Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will assert its political supremacy in the upcoming August 16 by-election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency. He made this declaration during the formal campaign flag-off event held at Bodija Market in Ibadan, where the PDP officially presented its flag to the party’s candidate, Mr. Folajimi Oyekunle. Speaking to a cheering crowd of supporters, Governor Makinde noted that the anticipated success of the PDP candidate in the forthcoming by-election will further reinforce the party’s dominant position in Oyo State politics. He emphasized that Mr. Oyekunle has earned widespread trust and recognition, describing him as a capable, dependable, and qualified candidate who possesses the leadership qualities necessary to effectively represent the people of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Makinde extended heartfelt appreciation to the residents of Oyo State for their unwavering support since the beginning of his administration. He attributed the administration’s achievements to the trust and cooperation of the people, which he believes will translate into electoral success for the PDP. The governor also used the opportunity to encourage all registered and eligible voters in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency to turn out in large numbers on August 16 to participate in the democratic process. He stressed the importance of mass voter participation in ensuring credible and fair elections, noting that every vote will contribute significantly to sustaining development and inclusive representation. In a show of unity and strategic readiness, the Director-General of the Folajimi Oyekunle Campaign Organisation, Mr. Ademola Omotosho, addressed the audience earlier at the event. He called on constituents to mobilize their friends, family members, and community groups to vote massively for the PDP candidate on election day. According to Omotosho, Mr. Oyekunle is not only experienced but also committed to service, and his election will bring further growth and progress to the constituency. The campaign event at Bodija Market was marked by enthusiastic party supporters, campaign team members, and stakeholders who pledged total support for the PDP’s electoral journey. The momentum ahead of the by-election signals what many believe will be a clear and convincing win for the party.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly responded to recent criticisms from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his stark warning that Nigeria’s fragile social fabric could disintegrate if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in the 2027 general elections. During an appearance at a recent event hosted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, El-Rufai openly criticized the Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of lacking clear direction and vision for national progress. Reacting to these statements, Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, issued a stinging rebuttal, branding El-Rufai as nothing more than “a political clown.” Morka further alleged that El-Rufai has been politically destabilized since being left out of President Tinubu’s ministerial nominations. “His rapid descent from national relevance to a mere political clown should be studied like a case of political regression,” Morka stated in a press release issued to media outlets. He did not mince words, accusing El-Rufai and his newfound ADC affiliates of contributing nothing meaningful to national political discourse. According to him, they only parade “bloated egos, exaggerated sense of entitlement, and insatiable personal ambition.” “El-Rufai and his co-travelers in the ADC are a perfect example of disorganized, directionless, and weak opposition—arguably the most confused our nation has ever witnessed,” Morka emphasized. In the statement, Morka challenged El-Rufai to provide viable and implementable alternatives to the policy decisions made by the Tinubu administration. He questioned their repeated criticism of the removal of fuel subsidies and monetary reforms without offering workable solutions. “If they so strongly oppose the reforms our administration has implemented, then let them demonstrate how they would restore fuel subsidies or strengthen the naira without plunging the economy into deeper turmoil,” he said. Morka concluded by expressing confidence in the APC’s political standing, asserting that the Nigerian people will continue to rally behind President Tinubu’s vision and are likely to renew his mandate come 2027. “The masses understand the depth of reforms being carried out, and they will once again stand behind our great party to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election,” Morka affirmed.
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A fresh wave of internal conflict has hit the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following strong opposition from several aspirants over the party’s reported choice of candidate for the upcoming bye-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency. LMSINT MEDIA confirms that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the bye-election for Saturday, 16th August 2025. The election was necessitated by the unfortunate demise of Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi, a second-term APC lawmaker who passed away in July 2024. In a recent development, APC leadership announced Adewale Olatunji as the party’s official flagbearer for the bye-election. However, this decision has not been received well by all stakeholders within the party. Several aspirants within the APC, speaking under the platform of the United Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirants Forum, have publicly rejected Olatunji’s candidacy, citing procedural irregularities and a breach of internal party democracy. During a press briefing held on Monday in Ibadan, at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Iyayanku, the aspirants collectively condemned the process and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the party’s national secretariat to address the issue. Saheed Aderounmu, who spoke on behalf of the aggrieved aspirants, described the move as a direct violation of democratic values and party constitution. According to him, there was no transparent primary election or fair process that led to the emergence of Olatunji, rendering the nomination illegitimate and unjust. “Any attempt by the party hierarchy to impose Mr. Adewale Olatunji without allowing due process will not only undermine the party’s integrity but will also have adverse consequences,” Aderounmu stated firmly. The group further called on critical stakeholders—including the National Working Committee (NWC), The Presidency, and other senior party figures—to urgently intervene before the situation escalates beyond control. Aderounmu added that if the imposed nomination is not withdrawn or reviewed within 48 hours, the fallout from the imposition should be blamed squarely on the party’s national leadership. “We, the genuine aspirants of Ibadan North, firmly oppose the imposition of Adewale Olatunji as our candidate. This imposition is not only unacceptable but completely violates the foundation of internal democracy. The people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency deserve a candidate chosen through a transparent and participatory process.” The forum emphasized that the APC’s decision not to conduct a credible primary election has eroded confidence in the internal electoral process, warning that continuing on such a path could fracture party unity and reduce its chances at the polls. As of the time of filing this report, the APC national secretariat has not issued a formal response to the demands of the aspirants.
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The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has strongly criticized what it termed the illegal closure of Badegi 90.1FM, a radio station based in Niger State. The closure, according to reports monitored by LMSINT MEDIA, was allegedly carried out under the directive of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. The controversial decision reportedly stemmed from the outcome of an enlarged All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting held on Friday, August 1, during which Governor Bago is said to have ordered the station’s shutdown. This move followed Badegi FM’s broadcast of a programme that was perceived as critical of the state government, raising serious concerns over press suppression. In a strongly worded statement released over the weekend, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, labeled the action as “an outright misuse of executive authority”, and described it as “a disgraceful show of disregard for journalistic institutions.” Arogundade added, “Even if—without admitting—that the radio station committed any professional error, the correct legal path would have been to file a formal complaint to the appropriate media regulatory agencies such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).” He went on to highlight the dangers of such actions, asserting that no democratic society should allow the silencing of media voices under any pretext. He warned that such behavior mirrors the oppressive tendencies of military dictatorships, where fear, threats, and media clampdowns were rampant. The IPC reiterated that only a court of law is empowered to rule on the legality or otherwise of any alleged media infraction, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding freedom of expression. The centre also demanded the immediate and unconditional reopening of Badegi 90.1FM, cautioning all public figures against engaging in acts that threaten press freedom and constitutional rights. The IPC’s statement concluded: “This is a democratic nation where the freedom of expression, speech, and thought is enshrined in the Constitution. No official, regardless of rank, has the right to override these fundamental rights.”
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unlikely to prolong the state of emergency in Rivers State, which was declared in recent months due to political unrest and the suspension of local government leadership. Wike made this known during his monthly press conference held in Abuja on Monday. He elaborated on the constitutional implications of the emergency declaration, especially concerning the scheduled local government elections in Rivers State, which are expected to take place on August 30, 2025. According to Wike, prolonging the emergency rule would not sit well with the people of Rivers, indicating that President Tinubu supports a swift return to democratic governance, particularly at the grassroots level. “From what I understand, the President does not wish to extend the emergency rule. In his wisdom, he introduced another regulation in July mandating that the local government elections must be conducted within 30 days,” Wike stated. He emphasized that this new directive from the President was aimed at restoring democratic structures in local councils as part of a broader peace initiative. Recall that President Tinubu had earlier imposed a six-month suspension on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, placing Rivers State under a temporary emergency administration. Wike questioned the sustainability of an emergency rule without an elected local government council: “If the elections are not held and the emergency continues, how will local governments gain access to their constitutionally allocated funds? The Supreme Court has ruled that governors cannot appoint caretaker committees. Without elections, and with no access to funds, are we not inviting another crisis?” He explained that the President’s directive for local elections is intended to eliminate the constitutional vacuum created by the emergency, ensuring that both the State Assembly and Governor can resume full responsibility after the rule is lifted. Wike further pointed out that failure to conduct the elections now would allow the incoming governor to issue a one-year notice, as mandated by the Supreme Court, before conducting new elections. This delay would also prevent the appointment of temporary administrative committees and freeze Federation Account access for local councils. “That would leave the local government structure in limbo. So the President’s regulation under the emergency law has allowed for modification of the 2022 Electoral Act, which is within his legal authority,” Wike emphasized. Addressing concerns that the local elections may be manipulated to favor his political loyalists, Wike dismissed such claims outright. “People keep talking about my loyalists. But who are they? It’s a shame that some people prefer television advocacy instead of taking legal action in court. When the emergency rule was declared, many said it was illegal. But how many actually filed lawsuits to challenge it?” He criticized political commentators for misinterpreting Supreme Court judgments and choosing to debate judicial matters on television instead of pursuing them in court. Wike recounted how his own legal team was responsible for the court action that resulted in a past ruling against a flawed election process. “After we secured the judgment, these same people went on air to insult the judiciary, accusing judges of bribery, rather than respecting the legal process.” The minister reiterated the necessity of legal modifications and emergency governance to allow for the smooth operation of local governments in the absence of elections. “Don’t forget, local government is the only tier of government without a consistent democratic structure due to these legal and political issues. The Supreme Court has ruled that without an elected local government in place, such councils cannot receive funds from the Federation Account, nor can governors legally install caretaker committees.” “Because of the emergency rule, the judgment was temporarily set aside, allowing for the appointment of sole administrators, ensuring that local governments were not starved of funds.” He concluded by emphasizing that the emergency rule was critical to maintain functionality in Rivers State’s local governance system during the crisis period. “Let’s be honest, without the President’s intervention and declaration of emergency rule, would any local government have access to funds today? Certainly not. The emergency became necessary and timely.”
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Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has once again reiterated his firm commitment to serving only one term if elected as Nigeria’s president in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking through a statement released on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Obi declared that his four-year-only vow remains inviolable, emphasizing that it stems from a dedication to accountable and visionary leadership. “If I’m elected President, I will serve only one term of four years. This commitment is unshakable,” Obi stated firmly. Referencing Global Icons Who Served Brief, Impactful Terms To reinforce the depth of his pledge, Obi cited the examples of world-renowned historical leaders who made indelible impacts despite serving short terms. Among those mentioned were Abraham Lincoln, former President of the United States; John F. Kennedy, another notable American president; and Nelson Mandela, former South African president and global symbol of democratic transition. “Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s greatest Presidents, served for only four years, yet his legacy is immortal. Mandela, too, chose to serve a single term. His decision was intentional—an act of profound leadership,” Obi explained. Tackling Distrust in Nigeria’s Political Landscape Obi addressed the deep-rooted public skepticism that plagues Nigeria’s political system, noting that many citizens have lost trust in politicians and no longer believe in their words or promises. “Despite the cynicism that now defines Nigerian politics, there still exist individuals whose integrity is backed by actions, not just words. These are people whose public service history stands as proof,” he said. Responding to Criticism Over One-Term Promise Referring to recent backlash and sarcastic remarks questioning his sincerity, Obi recounted how two separate individuals dismissed his one-term vow. One allegedly claimed that even a sworn oath at a shrine wouldn’t be enough to convince them, while another went as far as to suggest that anyone pledging a single term should be mentally evaluated. Obi, however, stood his ground, pointing to his governance record in Anambra State as evidence of his consistency and credibility. “During my tenure as Governor of Anambra State, I made and kept several promises. I did not deviate. My word remains my bond,” he asserted. His Agenda for a One-Term Presidency Outlining his vision for Nigeria should he be elected in 2027, Obi listed core priority areas that include: “Forty-eight months is sufficient for any leader who is prepared and focused to make genuine, positive change,” Obi concluded confidently.
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Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has appealed to citizens across Nigeria—particularly those in the North—to support President Tinubu in continuing his current administration until its conclusion. The appeal comes as political conversations begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gbajabiamila made the statement during a strategic dialogue session organized by the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators, held on Saturday in Abuja. “President Tinubu is not just a leader of the South. He is a national figure who has demonstrated inclusive governance. From significant infrastructure projects to essential policy reforms, the North has been equally considered and is reaping the benefits of a government committed to fairness and national prosperity,” Gbajabiamila explained. He further emphasized the need to allow Tinubu to continue and complete the foundational reforms that have been introduced. “We are laying strong and lasting foundations today. It is only just and fair that the President be given the chance to complete what he has begun,” he added. Economic Backlash Amid Political Endorsement Gbajabiamila’s statement comes amid growing criticism surrounding the current economic climate under President Tinubu’s leadership. While he advocates for continuity in governance, discontent is escalating among citizens grappling with soaring inflation, food insecurity, and poverty. Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), openly criticized the federal government over its economic mismanagement. In a viral video making rounds online, Fayemi stated: “Let’s not deceive ourselves; Nigerians are clearly dissatisfied with the Tinubu-led administration due to the persistent hunger and harsh economic conditions.” The root of the economic grievances can be traced to Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange rate unification policy shortly after taking office in 2023. These decisions, while framed as reformative, have significantly contributed to: World Bank Flags Rising Poverty in Nigeria According to the World Bank’s Africa Pulse Report released in April 2025, Nigeria currently holds the highest number of people living in extreme poverty globally. The report warned that, if left unaddressed, millions more Nigerians may fall below the poverty line by 2027, directly challenging the promises of shared prosperity made by the Tinubu administration. Despite these challenges, Gbajabiamila remains confident in Tinubu’s leadership and vision. His endorsement highlights an ongoing political alignment within APC, though it stands in contrast to the deep economic dissatisfaction being voiced by citizens and even fellow party members.
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially commenced its campaign for the forthcoming by-election in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, aiming to fill the vacant legislative seat in Ganye constituency. The by-election is slated to take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, following the death of Hon. Abdulkadir Musa, whose passing last year created a vacant seat in the state assembly. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was present in Ganye on Saturday to formally launch the campaign for the PDP candidate, Mohammed Joda, urging constituents to back the party’s nominee in the upcoming polls. While addressing a gathering of supporters at the rally, Governor Fintiri issued a strong message against ethnic and religious bias in electoral decisions, asserting that true development can only occur when voting is based on merit, not sentiment. “No society thrives when its choices are shaped by religion or ethnicity,” he stated. Adding to the campaign message, PDP State Chairman, Tahir Shehu, called on residents of Ganye Local Government Area to support Mohammed Joda, emphasizing that the PDP-led administration in Adamawa has clearly demonstrated its commitment to good governance and inclusive leadership. In his own address, the PDP candidate, Mohammed Joda, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the party for giving him the platform to serve, promising to represent the people of Ganye with commitment, transparency, and diligence if given the mandate. According to a field report by LMSINT MEDIA, there appears to be no formidable opposition facing the PDP candidate, as of Saturday afternoon when this report was filed. Meanwhile, the main opposition party in Adamawa State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is reportedly embroiled in internal conflict, with two opposing factions within the Ganye constituency struggling to agree on a unified candidate. The absence of a clear contender from the APC could spell a significant political setback, especially considering that the late Abdulkadir Musa — whose seat is now up for contest — was not only a member of the APC but also served as the Deputy Minority Leader in the State Assembly until his death.
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Fresh controversy has emerged over the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), as its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, has allegedly been compelled to sign a resignation letter under pressure. This claim was reported on Saturday by Peoples Gazette, citing sources familiar with the matter. According to the report, Mr. Ojulari was allegedly confronted on Friday by Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Adeola Ajayi, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS). The high-ranking officials reportedly pressured him into signing a resignation letter. Sources told the platform that Mr. Ojulari was intensely interrogated regarding his possible connection to Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil magnate who has recently gained significant influence within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “He insisted he had no links to Olatimbo Ayinde,” a confidential source quoted by the publication said. So far, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has not issued an official response to media inquiries. Likewise, Mr. Ojulari has not commented despite multiple attempts to reach him for a statement as of Saturday afternoon. It’s important to note that NNPCL recently raised concerns about deliberate sabotage targeting its leadership structure, raising further questions about the company’s internal dynamics and political undercurrents. Recall that Bayo Ojulari was appointed as the GCEO of NNPCL in April 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a strategic move to stabilize the national oil sector.
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The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has officially acknowledged the feedback and concerns raised by stakeholders and media experts over the recent suspension of Badegi FM, a Minna-based radio outlet, by the Niger State Government. According to reports, the directive to suspend Badegi FM originated from Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago during an extended All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting that took place in Minna on August 1. Notably, the Minister of Information and National Orientation was also present during the meeting. Governor Bago is said to have justified the order by citing allegations of unprofessional broadcasting practices and content deemed provocative against the state administration. In an official release signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, who serves as the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, the Ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by the Niger State Government. However, it stressed that the revocation or suspension of broadcast licences falls under the exclusive authority of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which is the legally recognized regulatory body in such matters. The Ministry welcomed the Niger State Government’s move to refer the issue to the NBC, calling it the most appropriate and lawful route for addressing such accusations of misconduct by broadcast stations. The Minister, in the statement, urged all involved to remain composed while the issue is thoroughly examined. It concluded by affirming that the NBC is fully equipped with the structures and capacity to investigate and settle the matter in a just and unbiased manner.
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Former Senator Laments Rising Starvation and Daily Hardship in Nigeria Dino Melaye, a former senator who represented the Kogi West Senatorial District, has raised an alarm over the increasing level of hunger and hardship facing Nigerians, warning that the economic situation continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. During an appearance on the political talk show Politics Today, which aired on Channels Television this past Friday, Melaye expressed his deep concern regarding the worsening living conditions across the country. Speaking passionately during the broadcast, Melaye emphasized that hunger in Nigeria is no longer just a statistic but a brutal daily reality for millions of citizens. “We are in a dire and dangerous situation as a nation,” he stated. “What Nigerians are currently experiencing is unprecedented. It has never reached this critical level before. We have never faced a crisis of this scale in the past.” The ex-lawmaker went further to describe the situation as “charted hunger,” referencing how widespread and severe the food scarcity has become. He lamented that malnutrition is now claiming lives in rural communities, where access to basic nutrition has become a luxury. “People are now combing through refuse dumps and garbage centres just to find scraps of food,” Melaye revealed, describing the harsh conditions under which some Nigerians are living. According to him, Nigerians have never faced such deep economic suffering, even in times of past national distress. He blamed the worsening crisis on the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming the government has failed to provide direction or offer relief to suffering citizens. Melaye strongly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, arguing that its policies are leading the country in the wrong direction and pushing people further into poverty and despair. “The government is completely off track,” he concluded. “There is no sense of rescue or national direction from those in charge.”
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For more than a year, Nigeria’s foremost opposition figures have consistently challenged the policies and leadership style of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Their criticisms extend beyond economic hardship and inflation, as they also accuse the administration of systematically silencing dissent and steering the country toward a one-party state—something they consider a significant threat to democratic values. In response, opposition leaders pledged to set aside party loyalties and unite in a coalition to dethrone the APC in 2027, presenting themselves as the nation’s last hope to break free from economic hardship and political repression. Formation of the ADC-Led Coalition After months of intensive consultations and political deliberations, the coalition was officially unveiled on July 2, 2025, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) adopted as the coalition’s official platform for the 2027 general elections. This strategic alliance attracted high-profile political heavyweights from across party lines—including the APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP. Prominent figures like former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, ex-Anambra Governor and LP flagbearer Peter Obi, NNPP’s Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and ADC’s Ralphs Okey Nwosu championed this new movement. Joining them were influential politicians like former Senate President David Mark, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Notably, Nwosu and other ADC executives resigned their positions, clearing the path for Mark and Aregbesola to serve as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively. Their mission: Defeat Tinubu in 2027 and “liberate” Nigerians from APC rule. Revisiting 2015: A Rare Political Upset The 2015 general elections were historic. For the first time in Nigerian political history, an opposition party unseated the ruling party. The APC, formed from the merger of multiple opposition parties—ACN, CPC, ANPP, APGA factions, and DPP—successfully fielded retired General Muhammadu Buhari against then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Will history repeat itself in 2027? Disunity and Strategic Hurdles Facing the Coalition Despite forming the coalition, internal disunity among opposition parties remains a significant stumbling block. Unlike 2015, where political actors fully committed to APC, many present-day opposition members—including state and federal lawmakers—are yet to formalize their move to the coalition. For example, senators like Aminu Tambuwal, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abdul Ningi, Austin Akobundu, and Ireti Kingibe appear aligned with the ADC but haven’t officially declared their defections. Even Peter Obi has not completely abandoned the Labour Party, prompting PDP stalwarts such as Prof Jerry Gana and Abduljabbar Rufai to encourage him to return to the PDP, believing his candidacy on that platform would resonate well, especially in Northern Nigeria. Obi, through Obidient Movement coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko, confirmed he’s open to coalition talks aimed at rescuing the nation. Resistance from PDP and SDP Two weeks before the ADC’s unveiling, the PDP and Social Democratic Party (SDP) criticized the new coalition, reiterating their opposition to any of their members defecting. The PDP vowed to penalize defectors while the SDP expelled El-Rufai for allegedly misusing the party’s identity in dealings with the ADC coalition. Who Will Get the ADC Presidential Ticket? One major unresolved issue is the flagbearer debate. Political insiders speculate a fallout could erupt among Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and El-Rufai if the ticket does not favor one of them. However, the coalition leaders deny such fears, emphasizing that their focus is national rescue, not personal ambitions. Internal Party Crises Within the Opposition The PDP continues to grapple with the influence of FCT Minister and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike—who worked against PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023 and currently supports Tinubu’s second term. Several PDP members have defected to both APC and ADC, weakening the party further. The Labour Party (LP) is plagued by a three-headed leadership crisis: one faction under Julius Abure (recognized on INEC’s site), another led by Nenadi Usman (supported by Peter Obi, NLC, and TUC), and a third, shadowy group allegedly represented by Apapa and Abayomi Arabambi. Although the Supreme Court ruled on LP’s leadership dispute in April 2025, INEC has not issued a conclusive statement and has excluded Abure from post-ruling meetings. The ADC is not without its troubles either. Former deputy chairman Mr. Nafi’u Bala claimed he was now national chairman, alleging hijacking by outsiders. The leadership dismissed his claims and revealed his earlier resignation letter, accusing him of being part of a wider disruption plot. Alleged Harassment and Government Pushback Beyond internal wrangling, opposition parties face pressure from government institutions. LP’s Nenadi Usman-led faction recently decried security harassment of party leaders following a petition by Arabambi alleging a plot to use a protest march to reclaim LP’s secretariat. This, they argued, was a dangerous trend and urged security agencies to investigate those behind such destabilizing petitions. APC Accused of Weakening Democracy Former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa recently published an open letter urging Tinubu not to suppress opposition voices. He warned that such actions undermine democratic institutions and reminded the president that he once benefitted from a robust opposition framework. Echoing similar concerns, ADC’s Ralphs Nwosu disclosed he rejected bribes and ministerial offers allegedly from APC agents aimed at dissolving the coalition movement. Nwosu claimed efforts to sabotage the ADC include legal actions by infiltrators allegedly planted by the ruling party. Presidency Refutes Bribery Allegation Presidency spokesperson Daniel Bwala dismissed Nwosu’s claims, stating that no one but the president could allocate ministerial positions, thereby questioning the credibility of Nwosu’s statements. Analyst Commentary: Faulty Strategy May Undermine Coalition Respected political analyst Dr. Olu Fasan described the coalition as strong on paper but weak in execution. According to him, the alliance lacks ideological unity, as its members have no real policy distinctions from the APC—they are merely united in their opposition to Tinubu’s style of leadership. Fasan emphasized that Tinubu governs with excessive centralization and arrogance, citing the naming of multiple national monuments after him within just two years in office. He added that if the coalition is serious about change, they should have established a new party, rather than “renting” the ADC. He further noted that unless
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Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has stated unequivocally that the challenges plaguing Northern Nigeria are largely the result of internal mismanagement and not the fault of President Bola Tinubu. In a recent interview aired on Arise News and monitored in Abuja, the governor emphasized that blaming the current administration for the North’s marginalization is a diversion from self-accountability. The governor also highlighted the outcomes of a crucial 2-day public forum hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna and explained the strategies his administration has employed to restore peace and stability in the state. Insights from the Kaduna Public Engagement Forum Governor Sani described the Kaduna event as a long-overdue platform for internal reflection within the North. He noted that six months earlier, the same foundation held a similar gathering in Abuja, which drew sharp criticism from him and other stakeholders for failing to foster constructive dialogue. According to him, the Northern region must stop pointing fingers outward and instead confront its shared challenges with a united approach. “We can’t sit around blaming others, especially those outside our region. That includes President Tinubu. If the North wants real change, it must start by taking full responsibility,” he said. Examining the Claims of Marginalization Senator Sani dismissed the narrative that the North is politically sidelined under the Tinubu administration by citing clear examples of federal appointments. He emphasized that Northern Nigeria holds many strategic positions: In the context of agricultural development, the governor revealed that Kaduna now allocates 12% of its budget to agriculture, surpassing the 10% benchmark set by the 2014 Malabo Declaration. This feat, he said, was made possible because key policymakers in agriculture are from the region, proving that the North is not excluded but is instead positioned for transformation—if it seizes the opportunity. Kaduna’s Success in Restoring Peace and Security Governor Sani provided a detailed account of how his administration brought relative peace to a once conflict-ridden Kaduna State. Upon taking office, Kaduna was plagued by insurgency, banditry, and ethnic-religious clashes. Yet, under his leadership: “We didn’t wait for President Tinubu to come and teach us how to govern. We embraced inclusivity and justice at the grassroots level,” he explained. He said the success was rooted in equitable distribution of resources and an unwavering commitment to governance over politics. Despite initial electoral support from Northern Kaduna, his administration has embarked on widespread infrastructure development across the state, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Revisiting the Origin of Northern Insecurity Governor Sani offered historical context, recalling how insecurity began to escalate in 2015, worsened by 2021, under a previous APC administration. Before becoming governor, he chaired the Senate Committee on Banking and was the sponsor of the State Police bill. He expressed disappointment that the Firearms Act, which is over two decades outdated, remains a significant obstacle to tackling insecurity. “The Nigerian military and police combined still have fewer than 700,000 personnel—insufficient for securing a country with massive ungoverned spaces,” he warned. He also noted that 70% of the 200–250 million illegal firearms circulating in sub-Saharan Africa are found in Nigeria, largely due to weak institutions and outdated laws. Tangible Progress Amid Challenges Providing concrete examples, the governor stated that: “Birnin Gwari is now secure. Farmers are back on their land, and trade has resumed. That’s what progress looks like,” he said confidently. Kaduna’s Distinct Approach to Security While acknowledging that other Northern states face security threats, Governor Sani asserted that Kaduna’s situation was particularly severe. Unlike the ideological battle with Boko Haram in the North East, he described Kaduna’s crisis as economically driven. This, he said, prompted a dual strategy combining both military force (kinetic) and social reintegration (non-kinetic) methods. Contrary to claims, his administration never paid off bandits but instead invested in rebuilding homes for displaced victims. “I gave homes to victims, not a naira to bandits. That’s justice,” he stressed. Conclusion: It’s Time for Northern Self-Reflection Governor Uba Sani’s message was clear: the North must stop externalizing blame and begin addressing its structural issues internally. With the right leadership approach, as seen in Kaduna, lasting development and security are achievable.
