Bola Tinubu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Matawalle made this statement on Saturday while hosting guests at his residence in Abuja. He urged Nigerians and political leaders across the country to rally behind the Tinubu administration and support its reform agenda.

According to the minister, the President’s leadership approach and policy decisions are already placing Nigeria on the path to economic recovery, institutional strength, and national cohesion. He cautioned politicians against early power struggles and political manoeuvres aimed at weakening the present government, which he said could damage the nation’s democratic process.

He said, “President Tinubu has taken bold steps to stabilise the economy and strengthen national institutions.

“Those plotting to unseat him are motivated by personal interests rather than the public good. If allowed to complete his reform programme, I am confident the President will win convincingly in 2027.”

Matawalle stated that the impact of the administration’s policies is becoming visible across the country. He noted that the northern region has recorded notable improvements, particularly in governance reforms, security measures, and institutional growth.

He also called on political stakeholders to embrace dialogue and cooperation instead of division. The minister stressed that national interest should take precedence over personal ambitions.

Matawalle further appealed to citizens to support government programmes aimed at achieving sustained economic growth, improved security, and stronger unity among Nigerians.

“Rather than engaging in rancour and short-term political calculations, we should focus on solutions that deliver jobs, security, and stronger institutions for Nigerians,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidency has dismissed concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s health, saying he remains fit and is carrying on with his state visit to Türkiye as scheduled.

The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who said the President moved from the ceremonial welcome in Ankara straight into planned bilateral engagements with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other top Turkish officials.

According to Dare, the meetings are focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and widening cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye in key areas such as defence and security, trade and investment, energy and overall economic development.

He noted that the seamless flow of activities reflects the growing relationship between both countries and Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic drive under the Tinubu administration.

Addressing enquiries about a brief incident involving the President, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that Tinubu only lost his balance momentarily after stepping on an object.

He explained that the President stepped on a metal on the floor, which caused a slight loss of balance, stressing that it was “not a big deal” and should not be exaggerated.

Onanuga added that it was “a mere stumble, not a fall,” and urged the public to ignore attempts to sensationalise what he described as a fleeting incident.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu remains in good health and fully engaged in all official activities during the visit.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where a significant economic agreement with the United Arab Emirates was finalized.

On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.

The pact is designed to strengthen economic ties, increase trade and investment, and foster collaboration in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, including technology transfer.

Addressing the summit, President Tinubu unveiled plans for a joint Nigeria-UAE “INVESTOPIA” event scheduled for Lagos in February.

The initiative is targeted at drawing global investors to the country.

The President also outlined Nigeria’s ambitious climate finance goal, stating the nation aims to secure up to $30 billion each year to support its energy transition and drive efforts to expand electricity access across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has established a high-level committee tasked with resolving internal conflicts and mobilising support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.

The Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation was inaugurated by the President on Wednesday in Lagos.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, will lead the committee as its Chairman, with former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, serving as Member/Secretary.

The committee’s composition is a who’s-who of party heavyweights, including several governors, federal ministers, and former governors.

Notable members are the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; and Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).

Also on the committee are the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.In his remarks after the inauguration, Chairman Mai Mala Buni pledged the committee’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and developing lasting strategies for the party.

“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” Governor Buni stated.

He urged members to prioritise the party’s collective interest over personal sentiments.

This move follows President Tinubu’s strong appeal for unity during the APC’s National Executive Committee meeting last Friday in Abuja.

At that meeting, the President emphasised the need for tolerance and cohesion, reminding party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals and respect for diverse opinions.

“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni added, outlining the panel’s broad mandate to ensure a unified front for the ruling party.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru earlier this week.

The former Jigawa State governor stepped down amid worsening security challenges across the country.

Upon accepting his resignation, President Tinubu promptly nominated General Musa and sent his name to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.

General Musa appeared before the Senate on Wednesday, where he was extensively questioned by lawmakers on security matters before being cleared and confirmed.

At a brief but solemn ceremony, President Tinubu urged the new minister to leverage his extensive operational experience, strategic depth, and institutional knowledge of the Armed Forces to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture.

He emphasised that the ministry must prioritise synergy among the services, accelerate reforms, and sustain momentum in ongoing joint operations.

The President also highlighted the need for transparency in procurement, improved welfare for personnel, and deeper inter-agency cooperation.

General Musa, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff until June, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced officers of his generation.

He commanded counterterrorism operations in the North-East and provided strategic oversight for nationwide military engagements.

He pledged total commitment to the President’s vision for a safer and more stable Nigeria, promising to work tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, modernise defence capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with regional and international allies.

“We will not relent. We will sustain the pressure on the enemies of the state and ensure that peace returns to every community,” he said, stressing the importance of troop morale, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local communities.

Following the induction, senior government officials, including the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated the new minister, expressing confidence that his appointment signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.

General Musa is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and top ministry officials in the coming days as he begins reshaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has congratulated General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) on his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence.

In a statement issued today, Governor Sani described the nomination as “well-deserved” and a “profound vote of confidence” in General Musa’s character and competence.

He extended congratulations on behalf of the Kaduna State Government and its people, noting the nominee is an illustrious son of the state.

The Governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment, stating it rewards excellence and reaffirms the President’s resolve to strengthen national security.

Having worked closely with General Musa, Governor Sani affirmed the appointment is timely and apt, calling it “a round peg in a round hole.”

He highlighted the General’s previous service as Chief of Defence Staff, citing his “uncommon discipline, strategic clarity, and humane leadership” which restored public confidence in the military.

For Kaduna State, the Governor credited General Musa’s “wise counsel, measured interventions, and firm support” as instrumental in stabilising areas once troubled by banditry and insurgent activity since May 2023.

Governor Sani urged the Senate to accord the distinguished officer expedited screening and approval, stating the nation stands to benefit immensely from his experience and patriotism.

He concluded by saluting General Musa’s service, celebrating his ascent on behalf of Kaduna, and expressing confidence that history will remember him kindly.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Aliyu Usman Tilde, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, over what he described as a clear display of bias.

Dr. Tilde made the call in a post on his Facebook page where he wrote: “TINUBU: INEC Chairman Should Resign or be Kicked Out. This is too gross and partial for his chair.”

His comment followed the resurfacing of a 2020 publication authored by Professor Amupitan, in which he described the violence against Christians in Nigeria as “genocide.”

The document, titled “Nigeria’s Silent Slaughter: Genocide in Nigeria and the Implications for the International Community,” was part of a legal brief submitted to international organisations.

In the publication, Amupitan stated that crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity were being committed in Nigeria, adding that the victims were “mainly the Christian population and minority ethnic groups.”

The resurfacing of this document has triggered heated reactions across the country, with critics saying the position taken by Amupitan before his appointment raises serious questions about his neutrality as the nation’s electoral umpire.

Dr. Tilde, in his post, expressed concern that such views could undermine public trust in INEC, insisting that the chairman’s past statements make him unfit to preside over Nigeria’s electoral process.

Neither Professor Amupitan nor INEC has officially responded to the criticism.

However, some of his supporters argue that his earlier legal opinion was written in his capacity as an academic and lawyer, not as an election official.

The controversy has continued to generate debate among political observers, with calls for President Tinubu to address the matter to safeguard the credibility of future elections.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has stated that his administration is actively engaging with the international community as Nigeria’s economic reforms show positive results.

He gave this assurance during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The President, speaking after the swearing-in of two new ministers, pointed to the recent oversubscription of a $2.3 billion Eurobond by 400% as a sign of strong international confidence in the country’s direction.

“The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners,” Tinubu told the council.

Addressing the nation’s security challenges, the Commander-in-Chief charged Nigerians not to give in to despair.

“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism,” he affirmed.

The cabinet meeting also featured an economic briefing from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun.

He reported that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, which he described as the highest growth rate in a decade, excluding the post-COVID rebound period.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is expected to travel to the United States on Tuesday for diplomatic discussions with top American officials amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy military force in Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.

Presidential sources told newsmen that Tinubu’s trip would focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing recent concerns raised by the U.S. government.

The source added that Trump has “delegated his Vice, James David Vance, to meet with Tinubu during the visit,” unless there are last-minute changes.

The planned meeting comes days after Trump claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing “genocide” and warned that the U.S. might intervene militarily if the killings did not stop.

Trump stated, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” he added.

In response, President Tinubu denied the allegations of religious persecution, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to protecting the rights of all faiths.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said in a statement released on Saturday.

He added that since assuming office in 2023, his administration “has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”

The President dismissed claims of religious intolerance as false and misleading.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he declared.

He reiterated that “religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”

Meanwhile, presidential aide Daniel Bwala said the forthcoming visit aims to strengthen cooperation between both nations on counterterrorism and regional stability.

“Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala said.

He noted that the Trump administration had “assisted Nigeria a lot by authorising the sale of arms,” adding that Tinubu’s government has “adequately utilised the opportunity in the fight against terrorism for which we have massive results to show for it.”

Bwala also disclosed that any differences in perception regarding the nature of terrorist activities in Nigeria “would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in State House or White House.”

Tinubu further emphasized that his administration remains committed to working with the U.S. and other international partners “to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”

“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths,” he said.

“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” Tinubu added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently opposed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, labelling it an “insensitive and misguided” move that will deepen the economic crisis for Nigerians.

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned the administration against “pushing the people to the wall” with policies that exacerbate suffering.

The ADC cautioned that the new levy could force the pump price of petrol beyond ₦1,000 per litre, making life “even more unbearable” for families, commuters, and businesses already struggling with the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation.

The party also questioned the government’s rationale for the tax, which is purportedly to protect domestic refining investments.

It pointed to the recent collapse of the rehabilitated Port Harcourt refinery just five months after a $1.5 billion overhaul as evidence of a flawed strategy.

“While we support private investments in the energy sector, policies meant to protect such investments must also protect the people and put their interests first,” the statement read.

The ADC demanded the immediate reversal of the import duty, asserting that a government unable to run its own refineries has no business taxing those who rely on imported fuel.

“Nigerians deserve a government that plans, not one that panics,” the party stated. “Economic growth that condemns the majority to a life of hardship and misery is ultimately destructive.”