The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Abiodun’s renewed security strategy amidst rising banditry

    Abiodun’s renewed security strategy amidst rising banditry

    • By Femi Ogbonnikan

    The current escalating insecurity in the country is not only alarming but also calls for an urgent action from the government. At this critical juncture in our national development effort, governments at all levels (local, state and Federal) can no longer sit back and watch the growing trend of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping. It has become an existential threat that requires effective collaboration of all the stakeholders, including the citizens. To be safe, citizens too must contribute to intelligence gathering and timely release of information that can help to prevent attack of bandits or kidnappers who now see ransom-taking as a lucrative business. Everybody’s vigilance can go a long way to ward off criminal elements in our midst before they wreak havoc. They are not invincible, they are cowards.

    The manner of attack by bandits and their surreptitious movement show that they are weak, cowardly, and callous. And this, of course, cuts to the heart of the psychology behind their asymmetric warfare. It shows the classic tactics of a force that knows it cannot win a direct, conventional engagement, so it resorts to terror to project power it does not actually possess.

    In military strategy, a force that hides, moves only at night, or relies entirely on ambush tactics often does so because it lacks the capacity to hold ground. Bandits engage in asymmetric warfare because they know they are numerically or technologically inferior to state security forces. Their stealth is an admission that they cannot sustain a prolonged battle. If they were strong, they would occupy territory openly. Instead, they strike and run, which is a tactical admission of fragility.

    True courage is often defined by facing a challenge where the odds are equal or against you, usually to protect others. Banditry is the exact opposite. Bandits almost exclusively target soft targets—unarmed civilians, travelers, or isolated villages—rather than hard targets like fortified military bases. Lying in wait to attack someone who is unprepared is the definition of a cowardly act. It relies on the victim’s vulnerability rather than the attacker’s skill. By disrupting livelihoods, farming, trade and instilling fear in entire communities, bandits show a total lack of empathy for human suffering.

    When kidnapping or looting is involved, they reduce human life to a mere commodity or transaction. This detachment requires a profound hardening of the heart. As human beings like us, their tactics is to latch on the security loopholes in our communities to launch their attacks. We can contain them, if we all volunteer to be a part of community policing. Community policing means taking ownership of the security arrangement around us.  It is practically impossible to have security personnel in every corner of the country. But when we all see security as our collective responsibility and ready to work with the police, the task of protecting our lives and property would become easier to handle. As it is often said, if you see something, you must say something.

    On the part of the government, there is a need for a review of approach to security matters in our nation. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his quick response to the security concern on Monday, November 24, 2025 held an urgent meeting with security chiefs in the state to review the current security landscape and assess emerging issues at both the state and national levels. The meeting, held in Iperu, his home town, focused on strengthening coordination among security agencies and sustaining the state’s reputation as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Jonathan accuses Embaló of orchestrating ‘ceremonial coup’ in Guinea-Bissau

    Stressing the need for proactive measures to tackling the rising security challenge during the engagement, the governor noted that the best time to prepare for war is during a period of peace. This, he said, was necessary to sustain the Ogun State reputation as a peaceful and stable environment. He explained that maintaining this position requires proactive planning, consistent evaluation, and the implementation of measures designed to prevent threats before they arise. While similar meetings have been held in the past, he described Monday’s session as particularly crucial in reinforcing the state’s collective readiness.

    The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to preserve peace, enhance public safety, and ensure that Ogun State remains secure for residents, investors, and visitors.

    Additionally, Abiodun assured that a robust security arrangement would be put in place to secure the state against the spiraling spate of banditry, terrorism and other heinous crimes in some parts of the country. He disclosed that the state government would soon begin the documentation of all undocumented foreign nationals working with multinational companies operating in the state. According to him, new non-indigenes entering the state for the first time would undergo proper screening by their community leaders to ensure they are not used to orchestrate violence, stressing that government must know their purpose and means of livelihood.

    Addressing journalists at Iperu after a security meeting, Governor Abiodun said the measures formed part of proactive steps to safeguard lives and property across the state. He revealed that about 70 foreigners, mostly from Niger Republic, Sudan and Chad, had been arrested in recent days after failing to provide clear explanations for their presence in the State. “The law enforcement agencies have arrested, within the last three to four days, about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot even speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here.

    We are going to process these individuals with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). We will also be calling on our non-indigene communities to be more vigilant so that we know who is here and why they are here,” he said.

    The governor further expressed concern over the activities of scavengers, noting that they had become a security threat to communities in the state. “We discussed the issue of scavengers who have become more of a threat. Law enforcement agencies will pay particular attention to them. We will engage them to ensure they are not being used to perpetrate crimes in the state,” he added.

    Prince Abiodun emphasized the need for extra vigilance to contain the rising wave of insecurity in the country, noting that as Nigeria’s industrial capital, Ogun receives more than five million daily commuters, making it crucial for the government to maintain close watch on criminal elements. Accordingly, he directed the police to immediately move into areas such as “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode and similar enclaves across the state and clear them out, warning that properties used by criminals would henceforth be seized by the government.

    Speaking on the recent incident at Ajebo in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, the governor noted that security officers had visited the settlement to verify that its occupants pose no threat. He also assured that the state’s forest reserves would be thoroughly combed to prevent criminals from using them as hideouts.

    Referencing the concern trends in the mining sub-sector, Governor Abiodun said the government was aware that some miners operate as miscreants, and working with security agencies to flush out criminals from mining sites and forest reserves. He appealed to residents to actively support community policing efforts by providing credible information to security agencies. “Security is not the responsibility of security agents alone. We must work with them.

    We must report anything suspicious so law enforcement can respond promptly. We must be observant and be our brother’s keeper,” he said.

    He also assured that his administration would continue to provide the necessary logistics to security agencies and cautioned Obas and Baales against allocating government land to strangers, warning that any traditional ruler found culpable would be held accountable for undermining the state’s interest. He commended security agencies for their cooperation and synergy, which he said, had contributed significantly to the peace Ogun State currently enjoys.

    The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilizing the economy as well as his swift response to the new emerging security situation in the country, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states.Oyebanji

    Complementary to the effort of President Tinubu, security also topped the agenda of the South West Governors’ Forum at a meeting held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Other than security, there was equally an extensive deliberation on various issues, including agriculture, economic and regional development. The Forum’s resolutions formed part of the broader approach to the new security challenge confronting the nation. While the governors commended Mr. President for his economic reforms and other developmental agenda, they also pledged their support in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. They particularly expressed solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary’s in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State.

    The meeting holds major significance as it resulted in concrete, unified, and technology-driven decisions aimed at tackling the region’s escalating security challenges and strengthening regional integration. The key significance lies in the creation of new joint mechanisms to secure the region and the renewed, urgent call for State Police.

    The core of the meeting’s significance was the approval of a new regional security architecture in response to rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining. Their renewed demand for state police underscores the imperative of a review of the current security architecture. The governors collectively reaffirmed their long-standing support for the establishment of State Police, declaring that “The Time is Now” and the reform can no longer be delayed. This is a powerful, unified position aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to decentralize policing.

    They also agreed to set up a dedicated South West Security Fund under the DAWN Commission, to be overseen by the Special Advisers on Security from all six states. This provides a sustainable, regional financial mechanism to fund security operations and technology.

    The Forum resolved to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform across all six states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti). This platform will coordinate threat notifications and incident logs,  traveller and cargo alerts and state-to-state rapid response. 

    The governors called on the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts used as hideouts by criminals and agreed to deploy Forest Guards with states providing personnel to reclaim these spaces from bandits and kidnappers.

    They expressed deep concern over illegal mining, which threatens regional security and environment, calling for strict licensing and enforcement. They equally agreed to intensify collaboration to monitor unregulated interstate migration to prevent it from becoming a conduit for insecurity, calling for collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    Beyond security, the meeting reaffirmed the region’s commitment to collaborative economic development and integration. The governors commended farmers for their efforts in agricultural output and reiterated the need for regional collaboration to curb food inflation.

    For regional cooperation, they welcomed the establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and praised the efforts of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) in promoting integration.

    In essence, the Ibadan meeting shifted the Forum’s focus from mere discussion to the implementation of actionable, integrated security measures backed by a dedicated fund and a digital coordination system, while collectively re-emphasizing the critical need for State Police to secure the South West region.

    Properly implemented, these measures will complement the renewed effort of Governor Abiodun to make Ogun State a secure environment for all residents. We all must support the administration in our collective interest.

     *Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media

  • Civil Service reform and good governance

    Civil Service reform and good governance

    • By Karen Ibrahim

    Public service reform lies at the heart of sustainable governance, and in Sokoto State  that commitment has taken a more deliberate and focused shape under Governor Ahmed Aliyu. His recent redeployment of permanent secretaries, guided by the principles of merit, ethics and accountability has reinvigorated public debate about what genuine good governance demands and how institutional renewal can help translate into real, measurable improvements in the lives of the people. While any restructuring of senior bureaucratic positions would naturally raise questions about continuity, political neutrality and institutional balance, the overarching direction of the reform by the Governor Aliyu administration signals a sincere attempt to strengthen the machinery of government so that policies and programmes that impact on the people can be implemented with greater efficiency.

    From the outset, Governor Aliyu made it abundantly clear that the criteria guiding the redeployments were rooted firmly in merit and competence. His statement that “the era of business-as-usual is over” resonated widely across the state. Many civil servants, often accustomed to long periods of stagnation and limited growth prospects, saw in the governor’s message a renewed commitment to professionalism. The exercise was not carried out as a punitive measure; rather, it aligned officers’ skills with positions best suited to their qualifications and experience. It also reaffirmed the fundamental belief that the civil service is a professional institution and that senior administrative positions must be entrusted to individuals capable of driving policy implementation with clarity, integrity and technical expertise.

    This commitment to merit and fairness is equally evident in the ongoing statewide recruitment exercise, which the administration has deliberately designed to be open, competitive, and transparent at every stage. In line with its pledge to play strictly by the rules, the Sokoto State Recruitment Committee subjected all applicants seeking entry into the public service to a standardized Computer-Based Aptitude Examination—ensuring that no candidate received preferential treatment and that every individual had an equal opportunity to demonstrate competence.

    Read Also: Tinubu reaffirms security, unity, community resilience as core priorities

    Following the conclusion of this stage, the list of successful applicants for the second batch has now been publicly released. These candidates will proceed to an oral interview phase, which will be conducted with the same rigor, integrity, and transparency. Through these measures, the administration continues to demonstrate its unwavering resolve to build a public service anchored on merit, fairness, and due process.

    By making recruitment open, competitive and verifiable, the administration signals that entry into the civil service will no longer be clouded by patronage or secrecy. It also complements the restructuring at senior levels and demonstrates that merit is becoming the foundation of the service from the bottom to the top. This blend of transparent recruitment and strategic redeployment reinforces the credibility of the reform and will no doubt strengthen public confidence in government institutions.

    One of the most compelling arguments for a merit-based approach is its direct impact on institutional capacity. A civil service where officers are strategically placed according to their strengths is more likely to produce coordinated, informed and timely decisions the very essence of effective governance.

    Sokoto State’s most recent quarterly administrative review indicates that project processing timelines in strategic ministries have been shortened by approximately 15% since the redeployments, a modest but very important indicator that the reforms are achieving the desired results – internal efficiency. This improvement matters,because delayed memos, approvals or evaluations often translate to stalled projects, or cost overruns and failure of the government to provide service. A system designed around merit minimizes these risks and accelerates development.

    Governor Aliyu’s focus on tangible results is evident across several flagship initiatives, from expanding agricultural support programmes to improving primary healthcare delivery, revamping educational infrastructure and rehabilitating water supply systems. These projects certainly require a civil service capable of thorough planning, rigorous evaluation and consistent monitoring. Redeploying officers based on merit ensures that individuals with sector-specific knowledge handle the responsibilities most aligned with their expertise. This will not only strengthen administrative performance but also enhance coordination within ministries, reduce duplication of efforts and promote clearer lines of responsibility.

    While concerns about loss of continuity are understandable, particularly among those who have the  erroneous believe institutional memory rests primarily with individuals, good governance emphasizes functional systems over personalities. Sokoto’s recent reforms have focused on embedding continuity through stronger improved inter-ministerial communication and digital reporting tools. By ensuring that records, project histories and administrative procedures are properly documented, the Governor Aliyu administration has reduced  the risk of disruption when officers move. Performance reviews, project tracking dashboards and standardized handover protocols have also been introduced to promote smooth transitions that will keep programmes on track.

    Accountability has emerged as another central pillar of the governor’s reform effort. Over the years, bureaucratic opacity and inconsistent monitoring weakened the impact of public spending. Governor Aliyu’s insistence on transparent budgeting, clear targets and regular public disclosure is a signal that accountability has  become a defining culture within the civil service. And this shift has captured the attention of civic groups. A coordinator from the Sokoto Budget Monitoring Coalition remarked that “the changes have created more visibility around how decisions are made, and that is a positive step for accountability.” Such perspectives demonstrate that the reform is attracting external validation from actors who traditionally have issues with government performance.

    The emphasis on ethical leadership is equally significant. By demanding that permanent secretaries and director-level officers demonstrate honesty, responsibility and respect for public trust, the administration has redefined expectations for senior public officials. Officers who rise through competence rather than patronage are more likely to embrace high professional standards, making the civil service more trustworthy and effective.

    Early evidence of the reform’s impact on service delivery is already becoming visible. Across various sectors, citizens and frontline workers report more coordinated and timely government responses. A notable example comes from Gwadabawa, where community leaders observed that a water rehabilitation project that had been stalled for nearly a year was timely completed  after the responsible department was reorganized and a directorate head with engineering expertise was appointed. The intervention restored water to several households that had relied on alternative sources for months.

    Similarly, agricultural extension officers report faster distribution of inputs and clearer communication from the Ministry of Agriculture, while health workers note improved supply chains and better monitoring of essential drugs and consumables in primary healthcare centres.

    This progress is accompanied by an uplift in morale within the civil service. Many officers say the emphasis on merit has renewed their enthusiasm and sense of purpose. The perception of stagnation once a common source of frustration has eased as promotions and appointments increasingly reflect performance. Training programmes, capacity-building workshops and partnerships with development agencies have further strengthened this shift. A senior lecturer in public administration at Usmanu Danfodiyo University observed that “Sokoto’s emphasis on merit aligns with best practices globally and, if sustained, can transform service culture over time.”

    Still, no reform of this scale is without its challenges. Resistance to change, often rooted in longstanding institutional habits, is a natural response. Some officers worry that frequent redeployments could dilute institutional memory or create uncertainty within departments. While some opposition elements have expressed concerns about digital literacy as the government introduces more modern administrative tools and cautioned that reforms must be implemented carefully to avoid perceptions of political motivations, the track record of Governor Aliyu as a fair and just leader has knocked out the fears.

    Yet none of these issues diminish the necessity or potential of the reforms. Instead, they reinforce the need for sustained communication, consistent implementation and proactive stakeholder engagement. The administration has already demonstrated capacity in this regard through its public engagements.

    Looking ahead, the reform effort can be deepened in several strategic ways: expanding digital transformation through e-governance platforms; adopting performance contracts for senior officers; and creating more accessible channels for citizen feedback. These mechanisms would not only institutionalize transparency but would also encourage continuous improvement in service delivery.

    Governor Aliyu’s communication style; of direct, data-informed and people-centered projects  has been instrumental in driving the reform forward. His approach has also helped align the civil service with the state’s broader developmental goals and reinforced the urgency of achieving measurable results.

    Ultimately, the redeployment of permanent secretaries, the transparent recruitment into the civil service and the broader administrative reforms represent more than structural adjustments. They reaffirm Sokoto State’s commitment to good governance, one grounded in merit, and accountability. If sustained, these reforms will not only strengthen institutions but will also expand public trust, improve service delivery and create a civil service capable of meeting the state’s developmental aspirations.

    Sokoto is charting a path where civil service reform is not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a catalyst for long-term development. With transparent leadership, system-driven processes and a commitment to merit, the state is setting a standard worthy of emulation across Nigeria. The state,the Seat of the Caliphate it seems is constantly showing the way.

  • LP faction petitions INEC over leadership dispute

    LP faction petitions INEC over leadership dispute

    A new internal dispute has arisen within the Labour Party (LP) as Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who lead the Caretaker National Working Committee, have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop recognizing Julius Abure and Umar Farouk as the party’s leaders.

    In a statement issued on Friday, the faction said it had written to INEC requesting the removal of both names from the commission’s portal, insisting that their tenure ended in June 2024. The group argued that recent court judgments had affirmed its position and urged the electoral body to comply.

    According to the statement, the group referenced the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, and a Federal High Court ruling delivered on August 15, 2025, claiming both decisions invalidated the LP national convention held in March 2024 and recognised Usman and Nwokocha as acting national chairman and secretary, respectively.

    While urging party members to disregard the congress guidelines recently circulated by Abure, the Usman-led group said preparations had begun for fresh congresses and a national convention expected to be held within 90 days, in line with the party’s constitution.

    It further announced that new interim national and state working committee lists had been forwarded to INEC for acknowledgement, while membership registration and nationwide congresses would commence shortly.

    The statement added that the group’s petition to the electoral commission included a demand for a public clarification on the leadership question, stressing the need for what it called “full compliance” with existing court rulings.

  • MKO Abiola’s ally Su-kazeem knocks Sanusi for criticising Tinubu’s economic reforms

    MKO Abiola’s ally Su-kazeem knocks Sanusi for criticising Tinubu’s economic reforms

    A close ally of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola, Alhaji Sufianu Kazeem, popularly known as Su-Kazeem, has criticised former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, over his recent comments faulting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies.

    Su-Kazeem said Sanusi should stop using ethnicity and religion to score cheap political points while attacking what he described as the giant strides of President Tinubu’s economic reforms.

    In a statement, the Ibadan-based property merchant described Sanusi’s criticism as misinformed, insisting that the former CBN governor lacked the moral ground to advise the government.

    He argued that Sanusi’s comments showed no genuine concern for Nigeria’s progress.

    Expressing his support for President Tinubu’s economic measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, Su-Kazeem said the reforms have earned widespread endorsement from global economic experts and international institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF.

    He said, “Firstly, let us recognise that President Tinubu has taken bold steps to correct decades of economic mismanagement.

    “The removal of the fuel subsidy, while initially challenging, was a necessary move to free up resources for critical infrastructure and social investments, which has further helped mitigate its impact on the vulnerable populations.

    “The unification of the exchange rate has also been widely praised by global financial institutions, including the World Bank and IMF, as a step toward long-term economic stability.

    “Secondly, it is worth noting that these reforms have received widespread support from global economic experts. The World Bank has projected positive growth for Nigeria’s economy in the coming years, affirming that we are on a path to recovery.

    “Evidently, the Tinubu administration is steering Nigeria in the right direction despite the temporary pains of adjustment. It is no news that President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated its openness to dialogue with stakeholders with meaningful contributions across various sectors.

    “This government has prioritized transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are heard in shaping policies that directly affect their lives.

    “Additionally, efforts are underway to communicate these policies effectively in local languages, ensuring that all Nigerians understand the benefits of these reforms.

    “Rather than acknowledging these efforts or contributing positive ideas to enhance their effectiveness, Sanusi opted for a cynical and self-serving narrative. In contrast, what has Sanusi offered? Criticisms that are devoid of actionable solutions and reflect a parrot-like analysis of Nigeria’s economic situation.”

  • Osun 2026: Oyebamiji’s ambition gets boost amid reported elders’ caucus endorsement

    Osun 2026: Oyebamiji’s ambition gets boost amid reported elders’ caucus endorsement

    • …Two aspirants have endorsed ex-NIWA boss—Party sources

    With just 15 days to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Osun State, the ambition of former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has reportedly received a major boost following an alleged endorsement by the party’s Elders’ Caucus.

    The Nation reports that the APC currently has the highest number of governorship aspirants in the state, with 12 party chieftains vying for the ticket.

    The Elders’ Caucus, chaired by Engr. Sola Akinwumi had earlier met with all aspirants twice and urged them to delay picking nomination forms pending the outcome of its assessment and recommendations.

    A source confirmed to The Nation that after its screening and mediation process, the caucus settled on Oyebamiji as the preferred aspirant.

    The source added, “We suggest that the party should make Oyebamiji its consensus candidate after our findings among the aspirants. He has connected with many of them, earned their support, and based on his capacity, he topped the ratings.”

    Efforts to reach the caucus chairman, Engr. Akinwumi was unsuccessful as calls and messages were not responded to.

    The caucus secretary, Hon. Gbenga Omolaoye, also declined to comment, insisting only the chairman could speak on the matter.

    A caucus member, Professor Rasak Abubakar, refrained from speaking for the group but expressed his personal view, saying he would be pleased if the party’s ticket went to Oyebamiji, whom he believes deserves it.

  • ADC sacks lone NASS member Abejide

    ADC sacks lone NASS member Abejide

    …as lawmaker laughs off purported expulsion

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has ratified the Kogi State Executive Committee’s decision to expel Hon. Leke Abejide, citing what it described as multiple acts of indiscipline.

    Abejide, the lone ADC lawmaker in the National Assembly who represents the Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopa Moro Federal Constituency, was removed after what party leaders said were repeated violations of party rules and conduct.

    He has been a loyal member of the party since the 9th Assembly.

    Announcing the decision after its meeting at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated on his X platform that the party would not condone behaviour that undermines its values.

    “The party reaffirmed that it would not tolerate any acts of indiscipline from its members as it seeks to build a party founded on discipline, character, and integrity,” Abdullahi wrote.

    The NWC also directed state and local party organs to expedite the formation of executive committees across all levels.

    “Furthermore, the party also directed the state leadership of the party to ensure that all vacant positions in the ward, local governments, and state executives of the party are filled in accordance with the approved transition guidelines that were earlier issued, ahead of the congresses whose timeline would be announced soon,” he stated.

    However, when contacted through a WhatsApp message for his reaction to the expulsion, Abejide laughed off the development with an emoji while stating, “My reaction will come after the court judgment.”

  • Lamido gives PDP 10-day ultimatum to resolve internal crisis, seeks dissolution of Ibadan convention

    Lamido gives PDP 10-day ultimatum to resolve internal crisis, seeks dissolution of Ibadan convention

    Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resolve what he described as deepening internal crises threatening the stability of the party.

    Lamido issued the warning while addressing hundreds of supporters—including former chairmen, commissioners, and long-time political associates, who visited him and called for the dissolution of the Ibadan elective convention.

    They also urged the immediate constitution of a national caretaker committee to navigate the party through its current challenges.

    The former governor decried what he described as the sidelining of long-standing stakeholders like himself by “new forces” seeking to alter the PDP’s established structure. 

    He alleged that efforts to diminish his political relevance were partly responsible for the present turmoil.

    Lamido clarified that his recent legal actions were not motivated by personal ambition or a desire for party leadership, but by a commitment to preserving the PDP’s legacy and defending his fundamental rights, which he said had been violated.

    He insisted that, based on the PDP constitution, Umar Damagum and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remain the legitimate national leaders of the party until their tenure concludes on December 8, 2025. 

    Allowing the party to drift without clarity, he warned, would jeopardise the plans of aspirants, current officeholders, and those seeking re-election.

    “I am pushing for a caretaker committee. I am calling on Wike, Damagum, and others to forgive one another and support the formation of a unified caretaker body,” he said.

    Lamido urged the PDP’s top hierarchy to convene a joint meeting to discuss the party’s challenges honestly and chart a path toward restoring cohesion and credibility.

    He also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and patient until December 8, stressing that developments within the party in the coming days would determine its direction moving forward.

  • Osun 2026: Ex-female lawmaker picks APC guber form

    Osun 2026: Ex-female lawmaker picks APC guber form

    Barely 16 days to the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a former female lawmaker, Hon. Mulikat Abiola, has joined the gubernatorial contest of the party and picked a nomination form. 

    Abiola, who represented Ifelodun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly between 2018 and 2023, picked the ticket and vowed to unseat the incumbent governor and restore the lost glory of the state.

    While speaking with The Nation on Thursday, she hinged her decision to pick the APC form on gross marginalisation of women in the political space, saying, “it is time to give women a better chance in the Osun political space.”

    The parliamentarian cum academician who decried poor inclusion of women in politics said it is time to raise women’s consciousness and emancipation to active politics.

    She said, “I just obtained the APC governorship nomination form now at the party’s national secretariat to prove my readiness to contest the forthcoming gubernatorial election. Osun is our common patrimony, not for a section of people.

    Read Also: Osun 2026: Why we will support APC against PDP, ADC, others, by Osogbo community

    “This is the time to have a female Governor at the helm of affairs of our dear state. Enough is enough; this is the time for women to take their rightful position. Enough of marginalisation and human exclusion.”

    She continued, “My informed decision is to raise the consciousness of our people, particularly the womenfolk, to the need to lead the state. I am prepared to restore the lost glory of our people in the political space of our dear state. It is no longer news that women have been marginalised and they have been treated as second fiddle.

    “I am not perturbed by antics and rhetoric from whoever has picked the form, all I know is that I am confident to win the party primary and governorship election come August 2026″, Hon. Abiola said.

  • CSO condemns ADC’s politicisation of Nigeria’s security challenges

    CSO condemns ADC’s politicisation of Nigeria’s security challenges

    A pro-citizens advocacy organisation has condemned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for what it described as an opportunistic and inflammatory commentary on Nigeria’s current security challenges. 

    The group said the opposition party was exploiting the grief of victims’ families and the anxieties of citizens to score cheap political points rather than contribute meaningfully to national security reforms.

    The Citizens for Secure Nation (CSN), a civil society coalition focused on public safety and democratic accountability, issued the rebuttal in Kaduna on Thursday. 

    Its president, Alhaji Musa Danladi Maikawa, said the ADC’s latest remarks were designed to undermine public confidence in ongoing security operations and to cast the federal government as complicit in the violence affecting communities in parts of the country.

    Maikawa said the ADC had crossed a troubling line by making sweeping allegations without evidence, adding that public discourse on security must be anchored on facts and national interest. 

    He noted that while Nigerians have legitimate frustrations about banditry, kidnapping and the protection of schools, no political actor should inflame tensions or erode trust in institutions at a time when security agencies are under intense pressure to stabilise affected regions.

    “We cannot allow a political party to weaponise the pain of grieving families for narrow advantage. Our country is going through a difficult period and what we need is constructive engagement, not reckless commentary that undermines the morale of security personnel risking their lives every day,” Maikawa said.

    He said the ADC’s portrayal of recent rescue operations was unfair to the military, police and intelligence services who have “intensified coordinated action across multiple theatres.”

    The coalition added that attempts to portray government efforts as clandestine or conspiratorial were unhelpful and capable of discouraging local cooperation with authorities.

    “There is no justification for painting security forces as collaborators with terrorists. Such rhetoric is dangerous. It casts suspicion on agencies that citizens rely on for protection and gives oxygen to extremist propaganda. Even more worrisome is that these claims are being made without a shred of verifiable proof,” Maikawa warned.

    He also faulted the ADC’s criticism of school closure decisions, saying the measures were temporary safety steps taken after assessments by security and education authorities on specific high-risk areas. 

    He added that federal and state governments were implementing a phased security reinforcement plan around vulnerable schools to enable safe reopening.

    “It is irresponsible to suggest that government is surrendering to terrorists simply because it has taken precautionary action to prevent children from being harmed. Countries across the world shut down facilities when credible threats arise. What matters is that the closures are temporary and that security is being scaled up so teaching can resume,” Maikawa declared.

    Maikawa urged opposition parties to exercise restraint and demonstrate patriotic responsibility when commenting on national security. 

    He said Nigeria’s fight against violent groups demands unity, intelligence sharing, and a public communication environment free of misinformation and alarmism.

    “The lives of citizens should never be used as political currency. We call on the ADC and others to channel their energy into supporting reforms, strengthening community-security collaboration, and advancing serious proposals that help protect our people,” he said. 

    Maikawa added that the coalition would continue to monitor public statements by political actors and challenge narratives that deepen fear or distort the complexity of security efforts.

  • Enugu APC group hails national chairman for stabilising party

    Enugu APC group hails national chairman for stabilising party

    A political pressure group in Enugu State, IFEDICHE Political Family, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for what it described as his successful repositioning of the party for greatness.

    According to the group, known for its grassroots mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, Yilwatda’s leadership has restored internal cohesion within the APC and made the party the preferred platform for many elected and aspiring politicians across Nigeria.

    The commendation was issued at the official inauguration of the group’s ward and local government executives, held over the weekend in Achi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    Speaking at the event, members of the group applauded the APC national chairman for “controlling and resolving the internal crises that previously bedevilled the party’s national leadership.”

    During the ceremony, a motion moved by Hon. Ugochukwu Okpala, the Awgu Local Government Coordinator of the group, and seconded by a party stakeholder, Walter Madu, saw the pressure group unanimously passing a vote of confidence on Prof. Yilwatda.

    They endorsed him to remain in office as national chairman and be re-elected at the party’s next national convention.

    According to them, sustained peace within the APC under his leadership would ensure orderliness and strengthen the party’s chances of victory in the 2027 general elections and beyond.

    The inauguration was performed by the Enugu State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027, Mazi Ezenwa Onyirimba, and was attended by various party stakeholders from the area.

    In his remarks, Mazi Onyirimba said the inauguration of the IFEDICHE Political Family—his brainchild—would further consolidate the group’s work across the 41 wards in the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, also known as Greater Awgu.

    He assured members that their commitment and contributions to the growth of the APC in the constituency would not go unrewarded.

    Expressing delight at what he called the “new political dynamics” in Enugu State, Onyirimba noted that many PDP stakeholders, including Governor Mbah, had recently defected to the APC.

    He urged his followers to welcome the new entrants and work harmoniously with them.

    “Initially, we were branded agents of Boko Haram and political enemies of Ndigbo. But today, our party, the APC, is now accepted in Enugu State. I thank you all for your perseverance and hard work and urge you to continue in that direction,” he said.

    Onyirimba further assured members that the APC, under Yilwatda’s leadership, remains committed to the progress and welfare of party supporters, especially those who nurtured the party from inception.

    He emphasised that the core philosophy of the IFEDICHE Political Family is anchored on members’ welfare and progress, encouraging them to remain supportive of one another.

    He added that empowerment programmes would trickle down from the national level, stressing that the Yilwatda-led APC is keen on ensuring that such benefits reach grassroots members across remote communities.