Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Uzair Adam

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to party members openly supporting President Bola Tinubu, urging them to withdraw their stance or face tougher disciplinary measures.

In a statement on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described such actions as anti-party and a direct violation of the party’s constitution.

He stressed that the NWC, acting under Section 59 (1) of the PDP constitution, had reprimanded those involved and cautioned them to retrace their steps to protect the party’s unity and electoral chances.

The NWC expressed concern over the growing trend of public statements from prominent PDP figures declaring their support for Tinubu and even pledging to work for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to the committee, these actions breach Section 10 (6) of the PDP constitution, which prohibits members from aligning with other parties in ways that undermine the PDP or its elected governments.

“These anti-party activities have caused division, disaffection, and significant loss of members, posing a serious threat to the party’s stability and electoral fortunes if left unchecked,” the statement warned.

The party leadership urged members to remain loyal, stay focused, and work towards the successful conduct of the PDP National Convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The warning comes amid ongoing internal crises within the PDP, as several high-profile members have openly endorsed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

On July 28, 2025, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly declared support for Tinubu’s second term and also endorsed Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy for re-election at an APC event in Ado Ekiti.

Similarly, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the PDP in Osun State announced their endorsement of Tinubu for the 2027 elections.

Adeleke, while affirming his loyalty to the PDP and announcing his own second-term endorsement for 2026, described Tinubu as a “proud son” of Osun State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to increase investments in poverty eradication, rural electrification, agriculture, and infrastructure to improve the lives of Nigerians.

Speaking at the 150th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration between federal and state governments to stimulate growth in rural areas.

“We must change the story of our people in the rural areas. The economy is recovering, but we need to do more to benefit the grassroots,” he said.

The NEC endorsed the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), a new initiative targeting Nigeria’s 8,809 wards to boost economic growth.

The plan, presented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, aims to achieve double-digit growth by supporting agriculture, food security, and local economic activities.

Tinubu also directed the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General to the presidency to fast-track major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry highways.

Additionally, the council called for stronger state emergency agencies and the release of funds to tackle impending flood risks.

The RHWDP will be overseen by a National Steering Committee, with implementation handled by federal, state, and local governments.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Adeniyi’s tenure, originally set to expire on August 31, 2025, will now continue until August 2026.

The extension is aimed at allowing the Customs boss to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete key initiatives of the Tinubu administration.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the extension will enable Adeniyi to drive critical projects, including the modernisation of the NCS, the implementation of the National Single Window Project, and the execution of Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Tinubu commended Adeniyi for his leadership and expressed confidence that the extension would enhance the Service’s ability to deliver on its mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security.

Adeniyi, a career customs officer, was appointed Comptroller-General in 2023 and has since spearheaded reforms to improve efficiency in the Service.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Presidency has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is entitled to seek a second term in office, just as the late former President Muhammadu Buhari did.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this known during an interview with Trust Radio on Wednesday.

He urged Northern politicians to exercise patience and respect the rotational power arrangement, arguing that the South supported Buhari for eight years and should be allowed to complete its own turn.

Onanuga dismissed recent claims by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) about Northern marginalisation.

He described such complaints as a veiled attempt to weaken Tinubu’s government.

“This president is a Nigerian. He deserves the same two terms that Buhari had. Let’s not sacrifice the country for personal ambition,” Onanuga stated.

Addressing allegations that federal appointments under Tinubu favour the Southwest, Onanuga challenged those making the accusations to present credible data rather than general assumptions.

He also dismissed reports of lopsided infrastructure development. He said the Tinubu administration inherited several incomplete and abandoned projects across the country.

Onanuga pointed to appointments in the security sector as proof of inclusiveness, saying Northerners head key agencies under Tinubu’s leadership.

“You need to get your statistics right. It’s all political mischief designed to undermine the President. There are bad roads across the country, not just in the North.

“The National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and the two Defence Ministers are all Northerners. Places like Birnin Gwari and Igabi (in Kaduna) are now safer. I drove from Kaduna to Abuja without incident, a journey that was once unthinkable,” he added.

By Abdulaziz T. Bako

The National Assembly is quietly processing over 80 constitutional amendments that could change the structure of Nigeria permanently. But most of us are not paying attention. This is not about party or tribe, it is about our future.

Just look at what happened in Kano. The State Government organized a public hearing on these bills, but the hall was mostly filled with Kwankwasiyya supporters, not because others were not invited, but because people are sleeping on what may be an existential threat to their region.

Reading through all 86 proposals, I couldn’t find a single clause that deliberately strengthens the North or addresses our developmental realities. The only visible “benefit” is that most of the proposals for the creation of new states and local governments are from Northern states, which is a clear reflection of our power-hungry leaders’ penchant for prioritizing territorial control over actual development. It’s the same mindset behind our endless creation of emirates across the North. Everyone just wants a title, a throne, or a kingdom they can personally rule, while the people remain poor, uneducated, and insecure.

Well, I want you to know that these reforms are not harmless. Many of them target the political, social, and economic foundations of Northern Nigeria. Leme break down a few of the most dangerous ones with what the bill says:

1. 50% VAT Derivation

The FG’s push for 50% VAT derivation is especially dangerous and deceptive. The federal government is now trying to reintroduce 50% VAT derivation formula through the back door after it was fought and rejected in the recently enacted tax reform bill. This move is clearly designed to give Lagos state an undue advantage, allowing them to keep most of the VAT collected, while impoverishing Northern states that rely heavily on federal redistribution. In essence, Lagos and other few states will keep most VAT, and Northern states will lose billions.

5. Resource Control – (HB 1310, HB 1406)

“States to have control over resources in their land… only remit 25% to the Federation Account.”

If this proposal passes, states will control the natural resources in their land and only remit 25% to the Federation Account. This would be catastrophic for Northern Nigeria, as most northern states heavily rely on the redistribution of oil revenue and VAT to fund their budgets, pay salaries, build infrastructure, and provide basic services. But with this reform, oil-producing states like Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta would keep 75% of their oil money, while the federal government would be left with less to share. The North, which has fewer natural resources and far lower internally generated revenue, would be left behind economically. This is clearly an economic secession and sabotage disguised as federalism. It will widen the already dangerous gap between North and South, and could plunge many northern states into deeper poverty, unrest, and dependency.

3.. Indigeneship Reform – (HB 2057, HB 1422, HB 70)

“Any person resident for 10 years… or married to an indigene shall be entitled to all rights of indigeneship.”

This means anyone can become an indigene of Kano, Katsina, or Sokoto after 10 years or by marriage. I would leave you to decide what this means for emlloyment opportunities and federal character.

4. Ecclesiastical (Christian) Courts – (HB 79)

“Establish a system of Ecclesiastical Courts equivalent to Sharia Courts for Christians.”

You decide what you make of it.

This is just a sample. These reforms are coming fast and quietly. If we don’t speak up, they will be passed, and we may never recover from the consequences.

Share this, organize, and demand your state organize public hearings. Ask your religious leaders, lawmakers, and traditional rulers where they stand.

Abdulaziz Bako
7/25/2025

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive state funeral programme following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A period of national mourning has commenced to honour his service to the nation.

In a statement released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the government detailed the arrangements.

A high-powered committee chaired by Senator Akume has been established to oversee the state burial proceedings.

As a mark of respect, Tuesday, July 15th, has been declared a public holiday, initiating a seven-day period of national mourning.

Throughout this time, all flags across Nigeria and at diplomatic missions abroad will fly at half-mast.

Significant government activities have been adjusted.

The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, originally planned for Wednesday, has been postponed to Friday.

Furthermore, twenty-five members of the FEC have been directed to travel to Daura, the late president’s hometown, for a special three-day mourning session.

The process of returning the former president’s remains to Nigeria is underway. A delegation led by the Vice President has finalized arrangements for the repatriation.

The body is expected to arrive at Katsina airport by 12 noon today, Tuesday, July 15th, where it will be received with a brief military parade.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside other dignitaries, will formally receive the remains in Katsina before they are transported to Daura for the final rites.

The funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) and burial will take place in Daura.

Condolence registers have been opened at all Federal Government ministries, agencies, and Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide.

The government has called on all citizens to honour the memory of the late former president with prayers and respect during this time of national loss.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, a two-time leader revered as a soldier and statesman, passed away on Sunday at a hospital in the United Kingdom at 82.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the death in an emotional press release, describing Buhari as “a patriot to the very core” whose “legacy of service and sacrifice endures.”

Buhari governed Nigeria first as a military ruler (1984–1985) and later as a democratically elected president (2015–2023) Tinubu praised his predecessor’s “unwavering dedication” to Nigeria, highlighting Buhari’s “quiet strength” during turbulent times, anti-corruption campaigns, and commitment to national unity.

“He placed the country above personal interest at every turn,” Tinubu stated.

The president extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, his children, the Buhari family, and the people of Katsina State—particularly the Daura Emirate.

In honour of Buhari, Tinubu ordered all national flags flown at half-staff for seven days and summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday.

The federal government will accord Buhari full state honours, reflecting his “towering contributions” to Nigeria.

Tinubu concluded with a prayer: “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.” He expressed hope that Buhari’s life would inspire Nigerians to serve “with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”

Buhari’s death marks the end of an era for a leader whose career spanned four turbulent decades in Nigerian politics.

Tributes are expected nationwide as the country enters a week of mourning.

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 Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night awarded Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), Nigeria’s second-highest national honour.

The ceremony took place in Lagos in recognition of Gates’ contributions to global health and development through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The CFR is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Nigeria and humanity at large.

Gates has long supported initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in healthcare, polio eradication, and economic development.

President Tinubu praised Gates for his dedication to improving lives worldwide and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with global leaders in advancing sustainable development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Constituency Affairs, Khadijat Omotayo, has appealed to Nigerians to refrain from criticizing the President over the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, Omotayo emphasized that Tinubu’s decision was aimed at improving the country’s economy.

The gathering was attended by various stakeholders, including market women, youth groups, labor leaders, farmers, traditional rulers, government officials, and students.

She explained that the revenue generated from the subsidy removal had been allocated to all states, and the President had already approved an increase in workers’ salaries, with further increments expected during his tenure.

Omotayo highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to national unity, pointing to her presence in Plateau, a state governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as evidence of his willingness to work with all Nigerians.

She also praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts in fostering democracy and inclusivity.

She stated, “I don’t expect us at this point to keep attacking Mr. President, who wants dividends of democracy to go down the states. If Mr. President is a partisan politician, he won’t let me come to Plateau State, as we all know it is a PDP state. But I’m here to represent him just because he wants to carry everybody along.”

Defending the government’s policies, she noted that President Tinubu had introduced a student loan scheme benefiting all regions, allowing students to access loans without collateral.

“The students are talking about free education, and Mr. President has initiated free loans for the students. All regions are benefitting from this loan. Tell a friend to tell a friend; tell a mother to tell a brother, tell a father to tell a brother. There is a free student loan without collateral. What do you want again?” she asked.

Omotayo called on Nigerians to support the government’s initiatives and urged citizens to hold their representatives accountable rather than directing their frustrations at the President.

Governor Mutfwang, represented by the Plateau State Commissioner for Youths, Musa Ashoms, appreciated Tinubu’s support for Plateau and reiterated his administration’s commitment to development.

He stated, “Mr. President is doing a lot for us in Plateau, but like Oliver Twist, we are only asking for more. Like you said Emilokan, as Plateau State, it is our time for development.”

The town hall meeting provided an opportunity for citizens to engage with government representatives and discuss pressing national issues.