Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed serious concerns regarding the state of affairs within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that the party risks losing his backing in the upcoming Abuja Area Council elections. Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike criticized the PDP for what he described as a lack of preparedness for the 2027 general elections. He underscored the ongoing internal conflicts and persistent impunity within the party as major red flags. “For anyone to say they want to lead the opposition, it’s not just by words — it demands real sacrifice,” Wike stated emphatically. He also noted that the PDP Governors’ Forum, though perceived as powerful, operates more like a pressure group rather than an official decision-making body within the party. This, according to him, weakens its ability to effectively shape the direction of the opposition party. The FCT Minister stressed that unless the PDP takes immediate steps to restructure and resolve its internal crises, he will withdraw support during the FCT Area Council elections scheduled to hold soon. “If the PDP does not put their house in order, I will not support them for the Area Council election,” he declared. For more political coverage, read our feature on 2027 Nigerian General Elections: Early Signs and Political Forecasts. For official election updates, visit INEC Nigeria – the Independent National Electoral Commission. This development is significant in light of Wike’s influence in Nigerian politics. His recent appointments and shifting political affiliations have kept the media and public watching closely. With the FCT Area Council elections being an early barometer for 2027, the internal state of the PDP could play a critical role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s opposition politics. Why This Matters BUY ANYTHING ON KONGA BUY NOW READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Atiku Reveals Why He Passed Over Wike for 2023 Vice Presidential Slot Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shed light on the reasons behind his decision to overlook Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). LMSINT MEDIA recalls that Wike lost the PDP presidential primaries to Atiku, and many political analysts speculated that he would be selected as the vice-presidential candidate. However, Atiku ultimately chose Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Governor of Delta State, instead. The Decision That Sparked Political Tensions Atiku’s choice of Okowa over Wike reportedly fueled the ongoing political rift between the two politicians. Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was seen by many PDP stakeholders as a strong contender for the vice-presidential slot. In an exclusive interview for the television program “Untold Stories” with journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku addressed the controversy surrounding his selection process. The interview, scheduled to air today, delves into his approach to choosing a running mate. Why Atiku Chose Okowa Over Wike Recalling the 2019 election, Atiku stated that he faced criticism for picking Peter Obi as his running mate without extensive consultation within the party. Learning from that experience, he decided to involve the PDP leadership in the 2023 selection process. “They said I did not consult with the party enough. So in 2023, I threw the whole thing to the party. I said, ‘Okay, set up a committee and recommend three people for me to pick as a running mate,’” Atiku explained. According to him, the PDP committee presented three names: Atiku emphasized that his decision was purely based on the committee’s ranking, stating: “So I picked number one.” No Regrets Over His Decision Despite the political fallout from his choice, Atiku remains firm in his stance. When asked if he had any regrets about not selecting Wike, he responded: “No, not at all.” For more insights into Nigeria’s political landscape, visit Premium Times – a trusted source for political analysis and updates. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Overview Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been suspended for six months by the Nigerian Senate following a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session based on the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Suspension Details The suspension entails the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details. She is also barred from accessing the National Assembly premises. Her office will be locked, and her legislative aides will not receive salaries during this period. The Senate confirmed there would be no reconsideration of her status until the six-month suspension ends or if she issues a formal apology. What Led to the Suspension? The suspension stems from a recent incident where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She arrived at a plenary session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned. She saw this as an attempt to silence her voice within the Senate. Senate’s Stand The Ethics Committee initially recommended a six-month suspension, which was later reduced to three months after a plea by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South). However, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to uphold the six-month suspension as advised by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro supported the disciplinary action, likening it to “correcting a child,” drawing on Nigerian cultural norms. Steps to Appeal To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a formal written apology to the Senate, acknowledging the alleged violation of Senate rules. External Link For more information on the Nigerian Senate’s code of conduct, visit the Official Nigerian Senate Website. Conclusion This suspension serves as a reminder of the stringent measures the Senate can take to maintain decorum. It also highlights the ongoing discourse on gender and power dynamics within Nigerian politics. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Introduction Renowned politician and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of democracy in Nigeria, attributing it to the alarming rate of poverty in the country. In a recent post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi emphasized the urgent need for leaders to prioritize economic progress and strengthen independent institutions to restore democracy’s true essence. Poverty Threatens the Core of Nigerian Democracy Peter Obi highlighted the stark reality of Nigeria’s economic crisis, stating that over 100 million Nigerians live in absolute poverty, while approximately 150 million experience multidimensional poverty. He argued that democracy, at its core, should serve as a tool for addressing the fundamental needs of the people, particularly in critical sectors such as: Call for Institutional Strengthening and Economic Growth To salvage democracy in Nigeria, Obi urged leaders to focus on:✔️ Strengthening independent institutions that promote accountability, justice, and fairness.✔️ Encouraging good governance that fosters economic and social progress.✔️ Promoting active citizenship to ensure leaders are held accountable.✔️ Empowering the youth to play a crucial role in nation-building. Lessons from Mandela: A Call for Action Citing Nelson Mandela, Obi reiterated that “as long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.” He warned that Africa’s fragile democracies could continue to weaken unless there is a collective commitment to good governance and nation-building. The Future of Democracy in Africa Obi emphasized that democracy must go beyond mere elections to truly reflect the will of the people. He called for:? Trust-building in governance? Reinforcement of democratic institutions? Upholding the rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights Without these, he warned, governance would fail to deliver tangible benefits to the people, and democracy would remain a mere façade rather than a vehicle for progress. Conclusion Peter Obi’s message serves as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders to address rising poverty and restore the essence of democracy. As Africa faces increasing instability and democratic setbacks, he insists that the time to act is now—before democracy loses its relevance completely. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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In a major administrative shakeup, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and dissolved his entire cabinet. This development includes the removal of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Special Assistants (SAs), and Personal Assistants (PAs). The announcement was made during a special emergency executive meeting, signaling a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Key Highlights: Implications for Nasarawa State This decision reflects Governor Sule’s intent to recalibrate his administration for improved governance. The move could pave the way for new appointees aligned with his vision for progress in Nasarawa State. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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President Bola Tinubu declared that the tax reform proposals would not be removed from the National Assembly notwithstanding the uproar surrounding them. This was revealed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy. Instead, he clarified that the proposals ought to pass the legislature. “The National Economic Council recommended that the tax reform bills already sent to the National Assembly be withdrawn for further consultation,” the statement said of President Bola Tinubu. The Nigerian leader also praised the recommendations given by the members of the National Economic Council, particularly Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 state governors. He feels that without rescinding the measures, the legislative process, which has already started, offers a chance for input and required modifications. from the National Assembly. President Tinubu welcomes more discussions and involvement with important stakeholders to allay any concerns over the legislation as the National Assembly considers them for passage, but he also urges the NEC to let the process run its course. President Tinubu had only one goal in mind when he established the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023: to realign the economy for increased productivity and efficiency and create a more favorable business and investment climate. This goal is still more important now than it has ever been, the statement said. NEC Demands Tax Reform Bill WithdrawalNEC voiced concerns on Thursday on the Tax Reform Bill that President Bola Tinubu sent to the National Assembly. The Based on the findings and suggestions of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, which the President established to aid in increasing the nation’s revenue generation, the measure was sent to NASS. The NEC unanimously demanded that the bill be withdrawn. This was one of the decisions made at the NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Following the meeting, the governors briefed State House Correspondents, pointing out that the proposed reforms require enough agreement among the stakeholders. According to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who briefed reporters, NEC noted that sufficient consultations were required to gather the opinions of stakeholders, including state governors, in order to guarantee that the legislation is favorable. to every Nigerian. “The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms presented to NEC today. Fair taxes, prudent borrowing, and sustainable spending are their top priorities,” he stated. The Council recognized that the nation is underperforming on every metric, including the yield from its main sources of income, the tax to GDP ratio, and others. Following much discussion, NEC concluded that the suggested improvements require adequate agreement between and among the stakeholders. Therefore, the Council recommends that the tax reform bill now before the National Assembly be withdrawn in order to broaden consultations and foster agreement on these reforms for the good of the entire nation and to provide people with They should be aware of our goal and the direction we are taking with regard to tax reform, since there is a great deal of disinformation and misunderstanding,” Governor Makinde stated. Northern Governors Turn Down the BillThe action was taken just days after some of the proposals—most notably the VAT-sharing template in one of the bills—were rejected by the powerful Northern Governors’ Forum. Following a meeting in Kaduna, the northern governors came to this decision, calling for justice and equity. This is due to the fact that businesses pay VAT according to the location of their tax office and headquarters, not the location of the goods and services that are used. Given the aforementioned, the forum unanimously denounces the proposed Tax Amendments and urges National Assembly members to oppose any legislation that would endanger “the welfare of our people,” stated Inuwa Yahaya, the forum’s chairperson as well. To be clear, the Northern Governors’ Forum has nothing against policies or initiatives that promote the growth and development of the country. However, in order to guarantee that no geopolitical zone is overlooked or undervalued, the forum demands equity and fairness in the execution of all national policies and programs,” he stated. READ ALSO: Court approves N1.1 billion bail for 114 protesters charged with arson against public facilities. The governors that attended were Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara, and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa. The deputy governors of the other governors represented them. Gombe State Governor Yahaya reading the statement declared during the conference that the tax proposals were not in the best interests of the North and gave northern lawmakers instructions to oppose them. We love to have you back, Kindly Subscribe to our NewsLetter.
