A fresh wave of political realignment is sweeping through northern Nigeria as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) makes significant inroads by integrating former PDP structures in states such as Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa. This strategic move is part of the ADC’s broader effort to establish itself as a formidable force ahead of the 2027 elections. Paul Ibe, media aide to Atiku Abubakar, confirmed the shift, noting, “The Yobe PDP executive has aligned with the ADC. The Adamawa executives have also pledged their loyalty. The movement is gaining momentum.” He likened the coalition-building process to the challenges faced by newlyweds, emphasizing…
Author: Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
A detailed analysis of recent Debt Management Office figures reveals that ten Nigerian states have ramped up their domestic borrowing by N417.7 billion over the past year, despite enjoying a significant boost in federal allocations. The states—Rivers, Enugu, Niger, Taraba, Bauchi, Benue, Gombe, Edo, Kwara, and Nasarawa—collectively saw their debt stock rise from N884.9 billion in Q1 2024 to N1.3 trillion in Q1 2025. This 47.2 percent year-on-year leap comes at a time when FAAC disbursements have been buoyed by favorable oil prices and fiscal reforms. Yet, the additional funds have not translated into reduced borrowing. Instead, the states’ combined…
Newly surfaced official budget documents from 2012 have raised fresh questions about the financial prudence of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, revealing a series of controversial expenditures during his administration — including N200 million allocated for the maintenance of Peugeot 406 vehicles, N250 million for hospitality and entertainment, and a staggering N4.1 billion in security votes. The records, taken directly from the “Estimate of Anambra State of Nigeria 2012”, detail overhead costs from the Office of the Executive Governor, painting a picture that contradicts the frugal image long associated with Obi, especially since his emergence as a major political…
At a recent thanksgiving event marking the completion of FCT projects, Minister Nyesom Wike delivered a scathing rebuke of the opposition coalition, accusing its leaders of prioritizing personal interests over national progress. He highlighted the frequent party-switching among opposition figures as evidence of their lack of ideological consistency. “How can Nigerians not be angry with you? You have moved from party to party since 1999. Now in 2025, you switch again. Who are you rescuing? Your stomach, not Nigerians,” Wike stated. He also questioned the democratic record of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, citing his failure to…
According to reports emerging from political insiders, Peter Obi has reportedly accepted the Vice Presidential slot in the recently formed coalition, a development that has reportedly caused significant friction among his ardent supporters. The news, which has been circulating since early July, suggests that Obi’s camp is struggling to communicate this strategic compromise to a base that remains steadfastly insistent on his presidential candidacy. Reports Highlight Complex Power-Sharing Arrangement According to multiple reports, the coalition’s power-sharing dynamics are complex and reflect a negotiated settlement among major political actors. Sources say that Atiku Abubakar’s faction has secured key positions within the…
In a decisive move, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the possibility of a nationwide strike, driven by the escalating cost of living, deteriorating security conditions, and persistent attacks on workers’ rights. During its Central Working Committee meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the NLC reviewed the current socio-economic climate and expressed grave concern about the plight of Nigerian workers. The union described the situation as “intolerable,” warning that without immediate remedial action, the country risks a systemic breakdown. “Nigerian workers will no longer sit idly by while the nation’s economy and democracy crumble,” the NLC stated, reflecting the growing…
In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to resist any attempts at election rigging in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking after a meeting with key Gombe State leaders, Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to leading the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a vehicle for genuine change. Atiku’s statement came as a response to the ongoing economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, which he attributes to decades of corrupt and ineffective leadership. “Enough is enough,” he declared. “Nigerians cannot continue to suffer in the midst of abundant resources. The time has come to…
The Significance of Alia’s Trip for Benue State By Steven Ortese Governor Hyacinth Alia’s inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s high-powered delegation to Brazil is far more than ceremonial; it is a strategic signal of his growing political relevance and influence at the national level. As one of the state governors selected to accompany the President to the bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Copacabana Forte in Rio, Alia has positioned Benue State squarely at the table of international economic cooperation. The engagement, which focused on deepening economic collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil, will…
In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Bola Tinubu met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss strategies for revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Tinubu assured that his administration is actively dismantling bureaucratic barriers that have slowed progress in food production and export. The meeting, held at Copacabana Forte, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, trade, and energy. Tinubu emphasized the need to fast-track technical agreements to harness Nigeria’s competitive advantage in agriculture, particularly livestock farming. Highlighting Brazil’s exemplary research and development in agriculture, Tinubu expressed eagerness to leverage this expertise to boost Nigeria’s poultry, cattle, and fisheries…
At the fifteenth synod of the Warri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christian Esezi Ide delivered a powerful indictment of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly the targeted violence against Christian populations. Speaking at the Cathedral of St Andrew, Warri, under the theme “Overcoming the birthright of Christians,” the bishop revealed alarming statistics from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa: over 55,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria between 2019 and 2023, representing 90% of global Christian fatalities in that period. The bishop questioned the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, highlighting the unchecked violence by militant herdsmen who operate with impunity. “Why…