Category: Politics

  • NFP faults INEC decision not to register as party

    NFP faults INEC decision not to register as party

    The National Freedom Party (NEP) has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting its application for registration as a political party, citing similarities between its logo, a zebra, and the horse logo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). 

    The party told reporters at its national Secretariat in Abuja where they raised concerns about the procedural mechanism used by INEC to reject their application.

    According to Engr. Donnie Oluwafemi Akingbade, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Freedom Party, the party applied for registration in July 2023 and received an acknowledgment from INEC. 

    However, after more than two years without communication from INEC, the party was informed that their application had been rejected due to the alleged similarity between their logo and that of the SDP.

    Akingbade pointed out that the party had complied with all the necessary requirements for registration as stipulated in the Electoral Act. He cited specific sections of the Act to show that the party had met all the conditions for registration and should have been granted approval by INEC.

    The party’s Protem National Chairman, Dr. Anthony Harmattan, called on President Tinubu and the international community to intervene and ensure that the party is registered in accordance with the law. He warned that any further delay in the registration process could jeopardize the upcoming 2027 elections.

    The National Freedom Party emphasised that their goal is to promote freedom and dignity for all Nigerians and work with the government to improve the lives of the people. 

    They urged INEC to reconsider their decision and register the party without further delay.

  • INEC boss urges National Assembly to fast-track Electoral Act Amendment

    INEC boss urges National Assembly to fast-track Electoral Act Amendment

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday warned that uncertainty over the legal framework for the 2027 general election could unsettle the commission’s preparations.

    Speaking while receiving a delegation of the European Union Election Observation follow-up mission to Nigeria, Yakubu appealed to the National Assembly to expedite action on the electoral reform proposal currently before it.

    He said, “Election is a process governed by law. Many of your recommendations require the review of our electoral laws. For this reason, the Commission had interfaced with our National Assembly, including a retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters (Senate and House of Representatives). 

    “We appeal to the National Assembly for an expeditious consideration of the electoral reform proposal. An early passage of law is critical to our planning for the elections. Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as election draws nearer.”

    The INEC boss said, “this is the third time that the present Commission is receiving such a mission. I recall that in 2017, we received Mr. Santiago Fisas who led the EU Election Observation to Nigeria’s 2015 General Election. Similarly, in 2022 we hosted Maria Arena who led the EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria in 2019. Today, we are glad to receive Mr. Barry Andrews who led the EU Mission to the 2023 General Election.

    “In 2019, the EU EOM made 30 recommendations out of which 11 were specifically addressed to INEC. Three of them were identified as priority recommendations while 8 were categorised as general. 

    READ ALSO: Renewing fight against out-of-school children, poor girl-child education

    “By comparison, your 2023 report made 23 recommendations out of which 8 (34.8%) require action by INEC of which only one recommendation was listed as priority. The remaining 15 (65.2%) recommendations, of which five were categorised as priority, require action by other entities in the executive, legislature and the judiciary as well as political parties and multiple stakeholders such as civil society organisations, the media and professional bodies.

    “The Commission has carefully considered all the 8 recommendations specifically addressed to us in your report. Action has been taken on aspects of the recommendations that only require administrative action to implement. 

    “Similarly, action is being taken on cross-cutting recommendations that require collective action between INEC and other bodies and stakeholders while waiting for the conclusion of the ongoing legal review by the National Assembly on the recommendations that require legislative intervention. 

    “To this end, the Commission has prepared a detailed response on each one of your direct observations which we shared with you at this meeting. If time permits, we can go over each of the recommendations seriatim.

    “I must also add that your recommendations, along with similar reports from other national and international election observers, were the subject of wide-ranging consultations with critical institutions and stakeholders during our own review of the 2023 General Election. 

    “The review report contains 142 recommendations for electoral reform. In addition, the Commission has published our main 2023 General Election report over a year ago. The two reports are available from our website.

    “We look forward to the next EU EOM for the 2027 General Election. As you are aware, international Election Observation Missions are deployed on the invitation of the Commission. I want to reassure that we will continue to engage with you. 

    “Very soon the Commission will send out invitations to the EU as well as the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS for the 2027 General Election. We believe that the recommendations arising from your observation of our election and electoral process help to improve the quality of our elections and electoral activities.”

    The head of the delegation, Barry Andrews said the mission was pleased with the implementation of their recommendations from the 2023 general elections, but insisted that Nigeria must move beyond half-measures and guarantee transparency if democracy is to survive.

    He said election observation is not about interference; it is about strengthening democracy in Nigeria, in Africa, and across the world. 

    He warned that reforms in the judiciary, administration, and constitution remain too slow, with transparency in result publication still unresolved.

  • Police take over Akwa Ibom PDP secretariat

    Police take over Akwa Ibom PDP secretariat

    Security operatives have taken over the People’s Democratic Secretariat in Akwa Ibom to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

    The development followed claims and counted claims of the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) by the National Working Committee of the Party (NWC). 

    The National Publicity Secretary of PDP Debo Ologunagba dissolved the state exco and appointing a 31-member caretaker committee.

    But the National Secretary of the party Senator Samuel Anyanwu issued a counter statement, declaring there was no NWC meeting where such decision was taken. 

    Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state Àniekan Akpan described the purported sack of his executive by the National Working Committee of the party(NWC) as illegal. 

    He declared the state exco as intact till, stating they will serve out the four-year tenure which they were elected, adding that divisive elements within the party are working hard to kill the PDP in the state.

    READ ALSO: Renewing fight against out-of-school children, poor girl-child education

    He told reporters on Thursday: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State wishes to address a recent wave of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook, claiming the dissolution of our duly elected State Executive Committee (Exco). We categorically state that these reports are not only false but also unconstitutional”. 

    Akpan, who was surrounded by all the purportedly sacked exco members, explained the PDP is governed by the rule of law and guided by the party constitution adding  that the Exco members were elected in a well constituted state Congress for a fix term of 4 years . 

    Akpan further explained that some of the Exco members were falsely  listed in the new Caretaker Committee without their consent.

    He said the NWC that allegedly sacked them never had any formal meeting before they settled on the such decision adding  that the PDP National Secretary has issued a press statement in that regard . 

    Akpan appealed to party members , supporters and general public to disregard the false report and remain committed to the lawful leadership of the party in Akwa Ibom state . 

    The party chairman said he would continue to be identified with Governor Umo Eno as the governor is not only the leader of APC but leading entire state across party lines 

    ” The party can not separate us from Governor Umo Eno . He is the governor for all . Nobody can say we have engaged in anti party by hobnobbing with the Governor,” he said 

  • 2027: U3 youths endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori, Waive, cite exemplary leadership

    2027: U3 youths endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori, Waive, cite exemplary leadership

    Over 1000 youths drawn from Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu (U3) Federal Constituency on Wednesday passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Hon. Rev. Francis Waive, citing their “exemplary performance” in office and endorsing them for reelection in 2027.

    The resolution was taken during a youth summit at T’Nero’s Place (Sakpra Hall), DSC Township, Udu Local Government Area, where over 1,000 young people gathered for empowerment and political engagement.

    Key political figures from the Delta APC attended the event, including Hon. (Rev.) Francis Waive, Olorogun John Oguma, Olorogun Eddy Ono-Sorhue, Chief Henry Afure Sakpra, m Barr. Valentine Onojeghuo and others.

    While presenting the report of his stewardship, Hon. Waive thanked the youths for their support over the years and pledged continued empowerment programs, noting that provisions for youth initiatives were already captured in the 2025 budget.

    “We have future leaders among us, those who will one day become Governors and Senators,” Waive said. “Our youth empowerment initiative is included in the 2025 budget, and those present today will be among the first beneficiaries.”

    He lauded Governor Oborevwori’s role in sustaining the Federal Medical Centre, Udu, and expressed confidence in his re-election bid for 2027. He also reaffirmed support for President Tinubu, citing the progress of work on the Benin–Effurun road expressway.

    “I salute my Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his total support. He is a humble leader, and we will continue to support him. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also deserves our backing and continued support to enable him to deliver on his promises,” Waive said.

    The lawmaker further urged unity within the Delta APC, dismissing perceived rifts between old and new members, while also seeking youth backing for his reelection bid.

    “My signature of excellence is visible throughout my federal constituency,” he declared.

    In an interview with the newsmen, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, Olorogun John Oguma, praised the performance of President Bola  Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Hon.Waive, urging patience with the governor, whom he said would deliver on all promises.

    Read Also: Nigeria @65: Our positions on Tinubu’s education reforms

    According to him, ” President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and Waive’s  reelection will be easier in 2027 because of their excellent performance. “I can boldly tell you that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock and Government House in Delta, and with the youths solidly behind Hon. Waive, one can’t stop them.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Ejiro Hope, National Youth Leader of U3 Federal Constituency Youth, described the occasion as “Youth O’clock.” He stressed that the program was not a political rally but an empowerment platform:

    “This is a youth summit and not a political gathering. It is an opportunity to hear from our member, Hon. Francis Waive, to interact with him one-on-one. Numerous employment opportunities have been created for our youth, and we urge continued peace across Delta State.”

    Chief Hope also presented Waive with an award for “Most Friendly House of Representative Member,” recognising his legislative contributions and support for grassroots projects.

    Other leaders at the summit echoed their support, Evang. Eddy Ono-Sorhue praised Waive’s “hard work and commitment,” while Chief Henry Afure Sakpra described him as a “square peg in a square hole,” urging youths to register to vote.

    The summit ended with a resounding call for unity, empowerment, and active participation of U3 youth in shaping the future of their constituency and Delta State at large.

  • PDP crisis lingers as Anyanwu voids dissolution of Akwa Ibom Exco

    PDP crisis lingers as Anyanwu voids dissolution of Akwa Ibom Exco

    The fresh criss brewing in the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is threatening the success of the planned November National Convention of the party. 

    The National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has voided the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Working Committee(SWC) of the party, saying the National Working Committee(NWC) of the party never met to decide on the dissolution of the leadership of the party in the state. 

    The National Secretary and the Acting National Chairman has been locked in fresh battle leading to issuance of conflicting letters by both leaders of the party. 

    The letter dated 1st October, 2025, titled “RE: Dissolution of Akwa Ibom State Working Committee” reads: “My attention has been drawn to the purported press release by the National Publicity Secretary (NPS) of our party, announcing the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Akwa Ibom State. 

    Read Also: Adeleke frees 36 convicts to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day

    “For purposes of clarity, that press release should be discountenanced, because there was no formal sitting of the National Working Committee (NWC) in which such decision was taken. 

    “it is not in the official position and duties of the National Publicity Secretary to take actions relating to the implementation of the decisions of the National Working Committee of our great Party. As a result, the purported press release is null and void and of no effect. 

    “The State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Akwa Ibom State stands undissolved. 

    “Please consider this letter as the rightful authority for you to continue in your duties as provided in the PDP Constitution 2017 as Amended”. 

    The National publicity Secretary on Monday issued a statement informing of the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom state Working committee and the Constitution of a 31 man caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party for a minimum of three months. 

  • Fubara sacks appointees affected by Supreme Court’s judgement 

    Fubara sacks appointees affected by Supreme Court’s judgement 

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sacked all commissioners and other appointees administration affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.

    The Governor announced the decision during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS),  Nelson Chukwudi, confirmed that during the event, which held in Government House, on Wednesday, Fubara relieved all the commissioners and other public officers affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement of their appointments.

    The Governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.

    He also thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years..

    “He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,” the statement said.

    The Governor also reiterated commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

    The Supreme Court’s judgement on Rivers crisis among other verdicts, declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo as an unlawful Assembly.

    Read Also: Nigeria @ 65: Tinubu’s speech inspiring – Arewa Think Tank

    The Court, while recognising the 27-member  Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis including the passage of budgets; screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers holders.

    It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.

    The judgement rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.

    Other commissioners affected by the judgement are Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.

    Also, Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.

    It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.

  • Coalition rallies support for Tinubu, warns against reversing reform gains ahead of 2027

    Coalition rallies support for Tinubu, warns against reversing reform gains ahead of 2027

    By Dele Anofi and Haggai Daniel, Abuja

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves to be allowed to continue the reforms he has initiated because they are beginning to yield tangible results, the National Amalgamation for the Continuation of Renewed Hope (NACRH) has said.

    Speaking at the coalition’s inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, which coincided with Independence Day, the National Coordinator, Olorunwa Adeleke, argued that Tinubu’s bold economic policies had already begun to turn the tide after years of structural distortions.

    “Since taking office, President Tinubu has made decisions that many feared. He removed fuel subsidy, unified the exchange rate, and embarked on structural reforms to reset our fiscal architecture. These were not painless moves, but they were necessary,” Adeleke said.

    He cited economic data to back his case, pointing out, “As Reuters reports, Nigeria’s Q2 2025 GDP grew at 4.23%, the fastest in four years, inflation receded to 20.12%, the lowest in three years, and Nigeria’s external reserves touched $42.03 billion”.

    He also noted that 330 billion naira was disbursed to 8 million vulnerable households under social investment efforts to cushion the vulnerable.”

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 65: Wike hails Tinubu’s progress, urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    According to Adeleke, the narrowing of Nigeria’s fiscal deficit from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to around 3 percent in 2024, alongside rising internally generated revenue, showed that the administration was rebuilding fiscal stability.

    “These moves enhance fiscal sustainability, reduce dependency, and strengthen our capacity to deliver public goods,” he declared.

    He said infrastructure and energy projects, as well as efforts to improve security and expand access to credit, were further evidence of reforms gaining traction.

    “Under the Renewed Hope agenda, critical infrastructure, roads, rail, and power projects are underway nationwide. Energy sector reforms, gas expansion, and work toward grid stability are in progress.

    “In security, some improvements in banditry zones and safer highways have been reported, though much remains to be done,” he said.

    Adeleke maintained that breaking the cycle of “start-stop governance” was essential, stressing, “Continuity matters. A second term would allow deeper structural reforms, the completion of long-term infrastructure, and the scaling up of social investment.

    “It would give reforms time to bear full fruit,” he stressed.

    While acknowledging public hardship, Adeleke argued that the sacrifices were unavoidable,  “We must face the truth, many Nigerians are still in distress. Food inflation, energy costs, exchange rate pressures, and unemployment bite hard. But these are the sacrifices we pay today for a better tomorrow,” he said.

    He described Tinubu’s policy choices as shock therapy to prevent collapse, adding, “Imagine if subsidy had remained indefinitely, or if parallel exchange rates persisted. We would have faced debt crises, currency collapse, and infrastructure paralysis.”

    Referencing Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast earlier that day, Adeleke quoted the President’s reassurance, “The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding

    “This is not mere rhetoric; it is recognition that Nigeria has traversed stormy waters, and the tide is now receding,” he noted.

    Explaining NACRH’s purpose, Adeleke said the group’s mission was to serve as a structured platform uniting civil society, professional bodies, trade unions, and grassroots actors in defense of reform continuity.

    “To amplify progress, shield reform from disruption, and build a bridge between the people and government,” he explained.

    According to Adeleke, the mission of the group is clear: “Engage actively, join NACRH, get informed, demand accountability, exercise patience, demand inclusion, and dispel cynicism with facts”, he said, pledging to counter disinformation and prevent what Adeleke described as “reactionary reversal of policies.”

    He urged Nigerians to join NACRH at the grassroots level, demanding accountability while exercising patience, noting, “Your sacrifices are not ignored; they are the fuel for the road ahead.

    “Let us stand with this vision, not out of blind partisanship, but clear-eyed realism. A discontinuity now would undo months, even years, of hard-fought gains. NACRH is born out of hope, not for a moment, but for a movement.

    “We believe that a second term is not about power, it is about progress in continuity.”

  • Nigeria @65: Why critics withhold commendation of Tinubu, by ex-agitator

    Nigeria @65: Why critics withhold commendation of Tinubu, by ex-agitator

    A former Niger Delta agitator, self-styled General Endurance Amagbein, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s critics are withholding praise for his achievements due to political considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Amagbein said Nigeria has recorded remarkable progress in its 65 years of independence, particularly under Tinubu’s administration.

    He argued that the president has introduced new ideas in governance and accelerated holistic development across all six geopolitical zones, describing his leadership as laying the foundation for a more united and prosperous nation.

    Amagbein, popularly known as Adaka Boro the Second, noted that despite initial doubts over the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket controversy, Tinubu had, within two years, demonstrated a strong commitment to peace, unity, and national development.

    According to him, Tinubu’s policies have positively impacted key sectors, including youth empowerment, ICT, agriculture, healthcare, education, security, economic reforms, and infrastructure, with ordinary Nigerians — especially in the Niger Delta — now benefiting directly from government initiatives without political ties.

     “No matter what anybody says, Tinubu’s government has recorded significant progress across various sectors, including reducing the debt service burden and increasing foreign reserves, which have risen from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 65: Wike hails Tinubu’s progress, urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    “Nigeria achieved a record trade surplus of $14.31 billion in 2024, the first in over 25 years. This government has also prioritized the Niger Delta, with projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway aimed at unlocking tourism, trade, and port development. Over 440 road projects are ongoing nationwide, including more than 2,700 kilometers of superhighways,” he said.

    He further cited initiatives in renewable energy, such as the electrification of one million homes under the Rural Electrification Programme, solar power supply to 22 federal universities, and over ₦250 billion allocated for primary healthcare centres nationwide.

    “As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, I congratulate both the leadership and citizens. It is indeed a great occasion, and I salute those who fought for the independence we are enjoying today. I wish the President and his team well, and I pray for wisdom to lead us and for strength for our armed forces to continue defending our sovereignty,” Amagbein said.

    However, he urged the presidency and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to use the independence anniversary to address longstanding concerns in the Niger Delta, particularly the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts.

    “It is a bitter pill to swallow when one man from outside a community is given the right to secure pipelines in another man’s territory. Worse still is the oppression that follows, where people lose their voices and rights in their own communities. For equity and fairness, stakeholders should only secure pipelines within their domains,” he said.

    Amagbein warned that until pipeline surveillance contracts are decentralized, communities will remain vulnerable to oppression from those who “carry guns in the guise of pipeline security.”

    While pledging his continued support for the Tinubu administration, he called on the President to ensure policies that will deliver real development in the Niger Delta. He noted that the region’s difficult terrain requires leaders who will not betray the trust placed in them.

  • 2027: Internal power struggle poses biggest threat to ADC, Lukman warns

    2027: Internal power struggle poses biggest threat to ADC, Lukman warns

    A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Moh. Lukman has raised concerns that internal struggles for control of the party’s structures could undermine its effectiveness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Lukman expressed fears that unless the drift is addressed, the ADC may be unable to provide a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

    The former member of the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) acknowledged the progress made in forming a coalition and adopting the ADC as its political platform. 

    However, he cautioned that some leaders appear to be working at cross purposes for personal interests rather than collective goals.

    Reflecting on the journey so far, Lukman said he remains grateful to God for the coalition’s successes but urged party leaders to realign with the ADC’s primary purpose to ensure its relevance in the next electoral cycle.

    “Unfortunately, instead of working to build the party, we are setting ourselves to produce a party whose business will be limited to presenting candidates for elections. People with ambition to contest elections have become restless and want to dominate the process of developing the structures of the party to the exclusion of their opponents.

    “The madness of controlling the structures of ADC is the biggest threat before us. For whatever reason, those of us who want the ADC to be an equal opportunity party are being condemned. Sadly, some of our leaders, instead of providing fair leadership, are taking sides with strengthening aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections across the state to the exclusion of others.

    “I want to use the opportunity of this independence anniversary to appeal to all of us to stop this madness of trying to take over structures of ADC and control it to the exclusion of so-called opponents.”

    Lukman, who was particularly concerned about the leadership rat race in the Kaduna State chapter of the party, cautioned that the development, if not quickly checked, is capable of tearing apart the party in the state, even before the general elections

    He said, “If ADC is to emerge as a strong party capable of defeating the APC in Kaduna State, we must agree to work together. Anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for the APC.

    “I am making this strong appeal with a very deep feeling of disappointment that we are recklessly mismanaging an opportunity to provide the needed leadership to our people. In particular, I want to appeal to Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, Mal. Jaafaru Sani and Alh. Bashir Saidu, as an opposition leader in Kaduna State to please stop encouraging the madness of aspiring candidates seeking to take over structures of ADC to the exclusion of so-called opponents.”

    Calling for unity among party members, the former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) emphasised that, “It is only if we are united in ADC that we will be able to unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027.

    “We must bear in mind. It is not just about defeating APC but more about producing a government controlled by our party (ADC) based on collective leadership. We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as governors. Anything short of producing a government managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.”

  • Only telecom sector reforms enough to earn Tinubu a second term – Agbese

    Only telecom sector reforms enough to earn Tinubu a second term – Agbese

    • …Telecoms Reforms Could Secure Tinubu a Second Term – House Deputy Spokesperson

    The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said that the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are so fundamental that they could secure him a second term in office.

    Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Agbese noted that while Nigerians have endured economic pains triggered by necessary reforms in other sectors, the transformation of telecoms has stood out as a clear success story that directly impacts the daily lives of millions of citizens.

    He added that if the current trajectory is sustained, the telecoms sector could become President Tinubu’s most compelling re-election asset.

    “The transformation in telecoms is not cosmetic; it is foundational. When millions of Nigerians get safer, more reliable connectivity, and when our networks begin to deliver broadband that supports jobs, education and business, citizens will remember who made that possible. That is why reforms in this sector alone can merit another mandate for President Tinubu,” Agbese said.

    He noted that one of the most significant steps has been the consolidation of the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage. 

    “What had lingered for years under previous administrations was achieved within one year of Tinubu’s presidency, cleaning up the database of active mobile lines and strengthening national security,” Agbese observed. 

    According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 153 million SIMs have now been harmonised with the NIN, a development Agbese described as “one of the most far-reaching exercises in Nigeria’s digital history.”

    Read Also: Why 10th House will defend Speaker Abbas, by Deputy Spokesman Agbese

    The lawmaker also pointed to the strides in broadband expansion, citing figures released by the NCC indicating a steady rise in penetration since 2023. 

    He maintained that improved access to high-speed internet was beginning to change the landscape of education, business and civic engagement across the country.

    “Connectivity is the new infrastructure. More people online means more economic activity, more taxation base and more resilience. This is the quiet revolution that the Tinubu administration is delivering,” he said.

    Agbese further commended the regulator for ensuring that Nigerians were now enjoying improved service delivery, with value for money and services that match the growing demands of a youthful population. 

    He noted that the NCC was also increasingly looking at corporate social responsibility as a necessity for communities, ensuring that telecoms investment leaves a wider impact beyond profits.

    The deputy spokesperson added that the push towards 5G technology and the careful management of spectrum licensing have further underlined the government’s determination to future-proof Nigeria’s digital economy. 

    He stressed that the policy environment has given operators the confidence to continue investing in infrastructure despite foreign exchange pressures and a challenging macroeconomic climate.

    Beyond infrastructure, he praised the Tinubu administration for listening to industry concerns about over-taxation. He recalled that proposed levies on telecom services, which would have increased the cost of calls and data for consumers, were suspended on the orders of the President. 

    According to him, this fiscal reprieve has kept services affordable and has allowed the sector to maintain momentum at a time when households are grappling with high living costs.

    “President Tinubu deserves credit for recognising the strategic importance of this sector and making the right calls. By removing unnecessary levies and encouraging reforms that promote investment, the government has ensured that Nigeria remains one of the fastest-growing digital markets in Africa,” the lawmaker added.

    Agbese, however, acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in extending reliable services to rural communities and ensuring that tariff adjustments do not widen the digital divide. He urged private operators to deepen investment while calling on regulators to maintain policy stability that would attract new capital.

    He noted that despite these challenges, the telecoms sector offers a powerful narrative of delivery that the administration can proudly take to the Nigerian people.

    “Delivery on telecoms is tangible for ordinary Nigerians. It is visible in schools, markets and farms. It is the kind of delivery that people feel – and remember – when they go to vote,” Agbese added.