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Category: Politics

  • Tinubu’s political adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, resigns

    Tinubu’s political adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, resigns

    ABUJA – Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Vice President, has resigned from his position.

    Presidency sources confirmed that Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), submitted his resignation approximately two weeks ago.

    Although no specific reason was disclosed, sources indicated that he cited personal grounds in his resignation letter.

    As of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether the presidency had formally accepted his resignation.

    Appointed in September 2023, Dr. Baba-Ahmed played an active role in representing the presidency at several high-level engagements during his tenure.

    His resignation follows that of Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, who stepped down on September 7, 2024.

    In a statement at the time, Ngelale announced he was proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to focus on urgent medical issues affecting his immediate family. He noted that his decision came after consultations with loved ones, and that he was stepping back from multiple official roles, including:

    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity

    Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action

    Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen

    Ngelale stated: “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision… was taken after significant consultations with my family… as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home. I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and me during this time.”

    Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s departure marks the second high-profile resignation from President Tinubu’s administration.

  • Insecurity: Tinubu urged to declare state of emergency in Zamfara

    Insecurity: Tinubu urged to declare state of emergency in Zamfara

    Due to the insecurity incidents in Zamfara State, the United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in the state.

    The group asked the President to nip the crisis in the bud before it snowballs into a breakdown of democratic order in the state.

    The demand was contained in a statement on Friday signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, president of the coalition.

    Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles.

    “The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read.

    He was referring to the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, whom he said were punished for raising concerns about insecurity and illegal mining in their constituencies.

    “What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness — it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected by the people and have a duty to speak out. Instead of listening to them, the state assembly, clearly acting on orders, has shut them down,” Danladi said.

    He likened the political tension in Zamfara to the recent situation in Rivers state, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara governed with just four lawmakers after a split in the House of Assembly — a scenario that prompted calls for federal intervention.

    “If Rivers with four lawmakers sparked talks of emergency rule, how is Zamfara with 10 suspended lawmakers and spiraling violence not a national concern?” Danladi asked.

    “The same standard must apply. Democracy is being murdered in Zamfara in broad daylight. If the federal government could consider intervening in Rivers, it must not turn a blind eye to the breakdown in Zamfara.”

    “We are calling for a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara to allow security forces take control, restore peace, and return the state to constitutional order.”

    The group also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into what it called “executive interference” in the legislature.

    “This is not the time for political correctness. It is the time for leadership. The people of Zamfara are under siege — both by bandits and by those who should be protecting them,” the statement added.
    Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most troubled states, continues to face persistent attacks from armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in the past year alone.

  • Supreme Court voids verdict recognising Abure as LP’s National Chairman

    Supreme Court voids verdict recognising Abure as LP’s National Chairman

    ABUJA– The Supreme Court, on Friday, nullified the judgement that recognised Mr. Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP.

    In a unanimous decision, a five-man panel of the apex court vacated the January 17 judgement of Court of Appeal in Abuja, which validated Abure’s continued stay in office as National Chairman of the party.

    According to the Supreme Court, the appellate court lacked the jurisdiction to enter any pronouncement in favour of Abure since it had earlier found that the subject matter of the dispute bordered on the leadership of a political party.

    It held that the substance of the case centered on the domestic affair of a political party which no court has the powers to meddle into.

    Consequently, the Supreme Court allowed an appeal that was filed by a former Minister of Finance, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and Hon. Darlington Nwokocha, who are the Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of a Caretaker Committee that was earlier appointed to pilot the affairs of the party.

    It will be recalled that following a leadership crisis that rocked the LP, the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the party resolved to remove Abure as the National Chairman.

    To fill the leadership vacuum, the party constituted a 29-member caretaker committee, with the former Finance Minister, Senator Usman as Chairman and Hon. Nwokocha as Secretary.

    The decision was the outcome of an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party that was hosted in Umuahia by governor Alex Otti of Abia State.

    The meeting where Abure was sacked from office was chaired by his former ally and candidate of the party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi.

    Dissatisfied with the decision, Abure approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to validate his position as the National Chairman of the party.

    In an affidavit he personally deposed to in support of the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024, Abure told the court that following the death of the National Chairman of the LP, he was lawfully elected as the Acting National Chairman of the party at a National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the party that held in Benin City, Edo State, on March 29, 2021.

    He told the court that on April 18, 2023, at the NEC meeting of the party held in Asaba, Delta State and duly monitored by INEC, it was resolved that tenures of State Chairmen whose tenures had expired, be renewed.

    He said it was at the same meeting that some members that were engaged in anti-party activities were expelled and replacements for vacant positions created as a result of the expulsion, done.

    Abure averred that in line with a consensus that was reached at the meeting, the party subsequently held its National Convention on March 27, 2024, at Nnewi, Anambra State, where we was lawfully elected to the office of National Chairman of the LP.

    He said the party under his leadership produced candidates for governorship elections in both Edo and Ondo states.

    According to the plaintiff, on June 28, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, issued to him and 18 other National Chairmen of political parties, a Notice for Inspection of Sensitive Election Materials for the Ondo and Edo state governorship polls.

    However, he decried that a later notice that INEC gave for political parties to nominate two persons from their IT Unit to undertake a training on how to upload data unto INEC’s portal for the purpose of the impending  Ondo state gubernatorial election, was not served on him.

    Abure told the court that he became aware of the existence of the said notice of the training by INEC, on August 21, 2024, due to the fact that he is a member of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee, IPAC.

    Therefore, he prayed the court to intervene by compelling INEC to acord him recognition as the National Chairman of the LP.

    Delivering judgement in the matter on October 8, 2024, trial Justice Emeka Nwite held that he found merit in the case of the plaintiff.

    He ordered INEC grant the LP under Abure’s leadership, all the rights and privileges accorded a political party duly registered in the country.

    The court further directed INEC to perform its lawful duty by conducting a refresher training for the upload of LP’s agents into the INEC portal and to issue the plaintiff (Abure) the Access Code required to access INEC’s portal for the Ondo Governorship Election that held on November 16, 2024.

    “I am of the view that and so hold that on the basis of these cogent verifiable documents, the defendants attempt to impeach the validity of the leadership of the plaintiff fails.

    “The plaintiff has proved his case.

    “I hereby make an order compelling the defendant to accord the plaintiff’s political party under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure all the rights and privileges accorded a political party duly registered in Nigeria,” Justice Nwite held.

    Though the high court’s judgement was affirmed by the appellate court, it was however set-aside by the Supreme Court on Friday.

  • PDP will reclaim South-East in 2027 – Wabara

    PDP will reclaim South-East in 2027 – Wabara

    Former Senate President and Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has expressed confidence that the PDP will reclaim the South-East in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking on the recent return of Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, to the PDP, Wabara stated that the zone, once a stronghold of the PDP, would regain its dominance by 2027.

    Wabara lamented that some South-East states previously controlled by the PDP were lost to other parties in the 2023 elections. However, he noted with optimism that many aggrieved former members are now returning to the party.

    “The return of Edeoga is a bold step, and I commend him for it. This is a sign that the PDP is regaining strength in the South-East,” Wabara told Vanguard in an exclusive interview.

    Wabara hailed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, describing his developmental strides as a major factor in weakening the opposition in the state.

    “Gov. Mbah has taken governance to a higher level, setting the pace in various areas. When a leader shows such capacity, the reasonable thing for the opposition to do is to support him.”

    The PDP BoT Chairman further commended Mbah for making Enugu a model state, stating that his achievements have bolstered the party’s chances in the South-East ahead of 2027.

    “Governor Mbah is the only PDP governor in the South-East, and his performance has helped market the party through laudable projects acknowledged even by the opposition.”

    Wabara also applauded PDP lawmakers at both the national and state levels for their efforts in repositioning the party. He urged all aggrieved members who defected after the 2023 elections to return and help rebuild the party.

    “Democracy is under siege in Nigeria, but the PDP remains the credible alternative for 2027. That is why we are focused on strengthening the party before the next elections.”

    The former Senate President maintained that Nigerians are looking to the PDP for leadership, and the party is working tirelessly to restore its place as the dominant political force in the country.

  • Bode George to Tinubu: Nigeria’s democracy at risk over Rivers, Natasha saga

    Bode George to Tinubu: Nigeria’s democracy at risk over Rivers, Natasha saga

    Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has warned that the recent developments in Rivers State and the handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could threaten Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

    George, citing historical precedents, said similar crises led to the collapse of the First and Second Republics, arguing that the current presidential system is proving to be worse than military rule.

    In his Ramadan message, he condemned the approval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote, calling it unconstitutional. He also criticized the move to recall Natasha from the Senate, describing it as shameful.

    George expressed disbelief at the political turmoil in Rivers, particularly the withdrawal of security from an elected speaker while protecting a deposed one. He also condemned the National Assembly’s ratification of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s suspension, stating that it lacked the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.

    “In Rivers State, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers were suspended, and the National Assembly, without the mandatory two-thirds approval, rubber-stamped this unconstitutional action by voice vote,” he said.

    George also criticized the Senate and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio. He described her suspension and the subsequent recall attempt as a national embarrassment.

    He questioned INEC’s inconsistency, noting that the commission initially rejected the recall process due to procedural irregularities, only to reverse its stance within 24 hours.

    “Look at the gang-up against Natasha in the Senate. Don’t these Senators have daughters? With insecurity, corruption, and poverty ravaging the country, is Natasha’s issue the most pressing? She is a strong PDP member, and we will not allow this humiliation,” he stated.

    George commended Senators Aminu Tambuwal, Seriake Dickson, and Enyinnaya Abaribe for opposing what he described as legislative injustice. He insisted that the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers was unconstitutional since it lacked the required 74 Senators and 240 Representatives.

    “The law is clear. A state of emergency requires a two-thirds majority. What is the meaning of a voice vote? Did they get the numbers before approving it?” he asked.

    George also raised concerns over reports that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was planning a political rally in Bayelsa State, warning that it could escalate tensions.

    “With what is happening in Rivers, why should Wike be allowed to go to Yenagoa and stoke political tensions? The Kogi State Police Command banned rallies over Natasha’s issue, yet Wike is being encouraged to provoke the Ijaw people. This is a double standard and could lead to further instability.”

    He concluded by warning that the ongoing political turmoil is a sign of what could happen in the 2027 elections.

    “This presidential system we are operating is worse than military rule. What is happening now portends grave dangers for 2027. The federal government must not encourage lawlessness across the country.”

  • Ojulari appointment strategic, will ensure efficiency, accountability – Lokpobiri

    Ojulari appointment strategic, will ensure efficiency, accountability – Lokpobiri

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has described as strategic, the appointment of Mr Bayo Ojulari, as the new helmsman of the NNPC Ltd.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday announced the appointment of Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer( GCEO) of NNPC Ltd.

    In his congratulatory message on Thursday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the minister assured a sector-wide collaboration.

    Lokpobiri described the appointments of Ojulari and the new board chairman, Mr Ahmadu Kida, as well-deserved.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for making strategic appointments in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    He stated that the decision would further strengthen the legal framework governing the oil and gas sector, ensuring greater efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.

    “This is a crucial step toward further repositioning NNPC Ltd. to meet the demands of the evolving global energy landscape.

    He expressed optimism that Ojulari and his team would significantly grow NNPC Ltd. from their vast experience” in achieving our national energy objectives.”

    The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to continue collaborating with NNPC Ltd.’s leadership in delivering on its mandate.

    He also called on industry stakeholders, investors, and partners to support the new management team in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    “I urge all stakeholders to rally behind this new leadership as we work together to enhance production capacity, optimise value across the petroleum value chain, and secure a sustainable future for the sector,” he added.

    He thanked the former GCEO, Mr Mele Kyari, for his meritorious service.

    Lokpobiri, however, reiterated that under President Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria remained committed to fostering an enabling environment for growth, investment, and transformation in the oil and gas industry.

  • Cartoon: Is your middle name 2027 elections?

    Cartoon: Is your middle name 2027 elections?

    Cartoon: Is your middle name 2027 elections?
    Cartoon: Is your middle name 2027 elections?
  • Lokpobiri congratulates new NNPCL leadership, assures sector-wide collaboration

    Lokpobiri congratulates new NNPCL leadership, assures sector-wide collaboration

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mr Ahmadu Musa Kida on his appointment as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and other members of the newly constituted NNPCL board.

    Describing their appointments as well-deserved, the Minister in a statement signed by Nneamaka Okafor, SA Media and Communication to the Minister, Lokpobiri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his visionary leadership in making these strategic appointments in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He noted that this decision will further strengthen the legal framework governing the oil and gas sector, ensuring greater efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.

    “This is a crucial step toward further repositioning the NNPCL to meet the demands of the evolving global energy landscape,” Sen. Lokpobiri stated. “With the wealth of experience and expertise that Mr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari and the board members bring, I am confident that NNPCL will further drive significant progress in achieving our national energy objectives.”

    The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to continue to collaborate with NNPCL’s leadership in delivering on its mandate. He also called on industry stakeholders, investors, and partners to collaborate with the new management team in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    “I urge all stakeholders to rally behind this new leadership as we work together to enhance production capacity, optimize value across the petroleum value chain, and secure a sustainable future for the sector,” he added.

    While thanking Mr. Mele Kyari for his meritorious service to the nation, the Honourable Minister reiterated that under President Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria remains committed to fostering an enabling environment for growth, investment, and transformation in the oil and gas industry.

  • Akpabio runs Senate like personal empire; senators serve him tea – Elisha Abbo

    Akpabio runs Senate like personal empire; senators serve him tea – Elisha Abbo

    Former Adamawa North Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the Nigerian Senate like a personal empire and targeting lawmakers who oppose his leadership.

    Abbo, who spoke while featuring on Arise News programme, PrimeTime show, on Wednesday night, alleged that Akpabio orchestrated the removal of senators who did not align with him. “He told me that five senators would be removed. I asked how he knew, and he said, ‘I am the Senate President. I know.’ True to his words, five of us were removed. I had no idea that I was one of them,” he stated.

    Recalling the events leading up to Akpabio’s election as Senate President, Abbo claimed he rejected Akpabio’s request for support. “When I won election into the 10th Senate, I became the de facto DG campaign to Senator Abdulaziz Yari. He (Akpabio) came to my hotel room around 2 AM, asking for my support. I told him I was already committed to Yari and wished him good luck,” he said.

    Abbo further alleged that financial inducements were offered to senators to support Akpabio. “At a meeting at Transcorp Hilton, $10,000 was being distributed, but I refused to take any money,” he revealed.

    The former senator also accused Akpabio of denying him certain privileges after his removal. “Every other senator who was removed by the courts got their vehicles, but I was excluded. This is the level of vindictiveness displayed by Akpabio,” he said.

    He also pointed to the case of Senator Ali Ndume, alleging that Akpabio sidelined him for challenging the Senate’s leadership.

    He said, “Now, let’s look at Senator Ali Ndume. He was the DG to Akpabio. When he raised concerns about the way things were being run in the Senate, he was removed as Chief Whip and stripped of his position as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

    “I also moved a motion to amend the Senate Standing Rules so that only senators who had served at least one term could contest for Senate leadership. But what did Akpabio do? He rewrote the rules to allow first-term senators to become leaders of both the majority and minority caucuses—just so he could control them.

    “Do you know that in Akpabio’s house, senators serve him tea?”

    “Well, I am telling you now. And I told him, ‘You are no longer a governor. These senators are our colleagues, not your commissioners. They are not here to serve you tea,’” Abbo alleged.

    “I have always defended the integrity of the Senate. The issue is the leadership, not the institution itself.”

  • Despite banning group from hosting Wike in Bayelsa, Diri says he’s not against rallies

    Despite banning group from hosting Wike in Bayelsa, Diri says he’s not against rallies

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said his administration will always abide by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in respecting the fundamental rights of individuals and will ensure that the prevailing peace and security of the state are not compromised.

    Diri stated this on Wednesday at the 158th State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor explained that the administration would not stop any group from holding rallies in the state but emphasised that it would be unwise and counterproductive to do so at a time when lasting peace was being sought to address the political crisis in Rivers State.

    He noted that Rivers and Bayelsa were sister states and that whatever happened in Rivers had a ripple effect in Bayelsa. He enjoined well-meaning Bayelsans to work with the government to maintain law and order in the state.

    His words, “Let me make this clear. We are not a government that goes against the rule of law. We cherish and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And in so doing, we abide by every bit of the Constitution.

    “A state of emergency has been imposed in Rivers State. President Bola Tinubu has the power to do so. All we can do from our end is to see how we can bring lasting peace to Rivers State.

    “Bayelsa and Rivers are sister states, and whatever happens there has some degree of effect on our state and vice versa. Some people say they want to hold a mega rally and all that here.

    “We are not yet in a political season. l am not stopping anybody from exercising his fundamental human rights but as the chief security officer of the state and with information at my disposal, we must keep the peace of the state. Nobody should come and rock the peace and security of this state.”

    The governor noted that the proper protocol for such rallies should be followed by first informing the state government, just as the wife of the President and First Lady had done about her visit to the state on Thursday on the invitation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    He urged people of the state to turn out en masse to accord the First Lady a rousing reception.