Politics

By Uzair Adam 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong warning to Senator Ali Ndume following his recent remarks suggesting that President Bola Tinubu could face the same electoral fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2027 if urgent reforms are not implemented.

Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the statement during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.

Responding to his remarks, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, on Tuesday acknowledged Ndume’s longstanding role within the party but stressed that discipline within the party is of utmost importance.

“Senator Ndume is a senior and respected member of the APC. This is not the first time he has aired his views publicly about how the country is being governed by his party, sometimes expressing dissent or contrary opinions,” Ibrahim said.

He continued, “However, the APC is a party of liberal-minded people. We do not reject diverse ideas, provided they do not violate the party’s constitution.”

Ibrahim reiterated that while the APC upholds internal democracy and freedom of expression, members are expected to operate within the party’s defined limits.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Vice-President, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for not living up to public expectations, especially in terms of improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm programme on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed stated that the current government has failed to bring about meaningful governance improvements.

“Clearly, the Tinubu administration has failed expectations that it was going to radically improve the quality of governance,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed, who also served as spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, pointed out that positive reports from international bodies should not be the only measure of government performance.

He stressed that the real test lies in how citizens experience daily life under the administration.

“They will tell you they are doing great with all the World Bank statistics, all the international ratings and everything, but that’s not the only measures you use to measure a government; you measure by the way citizens live, and if that is the yardstick by which we are going to measure this administration, then clearly, the Tinubu administration has failed expectations that it was going to radically improve the quality of governance of President Buhari,” he explained.

He further advised President Tinubu to prioritise the fight against corruption, address the worsening insecurity, reduce poverty, and invest heavily in infrastructure and social welfare initiatives.

On the removal of petrol subsidies, Baba-Ahmed observed that the decision has made life more difficult for many Nigerians.

He also urged the president to ensure better management of federal allocations given to state governors, particularly those belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“So much waste, so much abuse of resources and corruption going on,” he lamented.

He concluded by calling for stronger accountability mechanisms and better governance at all levels.

By Malam Aminu Wase

A presidential Muslim-Muslim ticket is not merely a political strategy. It is a catalyst for national instability. In a country like Nigeria, which is still grappling with deep-seated mutual distrust, such a move sends the wrong signal. 

For Nigeria to truly progress, its leadership must reflect the nation’s rich diversity. Only through inclusive governance can we assure every citizen, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region, that they have a rightful place in the nation’s power structure.

Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai played a pivotal role in promoting the idea of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. While this strategy may have been politically calculated, it encouraged religious and ethnic groups to compete for power, rather than unite under a shared national vision that addresses the hardships facing all Nigerians.

Ironically, many of the architects of the Muslim-Muslim ticket are not reaping the benefits of their efforts. The lofty expectations they once championed of inclusion and representation have been dashed. Some have even defected to other political parties, disillusioned by the very system they helped establish.

Nigerians must open their eyes. The struggle among the political elite is not about improving the lives of the masses; it is a scramble for personal gain, to secure privileges for their children, families, and close associates. We must rise above the politics of religion and region and demand leadership representing all Nigerians.

I urge fellow citizens to reject the idea of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the upcoming election. Let us vote for candidates committed to unifying Nigeria, easing economic hardship, and introducing policies that genuinely impact the lives of ordinary people.

Malam Aminu Wase, Write from Kaduna State. He can be reached via aminusaniusman3@gmail.com.

By Nura Jibo

Whenever I see sure PDP political power losers and their APC bedfellows making historical myths and inaccuracies about their pseudo performance of national economic growth and development, it reminds one of the gospel according to Barnabas.

As a Muslim, I actually believe in the Gospel of Barnabas as a myth rather than a reality. Though his assertions are very true and apt, they are considered among Christians as a non-canonical, pseudodepigraphical gospel attributed to him. They somehow believed Barnabas was a disciple of Jesus who lived in the 14th or 15th century.

These historical myths and inaccuracies are what the so-called PDP and APC elders would wish to present to ordinary Nigerians. Indeed, their misrepresentation of facts is contrary to a detailed account of Barnabas, who, according to his Torgado Siburian theological belief, explained Jesus’ life. This account includes elements that align with Islamic reality and beliefs, such as the denial of Jesus’ crucifixion and a focus on Jesus as a prophet rather than the Son of God. 

Indeed, the PDP/APC elders’ gospel on Nigeria’s political leadership/claim on its progress is nothing but something to be considered a fabrication, as it contradicts the canonical gospels and includes historical conundrums that even the so-called generals in politics that resort to this falsehood amidst public glare cannot provide an answer to!

The PDP presidency under Obasanjo and Jonathan is nothing but a political disaster.

These two presidents presided over Nigeria with impunity and first-class corruption that drained Nigerians and stripped them bare of their dignity in the comity of nations.

Obasanjo shamelessly accused his National Assembly of being a “den of corruption by a gang of unarmed robbers”.

Indeed, Evan Enwerem’s emergence as Obasanjo’s Senate president against Chuba Okadigbo confirmed his corrupt tendencies as a political but not military leader to Nigerians. This remains fresh in our psyches and memories.

The Siemens and KBR bribery scandals, which the FBI investigated, indicted President Obasanjo’s government internationally.

On the other hand, President Jonathan allowed a corrupt Diezani oil ministerial hubris of over N100 billion, alleged to have been collected by Diezani as undue enrichment.

This is not to rule out the role of his wife, Patience, in the $8.4 million and N7.4 billion linked to her by the EFCC under a file suit dubbed FHC/L/CS/620/18.

What the likes of Governors Sule Lamido, Amaechi, Nasiru El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and even VP Atiku Abubakar want to tell Nigerians after being frustrated and pushed to the periphery of power and out of national and global relevance, one hasn’t the vaguest idea.

Please note:

There is no point in alluding to the APC’s leadership under Buhari and Tinubu. Because doing so will not allow us to see the light of day, it is better not to mention the terrible economic harakiri, democratic suicide, and perturbed insecurity that the APC and, by extension, its PDP rivalries have thrown into Nigeria. Recounting APC ordeals is a déjà vu that this writer is not ready to waste more energy delving into.

Happy Eid celebration!

Nura wrote from Shahrazad Homes, 21 Zerifa Aliyev Street, Baku, Azerbaijan.

By Malam Aminu Wase

Once upon a time, Plateau State was a beacon of peace and prosperity. Nestled in the heart of Nigeria, it was a place where nature, culture, and hospitality came together in perfect harmony. Tourists enjoyed its cool weather, striking landscapes, and vibrant local communities. The Tin City, as Jos was fondly called, bustled with life, creativity, and promise.

But the tragic eruptions of religious and ethnic crises turned that promise into pain. In just a few years, the spirit of unity that defined Plateau faded, and the state began slowly declining economically, socially, and psychologically. What once symbolised Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence became a cautionary tale.

As we reflect on what was lost, we must confront what can still be regained. The nostalgia we feel for those better days is not just sentimental—it is a reminder of what is possible when peace reigns. Plateau’s beauty remains, as does the enduring goodwill of its people. We need a collective recommitment to peace, tolerance, and shared progress.

Let us not be deceived: the divisions that tore through our communities were not inevitable. They were fanned by the greed and political ambition of a few elites, who found power in division. But the people have grown wiser. Today, Plateau has a growing desire to put those dark times behind us and rebuild a society anchored in unity and mutual respect.

The future of Plateau depends on us, ordinary citizens who choose dialogue over conflict, cooperation over suspicion. If we unite sincerely, we can restore trust, attract investment, and lay the foundation for a thriving economy. Peace is not a luxury—it is the bedrock of development.

With stability, there is no limit to what Plateau can achieve. Its tourism potential, agricultural wealth, and strategic location can be leveraged to turn it into a hub of economic activity, perhaps even rivalling global success stories like the UAE, in sha Allah.

Plateau belongs to all of us. It is our shared heritage and responsibility. The time to recover its lost glory is now.

By Anas Abbas, Anwar Usman and Uzair Adam

There is growing outrage among the students of Northwest University, Kano, following a significant increase in school fees for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The Daily Reality gathered that the increase is nearly 100 percent, causing many students to question whether they will be able to continue their studies given the worsening economic situation in the country.

In an exclusive interview with our reporters, the students, many of whom pay their own fees, have made passionate pleas to the school authorities to reconsider the hike.

They warn that if the situation remains unchanged, higher education will be accessible only to the children of the elites in the country.

The Daily Reality recalls that the previous reduction in fees by 50 percent, initiated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, had made the university one of the most accessible institutions in the state.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate as of January 2025 is 24.48 percent. Though it has dropped from the December 2024 figure of 34.80 percent, Nigerians continue to struggle with the high cost of everyday necessities.

The fee hike is untimely

Most of the students who spoke to The Daily Reality expressed deep concern, describing the increase as ill-timed, especially in light of the economic hardship in Nigeria.

They lamented that they were not prepared for the hike and had no plans to cope with it, leading to troubling thoughts about their future and the possibility of continuing their studies.

One student, Ibrahim Muhammad (not his real name), shared his worries with The Daily Reality, stating, “The registration fee is beyond imagination.”

He added that the school authorities did not inform them in advance, and they were shocked to see the Remita platform reflecting the sudden increase—an amount they find unbearable.

Muhammad, who came to Kano from a neighbouring state, highlighted the importance of the earlier fee reduction, saying, “I chose this university because of the 50% reduction. We urge Governor Abba to consider our plight and take action.”

The burden is too heavy

Another student, Isma’il Shu’aibu (also not his real name), voiced his frustration: “Last session, I paid 18,000 naira, but now I’m being asked to pay 57,000 naira.”

Shu’aibu further added that, “This is far too much, and many students will struggle to afford it.”

A Growing Crisis

The students noted that the increase would only worsen an already challenging situation, urging the school authorities to reconsider their decision.

Shu’aibu added that even the previous fee of 18,000 naira was a struggle for many students, pushing some to consider dropping out.

“Many students are appealing through the media for help to pay their registration fees,” he lamented.

“As I speak to you, I am paying for my own education. I don’t have 57,000 naira, and I don’t know where to find it,” Shu’aibu concluded.

Many students who feared to speak with journalists expressed dissatisfaction about the hike. They shared a common concern about how the new fees might force them to abandon their studies.

They expressed, “We have no idea how we will manage to pay this new fee. It’s simply too much for us, especially with how hard it is to survive these days.”

Increase a blessing in disguise – Authority

Despite bitter complaints from students, the school authorities argue that the increase is, in fact, a blessing in disguise for them.

Speaking to The Daily Reality, the university registrar, Malam Isyaku Adamu, confirmed the hike and explained that it would help students participate in the National Education Loan Fund (Nelfund), noting that many of their students had not been taking advantage of the programme.

He stated, “The Nelfund is the national cake. If Musa and Isa refuse to eat, Jon and Jack will eat. So this is to also encourage our students to participate and benefit from the Federal Government’s programme.”

He added that the increase was also meant to help the university meet certain critical needs. Adamu emphasized that Northwest University is still among the most affordable institutions in Nigeria, based on the university’s own research.

“If you look at what the students pay in a year, even after maintaining laboratories, the library, health services, electricity, water, and environmental sanitation, the money is still very cheap,” he said.

He concluded that the fees are not even sufficient to cover all expenses, reiterating that even primary and secondary school pupils pay more than what Northwest University students pay per year.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed the reason behind appointing Nyesom Wike as his Chief of Staff during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

According to Amaechi, he deliberately chose Wike for the position instead of making him Commissioner for Finance so he could keep a close eye on him.

His comments came in response to Wike’s recent jibe at him following Amaechi’s statement, “We’re all hungry,” made during his 60th birthday celebration.

Wike had dismissed the remark, claiming the former governor was not hungry for food, but for political recognition.

Appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Amaechi said he had no interest in exchanging words with Wike.

“God, Peter Odili, the judiciary and the Rivers state people made me governor,” he said.

Challenging Wike’s claim of playing a role in his political rise, Amaechi asked, “Ask him how he made me governor. I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”

He stated further: “I wanted him as chief of staff so I could supervise him. I didn’t offer him commissioner for finance. You see, I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”

In another veiled swipe, he added, “You know, he made himself chief of staff. He made himself governor. He made himself minister. He made himself local government chairman.”

Amaechi’s remarks are the latest in an ongoing war of words between the two political figures who were once allies in Rivers State but have since become bitter rivals.

By Lamara Garba

In a world where leadership often wears the heavy cloak of command, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State walks a different path—one marked not by spectacle, but by quiet grace. His recent donation of N5 million to support the health of Professor Abubakar Roko, a senior lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, shines like a candle in a stormy night—a gesture simple in form, yet profound in meaning.

This act of compassion stirred a ripple through the academic community, reaching hearts far beyond Sokoto. The family of Professor Roko, alongside the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UDUS branch, offered their deep thanks. For them, the governor’s support was not just financial—it was a lifeline, a moment of humanity in an often indifferent world.

Professor Roko’s struggle for access to medical care echoes a troubling truth: that even those who nurture the minds of generations can find themselves abandoned in times of need. When society allows a scholar—one who has dedicated his life to the service of knowledge—to fall through the cracks, it begs the question: who among us is truly safe?

Indeed, Governor Yusuf’s gesture is more than an act of charity; it is a quiet protest against this injustice. It is a reminder that governance, at its best, is an extension of empathy. That leadership is not just about steering the ship, but about seeing those who have fallen overboard—and reaching out a hand.

Beyond the naira and kobo, what Governor Yusuf has given is dignity. His kindness says, “You matter.” It is a message sorely needed in times where those who build the foundations of our future—our teachers, our thinkers, our guides—are too often overlooked.

The ASUU Zonal Coordinator Professor Abubakar Sabo in terse verbal message of appreciation who, himself a staff of UDUS described Governor Abba as a “Messiah.” Saying, forever we shall not forget you, in our hearts. While titles are fleeting, the sentiment behind the praise is enduring. Governor Yusuf’s empathy has breathed life into the belief that leadership can still be rooted in service, not self.

In a letter penned by Professor Aminu Muhammad Bui, Head of the Department of Computer Science at UDUS, heartfelt gratitude poured forth: “This act of kindness and compassion from your esteemed office has brought immense joy and relief to Professor Roko and his loved ones.” These are not just words of thanks—they are testaments to the healing power of compassion.

Meanwhile, Professor Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, Chairman of ASUU BUK, illuminated the grim landscape of public education: dwindling morale, poor working conditions, and an exodus of talent—each one a symptom of a system that has long been neglected. His call for reform is a plea to rescue the very soul of the nation’s development engine.

Indeed, a society that does not cherish its educators weakens the roots from which all progress grows. The conditions endured by those in the education sector are not just unfortunate—they are unacceptable. Their resolution demands more than words; it requires will, vision, and urgent action.

Therefore, Governor Yusuf’s act is a glimmer in this long night, a sign that compassion can still guide power, and that true leadership is not found in titles, but in the quiet decisions that uplift lives.

It calls us to imagine a new dawn—where educators are honored, not merely with words, but with systems that support them; where acts of kindness are not rare exceptions, but a culture of care. Governor Yusuf’s compassion is a seed—may it find fertile ground in the hearts of other leaders.

And so, as the dust of this singular act settles, may it not fade into memory, but grow into a movement—a call to conscience. For in Governor Yusuf’s gesture, we find a lesson not just in leadership, but in humanity. And may that lesson echo far beyond Kano, beyond Sokoto—into every corner where hope waits to be awakened.

Perhaps, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s donation to Professor Abubakar Roko is more than just a gesture of kindness; it is a reflection of his character as a leader. It shows that he is a man of compassion, empathy, and enduring humanity—one who listens not just with his ears, but with his heart.

It is worthy to note that in a time when many cry out for leaders who truly understand the burdens of everyday people, Governor Yusuf’s act stands as a quiet yet powerful answer.

It reminds us that leadership is not measured by grand speeches or lofty titles, but by the courage to care and the grace to act. His benevolence has not only lifted a man in need, but also rekindled faith in the idea that public service can still serve the public. May this gesture inspire others in power to lead not from above, but from among—and to remember that the true strength of leadership lies in the strength it gives to others.

Lamara Garba writes from Bayero University, Kano

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.