Politics

Politics

The North Is Not Happy With This Administration’ – Rufai

Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni claimed on Monday that voters in the North are unhappy with President Bola Tinubu’s government.   Naija News reports that Oseni warned that the 2027 general elections could surprise the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Oseni stated this on Monday while reviewing political developments ahead of the polls on Arise Television’s Morning Show. The broadcaster cautioned that the backing some politicians enjoy from people in the North should not be taken as a sign of broad support for the Federal Government. He noted that cash handouts and public displays of loyalty might not translate into votes on election day. Oseni stated, “Do not deceive yourself, you see, politicians are the most delusional and the most optimistic people on earth. “Because you are giving tonnes of people money in the north they are shouting your name, they are saying everything is well. Elections will shock you. Do not deceive yourself. “The north is not happy with this administration.” Oseni admitted his view might be criticised as a sweeping generalisation, but explained it was based on his reading of the mood of people in the region rather than any single scientific study. The journalist further stated, “I know a lot of people will come back at me and say that’s a fallacy of hasty generalisation. “But it’s an opinion gathering. It’s in feeling the pulse of the people in the north. It’s feeling the trajectory of what is happening in the north.” He, however, cited public sentiment analysis as one of the indicators that shaped his opinion. The presenter also questioned whether governors who moved to the APC after the crisis that broke up the Peoples Democratic Party would be fully loyal to the ruling party in the 2027 elections. According to him, some governors joined the APC because their former party collapsed rather than out of genuine conviction. “Will the APC be able to trust the complete commitments of the governors that came to the fold of the APC because of the disintegration of the PDP? That’s another factor. “You see, it’s a strange marriage arrangement. They just had to come to the APC, not because if they had a choice, if their own party was not disintegrated, or had not gone through the metamorphosis, do you think they’re going to come? “So, are they going to be able to give their full commitment and just sweep everything off like that? It’s going to be interesting,” Oseni added.

Oct 20, 2026 • 3

Politics

2027: ‘Anyone Who Does Not Want Tinubu’s Re-election May Not Have Second Term In Life’ – Umahi

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said those working against President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid may not secure a second term in their lives.   NovaNews NG reports that Umahi made the remarks on Sunday, October 18, at an event in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State. Umahi expressed confidence that Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru would secure 95 percent of the state’s votes in the upcoming general elections. He said, “President Bola Tinubu is going to win a second term. Governor Francis Nwifuru is going to win a second term. Anyone who does not want Tinubu and Nwifuru to get their second terms, may he not have a second term in his life.” The Minister also urged political stakeholders in the state to remain aligned with the administration’s direction, adding that party leaders will stand firmly behind President Tinubu, Governor Nwifuru, and his own leadership in the region. In other news, Umahi has dismissed reports of a strained relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the former Rivers State governor as a progressive politician and a member of the same political family. Umahi spoke at a press conference in Abuja, responding to reports of divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and speculation over his relationship with Wike. “We need Wike as Wike needs us. So, it’s one family,” the minister said.  

Oct 20, 2026 • 1

Politics

‘If Buhari As A Retired General Couldn’t End Nigeria’s Insecurity, What Do You Expect Of Tinubu?’ – Yari

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has defended the performance of President Bola Tinubu in the area of security.   Yari submitted that President Tinubu has tried his best and should not be blamed for his inability to fully wipe out insecurity in the country. Novanews reports that the former Governor of Zamfara State made the submisison on Monday, during a visit to Kebbi State, where he met with Governor Nasir Idris, traditional rulers and other party leaders in Birnin Kebbi. Yari said if ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired General, did his best but could not fully tackle insecurity, then there is no room to blame President Tinubu for the country’s insecurity challenges. He maintained that President Tinubu is not folding his hands but is doing his best to fight insecurity and other challenges facing the country. “If a retired general did his best but could not completely tackle insecurity, what do you expect of President Tinubu, who is not a general? Nevertheless, the President has done his utmost best to address the security challenges confronting the country,” he said. The APC campaign DG commended the Kebbi State Governor and other APC leaders for their efforts in mobilising support for the party, expressing confidence that their efforts will culminate in victory for Tinubu and the party in the 2027 elections. We are leading the campaign for the President’s re-election and other candidates of our party. We appreciate you for bringing the emirs together under one umbrella at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace. “We recognise what you are doing as governors and your contributions towards ensuring victory for our party in 2027,” he said. Yari also urged Nigerians to reflect on their relationship with God, noting that addressing insecurity required collective responsibility alongside government efforts. He pleaded with Nigerians to support the current administration, insisting that the economic hardship citizens face is not unique to the country. Yari, however, added that the government is working on measures to cushion the hardship and make life easier for Nigerians. In his response, Governor Idris described the visit by the PCC delegation as a welcome development. He affirmed that the people of Kebbi would vote for the APC and President Tinubu in 2027. “We have no reason not to support the President. We have prominent leaders such as Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Sen. Adamu Aliero and Amb. Saidu Dakingari. “You have seen the people of Kebbi and their overwhelming support. We are for the APC and we are for President Tinubu,” Idris said.  

Oct 20, 2026 • 1

Politics

RIVERS: Wike leads lawmakers, LG chairmen in reconciliation visit to Fubara

In what is considered a continuation of reconciliation talks following the return of relative peace to Rivers State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday led members of the State House of Assembly and local government chairmen in the state to meet with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The meeting took place at the private residence of the governor in Port Harcourt, marking the first time ever, Wike would cost the governor’s private residence. The meeting comes about a fortnight after Wike led members of the Rainbow Coalition in the state, including the All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2027 general elections, Kingsley Chinda, to meet with the governor. Wike led a delegation comprising mainly members of the state legislature, including the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, and the chairmen of the state’s 23 local government areas, to meet Fubara and his supporters. The APC standard-bearer for the 2027 election in the state, Kingsley Chinda, was also part of the delegation. Details of the private meeting were not immediately available, but sources said it was aimed at building on previous discussions, strengthening reconciliation efforts and exploring ways to accommodate Fubara’s loyalists in the state’s evolving political arrangement. Fubara and the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly had been at loggerheads for more than two years following a protracted disagreement between the governor and his predecessor, Wike. At the height of the crisis, lawmakers made two attempts to impeach the governor before President Bola Tinubu intervened. In October 2023, amid rising tensions between the two political camps, a section of the state House of Assembly complex along Moscow Road was bombed. The crisis drew renewed attention from Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025 for an initial period of six months. The move led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly. Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator of the state during the period. The elected officials later returned to office.        

Oct 19, 2026 • 2

Politics

2027: Atiku camp accuses Kwankwaso of working for Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has alleged that the Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, is working to advance the interest of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Kola Ologbondiyan, Director of Media and Publicity, ADC-PCC in a statement slammed Kwankwaso, over his call on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar presidential candidate of the ADC to step down for Peter Obi, describing the statement as reckless. Ologbondiyan said he was reacting to Kwankwaso’s interview on Channels Television and accused the former Kano State governor of focusing on opposition leaders rather than confronting the President Tinubu’s administration that “Nigerians are desperate to vote out.” Ologbondiyan declared that Atiku would win Kano State (Kwankwaso’s home state) in the presidential election with or without Kwankwaso’s support, stressing that the “hardship, hunger, poverty and insecurity confronting Nigerians would ultimately determine their choices at the polls.” He noted that Kwankwaso’s position was particularly curious given his own political alignment with Peter Obi and the NDC, arguing that, as a member of the opposition seeking to unseat the incumbent government, his priority should be building a stronger opposition rather than attempting to undermine another opposition leader. “Rather than campaigning against President Tinubu, whose administration Nigerians are eagerly working to vote out, Kwankwaso is fixated on Atiku Abubakar, the ADC candidate, whom millions of Nigerians believe can restore economic stability and make life affordable again.” “Having reportedly described the office of the Vice President as a ‘spare tyre’, he appears more concerned about positioning himself for the 2031 presidential election rather than addressing the urgent challenges confronting Nigerians today,” Ologbondiyan said. The ADC-PCC spokesman argued that Kwankwaso’s conduct raised questions about his actual political preferences for 2027, suggesting that his actions appeared more beneficial to the ruling APC than supporting any of the opposition candidates. Ologbondiyan, however, maintained that history did not support the assumption that Kwankwaso’s political influence was indispensable to any presidential candidate seeking victory in Kano. Citing the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections, Ologbondiyan recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari secured victories in Kano despite not enjoying Kwankwaso’s support, arguing that Atiku could equally win the state in 2027. “What Kwankwaso is doing amounts to advancing President Tinubu’s interests. It is a familiar APC strategy to use willing collaborators within the opposition to create confusion, sow division and weaken the collective efforts to bring about political change. “Nigerians are wiser than that and will not allow themselves to be distracted by political manoeuvres designed to rescue an unpopular administration,” he said. Ologbondiyan further accused Kwankwaso of having a history of political manoeuvring that, in his view, placed personal ambition above the collective interests of opposition parties. He alleged that Kwankwaso’s latest intervention was less about strengthening Peter Obi’s presidential prospects than positioning himself for future political negotiations ahead of 2031.#nigerianpolitics

Oct 17, 2026 • 6

Politics

2027: Tinubu demands credible polls, assures opposition of security agencies’ neutrality

Orders immediate rescue of abductees, wipe out terrorists’ camps nationwide _________________________________________________________________________ From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027, with Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), assuring opposition political parties that security personnel will remain neutral and will not intimidate any candidate.   Musa disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents on Thursday after a meeting of the National Security Council presided over by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said the President had made it clear that the security agencies must guarantee a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights, irrespective of their political affiliations. “You can see all heads of security agencies are here. We had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear he wants a free, fair and credible election. “We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote,” he said. The defence minister specifically assured opposition parties that the security agencies would not take sides in the elections, urging political actors to have confidence in their professionalism. “For all other political parties, they should understand that the security forces are going to be neutral. We are going to ensure that we give everybody the opportunity to go and serve, so they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons,” Musa said. He stressed that security personnel were committed to discharging their duties professionally and providing equal protection for all political parties and candidates. The assurance comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, with the role of security agencies in protecting voters, candidates and electoral materials expected to be crucial to the conduct of the polls. Beyond election security, Musa said Tinubu had directed the security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits, with specific instructions to rescue all abducted Nigerians and dismantle criminal camps across the country. “The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped, wherever they are. “There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorist or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” he said. On efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, the minister disclosed that the administration had increased recruitment, training and equipment procurement for the Armed Forces. He also revealed that Tinubu would soon commission newly acquired aircraft and helicopters, numbering nearly 10, to boost the operational capacity of the military. According to Musa, the acquisitions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity despite the country’s economic challenges. He further cited recent salary increases for members of the Armed Forces and measures to address the welfare of security personnel and pensioners as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the security sector. The minister called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious activities and reporting misconduct by personnel. “Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces. Everyone has a role to play,” he said, assuring that appropriate action would be taken against security personnel found engaging in wrongdoing. Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the security agencies to working together to protect Nigerians, tackle insecurity and maintain peace and stability across the country.   Tags: #2027 elections #abductees rescue #Christopher Musa #security agencies neutrality #Tinubu credible polls

Oct 16, 2026 • 10

Politics

Tinubu to Aspirants: Don’t make promises you cannot fund

By Nwafor Sunday Polycarp, Online News Editor President Bola Tinubu has challenged those seeking to lead Nigeria to explain the cost of their campaign promises, how they intend to implement them and whether they can sustain them. Tinubu said every government commitment must be backed by a credible plan and be financially sustainable to avoid passing the burden to Nigerians and future generations.   The President stated this in a post on his X platform on Sunday, stressing that leaders must balance the need to provide immediate relief with the responsibility to protect the future of the country’s children.   “As President, I have a duty to provide relief today without compromising our children’s future.   “Every commitment must be sustainable and backed by a credible plan. That responsibility guides our decisions, including the difficult ones,” he said. Tinubu added that political promises were easy to make when their costs could be deferred, leaving citizens and future generations to bear the consequences.   “Anyone seeking to lead Nigeria should be prepared to explain what their promises will cost, how they will deliver them, and whether they can sustain them. Promises are easy to make when the costs can be postponed, leaving Nigerians and future generations to pay the bill,” he said. The President also referred to the stories of some Nigerians, including Blessing, Ada, Abigail and Kabir, saying their experiences demonstrated the impact of government investments on people’s daily lives.   He also acknowledged a request from Emmanuel, saying it reminded him of the work still required to expand access to essential services. Emmanuel, your request reminds me of the work still ahead. I know many more Nigerians like you are waiting for these services,” Tinubu said.   He stressed the need to continue expanding access to affordable transportation across the country, noting that the Federal Government would work with state governments to achieve the objective.   “Our responsibility is to keep expanding access until affordable transportation becomes a reality for more communities across our country. That is the work we will continue in collaboration with the States,” he added.

Oct 12, 2026 • 39

Politics

‘Tinubu Will Do Anything To Win This Election’, Nigerians React To FG’s Fresh Moves

Nigerians have questioned President Bola Tinubu’s motives following the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations. Some described the move as an attempt to win public support ahead of the 2027 general election. The reactions followed Thursday’s announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, that the government would offer discounted petrol for an initial 30 days, prioritising public transport operators. The measure comes more than three years after Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy. It has triggered fresh questions about why the government is introducing temporary relief now, following prolonged complaints over rising fuel prices, transportation costs and the cost of living. Some Nigerians who reacted to the announcement on social media questioned whether the intervention was designed primarily to ease economic hardship or improve the electoral prospects of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Political commentator, Ugo Egbujo, said that the latest move was part of an attempt by the president to improve his chances in the 2027 election. “Tinubu will do anything to win this election. He can temporarily return fuel subsidies and unfriend Chagoury and seize Wike’s Rolls-Royce. After winning, he will return his old habits,” Egbujo wrote. Other Nigerians also questioned the timing and duration of the intervention. Haroun El-Yahya Hassan asked why the government had waited so long before introducing the measure. “Where were they 40 months ago? He must go forever, God’s willing,” he wrote. Similarly, Almajir Abdullahi invoked a Hausa expression to suggest that the intervention had come too late. “In Hausa we say, ‘Masa ta bayan biki,’ which literally means, no benefit to make a guest’s food after the ceremony,” he said. The comments reflects a broader concern among critics that the administration, having defended the removal of petrol subsidy as a necessary economic reform, was now introducing a temporary concession as the next general election approaches. Under the new arrangement, Oyedele said the government would offer a discount on petrol sold at NNPCL stations for 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators. “We are offering a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for the next 30 days in the first instance, with priority for public transporters nationwide. So, it’s not a subsidy; the government is just saying we sell to you at cost,” he said. The minister also disclosed that the government was negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost, subject to monthly reviews, to moderate the impact of fluctuations in global crude oil prices and exchange rates on pump prices. However, the announcement has not convinced some Nigerians that the intervention will provide lasting relief. Abdulrahman Abba Saleh said he preferred a government that demonstrated commitment to a permanent solution rather than a temporary intervention. “We prefer the person who has demonstrated readiness for a permanent solution (subsidy reversal) than one-month solution,” he wrote. Ovie Ezimeruwe also questioned the sustainability of the arrangement. He asked: “What will they do for that one month? Why can’t they do it after then? After one month, what next?” For his part, Isiya Al’majir Keta questioned the change in the government’s position on fuel prices. According to him, “They said petrol can never reduce the price, what has changed the story?” Daily Trust reports that the latest development comes against the backdrop of Tinubu’s May 29, 2023, inauguration, when he declared that “fuel subsidy is gone”. The decision led to sharp increases in petrol prices and transportation fares. The administration has consistently defended the policy as necessary to reduce the financial burden of subsidising petrol and redirect public resources towards development. However, the immediate consequences have remained a major source of public dissatisfaction, with higher transport and production costs feeding into the prices of food and other essential goods. The fresh intervention has reopened the debate over whether the government is responding to the economic realities confronting Nigerians or seeking to address mounting public discontent ahead of the 2027 polls. Usman Auwal Hassan suggested that the announcement would not have been made without the approaching election. “If not because of the election, they shouldn’t say that,” he wrote. Michael Otues argued that even a substantial reduction in petrol prices would not necessarily change his political preference. “If you guys like, make the price of fuel N100, it is not going to change our mind to vote for APC. Nigerians are wise now,” he said. Abdullazeez Abdullahi also called for the government to focus on winning public acceptance rather than resorting to electoral manipulation. “All options considered… No way to rigging; let’s do what is acceptable by the masses. It’s too late,” he wrote.

Oct 9, 2026 • 19

Politics

Court Dismisses El-Rufai’s Suit Against DSS, EFCC, ICPC, Others

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday dismissed the suit filed by a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, to seek an order restraining the Department of State Services (DSS), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and others from freezing his bank accounts and seizing his assets. The court, while dismissing the suit, held that the suit was speculative in nature and lacked merit, adding that the case did not disclose any reasonable cause of action against the EFCC, DSS and AGF, and subsequently struck out their names from the suit. Daily Trust reports that the suit, dated February 23, 2026 and filed on February 24, 2026 by Oluwole Iyamu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the court for an order of interim injunction directing the respondents to maintain the status quo ante. Other respondents in the suit included the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS) and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who were joined as 2nd to 4th respondents respectively. In the suit, El-Rufai argued that the order was necessary to prevent a fait accompli as recognised in previous cases, praying for a declaration that his severance pay, received upon the completion of his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, cannot reasonably be suspected to be, proceeds of any unlawful activity. The former governor sought a declaration that the properties purchased by him from his said severance pay were lawfully acquired and owned by him. He listed the banks to include Zenith Bank Plc, Naira Account Number: 1007158671; Zenith Bank Pic, Domiciliary Account Number: 507 1511327; Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc (GTB), Account Number: 0023824978; Access Bank, Dollar Account Number: 1396386493 and Access Bank, Naira Account Number: 1396382103. El-Rufai also sought a declaration that any attempt by the respondents to apply for, obtain or execute any interim or final forfeiture order, freezing order, without first establishing a reasonable suspicion supported by credible evidence as required by relevant law would amount to a breach of his rights. Citing Section 17(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and the Supreme Court decision in Melrose General Services Ltd v. EFCC (2024) SC/1519/2019, El-Rufai prayed the court to declare that, as a citizen of Nigeria, is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the protection of his fundamental rights. He said that any action by the respondents that seeks to circumvent these rights by way of ex-parte applications that conceal material facts would amount to a breach of Section 36(5) of the constitution and a violation of the principles of fair hearing. The ex-governor, therefore, sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from taking any step whatsoever to freeze, attach, seize, forfeit, or otherwise interfere with his said property and bank accounts. He sought an order awarding the sum of N1 billion “as general, exemplary, and aggravated damages against the respondents jointly and severally for: “The anticipated violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights; The psychological trauma, distress, anxiety, and reputational harm caused by the threat of unlawful forfeiture proceedings. “The need to deter the respondents and other agencies from engaging in similar overreach, abuse of power, and disregard for constitutional safeguards.” He equally sought an order awarding the sum of N100 million as costs of the action against the respondents, including legal fees and associated expenses. The ICPC, in its preliminary objection filed by Abdul Mohammed, SAN, prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety for being “incompetent and a gross abuse of court process”. The ICPC submitted that El-Rufai’s arrest, the search of his residence and the anticipated asset tracing and freezing all stemmed from a singular, continuous and ongoing criminal investigation by the commission. It argued that rather than consolidating his grievances into a single, comprehensive action, the ex-governor deliberately engaged in forum shopping and the fragmentation of his claims by instituting three parallel suits across two different court hierarchies within a span of just 12 days. It said that besides the instant suit, the applicant filed suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026 on Feb. 20 at FHC, challenging the search warrant and the enforcement of fundamental human rights. The commission said El-Rufai also filed suit number: FCT/HC/CV/950/2026 on March 3 at the FCT High Court, challenging the remand order and the enforcement of fundamental human rights. It argued that the deliberate proliferation of overlapping suits seeking identical monetary and injunctive reliefs against the same primary law enforcement agency constituted “a textbook definition of abuse of court process. It also argued that the suit was designed to irritate the commission, overreach the judicial system and create the perilous risk of conflicting judgments from coordinate courts.” The DSS, in its preliminary objection filed by Ayodeji Adedipe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the court to strike out the suit for being incompetent. It also prayed the court to strike out its name from the suit for failure to disclose any reasonable cause of action against the service, among others. The AGF, also in his counter affidavit argued in court by Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, submitted that the 4th respondent is only a necessary party in suits that directly involved the Federal Government of Nigeria. She argued that the depositions in El-Rufai’s affidavit were speculative. The lawyer argued that an interim forfeiture is not a final forfeiture order and it was only necessary to enable the ICPC carry out its investigations. She submitted that an application for an interim forfeiture order did not in any way breach El-Rufai’s rights. The director also argued that the ICPC, EFCC and DSS are empowered to make an application for forfeiture to a court of competent jurisdiction, in the course of their investigations. The lawyer, who urged the court to dismiss the suit, said the ex-governor had similar cases in FCT High Court and FHC, where he sued the 1st, 2nd and 4th respondents. But delivering his judgement after all the arguments, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, dismissed the suit for being an abuse of court process because the former governor had filed a similar suit in the FCT High Court. Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the arguments of the ICPC, EFCC, DSS and AGF that a court of law cannot be used by any citizen to prevent law enforcement agencies from performing their statutory duties.

Oct 9, 2026 • 19