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  • Before blaming Aso Rock

    Before blaming Aso Rock

    • By TJ Ishola

    Sir: Ah, Nigeria! Land of staggering numbers and imaginative accounting. August 2025 has just blessed us with the largest ever federal revenue allocation: N2.225 trillion. That’s right, over two trillion naira—enough to make your local councillor blush, or at least pretend to. The FAAC communiqué reads like a financial symphony: oil royalties humming, VAT tickling the ear, and electronic money transfers jingling softly in the background.

    But here’s the kicker: while we all wag our fingers at the man in Aso Rock—because it’s the national pastime to blame the president for everything from potholes to potholders—what about the folks a little closer to home? You know the people with actual offices in your state capital, senatorial district, or local government secretariat. Yes, those elected officials who collect billions and somehow manage to keep the streets looking like a post-apocalyptic movie set.

    Let’s break it down for those not fluent in trillion-speak: out of N2.225 trillion, the federal government walked away with N684 billion. States scooped N347 billion, and your local government got a modest N267 billion. Oh, and the oil-producing states got their share too—N179 billion. That’s a lot of zeros; Enough to pave every road, light every street, and maybe even put some real roofs over some heads.

    Then comes VAT, because nothing says “we care about ordinary citizens” quite like taxing their bread and gari. States got N336 billion; locals got N235 billion. The federal government? Just N100 billion. Generous, sure—but somehow, in your town, the market road is still a mudslide waiting for rainy season auditions.

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    And don’t get me started on the electronic money transfer levy and exchange rate difference allocations. Tiny funds trickle to the local governments, but hey—every naira counts, right? Especially when it’s earmarked for “interventions, transfers, refunds, and savings”—official-speak for “we’ll figure out what to do later, maybe.”

    Yet here we are, scrolling social media, lamenting Aso Rock’s perceived extravagance while the people entrusted with your local roads, schools, and hospitals are probably arguing about whose turn it is to spend the VAT money on a conference in Dubai. That pothole in front of your house? That creaking health clinic? That non-functional streetlight? Not Aso Rock. Ask your governor. Ask your senator. Ask your local government chairman.

    It’s easier to pin blame on a distant figurehead, but in reality, this is a game of local monopoly with billion-naira pieces. And somehow, your slice of the pie gets eaten before it reaches the table. The numbers are big. Impressive. But the results? Let’s just say they’re abstract art—beautiful on paper, confusing in reality, and impossible to live in.

    So next time you’re about to curse the president for your town’s woes, pause. Open your eyes. Follow the money. It’s not hiding in Abuja—it’s probably stuck in the parking lot of a state assembly, collecting interest in inefficiency. And the best part? You’re funding it.

    Nigeria distributes trillions like candy at a parade, yet your community waits for crumbs. Blame the central government? Too easy. Real politics is closer, messier, and frankly, more hilarious if you squint. Ask around. Watch the local budgets. Follow the allocations. Then laugh. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll stop imagining that the man in Aso Rock controls your potholes. He doesn’t. Your local officials do.

    •TJ Ishola,

    United Kingdom.

  • 2027: No vacancy in Aso Rock – Minister

    2027: No vacancy in Aso Rock – Minister

    Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmed, has declared that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is laying a lasting foundation that will guarantee his re-election.

    Prof. Ahmed made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), where she commended the President’s ongoing reforms and long-term vision for the country.

    According to her, Tinubu has moved beyond superficial remedies, tackling the structural causes of Nigeria’s challenges and building what she described as a permanent foundation for future generations.

    “He is addressing from the foundation the issues that set the nation back. President Tinubu is creating a permanent foundation for our country, and our children and grandchildren will thank him in the future. That is why there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027,” the minister said.

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    Speaking at the same event, Director-General of the TSG, Umar Tanko Yakasai, dismissed the recently formed opposition coalition, describing it as “a pack of dominoes” composed of politicians with discredited governance records.

    “We’re not afraid of the coalition because we have a lot to tell Nigerians. A lot has been done by the Tinubu administration. It is delusional for anyone to think he can take even one bite away from Tinubu,” Yakasai said.

    He alleged that the regrouping opposition leaders were the same figures responsible for past misgovernance and looting of the country’s resources. 

    “These are people we know very well; we know their antecedents and their poor records. We will expose them if they try to rewrite their history of failure while they were in power,” he added.

    The TSG insisted that with the performance of the Tinubu administration so far, Nigerians would stand firmly with the President in 2027, while opposition efforts to unseat him would falter under the weight of internal contradictions.

  • APC National Secretary to opposition leaders: no vacancy in Aso Rock

    APC National Secretary to opposition leaders: no vacancy in Aso Rock

    The National Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Bashiru, has told opposition leaders joining the coalition force against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wait till 2031, stating there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027.

    He urged whoever wants to contest against Tinubu to keep his resources till 2031 because there is no vacancy at the Villa.

    Speaking in Ibadan during a media engagement tagged: Moment with Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru” organised by the Zone B of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the APC National Secretary debunked speculations that the North is ganging up against President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, 

    He described those behind the speculations as disgruntled politicians who had the opportunity to develop the North but refused to do so.

    He noted that all the noise from the opposition leaders is all about contesting to protect individual ambition and selfish interest and not the development of Nigeria.

    He lamented that all the opposition leaders are after is how to wrestle power at all costs.

    “The North is absolutely in support of APC, one of the greatest support the party is enjoying is from the North.

    “Only people who don’t have the love of the North at heart will say Tinubu should not be reelected. President Tinubu is a true Nigerian and a patriot.

    “Go to the streets of Kano, Kaduna Kastina and Gombe and see how Asiwaju is being celebrated. As the national secretary of our party, I’ve been to almost all states in the North, Northerners are in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection 2027 agenda.

    “It’s a lie from the pit of hell to say the North is ganging up against President Tinubu. The North today is solidly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term agenda.

    “In Kastina, all political party structures collapsed to support President Tinubu’s 2027 Agenda.

    “Kaduna state today under Governor Uba Sanni, APC is the only viable electoral machine in that state.

    “Today, we have highest numbers of National Assembly members in Kano, Senator Kau had already decamped into our party, we have the Deputy Senate President, the chairman of House Committee on Appropriation is within the APC.

    “Also, Sokoto state under the leadership of Sen. Wamako, we are very strong there, these are facts.

    “Bauchi governor is currently in a dilemna. He doesn’t know where to go, we have Sen. Alero in Kebbi state, a former governor who won two Senatorial District on the same day Asiwaju won election, he is within our party.

    “I was in Gombe state, and the governor told us that Tinubu is supporting the state with N120 billion to develop livestock in the state. If a state gets support of N120 billion, will it not gavanise its support for President Tinubu to continue to have such benefits?

    Read Also: APC National Secretary Basiru woos three Osun PDP senators after Tinubu endorsement

    “Kastina state recently launched mechanisation for 40,000 farmers, these are facts. Governor Yari said they don’t have choice than to support Asiwaju re-election because before Tinubu came, for them to move their food items to the South was like a war.

    “So, when you see what Tinubu is doing in terms of giving support to the North for the development of their economy, security and giving them key appointment in his administration, his victory is sure in the North.”

    He urged Nigerians not to allow opposition leaders confuse them.

    “You can’t talk of coalition in a Presidential system of government, you can’t be in Labour Party and at the same time be in ADC.

    “Coalition is not only strange to our political system, it is unknown and absolutely depicting a state of confusion of those who are engaging in the act.

    “No serious politician will abandon a veritable, strong, competent and capable electoral machinery like APC and go and join an unknown organisation.” 

  • ‘No vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027,’ ex-lawmaker declares

    ‘No vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027,’ ex-lawmaker declares

    A two-term former Lagos State House of Assembly member,  Sir Jude Idimogu, says there will be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock come 2027.

    Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II between 2015 and 2023, made the declaration in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    He was reacting to the recent announcement by an opposition group, which vowed to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Idimogu, who is also the deputy leader of Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ndigbo, Lagos State, and APC member, said no alliance between opposition leaders could pose a significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election.

    The former lawmaker described the coalition of opposition politicians against the second term aspiration of the president as nothing but an exercise in futility.

    He noted that the ruling party had a strong leadership and grassroots support that would propel the party to victory in 2027.

    Idimogu maintained that the president deserved a second term because he was building a legacy of sustainable development.

    “In Nigeria, power is being rotated between the North and the South, so I believe it is the turn of the South to complete their eight years in office.

    “So there is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027 and I am appealing to all the Northerners in the party to support the president to complete his eight years.

    “Regarding the coalition, I can tell you, there is really no political gang-up that can unseat Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

    Idimogu said that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda was yielding positive results, hence he did not see the prospect of any opposition candidate reeling out anything better than his.

    “I don’t know which of the candidates will come out today and reel out a policy that is better than what the administration of Tinubu is doing.

    Read Also: No vacancy in Aso Rock, Kaduna Gov’t House – Zango Kataf APC stakeholders

    “This is because Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda is yielding positive results and we can see improved power supply.

    “Our naira against the dollar is now gradually appreciating with the restoration of the naira-for-crude deal, and the export drive,” he said.

    The ex-lawmaker also noted that the prices of food items were gradually reducing in the market with the implementation of favourable policies to increase farmers’ outputs.

    “So I will give it to him (Tinubu). In two years’ time, I will be one of those that will quickly champion his re-election in 2027,” he said.

    Idimogu advised the people behind the coalition to instead join hands with the president in the interest of the country.

    (NAN)

  • No vacancy in Aso Rock, Kaduna Gov’t House – Zango Kataf APC stakeholders

    No vacancy in Aso Rock, Kaduna Gov’t House – Zango Kataf APC stakeholders

    The Executive Committee and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.

    This was ntained in a communiqué by Francis Danladi Kozah and Jerry Irimiya Mark, chairman and co-chairman of the APC stakeholders and read by the council chairman, Engr Joseph Bege Gaiya.

    The communique stated the decision was based on Tinubu and Sani’s commitments to the peace and security of not just Zangon Kataf, but Kaduna state at large.

    According to the stakeholders, the establishment of a military 2nd National Mission Brigade base in the local government has proven to be a pivotal move in sustaining peace in the area.

    “Their commitment to the peace and security of our people is evident in the sudden end to attacks on our communities.

    “This move reflects the government’s understanding of the critical need for enhanced security measures in areas prone to conflict, thereby fostering an environment where citizens can thrive.

    “We urge all residents of Zangon Kataf to remain vigilant and committed to fostering harmony within our communities, as peace is the cornerstone of development,” they said.

    The stakeholders lauded Tinubu for appointing Indigenes of Zangon Kataf including Gen. Chris Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and Bishop Hassan Kukah as Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

    They explained that given the return of peace in the area and the tangible infrastructural development being witnessed, the re-election of Tinubu and Sani was a done deal.

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    “In light of all that we have benefited from this government, we want to declare that there is no vacancy in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House and Aso Rock come 2027.

    “We shall offer our full support to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in their re-election bid,” they added.

    They appreciated Gov. Sani for the ongoing multi billion naira skills acquisition city that will provide ‘our youths with certified skills, thereby stamping out the root cause of criminality in our society’.

    The stakeholders called on people of the local government to rally behind the two leaders as they have shown dedication to their welfare, security and progress.

  • From Lagos to Aso Rock: Tinubu’s transformation of Nigeria’s political landscape

    From Lagos to Aso Rock: Tinubu’s transformation of Nigeria’s political landscape

    By Arabinrin Aderonke

    For days, I have gathered my thoughts, searching for the right words to describe a man whose legacy speaks for itself. How do you define a leader whose influence has transformed governance in Nigeria? What can truly capture the greatness of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a visionary, a master strategist, a political leader whose impact is visible across Nigeria’s leadership and development?

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at 73, your influence remains undeniable. You have consistently made bold decisions, unshaken by critics. You have introduced one of the biggest reforms in Nigeria’s history, driven by your strong belief that it will benefit all Nigerians.

    Since assuming office, you have removed the fuel subsidy that had drained national resources for decades, a step many feared but one necessary for fiscal stability. You unified the foreign exchange market to promote transparency and attract investment. You initiated policies to revive local industries, boost production, and reduce over-reliance on imports and crude oil.

    Your administration has made progress in infrastructure development with the push for better roads, railway expansion, and improved power generation. You have prioritized security by equipping security agencies and strengthening collaboration to combat terrorism and banditry. Boko Haram’s activities have reduced, because who dares when Asiwaju is in power? You have also empowered states through fiscal reforms, allowing them to generate more revenue and reduce dependence on the federal government.

    Your ability to see solutions where others see only roadblocks has redefined governance and economic growth in Nigeria. What many thought was impossible, you turned it into reality, proving that true leadership is not about words but about vision and decisive action.

    Your legacy is not just in the policies you have championed but in the leaders you have nurtured. From the North to the West, the East to the South, your fingerprints are evident in the corridors of power. If we were to gather a hundred (100) of Nigeria’s most influential figures today, ninety-nine percent would trace their growth and political success back to Jagaban.

    At 73, you remain the oracle of Nigeria’s political evolution, the sage of our time, and the architect of modern governance. Today, I celebrate not just a man but an institution, a movement, a force that has redefined leadership in Nigeria.

    Happy birthday, JAGABAN. May your days be long, and may your vision for a greater Nigeria continue to manifest. 

    Best wishes to the number one citizen of our nation. On your mandate, we stand.

    Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service

  • Buhari, AfDA President meet at Aso Rock

    Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, arrived at the villa at about 2.45 p.m. and went straight to the president’s office for a closed-door meeting.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agenda of the meeting between President Buhari and the AfDA president was unknown while the outcome of the deliberation was being awaited as at the time of filing report.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had on Wednesday approved the request to obtain a loan of 150 million dollars from the African Development Bank (AfDF) to finance the Nigerian Electrification Project.

    The project when fully implemented would benefit about 500,000 people while 105,000 households would have access to electricity supply.

    The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, on Wednesday told State House correspondents that the electrification project aligned with the strategy of the federal government on electrifying rural communities.

    “The maximum power that will be generated will be 76.5 megawatts installed generating capacity, part of which is 68,000 megawatts of solar,’’ she said.

    Adesina was elected as the 8th President of the African Development Bank on Thursday, May 28, 2015.

    The AfDA President took over from Donald Kaberuka of Rwanda, and assumed duty in September 2015 in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

  • Breaking: I won’t step down, Ndume vows after meeting Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met behind closed doors with the former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume.

    Ndume has been aspiring to be President of the 9th Senate due for inauguration in June.

    He had declared his intention to run for the number three highest political office despite endorsement of the current Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan for the position by the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

    Ndume, declined to speak on camera with State House correspondents on Monday at the end of about one- hour meeting with Osinbajo.

    Read Also:  Osinbajo, Ndume meet in Aso Rock

    But he indicated that he was not ready to step down from the race.

    When asked by reporters whether he would step down, he asked rhetorically: “Me?”

    He declined to speak further on the Senate Presidency race as he maintained that he was still holding consultation.
    “This is not the time to talk now because I am still holding consultation,” he stated.

    Details shortly…

  • Osinbajo, Blair meet in Aso Villa

    The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday met behind closed doors with the former United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister, Tony Blair, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The closed doors meeting was described as ‘private’.

    Read Also: Osinbajo: what to expect from Buhari’s second term

    At the end of the meeting, there was no press interview.

    There was also no official statement issued concerning the meeting as at the time of filing this report.

    Blair was the UK Prime Minister between 1997 and 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party between 1994 and 2007.

  • Buhari, Okorocha meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with the outgoing Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Okorocha had arrived the President’s office around 1pm.

    Due to alleged anti-party activities, the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress had suspended him.

    He was also yet to receive his certificate of return to the 9th Senate from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Okorocha was still at the President’s office at the time of filing this report.