The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • INEC to verify eight associations seeking registration as parties

    INEC to verify eight associations seeking registration as parties

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday announced that eight of the 14 political associations seeking registration as political parties have met the criteria to proceed to the next stage of the exercise. 

    National Commissioner & Chairman,

    Information and Voter Education Committee,  Sam Olumekun said in a statement that the eight associations successfully uploaded the required information on its dedicated portal at the close of the exercise on the 18th October, 2025.

    The Commission had earlier pre-qualified 14 associations out of about 171 that submitted letters of intent to be registered as political parties. 

    The statement reads: “Further to the Commission’s earlier update on Thursday, 11th September 2025, on the ongoing process for the registration of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular meeting today, Thursday, 30th October 2025, and, among other issues, reviewed progress made since that announcement.

    “Following the briefing held for 14 pre-qualified associations on Tuesday, 17th September 2025, the Commission opened its dedicated portal for the upload of required documents from Wednesday, 18th September to Friday, 18th October 2025 at midnight.

    “As of Saturday, 19th October 2025, eight (8) out of the fourteen (14) pre-qualified associations successfully completed the upload of all necessary information and documentation. 

    “The associations are All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP) and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP). 

    ‘The next step in the registration process is the detailed assessment and verification of the information and documents submitted by each association. This stage will ensure conformity with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).

    “The Commission wishes to reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic culture.”

  • Political parties sign peace accord for Niger council polls

    Political parties sign peace accord for Niger council polls

    All 10 political parties contesting in the November 1 Niger State Local Government council elections have signed peace accord pact. 

    The Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) has begun the distribution of sensitive materials to the local government areas for timely arrival. 

    The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman during  the stakeholders/Peace Accord meeting comprising various political parties said that the gathering was aimed at fostering maturity, responsibility and collective commitment to peace by all the stakeholders.

    He added that the peace accord spelt out the terms and conditions to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible electioneering process adding that the Police Command and other security agencies in partnership with NSIEC have made comprehensive arrangements to provide a secured and peaceful environment for the election. 

    The Police Commissioner advised youths and political party supporters to be ambassadors of peace by refraining from being used as tools for electoral violence/disruption assuring all the stakeholders of the Command’s readiness to exhibit professionalism, neutrality and provide security coverage before, during and after the election process.

    He enjoined all participants to take the peace accord signing process seriously and abide by its provisions as its an oath. 

    The IPAC Chairman commended NSIEC for giving an ample time of six months to make necessary preparations and also appreciated key stakeholders, stating that the election process in the state has been peaceful so far. 

    During the flag off of the distribution of the sensitive materials, the NISEC Chairman, Engineer Mohammed Jubril Imam said that all political parties have been cooperarive so far pointing that any act of violence during the election will have a consequence on those who perpetuate it. 

    He said that it would be a manual accreditation system and not electronic accreditation calling fir cooperation from everyone both the electorate and the political parties.

    Imam pointed that election should be seen as a contest if ideas and not a battlefield during that the NSIEC will conduct an election that will stand the test of integrity and reflect the will of the people.

    He further said that over 5,000 ad-hoc staff would be on ground to conduct the election across all the wards in the state adding that measures have been put in place to move staff across riverine areas and security affected areas.

  • APC cautions against bitterness-driven politics

    APC cautions against bitterness-driven politics

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State says Nigeria deserves better than infantile and bitterness-driven politics of some opposition leaders in the country.

    The APC Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, said this in a statement on Thursday, while reacting to opposition leaders’ criticisms of President Bola Tinubu.

    The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had criticised Tinubu’s withdrawal of presidential pardon granted to some ex-convicts following complaints in some quarters.

    Oladejo said: “Nigeria deserves better than desperation politics.

    “The Nigerian public is wary of this infantile, bitterness-driven politics – where sound governance decisions are attacked for the sake of noise-making.

    “President Tinubu is strengthening institutions, not pandering to emotion or social media theatrics.

    “While responsible leaders build, petty politicians rant.”

    He said Abubakar’s statement reeked of political bitterness ,noting Tinubu acted with sincerity with the decision to pardon the ex-convicts.

    Oladejo said leadership was not about noise making, but responsibility,adding  Tinubu’s leadership was guided by law and not emotions.

    “Unlike the impulsive and uninformed commentary that has become the trademark of the opposition, President Tinubu’s decisions are driven by due process, rule of law, and national interest.

    “In advanced democracies, informed review and reconsideration are marks of credible leadership and institutional maturity – not weakness.

    “Only in the shallow corners of the opposition’s imagination does consultation and constitutional refinement translate to a “U-turn,” he said.

    According to him, President Tinubu will continue to lead with constitutional discipline, courage, and clarity of purpose.

    He said the President would not condescend to the level of political bitterness and confusion that “have become hallmarks of those rejected repeatedly at the polls.”

    “Nigeria is moving forward – and no amount of political tantrums will change that reality,” he added.

    (NAN) 

  • SDP State chairmen drag Gabam to EFCC, Police over alleged embezzlement

    SDP State chairmen drag Gabam to EFCC, Police over alleged embezzlement

    The travail of the former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party  (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam seems to be unending as the Forum of State Chairmen of the party called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force to urgently investigate and recover nearly ₦1 billion allegedly misappropriated under his watch 

    The  Chairman of the Forum and the Lagos helsman of the party, Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari), made the call at a press conference at party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    Olaniyi said the decision to invite the anti graft agency was reached at a crucial meeting attended by 31 state chairmen. 

    He alleged that the misappropriated funds, which rightly belonged to state chapters, were diverted through fraudulent practices, extortion, and gross abuse of office.

    According to him: “Seventy-five percent of the embezzled funds belong to the states as stipulated by our constitution. We need our money back and can not forgo it. We are calling on the EFCC and the Police to investigate, prosecute, and recover these stolen resources.”

    The. Forum commended the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for the final expulsion and dismissal of the former chairman, describing the move as a “long overdue corrective surgery” necessary to restore discipline, integrity, and credibility to the party.

    “These decisive yet fair and just sanctions of removal from office, immediate and final dismissal from the SDP, and expulsion from party membership have been long overdue. We appreciate the leadership’s courage to take this action,” he added.

    The chairmen described Gabam’s expulsion as “a new dawn” for the party, saying it signals a return to accountability and purpose-driven politics.

    “This is a cleansing process to restore the soul of our great party. We are committed to serving Nigeria with honesty and loyalty. Democracy is too important to be left in the hands of the criminally minded,” the Forum concluded.

    The forum also applauded the Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadia Liman-led Disciplinary Committee for conducting a transparent investigation that afforded all accused persons the opportunity to defend themselves before a comprehensive White Paper was issued.

    He also revealed that the Forum had representation on the committee through Dr. Kingsley Agbo, the SDP Chairman in Ebonyi State, alongside delegates from the youth and women wings of the party.

    The Forum accused Gabam of “commercialising the office of the National Chairman,” saying his alleged misconduct had caused “enormous damage” to the image of the SDP both nationally and internationally

    “Never again shall such an unworthy and untested character as Shehu Gabam be allowed to cast his unstable shadow on the office of National Chairman, once occupied by national icons such as Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Oba Olu Falae, Professor Tunde Adeniran, and Dr. Olu Agunloye,” Olaniyi declared.

    Affirming the Forum’s unwavering support for the ongoing reforms and renewed commitment to credible leadership, Olaniyi expressed their confidence in the new Acting National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, and National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye.

    “We confirm our vote of confidence in the entire NWC. Let us serve the Nigerian people and retire selfish interests once and for all,” Olaniyi said.

    The state chairmen further called for the immediate constitution of the Board of Trustees (BoT) to enhance transparency, ensure internal checks, and strengthen the leadership structure of the SDP.

    They dismissed claims that the SDP was shutting its doors to new members, insisting that the party remains open to all Nigerians committed to genuine democracy, transparency, and service.

    “The impression that the SDP is unwilling to accommodate new members is false. What we advocate is openness and sincerity, not hijack or manipulation for selfish purposes,” the Forum clarified.

  • Kwankwaso, Yusuf nationalists working for unity, says Idahosa

    Kwankwaso, Yusuf nationalists working for unity, says Idahosa

    Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso and Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf have been described as true nationalists working for the unity and cohesion of Nigeria.

    Vice Presidential candidate of the NNPP in the election, Bishop Issac Idahosa said this on Wednesday when he hosted business and religious leaders from Southern Nigeria.

    The delegation was led by the leader of the Southern Development Forum, Pastor Bassey James.

    Idahosa, who returned from Kano where he joined in the birthday celebration of his principal, told his guests that Nigeria would be a lot better with the likes of Kwankwaso and Yusuf.

    He said, “Kwankwaso and the Kano state governor have proven to be true Nigerians whose conducts and actions have demonstrated that tribalism and religion can cannot destroy national Cohesion.

    “Kwankwaso ‘s political ideology has endeared him to the hearts of millions of people across the country.

    “Permit me to say that Kano under  Kwankwaso never witnessed any religious or tribal uprising, same with the present Governor.

     “Their main focus is human Capital development, wealth creation and industrial Revolution and that this the kind of leaders the country needs right now”.

    The clergy cum politician challenged politicians to emulate these statesmen who have impacted effectively on the lives of Nigerians.

    “I also commend President Bola Tinubu for working with all the governors irrespective of their parties.

    “The president have shown great and exemplary Leadership in handling the affairs of our country knowing full well that politics should not divide us.

    Idahosa implored leaders and citizens of various states in the country not to create tension capable of threatening national security, unity and development of the country. 

    He equally appreciated the leaders who visited him and promised to always work with them for  greatest benefits of the people.

  • Presidency lauds Senate for confirmation of Service Chiefs

    Presidency lauds Senate for confirmation of Service Chiefs

    The Presidency through the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, has expressed happiness on the smooth screening and confirmation of appointments of the Service Chiefs by the Senate .

    Senator Lado in a statement said: “As the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, I facilitated this crucial interface to ensure a smooth and coordinated engagement between the Executive and the Legislature, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to effective governance and national security.

    READ ALSO; Fed Govt releases N2.3bn to clear salary, promotion arrears of varsities workers

    “The appointment of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), AVM Sunday K. Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represents a strategic step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and fostering synergy among the Armed Forces for the protection of our nation’s sovereignty and citizens.

    “I extend my profound appreciation to the President of the Senate, the Senate Leadership, and Distinguished Senators for the prompt and thorough consideration that led to the confirmation of the new Service Chiefs.

    “Their commitment underscores the strong collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing the national interest and ensuring the security and stability of our dear nation”

  • PDP Senator defects to APC, cites ‘Leaking Umbrella’, internal crisis

    PDP Senator defects to APC, cites ‘Leaking Umbrella’, internal crisis

    Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) on Wednesday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pitched tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He blamed internal wrangling and a collapse of discipline and unity within the party for his actions.

    In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senator said his defection marked “a time for change” in his political journey, describing the PDP as a party that had lost its cohesion and purpose.

    “This is a notice of my defection from the PDP to the All Progressive Congress. The Bible says that there is a time for everything,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Fed Govt releases N2.3bn to clear salary, promotion arrears of varsities workers

    He recalled his long service to Bayelsa State under several administrations, including his roles as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism; Executive Chairman of the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board; Special Adviser on Establishment Affairs; and Chief of Staff to the state government.

    He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it provided him to serve, acknowledging that his rise to the Senate was made possible by the party and its former leadership.

    “The fact that I stand today as a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is due to the benevolence of the Peoples Democratic Party when it was intact and the goodwill of numerous well-wishers,” he stated.

    However, he lamented that the party had degenerated into chaos.

    “It is most astonishing and deeply disheartening to observe that the world’s proud and largest political party in Africa has been torn into shreds due to internal wrangling,” he said.

    “The centre can no longer hold. The umbrella has been bastardised, and the umbrella is leaking profusely.”

    He further criticised what he called “the incongruousness of the opposition in political diplomacy” within the PDP, noting that consultations across political divides led him to his decision.

    “I have finally arrived at the inevitable conclusion that addressing progressivism, thinking progressively, and acting progressively is the only way to renew hope for all united Nigerians,” he said.

    “I am therefore constrained to formally declare my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party.”

    He announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying, “I declare my resignation to the All Progressives Congress from today, the 29th of October, 2025.”

  • Southwest spokesman Badmus dumps NNPP

    Southwest spokesman Badmus dumps NNPP

    Spokesman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in the Southwest Hon. Comr. Kilamuwaye Badmus Oladayo — popularly known as BAKO — has dumped the party and resigned from his position.

    Badmus, in two separate letters to the Ward 3 Chairman, Abeokuta South Local Government and the National Chairman of NNPP, tendered his resignation on October 29, 2025, citing personal reasons..

    “I, Hon. Comr. Kilamuwaye Badmus Oladayo aka BAKO, hereby formally tender my resignation as a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party in Ward 3 of Abeokuta South Constituency 1 area of Ogun State and at the same time as the Party’s Southwest PRO,” he wrote.

    The Abeokuta-born politician, who has been an active and vocal representative of the NNPP in the Southwest, expressed appreciation to God and members of the party for the opportunity to serve.

    “I am very grateful to Almighty God and to all the Southwest states of the New Nigeria People’s Party, especially the Ogun State NNPP, for giving me the opportunity to serve at the zonal national level of the party,” he stated.

    Badmus, known for grassroots mobilisation and media engagements within the NNPP structure, described his resignation as a ‘purely personal decision,’ adding the time in the party afforded him the platform to demonstrate his ‘political dexterity and sagacity.’

    While he did not disclose his next move, sources close to the former NNPP spokesman hinted that he may be taking time to reassess his political direction.

    BAKO, a seasoned political communicator and activist, played significant roles in advancing NNPP’s visibility across the Southwest geopolitical zone. 

    He was instrumental in coordinating several public engagements that enhanced the party’s image during the last election cycle.

    His political style, often described as dynamic and strategic, earned him recognition from key stakeholders, including Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who had publicly commended Badmus in previous events for his “unrelenting energy in mobilizing the youth and defending the party’s ideals.”

    His resignation letters were copied to top NNPP leaders, including Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf (Governor of Kano State), and His Excellency, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the 2023 NNPP governorship candidate in Ogun State.

    Political observers in Ogun and across the Southwest have begun to speculate on the implications of his exit, given his influence among NNPP youth structures and his visible role during the 2023 general elections.

    Party insiders, however, described the move as “unexpected but respected,” with one official stating that Badmus’ resignation “marks the end of an era of vibrant publicity and passionate advocacy for the party in the region.”

    As of press time, NNPP leadership at the state and national levels were yet to issue an official response.

  • Mass defection looms in PDP Cross River 

    Mass defection looms in PDP Cross River 

    A wave of defection appears imminent in Cross River North Senatorial District of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as key stakeholders of the party have indicated plans to dump it for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

    On October 22, 2025, Senator Jarigbe, who represents the district in the National Assembly, visited Aso Rock Villa to inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his defection to APC. 

    He also paid a similar courtesy visit to the APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba in Calabar, where he pledged readiness to work with the party leadership to consolidate its strength in the northern senatorial zone.

    Jarigbe, on Tuesday, in continuation of his consultations, convened a strategic meeting in Abuja with top PDP figures from the zone to review the evolving political landscape and chart a new course.

    Special Assistant on Media to the Senator,  John Agom Agom, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, confirmed the development.

    Agom stated that the meeting which held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja — focused on aligning with what participants described as “the progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The statement quoted Jarigbe while addressing the gathering to have said that his defection was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the President’s vision of national renewal.

    “My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings in our zone,” he said “Our regular consultations will continue; there are better days ahead.”

    Cross River PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended Jarigbe for his bold political move and pledged to brief the state executive members for further consultations on the next line of action.

    The stakeholders reportedly agreed to formally join the APC with Senator Jarigbe after wider consultations, describing the anticipated mass defection as a “strategic realignment to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics.”

    Prominent figures at the meeting included Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Esq, Dr. Dorn-Klamz Enamhe, Dr. Paul Ibiala, and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among others.

  • Reps approve Tinubu’s request for new external borrowing to finance 2025 budget deficit

    Reps approve Tinubu’s request for new external borrowing to finance 2025 budget deficit

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement the new external Borrowing plan as contained in the 2025 appropriation act to refinance maturing Eurobonds, and issue a debut Sovereign Sukuk in the International Capital Market. 

    The report of the committee on Loans and Debt was presented to the House for consideration at plenary by the Chairman of the Committee, Hassan Nalaraba. 

    However, there was a mild drama as the Deputy House Leader, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, who earlier moved for the consideration of the report, also said the report should be stepped down for further consultation. 

    The Speaker was not pleased with the Deputy House Leader questioning why he should be moving a motion to step down the consideration of the report when he was not fully abreast with the content of the report. 

    The House considered and approved the Implementation of the New External Borrowing of N1,843,669,786,987.16 (equivalent of USD 1,229,113,000.00 at the Budget Exchange rate of USD1.00/N1,500) provided as New External Borrowing in the 2025 Appropriation Act, to part-finance the Budget Deficit of N9,276,348,934,935.79.

    They also approved the request to refinance the USD1,118,352,000.00 Eurobonds (7.625% USD1.118BN NOV 2025) maturing on November 21, 2025.

    They also approved the request by the President to access aggregate external capital of USD2,347,465,000.00 (USD1.229BN and USD 1.118BN), through any of the following option(s) in the International Capital Market (ICM): Issuance of Eurobonds, Loan Syndications, Bridge Finance Facility from Bookrunners and Direct Borrowing from international Financial Institutions. 

    Also approved is the request to issue a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to USD500M in the ICM with or without credit enhancement (Guarantee).

    The President had, in a letter read at plenary on the 7th of October sought the approval of the House to implement the new external borrowing planning in the 2025 appropriation act, to refinance maturing eurobond and issue a debut sovereign sukuk in the international market. 

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    The President’s letter dated 22nd September, 2025 was titled “Request for the resolution of the National Assembly to implement new external borrowing in the 2025 appropriation act, refinance maturing Euro bonds and issue debt sovereign sukuk in the international capital market.”

    President Tinubu said the purpose of the letter is to seek a resolution of the House pursuant to the provisions of sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2003 to implement the New External Borrowing of ₦1,843,669,786,987.16 (equivalent of USD1,229,113,000.00 at the budget exchange rate of USD1.00/N1,500.00) in the 2025 Appropriation Act for the part-financing of the Budget Deficit. 

    He is also seeking a resolution to refinance the USD1,118,352,000.00 Eurobonds (7.625% USD1.118BN NOV 2025) maturing on November 21, 2025; access aggregate external capital of USD2,347,465,000.00 (USD1.229bn and USD1.118bn).

    The facility is to be accessed through any of the following channels in the International Capital Market (ICM): Issuance of Eurobonds, Loan Syndications, Bridge Finance Facility from Bookrunners and Direct Borrowing from International Financial Institutions. 

    Also, the request is also for a resolution to issue a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to USD500m in the ICM with or without credit enhancement (Guarantee).