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Category: Politics

  • How by-elections reveal oppositon stand

    How by-elections reveal oppositon stand

    • By Felix Ofou

    The outcome of the by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently shattered all expectations. It turned out to be an anticlimax. Indeed, opposition political parties fell like a pack of cards.

    Members of the opposition and a few pundits wished the results would go the other way. They had hoped that the by-elections would provide the springboard to effectively challenge the unrivaled dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). But as it turned out, their wishes became only a pipe dream.

    What went wrong? What became of the boasts by the newly formed coalition under the umbrella of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that they were the party to reckon with in any elections? What happened to the coalition’s promise to rescue Nigeria? Was it an empty mantra? What really went wrong?

    Results released by INEC after the by-elections across the federation showed that the APC won 12 of the 16 seats across nine states that were contested for. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured two seats in Anambra, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won one seat in Oyo, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) claimed one seat in Kano.

    While APC swept most of the seats, PDP retained a foothold in Oyo and placed second in many of the contests, while APGA consolidated its dominance in Anambra under the leadership of Governor Charles Soludo.

    The results also reflect a trend of ruling parties consolidating power in their states, except in Adamawa and Taraba, where the APC upset the PDP in Ganye and Karim constituencies, respectively.

    In the building up to the polls, the coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, erstwhile President of the Senate, David Mark and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola had raised hopes that the ADC would make a significant impact.

    Spokesperson for the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi granted Raven interviews indicating an end to the dominance of the ruling APC. He picked several holes in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s governance style and policies and promised the rescue of Nigeria would commence with the by-elections.

    Reports of mass defection from both the APC and PDP to the ADC also helped in preparing ground for the expectation of a significant showing by the coalition in the polls. Many predicted a bandwagon effect on the polity on account of the defections.

    Read Also: Police arrest self-proclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” foil installation ceremony

    Then there was the Peter Obi phenomenon. The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) has become the effective voice of the opposition, with expectations that he would help give the coalition some filip before the by-elections. But all that fizzled out as can be seen from the results announced by INEC.

    Obi, a former Governor of Anambra could not muster enough votes even in his state to win even if the two seats contested for. Instead, incumbent Governor Charles Soludo had the upper hand, with his party, APGA clinching the two seats contested for at the weekend.

    As it turned out, the ruling APC had a field day with remarkable results in the by-elections. The outcome reinforced assertions that the country was drifting towards a one party state, although leaders of the APC insist that it is proof of wide acceptance of President Tinubu’s policies and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Many reasons have been adduced for the opposition’s rather poor outing in the by-elections. Analysts claim that the outcome of the elections indicates that the mantra of trying to rescue Nigeria did not resonate with the electorate, a reason also given for voters apathy in the polls.

    Nigerians had earlier warned that the ragtag divisive politics in the opposition parties would spell death knell for them in any elections. That proved true as Labour Party could not get it’s acts right to produce lawful candidates in some constituencies. There were so many legal disputes and unresolved contests within the parties, leading to the elections.

    However, allegations of vote buying, vote suppression, thuggery, manipulation of votes and outright intimidation by security agencies have been blamed for the outcome of the by-elections. But these allegations seemed unsustainable as all parties have been accused of engaging in one malfeasance or the other. Even the APC claims it was rigged out in Kano State.

    The PDP, which should rightly be described as the main opposition party, has been unable to redeem itself from the morass it has found itself in recent months. Personality clash, vaunting ambitions and outright violation of the party ethos with impunity have turned the one time largest political party in Africa into a lame duck, beleaguered by endless internal crises.

    Nonetheless, it is expected that the so called opposition parties would close ranks and put their acts together ahead of the 2027 general elections. But that can only happen through an honest retrospection of where they missed it this time around.

    Of course, Nigerians are desirous of a viral opposition to keep the ruling party in check. But not from Liliputians intent  on festering their personal interests to the detriment of the welfare of the majority.

    Untill that is done, one can only predict that the APC would continue to dominate the polity and trounced other political parties in subsequent elections.

    • Ofon, a commentator, wrote from Lagos

  • Lagos NOA kicks off two-week campaigns

    Lagos NOA kicks off two-week campaigns

    National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State has kicked off a two-week campaign aimed at awakening the consciousness of the citizens on government’s policies, national identity, safety and values and development.

    The State Director of NOA, Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, who announced this at a press conference at the agency’s headquarters in Dopemu, said as part of the events, they would go to schools, motor parks, and marketplaces, meet traditional rulers, hold road news shows, and town halls, to sensitise people on the national values.

    They would also, he further said, meet other relevant stakeholders to create awareness on the issues.

    He sought support from the media and Nigerians to make the programme a success.

    In a message to the programme, the NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, representated by Mr. Segun Alao, the Deputy Director, Environment Climate and  Energies, NOA Headquarters, Abuja, explained that the campaigns would be held simultaneously nationwide., and that it is unique as it is planned to touch the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as the 774 local governments. 

    He noted that ‘’across the recent surveys and field reports have shown that gaps in awareness, harmful practices, misinformation that threaten our unity, safety, and progress’’.

    Read Also: Tinubu orders further crash in food prices

    “We will promote vigilance. Democracy thrives when citizens are informed and actively engaged. Our communities are safer when citizens are alert and cooperative. Our youth flourish when guided by the right values.  Our heritage endures when we uphold our symbols and identity. Our livelihoods are preserved when we prepare ahead of natural disasters. Together, we can make the values we preach the values we live,’’ he added.

    He listed the five areas they would focus on as national enlightenment on government policies, programmes, and activities: flood mitigation and disaster preparedness, national security awareness, and national values reorientation for students against extreme sign-off practices and the Nigerian identity project and national symbols campaign.

     Issa-Onilu urged the people to support the programme.“This campaign will succeed if only you are part of it. Seek information from credible sources. Prepare ahead of emergencies. Work with security agencies to keep our communities safe. Celebrate achievements with dignity and respect for life and uphold and teach our national symbols to the next generation.

    “Let us use the two weeks to ignite a new spirit, a new spirit of patriotism, vigilance, and responsibility that will carry us into a safer, stronger and a more united Nigeria,’’ he added.

  • Mobilisation for Tinubu in Ondo begins

    Mobilisation for Tinubu in Ondo begins

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under the umbrella of the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), have launched a door-to-door mobilisation campaign to rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    The group, which enjoys the backing of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said its goal is to ensure President Tinubu returns to power to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and other people-oriented programmes.

    Speaking at the inauguration of AMG’s ward and local government executives in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area held on Wednesday, the Director General of the group, Muyiwa Asagunla, said that the grassroots mobilisation has already commenced to consolidate support for Tinubu and the APC.

    Read Also: Police arrest self-proclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” foil installation ceremony

    Asagunla, who was joined by notable APC leaders including Gani Amuda, Secretary of Ondo North Senatorial District; Deni Akerele, former member of the House of Representatives; Liadi Ekunnusi; and Olu Arowolo, former Chairman of Akoko North-East LGA, described President Tinubu as a “human builder and true leader” who has demonstrated commitment to improving lives through intervention programmes.

    According to him, the forthcoming general election is a “must win” for the APC, stressing that AMG is determined to “organise, educate, and sensitise voters from the unit level upward, in alignment with President Tinubu’s progressive agenda.”

    Asagunla urged the newly sworn executives to prioritise door-to-door mobilisation in line with AMG’s statewide strategy under the leadership of Dr. Tunji-Ojo, while also exhibiting loyalty, unity, and diligence in strengthening the party’s base ahead of the polls.

    Others present at the event include Barr. Corporal Nana Opri, State Secretary; Barri. Ade Pelemo, Director of Legal Matters; Engr. Babatunde Gbalajobi, Director of Special Duties; alongside other key state officials of the group.

  • ‘Oyo APC leaders’ future bright’

    ‘Oyo APC leaders’ future bright’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Oyo State yesterday vowed to face future elections with confident hope, enthusiasm and optimism about victory.

    They converged on the Ibadan residence of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, to review the outcome of the recent House of Representatives by-election.

    They also discussed strategies for repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

    At the meeting hosted by the former Sports minister were a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Akin Onigbinde (SAN); Chief Wale Ohu, Co-Chair of the APC Peace Advocate; and Afeez Repete.

    The recent poll a litmus test for the party’s preparedness for future political contests.

    They vowed to sustain the strategic consultations and reposition the chapter as a formidable opposition against  the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Read Also: Tinubu orders further crash in food prices

    Dare reiterated his confidence in the future of the chapter, noting that the electoral defeat should motivate chieftains to gird their loins.

    He said: “As a proud son of Oyo State, I strongly believe that the APC has a bright future. The Ibadan North by-election result is a wake-up call, and we are already taking steps to reposition the party.

    “Our structures are being realigned, and efforts are ongoing to bring everyone on board as we march toward 2027.

    “I urge our members who are dissatisfied with the by-election outcome to remain hopeful, because things will soon take the right shape.”

     Ohu emphasised the importance of peace and reconciliation within the party, saying: “The Ibadan North by-election has shown us that we still have a lot of work to do. But this is not the time for disunity.

    “The APC must remain peaceful and united to secure greater results in future elections. We are putting the house in order.”

    The party leaders also discussed broader strategies for strengthening the APC across all zones in the state.

  • I’ve divine mandate to break second term jinx – BAO

    I’ve divine mandate to break second term jinx – BAO

    Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said he has the divine mandate to break the second term jinxed that has prevented previous Governors from serving serve two unbroken terms in office.

    He said this on Wednesday at the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja after submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the October 27, 2025 party primary in the State.

    The Governor, who was accompanied to the party headquarters by the first Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; members of the State Executive Council; members of National and State Assemblies; elected and party local government chairmen, traditional leaders, market leaders, opinion and students’ leaders, also called on the leadership to help the state by breaking the jinx.

    Addressing a large crowd of party supporters, including some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, the Governor appealed to the party’s highest administrative organ help actualise the dream.

    Oyebanji noted that development of the state has been hampered by the trend of denying Governors the opportunity to serve the second term, as projects and policies suffer continuity due to the second term denial of any serving governor.

    “We have come here to plead with you (the party leadership) that the only thing that is standing against Ekiti people and development is this come-and-go attitude of governors. You know, it’s not in our best interest as a people. And by the same grace of God, I have a divine mandate to break that jinx. And that jinx will be broken because God sent us for this purpose. “

    Read Also: FG has implemented 80 percent of 2024 capital budget, says Edun

    The Governor lamented: “Since the creation of the Ekiti state, no government has done a second term. No government in the Ekiti state has done a second term in a stretch.

    “You know, they will go. They will come back. And this has hit us to the canvas. It has retarded the development of the state.”

    Appealing to the party leadership in attendance, Oyebanji said: “If the people have chosen to come in this large number, to plead with you, to help us remove this reproach from us as a state, we see it as a jinx that must be broken. We see it as a reproach that has retarded our growth as a state. We don’t want current gains to be reversed.”

    Responding on behalf of the NWC, the National Vice Chairman (South West) Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke, said the party’s highest administrative organ will look into the request and ensure that the jinx is broken.

    “We are umpires, we will do what you say.This is the groundwork for what we need to do by June of next year. We must demonstrate by next year that Ekiti is one.

    “The Governor and his team came to make a statement, and that statement had been loudly made and we seen and heard you clearly.”

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the entire legislative arm of government in the state, including the federal lawmakers are solidly behind the aspiration of Gov. Oyebanji.

    “Three senators and six House of Representatives. All of us are filing behind Gov BAO because we are convinced that it’s the right thing to do.

    “All the 26 members of the state assembly are here, led by their speaker. All our local government chairmen are here elected, as well as party chairmen. These are the delegates that will vote at the primary.”

  • Speaker Abbas hails Ewalefoh’s dedication to nation-building at 50

    Speaker Abbas hails Ewalefoh’s dedication to nation-building at 50

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, has congratulated the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, on the occasion of his 50th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader and a beacon of service to the nation.

    In his goodwill message, the Speaker noted that attaining the golden age of 50 is both a remarkable milestone and a moment of reflection and thanksgiving. He commended Dr. Ewalefoh for a life defined by excellence, integrity, and dedication to national development.

    “Your visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to nation-building remain exemplary and inspirational. I am confident that the wisdom, knowledge, and dedication you have demonstrated will continue to guide your path and inspire those who look up to you as a leader and mentor,” the Speaker stated.

    Read Also: Tinubu working assiduously to engender responsible borrowing to address Nigeria’s public debt – Speaker Abbas

    Rt. Hon. Abbas further joined the family, friends, and associates of the ICRC boss in celebrating him, praying for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

    “As you mark this special day, I join your family and friends in celebrating you. May this new chapter of your life be filled with abundant blessings, renewed strength, sound health, and even greater accomplishments,” he added.

    The Speaker, on behalf of the entire House of Representatives, extended warm felicitations to Dr. Ewalefoh, while commending his ongoing efforts in strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a vehicle for Nigeria’s infrastructure renewal.

  • Southern group urges North to support Tinubu’s re-elections

    Southern group urges North to support Tinubu’s re-elections

    The people of Northern Nigeria have been advised to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    This call was made by a political pressure group, known as SOUTH FOR TINUBU (S4T).

    The group, in statement on Wednesday, in Warri, Delta State by the Convener,  Comrade David Obialor Nnamdi  JNR, said President Tinubu will return power ( Presidency) to the North in 2031.

    Obialor noted that the North  must consider the unity of Nigeria by allowing the South to complete 8 years in the Presidency.

    Read Also: Tinubu Media Force slams Dino Melaye’s debt critique as laughable

    “The North had the Presidency for eight years, from 2015-2023 uninterrupted, and the South fully supported the Northern President, late Mohammed Buhari”

    “If we truly believe in One Nigeria, it is also expected that the Northerners should support President Tinubu from the South to serve eight years”

    According him: ” The President, Tinubu is working hard,  committed and has been  providing both short-term and long-term solutions to the problems he inherited in 2023.”

    The group maintained that the President is just an individual and he alone cannot do the job.

    “This is why all Nigerians must support President Tinubu. The 2027 Presidential election should not be a do or die affair, and for the sake of our growth and unity, the Northerners should rethink and give full support to President Tinubu in 2027.”

  • Plateau Assembly approves N109.7bn supplementary budget

    Plateau Assembly approves N109.7bn supplementary budget

    The Plateau House of Assembly has approved a supplementary budget of N109.7 billion to address urgent state needs, enhance infrastructure and promote social cohesion.

    The approval was contained in a statement by Philip Eplong, Press Secretary to Plateau Speaker.

    The approval came after the presentation of a report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Adamu Aliyu, during plenary at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

    Aliyu explained that Governor Caleb Mutfwang initially presented a supplementary budget of N74.6 billion, which included N12.03 billion for recurrent expenditure and N62.5 billion for capital expenditure. 

    An additional N35.1 billion was later introduced, bringing the total to N109.7 billion.with N29 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure and N80.6 billion for capital expenditure.

    The Appropriations Committee noted that several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) had overspent their budget allocations, while others failed to submit quarterly reports, making performance evaluation difficult. It recommended closer collaboration between the House and MDAs to improve accountability and ensure effective budget implementation.

    Read Also: Plateau Assembly halts yearly purchase of textbooks, graduation parties in schools

    The committee further urged MDAs to comply with financial regulations, submit quarterly reports to the Assembly, and ensure proper budget estimates through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to prevent extra-budgetary spending.

    After thorough deliberations, the House dissolved into a Committee of Supply to scrutinize the proposal. The report was later adopted at the plenary session.

    Speaker Naanlong Daniel praised members for their commitment and constructive input.

     He also commended the Appropriations Committee and other standing committees for their cooperation, which led to the smooth passage of the supplementary budget.

  • Tinubu Media Force slams Dino Melaye’s debt critique as laughable

    Tinubu Media Force slams Dino Melaye’s debt critique as laughable

    The Tinubu Media Force has dismissed recent remarks by Dino Melaye on Nigeria’s borrowing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his financial critique as unserious, laughable, and lacking credible economic reasoning.

    The group, in a statement by its national coordinator, Abiola Oluwagbenga, said Melaye’s comments reduced a complex fiscal issue to mere political theatrics, offering no meaningful contribution to the national conversation.

    According to the statement, Melaye deliberately focused only on borrowing while ignoring broader financial reforms and debt management strategies implemented by the Tinubu administration.

    It noted that while Melaye portrayed borrowing as reckless, he failed to acknowledge the government’s achievements in restructuring debt, improving revenue mobilization, and reducing debt-servicing pressures that crippled past administrations.

    The group further highlighted the full repayment of the ₦30 trillion Ways and Means debt inherited from previous governments as one of the administration’s landmark achievements.

    “This repayment, announced by the President in his Independence Day broadcast of October 2024, was accompanied by healthy foreign reserves of about $37 billion. The debt-service-to-revenue ratio also fell dramatically from 97 percent to 68 percent, while a $7 billion forex backlog was cleared to stabilize the naira,” it added.

    The Media Force asked why Melaye, in his so-called analysis, conveniently ignored these verifiable accomplishments.

    The group further noted that Nigeria’s public debt profile, which stood at ₦149.39 trillion as of March 31, 2025, has been transparently managed.

    According to the Debt Management Office, much of the increase is due to currency depreciation, not reckless borrowing. 

    It emphasized that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains at a moderate 40–45 percent, which is far healthier than South Africa’s 70 percent or Ghana’s 90 percent, yet Melaye failed to reference these critical comparative benchmarks.

    The group added that Melaye’s attempt to criticize Tinubu on borrowing was even more laughable considering his silence in the past. 

    “As a senator, he was aligned with administrations that borrowed heavily without transparent repayment plans, yet he never raised his voice.” 

    The Media Force described this selective outrage as hypocrisy, proof that his comments were politically motivated rather than based on sound financial reasoning.

    In addition, the group highlighted the government’s proactive steps to address sector-specific debts, such as the ₦4 trillion refinancing plan approved in August 2025 to clear liabilities in the power sector. 

    This, it argued, is a pragmatic solution that will stabilize electricity supply and attract investment, unlike the “baseless complaints” Melaye has offered without suggesting any realistic alternative.

    On infrastructure, the Media Force reminded Nigerians of the $652 million secured from China Exim Bank to construct a strategic road corridor linking the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Dangote Refinery to southern trade routes. 

    Read Also: Tinubu Media Force hails Okonjo-Iweala’s commendation as global validation of Tinubu’s economic reforms

    According to the group, this demonstrates how the administration is borrowing responsibly, directing funds into projects that yield economic returns, unlike the unaccountable loans of the past which Melaye supported in silence.

    It stressed that President Tinubu’s policies have already delivered practical benefits to Nigerians. 

    “From the rollout of the Nelfund student loan scheme to agro-economic planning aimed at reducing food prices, and a compressed natural gas framework that lowers transport costs, the administration has tied its fiscal policies directly to citizens’ welfare. Melaye’s failure to acknowledge these achievements, they said, renders his analysis hollow,” it noted.

    Concluding its statement, the Tinubu Media Force urged Nigerians not to be swayed by what they described as “comedy parading as financial analysis.” 

    It encouraged President Tinubu to remain focused on his economic reforms and his promise of sustainable prosperity, insisting that the opposition must do more than throw tantrums if they want to be taken seriously in national discourse.

  • Northern youth coalition condemns campaign against Senator Buba

    Northern youth coalition condemns campaign against Senator Buba

    The Coalition of Northern Youths Consultative Movement (CNYCM) has decried the smear campaign against Senator Shehu Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

    A statement by National Coordinator Yusuf Musa Audu and National Secretary Bilal Galadima said that the “politically motivated calumny” was aimed at tarnishing Buba’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The coalition described the circulation of fabricated audio, images, and videos portraying the lawmaker as sympathetic to extremists as “a desperate attempt to misrepresent a patriotic leader.”

    “These attacks are orchestrated by faceless syndicates and ethno-religious bigots who are threatened by Senator Buba’s rising influence and his commitment to peace and national development,” the statement reads.

    It also criticised the calls for a review of Buba’s leadership of the Senate Committee, labeling such demands as a distraction from the critical task of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

    “The Senate is not an establishment for petitioners with ulterior motives,” the group noted, urging political actors to focus on constructive engagement rather than character assassination.

    READ ALSO: Of envy and short memory in Ekiti politics

    The coalition highlighted Buba’s involvement in government-backed talks with religious and community leaders, as well as his interventions in Bauchi, such as food distribution, fertilizer provision, and skill acquisition programs.

    The CNYCM urged the public to disregard defamatory content and announced its plan to pursue legal action against those responsible for producing and circulating misinformation online.

    “Senator Buba’s leadership is a model of evidence-based governance,” the statement added. “We call on all Nigerians to rise above political distractions and work together for a safer and more united nation.”

    Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, advocates non-kinetic approaches — including dialogue, reconciliation and economic development — to complement military operations in combating insecurity.