Nigeria

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, which commenced in 1999, introduced a distinctive political culture that has since become entrenched in the nation’s democratic practice. Governors automatically emerge as leaders of their political parties in their respective states.

Although this arrangement is not expressly written into the 1999 Constitution or party constitutions as a rigid rule, it has evolved into an accepted political convention. In practical terms, once a governor belongs to a political party, he becomes the undisputed leader of that party in the state.

This “default” leadership status flows from the enormous constitutional powers, financial control, and political influence vested in state governors. Under the 1999 Constitution, governors are the chief executives of their states, control significant public resources, influence appointments, and play central roles in policy direction. These powers naturally position them as dominant actors within the political structure of their states. Political parties, being vehicles for acquiring and exercising power, inevitably gravitate toward the governor as their rallying point.

Critics often argue that this arrangement departs from earlier republican experiences. During Nigeria’s First, Second, and even Third Republics, governors and presidents were not automatically regarded as the formal leaders of their parties at the state or national levels. Party structures were often more independent, with clearer institutional separation between party leadership and executive office holders. However, Nigeria’s political system has evolved significantly since then. The current democratic framework places far greater burden, administrative authority, fiscal control, and political leverage in the hands of governors than was previously the case. It’s about the position!

The emergence of governors as de facto party leaders is not accidental but a result of political evolution shaped by key realities. The 1999 Constitution centralises executive authority in governors, making them the most powerful figures in their states. They also control critical political resources, finances, networks, appointments, and patronage, which are essential for party survival and electoral success. In a competitive electoral environment, incumbency provides structure, visibility, and mobilisation strength that few others can match.

Above all, political parties require unified command; without clear leadership at the state level, factionalism and instability can easily arise.

Imagine the chaos and unhealthy rivalry that could engulf a political party if a sitting governor chose to remain indifferent to party affairs. Competing factions would struggle for supremacy. Conflicting directives could weaken party cohesion. Such fragmentation could easily cost the party elections and governance effectiveness.

Furthermore, when it comes to interfacing between the executive arm at the federal level and party structures within the states, particularly in matters relating to appointments, political negotiations, federal-state collaboration, and reward systems, the governor’s role becomes indispensable. Governors serve as the bridge between national party leadership and grassroots political actors. In fact, Presidents often rely on Governors to win a state 

Just as the President functions as the leader of his party at the national level, governors serving as party leaders in their states create symmetry within the political order. This structure promotes stability, clarity of authority, strategic coordination, and internal discipline.

It is therefore not surprising that across Nigeria’s 21 registered political parties, this practice is widely accepted. Once a governor joins a party, he naturally assumes leadership of that party in the state, not necessarily by proclamation, but by political reality.

While debates may continue about whether this system strengthens internal party democracy or concentrates excessive influence in one individual, its practical utility in maintaining order, direction, and electoral viability cannot be ignored.

The emergence of governors as party leaders in their states reflects the reality on the ground, political necessity, and democratic evolution in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Alumni of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship have called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental human rights.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the group expressed “deep concern” over what it termed the illegal detention of El-Rufai, arguing that it contravenes constitutional guarantees of personal liberty, dignity and due process under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The alumni further criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to produce the former governor before the Federal High Court on February 25, 2026, stating that this action infringes his right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time as provided under Section 36 of the Constitution.

According to the statement, the right to be brought promptly before a court is “not discretionary but an essential safeguard of personal liberty and justice.” The group urged all relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions and uphold the rule of law.

The fellowship alumni also highlighted El-Rufai’s record in public service, particularly his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, where they said he implemented institutional reforms and socio-economic development programmes with measurable impact. They noted that the establishment of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship was among his initiatives to encourage youth participation in governance and leadership.

Reaffirming their solidarity, the group called on well-meaning Nigerians to support their demand for justice and due process. They insisted that every citizen is entitled to protection from unlawful detention and urged authorities to grant El-Rufai full rights to defend himself without prejudice.

The statement concluded with a renewed demand for his immediate release, emphasising that adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law is critical to strengthening public trust in national institutions.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended its Student Loan Application Portal to accommodate the growing nationwide interest generated by its ongoing awareness campaign.

The extension follows a reminder last week that the portal was scheduled to close on February 27, 2026. In response to feedback from students and stakeholders, NELFUND provided additional days to allow eligible applicants sufficient time to complete their submissions.

In a statement on Monday, signed by the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND said:

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal following a significant increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.

“The Fund has approved some additional days to ensure all eligible students are given adequate opportunity to complete their applications, pending further management decisions and communications.”

The announcement targets students requiring extra time, prospective applicants informed through recent outreach, institutions that have just commenced their 2025/2026 academic session, and schools that have yet to submit verified student lists.

“Our sensitisation efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation. Therefore, in line with our mandate to expand access to tertiary education financing, we have approved an extension to ensure that all eligible students have a fair and equal opportunity to apply,” said NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive, Akintunde Sawyerr.

NELFUND advised institutions that have not yet started the 2025/2026 session to submit an official extension request with their approved academic calendar. Students are urged to complete their applications via the official portal before it closes permanently.

The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable student financing solutions designed to remove financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.

As of the portal’s previous closure date, NELFUND had received 1.69 million applications and disbursed N183.8 billion.

Established under the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme, enacted by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024, NELFUND provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition and living expenses. Applications opened in May 2024 to support students from low-income backgrounds. Beneficiaries repay the loans after graduation and securing employment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The presidency has dismissed reports circulating online that kitchen workers at the Presidential Villa attempted to poison Bola Ahmed Tinubu or were arrested over such an incident.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, rejected the allegation in a post shared on his X account on Sunday. He described the report as false and urged the public to disregard it.

The claim had alleged that some staff working in the kitchen at Aso Rock were involved in a poisoning attempt targeting the president.

Reacting to the development, Onanuga said:
“No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. Please ignore this fake news being disseminated by this video,”

He maintained that the story lacked any basis and should not be taken seriously.

Further details are expected as the situation develops.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The presidency has dismissed reports circulating online that kitchen workers at the Presidential Villa attempted to poison Bola Ahmed Tinubu or were arrested over such an incident.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, rejected the allegation in a post shared on his X account on Sunday. He described the report as false and urged the public to disregard it.

The claim had alleged that some staff working in the kitchen at Aso Rock were involved in a poisoning attempt targeting the president.

Reacting to the development, Onanuga said:
“No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. Please ignore this fake news being disseminated by this video,”

He maintained that the story lacked any basis and should not be taken seriously.

Further details are expected as the situation develops.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has reacted to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, describing him as “a lucky soul.”

In a Facebook post, Gumi said Khamenei died in what he described as a jihad against those killing innocent women and children in Gaza and other places.

He stated that Khamenei’s blood would inspire change within the Muslim ummah, adding that the late leader stood firmly for justice and did not hide in bunkers.

Gumi also warned those he accused of being involved in Khamenei’s killing, saying time would reveal what they would live to witness in this world.

His remarks come amid ongoing global reactions following the reported death of Khamenei, which has sparked debate across political and religious circles.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.07% in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking the second time in a decade, excluding the post-pandemic rebound, that quarterly growth has surpassed the 4% threshold, according to new data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, welcomed the figures on Tuesday, framing them as evidence that the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are gaining traction.

The Q4 performance builds on the momentum of the 4.23% growth recorded in the second quarter of 2025 and represents a significant uptick from the 3.76% growth reported in the third quarter of 2024. It also surpasses the 3.52% growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The growth in the final quarter of the year was driven by expansion across Nigeria’s three main economic sectors.

1· The Agriculture sector grew by 4.0%, a sharp rise from 2.54% in Q4 2024. The ministry attributed this improvement to enhanced security in food-producing regions and better access to essential inputs for farmers.

2· The Industrial sector expanded by 3.88%, compared to 2.49% in the same period of the previous year. Officials cited improved foreign exchange liquidity, ongoing energy sector reforms, and a rebound in investor confidence as key drivers.

3· The Services sector, the largest contributor to the economy, recorded a growth rate of 4.15%, fueled by continued expansion in finance, telecommunications, trade, and other technology-driven activities.

The ministry highlighted the breadth of the expansion, noting that approximately 30 sub-sectors across the economy recorded growth rates above 3%.


For the full year 2025, Nigeria’s real GDP growth stood at 3.87%, an improvement from the 3.38% recorded in 2024. The nominal size of the economy also increased significantly, rising to ₦441.5 trillion from ₦372.8 trillion in the prior year.

In his remarks, Minister Edun stated that the latest figures reinforce confidence among both domestic and international investors. He reiterated the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to sustaining the implementation of structural reforms, maintaining disciplined expenditure management, and improving revenue mobilization to ensure macroeconomic stability continues to strengthen.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renewal of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi’s appointment as the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for a second term of five years.

The new tenure, which took effect on Friday, February 27, comes just as Dr. Audi’s initial five-year stint in office came to an end. He was first appointed to the position in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a statement from the State House on Saturday, Dr. Audi’s reappointment was announced as he participated in the 2026 World Civil Defence Day activities at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. He is expected to resume his duties with a renewed mandate on Monday.

In a charge to the veteran security chief, President Tinubu directed him to reposition the service to play a more significant role in the nation’s security architecture. This directive comes as the Nigeria Police Force refocuses its efforts on its primary mandate of protecting citizens from the threats of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Dr. Audi, a native of Nasarawa State, brings decades of experience to the role. He began his journey with the Corps in November 1996 as a volunteer and was deployed as a Divisional Officer in Obi Local Government Area in 1997 following his basic officer training. Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to Commandant in 2007 and served in various capacities at the National Headquarters in Abuja.

He holds an extensive academic portfolio, including a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2014), and a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2019).

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in Iran and neighboring Gulf countries of its commitment to their safety, following reports of military activities in parts of the Middle East.

In a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government said it is “closely monitoring the evolving and volatile situation in the Middle East,” emphasizing that the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority.

The ministry urged Nigerian nationals in the affected countries to stay alert, restrict non-essential travel, and follow instructions from local security authorities.

It also advised citizens to avoid areas identified as strategic, military, or government installations, warning that such locations could become hotspots amid ongoing tensions.

“The Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and affected neighbouring Gulf countries are on high alert to provide required consular assistance and facilitate easy communication,” the statement noted.

Nigerians were encouraged to rely on credible sources of information and avoid acting on unverified reports circulating on social media. The government stressed that official communication channels remain the safest way to receive security updates.

The advisory applies to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Citizens in these countries were further urged to exercise caution, avoid large gatherings, and refrain from public demonstrations until the situation stabilizes.

Beyond immediate safety measures, the Federal Government called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint.

“The Government of Nigeria wishes to call on parties to the conflict to de-escalate the crisis by returning to the negotiation table for the interests of global peace and coexistence,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and reiterated its support for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the region.

By Anwar Usman

The Defence Headquarters has explained that the reason behind escalation in attacks and killings by terrorists across the North in recent times was as a result of pressure being mounted on them by troops through aggressive operations.

This was revealed by the Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, on Friday at a news briefing, while addressing question on the incessant attacks, killings and kidnappings by the terrorists.

Onoja, however, said that scores of the terrorists were being killed across the country, assuring that their decimation is ongoing.

“You know, one of the things with terrorists is that when you put pressure on them, they are likely to target soft targets.

“I also want to let you know that that is what they are doing. But that should not deter us,” he said, adding that in the course of time the terrorists would be smoked out “from wherever they are”.

He added that, “What is happening is that due to the pressure that the cooperation with America is bringing to bear on them, they are now targeting soft targets in order to magnify their operations.

Onoja further state that terrorists need the oxygen of publicity to broadcasting their activities, but urged the media to employ professionalism in reporting some of their activities so that they will not achieve what they want to achieve, which is to cause panic within society.

He reiterated that the assistance from the Americans is adding value to troops’ operations, adding that the results would be manifest in no distant time.

Explaining the troop’s achievements in February 2026, Onoja said that a total of 312 terrorists were arrested, apart from several of them being neutralised, 409 kidnapped victims rescued, while 46 insurgents and their families surrendered.

He also gave the breakdown as follows: In the North East, 85 terrorists were arrested, while 104 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 46 insurgents and their families gave themselves up to troops during the period.

He said in the North West, troops arrested 36 terrorists and rescued 104, while in the North Central, 78 terrorists were nabbed and 54 rescued.

In the South South and South East, 59 terrorists and 54 terrorists were arrested, respectively, Onoja explained.

He said the military is taking proactive measures to checkmate the movement of fertiliser, especially in the North, as it is one of the components used for making Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by terrorists.

He said the achievements in February showed the Armed Forces’ steadfast dedication to building a safe and secure Nigeria.

“We urge everyone to remain security conscious, report any suspicious activity promptly via our emergency line 193 and collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure peaceful and incident-free observances,” Onoja remarked.