The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • REC urges politicians to mobilise supporters to register

    REC urges politicians to mobilise supporters to register

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged politicians in Lagos State to educate and mobilise their supporters to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), noting that failure to register will result in political self-disempowerment.

    Speaking yesterday during a news briefing on the second phase of the CVR at the commission’s office in Yaba, Lagos, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Ayobami Salami, urged political stakeholders to go beyond campaigning and ensure their constituents are eligible to vote.

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    He said: ‘’Individuals who do not register during this period will be unable to vote in the 2027 general election and will lose the opportunity to influence governance.’’

    The REC also met with representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies and youth groups to seek support in mobilising citizens for the exercise.

  • ‘2027 will be decided by performance, not polemics’

    ‘2027 will be decided by performance, not polemics’

    Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it has noted the recent comments credited to former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in which he asserted that governors’ defections would not decide the 2027 elections and attempted to unduly hype the academic victory of the opposition during the 2023 presidential election in Lagos by citing the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

    The party in a statement yesterday in Ogba, Lagos, said: ‘’While every citizen is entitled to an opinion, Lagos APC considers it necessary to place the facts on record and correct the sweeping conclusions and convenient omissions embedded in Aregbesola’s remarks.

    ‘’First, it is intellectually disingenuous to isolate Lagos from the broader national picture. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election not by accident, but by building the widest national coalition, winning the constitutional spread, and securing the mandate of Nigerians across diverse regions. Presidential elections are won at the national level, not on the basis of a single state, however symbolic. To suggest otherwise betrays either a poor grasp of electoral realities or a deliberate attempt to mislead.

    ‘’Second, it is convenient for Aregbesola to forget that the so-called opposition ‘victory’ in Lagos during the presidential election was pyrrhic at best. It neither altered the national outcome nor endured beyond that single contest. Just days later, during the governorship election, Lagosians reaffirmed their confidence in the APC and the progressive tradition by returning the party to office. Even more instructive, subsequent off-season bye-elections across the state produced sweeping victories for the APC, a clear and unmistakable reflection of the progressive party’s enduring control, structure, and grassroots acceptance in Lagos.

    ‘’Third, far from diminishing President Tinubu’s stature, the Lagos presidential election results enhanced his democratic credentials. They stand today as incontrovertible proof of his belief in, and commitment to, a credible electoral process. The fact that an opposition candidate could win in a state governed by his party underscores the integrity of the process under his watch and silences any lingering doubts about his democratic ethos.

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    ‘’On the issue of defections, the APC has never claimed that defections alone win elections. What wins elections are performance, credibility, structure, leadership and a compelling vision. Where defections occur in favour of the APC, they are often a response to the glaring failure, incoherence and lack of ideological direction within opposition ranks. They are a consequence, not a cause, of the ruling party’s political strength.

    ‘’We understand the nightmare the current wave of mass defections has unleashed on the opposition. The panic, denial and rhetorical outbursts now on display are symptoms of a political camp struggling with its own impending irrelevance. We reaffirm, without equivocation, that those horrific dreams will indeed come true in 2027, when the opposition – bereft of ideas, unity and credibility  – will disappear into the winds of history.

    ‘’Finally, Lagos APC finds it curious that individuals who once benefitted immensely from the progressive platform built by Asiwaju Tinubu now seek relevance by attempting to downplay his political stature. History is clear, consistent, and unkind to revisionism. The political trajectory of modern Nigeria cannot be told without acknowledging the foundational role played by President Tinubu in building coalitions, nurturing leaders, and institutionalising progressive governance.

    ‘’As 2027 approaches, APC remains focused on governance, economic reforms, national stability, and improving the lives of Nigerians. We urge all political actors to rise above polemics and engage Nigerians with ideas, solutions, and verifiable records – not selective memories and convenient amnesia.’’

  • Abiodun inaugurates Imeko-Afon Township Road

    Abiodun inaugurates Imeko-Afon Township Road

    •Governor orders rebuilding of Olorunda–Imeko Road

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday inaugurated Imeko-Afon Township Road and ordered immediate rebuilding of Olorunda–Imeko Road.

    Imeko-Afon Township Road, originally built in 1959 by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was inaugurated at a ceremony in Imeko-Afon Local Government.

    Governor Abiodun said the decision to reconstruct Olorunda–Imeko Road followed his experience while travelling on the road earlier in the day, describing its condition as deplorable.

    According to the governor, he immediately directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to prepare an estimate for the project and ensure that the road is advertised for bidding by qualified contractors.

    “I told the commissioner that the project must go to the next Executive Council meeting and that construction should begin immediately,” Abiodun said.

    The governor said his administration had built more than 1,600 kilometres of roads across the state in the last six and a half years.

    He added that the government also facilitated the construction of the 100-kilometre Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto–Obelle Road, using reinforced concrete.

    Abiodun said his administration would continue to respond to criticism through performance, stressing that Yewaland would continue to receive its fair share of development.

    He hailed President Tinubu for the Badagry–Sokoto Highway project, which passes through Imeko-Afon, noting that the project will ease the transportation of agricultural produce upon completion.

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    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, an engineer, said Imeko-Afon Township Road would enhance trade between Imeko-Afon and Abeokuta North Local Government and help address flooding challenges in the community.

    The Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, praised the administration for what he described as a renewed development focus on Ogun West, urging the governor to sustain the momentum.

    The Obaladi of Afon, Oba Babatunde Rasheed, commended the governor for rebuilding the township road, which he said had been abandoned by previous administrations.

    Chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government, Theophilus Oloyede, said the project demonstrated government’s commitment to economic development, noting that improved road access would boost agricultural activities.

    The lawmaker representing Imeko-Afon State Constituency, Jemili Akingbade, described the project as a major boost to commerce and agriculture.

    The member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Gboyega Isiaka, lauded the state government’s efforts on road infrastructure, saying Imeko-Afon Township Road would promote prosperity for the people and the state.

  • Ondo at 50: We’ve made progress, says APC chieftain

    Ondo at 50: We’ve made progress, says APC chieftain

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Chief Gbenga Eleduma, has described the past 50 years as a period of remarkable transformation and steady advancement for the state.

    In a statement in Abuja to mark the golden jubilee of the state’s creation, the Owo-born businessman and politician said successive administrations had laid solid foundations that continued to yield visible dividends in infrastructure, education, health care, agriculture and cultural identity.

    Eleduma, who is also a well-known philanthropist, said Ondo State had evolved from its early days as a newly carved entity into one of the most resilient and promising states in the federation.

    “The story of Ondo State at 50 is one of grit, vision and collective effort.

    “We have witnessed great strides in road networks, educational institutions, power supply projects, industrial clusters and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.

    “These achievements did not come by chance; they are the result of purposeful leadership and the indomitable spirit of our people,” he said.

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    Eleduma lauded past and present leaders for their contributions, while expressing particular appreciation for the current administration’s focus on security, youth empowerment and economic diversification.

    The APC stalwart described the ongoing 50th-anniversary celebrations, which include cultural festivals, public lectures, sporting events and statewide thanksgiving services as a fitting platform to reflect on the journey so far and to rededicate efforts toward building an even more prosperous future.

    “Fifty years is a significant milestone, but it is not the destination. It is a launch pad,” he said.

    “As we celebrate how far we have come, let us also commit ourselves to the work that lies ahead. The best chapters of Ondo State’s history are still being written.”

    He called on all citizens home and in the diaspora to remain united, support government initiatives, and contribute their quota to sustaining the momentum of growth and development.

    “Indeed, we have made tremendous progress, and with God on our side and the people working together, the future of Ondo State remains bright,” he concluded.

  • 2027 governorship contest open to all, says Kwara PDP

    2027 governorship contest open to all, says Kwara PDP

    Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its 2027 governorship ticket will be open to all aspirants from the three senatorial districts.

    It formally ruled out zoning arrangement for the contest.

    PDP Chairman Adamu Bawa said this during a Radio interview in Ilorin, insisting that the party’s policy was to allow a free and open contest based on competence and capacity rather than geographical considerations.

    “Let me just say that in the party, our policy is, we are leaving our ticket open to the three senatorial districts. Anybody that has the capacity, who knows that he has what it takes to govern this state, is free to come out and campaign,” Bawa said.

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    He said the party would provide a level playing field for aspirants.

    He said capable individuals existed across the three senatorial districts, adding that no zone would be excluded from the race.

    “All the three zones have the right candidates with the right capacity to govern the state. We won’t restrict anyone from contesting,” he said.

    His remarks came in response to questions on whether the PDP would adopt zoning or power rotation for the 2027 governorship election in the face of growing agitations from stakeholders.

    The position is seen as a significant blow to demands by some groups from Kwara North advocating rotational power in favour of the district as part of equity considerations ahead of the 2027 polls.

    The zoning debate continues to generate intense political discussions in the state, as parties and interest groups begin early positioning ahead of the next general election cycle.

  • JUST IN: APC NWC, Govs in crucial meeting

    JUST IN: APC NWC, Govs in crucial meeting

    Ahead of commencement of congresses and the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and Governors are in a crucial meeting.

    The closed-door meeting holding at the Imo Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja is believed to be one of moves by the leadership to engage in wide consultations with the various organs of the party ahead of the March, 2026 National Convention.

    The National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda led the members of the party’s highest administrative organ to the meeting.

    The Governors, who are under the aegis of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) have in attendance at the meeting, the Chairman of the forum, and Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma.

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    Others include Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Mohammed Idris (Kebbi); Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto); Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi); Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Agbu Kefas (Taraba); Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom); Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) among others.

    Though the agenda of the meeting was not made public, sources told The Nation review of the ongoing electronic registration exercise, the conduct of ward and local government congresses and other pressing national and party-related issues will dominate the proceedings.

    Details shortly…

  • Tax Reform Acts not tampered with says Senate, distributes certified copies

    Tax Reform Acts not tampered with says Senate, distributes certified copies

    The Senate on Wednesday put to rest lingering controversy over the Tax Reform Acts, declaring that none of the four laws has been adulterated.

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, gave the clean bill of health during plenary, insisting that the Acts currently in the custody of the National Assembly are exactly the versions passed by both chambers and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

    The Red Chamber had passed the tax reform bills as separate legislations in May last year, with concurrence from the House of Representatives. President Tinubu assented to them in June.

    Akpabio dismissed claims in some quarters that the bills were altered after passage, stressing that certified true copies of the Acts held by the Senate and the House accurately reflect what lawmakers approved.

    To reinforce transparency, he directed the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, to distribute certified copies of the Acts to all senators for scrutiny.

    “Copies of the Acts will be made available to all senators by the Clerk of the Senate,” Akpabio said.

    “The copies of the Acts are totally in compliance with what happened in the two chambers. No adulteration, nothing.

    “At this stage, you can feel bold enough to discard anything to the contrary, knowing that it is not what the President signed and does not represent what you passed.”

    President Tinubu signed the four Tax Reform Bills into law on June 26, 2025. They are the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA) and the Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA).

    The Acts aim to comprehensively overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, drive economic growth, boost revenue generation, improve the business environment and strengthen tax administration across federal, state and local governments.

  • Shettima, bankers urge shift from aid to investment

    Shettima, bankers urge shift from aid to investment

    • …push blended finance for Africa’s development

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a decisive shift from aid-dependent development models to impact-driven investments, saying Africa’s long-term growth will be powered by patient capital, blended finance and private enterprise rather than continued reliance on foreign assistance.

    The Vice President made the call on Wednesday at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) High-Level Policy Engagement held at the State House, Abuja. 

    He was represented by Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact.

    Shettima said development thinking must move beyond public spending to long-term investments in human capital, productive systems, climate resilience, digital infrastructure and inclusive markets.

    “The future of this continent will not be financed by aid alone. It will be driven by patient capital, catalytic capital, blended finance and private enterprise deployed with discipline and guided by impact”, he said.

    He described impact investing not as philanthropy in disguise, but as “strategic capitalism” that recognises the link between sustainable returns and stable societies, educated workforces, healthy populations and resilient ecosystems.

    According to him, Nigeria is already aligning its policies with this approach by strengthening delivery systems across education, health, social protection, agriculture, climate action, digital public infrastructure and financial inclusion, while reforming institutions and incentives to better serve citizens.

    The Vice President noted that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has embarked on far-reaching reforms to reverse Nigeria’s economic and social challenges, but stressed that no government can deliver Africa’s development agenda alone.

    “That is why platforms such as the Africa Social Impact Summit are vital,” he said, describing the forum as a space for co-investment, co-design and co-delivery involving policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders and civil society organisations.

    Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and women, warning that fragmentation among stakeholders could undermine progress.

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    “The stakes are too high for disunity. Development is not done to people; it is built with them. Progress demands coalition”, he said.

    He urged African leaders and partners to close the gap between promise and performance, noting that history would judge leadership not by speeches delivered, but by systems built, institutions strengthened and futures secured.

    Echoing the Vice President’s position, the Executive Director (South) of Alternative Bank, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, called for stronger public-private collaboration and consistent government policies to unlock blended finance and accelerate inclusive growth across the continent.

    Speaking at the engagement hosted by the Office of the Vice President in partnership with Sterling One Foundation and United Nations Nigeria, under the theme “Scaling Action: Driving Inclusive Growth Through Policy and Innovation,” Demola-Adeniyi said cooperation between government, banks, Development Finance Institutions and other stakeholders was critical to mobilising capital for impactful projects.

    “From the Alternative Bank perspective, there has to be collaboration between both the public and private sectors. For the private sector, we need a combination of DFIs, banks and other stakeholders willing to key into projects of this nature”, she said.

    She noted that blended finance initiatives are not only socially impactful but commercially viable, often outperforming conventional financing models.

    “Records show that an average blended finance project records about 80 per cent repayment, compared to about 72 per cent for purely commercial projects,” she said.

    Citing a partnership project in Kano that supported women with access to electric vehicles, Demola-Adeniyi said the bank’s experience demonstrates that inclusive and sustainable financing models can deliver both social impact and financial returns.

    She identified policy inconsistency as a major obstacle to unlocking blended finance, warning that abrupt changes in policy frameworks often derail projects and discourage investors.

    Calling for collective responsibility, she stressed that stable and predictable policies are essential to achieving Nigeria’s development ambitions, including the administration’s one-trillion-dollar economy target.

  • Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

    Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

    The Senate on Wednesday resolved to conduct an executive, closed-door briefing on the December 25 United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State, following concerns over Nigeria’s sovereignty and the alleged sidelining of the National Assembly.

    The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who criticised the military operation, describing it as a potential breach of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

    Ningi argued that the National Assembly, which is constitutionally empowered to participate in deliberations on foreign military interventions, was not consulted before the strikes were carried out.

    Raising the matter during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker cautioned against allowing the executive arm to unilaterally make far-reaching decisions on sensitive security issues without legislative oversight.

    He warned that failure to assert the National Assembly’s authority could open the door for other foreign powers to conduct military operations within Nigeria without parliamentary approval.

    “It is not right. The leadership of the National Assembly should take a briefing from the security agencies on what happened. This is a violation of our territorial integrity,” Ningi said.

    Responding, Akpabio intervened to calm the situation, explaining that the Senate leadership had already scheduled an in-camera briefing for members after resumption from the Christmas and New Year recess.

    He said the planned briefing could not hold on Tuesday, January 27, because legislative activities were suspended in honour of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died on December 31, 2025.

    Akpabio stressed that the matter was a sensitive security issue that should not be discussed in open plenary.

    “We really should not discuss it in the open. We wanted to do it behind closed doors yesterday, but because of Senator Akwashiki, we couldn’t,” he said.

    Assuring senators, Akpabio disclosed that the closed-door briefing would hold on Thursday, January 29, to fully brief members on the circumstances surrounding the airstrikes.

    “So, your point of order is noted. We need to brief you behind closed doors,” he added.

    The United States conducted the airstrikes on December 25, 2025, in coordination with Nigerian authorities, targeting camps linked to the Islamic State in West Africa and Sahel region.

    The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the operation, which involved 16 munitions deployed from MQ-9 Reaper drones and Tomahawk missiles fired from a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Guinea.

    The strikes were aimed at disrupting terrorist training, planning and logistics hubs amid rising threats from ISIS Sahel Province and affiliated groups, including Lakurawa elements infiltrating from the Sahel.

    The operation came against the backdrop of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” following claims of widespread persecution of Christians in the country.

  • Oborevwori swears in six judges, earns against erosion of public trust in judiciary

    Oborevwori swears in six judges, earns against erosion of public trust in judiciary

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday warned that the erosion of public confidence in the judiciary poses a grave threat to peace, law and order, stressing that when citizens lose faith in the justice system, they may resort to self-help, a situation capable of plunging society into chaos and anarchy.

    The governor gave the warning in Asaba during the swearing-in of six newly appointed judges for the Delta State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal, urging members of the Bench to uphold the highest standards of probity, fairness, courage and impartiality in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

    Those sworn in as judges of the Delta State High Court are; Justice Otite Jonah Akpobaro, Justice Jereoma Sam-Oligida, Justice Irene Boeye Ukuli and Justice Otome Benjamin Adamidenyo, while Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Justice Stella Ovuorieroro Okah were sworn in as Justices of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.

    Oborevwori said the stability of any democratic society rests heavily on a credible, transparent and independent judiciary, noting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

    According to him, only a judiciary that acts without fear or favour can sustain public trust, guarantee justice for all, and preserve social harmony in the state and the nation.

    Speaking further, the governor explained that the appointments were made strictly in line with Sections 271(2) and 281(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower state governors to appoint judges on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    He disclosed that the Delta State Judicial Service Commission nominated candidates for consideration by the NJC, which carefully screened and approved those found suitable for appointment.

    Oborevwori congratulated the newly sworn-in judges, describing their elevation as a vote of confidence in their legal knowledge, integrity, professionalism and discipline.

    “As you begin this new journey as privileged members of the Bench, I expect you to uphold the same spirit of hard work, commitment, excellence and high ethical standards that qualified you for this noble office,” the governor said.

    He cautioned judges to resist all forms of temptation capable of compromising judicial independence, stressing that during adjudication, it is often the judge, rather than the litigants, who is ultimately on trial in the court of public opinion.

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    Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system in the state, describing the swearing-in ceremony as another milestone in efforts to build a judiciary that is functional, fast, fair and accessible.

    He noted that appointment of the additional judges would help decongest courts, reduce delays and bring justice closer to the people, particularly those in rural communities.

    He also outlined several reforms and interventions undertaken by his administration to support the judiciary, including the approval for the construction of judges’ quarters across the state, renovation of magistrates’ and customary courts, and the digitisation of the Laws of Delta State, now accessible on the state government’s website.

    The governor further disclosed that virtual court hearing facilities have been installed in High Courts in Asaba and in correctional centres in Warri, Ogwashi-Uku and Sapele, supported by solar installations to ensure uninterrupted proceedings.

    He added that plans were underway to introduce automated court recording systems to improve accuracy and speed in judicial proceedings.

    Highlighting broader justice sector reforms, Oborevwori said the state had introduced the Delta State Criminal Information System, a centralized digital platform for criminal profiling, case management and offender tracking using biometric data, including fingerprints and DNA.

    He explained that the initiative would enhance public safety, accountability and crime prevention, while complementing virtual court hearings conducted directly from correctional centres.

    The governor also announced that, for the first time in the history of the state, a career civil servant, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025, describing the feat as a reflection of the quality of Delta State’s public service.

    Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in judges, Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his support and respect for judicial independence, pledging that the judges would discharge their duties with integrity and without fear or favour.

    The ceremony was attended by top government officials, members of the legislature, judiciary and other stakeholders.