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  • INEC chair Amupitan: I will confront poll logistics crisis

    INEC chair Amupitan: I will confront poll logistics crisis

    • ’There’s need for Electoral Offences Commission’
    • Senate clears Tinubu’s nominee

    Logistics problems of elections will be tackled headlong, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Joash Amupitan, said yesterday.

    He spoke during his screening for the job by the Senate.

    His nomination was unanimously confirmed after more than three hours of drilling in the Red Chamber.

    Among the issues he addressed was the allegation that he was a member of President Tinubu’s legal team during the challenge to his 2023 election victory. He denied it.

    He also fielded questions on INEC’s independence, electoral integrity, free, fair and credible poll, use of technology in transmission of results, and Electoral Act review.

    After the screening, the nominee was permitted to take a bow and exit the Senate chambers with a promise that the decision of the senators would be conveyed to him.

    Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to restore all floor privileges earlier suspended.

    The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader Abba Moro and approved by the lawmakers when it was put to a voice vote.

    Thereafter, the Senate approved his nomination as INEC chairman when it was put to a voice vote.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio said: “The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as INEC chairman is hereby confirmed.”

    Before Amupitan and his entourage were admitted into the chamber, the Senate suspended its relevant rules to admit the candidate and other “strangers” into the chambers.

    Members of his entourage included the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Basheer Lado; Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya; the candidate’s wife, Mrs Amupitan, and his three children – Favour, Marvellous and Beloved.

    Akpabio asked Amupitan to take the stand and advised that he could sit down or ask for water during the course of the screening.

    We don’t want any incident here, Akpabio joked: “Our hospital is not ready yet.” There was general laughter.

    The Senate President also told his colleagues that vetting and fingerprinting had been done by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate).

    “The Department of State Services has also done security vetting, and the professor has been cleared.

    “The Office of the Inspector General of Police conducted fingerprint checks and, from the report I have, the subject does not have any criminal record with the police as of date,” he said.

    During his brief self-introduction, Amupitan acknowledged the authority and supremacy of the Senate as the apex lawmaking chamber in the country.

    “We are told that Parliament is so powerful that it can turn a man into a woman and in reverse; I am not oblivious to the constitutional powers and authority of this Senate,” Amupitan said.

    Read Also: You will remain ‘social media’ President, Wike tells Obi

    He appreciated President Tinubu for nominating him for the job, saying: “I thank the President of the Federal Republic as well as the Council of State for nominating me for this very important task of service to the nation.”

    ‘God, hard work, and mentorship my guiding principles’

    Amupitan told the legislators that three things have influenced his rising life, which include “God, hard work, and mentorship.”

    He added: “I am proud to report that I was the first professor of law from Kogi State. I was appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014.”

    Amupitan told the lawmakers that he is not new to the precincts of the hallowed chambers, having worked alongside lawmakers on several issues.

    “I have also worked with the National Assembly on institutional building policies and seminars. I was a consultant to the House of Representatives on certain matters, and I presented the keynote address at the House of Representatives’ second anniversary on the appraisal of the legislative agenda.

    “In 2008, I presented a paper on politics and governance and the challenge of electoral reform, and I was a member of the 8th House of Representatives committee on law reform, working on the review of over 500 pieces of legislation.

    “I assisted in harmonising the 2018 Electoral Act under the auspices of relevant bodies, though the bill was subsequently vetoed by the former President.”

    ‘There’ll be an audit’

    Speaking during his screening, Amupitan said if confirmed, he would, among other tasks, carry out a general audit of INEC, especially the logistics challenges and proffer suitable solutions to them in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

    He said: “We must confront these problems head-on. Let me give one example, logistics.

    “We rely on third-party logistics to transport sensitive election materials. Some of the vehicles are old and unreliable.

    “When they drop materials, they often don’t wait to take the results back. So, when voting ends and results are ready for collation, we face serious challenges with transportation.

    “We don’t need to keep hiring vehicles and machines for every election.

    “INEC needs to take logistics more seriously, even if it means developing its own transport fleet. That’s one practical example I know.”

    He also gave a personal example that in the 2023 election, his wife was a collation officer, who had to move a generator from the house to the centre.

    At that point, the Senate President said: “So, Professor, you’re saying that when materials are dropped off at polling units, the vehicles rarely come back to pick up results? Do you mean they forgot some of our results at the polling units?”

    “Yes, sir, in some cases,” Amupitan said. “It’s not that results are forgotten, but the presiding officers are often stranded.

    “When logistics fail, they have to find their own way to the collation centres, sometimes very late.”

    He added: “There must be clarity of purpose. Glitches, especially during the presidential election, eroded confidence.

    “I intend to audit the system to identify what is wrong and whether we have what it takes as presently configured. It is not just INEC’s responsibility.

    “Agencies such as the NCC, NIMC, and service providers must work together to ensure reliable technology.

    “There will definitely be an audit of the system and logistics to ensure the proper strategy is put in place.

    “We all know the problems, and we will find a proper strategy to confront them.”

    ‘IREV not part of result collation system’

    Quoting from a ruling of the Supreme Court, Amupitan said that the use of INEC’s Results Viewing Portal (IREV) was not a part of the results collation system of the Commission.

    “A lot of people thought it was part of the results collation system, but the Supreme Court said it is not,” he said.

    He said that there is a need to establish an Electoral Offences Commission to help investigate and prosecute electoral offenders.

    “INEC does not have the capacity for investigation and prosecution at the moment,” he said.

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau fired the first salvo on the judicious use of funds appropriated, after Akpabio cleared the way for questions.

    In his response, Amupitan said: “Under the Constitution, INEC is an independent body and a commission on first line charge.”

    He added: “One practical problem with independence and autonomy relates to finances.

    “Although it has been legislated that funds should be released at least a year before an election, funds often do not come in time, and the envelope system constrains the institution financially.

    “There is also ignorance of authority and power; autonomy is legislated but sometimes not fully exercised.

    “We will look at the spirit and letter of the Constitution and the laws made by the National Assembly, use our knowledge to ensure INEC’s independence, and audit to identify and address factors that constrain autonomy. I can give that assurance.”

    The Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, questioned him on the integrity of elections in Africa.

    Senator Simon Lalong remarked that he “went through” Amupitan when he did his Master’s at the University of Jos.

    However, Akpabio interjected, asking him to explain what he meant by “I went through”.

    Lalong explained that Amupitan was serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law when he did his Master’s programme at the University of Jos. “He did not lecture me. I only know he was the Dean.”

    In his response, Akpabio said: “I know you want to vouch for his integrity, but do not favour him by saying you went through, went under and went above him when you attended the school.” There was general laughter following the comment of the Senate President.

    Akpabio asked: “BVAS and IReV were meant to be game changers, but presented difficulties and problems during elections. If you become INEC chairman, what do you hope to do?”

    Amupitan said his goal, if allowed to be INEC chairman, would be to ensure the integrity of the image of the Commission and the electoral process.

    He said: “The Supreme Court clarified that IReV is not an electronic collation system; the law prescribed manual collation and IReV was intended as a safeguard for comparison.”

    Senator Abdulaziz Yari asked how to ensure transparency in managing INEC’s budget is being used judiciously, particularly during the major elections, while Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume asked how he would ensure that security agencies perform their roles professionally, without compromising the integrity of elections.

    Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal asked Amupitan about clauses in the Electoral Act that require amendment to improve the integrity of our elections, while Senator Abdul Ningi asked how the Commission can achieve real-time electronic transmission of results.

    Senator Orji Uzor Kalu wanted to know how Amupitan would ensure the timely deployment of materials and personnel so that no Nigerian is disenfranchised, while Senator Osita Ngwu asked about what internal mechanism he would deploy to prevent and detect compromise among INEC staff.

  • Nigeria will surpass IMF’s 3.9%  growth forecast, say experts

    Nigeria will surpass IMF’s 3.9%  growth forecast, say experts

    • ‘Inflation drop a reflection of reforms’
    • Stock market gains N389b

    Economic and finance experts were unanimous yesterday that the Nigerian economy has entered a strong recovery phase, with the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth expected to exceed the upgraded projection of 3.9 per cent by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    IMF, in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) released at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, United States, revised upward its Nigeria’s growth forecast of 3.4 per cent to 3.9 per cent in 2025 and 4.1 per cent in 2026.

    It cited improvements in the country’s macroeconomic outlook.

    The IMF also yesterday weighed in on the latest inflation report, noting that the continuing disinflation trend was a reflection of the Nigerian government’s reforms.

    The Nigerian stock market yesterday spurted to capitalisation of N94.17 trillion after investors opened up market orders in a scramble that added N389 billion in net capital gains. Market value of all quoted companies at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) regained its bullishness on Wednesday on the back of the release of the IMF’s WEO.

    Director of the Africa Department at IMF, Abebe Selassie, said the reforms in exchange rate and monetary policy tightening of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) played significant role in the gradual drop of inflation rate to 18.02 per cent in September.

    Speaking yesterday during the Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, Selassie said the Fund was encouraged by the September inflation rate, but advised that the government do more to bring down the cost of living for the people.

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report showed that headline inflation rate dropped by 210 basis points from 20.12 per cent in August 2025 to 18.02 per cent in September 2025. It was the sixth consecutive time since April 2025.

    The decline in headline inflation rate was driven by broad improvements in prices, especially with substantial drop in prices of food items. Food inflation had dropped by 500 basis points from 21.87 per cent in August 2025 to 16.87 points in September 2025.

    Selassie said Nigeria’s economic reforms would further support the projected 3.9 per cent growth for 2025, and 4.1 per cent growth for 2026.

    He noted that to rein in inflation, the CBN tightened policy aggressively, raising rates by more than 800 basis points and strengthening liquidity management.

    He said the use of orthodoxy by halting central bank financing of government beyond statutory limits and re-anchoring monetary policy on its core mandate also supported the decline in inflation rate.

    Experts said all indications for substantial growth in the period ahead are in favour of Nigeria as the reforms have laid a strong foundation for sustained and accelerated growth.

    The experts who spoke yesterday included Chief Executive Officer, Economic Associates, Dr. Ayo Teriba; Executive Chairman, Bristol Group of Companies, Dr Chijioke  Ekechukwu; Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe; Managing Director, APT Securities & Fund, Mallam Kasimu Kurfi and Head, Transparency International in Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests two Metro digital TV employees for alleged illegal  rebroadcast of DStv, GOtv Channel

    Teriba said Nigeria’s quarterly growth trajectory and the ongoing momentum being witnessed by the economy were reflective of the country’s potential to surpass IMF’s projection.

    According to him, Nigeria’s challenge is no longer how to ignite growth but to sustain the ongoing economic recovery, which rests on three interlinked pillars of liquidity, stability, and growth, with liquidity being the foundation.

    He outlined that government’s reforms have seen net foreign reserves growing from less than $4 billion to over $23 billion, stabilising the naira for ten consecutive months and easing inflation that had been rising for nearly two years.

    He stressed that the government must further deepen liquidity, targeting reserves of up to $100 billion through stronger foreign direct investment rather than short-term portfolio inflows.

    To sustain the current momentum, he urged policymakers to shift from borrowing to partnership-driven investments, opening critical infrastructure sectors such as ports, transmission networks, refineries, and airports to genuine private capital participation.

    He said: “Don’t borrow—let investors come in and take a share in those companies,” warning against repeating past waste and mismanagement of borrowed funds.

    He also emphasised consistency in the ongoing foreign exchange reforms, particularly the single exchange rate regime, while ensuring all relevant stakeholders, including money transfer operators and foreign direct investment (FDI) players, remain part of the policy dialogue.

    He however noted that Nigeria needs 20 consecutive quarters of growth above four per cent to secure a durable recovery.

    He said such sustained growth would require disciplined reform implementation, continuing investor confidence, and long-term policy continuity that keeps liquidity, stability, and growth in balance.

    Kurfi said IMF’s 3.9 per cent GDP growth target was below government’s target of above four per cent, with all odds favouring government’s optimistic outlook of the economy.

    He said Nigeria is poised to see more foreign investments and stronger forex given the country’s natural resources and the benefits of the macroeconomic reforms.

    He said: “The FDI is likely to continue to flow because of the country’s potential, with the largest population in Africa and is likely to become number four in the world terms of population by 2050. We will see more foreign investors due to the young population and our size in Africa. All economic indicators look good for Nigeria-low inflation, stable exchange rate, and high GDP growth. To add to this, the falling price of food is making food available for all”.

    Amolegbe said it was not surprising that IMF upgraded its growth projection for Nigeria as the reform agenda of the Nigerian government boosted both local and foreign investors’ confidence, while strengthening the nation’s fiscal position.

    “My expectation is for the government to continue with the reforms in various sectors particularly with policies to improve productivity and economic growth. Efforts to also diversify the revenue base away from over dependence on oil should also continue apace. Also, efforts to lower the cost of living as well as ameliorating the impact of reforms on the citizenry must also continue to receive priority,” Amolegbe said.

    Ekechukwu  said the numerous reforms by the government have been instrumental to favourable global ratings, including the latest upgrade of the country’s growth outlook by the IMF.

    He said: “The volatility of the foreign exchange market has reduced. The instability, rising inflation, and rising interest rates have reversed. Business owners can now plan on the level of stability experienced.

  • Court fixes Mon to hear suit on PDP convention

    Court fixes Mon to hear suit on PDP convention

    • Bayelsa council chairmen quit party as senator joins APC

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed a definite hearing for Monday on the case challenging the proposed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention, billed for November 15 and 16.

    Justice James Omotosho assured the parties that he would do all within his powers to determine the suit before the end of this month, for them to know their fate.

    The judge spoke following a complaint by a lawyer to the PDP, Chris Uche (SAN), that the party was being held back by the status order earlier made by the court.

    Justice Omotosho restated its order for parties in the suit seeking to stop the November convention of the PDP to maintain the status quo.

    He cautioned that no party should take any step that could render the decision of his court nugatory.

    Omotosho warned that he would not hesitate to make consequential orders against any party that resorts to self-help.

    Following an application by Uche that the suit be promptly heard and determined, the judge said no party would be allowed to deploy dilatory tactics to derail his determination to hear the case expeditiously.

    He said: “You and I, as lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, know that once a suit is filed in respect of any matter and parties have been served with processes, it is the law that no party should take any step in respect of such suit.

    “The court must not be overreached, and where such is done, the court has power to issue a consequential order, nullifying such an act. We all know the law, and please, let us respect the law. It is in our collective interest.

    “In the instant case, I can assure you that the court decision will be made between now and the end of October.

    “On the day of the judgment, parties will be given copies of the judgment.

    Read Also: You will remain ‘social media’ President, Wike tells Obi

    “I type my own judgments by myself, so there will be no issue of any delay,” Justice Omotosho said.

    The judge subsequently adjourned till Monday for a definite hearing in the suit, upon confirmation by lawyers to the parties that all necessary documents have been filed.

    He directed that the documents so filed must be exchanged by all parties at most by today to enable him to hear the suit on the scheduled date.

    At yesterday’s proceedings, PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), insisted that he was the lawyer for the PDP, while Uche said he was yet to be debriefed by the party.

    In view of the development, Justice Omotosho ordered both lawyers to file the necessary documents to enable him to determine the proper lawyer for the PDP.

    The plaintiffs in the suit are  Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia chairman) and Turnah  George (PDP Secretary, South-South).

    Listed as defendants are the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Secretary Samuel Anyanwu; National  Working Committee(NWC), National Executive Committee(NEC), National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi.

    Fintiri:  PDP bigger than every individual 

    Chairman of the PDP  Convention Organising Committee and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said in Ibadan yesterday that the PDP remains unmoved by the gale of defections rocking it.

    Fintiri boasted that as an institution, the PDP was stronger than any individual.

     He spoke shortly after leading top party leaders to inspect the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba,  venue of the convention and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan.

    The officials included host Governor Seyi Makinde; Deputy Chairman of  the party Taminu Turaki (SAN), and Convention Secretary Ben Obi

    Fintiri, who said the party is fully prepared for the convention, added that the  PDP is more than determined to reclaim power in 2027.

    He thanked Governor  Makinde for his support.   ‎

    The convention committee chairman said: “We are fully ready and prepared for the convention coming on the 15th and 16th of November.

    “We are here to have an on-the-spot assessment of the venue for the convention in Ibadan. And the stadium is where we are going to use as the convention ground.

    “What I have seen is quite impressive and excellent. What is remaining is for us to dot the i’s and cross the T’s. And I think we are good to go.”

    On the gale of defections hitting the PDP, he said, “I think we are still very strong. PDP is an institution. It is not about individuals. So, individuals leave. The PDP remains. And we are still a very formidable party. Fully prepared and ready for 2027.

    “The PDP is not built around individuals. It is an institution with deep roots and strong values. People may leave, but the party remains. We’re still very formidable, and our eyes are on the bigger goal — 2027. “What we’re doing here is beyond 2025. We’re setting the tone for a renewed PDP, one that Nigerians can trust again.”

    The governor assured that the upcoming convention would consolidate internal reforms and usher in a leadership capable of repositioning the PDP for national relevance.

    Bayelsa Senator defects to APC, LG chairmen  dump PDP 

    The Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Kombenwei Benson and all the eight  Local Government Chairmen in the state yesterday announced their formal resignation from the PDP.

    Benson conveyed his decision in a letter to Senate President  Godwill Akpabio, while the council chairmen announced their decision at a news conference in Yenagoa.

    Unlike the Senator who would move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the council chiefs stated that they were awaiting  Governor Douye Diri’s next move..

    Diri exited the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) on Wednesday but did not make public the party he would pitch his tent with. But speculations are rife that he would toe the path of his  Enugu State counter, Peter Mbah, who moved to the ruling APC on Tuesday. 

    In his letter to Senate President     Akpabio, Benson said his loss of ‘’ hope in the capacity of the PDP to play the role of a political party,’’ informed his decision to abandon the opposition party.

    He said: ‘In coming to this decision, I have taken a deep look at the protracted leadership crisis and the division that has resulted from the competition for power within the PDP, especially at the national level.

    I have lost hope in the capacity of the PDP to play the role of a political party.

    “I am, therefore, left with no option but to resign my membership of the PDP and move to the All Progressive Congress.’’

    The Senator said he was happy with  the  ‘’uncommon transformer and President of the Senate, who has provided uncommon love, kindness and leadership in the Senate.”

    Also yesterday, the eight council chairmen in Bayelsa, who backed   Diri’s resignation from the  PDP,   thanked Bayelsa residents for their support for the ‘’prosperity government’’ of the governor.

    “We are indeed grateful for the opportunity to serve you for the past one and a half years,’’ they said at the news conference addressed by Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area,   Lelei  Isaac.

    Isaac said: ‘’We were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, and today, we are aware that our leader, the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party.

    ”As chairmen  we support the decision of our governor, we stand with him and consequently, we hereby resign our membership of the PDP.”

    Other chairmen  at the news conference were David Alagoa(Nembe),  Target  Segibo(Southern Ijaw), Bulodisiye Ndiwari  (Yenagoa),  Isaac Onniye (Ekeremor) and  Golden Jeremiah(Ogbia).  

    Alice Tangi, chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area and   Lucky Febo  of Brass LGA were   absent.

    State PDP accepts Diri’s resignation

    The    PDP in  the  state  said   it had formally accepted the resignation of   Diri.

    It expressed   gratitude to  him  for his  leadership and prayed for his success in ‘’future pursuits.”

    The party, according to a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ebiye  Ogoli,  said Diri’s resignation letter was accepted at an emergency meeting in Yenagoa. The letter was addressed to the Kolga Ward 6 chairman of the PDP  and copied to the State Working Committee (SWC).

      Ogoli’s statement reads: “While recognising the governor’s decision, the PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the party’s vision, goals, and objectives, assuring members of continued loyalty and dedication. They emphasised that all party structures within the Bayelsa State chapter remain solid and unified.

    “The party also extended their best wishes to Governor Diri, praying for success in his future pursuits.”

    The letter listed the state chairman,  Solomon Agwana; Deputy Chairman    Ben  Odon; Secretary,  Gesiye Isowo; Treasurer  Luke Demeoru; Vice Chairman (Central)   Wisdom Nathan; and  Organising Secretary   Indutimi Opurubelebo as those who attended the emergency meeting. 

  • You will remain ‘social media’ President, Wike tells Obi

    You will remain ‘social media’ President, Wike tells Obi

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday questioned the leadership qualities and capacity of the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to govern the country.

    Wike said Obi will continue to contest as President on social media but not as president of Nigeria.

    He spoke at the commissioning of two newly constructed roads – ILS11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR24 (Kez Udezue Street) – in the Mabushi area of Abuja.

    The Minister faulted Obi’s constant criticisms of the government.

    Wike said Obi lacks the integrity to lecture anyone on governance, having, according to him, failed as Anambra Governor.

    The Minister advised Obi to keep silent instead of criticizing good governance.    

    Wike said: “You run as president under a party, and you cannot manage the party, ordinary party. You cannot manage to hold a party together; it is Nigeria of over 200 million people that you want to manage? Ordinary party of how many people? Crisis. You can’t hold them but you want to manage a complex nation like Nigeria. It is not available for people like you. You can know a good dancer from the first step”.

    Wike accused Obi of hypocrisy, noting that while he flaunts public shows of compassion, his record in Anambra State tells a different story.

    “Mr Peter Obi, we just came into office two years ago. We have not even stayed four years, but you stayed eight good years. Compare two years in office of what you have done in FCT and compare eight years in office in Anambra. Can you really say you love this country? Can you really say you love Anambra? Certainly not. If I were you, I would be quiet. Why not be quiet? Enough is enough.

    Read Also: Wike tackles Obi over comments on condition of FCT schools

    “You cannot be President of Nigeria only when you go to one IDP camp for a birthday party. ‘I went to my birthday party in an IDP camp…’ Who is interested in all those things? Doing your birthday party in an IDP camp does not make it feel that you love Nigeria or want to do anything for Nigeria. 

    “When you were a Governor, why didn’t you do your birthday party in an IDP camp? It is now you want to be president. Every day, I am going to celebrate my birthday with the less privileged. Who will you deceive? Enough is enough,” he said.

    Wike alleged that Obi prioritised personal profit over development during his eight years in office.

    He said: “Some people, because of politics, castigate the government. For example, I heard one of the social media presidential candidates went to one of the local authority area schools and was saying that the government has abandoned public schools. In particular, his name is Mr Peter Obi.

    “It is not everything you must play politics with. Peter Obi, you were Governor for eight years in Anambra State. If you had finished all the jobs, nobody would be talking about developing Anambra by now. Instead of developing Anambra, you took the money and put it in the bank where you have interest. The money was there to develop Anambra State but you only preferred profit, and Anambra was suffering.

    “Again, we will show you in the next few weeks what we have been able to do in our public schools in just two years, while you (Obi) are talking about eight years. Everything must not be propaganda. As the Minister of FCT, I cannot claim I know everywhere in Abuja. It is not possible. So, if you are a responsible citizen, it is not just to go to social media to think that they will love you.

    “You will continue to contest as president on social media, but not as president of Nigeria”.

  • BREAKING: Bayelsa Senator Friday Benson Konbowei defects to APC

    BREAKING: Bayelsa Senator Friday Benson Konbowei defects to APC

    Senator Friday Benson Konbowei representing Bayelsa Central on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Konbowei’s letter of defection before close of plenary.

    Konbowei attributed the decision to dump the PDP to the intractable crises bedeviling the party.

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Senate confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman

    BREAKING: Senate confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman

    The Senate on Thursday, approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The confirmation of Amupitan followed a screening session by lawmakers in the Senate Chamber during a Committee of the Whole.

    Lawmakers asked many questions during the session, which Amupitan responded to.

    After the screening exercise, the nominee was permitted to take a bow and exited the Senate chambers with a promise that the decision of the lawmakers would be conveyed to him.

    After the exit of the INEC Chairman-designate and entourage, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to restore all floor privileges earlier suspended. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Amupitan to audit INEC, 2023 election logistics

    The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader and approved by the lawmakers when it was put to voice vote.

    Thereafter Senate President Akpabio approved nomination of Amupitan for appointment as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when it was put to voice vote.

    “The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Akpabio said.

  • BREAKING: Senate begins screening of Amupitan

    BREAKING: Senate begins screening of Amupitan

    The Senate has commenced the screening of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday transmitted the name of the candidate for screening and confirmation.

    Before Amupitan began reading his profile, the Senate suspended its relevant rules to admit the candidate and other strangers in his entourage into the chambers.

    They include the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, the candidates wife, Mrs Amupitan, and three children namely, Barrister Favour Amupitan, Marvelous Amupitan and Beloved Amupitan.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, asked Amupitan to take the stand and advised that he could sit down or ask for water during the course of the screening.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu seeks Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan as INEC chairman

    We don’t want any incident here, Akpabio said jokingly, “Our hospital is not ready yet.”

    While reading his profile, Amupitan said that three things influence him in life, which he listed as God, hardwork and mentorship.

    He declined that he is privileged first Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Kogi State.

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Kanu fit to stand trial – NMA

    BREAKING: Kanu fit to stand trial – NMA

    The team empanelled by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has said the ailment complained about by detained self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life threatening.

    The medical team was ordered by Justice James Omotosho, midway into Kanu’s terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, to ascertain Kanu’s actual health status following conflicting claims on the issue by medical experts engaged by the prosecution and the defence.

    In the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), part of which was read in the open court during Thursday’s proceedings, it was stated the the defendant’s ailment is not life threatening.

    The team concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.

    Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to parties, Justice Omotosho said the court was convinced that the defendant could proceed with the trial.

    Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the defendant six consecutive days, begining from October 23, to open and close his defence.

    The judge granted an oral application by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN) that Kanu’s legal team be granted private consultation opportunity with the defendant, outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Read Also: Nigeria’s and the Nnamdi Kanu dilemma

    Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be tapped or recorded by the DSS.

    Justice Omotosho also acceded to Agabi’s request that the private meeting with Kanu be held in the courtroom, during which only the defendant and his lawyers would be present.

    By the court’s directive, the private consultation meeting will hold within the courtroom between 9am and 12nooon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23.

    Details shortly…

  • Lokpobiri, Wike, others okay Diri’s exit from PDP

    Lokpobiri, Wike, others okay Diri’s exit from PDP

    • Deputy governor yet to decide
    • Dickson, Obi kick
    • PDP state chairmen endorse convention

    Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was hit in its underbelly again yesterday with the resignation of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri from its fold.

    Twenty-four hours earlier, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, at a well-attended event with Vice President Kashim Shettima in attendance, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Diri, who served as chairman of the PDP’s zoning committee ahead of next month’s convention until yesterday, announced that he had resigned his membership of the PDP forthwith.

    Although he did not state which party he is joining, sources said he is heading for the APC.

    He said: “After extensive consultation, today, the 15th day of October 2025, I wish to formally notify you that in keeping with the extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the PDP.

    “I am not resigning alone, as you can see. I am here with Mr Speaker, Deputy Speaker and all the members of our party (in the Assembly) who are with me on this.

    “So, I have formally resigned from the PDP for very obvious reasons.”

    Apart from the House of Assembly members, those of the state executive council have also resigned from the PDP.

    But Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo was not with the governor when he announced he was leaving the party.

    It was learnt that he had not made up his mind on whether to follow the governor out of the party that brought them into power.

    Diri’s action got the backing of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who urged him to complete the process by joining the APC without hesitation.

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike also endorsed Diri’s exit from the PDP.

    But Diri’s immediate predecessor, Sen. Seriake Dickson and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi faulted the governor’s action.

    Also yesterday, Sen. Ben Murray Bruce, who represented Bayelsa East, defected from the PDP to the APC.

    Apart from Lokpobiri, other APC leaders in Bayelsa, such as former Governor-elect Mr. David Lyon, former Deputy Governor-elect Senator Degi Eremienyo, Osomkime Blankson and Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, welcomed the governor’s resignation.

    Lokpobiri advises Diri to join APC

    Lokpobiri, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, praised Diri for “jumping out of the sinking ship” in the interest of the state.

    He described his decision as “a bold, patriotic, and strategic step toward Bayelsa’s greater integration with federal development efforts.”

    He urged the governor to formally join the APC to “ensure full alignment of the state with the Federal Government and to tap into the transformative policies and developmental opportunities under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    Wike lauds Tinubu’s pull factor

    Wike said he has been vindicated by the defections to the APC.

    He said the governors should commend the President for “doing a good job” of paving the way for them to join the ruling party.

    Wike added: “I have been watching on daily television and social media, people who said I want to destabilise the party, I am working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC.

    “So, which means if it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading. So, I should be commended for doing a good job for them.”

    The minister said under the Tinubu Administration, there is no excuse for poor performance because every state has enough resources to pay salaries and embark on credible projects.

    Wike said: “Let every state be sincere to their people, and to Nigerians. I was a governor for eight years. I was a governor running around banks to look for money to do projects.

    “Sometimes, every month, the money that comes will not be enough to pay salaries and all other allowances, not to mention doing projects.

    “Today, by the leadership of somebody, by the decisive leadership of somebody who has made it possible for all the states, and the Federal Capital Territory, not to be running around banks again, banks are now looking for states to say: ‘Look, don’t throw us away, we are here.

    “Somebody has made that possible; every state now has money, not only to pay salaries, not only to carry out government activities, but also to embark on projects. It was not like that before.”

    Wike described the decisions to defect and support the Tinubu-led administration as “worthwhile”, adding that no governor will leave debts for their successors any longer, as it used to be.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri hails Tompolo on peace in Niger Delta, seeks expansion of security contracts

    He said: “So, if, for that reason, so many people are going to support Mr President, I think it is worthwhile.

    “Now, no governor will talk about leaving debts for his successor, unlike what used to happen. That is the leadership of somebody.

    “And that’s what this country needs for now. Visionary leadership, purposeful leadership, that will be able to make decisions. Decisions that people were running away from taking when they had the opportunity”.

    Dickson: Diri’s resignation ridiculous

    Senator Dickson distanced himself from Diri’s resignation, saying it was “ridiculous.’’   

    Wondering why the governor, who is in his second term in office, would leave his party, Dickson warned that the growing wave of opposition figures crossing over to the ruling APC poses a grave danger to the nation’s democracy.

    The former governor, who represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, criticised some PDP leaders for defecting to the APC instead of fixing the internal problems they created.

    He said: “I remain where I have always been, in the PDP. I do not believe Nigeria should be a one-party state. As a soldier of democracy, I am used to the ups and downs of political life.

    “I remain steadfast in the PDP, working with colleagues to ensure that the problems in the party are solved.

    “I hope the governors and the leadership who created the mess in our party, instead of showing leadership, will now take responsibility.

    “It is very sad. It makes Nigeria look small and makes our democracy look ridiculous,” he said.

    The former governor lamented what he described as a culture of political opportunism in Nigeria, contrasting it with Ghana’s democratic tradition.

    He said: “In Ghana, when President Mahama lost the elections, he stayed in his party. When Akufo-Addo’s party later lost, they stayed.

    “President Mahama contested again, won, and was congratulated by his opponent even before the final tally. That’s democracy.

    “In Nigeria, politicians defect at the slightest opportunity, whatever they are pursuing or whatever is pursuing them. It belittles our democracy and endangers our multi-party system. 

    “There must always be opposition. A democracy without opposition ceases to be a democracy; it becomes a dictatorship and totalitarianism.” 

    The senator revealed that  Diri consulted him several times before he resigned from the PDP. 

    “The governor consulted me several times, to his credit. I was not convinced because I saw no compelling reason for a second-term governor to defect,” he said.

    Nobody can capture Southeast, says Obi

    No political party can capture any state electorally because a governor defects to it, Obi said.

    He told reporters in Abuja, while reacting to the gale of defections to the ruling APC, especially in the Southeast, that this is a democracy, not military rule, where states are captured.

    Obi said: “The people will decide where to go, not governors or Senators, no party will capture or win any state just because it has a governor.

    “Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine. And I believe that as governor, he must have taken his decision based on his own political views and calculations”

    “As for the alleged plot to capture the Southeast, we are not in a military time when you capture people. You are a leader. You tend to do the right things for them to follow you.

    “So, I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere. The government needs to do more if it wants the people to support it.”

    PDP chair: Diri’s reasons not clear yet

    Bayelsa State PDP Chairman Solomon  Agwana, in an interview, ruled out the likelihood of challenging Diri’s action in court.

    He said he would not, for now, make an elaborate comment on the development because the reasons adduced by the governor were sketchy.

    He said: “He is the leader of the party here. He had reasons for leaving, so let’s still give him some time so that the reasons become clear. As of today, the details remain unclear.

    “We cannot say as a party if we are joining him; he has not said where he is going. He resigned from the party today, so let’s give him some time for us to know where he is heading, and then subsequent details will be made public.’’

    Agwana dismissed the idea of a legal challenge to Diri’s resignation, adding that the party at the national level was grappling with a lot of defection issues, which it has not resolved.

    Murray-Bruce explains defection

    Murray-Bruce declared support for President Tinubu’s economic and governance reforms.

    In a statement yesterday, he said his decision to join APC was driven by conviction, not politics, describing Tinubu as a leader “driven by results, not applause.”

    “I have known President Tinubu since 1998. He is courageous, focused, and committed to results. Today, I can boldly say he is on the right track,” he said.

    The former lawmaker praised the administration’s economic policies, noting that the President “understands finance” and is “laying the foundation for tomorrow’s prosperity” through deregulation and market-oriented reforms.

    He lauded improvements in national security, monetary policy, and infrastructure, saying: “The Central Bank is stabilising the economy, the fuel sector is deregulated, and roads, ports, and housing projects are springing up nationwide.”

    Acknowledging current hardship, Murray-Bruce urged Nigerians to remain patient, describing reform as “never painless but necessary for rebirth.”

    “I am joining the APC not for politics, but for progress,” he said. “I believe Tinubu’s leadership will deliver the Nigeria we dream of. I choose to stand with reform and the future.”

    Shehu Sani backs defection

    Senator Shehu Sani, in a post on his X handle @ShehuSani, stated: “Why should a man in LP be angry with a man from PDP who moved to APC when you knew that most of the People in LP were people who voluntarily migrated from PDP or were forced to leave the PDP.

    “You left Africa for Syria, and they left Africa for Spain. You are in Syria with Abure, and you are angry that they left for Spain. You saw the vision and left, and they trailed your footsteps. The defectors only divorced the wife you once divorced.”

  • IMF urges Nigeria to prioritise infrastructure funding

    IMF urges Nigeria to prioritise infrastructure funding

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday called on the Federal Government to prioritise fiscal policies that strengthen public finance management and capital expenditure on infrastructure and education in order to consolidate the country’s macroeconomic gains.

    On the back of the higher growth projection for the country, IMF said Nigeria must muster further political will to implement additional fiscal policies that reinforce emerging gains and reduce vulnerabilities to domestic and external shocks.

    The IMF had raised Nigeria’s growth forecast to 3.9 per cent in 2025 and 4.1 per cent in 2026, citing improvements in the country’s macroeconomic outlook.

    Speaking yesterday during the Fiscal Monitor session at the ongoing World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington DC, Division Chief, Fiscal Affairs Department IMF, Davide Furceri, said that Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal and structural reforms were neutral and well aligned with monetary policies designed to curb inflation and stabilise the economy.

    He advised Nigeria to focus on revenue and expenditure sides of public finance.

    He said: “Nigeria has made significant progress in recent years. Several laws have been passed to streamline the tax code, reduce tax expenditures and ease the compliance burden for businesses and coerce. These are steps in the right direction”.

    He called for greater efficiency in public spending to ensure better outcomes for citizens.

    According to him, optimising how resources are allocated and spent could deliver substantial economic and social gains.

    “In addition, it is important to increase social spending, particularly to support vulnerable households and ensure inclusive growth,” Furceri said.

    He urged Nigeria to continue to implement key fiscal and monetary reforms under its medium-term economic framework, fiscal discipline, improved revenue generation and enhanced transparency in public finance management.

    He added that IMF’s endorsement reflected growing confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory, even as the government pushes for policies aimed at boosting growth, reducing inequality and sustaining macroeconomic stability.

    Read Also: IMF seeks autonomous central banks in stronger global system

    He said: “These are policies that go in the right direction. On the spending side, there is scope to, on the one hand, improve the efficiency of the spending itself — and we also talk in the chapter about the gains that can be achieved when countries improve the efficiency and composition of spending — but also to increase social spending to address social vulnerability in the country”.

    Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department at the IMF, Vitor Gasper, said Nigeria needs to prioritise fiscal policy issues by strengthening public finance management and improving the quality of spending to help stimulate growth and achieve sustainability in its debts.

    Nigeria’s debt position stood at N152.3 trillion as at June 2025, data from Debt Management Office (DMO) showed.

    According to him, persistence of spending above tax revenues will push debts higher threatening sustainability and financial stability.

    He called for more expenditure on infrastructure and education, by changing the composition of public spending while keeping the overall envelope fixed.

    He advised that prioritizing fiscal policy is essential to support debt sustainability and prepare fiscal buffers to use in case of severe adverse shocks including financial crises.

    He said: “But while we do recognise that the fiscal equation is very hard to square politically, the time to prepare is now.  Improving growth prospects and enhancing public trust in government help balance the fiscal equation. Fiscal policy is structural policy. Deploying fiscal structural policy improves growth prospects and reinforces complementarities and synergies with the private sector”.

    Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardoso, yesterday hinted that the CBN was developing a framework to ensure that currency swap arrangements with other countries were structured to deliver mutual benefits.

    He said the intention was was to strengthen the country’s position in international trade and financial cooperation.

    He said there was a link between disciplined fiscal and monetary policies, economic growth, and a gradual reduction in inflationary pressures.

    He said the government’s reforms have removed distortions and laid foundation for economic development.

    Speaking yesterday at the investors’ forum held at the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, Cardoso, who is the leader of the Nigerian delegation, said that bold and comprehensive reforms have led to greater macroeconomic resiliency and positive economic outcomes.

    The investors forum attended by JP Morgan and other stakeholders was meant to attract global investors to the domestic economy.

    The Federal Government will also issue about $2.3 billion Eurobond, which will also help refinance the $1.18 billion Eurobond maturing in November.

    He said the event provides a valuable opportunity to engage directly with our partners and investors who continue to show confidence in Nigeria’s future.

    Cardoso said the apex bank remained committed to prudent policy that would bring about durability, ensuring a lasting and positive impact in the economy.

    He said about four per cent growth target is being targeted, even as government is pushing through expansion of the non-oil sector growth.

    He said that inflation has continued to drop, with 18.02 per cent target in the nearest term.

    He said that gross foreign reserves have hit five-year high at $43.4 billion, with capacity to provide 11-month import cover for the country.

    He said that Nigeria currently enjoys positive balance of payment, contributing positively in easing economic stability.

    He said difficult economic reforms embarked on by the federal government is bearing positive results as seen the stability in exchange rate, stronger economic buffers, and dip in inflation numbers.

    Cardoso explained that apex bank has been able to build a stronger economy, through difficult things we have done.

    He said that Nigeria has a competitive naira, which is game changer that should attract investors to the economy. He said that with a competitive naira, FDIs inflows prospects to the economy has risen.

    According to him, over the past two years, the CBN has undertaken critical reforms to unify Nigeria’s exchange rate, eliminating distortions and restoring transparency.

    He said the unification has enabled the CBN to clear the outstanding foreign exchange obligations, giving businesses—ranging from manufacturers to airlines—the confidence to plan and invest in the future.

    He said that while the Central Bank will continue to lay the foundation for price stability and foster a conducive policy environment, the role of our banks in this journey is crucial.

    Deputy Governor, Economic Policy at the CBN, Mr. Mohammed Sadi Abdullahi, said the apex bank  has taken a lot on measures to prevent speculative activity and ensure best practices in the market operational framework.

    He said: “Capital flows, which I mentioned, within the 2019–2020 period before, collapsed by over 75 per cent, have significantly improved and have therefore improved our external position. So we do now have deeper and functional financial markets, much more robust and transparent. There’s been a significant increase in the average monthly turnover to $8.6 billion monthly in 2025 versus an average of $5.5 billion and much less in the year before. Today, CBN stands as a net supplier by less than about a percentage of the market turnover. We’re actually a net buyer in the market”.

    Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, reiterated government’s commitment to strategic engagement with global financial institutions and development partners.

    She said that her presence at the G-24 meeting highlighted Nigeria’s determination to build stronger partnerships and foster sustainable growth through inclusive and forward-looking economic policies.

    She said that the global spotlight on Nigeria at the meeting reflected growing international confidence in the country’s reform agenda and its resolve to build a resilient, competitive and dynamic economy.

    According to her, Nigeria’s participation in the Washington meetings represents a significant step in advancing the nation’s economic diplomacy.

    The Fiscal Monitor report released by IMF yesterday projected that global public debt would rise above 100 per cent of GDP by 2029. In such a scenario, public debt would be at its highest level since 1948. This reflects a higher and steeper path than projected before the pandemic.

    In addition, the distribution of risks is wide and tilted toward debt accumulating even faster. With a five per cent percent risk, debt would reach 124 percent in 2029.

    It stated that the public debt landscape is very diverse. “Countries differ widely in their deficit and debt levels. Many major economies have public debt greater than (or projected to go over) 100 percent of GDP. Although the number of countries with debt above 100 percent will be steadily declining in the next five years, their share in world GDP is projected to rise,” it stated.

    According to the report, when countries falter on debt, timely debt restructuring is critical to containing the damage.

    The report stated: “The IMF is working on strengthening the debt architecture, including through the Common Framework and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable. An even better strategy, is to maintain safer debt ratio.

     “Beyond the present, fiscal risks loom large. Public debt dynamics have drastically changed in recent years. It is not only the size of debt but also the cost. The years between the global financial crisis and the pandemic were marked by unusually easy conditions for sustaining debt.

     “This Fiscal Monitor explores how governments can improve economic growth prospects by enhancing the efficiency and composition of public spending. Redirecting public spending toward infrastructure, education, health, and research and development, without increasing overall spending, can deliver significant long-term gains in output.

     “Closing gaps in efficiency can further magnify these gains, with institution-building being the most effective strategy. The analysis provides new global and time-varying datasets of public spending efficiency and rigidity”.