The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Akwashiki’s death a devastating loss to Nigeria – Adebayo

    Akwashiki’s death a devastating loss to Nigeria – Adebayo

    …leaders across party lines paid tributes to the late senator

    The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a devastating loss to Nigeria, Nasarawa State, and the opposition.

    Adebayo made the remark on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while receiving the remains of the late lawmaker alongside party leaders across political divides and members of the Akwashiki family.

    Senator Akwashiki, 52, represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India.

    Speaking at the solemn reception, the former SDP standard bearer said the senator’s death was not only a setback for the party but also a serious loss to the quality of legislation and political discourse in the country. He described Akwashiki as one of the strongest voices within both the SDP and the National Assembly.

    Adebayo noted that the presence of leaders across party lines, including former governors and senior legislators, reflected the late senator’s influence beyond partisan politics. He prayed for the repose of Akwashiki’s soul and asked God to grant his family, the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa State, and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Also speaking, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau described the senator’s death as a great loss to the state and the nation, noting that his contributions to good governance and development were outstanding.

    Jatau recalled serving with Akwashiki in the state legislature between 2011 and 2015, adding that the late lawmaker later returned to the House as Deputy Speaker.

    He also noted that Akwashiki made history as the first person from the Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone to be elected twice to the Senate, describing him as a dedicated and performing legislator.

    According to the Speaker, the loss was particularly painful for young people who looked up to the late senator as a mentor and leader.

    Eulogising Akwashiki, the Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, said the senator’s death had created an irreparable loss for the party, Nasarawa State, and the nation. He described the late lawmaker as a committed party man and a strong pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.

    Gombe added that the presence of political leaders from different parties at the ceremony underscored the senator’s cross-party appeal, stressing that his death was a national loss.

    Prominent figures at the event included the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi-Gaza, federal and state lawmakers, SDP leaders, as well as community and traditional leaders from the Eggon Nation.

    The remains of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki were later deposited at the National Hospital, Abuja.

  • Turbulent year at Lagos State House of Assembly

    Turbulent year at Lagos State House of Assembly

    There were leadership changes, important milestones, and active lawmaking, all of which challenged the Lagos State House of Assembly’s resilience and influenced governance in the state. Correspondent SAM ANOKAM reports.

    Since January 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly has been very active. There were significant legislative efforts, leadership changes, and important policy decisions that challenged the Assembly. Even with internal crises making news, the House managed to regroup, find stability, and make decisions that affected governance in the state.

    Here is a summary of the Assembly’s performance in 2025.

    Budget and fiscal direction:

    In January, one of the Assembly’s first significant actions was passing the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The N3.367 trillion budget allocated N1.295 trillion to ongoing expenses and N2.071 trillion to capital projects, underscoring the state’s focus on infrastructure and long-term growth. Approving the budget on time gave the government a financial plan for the year.

    Leadership crisis and resolution:

    The biggest event of the year was the leadership crisis inside the Assembly.

    On January 13, 2025, Mudashiru Obasa was removed as Speaker by 32 lawmakers over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was elected Speaker, making history as the first woman to hold the position in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    A few days later, on January 17, Meranda named new principal officers, such as Temitope Adewale as Majority Leader and Adedamola Kasunmu as Deputy Majority Leader. But this period of calm did not last long.

    On March 3, Meranda resigned, which allowed Obasa to be reinstated as Speaker. He was re-elected on March 4, and Meranda was returned as Deputy Speaker. The crisis ended after leaders of the All Progressives Congress, including former governors Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, stepped in to help resolve it.

    Although it was a difficult time, the situation tested the Assembly’s systems and eventually brought back stability.

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    Legislative output:

    Despite the challenges, lawmakers kept working on new laws to improve governance and support development.

    Key legislative achievements included the passage of the Local Government Administration Bill, which consolidated all existing laws on local government administration and aligned state legislation with national reforms. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the bill into law on May 7, with its commencement slated for August 4, 2025.

    The Assembly also approved the E-GIS Bill, which will establish the Lagos Geographic Information Service to improve land management transparency and efficiency. Other essential steps included passing an equity and inclusion bill to reduce inequalities and working to give local government legislatures more financial independence, which supports democracy at the local level.

    Oversight and accountability:

    Oversight was still a key part of the Assembly’s work. Committees regularly reviewed ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure budgets were used appropriately and in compliance with the law.

    Lawmakers reviewed public petitions, scrutinised executive appointments, and monitored the implementation of policies across ministries and agencies. Petition reviews were done quickly, with committee secretaries having to reply within 48 hours. These steps helped the Assembly act as a watchdog and made public officials more accountable.

    Strengthening governance structures:

    In December 2025, the Assembly approved new rules and guidelines to improve the governance of local governments and Local Council Development Areas. The House also backed community policing programs to boost security and create jobs.

    Meanwhile, deliberations began on the 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the Budget of Shared Prosperity, aimed at poverty reduction and building a safer, more inclusive Lagos.

    Key dates and milestones:

    Some key moments this year included the passage of the 2025 budget on January 6, the election of the first female Speaker on January 13, and the Assembly’s July call for the Attorney General and Solicitor General to discuss the implementation of the Local Government Administration Law.

    In September, the Assembly held its 10th Constituency Stakeholders Meeting, with the theme “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.” Later, they celebrated Obasa’s 10 years as Speaker with the “Unity Edition” of the annual Speaker’s Game.

    Final assessment:

    Even with internal challenges, the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2025 showed it could endure. By making laws, overseeing government, and making changes when needed, it proved its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. The year showed both the Assembly’s weaknesses and its ability to recover, adapt, and keep serving the people of Lagos.

  • 2027: ‘Rivers APC will only take instructions from Wike’

    2027: ‘Rivers APC will only take instructions from Wike’

    • FCT minister visits Ahoada council

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State has pledged to take instructions only from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on what to do ahead of the 2027 general election.

    This is coming on the heels of the political situation in the state. 

    Since last week, Wike has been visiting local government areas across Rivers State for what he called a ‘thank you visit’.

    APC chairman in Ahoada West, Rejoice Otobo, told the party’s supporters that Wike had shown love to the people of Rivers State and that the party had decided to follow his instructions.

    Otobo, who described the political situation in the state as unfortunate, noted that Rivers State needs someone who listens to the people.

    The APC chairman said the powerful people in the local governments were with the minister.

    He said: “We await instructions from you on the 2027 elections concerning Rivers State. Wherever you ask us to go, there we shall go; whatever you ask us to do is what we will do.

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    “All the good and the bad people of the local governments have decided that where you want us to go is where we will go.”

    His counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ikechukwu Obuzor, said Wike has given Ahoada residents hope, and he pledged complete loyalty to the FCT minister.

    “I want to say that we are standing firm with you. Wherever you go, we will go. Rest assured, come 2027, Ahoada West will deliver the needed results for you,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Ahoada Local Government Area, Mr. Chita Eugene, who described Wike as “the political Field Marshall of the Southsouth”, praised him for the unprecedented development he attracted to Rivers State.

    Eugene noted that Wike’s visit was not just to show gratitude but also to celebrate effective leadership and public service.

    Also, the House of Representatives member representing Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency, Victor Obuzor, said Wike deserved his support because the minister had done well for the local government and equally transformed Rivers State during his tenure as governor.

    Similarly, the Seyi Tinubu Support Group, led by Chidi Amadi, pledged their support to Wike and the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

    Wike, who addressed the people, insisted that decisions had been taken to dump Governor Similalayi Fubara in 2027.

    He said the governor lacked the capacity to lead.

    The FCT minister expressed appreciation to the people for the overwhelming support given to him and President Tinubu during the 2023 elections.

    He noted that Rivers State used to be respected for its strong political stand on good governance.

    Wike said Fubara would not het a second term.

    The minister stressed the need to restore the glory of the state in the political landscape of the country.

    He said: “Already, Rivers State is being respected because of what we are doing in the FCT. We need a leader we can trust to drive our dear state to glory and progress.

    “This is the only state that we have to mobilise other political parties. Here, we are not talking about parties; we are talking about one family, the people.

    “What we have here is a broad-based, inclusive tradition, a kind of political rainbow. Very few states can achieve that level of unity. My hope is that one day, we will collectively take a decision and focus our strength on one political platform ahead of 2027.

    “As for those on the other side, we are not interested in a conflict. Leadership requires that all of us go back, coordinate, and ensure everyone works together. I have no complaints about that.

    “I can clearly see organic unity. Let me be honest with you: we have made mistakes in the past during political negotiations. I will not lie to you about that. But we will not repeat those mistakes again.

    “We had a first agreement; someone emerged. We had a second agreement, and again someone emerged. Look at the challenges that followed. We will not make that mistake again. That is my personal position. Please, do not quote me out of context.

    “When I was governor, I made it clear: we cannot go backwards; we cannot retreat. Politics requires firmness and clarity.

    The competition has collapsed because the people have spoken.

    “Despite attempts to undermine us, we remain standing. No one has been cheated. No one has been sidelined. Rivers State has been shown love, and that love is being reciprocated.

    “Who would have believed that a peaceful Rivers man would become the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory? Yet, by the grace of God, we are delivering results. What you see today in the FCT reflects the contribution and character of Rivers people.

    “Anywhere you go in Nigeria, when people talk about our work, they ask questions. Your response should be simple: support what is working. Where governance is effective, encourage it.

    “This is the time to act. This is the time for everyone to come together and do what is right. No one should assume automatic entitlement. Leadership must be earned through trust and unity.”

  • APC chieftain rallies support for Tinubu’s Tax reform

    APC chieftain rallies support for Tinubu’s Tax reform

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Akintade Olayisade, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, describing it as a bold step toward strengthening the nation’s economy and improving governance.

    Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, Olayisade said the reforms were timely and aimed at tackling persistent fiscal challenges such as revenue leakages, weak tax administration, and the country’s overreliance on oil revenue.

    The Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in Ekiti State explained that the initiative would help to broaden the tax base, improve transparency, and create a more efficient and equitable tax system capable of driving sustainable development.

    Olayisade noted that enhanced revenue generation would enable the government to adequately fund key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and social welfare, with positive effects on citizens’ living standards.

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    He said that effective implementation of the reforms would help reduce economic inequality, encourage voluntary compliance, and create a predictable tax environment that could attract local and foreign investment.

    Olayisade, who expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, said the tax reform, if properly executed, would lay a solid foundation for long-term economic stability and inclusive growth.

    He urged tax authorities to apply the reforms with professionalism and sensitivity, particularly in protecting small businesses, artisans, and low-income earners.

    He called on Nigerians to embrace the reforms and comply with tax regulations, noting that active civic participation was crucial to national development.

  • Wabara woos Otti to join PDP for 2027 re-election bid

    Wabara woos Otti to join PDP for 2027 re-election bid

    Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has expressed confidence that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will defect from the Labour Party to the PDP to seek a second term in 2027.

    Wabara, who spoke with journalists in Umuahia, described Otti as a major asset to any political platform, noting that the PDP would readily present him as its governorship candidate should he join the party.

    He attributed the growing interest in the governor across party lines to his performance in office, particularly the recent launch of a 25-year Abia Development Plan, which he described as a visionary blueprint for a new and greater Abia.

    The former Senate President praised Otti’s achievements in road infrastructure, citing the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, as well as strides in healthcare, education, industry, and security. He also commended the procurement of electric buses for the state’s urban mass transit scheme, saying the initiative would ease economic hardship for residents.

    “As an elder statesman and stakeholder in Abia politics, I have a moral duty to acknowledge good governance irrespective of party affiliation,” Wabara said, adding that many Abians are now eager to return home due to visible improvements across the state.

    He stressed that good governance should rise above partisan considerations and said he had been vindicated for earlier commending Otti’s handling of the Port Harcourt Road project, despite criticisms from some quarters.

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    Wabara urged the governor to seriously consider joining the PDP, citing what he described as an instigated leadership tussle within the Labour Party. He argued that the PDP’s national spread and organisational capacity would offer a stronger platform to counter the ruling party in 2027.

    According to him, the South-East remains a traditional stronghold of the PDP, and Otti’s defection would further strengthen the party’s prospects in the zone.

    Wabara also disclosed that PDP elders were working to reposition and rebrand the party under the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee to make it more attractive to progressives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    On national issues, he called for unity against attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state and commended the House of Representatives for approving mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

    Expressing optimism about the party’s future, Wabara said the PDP’s “gloomy days are over,” predicted the return of defectors, and forecast an eventual implosion within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • Stop dropping NSA’s name, group tells Adamawa APC governorship aspirants

    Stop dropping NSA’s name, group tells Adamawa APC governorship aspirants

    A group, Emmanuel Musa Awareness Forum, has asked all governorship aspirants under All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State to pursue their aspiration on individual integrity.

    The group, which speaks for a top governorship aspirant, Dr Emmanuel Musa, asked all aspirants to the office of Governor to desist from trying to gain political mileage by dropping the name of National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

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    Chairman of the forum, Annas Balla who led his members to a press briefing in Yola Saturday afternoon, said aspirants using Ribadu’s name are dragging the NSA into the mud and heating up the polity. 

    “He is the Leader and father to all of us in the Progressive fold in Adamawa State, so we must accord him respect that he deserves and defend his name for our collective good,” Balla said. 

    He asserted that contemporary politics is a popularity contest in which one’s antecedents speak louder than his name. 

    “Ribadu holds a much revered position which must be protected, especially as he regards everyone as his own irrespective of sentiments of religion, ethnic or other inclinations,” Balla said.

  • Obi, Atiku, and the coalition gambit

    Obi, Atiku, and the coalition gambit

    Peter Obi’s announcement last Wednesday that he has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) brought new energy to Nigeria’s opposition politics. Still, questions about who will get the presidential ticket—Obi or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—could threaten the alliance. Deputy Political Editor Raymond Mordi looks at the challenges facing the new coalition partners.

    Excitement grew in the Southeast last Wednesday as a convoy of vehicles headed to the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu. Inside, many key figures from Nigeria’s opposition gathered, waiting for Peter Obi. When the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate arrived, he did more than announce his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    He set in motion what could become Nigeria’s most significant political shift since the All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed more than 10 years ago.

    “This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest,” Obi declared, framing his move as a mission to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

    The choice of Enugu was important. As the political centre of the Southeast, it demonstrated Obi’s strong influence in a region where he won a significant victory in the 2023 general election. The crowd was also telling: party leaders, civil society members, former allies from his LP days, and new supporters from across the country all suggested this was more than just a personal decision.

    Political economist Pat Utomi, who has long supported Obi, said the move came after “wide-ranging consultations across political, civic, and regional lines.” Utomi explained that the ADC appealed to them because it was “less encumbered by legacy factions” and more open to negotiation among its leaders.

    “It is very significant because he didn’t defect alone,” says Chief Chekwas Okorie, founding national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). “He practically took all the political heavyweights in the PDP in the Southeast, those with him in the LP, and even some APGA chieftains—including the only APGA lawmaker in the Senate, Eyinnaya Abaribe.”

    Okorie believes this move is more than just symbolic. “That is a significant challenge to the APC in the Southeast, irrespective of the defections we’ve seen. It’s not going to be a one-party thing running through the whole country like a knife running through butter. So, it would compel the presidency to return to the drawing board and reassess its 2027 strategy.”

    Marriage of convenience:

    The event in Enugu marked the official start of a grand coalition. Political heavyweights have decided that joining forces through the ADC is their best chance to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    Obi’s move is the latest and most exciting in a series of high-profile defections that have turned the ADC into the leading platform for a united opposition.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined the party in November, confirming his fifth presidential bid. Nasir el-Rufai, the former Kaduna governor and a key architect of the APC’s 2015 victory, brought his formidable northern network weeks earlier, vowing to “repeat what we did in 2015.” Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and a growing list of federal lawmakers have also signed on.

    Experienced leaders lead the coalition. Former Senate President David Mark is the interim national chairman, and former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola is the national secretary. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised this leadership team.

    “The vehicle of ADC kick-started yesterday (last Wednesday) with one ignition kick, and that is the excitement that His Excellency Peter Obi has brought to it,” says Tanko Yunusa, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Obi’s formidable youth support base.

    Filling the opposition vacuum:

    The rise of the ADC is a response to the decline of opposition politics. The ruling APC, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to attract opposition governors, lawmakers, and local leaders. Leadership struggles and many defections have weakened the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The Labour Party (LP), which gained momentum in 2023 through the Obidient Movement, is now mired in internal conflicts and legal battles.

    “Nature abhors a vacuum,” political economists often say, and the ADC is trying to fill that gap.

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    The big question now is whether this group of prominent figures can come together as a strong team to challenge Tinubu’s re-election. Or will they face the same internal problems that hurt past opposition efforts?

    The allure of a unified front:

    The ADC’s main strength right now is its lineup. It has brought together the three most well-known leaders of the anti-Tinubu opposition, each with their own base of support.

     Peter Obi’s youth and southeastern appeal: Obi’s move is likely the coalition’s most significant boost. In the 2023 election, he showed he could bring together young, urban voters from different backgrounds, especially in the South. His joining the ADC has “effectively planted the ADC’s flag in the Southeast,” where he is still very popular. His supporters seem ready to follow him. Just days after he joined, major support groups—the Obidient Movement, the Big Tent, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, and the Coalition for Obi—set up a joint steering committee to plan for the next general election.

    “They have made that position very clear,” Yunusa says. “They are going to move in their millions into the ADC.”

    Okorie also believes this is more than just for show. “The impression in the APC circles was that southern governors would automatically deliver their states,” he says. “But we’ve seen that governors’ defections don’t necessarily translate to votes. Nigerians are more politically sophisticated now.”

    He mentions Delta State in 2023, where Peter Obi beat both the APC and the PDP, even though there were strong incumbents backing the PDP flagbearer. “These defections don’t impress me at all,” Okorie adds. “Nigerians never follow those kinds of leads.”

     Atiku Abubakar’s northern network and experience: Atiku gives the coalition strong connections in the North, which is key to winning nationally. His political network, built over many years, brings organisation and helps balance the APC’s influence in the region. He quickly welcomed Obi, calling his move a “landmark development,” showing he is open to working together, at least for now.

    The scene in Enugu was revealing. “The presence of Aminu Tambuwal says a lot,” Okorie observes. “Tambuwal is one of the caliphate’s princes. Seeing his excitement suggests that the North is watching this very closely.”

     El-Rufai’s kingmaker credentials: Adding El-Rufai is both symbolic and strategic. As a former APC insider, his move is a clear criticism of the ruling party. His talk of repeating the 2015 merger success appeals to those hoping for a major opposition victory.

     A leadership of elders: With David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola at the helm, the coalition gains stability and experience. Their job is to manage egos, help reach compromises, and offer a balanced ticket that can handle internal competition.

    The fault lines beneath the surface:

    Despite its big names, the ADC coalition is fragile. It is built on competing ambitions and unresolved differences.

    1. The presidential ticket dilemma:

    Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi all want to run for president. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi says the ticket is “open to all eligible aspirants,” but only one will be chosen.

    Most people believe Atiku has the advantage because he has been in the party longer, has more resources, and a strong northern network. However, Obi has made it clear he will not “play second fiddle” in 2027.

    “It’s possible Obi went to the party because he was assured of the ticket,” Okorie insists. He added, “Don’t forget, it took a long time for him to reach a decision, to the point that some of his followers were already confused.

    “But now he has taken a position, and one would imagine that he has also consulted very widely. So, if there is another level of challenge, it will also be to Atiku, who, before now, would have been considered as an anointed candidate of the ADC. With Obi’s eventual defection to the ADC, Atiku may no longer be the party’s anointed candidate.”

    Political analyst Prof. Gbade Ojo captures the stalemate succinctly: “If Atiku surrenders, Peter Obi will run. If Atiku insists on running, then Obi becomes his running mate.”

    A ticket combining North and South, Muslim and Christian, could be powerful. However, convincing Obi to be a running mate again, as he was in 2019, will be difficult.

    From within the APC, scepticism is sharper. “Obi cannot defeat Atiku in any primary,” argues Mashood Erubami, a civil society activist-turned-politician in Oyo State. “Wherever Atiku has contested, he has done everything necessary to secure the ticket. Obi is likely to leave the ADC in annoyance after losing.”

    2. The Obidient wildcard:

    Obi’s supporters are loyal to him, not to the ADC. Yunusa has promised that the Obidient Movement will stay with the party even if Obi loses the primary, but that promise will be tested if supporters feel let down.

    “Even his loyal supporters would not permit him to be Atiku’s running mate again,” Erubami insists. “That is not what they bargained for.”

    3. Grassroots and structure:

    Apart from its national leaders, the ADC lacks strong local structures like the APC. El-Rufai’s influence in Kaduna or Obi’s popularity in the Southeast does not guarantee a nationwide effort to get out the vote.

    Okorie points out that this was a significant weakness for the LP in 2023. “The party didn’t have polling agents in over 120,000 polling units,” he says. “Obi was like a one-man riot squad.”

    He believes the ADC is better prepared this time. The APGA leader said, “Many party aspirants will be able to sponsor their nominations and campaigns. The LP didn’t have that leverage in 2023. Obi had already purchased the PDP presidential nomination form for N50 million before he abandoned the party for the LP.

    “So, he was practically begging people to come and contest the other positions on the platform of the party. This time, there will be candidates in every contestable office. That means funding, agents, and nationwide presence—something they never had before.”

    4. The APC magnet:

    Tinubu’s position as the incumbent is still a decisive advantage. Governors and lawmakers keep joining the ruling party, increasing its influence and resources. “The party’s popularity has been boosted by the number of governors who have defected,” Erubami says, adding that performance, not sentiment, will decide the 2027 election.

    Scenarios for 2027:

    Several pathways now present themselves.

    The unity ticket scenario: If Atiku and Obi agree to run together, either as Atiku-Obi or Obi-Atiku, they would present the most substantial challenge by combining northern support with southern and youth appeal.

    The fractured primary scenario: If the primary is contentious, the coalition could break apart, making it easier for Tinubu to win a second term with little opposition.

    The third-force scenario: Even if united, the ADC must overcome the advantages of incumbency and state power. Its chances depend on making the most of the ongoing economic hardship. “The coalition could capitalise on insecurity, economic hardship and over-taxation,” Prof. Ojo notes.

    Conclusion: A vehicle in search of a driver:

    Right now, the ADC has plenty of energy but no clear leader. Obi’s move has given it momentum, but personal ambition could still slow things down.

    The coalition is clearly strong, but also vulnerable. Its future—whether it changes Nigeria’s opposition or becomes just another warning—depends on whether it can unite its powerful members into one team.

    The road from Enugu to Aso Rock is a long one. The first challenge, deciding who will lead, is already approaching.

  • How Sokoto’s 2026 budgets reflect governance choices

    How Sokoto’s 2026 budgets reflect governance choices

    • By Emmanuel Ado

    For Governor Ahmed Aliyu, his annual budgets are more than a financial document; it is a deliberate and clear expression of his governance priorities, a roadmap for development, and a framework for accountability. Each of his budgets reflects not only projected revenues and expenditures, but also a stated commitment to transparency, effective governance, and the delivery of tangible outcomes. Through these budgets, the administration has sought to translate promises into action and intent into measurable results.

    Except for the 2023 budget inherited from his predecessor, Aminu Tambuwal, the 2024 and 2025 budgets crafted under Governor Aliyu’s leadership have consistently focused on fundamental questions: which challenges matter the most? How can public spending deliver the greatest benefit to the people? And how limited financial resources can be deployed to drive holistic development across the state?

    Sokoto State’s 2025 and 2026 budgets, presented under this administration, provide a timely opportunity to interrogate these questions. Coming at a period marked by fiscal pressure, persistent insecurity, and deep social needs, the two budgets together offer a useful lens for assessing not only the promises embedded in Governor Aliyu’s 9-Point SMART Agenda, but also the extent to which those promises have been translated into service delivery.

    Beyond the figures and optimistic projections lies a more important story, one about the choices made, and the gap that often exists between allocation and impact.

    This article examines the 2025 and 2026 budgets side by side to assess whether spending priorities align with stated goals and whether past performance supports the  promises contained in the 2036 budget. In doing so, it seeks to shift the conversation from how much was spent to how effectively public resources have actually worked and are working for the people of Sokoto State.

    Like James W. Frick eloquently stated: ”Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are.”

    We have established that budgets are more than financial documents; and that they are also moral statements that reveal what the Ahmed Aliyu administration values, prioritizes, and how it imagines the future. And that Sokoto State has boldly confronted the security challenges, development deficits, and deep socio-economic vulnerabilities that it inherited, and that the annual budgets are a declaration of its intent to rewrite  its development trajectory.

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    Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 2026 budget therefore deserves careful, critical, and balanced scrutiny.

    The proposed 2026 budget is striking in both its size and ambition. With a total outlay of approximately ₦758.7 billion, it is among the largest in the state’s history. Yet size alone is a poor measure of success. What matters most is the structure of the budget, the realism of its revenue assumptions, the clarity of its priorities, and its capacity to translate spending into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. And on these the governor is spot on.

    One of the most notable features of the 2026 budget is its strong tilt toward capital expenditure, with roughly 72 % allocated to capital projects and only 28 %  to recurrent spending. This no doubt signals a development-oriented agenda. This is not surprising considering that the governor has never hidden the fact that roads, schools, hospitals, water infrastructure, and agricultural investments are essential for long-term economic development of the state, especially because of the significant infrastructure gaps it inherited.

    While capital-heavy budgets come with inherent risks, the performance of the 2024, 2025 budgets show that it’s achievable. So for Sokoto State, the question of how much is allocated to capital projects, and how much is actually delivered doesn’t apply. The fear that the Sokoto State budget might suffer the same fate with Nigeria’s public finance history that is littered with ambitious capital budgets, but ultimately undermined by low implementation rates, abandoned projects, and inflated costs is not supported by facts. Indeed for Sokoto State, the challenge will not be ensuring that capital allocations translate into completed, functional assets rather it’s about increasing its budget performance from about 65% to an ambitious 75%.

    Infrastructure, by its nature, does not sustain itself. Roads require ongoing maintenance, hospitals depend on steady supplies of consumables, and schools rely on qualified teachers and learning materials. Within this context, there are strong indications that the relatively lean recurrent budget has been structured to sustainably operate and maintain the assets already constructed.

    Any serious analysis of the 2026 budget must interrogate the revenue side with equal rigour. While Sokoto State continues to rely significantly on federal allocations, its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has increased substantially in recent years, contributing a more meaningful share to the total income. This improvement, driven by stronger fiscal discipline and revenue administration, places the state in a better position to withstand external shocks such as oil price volatility or adjustments in federal fiscal policy. As a result, the revenue projections underpinning the 2026 budget are not particularly vulnerable. Notably, the state has so far been able to finance its numerous development projects without resorting to borrowing from commercial banks, underscoring a cautious and sustainable approach to public finance.

    The administration’s emphasis in avoiding borrowing is highly commendable, especially in an era where many states are weighed down by unsustainable debt. Fiscal restraint enhances credibility and protects future budgets from excessive debt servicing. Yet caution must not become paralysis. Strategic, well-structured borrowing for productive investments especially in sectors like agriculture, water, and energy to accelerate growth should if necessary be considered, especially its capacity to deliver long-term returns.

    Budgets speak through their allocations. In the 2026 proposal, security, education, health, agriculture, and water infrastructure have emerged as priority sectors for the administration of Governor Aliyu. This alignment broadly reflects both the state’s development needs and Governor Aliyu’s stated policy agenda.

    Security spending is particularly significant. Given persistent banditry and insecurity in parts of eastern Sokoto State, allocating huge resources to security infrastructure, logistics, and coordination with federal agencies is not an option. Without improved security, investments in education, agriculture, and commerce cannot yield their intended results.

    Health and education allocations are also notable, with health receiving around 16% of the total budget, exceeding some minimum benchmarks and underscoring the administration’s recognition of human capital development. Available evidence suggests that sustained investments in primary healthcare, maternal services and essential medical supplies are beginning to strengthen health outcomes and reduce avoidable morbidity, key drivers of long-term improvements in life expectancy.

    In education, increased funding for teacher development, school infrastructure, and learning materials has contributed to increased enrollment, attendance, and instructional quality. While improvements in literacy rates typically emerge gradually, these interventions are creating conditions that support stronger learning outcomes. Together, progress in health and education is enhancing human capital and, by extension, improving productivity and economic participation, particularly among young people and rural communities.

    Agriculture, the backbone of Sokoto’s economy, also features prominently. If effectively implemented, investments in irrigation, extension services, and value chains would significantly improve food security, rural incomes, and employment.

    Another encouraging aspect of Governor Aliyu’s 2026 budget process is the administration’s emphasis on citizen engagement through town-hall meetings and consultations. Participatory budgeting helps align public spending with community needs and strengthen public trust. While participation must extend beyond consultation, it’s the responsibility of the citizens to track implementation, and hold public officials accountable for results. The governor has shown by words and actions to be a democrat and accountable. The N200,000 monthly imprest for schools was the outcome of the town hall meeting.

    Another lens for evaluating the 2026 budget is its alignment with the governor’s broader policy framework, because the coherence between policy statements and budgetary allocations enhance credibility and effectiveness.

    The allocations largely reflect the administration’s stated priorities in health education, water, agriculture, and security. This coherence is important. Budgets that contradict policy statements undermine credibility and effectiveness.

    Equally important is continuity: whether ongoing projects are completed before new ones are initiated, and whether lessons from past implementation challenges have been incorporated into the 2026 plan.

    The other question that must be asked is how does the 2026 budget build on previous budgets? Are ongoing projects being completed before new ones are initiated? Have the lessons from past implementation challenges been incorporated into the 2026 budget? Continuity and institutional memory are often overlooked but critical for development planning.

    Ultimately, the success or failure of the 2026 Sokoto State budget will not be determined in the House of Assembly or on paper, but in communities across the state. Will rural farmers see better access to water and markets? Will mothers find functional primary healthcare centers? Will children learn in safer, better-equipped schools? Will roads reduce travel time and improve commerce?

    Encouragingly, the Ahmed Aliyu administration has demonstrated capacity for timely implementation of the budget. The establishment of a procurement agency, the appointment of competent leadership, and the political will to act decisively suggest an understanding that without robust implementation frameworks, even the most well-intentioned budget risks becoming a catalogue of missed opportunities.

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 2026 budget is, by many measures, ambitious and development-oriented. Its emphasis on capital investment, social sectors, and fiscal restraint reflects a desire to reposition Sokoto State for long-term growth. And it’s an ambition that is matched by realism, discipline, and transparency.

    In the end, history will not judge the 2026 budget by its size, but by what it delivers. So for the government, the challenge is clear: turn numbers into impact, plans into projects, and allocations into lasting improvements in the lives of Sokoto’s people.

  • Osun 2026: Bola Oyebamiji in the spotlight

    Osun 2026: Bola Oyebamiji in the spotlight

    • By Olufisayo Alebiosu

    The man in the glare of public curiosity at this moment is the immediate past Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and former two-term Commissioner for Finance in Osun State. He is Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, famously known as AMBO.

    Oyebamiji is in the public eye because, as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), nothing can be taken for granted regarding the forthcoming August 8, 2026, governorship election in Osun State. This stands in sharp contradistinction to the projections of independent analysts concerning Ekiti State where, barring the mother-of-all-electoral upsets, incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, aka BAO, appears assured of a resounding victory.

    On his part, Oyebanji is in a position to dictate the course of events amidst the whimper of dissent, as the countdown begins for whatever remains of the disparate and increasingly confused ‘alternative’ to the incumbent governor of Ekiti State. They lack a coherent, strategic imperative to mount a credible challenge. The Ekiti election appears to be a done deal in favour of BAO.

    Osun is a different ballgame! There will be twists, turns, and tales of the unexpected. The APC candidate in Osun must give great kudos to the interventions of the presidency, whose deft moves have doused the tensions arising from Oyebamiji’s consensus candidacy. His rivals have clearly calculated that it is in their interest not to take on the presidency; it is difficult to imagine any of them mounting a challenge from any quarter. At worst, they will sit it out – a move they likely view as being in their own interest, however ill-advised it may seem. Indeed, this is a big win for AMBO’s prospects! It is, however, not a done deal.

    Legitimate questions can – and should – be asked about the strength of the APC on the ground. From ward to ward, local government to local government, and across every senatorial district: how robust is the party’s organizational structure for a ‘get-out-the-vote’ effort? The Osun governorship election could ultimately be decided by the swiftness of voter turnout.

    A key factor that must be reiterated in any calculation is that Osun added 189,000 new names to its registration roll – the highest increase nationwide. Why this is the case, and how it came to be, remains the critical question. Anyone seriously planning to win this election must provide a sharp, analytical explanation for this phenomenon. The situation is intriguing precisely because there is no evidence of a coordinated, systematic voter registration drive typical of more politically sophisticated societies.

    There must be a reason why political engagement is higher in Osun than in any other state, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. It is in the interest of AMBO and his presumably data-driven strategists to decipher this surge in voter registration and determine who the ultimate beneficiary will be. This increase must be analyzed according to its distribution across local governments and senatorial districts; such a breakdown will be not only revealing but vital to any political permutations.

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    Clearly, Oyebamiji’s strategists have their work cut out for them, especially regarding the demographic composition of these new registrants. If, as expected, the figures favour the under-30s, they must develop a specific strategy to mobilize and convince these first-time voters to support their cause.

    They will face stiff opposition from the camp of the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is now flying the flag of the Accord Party. Whether they like it or not, Adeleke possesses a formidable tool for mobilizing first-time voters: the pulling power of his nephew, popularly known as Davido.

    We have seen from past elections in the USA, South Africa, Uganda, and elsewhere that pop stars resonate with and influence the voting intentions of younger demographics. Any serious political permutations must take this into account when crafting electioneering strategies. The election, provided it is free and fair, could hinge on this factor. They had better develop a youth-centered mobilization strategy that can be fine-tuned as the campaign progresses.

    The Oyebamiji campaign must be issue-based. As a former Commissioner of Finance, the candidate must be prepared to provide convincing answers to lingering questions regarding ‘Afusa’ – the period of half-salary payments in Osun State which Governor Adeleke has verifiably cleared. This is a savvy move by the ‘Dancing Governor,’ even as he continues to dance ‘wùrùwúrú’ around the substantive answers. There are thousands of direct and indirect beneficiaries of these payments, most of whom likely hold voter cards. It is the philosophy of the ‘smoke screen’, where the objective isn’t to solve a crisis, but to manufacture the appearance of a solution long enough to survive the next news cycle.

    ‘Wùrùwúrú to the answer’ privileges the hollow image of progress over the tangible substance of a full stomach or a secure home. Ultimately, this turns leadership into a cruel magic trick: the audience loses their livelihood while the magician stands back, waiting for applause. This reality isn’t just messy, it is fundamentally dishonest. In a tenure of ‘wùrùwúrú’ and shadows, Adeleke will want to cash his IOUs and Oyebamiji must be proactive and sharply articulate in handling this issue.

    AMBO is a seasoned banker and administrator who has spent over 30 years building a reputation for excellence. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, he cut his teeth in the banking industry before moving into public service to help reposition the finances of Osun State. During his time as the Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL) and later as the Commissioner for Finance, he was the silent engine behind the state’s economic survival during some of its toughest years. As the MD/CEO of NIWA, AMBO worked hard to turn our waterways into a major hub for business and safety.

    A deep-rooted community man and the Asiwaju of Ikireland, Oyebamiji is the perfect example of an ‘Omoluabi’ – someone who stays humble and keeps his word despite his high office. Love him or hate him, what sets AMBO apart is his ability to handle complex financial issues while staying connected to the needs of the ordinary man on the street. As a loyal leader in the APC, he has become a trusted voice for reform and a bridge-builder who believes that governance must always be about the people.

    It is going to be a rigorous battle across the complexities of the three senatorial districts or, as some people have argued, Osun State can actually be divided into six political provinces. The astute and the savvy would be in the best place to carry the day. Oyebamiji looks capable of pulling it off!

    ●Alebiosu wrote from Ede, Osun State.

  • APC presents membership card to Senator Katung in Southern Kaduna

    APC presents membership card to Senator Katung in Southern Kaduna

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally presented its membership card to Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, the lawmaker representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The presentation was carried out by the APC Chairman of Madakiya Ward in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Mr. Alfred Diriya, who welcomed the senator into the ruling party.

    Speaking at the event, Senator Katung said his decision to join the APC was aimed at re-energising the party and strengthening its electoral fortunes in Southern Kaduna.

    “Our intention is to add value and ensure we win all forthcoming elections for the party,” Katung said, describing the APC as an inclusive party that has come to stay.

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    He said his defection was influenced by the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly policies and interventions he said had positively impacted Kaduna South Senatorial District.

    Katung called on residents of Southern Kaduna to join the APC and work collectively toward the development of the area, stressing the need for unity and collaboration to move the region forward.