Arewa

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s claim that Nigeria is moving towards widespread prosperity, saying the economic reality faced by many Nigerians remains difficult.

Atiku made the criticism in his Independence Day address on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after Tinubu told Nigerians that the country’s economic outlook had improved after three and a half years of his administration.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026, with both the oil and non-oil sectors contributing to what he described as a period of stable growth. He also declared that the government’s focus had shifted from economic stabilisation to “shared and widespread prosperity.”

Responding to the President’s position, Atiku questioned how Nigerians could experience prosperity while many households continue to struggle with the cost of food, healthcare, transportation and other basic necessities.

He also criticised the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and its approach to taxation, arguing that the measures had increased pressure on households and businesses.

Atiku stated, “And beyond the market, our nation is bleeding. Armed groups have killed thousands and driven families from their communities. Farmers fear their fields. Parents fear for children in their classrooms. Families dread the call demanding ransom for someone they love.

“A government that cannot make life affordable and cannot protect life has failed the two tests that matter most to its people.

“This is not the Nigeria our founders struggled to set free. But I will not ask you to surrender to despair. Despair is not a strategy. We have a path to recovery, and we must take it.

“Bola, where is this prosperity? Bola says inflation has fallen. A slower rise in prices does not restore what families have lost. He cites growth and rising exports. Nigerian businesses deserve credit for what they have achieved. But growth must improve lives. It cannot be a certificate of success that government awards itself while citizens struggle to survive.

“Bola, you call Nigeria a patient with cancer. After three years of your treatment, why is it harder for Nigerians to buy food, pay for medicine or even get to work? Why does your government have more money while the people can afford less?”

The former Vice-President also questioned the benefits Nigerians have received from the removal of fuel subsidy. He said citizens were more concerned about when the savings from the policy would translate into lower living costs.

Atiku proposed a production subsidy tied to fuel refined within Nigeria as part of his alternative economic plan.

He said, “My fellow Nigerians, I will not ask you to accept another promise without asking how it would work. Working with my running mate and our partners in the African Democratic Congress, I will pursue a clear purpose: make life affordable again.

“We will introduce a capped, budgeted production subsidy tied to verified fuel refined in Nigeria, including fuel from modular refineries. Imported petrol will not qualify. The benefit must reach consumers through lower pump prices. We will publish the costs, independently audit the payments and cut government waste to help fund the programme.

“The principle is simple: produce here, refine here, create jobs here and pay less here. If Bola disagrees, he should answer the proposal on its merits. Calling relief an addiction will not lower the price of petrol.

“Bola, your speech is full of ‘we will.’ We will make farming cheaper. We will power factories. We will create jobs. We will bring down prices. You have been President for more than three years. Nigerians are entitled to ask what you have done with the time already given to you.”

Atiku also raised concerns about government loan schemes, saying young Nigerians needed decent-paying jobs rather than loans to cope with rising living and education costs. He asked the government to explain the results of such programmes, their beneficiaries and the repayment obligations attached to them.

On the management of the national budget, he said:

“The confusion extends to your budgets. You have just signed an extension keeping the 2025 budget in operation until the last day of 2026.

“The 2026 budget exists alongside it. Soon, your government will ask Nigerians to examine a 2027 budget. How many budgets must be open at once before you can tell the country what was funded, what was completed and what remains unpaid? A budget should be a timetable for delivery, not a ball passed from one year to the next.

“Bola says his government reforms have a human face. Nigerians have spent three years looking for that face in the market, at the hospital and on the road to work. What they have found is deepening poverty, healthcare they cannot afford, school fees they struggle to pay, food beyond their reach and electricity bills that consume what little they earn.

“In communities under attack, people fear for their lives. A government cannot claim a human face while making it harder for Nigerians to eat, learn, seek treatment and stay alive.”

Atiku further criticised the government’s claim that lower production costs would eventually reduce prices. He said farmers and manufacturers continued to face insecurity, high electricity costs and other challenges that raise the cost of production.

He also challenged the government’s claims about cheaper transportation and called for details of the routes and fares covered by the initiative.

Atiku said, “Bola, you have put the weight of Nigeria’s economic well-being on a skateboard. Families are struggling to keep their balance, businesses are falling, and you stand in Aso Rock declaring that the journey to prosperity is going smoothly.

“In your Independence Day speech, you found time to attack my plan to make life affordable. But you did not tell commuters which additional routes became cheaper today, what the fares were before, what they cost now, or how many people can use them. Lower fares on a few routes are welcome, but they do not solve the transport crisis facing the rest of the country.

“Bola, was this a Yahoo Yahoo promise or a hurried reply to my production subsidy proposal? You advertised cheaper transport from October 1. Today is October 1, and commuters are still asking where they can find the lower fares. Show them the routes and the prices. Nigerians cannot board an announcement.

“Bola, publish the routes, the fares and the number of people benefiting. Show Nigerians the cheaper journey you promised.”

The ADC candidate also addressed political rights and the rule of law. He called for due process in the cases of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Nnamdi Kanu.

He also renewed his call for the release of five young Nigerians arrested in Borno State over their alleged use of “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.

Atiku concluded his address with an appeal for Nigerians to demand accountability through democratic means.

He stated, “We have looked back. We have counted what fuel costs, what food costs and what a wage can still buy. We have seen families waiting for relief while government asks for more patience. We have heard promises of prosperity from a President who cannot show millions of Nigerians where to find it.

“Our founders did not win sovereignty so that a few could prosper while millions merely survive.

“Their promise lives in ordinary hopes: a meal a family can afford, a safe road home, a child free to learn, and work that offers a path to a better life. Those hopes are neither extravagant nor beyond Nigeria’s reach.

“Bola, the Promised Land is not in sight merely because you can see it from the villa. Nigerians must be able to reach it. We have chosen a different course, peacefully and together, through the power of our votes; the message is clear: Tinubu must go.”

Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, defended his administration’s economic policies and said the reforms had improved Nigeria’s economic outlook. He cited economic growth, lower inflation from its peak, improved foreign reserves and increased non-oil export revenue as indicators of progress.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, says more than 380 suspects have been arrested, while over 230 convictions have been secured within the first two months of the state government’s intensified campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Yusuf disclosed this on Thursday while delivering an address at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Kano.

According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor said the state government established the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in July 2026.

He said the administration also issued an Executive Order aimed at strengthening the fight against illicit substances, thuggery and other related criminal activities across the state.

Yusuf added that the task force had dismantled several drug joints and criminal hideouts in different parts of Kano since its establishment.

The governor described the fight against drug abuse and criminality as a collective responsibility requiring the involvement of government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, communities, parents and citizens.

He urged young people to shun drugs, violence and criminal activities, encouraging them instead to pursue education, agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, vocational training and creative industries.

Yusuf said his administration would continue to support security agencies, strengthen community-based intelligence gathering and address social challenges contributing to crime and insecurity.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a safer environment where young people can pursue lawful businesses and contribute meaningfully to the development of Kano State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has denied allegations that he betrayed the confidence placed in him by the President, saying investigations into the accusations against him have been made public.

Gbajabiamila spoke on Saturday at the 2026 Gbajabiamila Mega Empowerment Programme held at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The allegations against the former Speaker of the House of Representatives were linked to a probe into the activities of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), a body described in the report as fictitious.

Gbajabiamila said investigations, including an inquiry conducted by the House of Representatives, had cleared him of wrongdoing.

According to him, the investigations were allowed to run their course despite calls from some quarters for him to be condemned before the process was completed.

He said, “The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told, and my integrity was questioned. Three years ago, the people of Surulere, the people of Lagos State, and those who love me in Nigeria, stood me in their prayers and spoke up for me when it mattered.

“I will never forget that. I thank you all. The investigative reports are in the public domain.

“Many people wanted me to rush to judgement and give a verdict before the investigation. They refused and insisted on due process. Let me also say, Mr. President knows his Chief of Staff very well. Having worked closely with me for many years, he was therefore supremely confident that I was not in any way involved in those nefarious things.”

Gbajabiamila said the controversy had not affected his commitment to his duties in the Presidency.

He also warned those he accused of orchestrating attacks against him that he would not be distracted from his responsibilities.

“Let me speak plainly and directly to all those behind the attacks. No amount of money, no amount of blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will detract me from my work and the work Mr. President has given me to do.

“And to anyone using my name to defame people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you.”

The Chief of Staff also spoke about his relationship with Tinubu, saying his loyalty to the President had remained intact despite occasions when he might disagree with some political decisions.

“In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most. I have been with Mr. President for many years…I did not question his leadership and never betrayed his trust in me. I stayed loyal then and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda is unshaken,” he said.

Gbajabiamila said the empowerment programme was designed to support about 5,000 residents from communities across Surulere.

He listed cash assistance, vehicles, electric tricycles, buses, security patrol vehicles and an ambulance among the items provided under the programme.

The Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, commended Gbajabiamila for maintaining close ties with his constituents.

Hamzat also called for support for President Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that other candidates he described as politically unstable could not match the President’s political experience and capacity.

He said a politician who could not manage a political party would struggle to manage a complex country such as Nigeria, while describing Tinubu as a politician who had remained with his party and helped build it from its foundation into what he called the largest political party in Africa.

By Anas Abbas

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, says he holds no bitterness toward friends, colleagues and relatives who have stayed silent during his current troubles. He says he leaves any judgment on those who wronged him to Almighty Allah.

In a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” dated September 23, 2026, El-Rufai said some people had expressed concern over the apparent silence of those he had publicly stood by in the past. He described his own view as “quite simple.”

He said his support for people and causes over the years was guided by his Islamic faith, his Arewa upbringing, his personal values and his conscience. It was never done in expectation of praise, gratitude or reciprocity, he said, and he remains answerable for those choices.

El-Rufai said those he supported are equally free to choose how to respond now that circumstances have changed. Some may speak, others may stay silent, and some may even deny their past association with him. He said he would not judge them for responding differently from what he or others might have expected.
“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” he said.

He added that what he has learnt in recent months may lead him to “quietly and without regret” reconsider certain relationships. He stressed that this was not reproach or condemnation, only “part of seeing people, and life, more clearly.”

He said he has no regrets about standing by anyone, would rather stay true to his principles than let others’ conduct redefine them, and seeks “neither revenge nor retribution” for any injustice or ingratitude.

He said ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, “in this world and in the Hereafter.”

El-Rufai closed by saying posterity will deliver its own verdict, and that his only concern is to remain at peace with his conscience and with Allah.

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, as it investigates corruption allegations from his time as governor between 2015 and 2023.
He has cast himself as a victim of political victimisation.

By y Sabiu Abdullahi

The Tinubu Must Go (TMG) movement has appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to enter discussions with other opposition figures on the possibility of forming a united platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The appeal was contained in a letter dated September 22, 2026, with the reference number TMG/NAT/2026/001 and addressed to Atiku through the National Chairman of the ADC.

The letter, titled “REQUEST FOR DIALOGUE TOWARDS A UNITED OPPOSITION FRONT FOR THE 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION,” said the group seeks discussions among major opposition figures on a possible consensus presidential candidate.

TMG described itself as a citizen-led movement whose members have put aside individual and partisan preferences in pursuit of what it described as a united opposition capable of presenting an alternative to the current administration.

The movement cited insecurity, economic pressures, inflation, poverty and unemployment among the issues it said have strengthened the case for opposition cooperation.

On insecurity, the group referred to figures from SBM Intelligence’s report, “The Capture of the Kidnap Economy”, which covers the period from July 2025 to June 2026. According to the letter, the report recorded 7,825 abducted persons and 1,142 deaths across 1,411 recorded kidnapping incidents out of 1,713 total kidnapping-related events.

The letter also stated that Northern Nigeria accounted for 93.7 per cent of reported abductions and 96 per cent of civilian fatalities in the period covered by the report, while Southern Nigeria accounted for 6.3 per cent of abducted victims.

On the economy, TMG said high inflation and food prices had reduced household purchasing power and placed essential commodities beyond the reach of many families.

The movement also cited rising energy costs, electricity and fuel tariffs, grid failures, poverty and youth unemployment as issues it said required urgent attention.

TMG said its immediate request was for opposition leaders to meet, engage in good faith and consider possible compromises that could produce a single consensus presidential candidate.

“We do not presume to dictate who should lead, who should concede, or what specific power-sharing arrangement should emerge,” the letter stated.

It added that such matters should be resolved through direct discussions among the opposition leaders.

“Our guiding principle is clear: the broader national interest must be given room to prevail before individual political ambitions become irreconcilable.”

The movement said it plans to hold an internal consultation among its supporters on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to assess their current preferences in the event that the organisation eventually decides to consolidate its grassroots structure behind a single platform.

However, TMG stressed that any internal consultation would remain secondary to whatever voluntary consensus the opposition candidates themselves might reach.

“Every major opposition figure, along with their respective political structures and supporters, remains indispensable to this national rescue project before, during, and after the election,” the letter said.

“Our mission is coalition-building, not exclusion.”

The group further told Atiku that it recognised his presidential ambition as part of a broader desire to serve Nigerians and change the country’s direction.

It argued that opposition cooperation could provide a means for the various political figures to work together, while also allowing their respective political structures and supporters to retain a role in the wider political process.

TMG urged whoever eventually emerges as the consensus candidate to maintain cooperation with other opposition leaders and their supporters.

It also called for an administration that would draw on the capabilities of the various partners if the coalition receives the mandate of Nigerian voters.

The movement specifically asked Atiku to open high-level discussions with other leading opposition candidates in order to identify areas of common ground.

“Political dynamics evolve rapidly as elections approach; consequently, the door to dialogue, compromise, and strategic alliance must remain open to the very end.”

TMG also requested an opportunity for a delegation from the movement to meet Atiku in person to formally present its appeal and discuss practical steps towards further dialogue.

The letter was signed by Abba Hikima, Esq., for Tinubu Must Go (TMG).

In a separate statement contained at the end of the letter, TMG said any formal response from Atiku or his political party could be communicated through verified social media accounts.

The statement reads:

“In the interest of complete transparency and to engage the millions of young, digital-first Nigerians following this initiative, any formal reply or statement regarding this appeal may simply be posted directly on the verified social medial handle (X, Facebook, Instagram) of Your Excellency or your political party under the hashtag #TMG. Any such post shall be deemed as having officially reached us and served upon the TMG leadership and nationwide community”.

By Anwar Usman

Former Kano State governor and the Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said a government led by the party’s candidate, Peter Obi, would reintroduce fuel subsidy, but through a different approach.

Kwankwaso, made this known during an interview with Arise News while discussing fuel pricing and the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said the NDC would look for other alternatives to reduce the cost of petrol for Nigerians, including increased investment in domestic refining.

“No, no, no, look. We are bringing subsidy in our own way,” Kwankwaso said when asked whether the party’s position on subsidy would affect its campaign in the North-West.

Explaining how that could be achieved Kwankwaso said government could establish more refineries to boost local production and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

He further stated that, the expansion of domestic refining capacity would help ensure that Nigerians can purchase petrol at what he described as a reasonable price.

“Now, if individuals in this country could build refineries, I see no reason why government, under certain circumstances, will not build a refinery or refineries to the extent that we achieve the minimum requirement,” he said.

Kwankwaso said the NDC would prioritise measures aimed at lowering fuel prices.

“What is the minimum requirement? The minimum requirement is for the people across the country to go to the filling stations and buy fuel at a reasonable price,” he added.

“We, in the NDC, will do whatever it takes, really, to put the price of oil down.”

The NDC chieftain also criticised how Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office in 2023.

He noted that the major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had supported subsidy removal as the major way of reviving the country’s economy but accused the current government for implementing the policy withoutproper consultation.

According to him, the decision was taken without adequately addressing the consequences associated with subsidy removal.

“And not only he decided to remove the subsidy, what he did was to remove it immediately — in fact, day one — without looking at all those possible issues that were associated with that,” Kwankwaso said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the opposition of some All Progressives Congress governors to the proposed Rainbow Coalition is linked to their political calculations over the leadership of the National Assembly after the 2027 elections.

Wike made the allegation on Monday during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, where he defended the coalition and rejected concerns that it could weaken the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The FCT minister said the coalition was primarily intended to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election. He argued that politicians could support Tinubu for president while backing candidates of their preferred parties in governorship and legislative elections.

He cited the 2023 elections as an example, recalling that members of the G5 group supported Tinubu’s presidential bid while their parties contested other positions.

“In 2023, core leadership G5, we said we are going to support Mr President. But we never said that all our candidates in other elections will fail. We never said so,” Wike said.

He added, “Particularly in Rivers State, we supported Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; he won the presidential election. But in National Assembly election and the state election, PDP won.”

Wike dismissed the argument that such a voting pattern would confuse Nigerians. He said voters had already demonstrated that they could support different parties in different elections.

“Who will be more confused? Is it not my own candidates that will even be more confused when I’ve told them to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and then again, they now go back to support other candidates?”

According to Wike, some APC governors are concerned that politicians who fail to secure tickets under the ruling party could contest on other platforms and win their elections. He alleged that such lawmakers might then refuse to support candidates favoured by the governors for leadership positions in the National Assembly.

“APC in their ongoing party primaries, the governors, in their own wisdom, believe that they should be able now to put senators or House of Reps members who they will dictate to who will become the next Senate President or the Speaker,” he alleged.

He continued, “The fear now is that, if they run and they win, it means that they’re not going to support him to be the Senate President,” he said.

Wike specifically linked the issue to Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma. He alleged that Uzodimma was interested in becoming Senate President after leaving office.

“Mr. President will be inaugurated by May 29. This man’s office will expire by January, February 2028.

“Now, he wants to leave his office to run for Senate. Now, what does that mean? He wants to run for Senate President. Now, what he does is to say to his colleagues, ‘Look, let us, the governors, be the ones that will produce the senators that will produce members of the House of Representatives.

“And of course, some of the governors are not experienced. They buy in, thinking it’s going to make them powerful, not knowing that he has his own interests, his own agenda, to become Senate President,” Wike said.

The FCT minister also made his position on Uzodimma’s alleged ambition clear.

“Life or death, I will never support a character of Hope Uzodimma to be the Senate President of Nigeria. Everybody knows that,” the minister stated.

Wike said his position should not be interpreted as a personal dispute. He maintained that the political interests behind the disagreement should be considered within the wider contest ahead of 2027.

The disagreement comes after the APC Governors Forum declared that it would not support any alliance or political arrangement capable of undermining Tinubu’s re-election, weakening the APC or affecting the party’s candidates. Uzodimma announced the position after a meeting of the governors in Abuja.

Wike also rejected reports that President Tinubu had agreed to concede nine states to the PDP or the Rainbow Coalition as part of a political arrangement.

“The nine states, did they tell you the nine states?”

He added, “Let us help Nigerians. Let’s get the facts. Who are… which are those states? Tell us. That they said the President agreed with me that he has conceded nine states.”

The minister said his political focus remained on supporting Tinubu’s re-election and promoting what he described as the achievements of the administration.

“Mr. President is showing his postcard. We are selling Mr. President what he’s been doing, why he should be re-elected,” he said.

Wike also said Tinubu was aware of the Rainbow Coalition and his activities around the proposed arrangement.

“As I speak to you here, Mr. President knows about my concept, of the rainbow coalition…. Mr. President understands me very well,” Wike said.

He maintained that the coalition was not intended to take over the APC or prevent other parties from presenting candidates for governorship and legislative contests.

The FCT minister has previously said the coalition has no formal connection with the APC and that his stated objective is to support Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The disagreement has continued to generate reactions within the APC. The party’s South-East caucus previously called on Wike to apologise to APC governors over his comments about their opposition to the coalition.

Wike, however, has maintained his position that support for Tinubu in the presidential election can coexist with support for candidates from other parties in governorship and legislative elections.

The minister’s latest comments further highlight the growing disagreement between his Rainbow Coalition initiative and APC governors over how political support should be organised ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen have killed and beheaded the village head of Lafagu community in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Sunday.

Usman said the identity of the traditional ruler had not been disclosed, adding that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing.

“Yes, it is true the village head was killed in Lafagu under Bagudo Local Government. We have made some arrests in respect of the incident and will provide details later,” the PPRO said.

However, preliminary findings cited by PUNCH suggested that the attack may have been carried out by an armed ethnic militia rather than bandits or Lakurawa insurgents.

A source, Tukur Kaoje, said Fulani, Kambarawa and Bargawa communities had lived together in the area for decades before the recent escalation of insecurity linked to allegations of cattle rustling and kidnapping.

Kaoje alleged that the reported infiltration of some communities by Lakurawa fighters led some residents of Bargawa and Kambarawa communities to accuse Fulani residents of involvement in the attacks.

He said armed groups were subsequently formed to confront the alleged threats.

Kaoje further alleged that the militia recently attacked Boya village, where he claimed scores of Fulani residents were killed.

“Yes, the village head was beheaded in Lafagu, but we are not sure whether the killers were bandits or Lakurawa. There are allegations that it was carried out by an armed ethnic militia.”

He described the situation in Lafagu and neighbouring communities as tense and called for urgent government intervention to prevent further deterioration.

He also warned that failure to address the situation could trigger a wider cycle of communal violence that may become increasingly difficult to contain.

The police have yet to establish publicly who was responsible for the killing, while investigations into the incident continue.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the Federal Government’s plan to end electricity subsidies from 2027.

Atiku made the appeal in a video address on Friday while discussing the rising cost of living, government interventions and increasing energy costs across Nigeria.

The Federal Government has said it intends to phase out electricity subsidies from 2027 as part of efforts to tackle accumulated financial obligations in the power sector and create a more sustainable electricity market.

Power Minister, Joseph Tegbe, said the government was developing measures to protect vulnerable electricity consumers from the impact of the reforms.

However, Atiku argued that removing the subsidy without first easing the financial pressure on households and businesses could further deepen the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.

He said government measures such as food distribution and cash transfers could offer temporary relief but would not address the underlying causes of rising living costs.

“A bag of rice cannot repair an economy in which transportation costs outrun salaries,” Atiku said.

“A cash transfer cannot permanently compensate a worker for whose income is continually eroded by energy costs. Palliatives manage pain. Good policy addresses the source of the pain.”

The former vice president said Nigerians were already dealing with significant economic pressure, adding that the proposed electricity subsidy withdrawal could introduce another burden.

“And as if the pressure on families were not enough, Nigerians are now being told that electricity subsidies will be phased out in 2027,” he said.

Atiku maintained that electricity bills were already placing considerable pressure on households and businesses.

“Electricity is already expensive. Families are calculating how long their units will last,” he said.

“Small businesses are struggling to keep the lights on. Manufacturers are spending enormous amounts on electricity, diesel, and alternative power simply to keep factories running.”

He listed several businesses that rely heavily on electricity and could be affected by further increases in energy costs.

“The barber needs electricity for his clippers. The tailor needs it for her machines. The frozen food seller needs it to preserve her stock. The welder needs it for his equipment. The manufacturer needs it to keep the factory alive,” Atiku said.

The ADC presidential candidate also urged the administration to learn from the consequences of the removal of petrol subsidies before implementing another major energy reform.

“The lesson of petrol must not be repeated with electricity,” he said.

“Do not remove first and think later. Do not impose the pain first and search for palliatives afterwards.”

The planned withdrawal of electricity subsidies comes as the government seeks to address the financial difficulties within the power sector.

Tegbe said in July that the government was working towards ending electricity subsidy payments in 2027 while addressing an estimated ₦3.3 trillion in legacy debt within the electricity market.

Atiku urged Tinubu to devote the remaining period of his administration to measures that could reduce the financial pressure on Nigerians.

He also cautioned the government against treating the period before the 2027 general election as too short to make a difference in the lives of citizens.

“Eight months may sound short inside Aso Rock, but eight months is a very long time when you are living from hand to mouth,” he said.

“Use that time to reduce burden on Nigerians, please.”

Despite their political differences, Atiku said he was willing to share policy proposals with the Federal Government if they could help ease the difficulties facing Nigerians.

“And if your government requires policy ideas or technical input on how to bring relief, I am prepared to make mine available,” he said.

“Nigerians do not have to wait for another administration before they benefit from an idea that can help them today.”

He added: “If you need the framework, I will provide it. Implement it under your government. Give it whatever name you choose. Take the credit.”

Atiku said political competition between him and Tinubu should not come ahead of the interests of Nigerians.

“I ask for only one thing. Let Nigerians breathe,” he said.

“I am prepared to compete with you politically, but I will never compete with the welfare of the Nigerian people.”

The comments come as discussions over the future of energy subsidies continue ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku has also expressed support for restoring petrol subsidies if elected president, a position that has drawn criticism from the Tinubu administration and other commentators.

While the Federal Government maintains that electricity subsidies are no longer financially sustainable and that reforms are necessary to strengthen the power sector, Atiku is calling for a transition that would not place additional pressure on households and businesses.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.

The suspects were apprehended during operations carried out by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.

Reports had earlier indicated that at least 33 suspected illegal miners died after they were detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.

The deaths were reportedly discovered early Thursday. The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, was said to have linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the exact cause of the deaths had not been established.

The Corps said claims that a particular disease caused the deaths would require medical and laboratory confirmation before such a conclusion could be reached.

The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to Afolabi, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative panel to establish what led to the deaths.

The panel will be headed by the Deputy Commandant General responsible for Intelligence and Investigation.

Afolabi said investigators would examine several aspects of the incident, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention they received.

The statement partly read:

“NSCDC has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

“Following the development, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Audi also ordered the Corps to give priority to the health and welfare of people who remain in custody.

The NSCDC said measures were also being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.

The Corps expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be investigated.

Afolabi further said the Corps would avoid drawing conclusions until medical examinations establish the cause of the deaths.

“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.

“The Corps extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and assures them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.”