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Tinubu pledges stronger welfare, logistics support for military personnel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured serving military personnel of unwavering commitment to improving troops welfare, logistics support and operational capacity.

Tinubu emphasised he remains resolute in ensuring that the Armed Forces are adequately equipped, motivated and supported to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

The President spoke through the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), at the Regimental Dinner Night held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, to mark the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

According to a statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the President said that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day was more than a ceremonial event, noting that it represents the very heartbeat of Nigeria’s military heritage.

Tinubu said the occasion provided a unique moment to celebrate the professionalism, courage and resilience of serving officers and men of the Armed Forces, while solemnly remembering fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation’s sovereignty.

According to him, Nigerian troops continue to confront complex asymmetric threats with courage and professionalism, often under extremely demanding conditions, adding that the peace and security enjoyed by the nation are products of their vigilance, sacrifice and unwavering dedication.

Tinubu paid glowing tribute to fallen officers and soldiers, noting that their names are etched not only on monuments but in the fabric of Nigeria’s national consciousness. He also commended the families of the fallen, describing them as silent pillars of national sacrifice whose courage and resilience remain a source of inspiration to the nation.

“He reassured serving personnel of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to improving troops welfare, logistics support and operational capacity.

The President also emphasized that the President remains resolute in ensuring that the Armed Forces are adequately equipped, motivated and supported to discharge their constitutional responsibilities,” the statement said.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, described the Regimental Dinner Night as one of the Armed Forces’ most cherished traditions, blending solemn remembrance with fellowship, discipline and pride in the profession of arms.

The CDS commended the gallantry and sacrifices of Nigerian troops across various theatres of operation, noting that their professionalism has continued to strengthen civil-military relations and restore public confidence in the Armed Forces.

He also acknowledged the vital role of military families, whose unwavering support, he said, remains a cornerstone of operational effectiveness and morale.

General Oluyede emphasized the importance of a whole of society approach to national security, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between the military, other security agencies and local communities in addressing terrorism and other threats to peace and democracy.

January 15, 2026
My critics can say anything but Tinubu will win in 2027- Okpebholo

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has insisted President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election in the state despite comments by his critics.

Okpebholo said Edo people would continue to enjoy dividends of democracy through practical governance.

He spoke when Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, joined him to inspect some legacy projects of his administration.

Okpebholo said his projects endeared Edo people to President Tinubu.

He said his projects are scattered across the State to shows his administration “is working for the Edo people.”

“You can see the jubilation and cheers from the people assuring us that 2027 is sure. 2.5 million votes is not negotiable, my critics can go ahead to critise me but Edo is for president Tinubu.

“Edo has never been loved before, Tinubu has shown us love. Every kobo you see us spend on this project and others are coming from president Ahmed Bola Tinubu, tell me how Edo people will not vote for him.

“You can’t come here before because of the gully. Hopefully before the end of this year the people of this area will be driving on a smooth road. I will continue to talk because I am working for Edo people. The 2.5 million votes are settled,” he stated.

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The Minister said the Okpebholo was doing much in the area of infrastructural development as well as embarked on people oriented projects.

Projects inspected were the Temboga road, Uteh Palace road, flyover bridge at Ikpoba Hill, Gully erosion site at Obaseki Street in Ikpoba Hill, Flyover bridge at Adesuwa Junction in Sapele road, Etete road amongst others.

Olawande said Okpebholo has remained focused on developing the state despite different discussions on the social media criticising the state government.

He said: “The Governor is doing so much in the area of infrastructural development. We have joined the governor to inspect projects in the State and the Okpebholo administration is getting projects done and taking it to the grassroots.

“The Governor is getting development to the roots, opening up Communities for economic development. I am happy to be part of the governor’s entourage to see projects in the State.

“This is the first time we are having a people centered government with people oriented projects that we all can see. Through his infrastructural development he is empowering people through employment. Governor Okpebholo is truly serving Edo people.

“The Tinubu’s administration is also people oriented, serving the people of Nigeria”.

January 14, 2026
2027: APC chieftain Ikonne predicts total South-East victory for Tinubu

…says Peter Obi’s political strength has been whittled down in the region

A leading figure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has projected a sweeping victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across all five states of the South-east in the 2027 general election.

Ikonne, the immediate past Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), said political leaders in the region had resolved to deliver the zone to the President.

Speaking on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Tuesday, the APC chieftain expressed confidence that the President would secure full support from the region. He argued that nothing short of 100 percent victory would be satisfactory, stating that “90 percent of votes won’t be good enough.”

Responding to the recent endorsement of President Tinubu by South-east leaders in Enugu, Ikonne said the region had moved beyond earlier projections.

“We have gone beyond seventy percent. Some believe that with the calibre of people now in the APC in the South-east, 90 percent would not reflect the level of mobilisation, the ongoing decamping, and the number of influential figures joining the party,” he said.

“Let me give you a clearer picture so you can understand what it means for the entire South. What Governor Hope Uzodinma is doing is not only for the Southeasterners residing in the Southeast. No, he has set up a team which I am part of, going around all the states in Nigeria where the Igbos reside, for us to begin to engage them, sensitize them, for them to understand the need to key into the 2027 re-election bid of Mr President.

“So the votes that will come from the Southeast will not only be judged by the ones from those who are residing within the Southeast, but from the ones who are residing outside the Southeast. Outside that, using Abia as a case study, PDP has almost emptied into APC in Abia state. What does that tell you? It tells you that the votes that were lost without having PDP, now that those in PDP are part of APC in other states, we will have them.”

When asked about the influence and popularity of Governor Alex Otti in Abia state, Ikonne said, “Our governor is minus one. This Governor Alex Otti is minus one in the sense that he doesn’t even have a party. As of today, he’s a member of the Labor Party, but he conducted local government elections with ZLP.

“He has abandoned Peter Obi. So what does that tell you? He started with Peter Obi, and he’s not ending up with Peter Obi. Why is he afraid? Why is his interest hinting towards APC? Because you have seen that people have shifted, Abians have shifted, and southeasterners have shifted to support President Tinubu.

“Now, no Southeastern will want to stay out or will want this region to stay out of the center. We cannot keep isolating ourselves. No, Southeasterners are no longer willing and ready to isolate themselves from governance because we need power, and we are traders. We are businessmen and women.

“Aligning with the centre helps our businesses. We are present throughout Nigeria, and we cannot be perceived as being against the government at the centre. This is why Governor Hope and other leaders are working to ensure that the people understand the need to re-elect President Tinubu, not just with 10 or 20 percent, but with a significant majority.

“I did say some time ago that Southeast will eventually become the stronghold of APC, and with this endorsement, it is beginning to be obvious that we are getting towards that point.”

The APC chieftain also dismissed the perceived strength of the 2023 LP presidential candidate in the region. He said, “Peter Obi no longer commands the political strength to match President Tinubu in the Southeast ahead of the 2027 general election.”

Read Also: Tinubu eulogises Eze Ikonne on 97th birthday, 52 years on throne

Downplaying Obi’s political strength further, Ikonne argued, “If the only governor elected on his platform has effectively abandoned him, what does that tell you?” Ikonne asked, referring to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

He maintained that Tinubu’s endorsement by serving and former governors, ex–Senate, ministers, and other top political figures marks a strategic return of the South-east to the centre of national politics and naturally diminishes Obi’s standing ahead of 2027.Presidents

“The caliber of leaders backing this endorsement shows a clear consolidation of political structures in favour of President Tinubu and the APC,” Ikonne said.

He further said, “Politics is about numbers and structure. When leaders who command followership align, the votes follow.

“This endorsement is a clear statement that the Southeast has properly realigned with the center to ensure that its votes count,” he said.

Ikonne dismissed claims that the APC is struggling for credibility in the Southeast, insisting that the ruling party has become the major destination for defectors from rival parties in the region.

“The Igbos are not fools, and no Igbo man wants to make one mistake two times. No, not at all,” he said.

January 14, 2026
Why Southeast backs Tinubu’s re-election bid, by Ex-Gov Chime

Former Enugu Governor Sullivan Chime has explained the rationale behind the Southeast’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, describing the decision as well-considered and achievable.

Chime threw his weight behind last weekend’s adoption of Tinubu by Southeast Governors, leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting the President’s performance in office has earned him the region’s support ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Udi during the flag-off of the APC e-registration exercise in Enugu West Senatorial District, the former Governor said he was part of the endorsement “ab initio” and expressed confidence that Tinubu and the APC would sweep the polls in the Southeast in 2027.

“I am part of the Southeast, so you can take it for granted that I was part of that endorsement. That is our decision and we all stand by it. It is easily achievable,” Chime said.

According to him, Tinubu has performed well despite prevailing global and continental economic challenges.

“The President has done well. Whatever is happening in Nigeria is global and certainly in Africa. It is all over the place. Given the circumstances, he is doing well,” he stated.

On the Peter Obi impact, Chime said he would speak more extensively on the 2027 elections in the coming months, adding that the President would record a strong showing when campaigns begin.

Expressing delight at the growing enthusiasm for the APC in the Southeast, particularly in Enugu State, the former Governor said his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) after the 2015 elections had been vindicated.

He disclosed that APC leaders in Enugu State were determined to surpass the two-million membership benchmark set for the state in the ongoing electronic registration exercise by Governor and party leader, Peter Mbah.

“We are here first of all to thank our people. You can see how excited people are to join the APC. APC is now the only party available in Enugu State,” Chime said.

“Ten years ago, when I joined the APC, we saw tomorrow. We knew PDP was going down. It is now obvious that APC is the way to go. The two-million mark is just a starting point; we are going beyond that in Enugu State,” he added.

Read Also: How I helped Tinubu win election in 2023 – Lai Mohammed

Also speaking, the Enugu State Coordinator of the APC e-registration programme, Hon. Flavour Eze, commended party stakeholders and members in Enugu West Senatorial District for their mobilisation efforts, expressing optimism that the state would exceed the two-million membership target at the end of the exercise.

Hon. Eze also commended the chairmen of the local government areas in the zone for their proactive intervention in addressing challenges related to the National Identification Number (NIN) and voter’s card, noting that their efforts ensured that no willing prospective party member was excluded from the exercise.

He said the LGA chairmen worked closely with relevant agencies to facilitate the acquisition of NINs and voter’s cards for party supporters, thereby enabling them to successfully register as members of the APC.

Eze announced the official take-off of APC e-registration in Enugu West Senatorial Zone and urged members to commence registration immediately at the ward level, stressing that the exercise was mandatory for participation, recognition and access to party opportunities.

January 14, 2026
‘Why Nigerians will re-elect Tinubu in 2027’

Bolaji Rilwan Raji, a Fellow of the Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development, is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Oyo State. He explains to reporters in Lagos why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves re-election in 2027

Why do you think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves second term?

The President should make history again in 2027. Nigeria is blessed with opportunities, and this President encourages self-sustainability. For the first time in years, Nigerians did not experience the usual December petroleum scarcity, and surprisingly, petroleum prices and transportation costs decreased during the festive period. The renewed hope agenda is clearly underway, and we must continue its growth towards a prosperous future.

My contributions were crucial to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s success. Seyi Tinubu, the Okanlomo of Yoruba land, can verify this. Notably, I initiated the integration of Southern Kaduna people into the APC and brought Senator Danjuma Lar, then a PDP senator, to support the President. Senator Lar, Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon. Femi Bamishile and Seyi Tinubu can all attest to this. This was just one of many strategies I implemented.

How can the President and his government erect legacies that will outlive him?

Having achieved success in education, wealth, influence, family, and health, the president now likely seeks to solidify his legacy. As a dedicated, behind-the-scenes contributor to his administration’s effective governance, I anticipate showcasing our achievements, as all will be evaluated on their merits. My primary hope is for the completion and release of Jim Obazee’s special investigation, which I initiated early in the administration, as it would greatly enhance the president’s legacy.

What is your assessment of the President’s team?

This is a sensitive issue due to its potential negative consequences. Nigeria’s federal system, as enshrined in the Constitution, requires each state to nominate individuals for ministerial appointment. While the President is bound to select from these nominees, regardless of their suitability, the National Assembly then screens them. Consequently, the President’s choices are limited by constitutional constraints, preventing unilateral decisions that could be construed as dictatorial.

Who are the appointees that have underperformed, in your opinion?.

A more informed assessment will be possible by the end of 2031. Instead, I’ll highlight the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. As a mariner, I can attest to its advanced ICT and rapid progress. It has resolved unfavourable IMO issues and will surpass even the Ministry of Petroleum in the coming months. This progress has occurred in under three years. Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola has established a sustainable template for investors, both local and foreign. The Ministry of Interior, being led by Olubunmi Ojo, has successfully upgraded the passport issuance process, significantly reducing collection times through commendable ICT implementation. The minister is advised to consider proposals from the major passport producer, Thales.

Regarding ministerial performance, it’s the president’s prerogative to address any underperformance, based on their assessment. External factors can also contribute to a minister’s perceived performance.

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FCT Minister Wike, “Mr Projects,” is a reliable and high-capacity leader whose achievements in infrastructure and service delivery are widely applauded, even by critics. His tenure has been a success story for the FCT. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, known for his concrete road concept, has significantly improved road quality nationwide. We should all monitor the performance of these appointees. In my state, The Game Changer Group is tracking the impact of political appointees at the community level, gathering feedback to assess their effectiveness and sharing scorecards. We operate in all 36 states and Abuja.

As an insider in the corridors of power, how will you describe political leadership, governance and job delivery in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s political leadership evolved from pre- and post-colonial eras. After independence, Chief Obafemi Awolowo (AG, South West), Sir Ahmadu Bello (NPC, North), and Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe (NCNC, East) emerged as key figures. These leaders ushered in the First Republic, with Azikiwe as ceremonial President, Balewa as Prime Minister, and Awolowo as opposition leader. Each region prioritised different policies: the South West focused on education, agriculture, and infrastructure; the South East on agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure; and the North on agriculture and infrastructure. Healthy developmental rivalries led to job creation. However, political tensions escalated, contributing to the collapse of the First Republic in the 1966 military coup. Subsequent military rule stagnated political development, hindering leadership and governance. Currently, President Bola Tinubu’s leadership has revitalised political leadership, governance, and job creation.

How would you describe the civilian era from 1999 to this time?

The transition from military dictatorship to democracy in 1999 presented numerous challenges, particularly as Chief Olusegun, a retired military general, assumed the presidency. This context initially fostered the potential weaponisation of democratic institutions. However, the current government is taking commendable steps to reshape democratic values. Recognising the independence of local governments, a sensitive issue requiring decisive leadership, and establishing regional development zones to foster regional growth are crucial initiatives, akin to removing oil subsidies. Reforming political institutions, including electoral bodies, the judiciary, and law enforcement, requires dedicated effort. The president’s focus on local governments is a positive step, and capable individuals must support and continue this progress. The transition from military rule to democracy was marred by weaponisation and monetisation of democratic institutions. Many genuine democrats and progressives were exhausted, impoverished, or had even perished. The few remaining were revitalised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offering renewed hope amidst a depleted movement. This vacuum allowed individuals with questionable backgrounds – the wealthy, former officials, and those involved in illicit activities – to infiltrate politics, treating it as an investment.

We have been inundated with the word ‘Cabal’. Do they genuinely exist within the Nigerian government, and how have they contributed to development and good governance?

A cabal, defined as a small, secretive group plotting for political power or private interests, inherently undermines democracy, which is government by and for the people. While I’ve heard talk of a cabal in this administration, I commend the president’s ability to identify and dismantle such groups. Ideally, we should have disciples who emulate the president’s positive actions rather than pursue selfish interests. However, the failure of some in power to replicate the President’s good deeds fuels the perception of a cabal. I urge the President to reevaluate the performance of certain key assistants.

Can you tell us about some of them, and how their actions and inactions have affected the country?

The formation of a cabal hinges on a leader’s understanding of power dynamics, specifically the distinction between sharing and controlled delegation. Olusegun Obasanjo, for example, favoured controlled delegation, preventing any potential cabal leaders from gaining significant influence. Yar’adua’s tenure was cut short by ill health and death, but figures like Bukola Saraki and James Ibori were prominent. In contrast, Goodluck Jonathan, despite his patriotism, entrusted significant power to aides who sometimes abused it, leading to the rise of competing power blocs and a formidable cabal. Under President Buhari, this phenomenon reached unprecedented levels, with a cabal becoming the de facto ruler. As someone married into the Buhari family, I have witnessed this firsthand. Initially, the cabal consisted of two individuals, but President Buhari’s ill health and the death of Chief of Staff Abba Kyari led to the emergence of multiple cabals, the primary one being “G5+1” with various subsets. Similar cabals also formed within the National Assembly, including a “Yoruba cabal.”

We were told of several intrigues in the run-up to the 2023 election. Can you let us in on it?

Internal power struggles and conflicting agendas plagued the lead-up to the election. The G5 + 1 faction initially favoured Atiku Abubakar or former President Goodluck Jonathan, while a cabal within the National Assembly and party leadership pushed for Ahmed Lawan. The Yoruba cabal supported Yemi Osinbajo. A member of the G5 + 1, secretly vying for the vice presidency, attempted to bring Jonathan into the race. When this failed, he rejoined the G5+1 in supporting the PDP candidate. The other +1 to make G5+1 +1, which was meant to include a top security official (+1), ultimately faltered, perhaps due to the official’s awareness of President Buhari’s preferences. The Yoruba cabal, misled by the G5, encouraged Osinbajo to contest against the eventual winner, believing Buhari would not support Asiwaju – a ploy to weaken Yoruba chances. Despite the cabals’ machinations, President Buhari remained steadfast in his integrity and commitment. Sensing the situation, I contacted the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu and took him to a close confidante of President Buhari, his sister, Hajia Rakiya, to appeal to the President. Evidence supports this account.

To garner support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I reached out to various people, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom I visited through his nephew, Abila. I must acknowledge President Jonathan’s remarkable humility and dedication to Nigeria’s betterment. He provided the venue and time, but Seyi, the president’s son, with whom I was to go, was delayed and could not relay the information for over two hours due to unforeseen circumstances. To my surprise, President Jonathan was still waiting patiently. Upon my arrival, instead of anger, he simply smiled and advised, “Bolaji, learn to manage your time well,” and even offered me a drink through Abila.

Without that kindness, I doubt I would have found the courage to discuss my mission, given the impression that President Tinubu opposed his second term. I prostrated before him, but he insisted I stand. I passionately pleaded with him not to be offended by my request to support my uncle. He asked who my uncle was, and I nervously replied, “Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” His expression shifted, and after a moment of reflection, before he could speak, I acknowledged his position as a PDP leader. Surprisingly, he responded that he was now ‘a statesman, and if supporting Asiwaju would bring growth, development and security to Nigeria’, he would support it. His wisdom gave me hope, and I left with joy. I thank him for his support.

Before these events, Dele Momodu sowed discord in the villa during Buhari’s first term. On a flight from Lagos to Accra, Momodu, after drinks, boasted about his upcoming meeting with Buhari and declared his intention to undermine Asiwaju, fearing Asiwaju would dominate the government. He cited Asiwaju’s alleged blocking of Bukola Saraki’s Senate presidency and criticised Asiwaju’s perceived lack of generosity compared to the owner of Glo World, who gave him an Audi car and $100,000 for his 50th birthday. Momodu even showed a photo of himself with Asiwaju in London during their exile, disparaging Asiwaju’s stature. Momodu’s actions instigated the animosity toward Asiwaju within the villa. Now that Asiwaju is president, Momodu should accept the divine will that elevated him to leadership.

Is it true that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was not the preferred candidate of the power that was in the run-up to the 2023 election? Who are the favoured and how do they fall by the wayside?

Despite not being favoured by key power brokers who respectively preferred Atiku or Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Lawan, and Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju’s success was due to divine intervention, President Buhari’s support, the influence of Hajia Rakia (Buhari’s sister), and his own political acumen. Hajia Rakia’s role should be acknowledged with a kind gesture. Appreciation is also due to the Emir of Katsina. Asiwaju’s ability to positively engage even those who betrayed him is remarkable, and his legacy of uplifting others despite their disloyalty is unmatched.

January 14, 2026
Tinubu making life unbearable for terrorists

President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a steely resolve to rid the country of terrorists. This commitment to ending terrorism and making the country safe led to the appointment of Service chiefs, particularly, the decision to bring back from retirement Lt. General Christopher Musa. This has been hailed by observers as a masterstroke in the total war against insurgents. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to fight terrorism till the end. The country’s helmsman is poised to work his socks off to get results.

His commitment to achieve unprecedented success over terrorism, banditry and all manner of societal ills has drawn praises from many.

In a bold move to match words with action, the President displayed a strong political will by appointing Service chiefs to strengthen the battle against terrorism.

Leading the pack is the career military combatant, Lt. General Christopher Musa, who was recalled from retirement to be Minister of Defence, having previously served as chief of Defence Staff.

Mayor of Urhoboland and former agitator, Dr Eshanekpe Israel, heaped plaudits on Tinubu for his unwavering determination to end heinous crimes and criminalities of varying degrees in the country.

Lauding the President for displaying a strong political will, the former militant leader described him as echoing “good governance, peace building, national unity, solidarity to the nation, growth and development.

This latest appointment by the President is a strong statement that he is determined to tackle terrorism. It sends the right signals to Nigerians, naysayers and development partners home and abroad that the Federal Government is committed to ridding the country of violence and high crimes.

The mayor, who recently received an honorary PhD in Leadership and Conflict Management from American Management University, views Musa’s appointment as an ambitious move by the President to genuinely tackle terrorism and bring lasting peace to the country instead of pampering terrorists, who are undermining national peace and progress.

Tackling insecurity

The current administration has shown great interest in combating corruption-fuelled insecurity since its inception. It would seem the United States has further propelled and subtly made the government raise the stakes.

The rejigging of the country’s security architecture by putting square pegs in square holes is yielding dividends.

The mayor argued that the Ministry of Defence, led by Musa, is currently taking the war to the insurgents, aimed at crippling their infamous activities.

Nigerians are beginning to see the effects of mathematical precision in the appointment of the right people into key positions.

Musa has shown capacity, expertise and the wherewithal to deal deadly blows to terrorists and their sponsors.

With President Donald Trump’s intervention and the deadly precision attack on the Sahel terrorists in Sokoto axis, seen as their harbinger, the military has taken the gauntlet of a seeming mop-up campaign across the strongholds of the insurgents through the most affected states in the North.

Across Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi and Kwara states, among others, the military operations have whittled down the strength of the terrorists with clinical efficiency and accuracy.

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Notably, since the appointment of Musa, collaboration among the Armed Forces, jointly coordinated by the Nuhu Ribadu-led Office of National Security Adviser to the President and renewed military understanding with U.S., leading to the Christmas Day bombing of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorists in Northwest, Nigeria, under Tinubu, has recorded tremendous progress in the terror war.

On December 31, the Air Force carried out coordinated strikes in Zamfara State, targeting entrenched terrorist logistics and command centres. This operation was part of a broader effort to disrupt terrorist activities, following the U.S airstrikes in Sokoto on Christmas Day, which targeted ISIS-linked camps.

Recent bombings

This month, the Air Force also bombed a terrorist camp in Borno State, specifically in the Timbuktu Triangle, as part of Operation HADIN KAI. The operation was intelligence-led and aimed at degrading terrorists’ capability and denying them sanctuary.

In addition, the military reported that it killed 50 Boko Haram terrorists in Northeast in October last year under the leadership of Musa as the chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The military also recovered arms and ammunition and rescued kidnapped victims.

“These operations demonstrate the military’s efforts at combating terrorism with support from international partners, such as U.S, all thanks to operators who have chosen to be selfless and unsympathetic to those criminals, unlike what it was in our past.

“Unlike the massive attacks on the hideouts of the ‘terrorist scums,’ a former minister was accused of telling the world that the terrain in the North is difficult to bomb due to the thickness of the area; a statement Nigerians deemed to be sympathetic to the insurgents, who killed and maimed Nigerians,” the mayor said.

He said such a statement made by a minister, who hails from one of the worse-hit zones by ISIS elements, is against the national interest.

The mayor equally condemned alleged community leaders aiding and abetting terrorists.

“Some community leaders are allegedly involved in aiding and abetting the criminals for fear of being attacked. Most people, allegedly through communal efforts, pay ransoms and taxes to terrorists, while some engage terrorists to secure their villages. The current military effort is removing all constraints to hit the location of the criminals. The success of the operations is due largely to the coordination and cooperation of the Musa-led military. No more information leakages to the criminals from the high echelons of the military, fewer compromises and betrayals.

“Musa has come to file the rough edges in planning and execution of the war, which is culminating in military success. Long before the change in security chiefs, we had reports of ambushes of the military by their targets, negotiation and payment of huge ransoms. All these are gradually fizzling out because the new sheriff in town takes no nonsense.

“These operations demonstrate the military’s commitment to dismantling terrorists’ networks and restoring peace to affected communities. The effectiveness of these efforts is amplified by improved intelligence fusion and international cooperation,” he said.

On the humanitarian crisis in the affected areas, he said the government is doing its best to ensure that survivors of the criminal onslaught are safe, adding that Tinubu’s administration is focused on addressing the needs of over three million internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by insurgency, banditry and communal clashes. International Organisation for Migration (IOM), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and other partners are assisting with shelter, food, water, sanitation and psychosocial support.

As former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, stated last year, this administration should not contemplate negotiation in any guise with the terrorists but go all out to exterminate them and make Nigeria uninhabitable for criminal elements. There is a need to fight the war dispassionately without anyone being regarded as a sacred cow.

“Be you a Christian, Muslim or traditional worshipper, the war must be total because bombs or bullets do not select who to hit. This is when the citizens should come all out, not only to commend but support our military in providing credible and workable intelligence for them to deliver. Necessary support in the form of availability of weapons of war should be given to our military to carry out the war,” Eshanekpe added.

He said: “As we speak, after years of fear, bloodshed, propaganda videos, and hollow threats, Sambisa Forest — the symbol of terror in Nigeria — has finally collapsed under the weight of a coordinated firepower. The Army has confirmed full control of the forest following weeks of relentless ground operations and precision aerial strikes.

‘‘Sambisa Forest is no longer a sanctuary for terrorists. It is now under the authority of the Nigerian state.

“For too long, Sambisa Forest was portrayed as impenetrable; a place where terrorists regrouped, trained, planned massacre and mocked the Nigerian state.

“That myth has now been shattered. This victory sends a loud and unmistakable message: There is no forest, mountain, border or hideout beyond the reach of the Armed Forces.

‘Those blackmailing the military action will be uncomfortable with this progress recorded by our military under the able supervision of the Musa-led Ministry of Defence. Those who romanticise terrorists will suddenly go quiet,” the mayor said.

Continuing, he said, Sambisa fell because force was applied; terrorists retreated because pressure was sustained, and Nigeria advanced because the military refused to blink.

“Peace does not come from negotiating with men who kidnap children and bomb markets. Peace comes when the state reclaims every inch of its territory.”

Eshanekpe noted that going by the confirmation of military authorities, troops remain actively deployed to hold the ground, secure communities, and prevent return of criminals.

He described it as crucial, adding the real danger is not the battlefield, but political hesitation, public distraction, and premature celebration.

Consolidating victory

The mayor noted that the victory, so far, must be consolidated. He said the pressure must be sustained, adding that terror must be denied oxygen —militarily, financially and digitally.

He said: “This development should mark the beginning of the end of terrorism in Northeast and the military should understand that security victories must be followed by strong governance and zero tolerance for sabotage from within.

“It is time for the country to move forward in the principle of a Renewed Hope Agenda.

“In 2027 elections, we need peace because only the living can vote. All being equal, Tinubu will be victorious against the conspiracy, called coalition. We are aware the so-called coalition is the gathering of former office holders, who were part of the ruins Nigerians suffer today.

“Fortunately, we have a nation-builder in the person of President Tinubu. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real; it’s gone beyond an agenda into a fullscale operational machinery for a new Nigeria. Across all sectors, well-meaning Nigerians are witnesses to the sweeping changes birthing a value and national reorientation.’’

January 14, 2026
Tinubu targets $30b green finance toboost electricity access

The Federal Government is targeting the mobilisation of $30 billion in climate and green industrial finance for energy transition reforms and electricity access.

The fund is also being projected to enhance other sectors of the economy, such as infrastructure, logistics, digital trade, aviation, agriculture and climate-smart infrastructure.

Part of the mobilisation platforms will be Investopia, which Nigeria will co-host with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos next month.

It is part of renewed efforts to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the plan at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where Nigeria also concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE to deepen bilateral trade and cooperation across key growth sectors.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Tinubu and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, witnessed the signing of the CEPA.

Read Also: Nigeria, UAE seal deal on trade, agric, manufacturing

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signed for each country.

Describing the agreement as historic and strategic, President Tinubu said the CEPA would expand cooperation between both countries in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, digital trade, aviation, agriculture and climate-smart infrastructure, while creating enduring opportunities for their peoples.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu explained that Investopia would serve as a global platform bringing together investors, innovators, policymakers and business leaders to convert ideas into actionable investments.

“We warmly invite our partners to join us and help build the next chapter of sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa and the world,” the President said.

Addressing the summit, President Tinubu said the $30 billion in climate and green industrial finance will accelerate energy transition reforms.

“The foundation of every modern economy is electricity,” he said, noting that Nigeria understands the need to balance industrialisation with decarbonisation, ensuring that neither is pursued at the expense of the other.

He called for reforms in the global financial architecture, urging a shift away from restrictive sovereign guarantee requirements that often disadvantage developing economies.

“Instead, the focus should be on blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms that allow private sustainable capital to flow directly into our green projects without further straining national balance sheets,” President Tinubu said.

The President said Nigeria has strengthened its climate governance framework through the adoption of a National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry, measures designed to improve transparency and boost investor confidence.

He identified the Electricity Act 2023 as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy reforms, explaining that it enables decentralised power generation and distribution, particularly for underserved communities.

President Tinubu added that Nigeria’s climate investment drive includes a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, as well as a $750 million World Bank programme expected to expand clean electricity access to more than 17.5 million people.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2060 under its Energy Transition Plan, the President said the country would continue to pursue industrial growth alongside universal energy access.

He also invited foreign investors to partner with Nigeria in its lithium and critical minerals sector, stressing the government’s priority for local processing and value addition.

Highlighting the impact of ongoing economic reforms, President Tinubu said Nigeria has recorded a 21 per cent growth in non-oil exports, alongside rising capital importation and over $50 billion in investment commitments across key sectors.

“These reforms, alongside wider fiscal and monetary measures, are delivering results. We are ready to work with partners across the world to ensure that the next era of development is not only green and inclusive, but just and enduring,” he said.

The Electricity Act 2023, which the President referenced as a critical reform pillar, aims at transforming the power sector by liberalising generation and distribution.

It empowers states to regulate their own electricity, promoting renewables, ensuring consumer protection and creating new entities like the Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO) for grid management.

The Act introduces a more decentralised framework, encourages private investment, streamlines licensing and strengthens regulatory bodies like NERC for better, sustainable, and affordable power access.

Section 230 provides the legal framework that enables states to establish their own intrastate electricity markets and regulatory authorities, thereby granting them regulatory oversight powers.

This provision is a direct consequence of the Fifth Alteration to the Nigerian Constitution, which moved electricity regulation from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

Section 230(1) allows a state House of Assembly to enact a law to provide for the establishment of a state electricity market and a state electricity regulatory authority (State Regulator).

January 14, 2026
Economic misconceptions
- It’s unfortunate that people who don’t understand ‘Tinubunomics’ are turning it upside down
It is perhaps inevitable that commentaries on economic policies in most societies tend to be undertaken by many who lack the requisite expertise for informed and dispassionate policy analysis on the pertinent issues. This is because the economy affects everyone in the polity, but those with the appropriate knowledge to tackle a subject that assumes ever-increasing technical complexity like economic science are negligible.

Again, economic discourse invariably involves a high degree of emotions, especially in periods of existential hardship, thus rendering objective analysis more difficult. Politicians in quest of power, for instance, are wont to discredit economic policies of incumbent governments, thereby creating the impression that a change of government will usher in an instantaneous Eldorado.

In the same vein, vested interests blame extant policies for current difficulties even if the root causes are more complex and nuanced. It is thus not surprising that the Director-General of the Budget Office, Dr Tanimu Yakubu, recently took on critics of the ongoing economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration, and cautioned against the tendency to engage in sensational critiques with scant regard for the principles of public finance.

Yakubu’s position can be understood against the background, for instance, of many opposition politicians blaming such reforms as removal of fuel subsidy or the merger of the parallel exchange rate markets for worsening poverty levels without indicating if there were any viable alternatives to such policies or how structural reforms could be implemented without some pain.

According to the Budget Office boss, “Tinubunomics was never a promise of instant abundance. It is a macro-fiscal reset undertaken within hard constraints: inherited debt service, FX realism, security spending, legacy arrears, and competing constitutional obligations”. He insists that the reforms are not a quick fix for instant wealth but meant to address inherited deep fiscal challenges to restore price signals, improve revenue and rebuild economic credibility.

Read Also: INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

Yakubu points out the fallacy in exaggerated claims of the purported revenue figure of N150 trillion accessed by the Federal Government. In this regard, he stresses that “Borrowing is not income; it is financing and creates future obligations. Federation receipts are not equivalent to what the Federal Government can spend. Once these distinctions are ignored, any number – no matter how dramatic – can be manufactured”.

We agree with him that the country’s rising debt stock cannot be attributed solely to fresh borrowing while discounting the fact that a substantial percentage of the increase in Naira equivalent of the debt is as a result of revaluation of existing external debt due to exchange rate adjustment.

In any case, generalised condemnation of borrowing is often silent on where funds for investment in critical infrastructure will come from in the face of severe revenue shortfalls. The problem is surely not borrowing but the use to which such fund is put, a point which the administration’s economic managers must be mindful of.

Rather than creating a huge pool of spendable funds, he posits that the removal of fuel subsidy plugged sources of huge resource leakage and the benefits will be gradual, not sudden. In the same vein, he admonishes critics of public economic policy not to routinely aggregate tax collections, customs receipts, borrowing and subsidy savings into huge figures that are illusory and misleading.

It is of course commendable that Dr Yakubu has tried to place the administration’s economic reform policies within the proper context in public discourse. But the truth is that criticisms of government’s handling of the economy will persist for as long as it takes for the cost of living crisis to ease and the quality of life to improve meaningfully for many citizens.

This should motivate government to intensify efforts to achieve accelerated economic recovery, particularly through drastically reducing waste in governance and more effectively tackling the menace of corruption. This is even as no effort should be spared to continue to explain to the public the nature, import, course and progress of the reforms.
January 14, 2026
Release Sowore’s passport now, Hashim urges Tinubu
- ‘Nigeria worth fighting for’
Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the release of the international passport of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

He described the continued seizure of Sowore’s passport as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic freedoms.

Hashim spoke yesterday in Abuja while hosting Sowore during a meeting with PDP’s Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Read Also: INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

The meeting was also attended by Hashim’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.

Hashim recalled his shared pro-democracy struggles with Sowore, which dated back to 1989, when Sowore was one of his protégés.

The PDP chieftain said the meeting was not a nostalgic exercise, but a reminder of the sacrifices that secured Nigeria’s democratic space.

According to him, Sowore’s courage, consistency, and refusal to bow to intimidation have made him a symbol of principled resistance and a rallying point for young Nigerians demanding a new political order.

“Nigeria is worth fighting for, and meaningful change is possible, no matter how difficult,” Hashim said.

He condemned what he called the sustained persecution of Sowore for speaking truth to power, saying the continued seizure of his passport has effectively punished him without conviction and denied him the basic right to family life.

Hashim warned that democracies collapse when dissent is criminalised, stressing that the protection of opposing voices is a non-negotiable pillar of democratic governance.

The PDP chieftain urged President Tinubu to order the immediate release of Sowore’s passport in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.

During the meeting, Sowore reconnected with longtime comrades, as participants reflected on defining moments that shaped their lifelong commitment to democracy, civic courage, and accountable leadership.
January 14, 2026
2027 Presidency: Early scenarios (1)

Over the last one year Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been waging a losing battle against early politicking for an election that was then two years away. With the polls now just over 12 months away, activities are building up to a frenzy, despite official campaigning not being scheduled to start until November.

The umpire may not have given its thumbs up for the contest to be joined still it’s not too early to outline scenarios that may define the polls. Nigerian elections are rarely decided in the final stretch; rather they are shaped years in advance by hard bargaining, economic pressures, and slow alignment of political interests. By that token, the 2027 contest is already taking form.

At the centre of all plausible scenarios stands President Bola Tinubu. Barring any dramatic development, he will be the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. Incumbents hardly ever step aside. Even a doddering President Joe Biden, who at some point didn’t know if he was coming or going, insisted on running until a calamitous debate performance forced his Democratic Party to shoo him aside.

Tinubu, perhaps the most consummate political strategist of his generation, will most certainly be on the ticket barring the unknown. The real question is not whether he will run, but the conditions under which he will seek a second term, and the quality of opposition he confronts.

Some have framed the 2027 presidential election as a rematch as it throws up the same personalities who faced-off in the bitter 2023 contest: Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. While the contestants may be the same, the circumstances couldn’t be any more different.

Three years ago, the incumbent was an outsider aspirant whom power brokers in the ruling APC were less than enthusiastic about. Such was the resistance that on the eve of the primary, then party chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, attempted to sell the dummy that President Muhammadu Buhari had anointed Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, as flag bearer. It would take rear-guard action by Northern governors to frustrate the scheme.

Read Also: TETFund to share N6.452bn to 271 tertiary institutions under 2026 intervention

Today, the unwanted stone sits as head of state with all the advantages of incumbency. Back then Atiku ran as candidate of a divided Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) five of whose governors, rallying behind Nyesom Wike, decided to work for Tinubu’s victory. In the run-up to 2027, the former Vice President has dumped his former platform, choosing to make his bed in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) whose very structures are still in the making.

Sensing that the PDP’s ticket was being kept warm for Atiku, Obi fled early to the Labour Party (LP) where he transformed into a cult hero of sorts. Despite a modest record as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, he was suddenly transformed into this would-be saviour who had an answer to all of Nigeria’s problems.

A frustrated urban youth demographic bought massively into the hype. The candidate was then gifted the Muslim-Muslim ticket controversy by APC. This product of Tinubu’s cold calculation that having a Southern religious minority pair up with an individual from the Northern religious minority was a recipe for electoral disaster, almost backfired.

Obi played it for all it was worth – campaigning in churches, having photo-ops with popular clerics and encouraging Christians down South to ‘take back their country.’ It worked a treat, generating a surge from the angry youth to those who believed that the APC ticket was a vehicle for the imminent Islamisation of the country.

Not even Tinubu’s repeated pleas that he hadn’t even been able to successfully Islamise his home – his wife is a pastor and some of children Christian – made any difference. The upshot was unprecedented electoral breakthroughs for Obi in the North-Central zone and in wide swathes of the South. In his native Southeast, ethnic and religious solidarity produced landslides across five states.

In the last three years, so much has changed and many things sold to the gullible as gospel truth have been exposed as crude lies manufactured by fake news merchants. Back in 2023, social media was awash with videos that presented Tinubu as infirm. But after he won and was sworn in, the sickly old man attack line vanished. Today, one of the most recycled attack lines of his critics is that he travels too much.

Fake news is alive and well and would be deployed in the coming elections by dark forces. But they would be confronted by a populace that has been bitten once, and now scrutinise ‘breaking news’ more suspiciously.

Over the last three years Nigerians have been led by two individuals from the same faith. The Islamisation bugbear used to deceive many voters, turning many churches into campaign arenas, has not materialised. As a factor in the coming polls, this is deader than the dodo.

Many have pointed out that three years ago, Tinubu as an outside political force was able to defeat APC apparatchik and powerful office holders who didn’t want him as flag bearer. Today, he wields all the powers of the presidency and can embark on incumbency consolidation.

All over the world it is acknowledged that incumbency is a powerful advantage in electoral contests. In Nigeria, incumbents often win because alternatives fail to cohere and the system rewards continuity over disruption. It is not to say that office holders don’t lose, but they are more likely to win. Three years ago, of 11 governors who sought re-election, nine returned to office.

After the 2023 poll, APC had 21 governors. A steady stream of defectors has now seen that number reach 30 heading to the next election. Some opposition figures have tried to encourage their supporters with lame comments about the next election not being about defectors “but about Nigerians and the ruling party.”

Others have declared dismissively that governors have only one vote. But even those who make such comments know that incumbency isn’t about the individual’s single vote but about the influence and resources his position attracts.

To understand politicians and their mind games, notice how those who sneered at the defection of governors, have been quick to celebrate when a handful of federal lawmakers joined their camp recently.

The ruling party’s incumbency advantage becomes more formidable with the opposition behaving like a collection of rival camps rather than a serious governing alternative.

Despite agreeing that the only hope they have against the APC machine is unity of purpose, that hoped-for oneness remains a fantasy. Every election cycle, they convince themselves that moral outrage, demographic weight, or social media momentum will overcome structural realities. Obi even once famously dismissed such arrangements as “structures of criminality.”

But to pursue his ambitions he’s today part of a coalition against Tinubu, involving PDP refugees, remnants of LP, and defectors from APC and elsewhere. What was once sold as an all-conquering opposition platform that would reprise what APC did in 2015 is increasingly looking shaky as the battle for party’s ticket shapes up. What happens if OBI fails to get the ADC ticket? Would he jump ship, again? Would he take the next best thing and run as the under card? The nation is watching to see if this time common interest trumps individual ambition. Nigerian opposition leaders are often united only by their opposition to power, not by trust in one another.

The youth vote which was a disruptive force three years ago, faces a reality check this time. This segment of our population is vast, vocal, and frustrated – but it is also fragmented, fatigued, and structurally disadvantaged. This isn’t a monolithic bloc that works with common purpose. Rather, they are just as divided as other demographics by faith, sentiment, geography and ethnicity.

Their enthusiasm in 2023 quickly collided with the hard walls of party machinery, voter turnout dynamics, and state power. By 2027, youth voters are more likely to be selectively courted than organically mobilised. Without firm links to governors, party structures, and local power brokers, youth energy will remain morally resonant but electorally limited.

Ultimately, 2027 may not be a contest driven by ideological choice. It may not even be an assessment of the administration’s performance in terms of success of policies or infrastructure built. It may be shaped instead by misinformation, voter fatigue, ethnicity and elite consensus on matters like zoning. It could also come down to personalities and likeability.

The race is not yet fully formed. But its contours are already visible. And unless something fundamental changes, Nigerians may once again be asked not who can reinvent the country – but who can manage its contradictions for another four years.

January 14, 2026