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Category: Politics

  • Ayiri Emami hails Omo Agege’s commitment to APC

    Ayiri Emami hails Omo Agege’s commitment to APC

    The Prime Minister of Warri Kingdom and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, has praised former Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, for what he described as his unwavering commitment to the APC.

    Speaking during an APC interactive stakeholders’ meeting in Delta South Senatorial District with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR (KSJI), at Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South Local Government Area, Emami noted that if there is anyone truly representing the APC, it is Omo-Agege, describing him as a leader who stands out within the party in Delta.

    Emami emphasised the need for party unity, internal discipline, and strategic planning ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He noted that the greatest challenges facing the party are some of President Bola Tinubu’s appointees from Delta State, particularly from Warri South West and other parts of the state, who he said have refused to identify with the party or contribute to its growth.

    While calling for unity and strategic leadership in Delta APC, Emami warned against internal divisions and urged party members to demonstrate genuine loyalty rather than switching allegiances for personal gain. “If there is anyone truly representing the APC, it is Senator Omo-Agege—he clearly stands out,” Emami declared.

    Emami also cautioned against political betrayal, stating that some individuals who publicly align with the APC secretly support opposing interests. He stressed that true party members must be dedicated and willing to defend the party’s mandate rather than aiding external forces.

    “On election day, if you are not popular, can you rig an election? If you cannot even secure victory in your own stronghold, do you expect others to fight for you? Those who want to be leaders of the party in Delta should show us their results in the last elections,” Emami said.

    Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Emami acknowledged mistakes by the APC, particularly in party leadership appointments.

    “One of our greatest mistakes in the last election was how key positions were allocated, especially the state party chairman. We had people in charge who were more interested in personal business than in the success of the party,” he noted.

    Emami called for a more strategic approach moving forward, ensuring that those appointed to leadership positions are truly committed to the party’s success. “The truth is, many of the so-called leaders have never truly won their local government in an election. They sit in their houses and make decisions without understanding what happens on the ground. That must change.”

    Emami addressed concerns about certain party members undermining the APC from within, particularly those who benefit from the party at the federal level but align with other interests at the state level. “We know those who are APC in Abuja and PDP in Delta. These are the same individuals working against the party’s progress,” he stated.

    Emami emphasised the need to protect the party’s structure from external manipulation. “Those who receive federal government benefits, such as small surveillance jobs, should understand that I prioritize giving these opportunities to party members. Instead of bringing outsiders, I ensure that APC members are the ones benefiting. That is the right thing to do.”

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    “Now, we’re entering a new phase, a new journey. Many people are repositioning themselves ahead of 2027, but some only want to destroy our party from within. We must stand together with Senator Omo-Agege to prevent that. We’ll stand strong until we get it right. I assure you, we’re not newcomers to this political game.

    “The last election was a stark reminder of our weaknesses. Some APC members were quick to spread negative news about our own party. How can you win like that? Instead of defending our results, some so-called leaders helped the PDP discredit us. That’s a weak foundation. We can’t repeat the same mistakes. Our politics should be local, focused on supporting each other and stopping the betrayal of our party for personal gain. If we don’t stand together, we’ll continue to suffer.

    “Chief Emami urged APC members to engage in genuine grassroots mobilization, rather than relying on external influences to determine leadership. He criticized individuals seeking political appointments without putting in the necessary groundwork, stating, ‘If you sell out your people, you’ll regret it. We must build a party structure that works for everyone, not just a few individuals.”

    “As we look ahead to the next political cycle, Emami stressed the importance of solidifying our party’s foundation before making moves towards 2027. ‘Before we move forward, we must fix our foundation. Our current party structure at the state level is built on shaky ground. If I don’t see people doing the work, I won’t support them,’ he asserted, warning against attempts to manipulate party structures for personal advantage.

    “Emami also highlighted the need for inclusive governance, advocating for fair representation across ethnic groups in Delta State. ‘When I submit a name for an appointment, I ensure balance—one for Itsekiri, one for Urhobo, one for Ijaw in Warri. This is what real leadership looks like,’ he said.”

    Emami urged APC members to remain steadfast and committed, assuring them that the party has a strong future in Delta State if it remains united and focused. “If we remain united, we will take control of this state and deliver real development to our people,” he concluded.

  • Communicate decisions before implementation of any policy – APC chieftain cautions governors 

    Communicate decisions before implementation of any policy – APC chieftain cautions governors 

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni has advised governors across the country to communicate decisions to the citizens before such decisions are implemented. 

    Mumuni made this declaration while reacting to the recent closure of public schools in some states. 

    Recalls that some northern states, including Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and Bauchi, have directed that all schools remain closed during Ramadan.

    Our correspondent reports that some stakeholders have kicked against the closure. 

    Mumuni in his reaction advised the state governors to provide clear and timely information regarding the closure. 

    The APC chieftain while speaking said that it is essential to communicate the reasons for the closure more effectively to the public.

    The APC chieftain in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar, a copy of which was made available to journalists on Friday said that adequate information can help alleviate any confusion and ensure that parents, students, and the broader community fully understand the rationale for this short closure.

    “I hope this release finds us well. I am writing to address the recent school closures in some parts of the northern states of Nigeria during Ramadan. It is my understanding that the decision to temporarily close schools has been made to accommodate the children in the boarding sections who are observing fasting during this holy month.

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    “While I appreciate the intention behind this decision, I believe it is essential to communicate the reasons for the closure more effectively to the public. Adequate information can help alleviate any confusion and ensure that parents, students, and the broader community fully understand the rationale for this short closure.

    “Many parents may be unaware of the challenges fasting poses for children, especially in a boarding school environment. The inability to properly manage their daily activities while fasting can impact their health and academic performance. Thus, the school’s decision to prioritize the well-being of the students is commendable.

    “To foster better understanding and community support, I recommend that the school or relevant authorities provide clear and timely information regarding the closure. This could include:

    “Official announcements detailing the reasons for the closure. Guidance for parents, on how to support their children while they observe fasting.

    “Opportunities for community engagement, to discuss any concerns or questions. By enhancing communication around this issue, we can ensure that the community feels informed and involved, reducing any potential misunderstandings”.

  • Why Southeast will vote Tinubu in 2027, by Okelekwe

    Why Southeast will vote Tinubu in 2027, by Okelekwe

    Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe is a leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State and the party’s candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial zone in the 2023 general election. In this interview with Assistant Editor EMMANUEL BADEJO, he speaks on the chances of the APC in the November 8 governorship poll and increasing popularity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South East, which may change the paradigm in the 2027 presidential poll. Excerpts:

    The Anambra state governorship election is a few months away and your party, the APC, has always had its eyes on the state. What are the chances of the APC in the November 8 contest viz a viz the rating of the present administration and the politics of the South East?

    If you follow political developments in Anambra, you’ll agree with me that APC is the party to beat. We are the beautiful bride. APC has become a beautiful bride overnight. I remember years back, when I moved from the PDP to the APC, a friend of mine called and said he thought I was intelligent and smart; “why the decision to go to APC, a Fulani party”? Then Buhari was still in power. I told him time will tell, whether I have made the right decision or not. Because I knew that there was nothing I could say to convince him. Fast forward to the present time, see what is happening. Look at the many decampees that have come into our party in the last six months!

    You have Professor Obiorah Okonkwo who joined us among many others. The latest one that people were not really expecting to happen, but it happened- Val Ozigbo, given the relationship between him and the leader of the Labour Party, but he is with us today. That is to show you that APC is the party to beat in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election. Anambra has never been as ripe as it is now for the APC.

    However, the success will not be automatic. There are things the party must do, if we are to harness the goodwill; if we are to translate the goodwill that the party is enjoying into concrete electoral victory on November 8. What do we need to do? We must conduct free, fair and credible primaries. This will make losers shake hands with the winner and join him. Once that is done, APC will win Anambra State come November 8.

    Anambra is a very unique state when it comes to governorship contests. It is always difficult for the bigwigs to agree. It played out in the APC in the last governorship contest. What level of reconciliation has happened in the party after the last election?

    Anambra is one state that is so blessed with a lot of successful people. Anambra is the state with the highest concentration of billionaires in Nigeria. That should be an asset and not a disadvantage. I see it as an advantage. What it means is that nobody should take the other person for a ride. Let things be discussed and agreements reached. And such agreements must be respected and kept.

    Like I said, the only thing that APC needs to do to win on November 8 is to organize free, fair and credible primaries.  The primary must be transparent- the process, the preparation, the buildup, before and after must be seen to be transparent, credible, free and fair. That is all the APC needs to do to win. An Anambra man is the easiest man to win over once you show him the facts. What Anambra man hates is Ekwusigo- that means it has been decided. Once you carry the Anambra man along, you put all the cards on the table, he sees the whole process, he sees that everything is fair and square, he sees that if he wins, he wins fair and square or if he loses, he loses fair and square. That is an Anambra man or Anambra woman. So, once the things are done, victory will be ours on November 8.

    In the memo I wrote to the party, I talked about the characteristics the party or party members should look out for in all the aspirants for the party’s ticket.  The party members should be guided by approachability, electability, integrity; I talked about sound knowledge, ability to mobilize adequate resources for the election, because we should not make any mistake about it, election is capital intensive. Not necessarily that the candidate will be rich, but you must have the capacity to mobilize resources. 

    Let us look at the perception of the APC in the South East. If you look at the result of the last general elections, the APC was more or less not in the equation. Do you think much has changed, two years after?

     A lot has changed. The APC of 2023 is not the APC of 2025 in the South East.  And certainly by 2027, it will be a different ball game. I can tell you. Take this to the bank: APC will win the South East in 2027. There is no alternative. Look at it. PDP has fizzled out in the South East. Or is it still anywhere, apart from Enugu state? Is it in any other place? There is a region where the people held sway in the entire region in 1999. Now, there is only one state that is controlled by the PDP. So, there is no PDP. There is no other party apart from the APC.

    So, in 2027, I don’t have any doubt that the APC will sweep the entire South East. Look at the quality of men that are now decamping to the APC across all the states in the South East, not just in Anambra. Already, we are in control of two states in the South East. In fact, by the number of states, you can say that APC is the largest party in the South East. We are in control of Ebonyi and Imo states. PDP has one.  APGA has one. Labour has one. So, there is no alternative.

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    All we need to do is to put our house in order. We are coalescing.  There is a coalescing of progressive forces in the South East now and it will manifest in the ballot in 2027. There is no doubt that APC will win the South East in 2027. You can take this to the bank. 

    Let’s take a look at the administration of President Bola Tinubu, soon the President will be two years in office. There is this belief by the public, especially the opposition that the government has not done well. Do you agree with that?

    I like to discuss facts and not fiction. Opposition will say what they want to say, it is their job. The job of the opposition is to replace the government. And you cannot replace the government by praising the government. You replace the government by talking ill of the government regardless of how good the policies are. That is their job. So, it is not an issue. Facts are facts, whether the opposition recognizes those facts or not. Those facts don’t cease to be fact because somebody refuses to recognize them to be fact. Facts are sacred.

    Let me begin with the South East where I come from. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has been good to the South East. He has taken concrete steps for the first time, since after the civil war to reintegrate the South East into the mainstream of Nigerian politics. The South East Development Commission, nobody believed it was possible, but today, not only did he sign it into law, but he also made provision in the current budget to the tune of N341 billion as a take-off grant. So, that alone is a practical demonstration of love for the people.

    You know after the civil war, Yakubu Gowon promised us the 3Rs. But it was only in words. Nothing concrete was done to make the Igbos feel the impact of the 3Rs beyond platitude. But now there are practical steps. The civil war ended in 1970, this is 2025, that is 55 years ago.

    Do you think the Igbos will not reciprocate a man that did so much for the Igbos? You know one thing about the Igbos? Igbos are very appreciative people. That is why the Igbo do well in business. They know how to appreciate people who have assisted them. So, Igbos in their nature will reciprocate. That alone is enough for the Igbos to vote for President Tinubu in 2027. I need not say more.

    So, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on course. A lot of things are changing. The Naira is stabilizing. Prices of foodstuffs are coming down. Nigeria is meeting her obligations internationally and nationally. Things can only get better. I just read recently, the NBS said our economy grew by 3.84 percent in the last quarter of 2024. Things can only get better. You know changes are not easy. Now the economy is growing in the real sense of it.  You might say that prices are high and what have you, yes. But eventually these prices will stabilise.

    The fact that those prices were artificially held down prior to assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not mean that the economy was doing well; because these prices were artificially held down. It wasn’t a true reflection of the market forces. I can liken what was happening then to the old Soviet Union when Brezhnev was the leader of the Soviet Union in the 60s, people said the economy of the Soviet Union was growing. But some scholars said that that was “the golden era of stagnation.” The economy stagnated.  I was not surprised that the Soviet Union disintegrated; because you could not sustain it over a long period of time. So, what President Tinubu has been able to do is to set the Nigerian economy on the path to sustainable growth.

  • Intervene now to avert danger in Benue judicial crisis, groups tell Tinubu, Ganduje

    Intervene now to avert danger in Benue judicial crisis, groups tell Tinubu, Ganduje

    Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups Leaders has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to urgently intervene in the ongoing judicial faceoff in Benue State.

    The party leaders said their intervention would help avert the looming danger and threat to democracy caused by the crisis between the Benue state government and its Chief Judge.

    The Director-General of the forum , Dr. A. K Peters at a briefing in Abuja on Thursday raised the alarm that further delay in wading in by the President and Ganduje may give room for the opposition in Benue State to hijack the crisis and plunge the state into further crisis.

    Peters described the current crisis in the state as a deliberate effort to frustrate performance of APC government in Benue state and target President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of 2027 general elections.

    The forum accused the Chief Judge overbearing tendencies, alleging that he is being influenced by opposition elements in the State 

    According to Peters: “We strongly call on the national leadership of the party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr Abdullahi Umar Gandjue to immediately wade in to the pending danger and threat to democracy in Benue State. 

    “We strongly observe that the Benue State Chief Judge is being used by the opposition not only to frustrate our performing government in Benue state but also a direct attack on our amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of 2027 general elections. Therefore, our party leadership and the presidency must take a stand now before some anti-democratic forces and enemies of our party hijack the ongoing evil plot.”

    Condemning the actions of the Benue Chief Judge, the APC support groups alleged:  “We have it in good authority that the Chief Judge of Benue State has relocated the Benue State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal from Makurdi to Abuja after granting a waver to the petitioners not to pay security deposit as required by the law, citing hardship in the land.

    “There is no section of the constitution or laws of Benue State that empowers the Chief Judge to grant waver to the petitioners or move a local government tribunal from the state of jurisdiction to Auja.

    “Lawyers have started arguing that any decision taken by the tribunal in Abuja is null and void as an election conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission can only be entertained in the state.

    “The Chief Judge in his circular cited security reason, meanwhile he has been going to his office amidst his purported removal by the Benue State House of Assembly without any security threat.

    “The Benue State government which is the funder of the tribunal also issued statement insisting that the government of the State is not aware of the relocation and assured the public that it could provide adequate security for the tribunal.

    “The Chief Judge, who acted altra vires when he favoured the petitioners whose petition were to be dismissed also emphasised on hardship in the land in a bid to blackmail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while protecting the petitioners. The same Chief Judge has relocated the whole tribunal from Benue State to Abuja even though he has no powers to do so. 

    “The question is between the relocation of the tribunal which means transporting and accommodating lawyers and witnesses to Abuja and the security posit to be paid in to the court, which is more a burden to the people? 

    “It is now clear that there is an attempt to truly undermine the party’s national leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Benue State Chief Judge who has abandoned justice for trivial sentiment.”

  • Anambra gov election: APC stakeholders reject imposition of candidate, indirect primaries

    Anambra gov election: APC stakeholders reject imposition of candidate, indirect primaries

    Some stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State have rejected alleged attempts to impose indirect primaries on the party ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

    They argued that such a plot will encourage corruption and manipulation. 

    The stakeholders under the umbrella of Anambra APC Stakeholders Forum (AASF) in a release on Tuesday urged all genuine aspirants to engage in issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to criminal acts of bribery and electoral fraud. 

    In the release signed by the Convener of the group, Chief Hycinth Okonkwo, the stakeholders noted that the APC must not become a party where money determines leadership, saying “integrity, competence, and the will of the people must always prevail.” 

    Okonkwo said: “We have received credible intelligence that a certain governorship aspirant within our party has attempted to subvert internal democracy by offering a staggering $3million bribe to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC in a bid to impose indirect primaries for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Anambra State. 

    “This desperate move is aimed at rigging the process in his favour, manipulating party structures, and denying the people of Anambra the opportunity to choose their candidate freely and fairly.

    “This individual has boasted openly that the APC NWC is now on his side due to the illicit funds he has deployed. That the National Chairman will not conduct any delegate election but will use his delegate list to deliver him as the governorship candidate of APC. 

    “The Anambra APC Stakeholders Forum categorically rejects these criminal tendencies and will not allow the soul of our party to be sold to the highest bidder. We insist that such an aspirant should be disqualified immediately from the race, as his actions are a direct affront to the integrity of the APC and the democratic principles that our great party stands for.

    “We call on the APC National Leadership, President Bola Tinubu, and all well-meaning members of our party to resist this attempted coup against democracy and ensure that the primaries in Anambra State are conducted transparently, through a direct or consensus process that reflects the true will of party members.

    “Furthermore, we warn that any attempt to impose indirect primaries as a result of corrupt inducement will be vehemently resisted by party members and the good people of Anambra. We shall mobilize to ensure that Anambra APC does not become a playground for corruption and manipulation.

    “In conclusion, we urge all genuine aspirants to engage in issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to criminal acts of bribery and electoral fraud. The APC must not become a party where money determines leadership —integrity, competence, and the will of the people must always prevail.”

  • Elections are integral part of democratic process – Yiaga Africa 

    Elections are integral part of democratic process – Yiaga Africa 

    The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has emphasized that elections should not be viewed as a one-day event but rather as part of a broader democratic process.

    Speaking in Abuja at a Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, organized by Yiaga Africa, Itodo highlighted the importance of continuous electoral engagement.

    He noted that the conference aimed to analyze key lessons from recent elections observed by the organization, fostering discussions on strengthening democracy in the region.

    He said: “We have conveyed this conference to reflect on the key lessons from the last elections that we observed. We are so delighted that we have individuals and organisations that played active roles in those elections to share some of their lessons and also some of the challenges as we plan towards 2027.”

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    In his speech, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautoer Mignot who commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for his role in strengthening democracy, said that the basic role of democracy is to ensure good governance in the region.

    Mignot acknowledged West Africa’s democratic progress.

    However, he noted that recent trends had introduced new challenges requiring collective attention. 

    He pledged the EU’s support for credible and transparent elections in the region.

    Head of Cooperation in the German Embassy in Nigeria, Dr. Karin Jansen pledged the embassy’s support for democracy and democratic processes in the subregion.

  • Why APC will win Delta in 2027, by Omo-Agege

    Why APC will win Delta in 2027, by Omo-Agege

    The success of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and internal restructuring as well as widespread discontent with the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration have paved the way for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be booted out of Delta State in 2027, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has said.

    The former Senate Deputy President said the All Progressives Congress (APC) which controls the three senatorial seats is primed to take over the state.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Koko, Warri North, Omo-Agege reflected on the APC’s narrow loss in the 2023 governorship election, vowing to unseat the ruling PDP in 2027. 

    “We came so close in 2023, but fell short by whiskers,” he said.

     “However, we’ve learned from our mistakes and are now more determined than ever to win Delta State for the APC.”

    Rallying supporters at the meeting, Omo-Agege, addressed post-election grievances and rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration of 4,000 votes for APC and 10,000 for PDP in Warri North, alleging systemic rigging by PDP. 

    “Our votes were organic; theirs were products of writing,” he charged, recalling the PDP’s dubious record of delivering 68,000 votes in the area.

    Omo-Agege defended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, highlighting the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate unification. 

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    While acknowledging the initial hiccups, he framed the measures as crucial for Nigeria’s and Delta State’s future development. 

    “Although increased fuel, food, and forex prices came with challenges, President Tinubu’s wise decision-making will yield a better future,” Omo-Agege stated. 

    He noted that Delta State receives more funds, as President Tinubu channels savings to states beyond Abuja. This, he believes, will have a transformative impact, tying the APC’s 2027 prospects to the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

    The Delta APC leader acknowledged strategic mistakes in response to stakeholders’ criticism, including the failure to integrate new members, which led to the alienation of some loyalists. “We’ve paid the price for this oversight,” he admitted. “I should have fostered a stronger bond between old and new members. That error had significant consequences.”

    He urged PDP members to defect, describing the ruling party as a “sinking ship” on the brink of collapse. While acknowledging that APC faces similar unity challenges, he downplayed internal friction as “growing pains” ahead of 2027. “Post-congress disputes are not unique to us; even the PDP is grappling with internal conflicts,” he added.

    The leader criticised members who boycotted polls due to grievances, labeling it self-sabotage. 

    “Why stay home? Vote first, defend your votes, and then resolve issues. By staying away, we all lose,” he said, lamenting missed opportunities to secure seats in Asaba, stressing that “the 2027 demands unity. We must put aside divisions between old and new members and work together towards a common goal.”

    Omo-Agege projected optimism, asserting that Tinubu’s policies would stabilise the economy by 2027, making APC the “natural choice” for voters seeking “democratic dividends.”

  • First Lady backs special seat for women in parliament, urges NASS to pass bill

    First Lady backs special seat for women in parliament, urges NASS to pass bill

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has thrown her support behind the push for special parliamentary seats for women, urging the National Assembly to swiftly pass the bill into law.

    The proposed legislation, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allocate reserved seats for women in both the state and National Assembly. 

    The bill is currently under consideration as part of the constitutional amendment process.

    Speaking at an Art for Governance Exhibition in Abuja on Monday night, organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in collaboration with ElectHER, an advocacy group for women’s empowerment, the First Lady—represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker—emphasized the vital role of women in shaping Nigeria’s future.

    She said: “In the context of governance and inclusion, it offers a unique and compelling way to spotlight the urgent need for greater female representation in leadership and decision making processes. The artworks being displayed today serve not only for a Nigeria where political leadership is truly inclusive and reflective of its people.

    “The emphasis on affirmative action bill is essential to amplifying the message of inclusion contained in this exhibition. Women constitute a vital part of our nation’s progress yet their representation in governance remains limited. Ensuring that women have a stronger voice in shaping policies, making decisions and driving national development is not just a matter of justice, it is a necessity for stable growth.

    “Therefore, I support the affirmative action bill that mandates at least 35 percent of seats in the legislative and executive arms being occupied by women. I urge the national assembly to expedite the passage of the bill. I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, women and nation building.

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    “This has been my mission during my mission as first lady of Lagos, as a senator and now as the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I firmly believe in the importance of women voices in governance. I urge my former colleagues, the civil society organization and the public to embrace the message of exhibition and collaborate to ensure that women’s voices are heard”.

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu decried the under representation of women in governance, saying, “today, we wield the transformative power to address one of the most pressing issues in Nigeria’s democracy: the systemic underrepresentation of women in governance.

    “We see the struggles, the resilience, and the undeniable strength of women who have fought to lead, only to be met with barriers. But barriers can be broken. That is why this exhibition is not just a cultural moment—it is an advocacy tool, a visual argument, a movement in motion.

    “The Art for Governance exhibition is anchored on a pivotal legislative effort: The Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2024—popularly known as the Additional Seats Bill. This bill is not merely about numbers or political arithmetic; it is about justice.

    “As we push for its passage in the 10th Assembly, we recognize that legislative success is not achieved through legal arguments alone, but through the mobilization of hearts and minds, and this exhibition does precisely that. Because this is not just about passing a bill; it is about shaping a legacy”.

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ElectHER and Lead Curator, Art For Governance Exhibition, Ibijoke Faborode highlighted the importance of gender-inclusive governance in fostering stronger democratic institutions, improved policy outcomes, and broader socio-economic growth.

    She said: “Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, has one of the lowest rates of female political representation on the continent. With women comprising nearly 50% of the population but less than 4% of the National Assembly, the underrepresentation of women in governance remains a critical challenge to achieving inclusive democracy and sustainable development.

    “As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections, bold legislative reforms like the Reserved Seats Bill can be a game changer for socioeconomic transformation. We are building the momentum needed to mainstream the Reserved Seats Bill, shift public discourse, and drive its passage. This is not just about a policy change. It is about reshaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape to reflect the full strength of its people.”

  • Oyefusi to authourities: overhaul electoral bodies to honour Abiola’s legacy

    Oyefusi to authourities: overhaul electoral bodies to honour Abiola’s legacy

    Mrs Abiodun Oyefusi has called on the federal government to initiate a process that will lead to total overhaul of electoral bodies in the country.

    Oyefusi, a politician, said this became necessary following the recent revelation by former military president Ibrahim Babangida regarding the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, which MKO Abiola, the candidate of defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) won.

    With the disclosure, Oyefusi said the country needs an electoral process that will protect future elections and their candidates.

    According to her, the need to overhaul the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and state electoral bodies to restore credibility, transparency, and true democracy in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

    Princess Oyefusi, a staunch advocate for electoral reforms, emphasized that the best way to honor the legacy of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and the ideals of June 12 is to ensure that Nigerians’ votes genuinely count. 

    She stressed that a credible electoral system is fundamental to the people enjoying the dividends of democracy.

    “The June 12 election remains a symbol of the people’s will and the fight for democratic integrity. However, decades later, our electoral process continues to face challenges that undermine the voice of the electorate. If we are truly committed to honoring MKO Abiola and what he stood for, we must act decisively by reforming our electoral institutions to guarantee transparency, fairness, and accountability,” she stated.

    Princess Oyefusi further urged policymakers, civil society organizations, and Nigerians at large to unite in demanding electoral reforms that will restore public confidence in the democratic process.

    Read Also: June 12: Olanipekun berates Babangida for not apologising to Abiola, family

    She reiterated that without an independent and efficient electoral system, the promise of democracy will remain unfulfilled.

    “We cannot continue to allow electoral fraud, manipulation, and inefficiency to define our elections. A true democracy is one where the people’s mandate is respected, and that starts with a functional and trustworthy electoral system,” she added.

    She called on the National Assembly to prioritize electoral reforms, including the adoption of modern voting technologies and stringent measures to prevent electoral malpractice. 

    She also advocated for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that state electoral commissions operate independently, free from political interference.

  • No vacancy in Katsina Govt House, says female Activist

    No vacancy in Katsina Govt House, says female Activist

    Katsina-based female activist, Hajia Zainab Muhammad Sada, has declared ”General Muhammad House”, otherwise known as Government House Katsina, is ‘non vacant”, advising intending political aspirants for the governorship seat to look elsewhere. 

    Sada, in a chat with The Nation Newspaper in Katsina, said with the enormous achievements of Governor Dikko Umar Radda under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become impossible for the opposition parties to match in 2027. 

    She said: ”Governor Radda-led government has awarded and completed various road projects, including education, health, water supply and environmental projects as well as several women empowerment projects in less than two years of the administration”.

    ”The recruitment of 34,152 workers at the local government level, 7,325 teachers and empowerment grants given to women and youths.were some of the achievements that has silenced the opposition parties in the state.

    Read Also: Katsina procures 400 tractors, 722 extension workers, motorcycles to boost farming

    ‘No government in the country has recruited such a massive workforce and executed many projects in less than two years, yet, Radda remains committed to tackling unemployment and driving developmental agendas at the grassroot levels in Katsina. 

    “There is no opposition in Katsina State because of the achievements and strides recorded by  Radda-led government, the opposition parties in the state have nothing to campaign for ”

    “What are they going to tell people during their campaigns? In fact, the achievements of the APC government in Katsina State have silenced the opposition.”