubu administration towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges to guarantee the safety and well-being of all citizens. 

     “Some of the claims made by some officials of the United States are based on faulty data and some assumptions that the victims of this violence are largely Christians. Yes! There are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion. They target Christians. They also target Muslims. We have seen that especially in the northern part of the country,” he said. 

    According to a statement by the media aide to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim tbose purveying such narratives, he added, are unwittingly playing into the hands of criminals whose ultimate objective is to incite conflict between Christians and Muslims in the country.

    Idris stressed that Nigeria remains a highly tolerant nation with respect to freedom of religion, warning that promoting a false narrative of intolerance could inadvertently sow division between Christians and Muslims in the country. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Kidnapped tipper driver regains freedom in Ondo

    “Characterising it as attacks on Christians will drive Nigeria towards division. The criminals want to portray the country as if there is a fight between Christians and Muslims. 

    “We have seen attacks on Christians. We have also seen attacks on Muslims as well. But it is also wrong to characterize Nigeria as a country that does not tolerate religious freedom, and it’s also wrong to say that everywhere is not safe in Nigeria. Nigeria is indeed a safe country,” he said.

    The Minister acknowledged that while security challenges exist in the country, the government is tackling them decisively and with sustained commitment. 

    “Yes, indeed, we have seen security challenges in Nigeria, but we also have to recognize that there is a massive drive by the government to ensure that Nigeria is ultimately safe for everyone,” he said. 

    He noted that Nigeria has been grappling with security challenges since 2009, but explained that in the past two years, there has been renewed momentum and determination to eradicate these threats. 

    “In the last two years, there has been a renewed focus and renewed attention has been put to ensure that Nigeria becomes safe. We have a massive deployment of resources to improve our military hardware. We have also seen investments in other sectors such as agriculture and social services to ensure that the non-kinetic approach contributes to the stability of our country. 

    “Even the recent changes (of service chiefs) are all geared towards strengthening our security architecture to ensure that the government responds to every situation,” he stated.

  • DSS arrests man canvassing for military coup on social media

    DSS arrests man canvassing for military coup on social media

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has trailed to Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and arrested one Innocent Chukwuma who used his social media handle to rally the military to overthrow the current government. 

    Posting on his “X” handle “@TheAgroman,” Chukwuma stated that a coup was needed in Nigeria and called on the military to “suspend the Nigerian government.”

    He posted: “A coup in Nigeria is needed.

    Read Also: How DSS aborted Utomi’s aberrative shadow cabinet through legal process

    Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now. 

    “It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country.

    “The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West, and they run our intelligence apparatus. Only the military can reset this country. Support them,” Chukwuma posted. 

    A source disclosed that the suspect is cooperating with DSS investigators.

  • Edun: benefits of reforms gradually reaching the poor

    Edun: benefits of reforms gradually reaching the poor

    • Small businesses, infrastructure need better financing, says Arunma Oteh

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday, laid out comprehensive measures being implemented by the Federal Government to ensure that the gains of macroeconomic reforms substantially impact Nigerians.

    Edun, who spoke at Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference in Abuja, said the government’s reforms were being implemented with a clear focus on easing the hardship faced by citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

    He said while many Nigerians are struggling with impact of rising food and transport costs, the government is already rolling out targeted interventions to cushion these effects.

    According to him, the government has established a transparent, accountable, and robust system for providing direct payments to 15 million households in Nigeria.

    “Each individual beneficiary is identified by name and their National Identity Number, and payments are made digitally—either directly to their bank accounts or mobile wallets,” Edun said.

    He explained that the digital payment approach ensures real-time monitoring, transparency, and accountability in the disbursement process.

    Addressing concerns that some communities have not yet benefited, Edun said data showing the names of beneficiaries, who have received the first, second, and third tranches of payments, would soon be made public.

    He added that beyond cash transfers, the government has introduced a ward-based development programme to deliver resources, information, and funding directly to Nigeria’s 8,809 wards in the 774 local governments.

    He said: “The initiative will empower economically active people at the ward level—supporting small businesses, cottage industries, and local entrepreneurs to boost production and create sustainable livelihoods”.

    According to him, the reform agenda is not only designed to stabilise the economy but also to ensure that its benefits reach right down to the lowest levels of society.

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    He described the ward-based initiative as a people-centred intervention that brings governance closer to the grassroots.

    “Our goal is to build an inclusive economy where every Nigerian feels the positive impact of reforms,” Edun said.

    On youth involvement, Edun lauded Nigerian youths for demonstrating values, such as empathy, integrity, and responsibility, which are essential qualities for the next generation of national leaders.

    He also lauded the organisers of the conference for promoting dialogue on leadership and national development.

    Former Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Founder of Oxford Global Think Tank, Ms. Arunma Oteh, called for urgent and coordinated efforts to mobilise long-term capital, accelerate infrastructure development, and reform the management of Nigeria’s mineral resources to drive sustainable growth.

    Oteh, a former vice president at the World Bank, said Nigeria’s economy would remain constrained until it attracts “reasonably priced, long-term, patient capital” to finance government and private sector projects.

    She noted that Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit remains a major obstacle to growth, saying while China invests about 24 per cent of its GDP in infrastructure, Nigeria invests only four to five per cent.

    She said: “If we want to bridge our infrastructure gap, we must increase that investment to at least 12 per cent of GDP”.

    Oteh praised some of the government’s initiatives to attract investment but urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Ministry of Finance to scale up their efforts.

    “Small businesses need affordable financing, and the government needs to expand its capacity to invest in roads, power, and logistics to move goods to markets,” Oteh said.

    She further called for diversification of Nigeria’s economy through its mineral sector, stressing that the country possesses at least 40 commercially viable minerals that remain largely untapped.

    She said: “Why are we not exporting these 40 minerals in commercial quantities? Why are minerals still on the exclusive legislative list? We should decentralise the sector so that each state can develop and benefit from its natural resources. That is how to expand our revenue base and create jobs”.

    She said the Oxford Global Project would soon publish a special report, titled: Reforming Africa’s Mineral Sector to Prosper Africa, reflecting renewed international interest in harnessing the continent’s resource potential.

    She also spoke on qualities required for Nigeria’s transformation.

    She said: “Our grandparents taught us that leadership is about values — doing the right thing even when it’s hard. If we have that kind of leadership, the next generation will take Nigeria to greater heights.

    “We all need to put our hands on deck— government, business, and citizens— to invest in our nation and create opportunities for everyone”.

    Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, described the country’s economic challenges as the cumulative consequence of delaying key reforms, particularly removal of petrol subsidy.

     According to him, the decision to remove the subsidy was “not just an economic choice but a necessary correction to an unsustainable policy.”

    He said: “If you pay N65 per litre and suddenly begin to pay N160, of course there will be hardship. The duty of leadership is to recognise that there will be costs and to mitigate them—not to avoid reform entirely”

    The emir explained that Nigeria’s former subsidy structure operated as a “hedge”, not a true subsidy.

    “The government told 200 million Nigerians they would not pay more than a fixed amount per litre no matter what happened to oil prices or exchange rates. When oil went from $40 to $140, the government paid the difference. When the naira depreciated from N155 to N300, the government paid the difference. That was not a subsidy; it was the worst form of derivative—an open-ended hedge,” he said.

    He said this approach eventually led Nigeria into “borrowing money not just to pay subsidies but also to service the interest on those loans,” describing it as “bankruptcy by policy.”

    Reflecting on his 2012 warnings against delay in removing fuel subsidy, the former CBN governor remarked: “If we had removed it then, inflation would have risen slightly — from 11 to about 13 per cent — and stabilised. Now, we are facing inflation above 30 per cent. This is the cost of delay.”

    He lauded the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, for steering the bank toward stability.

    He said: “The Central Bank’s role is not to create growth or employment but to provide stability and an environment conducive to growth — and I believe the leadership has made progress in that regard”.

  • Revocation of my U.S. visa won’t deter me, says Soyinka

    Revocation of my U.S. visa won’t deter me, says Soyinka

    The United States has revoked the B1/B2 visa of Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

    A B1/B2 visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa for business or tourism purposes.

    Soyinka revealed the development during a news conference themed: “Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface!” held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos yesterday.

    He explained that no reason was given for the action by the U.S.

    The revocation, he told reporters, appeared to be a form of witch-hunt, which he linked to his long-standing criticism of the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

    “I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” the playwright said.

    The  Nobel Laureate said he received official notification of the visa revocation six days ago through a letter from the Non-Immigrant Visa Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.

    Part of the letter reads: “This letter serves as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the non-immigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations… Additional information became available after the visa below was issued.”

    The 91-year-old Soyinka, who appeared calm during the session, said he could not decipher the reason for the revocation because at no point did he violate any laws. 

    “I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation. Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he questioned.

    The playwright, however, clarified that he bore no resentment toward the US and its citizens. 

     He maintained that his advocacy for justice and equality remained intact.

    Read Also: Nigeria vs. Benin: Madugu  dreams  2027 World Cup  with  Super Falcons

    “I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have anything legitimate to do with me,” he said, adding that he would keep speaking against racism and policies he considered unjust, including those of President Trump.

    Soyinka said that the news conference was to notify people in the US who might be expecting him for engagements not to waste their time, as he could no longer travel to the country.

      Soyinka had declined an invitation from the U.S. Consulate for a visa re-interview scheduled for   September 11, 2025, saying he felt it was a scam. 

    “I thought it came from scammers who prey on those eager to get visas elsewhere, promising to deliver them for a certain amount… It was very strange because I had never received that kind of letter from that or any other embassy,” he said.

    Upon discovering its authenticity, he stated that attending such an interview was out of the question.

    “The question of going to such an interview is totally out of consideration,” he said, adding that holding the re-interview on September 11, a date he described as one for “deep, sober reflection” in the U.S., was inappropriate.

    Soyinka referred to the American government at the time as being led by a “white Idi Amin,” in apparent reference to Trump.

    The   Nobel laureate had, in December 2016,  publicly torn his U.S. Green Card following Trump’s victory in the presidential election, fulfilling a promise he made before the polls.

  • FirstBank vindicated: Arbitration tribunal dismisses GHL’s $718m claim

    FirstBank vindicated: Arbitration tribunal dismisses GHL’s $718m claim

    …The tribunal’s order for GHL to pay FirstBank’s arbitration costs within 30 days underscores the bank’s
    strong position in the dispute and paves the way for further action to recover $230 million owed to the bank.

    The Final Award in the arbitration initiated by General Hydrocarbons Limited against First Bank of Nigeria Limited, issued by Sole Arbitrator Hon. Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, was published today the 28th, October 2025,

    General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) was represented by Messrs. Paul Usoro SAN & and Abiodun Layonu SAN. First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN) was also represented by Messrs Gbolahan. Elias, SAN; Babajide Koku, SAN and Victor Ogude, SAN.

    The Tribunal dismissed GHL’s case in its entirety, affirming FBN’s financing obligations as conditional, finding no breach or entitlement to damages by GHL, and ordering GHL to bear the costs of arbitration.

    The dispute arose from the Subrogation Agreement dated May 29, 2021, under which GHL undertook the repayment of an outstanding debt of $718 million and FBN undertook to provide additional loans to finance the development and production of OML 120 in line with the provisions of the Subrogation Agreement.

    GHL alleged that FBN breached the agreement by failing to provide absolute and timely financing, sabotaging alternative funding efforts, and causing losses including liabilities to third party and leading to loss of productive time in the development of OML 120.

    FBN argued its financing obligation was conditional and not absolute but subject to review and professional discretion in line with banking policies and regulatory guidelines.

    Read Also: Nigeria vs. Benin: Madugu  dreams  2027 World Cup  with  Super Falcons

    The key Findings of the Tribunal are as follows:

    1. FBN has a conditional, not absolute, obligation to finance OML 120 development. It must review and evaluate financing requests and may attach competitive terms as deemed suitable.

    2. GHL failed to prove any breach by FBN. FBN made several financing offers totaling $185 million, and delays alleged by GHL were not found unreasonable or in breach.

    3. Introduction of an Independent Asset Manager as a financing condition by FBN was consistent with the agreement and not a breach.

    4. Allegations of FBN sabotaging alternative financing arrangements were unsubstantiated and dismissed for being devoid of any merit.

    5. All reliefs sought by GHL, including declarations, damages for unpaid contractor fees, losses, and termination of the Subrogation Agreement, were refused.

    6. FBN was adjudged entitled to recover reasonable legal and arbitration costs from GHL, amounting to $112,100 and N111,250,000, payable within 30 days with interest on late payment.

  • Senate screens Service Chiefs Wednesday

    Senate screens Service Chiefs Wednesday

    Senate will tomorrow (Wednesday) screen Service Chiefs appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed this after reading President Tinubu’s letter forwarding the nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

    Read Also: Tinubu meets with Service chiefs

    The new Service Chiefs for screening and confirmation include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.

    The appointments, according to the Presidency, form part of a strategic realignment aimed at deepening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing inter-agency coordination in national security operations.

  • Abuja’s smart city vision driven by economic empowerment, others – Wike

    Abuja’s smart city vision driven by economic empowerment, others – Wike

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday said Abuja’s “Smart City Vision” is being driven by strategic investments across five key areas of urban mobility, sustainability, public safety, digital governance and economic empowerment.

    Wike, who spoke at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), also disclosed that Abuja was actively collaborating with international agencies and private sector actors, including projects with JICA on Smart Water Metering, Chinese support for intelligence Traffic Lights, and ongoing ventures such as the Abuja City Walk and the Abuja Industrial Park.

    These, he stressed, reflect Abuja’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships and city-to-city exchanges to accelerate innovation.

    The Minister had earlier met the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who also oversees the Political Affairs Office of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

    In a statement in Dubai by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike joined global Mayors and city leaders at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum to highlight “Abuja’s bold steps toward becoming a world-class smart city.”

    Apart from the FCT Minister, other speakers at the forum, which was moderated by the Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio, UNESCWA, Dr Sukaina Al Nasrawi, were Director of Data and Statistics Planning and Governance, Digital Dubai Authority, Sara Al Zarooni, Executive Director of Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Future Foundation, Saeed Al Falasi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, Crescent Enterprises, UAE, Tushar Singh Singhvi and Chief Sales Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa of Wilo Group, Lyman Tu.

    Wike was accompanied to the event by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu; Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda; Director, Department of Development and Control, Mukhtar Galadima, Director Engineering Services, Engr Chuks Udeh and Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura.

    The Minister underscored Abuja’s unique status as “a purpose-built and ever evolving capital with a clear master plan, vision, and mission anchored on service delivery to citizens.”

    Noting that under the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Abuja’s “Smart City Vision” was being driven by strategic investments across five key areas, Wike said; “Urban Mobility is about expansion of transportation networks, intelligent traffic systems, and public transport solutions to reduce congestion and enhance accessibility.

    “Sustainability is about smart waste management, renewable energy adoption, and waste-to-wealth initiatives aimed at a cleaner, greener environment.

    Read Also: Wike in Dubai for Asia Pacific cities’ summit, Mayor’s forum

    “Public Safety entails deployment of smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and rapid emergency response systems to improve security.

    “Digital Governance involves creation of platforms like the FCT Call Centre and digitized land registry to promote citizen engagement, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery.

    “Economic Empowerment bothers on creating jobs and attracting tech companies by expanding Abuja’s digital environment”.

    The Minister also emphasised the importance of data in shaping opportunities for Abuja’s youth, referencing Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database in partnership with global development partners. 

    “This system will match skills with job opportunities, guide targeted training, and support entrepreneurship programs led by the Abuja Enterprise Agency,” he said.

    Wike further reaffirmed that “Abuja’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city was not only about technology, but about placing citizens at the center of development – building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all”.

  • Lamido attacks PDP governors over ‘exclusion’ from chair race

    Lamido attacks PDP governors over ‘exclusion’ from chair race

    • Ex-Jigawa governor threatens legal action

    • ‘Turaki fit to lead party’

    Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has taken on governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over their adoption of Minister for Special Duties Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as consensus chairmanship candidate.

    The governors last week announced the decision, which has sparked controversy, ahead of the November 15 Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Sule chided the PDP governors for excluding him from the contest, saying that they had breached the time-tested procedure for leadership recruitment.

    He threatened legal action should the party decline to sell a nomination form to him.

    “They (governors) met me in PDP, for God’s sake. All of them met me in PDP. Where were they in 1998 (when the PDP was formed)? Where were they when we fought for the party all through the last 25 years? Don’t bring up issues that are very, very divisive. I don’t want to lose my composure,” Lamido told reporters at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja yesterday.

    The former Foreign Affairs minister is one of the founders of the PDP. He was a leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the Second Republic and National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), the party that produced the late Chief Moshood Abiola, during the aborted Third Republic.

    Lamido accused the PDP governors of deliberately excluding him from the chairmanship race in favour of Turaki.

    He said last week, when a meeting of the Northwest zonal leaders was fixed for Wednesday in Abuja, the governors met the previous day and announced Turaki’s choice as the consensus candidate.

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    Yesterday at the national secretariat of the party, his attempt to purchase the nomination form met a brick wall.

    The office of the National Organising Secretary, where he expected to pick up the form, was locked.

    I will sue if denied form, says Lamido

    Lamido said he was shocked to learn that the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature,  was unaware of the number of forms printed for sale.

    Dismissing Turaki’s endorsement as a consensus candidate as a ruse, he said, “If I am not able to get the form, I will go to court. Simple.

      “We are now going into a convention, and by the party constitution, sales of forms are normally at the party headquarters. I came here to purchase my own form. That’s why I’m here.

    “I went to the office of the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, which is normally the office where the forms are sold, and the office was locked. I think it was officially locked because of his own position. So, I met him with the Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. I said, Look, I’m here to buy the form.

    “Both of them said they had no idea where the forms are, not even how they were printed or the kind of forms that were printed, and they had no idea where they were being sold. So, I found it a little bit weird that the custodian of the system, who is the National Organising Secretary, is also being locked out because I’m coming in. So, they may not be able to go into the office.

    ‘”I went to the Secretary of the Party, and the two of them were there. They said, ‘Look, we have no idea what is happening about the party nomination, sales of the form, or even how they are printed, or the kind of forms. So, I’m now stranded”.

    Lamido, who rubbished the Turaki consensus, said: “Consensus? If there are consultations, there can be consensus. But if there are no consultations, then, we are not united on board. I mean, the zone where I come from, we never met.

    “We were supposed to meet on Wednesday, and the Governor of Zamfara State (Dauda Lawal) booked a hall at Transcorp Hilton for us from the Northwest to meet and come up with some kind of understanding.

    “But to pre-empt our meeting, they fixed a meeting for Tuesday. So, we never met. The zone never met. That’s the problem. But it’s not the last one.”

    Put your house in order

    Lamido said the PDP should put its house in order to make a headway in future elections.

    He stressed: “The PDP should be able to organise its own house to run the party based on the policies of the party, doing the right thing at all times. The only way we can win is by having a party that is disciplined party. If the party is not organised, if we don’t follow our own constitution and procedures, how do we win elections?

    “How will a non-united party even win elections? So, you see, my main concern is getting the PDP properly restored into a stable, united family that will be able to stay focused on the bigger picture ahead — saving Nigeria and Nigerians from the APC.”

    The former governor also said he was not aware of the announcement by the National Convention Organising Committee that it had taken over activities leading to the convention

    He said: “It has been extended. In any case, all decisions of the party must be made by the NEC. You know, any change of date or time must be approved by the NEC. But somehow, I think the entire function of the NEC has been taken over by individuals. And therefore, we’ll find out how it’s going to work out.

    “I’m an optimist. You know, it’s a family thing. We’ll never fight, no matter what, because we want to win the election. If we fight, we’ll lose. You know, our opponents are outside — APC. APC, not PDP. So, if you don’t have an organised house with a very organised force, how do you fight it out? So, please bear with us. Yes, it’s a family problem.

    Lamido also objected to the hasty screening of aspirants, saying, “We have something called procedure and a system of doing things. Why the rush? Why this kind of cunny cunny thing, that kind of thing? It’s a family thing, for God’s sake.

    But the screening, initially planned for today, has been postponed indefinitely.

    “All right? I can only contest if I buy the form. I cannot buy the form, which is to be sold by the National Organising Secretary, and he is locked up.

    “I went to the Secretary of the party, and they had no idea where the forms had been sold. I was told they are now under the control of the Governor of Adamawa. So, for me to buy the form, I have to go to Adamawa and buy the form?

     He dismissed the insinuation that the PDP governors sidelined him because of his closeness to senior figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Anyanwu, Bature: we don’t know anything about the sale of forms

    Anyanwu and Umar said they knew nothing about the sale of forms, adding that their constitutional functions had been taken over by the convention committee.

     Anyanwu, who said he has an ambition to contest for a position, emphasised that he does not know the number and colour of forms printed for the convention.

    The Secretary said he was only aware that the zoning committee said all positions in the North should remain in the North and those in the South should remain in the South.

    He therefore dismissed the micro-zoning of the Secretary to the Southwest.

    Anyanwu insisted that his signature was forged in the letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the date of the convention in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, adding that the matter is currently being investigated.

    He vowed that those responsible for the forgery would be brought to book.

    Bature also insisted that he was not aware of the printing and sales of forms for any elective position, although it is the responsibility of his office to sell forms for elective positions.

    Screening suspended

    The National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) has put on hold the screening of aspirants for the elective National Convention, earlier scheduled to hold today, due to unforeseen circumstances.

    The chairman of the committee, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, said in a statement that a new date would be communicated.

    He said: The NCOC regrets any inconveniences caused by the postponement. All Aspirants and members of our party should note the foregoing and be guided accordingly.

    “The NCOC remains committed to delivering a credible, hitch-free 2025 Elective National Convention on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November 2025 in Ibadan,   Oyo State.”

    Turaki campaign team: there was consultation on consensus

    The Turaki Campaign Team dismissed Lamido’s claim that the consensus option was not a product of wide consultation..

    The leader of the team, Alhaji Umar Sani, who spoke with reporters shortly after submitting Turaki’s nomination form, said the consultations were not restricted to the Northwest

    He said Lamido, who was at the PDP National Secretariat to pick the nomination form, failed to follow to right procedure, adding that he went to the wrong place.

    Sani said Turaki was not afraid of any contest,  adding that he does not belong to any of the factions tearing apart the party.

    He said: “First, let me say that today is not a day for selling forms. Today is a day for the submission of forms. So if Sule Lamido went to Wadata looking for forms, he went to the wrong place, because the party has stipulated which day you are supposed to go and buy forms, and which day you are supposed to submit the forms. So, we have just submitted our own.

    “If they don’t have it at Wadata House, we have no business with that. Our own business is that we bought the form, we have filled the form, we have followed all due process, and we have submitted the form. It is the responsibility of the PDP to explain to you. It is not our responsibility. Ours is to contest, and we are contesting.”

    On how Turaki got the form, Sani said: “The party has the powers, in line with the latest judgment of the Supreme Court, to decide how it wants to run its own internal affairs. So, how we got the form is immaterial. We have gotten the form, and we are contesting.”

    Emphasising that there was consultation on consensus, he said: “As a student of history, I am sure you are aware of how the PDP has been handling its own affairs, right from the time of Solomon Lar to date.

    “I was the first Administrative Secretary of the PDP in Kaduna State in 1998. I will let you know that apart from Solomon Lar, whom the G34 nominated to serve for only one year, to put the party on a sound footing, all other party chairmen were not exclusive of either the President or the Governors. All of them.

    “Banabas Gemade was the product of Obasanjo. Audu Ogbe was the product of Obasanjo. Ahmadu Ali was the product of Obasanjo. Vincent Ogbulafor was Yar’adua’s choice. The next person who was the choice of Jonathan was Bamanga Tukur. Adamu Mu’azu was chosen by Jonathan.

    “When Adamu Muazu resigned, we all knew that Wike and Fayose brought Ali Modu Sheriff. After Sheriff, it was in Port Harcourt, I was there, when Babangida Aliyu, who was not even from our zone, nominated Makarfi, and he was made a Caretaker Committee Chair. After that, Uche Secondus was brought by Wike, and Iyorcha Ayu was brought by Samuel Ortom and Wike.

    “So, the governors have an interest in the party. It is not about meeting in the Northwest, or whatever. The Chief Stakeholder in the North West, who is the Governor of Zamfara State, has aligned himself with the choice, which is very important.

    “Consultations have been done because there was a meeting. It was not something that was announced. A meeting was held with all the relevant stakeholders in all the states in the North, adequately represented.

    “The Governor of Zamfara State was there, the Governor of Adamawa State, Fintri, was there. I’m sure most of you know the meeting. So, I don’t have to even spoon-feed you with the information. And in that meeting, even the Governor of Taraba, who was not there, was represented by a Senator.

    “So, they were all there, and the candidates were all there. They were asked to go and reconcile themselves. Why is Ibrahim Shekarau not arguing? He was also a contestant, and they were asked to go and reconcile among themselves. They came back and said they have left the choice to the governors, anybody they choose, they are okay with it.

    “The governors went, held a brief meeting, and came back and said they have selected Turaki as the consensus candidate, and nobody present raised a finger in objection, nobody objected in the decision taken at the meeting.

    “Why is it that it’s after the meeting that people are going all about shouting? I think that is very unfair to Turaki. He didn’t choose himself.

    “Turaki is not afraid of anybody. He has not defected from the PDP. He knows the internal workings of the PDP. Secondly, Turaki has been in this party for a very long time. He has never aspired to become a House of Representatives member, a Senator or a governor. He aspired to become President.

    “Even when he aspired to become President and was defeated at the primaries in Porthacourt, he became the Director of Administration and Finance of the Presidential Campaign Council. So, he is very much aware that he has a responsibility. He has never run away from the party. He has never said that he would never attend any party meeting until somebody is removed.

    “He has always been in the party and has always provided his contributions where needed, both legal, financial, and otherwise. Now, if he is vested with the powers to continue to run the affairs of the party, he will put the party on a sound footing because he is neutral.

    “He is neither with Wike nor the Governor’s Forum. He is an independent-minded person, and we hope that he will bring his wealth of experience, which he has gathered over the years, both as a legal practitioner and as a former Minister of Special Duties.”