Politics

By Emeka Blaise Okpara

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the gale of defections that has rocked the People’s Democratic Party in recent times has thrown those in the current ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) into wild ecstasy. Once the largest political party in Africa, the PDP ran out of luck in 2015 when it lost the presidency to the APC. Before then, the party held power for sixteen years. 

In fact, at the peak of the party’s stronghold in power, the national chairman, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, boasted in 2008 that the PDP would rule Nigeria for another sixty years. Perhaps lost in the effervescent aplomb of public office, he forgot that the future cannot always be assured. His boisterous vituperation was perceived as the height of braggadocio, a trait synonymous with most Nigerian political elites. 

Many were not surprised when, a few years after this declaration was made, the party started witnessing some implosion within its ranks. The fall of the PDP was masterminded by members of the party who formed an alliance with the opposition, which eventually led to its calamitous loss in the 2015 general elections.

Sadly, the party that once reigned monstrously in Africa’s most populous black nation has become a shadow of itself. Unfortunately for the PDP, since they found themselves out of power, they have not been able to play the role of the opposition because it is not in their DNA to do so, unlike the APC, which was birthed through opposition. 

In fact, it would not be out of place to say that the APC has so mastered the art of opposition that it has even devised means of creating its own opposition within and outside the party to keep any real opposition party at bay through controlled opposition.

With the open declaration of support for Tinubu’s presidency from governors of supposed opposition parties, and the defection of notable figures like the current Governor of Delta State, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State and running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential elections, many in the President’s camp have picked up a trumpet to sound it to whoever cares to listen that President Tinubu is a master political strategist.

As far as those in the President’s camp are concerned, the 2027 presidential election is already in the bag, awaiting to be transported home. In their assessment and assertiveness, nobody can defeat the chief political strategist of our time in the forthcoming elections.

It would be simplistic for anybody to assume that the mere fact that opposition members are trooping into the President’s camp is enough reason to believe that he will have an easy ride into his second term – far from it! If anything, Nigerians should be worried, as such actions only indicate state capture.

Nigerians are well aware of the politics their political office holders play. With the nature of politics played in Nigeria,where stomach infrastructure and personal interest supersede national interest, this junketing shouldn’t be a surprise.  What do you expect from politicians in a land where political parties lack ideologies apart from grabbing power? 

Interestingly, these massive defections should teach Nigerians that there is obviously no difference between the APC and the PDP. These political elites only care about themselves and not the welfare of Nigerians! At a time when Nigerians’ living standards are at an all-time low due to ill-thought-out policies by the Tinubu-led administration, politicians are falling over themselves to dance owambe in the APC. 

To keen observers of the Nigerian political landscape, these mass defections to the APC are nothing short of a defense mechanism employed by the party to give the impression that it is in total control, and for the defectors – whose priority should be governing and serving the people – to have a haven when the chips are down.  Unless on paper, there is no clear evidence that this administration has performed well enough to warrant admiration from the supposed opposition,who now join them in troops.

Moreover, the only reason political elites are decamping is that Nigeria has a flawed electoral process where the votes of the electorate do not count. If the so-called independent electoral umpire, INEC, were living up to its mandate, political office holders would learn to be disciplined and understand that only performance can guarantee their election or re-election.

While those who believe that the President is a political strategist continue to bask in his political mastery, one is compelled to ask why he has not been able to apply his strategy effectively in governance. Politics, according to Plato, should be for the common good. Nigerians would love to see and benefit from President Tinubu’s acclaimed strategy. 

Political strategy should not begin and end with seizing power. Where is his strategy for overhauling the economy since he assumed the presidency? Are Nigerians better off today than they were three years ago? Why hasn’t he employed his renowned strategy to tackle the nation’s insecurity? Or has the security of lives and property ceased to be the government’s primary responsibility? Where is his plan for reliable power, and why must Nigerians pay excessively for unstable electricity? Don’t we need his strategy for quality healthcare facilities? These vital sectors urgently require his strategic attention!

It would be ludicrous for anyone to believe that the future of Nigeria is solely in the hands of the political officeholders. Whether or not anyone wants to believe it, 2027 is still a long time off. Though Nigerian politicians are always thinking of the next elections, and not how to better the lives of their citizens, they must realise that the political dynamics can change anytime. 

General Sani Abacha was almost certain of becoming a civilian president in 1996. He had convinced all the key political actors of the time to endorse his presidency, and everything was working for his good, but fate had other plans. 

The only thing that will guarantee any political office holder a re-election in a constitutional democracy like ours is performance! A second term in office is like a referendum on an individual’s first term. The power to elect still rests with the people and not with politicians, except that we are no longer a democracy. 

If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keen on his second term, he should up his game. If he is unaware, someone should inform the President that Nigerians are not having it easy. Instead of focusing on the 2027 reelection in 2025, he should take advantage of the remaining two years of his first term in office to show his work. PR without performance is pure propaganda!  

A working Nigeria benefits all, irrespective of religion or tribe. Nigerians are groaning under his knee-jerk policies, which have plunged a vast majority of citizens into penury. More than ever, this is when Nigerians expect to feel the impact of his much-trumpeted strategy. Nigerians want to see evidence beyond the rhetoric.

Blaise Emeka Okpara, a student at the International Institute of Journalism, writes from Abuja and can be contacted at: emyokparaoo1@gmail.com

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared his intention to lead the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign in the 2027 general elections. He made the statement on Monday during a media interaction in Abuja, dismissing claims that he was undermining the PDP while serving in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.  

“I am still in PDP. I worked hard for the party,” Wike said. “No one can question my membership because nobody has contributed more than I. I will lead the PDP campaign in Rivers in 2027.”  

Wike, a former Rivers State governor, has faced criticism from PDP members for his role in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government. However, he defended his actions, stating that he takes pride in making tough decisions, even if they upset powerful figures.  

“I step on the toes of big men, and it makes me happy,” he said. “If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care.”  

On the political crisis in Rivers State, Wike denied any personal rift with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and stated that he would have opposed a state of emergency if consulted by the president.  

“I don’t have any crisis with Fubara,” he said. “If Mr. President had asked me, I wouldn’t have agreed to a state of emergency.”  

Wike’s remarks come amid growing tensions within the PDP, with his loyalty remaining a contentious issue among party members.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A civic coalition under the umbrella of “Bagwai/Shanono Together for Progress” has issued a petition against their member, Federal House of Representatives. The petition called for an investigation into Hon. Yusuf Ahmad Badau, the member representing Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency, over alleged misappropriation of public funds and fraudulent execution of constituency projects.

The petition, signed by concerned constituents and stakeholders, accuses the lawmaker of diverting funds, inflating budgets and failing to execute or properly complete multiple projects between 2019 and 2025. The group alleges that millions of naira allocated for road construction, youth empowerment, flood relief and other initiatives were either mismanaged or left abandoned.

Some of their key allegations, as contained in the petition Include:

2019: N20 million allocated for road construction from Kiyawa to Romo allegedly not executed.

2020: N53 million meant for flood victims, teachers’ training, and youth empowerment reportedly unaccounted for.

2021: N290 million allocated for motorcycles, youth empowerment and provision of fridges/computers for traders allegedly mismanaged.

2022 to 2025: Over N700 million budgeted for tricycles, fishing materials, football programs, sewing machines, and road construction, with constituents claiming little or no implementation.

The petitioners are urging the House Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, as well as anti-graft agencies (EFCC and ICPC), to launch a full-scale probe into the allegations. They also demand the recovery of diverted funds and prosecution if misconduct is established.

“We believe these projects were either abandoned, poorly executed or the funds were diverted,” the petition read. “We call for justice to ensure public resources are accounted for.”

No official response has been issued by Hon. Badau at the time of filing this report.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Nigerians’ incessant stir on social media about Nigeria’s economy and the current president’s leadership style has become common business across all the platforms available to citizens. On the other hand, there is a group of netizens employed by the government to serve as a shield from the masses’ uproar about the government’s incapacity. They vehemently respond to critics directly aimed at their paymasters.

Such people exist at all levels of government, and they are taken care of by the appointed social media aides of any administration.

My state, the liberal state or centre of learning, is currently in a situation that has turned into a noisy and confusing commotion, drawing significant attention from people everywhere. According to the masses, the state is striding in the opposite direction, unlike before, when it became a beacon of development that other states looked up to. The only development people are observing is exaggerated projects on social media.

The PR Boys, as they are called on X (formerly Twitter), or Data Boys, as they are called on Facebook, are recruited to counter any narrative against the administration. They properly utilise the “Agenda Setting Theory” concept by repeatedly posting about a single project over time to create an imaginary delusion that the administration is doing better. As directed by their paymasters, they are doing quite an impressive job.

The sad reality is that people doing such jobs are mostly educated young people who are unemployed or underemployed. If you are to have an honest conversation with them, they will lament that they are doing it for what they are being paid or because of the hollow promises made by their masters. When informed people try to talk sense into them, which they usually consider an attack directed at their masters, the masters give them morale by reminding them that they also began like them and now are in higher positions in the government. They keep enslaving their minds with promises, whereas only a few of them can be uplifted.

There was a concern regarding the state of the general hospital in Rigasa regarding human resources. The hospital, which caters for the health needs of over a million residents living in the community, is not equipped with the facilities, equipment, and staff needed by any standard health facility. Instead of these gullible propagandists considering it a call to action, as it affects them directly or indirectly, they began to call the agitators unpleasant names, all in the name of impressing their paymasters. The concern was directed to the state health ministry and addressed to the Commissioner. 

The ministry’s response on their page reiterated the governor’s effort to renovate the state’s existing health facilities. The said project was part of the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), which the World Bank is funding (I stand to be corrected). The project was started in 2020 and is set to end in 2030. We don’t need to mention the administration that began hosting the project in the state.

Ideally, during campaigns, everybody has their preferred candidate against their opponents. Waging support for your candidate and calling on others to support them is a right that no one should be denied. But for developmental purposes, after elections, it should be the elected leaders against the masses, not in a violent or degrading manner, but in keeping the leaders on their toes and reminding them of their primary responsibilities. These propagandists are making it look like anyone criticising the government is an enemy of the ruling class.

When concerned citizens bring up facts about the government’s inaction and lack of tangible evidence to counter them, they immediately stoop to emotional blackmail. Using words like “hypocrisy” or telling the world they are proud of being political puppets just annoys or silences those calling their paymasters to order. Many of them cannot stand an evidence-based argument due to insufficient facts. They receive orders from their superiors in their various groups to counter anything they consider mischievous about their masters online. They will flood your timeline or comment section with the duplicate content they copied from their groups as directed by their leaders.

I tweeted on X, “There is one state in Nigeria where you can only find out what the governor is doing on social media. But in reality, nothing has been on the ground since the last administration. Guess the state!” The tweet was viewed by over 12 thousand people within 10 hours and engaged by hundreds. To my greatest surprise, people kept mentioning my state in the comments and quotes. This is evidence that all the Data Boys and PR guys are doing is nothing short of mere propaganda.

Ultimately, I want to call on these propagandists to know that those they criticise for calling out the government are closer to them than those in the government. And the damage you’re covering for the ruling class will affect not only those criticising the government, but you may be the first to receive the consequences. Those sending you to criticise the former administration—most of them were part of it. They wined and dined with the then-ruling class, cleaned their mouths, and now eat with the current administration while spitting on the faces of their former masters.

May we be guided.

Abdullahi Yusuf writes from Rigasa, Kaduna. He can be reached via abdoolphd@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

Officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of Minister Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have sealed the National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)A group of FCTA staff, locked the entrance gate of Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national secretariat at exactly 2:06 pm, alocated in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

This action follows the recent announcement by the FCTA on Sunday, stating its intention to reclaim properties affected by the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent spanning 10 to 43 years.

Details later…

By Abdulhakeem Yetu Zakari

Across Nigeria today, the earth is wet with the blood of innocents. Villages are raided without warning, highways have become death traps and communities live in a cloud of constant fear.

Yet, even as the nation bleeds, much of the political class appears more fixated on the 2027 elections than on saving lives in 2025.
Insecurity has become a cruel backdrop to political ambition—a painful reminder that, for many leaders, the pursuit of power still matters more than the safety and survival of the people.

The current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was elected on a promise to restore security and revive the nation’s economy. But less than two years into his tenure, insurgency, banditry, and economic instability have remained stubbornly persistent.

What was supposed to be an era of renewed hope has turned into a daily struggle for survival for millions of Nigerians. Despite interventions by security agencies, no significant improvement has been recorded.

Families are displaced from their homes. Schools are shut down. Markets are abandoned. Mass graves are dug with horrifying regularity.
States such as Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, and Borno have become synonymous with unending violence.

Our beloved Nigeria—once full of hope and promise—is fast becoming a theatre of tragedy. Critics argue that government efforts have been largely reactive instead of proactive. Intelligence failures are frequent.

Security operations often come late. Many see a dangerous lack of political will to tackle the root causes of insecurity: endemic poverty, chronic youth unemployment, and deep ethnic divisions.
Without addressing these underlying issues, peace will remain a distant dream.

Yet, even as insecurity deepens, political calculations for 2027 are already underway. Massive defections are occurring across political parties as politicians jostle for advantage and consolidation of power.

Instead of emergency summits on security, we see strategic meetings on how to win elections.
The people, who ought to be the priority, are pushed to the margins of political discourse. Their cries are drowned by the noisy drumbeats of political ambition.

Nigerians deserve better. They deserve leaders who value their lives more than the pursuit of office. They deserve leaders who recognize that every life lost is a national tragedy, not just a statistic.

If current trends continue unchecked, by the time the 2027 elections arrive, Nigeria may have paid a price in blood too heavy to bear—and whatever victory is achieved will be a hollow, shameful one.

Nigeria stands today at a crossroads. The choices made in security, governance, and leadership over the next year will determine whether the country finds its way back to the path of stability and progress—or slips even deeper into violence and despair.

As the blood of innocent Nigerians continues to soak the ground, one question cries out louder than any campaign slogan: Who will listen? Who will act? And when?

The time to choose between survival and ambition is now. Nigeria cannot afford to wait until 2027 to find out what path we chose.

By Sani Surajo Abubakar

At the commencement of the 28th Kano State Executive Council on Monday 19th of May, 2025, held at Kwankwasiyya City, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf presided over the swearing-in of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Umaru (rtd.) as the new commissioner of Internal Security and Special Services.

His nomination, screening and confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly and subsequent swearing-in followed the resignation of the pioneer Commissioner of the Ministry some few weeks back.

The new commissioner was the immediate past Director-General of the Special Service Directorate, Kano Government House, responsible for coordinating the operations of security agencies and other engagements critical to safer living in the state.

Before his debut in the government business of Kano State, he was a retired Airforce Officer with vast experience in peacekeeping operations and national assignments both locally and internationally.

He is passionate and committed to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship skills development, with a firm belief that empowering youth will help improve the living standard of the state’s residents and boost rapid socioeconomic development and prosperity.

As a retired Air Vice Marshal, his new position as commissioner will bring a wealth of experience from his illustrious military career in curbing security challenges in the state.

 Indeed, his sojourn as Director-General of the Special Service Directorate and subsequently as commissioner underscores the state government’s commitment to harnessing expertise from various fields to drive progress.

The appointment of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Umaru as Commissioner in Kano State Government has sparked widespread interest and debate. As a seasoned security expert, AVM Umaru’s induction into the state executive council is seen by many as a strategic move to leverage his expertise in bolstering security and development initiatives in the state.

Many observers view AVM Umaru’s appointment as fitting, given his background and the current security challenges facing Kano State. His experience in security matters is expected to significantly contribute to the state’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability.

The appointment seems to align perfectly with the needs of the state, making it a case of a “square peg in a square hole.”

With AVM Umaru on board, the Kano State Government will likely benefit from his strategic insight and operational expertise. His role could be pivotal in enhancing Security Measures.

He will also utilize his military background to strengthen security frameworks and responses, advise on policy matters, provide informed counsel on security and development policies, and Facilitate dialogue and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

AVM Ibrahim Umaru’s appointment appears well-considered, aligning his skills with the state’s needs. As he takes on this new role, expectations are high for meaningful contributions to Kano State’s security and development landscape. Only time will tell how effectively he navigates the complexities of his new position, but the outlook seems promising.

Congratulations, AVM, and may your appointment yield positive results for our dear state, Kano.

Sani is the Deputy Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano Government House.

By Abdulgaffar Tukur

The ongoing internal wrangling within our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is deeply disheartening—especially at a time when Nigeria desperately needs a united and visionary opposition. As a committed member and believer in our shared democratic values, I speak not out of sentiment, but out of a sense of duty: this is not a time for blames, ego, division or personal ambition.

Nigeria is bleeding. Under the reckless and dictatorial leadership of the APC-led government, headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the nation is suffering from severe economic hardship, rampant insecurity, deepening poverty, and increasing political intimidation. Our democracy is under siege—and the people are losing hope.

The PDP must rise above these petty divisions. We must remember who we are and what we once offered this nation—16 years of stability, progress and pride. That legacy is worth defending. It is worth reviving. But to do so, we must become a united and formidable force, focused not on personal ambition, but on national salvation.

It is time we start thinking strategically, patriotically, and selflessly.

Why can’t our leaders rally behind a powerful, unifying ticket—such as His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed? This is a ticket that could inspire confidence, promote healing and unite Nigerians across board. It is realistic, respectable and widely acceptable.

And to our elder statesman, His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar—sir, your legacy and lifelong contributions to this party are undeniable. But now is the moment to write your name in gold by becoming the father of a new movement. Step in not as a contender, but as a peacemaker and unifier who helps to rescue Nigeria when it matters most. That act alone could define your legacy more than any presidency ever could.

Let us make no mistake in 2027: this is not just about winning an election—it’s about saving the country. It’s about restoring dignity, good governance and democratic values. It’s about telling the Nigerian people that PDP is still their party—and that we are ready to fight for them once again.

Let us rethink. Let us regroup. And together, let us reclaim the soul of our beloved Nigeria.

Abdulgaffar Tukur is a PDP member; he writes from Kebbi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via:
abdulgaffarkalgo@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam 

Two federal legislators from Kano State have left the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal issues within their former party.

The defection of Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, representing Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya, and Abdullahi Sani Rogo of Karaye/Rogo federal constituency, was formally announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during Thursday’s plenary.

Their move adds to the recent wave of defections to the APC, with Oluwole Oke, a lawmaker from Osun State, also officially joining the party during the same session.

The sitting was attended by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and other top party members, who were in the green chamber to receive the new members.

The House has recently witnessed a series of defections, many of which have strengthened the numerical advantage of the APC.

By Prof. Abdelghaffar Amoka

Breaking news yesterday was that Consultant Psychiatrist Comrade Chris Piwuna has been elected as the new president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for a two-year term. The fact that he is a psychiatrist is unsettling to the political class, who, rather than injecting the necessary funds to improve our education sector, choose to embezzle money they do not need.

The post on the Facebook page of Mahmud Jega, a media aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the campaign for the 2023 election, is an indication that the news of the newly elected president is unsettling. He said Chris should examine the heads of ASUU members for choosing a strike as an option to make the government perform its responsibility to the university they willingly established and are still establishing. Earlier today, someone was thanking his Senator on Facebook for his bill to establish the Federal University of Agriculture, Kura in Kano State. 

Whose head needs to be checked by a psychiatrist? The one fighting for the survival of public universities or the one who makes all the promises, then gets to the office, but chooses to steal public funds, an amount they can’t spend for the rest of their life. In the 21st century, we have one of the worst education and health sectors. Our people now travel to Ghana, as well as to Niger and Sudan, to study. Hunger is now a pride. One of them recently acknowledged that they are aware we are hungry and referred to it as “Hunger for Change.”

Who should we take to Prof. Piwuna’s psychiatric clinic for a mental health evaluation? As people wonder about the cause of the massive and mindless corruption in the country, as we watch public institutions collapse, they feel that corruption within the political class may be a mental issue. According to Punch of 16th December 2016, the first person who made this recommendation over 30 years ago was Prof. Adeoye Lambo, a famous psychiatrist and a former Vice-Chairman of the World Health Organisation. He was astounded by the level of corruption at the time. 

Well, the corruption was child’s play then compared with what we have now. Mrs. Farida Waziri, the former EFCC boss, was reported to have also recommended psychiatric examination for politicians, citing the reason that the grand corruption we see in our public life is a hackneyed recommendation. So, the psychiatric test recommendation for politicians is not a new call. 

Despite the justification for the strike over the last two years and the members’ vote in a referendum, the ASUU leadership has attempted to apply diplomacy to avoid the strike. That has produced a strike-free 2 years. They have been lobbying and begging for the last 2 years. But what have academics got? Many people can’t afford to fuel their cars to go to work. So, what’s the alternative to the strike? Maybe instead of striking to force the government to fund tertiary institutions they willingly established, we should just manage what we have like that till they are no longer manageable, like our public primary schools? Please educate us on a practical alternative to strike. 

The Nigerian university system was once a beacon in West Africa. If corruption is the reason why there are not enough funds to make our universities what they used to be, who needs to queue in their Agbada to see a psychiatrist? The people (political class) who have kept the universities in their present state, or the people (ASUU) whose fight over the years gave our universities a semblance of a university? 

Irrespective of our political affiliation, I think we need to set our sentiment and hatred for ASUU aside and sit back to reflect on the state of education. As a former academic, journalist, and associate of the political class, Mahmud Jega should join hands with ASUU to urge the government to take the necessary steps for the education sector. The North is the worst hit, and coincidentally, Mahmoud Jega is from the North. We need public education institutions at all levels that are of high quality for their students. As the immediate past president of ASUU stated during the ASUU NDC in Benin a few days ago, we cannot build a knowledge-based economy without a sound education system.

We can’t continue this way. The status quo is unsustainable. The most powerful weapon against poverty, extremism, and ignorance is not the bullet, but the book. The time to act is now. Nigeria must return to the classroom—rebuild it, empower it, and invest in it—for therein lies the salvation of the nation.

I don’t like strikes, Mahmud Jega doesn’t like strikes, but I was left with no other options aside from a strike. And a strike is the only thing that has kept our universities functional to date. So, can Mahmud propose an alternative that will work even better than a strike? 

The test I think we need to do for ASUU members is to find out why they are fighting very hard to ensure that public universities do not collapse. They could have chosen to be like our refinery workers who watch the collapse of the refineries and earn a fat salary without refining a drop of crude oil. 

In conclusion, no matter the hatred, Mahmud Jega cannot pretend that he does not understand the situation of our educational institutions. I would like to encourage him to utilise his influence and pen to help facilitate an education summit by this government. As Prof Attahiru Jega proposed at ASUU NDC at the University of Benin a few days ago, the stakeholders of the Nigerian project need to meet and discuss the sort of tertiary education system they want and then agree on the funding model. 

Prof. Amoka wrote from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.