Nigeria

By Oladoja M.O

In an age where access to information is boundless and opinions flood our timelines like seasonal rains, one would expect public discourse, especially around issues of governance to be rich with nuance, clarity, and purpose. Instead, what we are confronted with in Nigeria is a noisy theatre of misdirected outrage and watery criticism, lacking both depth and direction. 

One recent trigger came from the viral criticisms surrounding the national budget, particularly the eyebrow-raising figures allegedly earmarked for streetlight poles and similar line items. As is typical in the social media age, the noise began to swell. Twitter went into a frenzy. Threads upon threads emerged, each outdoing the other in outrage. The focus wasn’t just on the figures; it quickly spiralled into yet another populist takedown of the presidency, calling into question the entire moral fabric of governance. But just when the public’s fury had reached a crescendo, a jarring but necessary intervention came from an unlikely source: a senator who, contrary to the collective narrative, took time to explain that the criticism was misdirected. What was being paraded as evidence of executive recklessness was, in fact, the product of legislative insertions. Even the revered watchdog body, BudgIt, which had positioned itself as the conscience of fiscal scrutiny, had peddled the wrong story, and done so confidently.

At that point, a deeper question emerged, one which goes beyond this specific incident: What exactly is the quality of criticism in Nigeria?

What we see across our social and political landscapes is not a culture of informed criticism but a culture of reactive condemnation. The ability to shout the loudest, to gather the most retweets or likes, has replaced the discipline of patient inquiry, structural understanding, and fact-based argument. We have mistaken noise for scrutiny, and in doing so, we have created an illusion: an illusion of outrage and criticism. Here’s the tragic irony: many of these criticisms stem from a good place, the desire for accountability and a better Nigeria. But because the foundation is faulty, the outcomes are futile. One cannot build a temple of truth on a foundation of ignorance. The budget saga is just one example among many.

BudgIt, a civil society organisation that has in the past done commendable work in simplifying the budget for the public, got it wrong this time, badly. Yet, even in the face of clarification, corrections, and new evidence, there was no public recant, no humility to say, “We were mistaken.” That act of refusal: the inability to admit error and recalibrate, is itself a glaring indicator of the intellectual poverty that plagues Nigerian criticism. In a land where saving face is prioritised over seeking truth, errors are not corrected; they are doubled down upon. And the implications are devastating. Public trust becomes confused and misdirected. The presidency gets blamed for what is, in fact, a legislative manoeuvre. Activists spend more time dragging the wrong institutions while the real culprits laugh quietly in the shadows. The people remain stirred but unenlightened, angry, yes, but none the wiser.

This shallow approach to criticism bleeds into other national conversations. Take the fixation on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. A project that, whether justifiable or not, deserves technical, economic, and legal analysis is instead reduced to a carnival of trendy hashtags. Populists slam it without understanding its scope, funding model, or long-term impact. No consideration is given to feasibility studies, displacement issues, or cost-benefit analyses. No proper questions asked about procurement processes or federal-state cooperation. Instead, the discourse becomes a jamboree, a performance of rage designed to court virality, not accountability.

This is not criticism. It is a parody of it.

And just when you think the poverty of insight couldn’t dig deeper, reality offers more proof. Consider Peter Obi’s recent Democracy Day speech. In his attempt to discuss democracy, he instead ended up distorting history and misrepresenting the very fabric of the democratic struggle in Nigeria. A man who, during the dark days of military rule, was cosy with the system’s power brokers, now stands on podiums speaking as though he bore scars from that era. When real patriots were sacrificing their lives, fleeing their homes, and watching their properties burned for daring to speak truth to power, Obi stood closer to the oppressor than the oppressed. Yet today, he speaks with the authority of the afflicted. That, too, is born of ignorance, not just his, but the ignorance of the audience clapping in affirmation, unaware of the truth.

Even more revealing was the reaction to President Tinubu’s Democracy Day awards. Nigerians, young and old, in all corners of the internet, questioned why certain figures were honoured, some even asking, “Who are the Ogoni 9?” Others criticised the President for not awarding campaign allies, as though national honours were a reward system for electoral foot soldiers. It was laughable, yet tragic. How can you even begin to criticise a government when you don’t understand the very history of the democracy you claim to defend? How do you talk about national direction when your knowledge of national evolution is trapped in recent memory, as if Nigeria started in 2023?

It’s not just young people, either. Some of the loudest voices in the room, middle-aged, supposedly experienced, display a kind of ignorance so raw, you’d think the only political event they’ve lived through was a Twitter space. This is why we are where we are: a nation speaking loud but saying little, reacting fast but knowing nothing.

True criticism demands hard work. It requires research, attention to context, historical awareness, and, above all, intellectual honesty. You cannot meaningfully critique governance structures without understanding the separation of powers. You cannot hold public office holders accountable when you confuse federal responsibilities with local ones. You cannot demand transparency when your tools of inquiry are faulty. And in this desert of rigorous public engagement, one cannot help but mourn the absence of voices like that of Gani Fawehinmi: voices forged in the fire of truth, unseduced by populism, unshaken by power. Gani didn’t criticise for clout; he criticised with clarity. He did not shout merely to be heard; he roared because he understood. He was, above all, consistent, a virtue alien to many of today’s keyboard crusaders.

What Nigeria faces is not a lack of criticism; it’s an excess of uninformed, performative, and ultimately useless criticism. And therein lies the danger. Because when the noise becomes the norm, it drowns out the voices that actually matter. When every outrage is manufactured, real outrage loses its power. When critique becomes theatre, accountability becomes a joke.

To move forward as a nation, we must re-engineer our culture of criticism. We must build a new generation of thinkers, activists, and ordinary citizens who understand that to question power effectively, one must first understand it deeply. That it is not enough to be angry; one must be accurately angry. That social media fame is not the same as civic literacy. Until then, we will continue to shout: loudly, passionately, endlessly, but in circles.

Like a dog chasing its own tail, we will perform outrage while the real issues remain untouched, and the real culprits continue to operate in silence. 

The illusion will continue. The theatre will go on. And the nation, tragically, will remain where it is starved, not of voices, but of thought.

Oladoja M.O writes from Abuja and can be reached at: mayokunmark@gmail.com

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly rejected allegations made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the federal government is plotting to destabilize the opposition party.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described the ADC’s claims as baseless and a product of “warped imagination.”

The ADC had alleged in a statement on Monday that it possessed “credible intelligence” indicating federal government officials summoned its state chairmen from the North East and North West to a “secret meeting” aimed at intimidation and coercion.

The APC statement countered that the ADC provided no substantiation for its claims, calling them “wild” and “poorly imagined.”

It criticized the ADC’s vague reference to “officials of the federal government” as evidence of a “mischievous intent” to manipulate public opinion.

“There was no such meeting, and certainly, no one could have been coerced or intimidated at a meeting that never was,” Morka asserted.

The APC further argued that the Tinubu administration and the ruling party have no reason to interfere with the ADC, which it characterized as “mortally wounded by confusion” stemming from internal conflicts.

Morka claimed the ADC is an “agglomeration” of politicians plagued by “internal dissonance, contradictions and discord” following a “gestapo-like takeover.

“The statement portrayed the ADC as a coalition of “inept politicians,” “architects of misrule,” and “failed and restless presidential contenders” incapable of offering Nigeria a viable alternative vision.

It dismissed the ADC’s strategy as focused solely on vilifying the APC and attacking President Tinubu’s record.The APC contrasted the opposition’s “self-inflicted confusion” with its own focus on “build[ing] a virile and vibrant country.”

Morka concluded by questioning the credibility and track records of several prominent figures associated with the ADC coalition.

The APC urged Nigerians to disregard the ADC’s allegations, framing them as a “calculated preemptive excuse” for the party’s anticipated failure.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed rumors of northern opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s potential 2027 re-election bid, asserting instead that the region offers “unwavering” support.

Senator Ajibola Bashiru, APC National Secretary, made the declaration on Monday at a media roundtable organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone B (South-West) in Ibadan.

Bashiru vehemently rejected claims of a northern conspiracy against Tinubu, labelling them “a lie from the pit of hell.”

He stated his position was based on firsthand knowledge and adherence to principled truth-telling.

“The North is firmly behind President Tinubu,” Bashiru asserted. “It’s a lie from the pit of hell to claim the North is ganging up against Tinubu. I say this from a position of knowledge. I guide myself by Amilcar Cabral’s words: ‘Tell no lies, claim no easy victories’.”

He cited visible public enthusiasm as evidence, claiming Tinubu receives warm receptions in northern cities like Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, with street celebrations occurring.

Bashiru also noted that a song by popular northern musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara, ‘Omo Ologo’, dedicated to Tinubu, has become an anthem in the region.

Dismissing opposition efforts, Bashiru characterized the ADC coalition as a “mushroom party” and “contraption” filled with self-serving individuals lacking political relevance.

He insisted the northern APC structures in states like Sokoto, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Zamfara remain solidly behind Tinubu, with influential leaders rallying support.”There is no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031,” Bashiru declared, suggesting opposition hopefuls wait their turn.

He pointed to the APC’s success in recent elections, claiming a win rate above 75%, as proof of the party’s national acceptance.Bashiru also praised Tinubu’s inclusive leadership and infrastructure progress, claiming growing support throughout the North.

He downplayed the significance of former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation, stating it posed no crisis for the party.

On a personal note, Bashiru, who has declared interest in the Osun 2026 governorship race, expressed confidence in his prospects, stating his chances are “very bright.”

By Sani Surajo Abubakar

“Gurubi”, as he was fondly called by his colleagues, the teaching and non-teaching staff of Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, Kano, remains a name that resonates in the ears of many who studied in the school in the late 80s, 90s, and years after.

Malam Garba Umar Saleh embodied the spirit of a true teacher. His commitment to education and passion for nurturing young minds were evident in every aspect of his work. 

It is with profound sadness that we reflect on the life and legacy of the late Malam Garba Umar Saleh, a dedicated teacher at Army Day Secondary School and other secondary schools. His passing left an indelible void in the lives of those who knew him, particularly his students, colleagues, and the broader community.

 He approached his role with diligence, patience, and kindness, making him a beloved figure in schools. His dedication to his students went beyond the classroom, as he often took extra time to mentor and guide them, both academically and morally.

The impact of Malam Garba Umar Saleh on his students cannot be overstated. He had a unique ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, inspiring a love for learning in countless young minds. His unwavering support and encouragement helped many students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, and his influence will continue to shape the futures of those he taught.

His colleagues at the Army Day Secondary School and other Schools also held him in high regard. His collaborative spirit, professionalism, and positive attitude made him a valued member of the school community. He made significant contributions to the school’s mission, consistently striving for excellence and innovation in education.

While Malam Garba Umar Saleh is no longer with us, his legacy endures. The lessons he imparted, the values he instilled, and the love he showed to his students and colleagues will forever be remembered. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.

As we remember Malam Garba Umar Saleh, we honour his memory by upholding the values he cherished: dedication, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. His story is a testament to the enduring power of education and the profound impact one teacher can have.

This tribute serves as a heartfelt acknowledgement of the remarkable life and contributions of Malam Garba Umar Saleh. May it inspire others to follow in his footsteps, dedicating themselves to the noble cause of education and service to humanity. 

A 1982 NCE graduate of the Advanced Teachers College Gumel, the deceased was employed as Master III by the then Kano State Ministry of Education and posted to Government Girls College (GGC) Dala as his first port of service.

In his quest for knowledge, the late Garba Umar Saleh enrolled in a degree programme at Bayero University Kano and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education/English in 1989.

He spent most of his teaching years, spanning more than three decades, at GGC Dala, Army Day Secondary School (Boys), Bukavu Barracks, and Muhammad Vice Adamu Government Secondary School Kuka (MVAGSS), serving as a classroom teacher, Senior Master, and Vice Principal, respectively.

Towards the tail end of his service period, he was redeployed to the headquarters of the Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSSMB) as Deputy Director, Training and Recruitment, a position he held until his last breath, some weeks before his exit from the service. 

  May Almighty Allah, the most Exalted, grant his gentle and innocent soul rest in peace, and Jannatul Fiirdausi be his final abode, the fortitude and solace for all of us to bear the irreplaceable loss. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations? 

Sani was a student at Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, Kano, and is currently on the Staff of the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 20 states, including Lagos, Benue, Edo, and Sokoto, are likely to face flash floods in July despite the disbursement of over N620 billion in ecological funds across the country since 2012.

In its latest alert issued on Monday, NiMet listed the states facing high to moderate flood risks.

These include Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

NiMet urged residents in these states to take precautions such as relocating from flood-prone areas, clearing drainages, and preparing emergency kits.

The agency also advised communities to switch off gas and electricity during floods and to intensify public awareness campaigns.

This comes as residents of several Ondo communities affected by last week’s heavy rains appealed to the state government for help.

The floods, which followed days of downpour, destroyed property worth millions of naira in areas like Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo.In Okitipupa, a resident, Mr. Joshua Jemiloni, explained that “the flooding was caused by erosion flowing down from Igodan,” noting that over 10 buildings were affected.

A community leader, Lawrence Awanebi, called for urgent government assistance for displaced persons. The chairman of Owo Local Government, Tope Omolayo, also appealed to both the federal and state governments to intervene.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assured that the state has begun efforts to reduce flooding by dredging waterways and enforcing environmental laws.

“As a government, we shall continue with initiatives that will reduce the effects of floods and other natural disasters,” he said.Despite these efforts, critics have questioned how ecological funds have been used over the years.

Findings show that between 2012 and February 2025, Nigeria’s 36 states shared over N622 billion from the ecological fund.

However, many communities remain vulnerable.

Environmental experts have voiced concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in managing the funds.

Afolabi Abiodun, President of the Africa Environmental Health Organisation, said: “The government claims to be trying, but frankly, we don’t see the impact on society. These funds are supposed to build resilience… But what we see is merely a response to an ongoing crisis.”

Former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Nathaniel Atebije, blamed repeated flooding on the government’s failure to honour an agreement with Cameroon to construct a buffer dam on the River Benue. “These medium-level dams are not done. And so, whenever water is released, the downstream people suffer greatly,” he said.

Hakeem Mukhtar, an environmental sustainability expert, pointed to poor urban planning, weak enforcement, and inadequate drainage as major factors.

He stressed that “the issue is not necessarily the lack of funds, but the lack of a structured, data-driven, and community-involved approach to flood mitigation.”

A climate researcher, Abeeb Ajagbe, also lamented the lack of monitoring and tracking mechanisms. “There have been several media reports highlighting corruption and mismanagement in how the ecological funds are being handled,” he said.

According to a June 2025 report by SBM Intelligence, floods have affected 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states since July 2024, impacting 1.2 million people and destroying 180,000 hectares of farmland.

Food insecurity has worsened, with inflation hitting over 35% in January 2024.

In May 2025 alone, flooding displaced 116,711 people across 12 states. Zamfara recorded the highest number, with over 58,000 affected.

Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, Bayelsa, and Sokoto also recorded significant figures.

As flood threats continue to rise, calls for urgent reform in the use of ecological funds grow louder.

Experts are demanding stricter oversight, independent audits, and more proactive, long-term strategies to tackle the worsening flood crisis across the country.

By Saifullahi Attahir

In his article, titled “Yar’adua: Great Expectation, Disappointing Outcome,” Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i wrote that the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua graduated from ABU in 1975 and did his youth service (NYSC) at Holy Child College in Lagos as a chemistry teacher.

After the service year, Yar’adua took a government job at the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), Zaria, as a chemistry lecturer. He later obtained his MSc in 1978, while continuing his teaching career at the same CAST until 1983, when he joined his brother’s business after the latter resigned from the National Service as second-in-command to General Olusegun Obasanjo during the handover to civilian rule in 1979.

The above narrative can attest to the clear moral right Yar’adua has over Mallam Nasir, despite the latter’s constant attacks. I’m sure that in the years between 1976 and 1983, the late Umaru could have accessed all the privileges a graduate could have as a brother to a senior military officer and son of the establishment. His service year in the grammar school and his continued lecturing job at CAST Zaria can testify to a great deal about the individual Yar’adua, his brother Shehu, and the regime.

As a young and well-connected chemistry graduate, Umaru Yar’adua could have access to serve in the newly established NNPC, top agricultural firms, top Lagos banks, or even become a legislative aide in the green or red chamber.

Securing a job through connections is a common and sometimes effective method. Networking, which involves leveraging personal and professional relationships, can significantly increase your chances of finding a job. Indeed, many talented and industrious individuals can be harnessed through this process, although it may be perceived as nepotistic. Hadiza Bala Usman got her start at BPE by El Rufa’i through a similar path.

Of course, time has changed; it’s now normal that specific places, such as CBN, FIRS, NPA, BPE, top private firms, and Federal MDAs, are not accessible to ordinary corps members. We can still recall a time when a brother of Nigeria’s second-in-command opted to attend a grammar school and later took a teaching job at a college in Zaria. But still, that doesn’t prevent him from becoming Nigeria’s president.

While the 5th May remembrance has been immortalised in the hearts of Nigerians despite Yar’adua’s short stint as president, Mallam El-Rufa’i was still battling and settling past scores and fights.

Saifullahi Attahir wrote from Federal University Dutse via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In an effort to bolster the fight against money laundering and improve border control measures, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with relevant security and regulatory agencies, has conducted a sensitisation programme for international airline operators at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The exercise, which took place on 5 July 2025, focused on educating airline staff about Nigeria’s currency declaration policies and their role in supporting compliance efforts.

Participants were reminded of the need to inform passengers—both arriving and departing—about existing regulations concerning cash movement across borders.

Authorities reiterated that individuals carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent must declare the funds to customs officials.

They warned that failing to do so could lead to the confiscation of the money, followed by investigation and possible prosecution under the nation’s anti-money laundering laws.

The session also outlined the requirement for airlines to submit electronic manifests (e-Manifests) ahead of landing. These manifests must include comprehensive passenger details such as full names, flight numbers, and countries of origin and destination.

Officials said this data enables customs personnel and intelligence units to conduct targeted risk assessments and enhance overall border monitoring.

Leading the session was Salihu Mas’ud, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and head of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Unit.

He noted the progress already made by the Service in improving compliance mechanisms and expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation from airline operators.

“What we have achieved so far is to be able to sensitise them. We’ve gone round to check all the points. We have dedicated search rooms for secondary searches. There are dedicated posts for currency declarations, and they are in place. Announcements are also being made on the Public Address System. We have also gotten the commitment of the airline operators to ensure that these announcements are also being made on board their flights,” he said.

He further added, “We expect higher compliance, and it will strengthen our enforcement mechanism. It also ensures that defaulters and violators of currency declarations are detected promptly and forwarded for necessary investigation and prosecution.”

The Nigeria Customs Service described the initiative as a crucial step toward preventing illicit financial flows, including terrorism financing and the smuggling of undeclared funds.

It also noteed that continuous collaboration among airlines, airport managers, and enforcement agencies will be vital to sustaining the gains recorded so far.

The Federal University Dutse (FUD) recently conducted its 8th and 9th Convocation Ceremony, marking a significant milestone for its graduating students.

The ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, who represented the President of Nigeria, HE Bola Ahmad Tinubu.

A total of 209 students were awarded First Class honors, highlighting the university’s commitment to academic excellence.

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university, Prof. Abdulkarim Muhammad Sabo, expressed his gratitude to the Jigawa State Government for their support, stating that they have been the university’s “top friend.”

He appreciated their donation of hundreds of hectares of land for construction purposes. The VC also reflected on his achievements during his tenure, as he prepares to leave office in the coming months.

Two students stood out during the convocation ceremony, winning the overall best student award for their respective academic sessions. Oladele Yusuf Olatunji from the Mathematics department won the award for the 2022/2023 session with a Cumulative Grade Average (CGA) of 4.92.

Yekini Hameed Ishola from the Faculty of Management Science won the award for the 2023/2024 session with a CGA of 4.95.

Yekini expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized as the Best Graduating Student. This moment is not just a personal achievement, it is a reflection of the sacrifices of parents, the dedication of teachers, the support of peers and the grace of God.”

The Governor’s Award was presented to the best graduating students of Economics and Accounting for the two academic sessions, with each recipient receiving a token of 250,000 naira.

Hadiza Aminu, a graduate of Biology for the 2022/2023 session, expressed her elation at finally achieving her dream of becoming a Biology graduate.

She thanked her parents, relatives, teachers, and friends for their support, saying, “Thanks to parents, relatives, teachers, and friends for their enormous support and dedication.”

The convocation ceremony, which saw a total of 4227 graduands, was preceded by a Convocation Lecture delivered by the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Jibrilla Dahiru Amin.

The lecture, titled “Harnessing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Higher Education Institutions,” was chaired by Prof. Fatima Batul Mukhtar, a former VC of the university. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduating students, who are in now poised to make their mark in their respective fields.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The growing political controversy surrounding the Tinubu/Shettima presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections came to the fore at the Northeast Zonal Meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held in Gombe on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Party leaders, stakeholders, and delegates gathered to endorse Tinubu for a second term, amid rising internal debates over the party’s viability, unity, and future direction ahead of the next electoral cycle.

If President Tinubu decides to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima in favour of another Muslim from the North, it could reignite the deeply divisive Muslim-Muslim ticket debate that stirred significant controversy during the 2023 presidential election.

Retaining Vice President Kashim Shettima may help the Tinubu camp avoid reigniting the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket debate, but it also raises questions about the ticket’s continued strategic value. While the pairing was originally calculated to consolidate support among Muslim voters in the North during the 2023 election, changing political dynamics suggest that the ticket may no longer hold the same appeal. With growing dissatisfaction in parts of the North and shifting voter sentiments nationwide, some within the APC believe that the Tinubu/Shettima combination may now offer diminishing electoral returns.

Even if President Tinubu opts for a new Muslim running mate, the Muslim-Muslim ticket may no longer deliver the same political dividends in the North. A growing number of Northern-Muslim voters reportedly feel underrepresented or sidelined in the current administration, despite the religious alignment of the top two offices. 

Discontent over perceived sidelining in federal appointments, economic policies, and security outcomes has weakened the assumption that religious pairing alone can secure Northern loyalty. As such, simply replacing Shettima with another Northern Muslim may not be enough to re-energise the base or guarantee widespread support in 2027.

Should President Tinubu replace Shettima with another Muslim from the North, it would likely provoke renewed backlash from Christian communities nationwide, especially in the North. Many would raise the familiar and legitimate question: Are there no capable Northern Christians fit to serve as Vice President? In a country where religious identity plays a central role in politics and representation.

If President Tinubu chooses a Northern Christian as his running mate, he risks alienating a core part of the APC’s support base. These Northern Muslim voters have historically been the backbone of the party’s electoral strength in the north. Many within this bloc view the Muslim-Muslim ticket as both symbolic and strategic. Without votes from the north, Tinubu’s second term will have key-leg

Selecting a running mate from the Northwest could trigger resistance or even quiet rebellion from the Northeast, which may interpret the move as a political slight or marginalisation. Having produced the current Vice President, the Northeast might expect to retain the position as a matter of continuity and recognition of its contribution to the party’s 2023 victory. Overlooking the region could stir resentment among its political leaders and grassroots supporters, potentially weakening the APC’s hold in key Northeastern states. It may also open the door for opposition parties to exploit regional grievances and rally disaffected voters under the banner of regional justice and equity. The  NorthCentral will also ask some questions- Tinubu won four states in north central- Kogi, Benue, Kwara and Niger

Choosing another Muslim running mate from the Northeast, but outside the Borno-Yobe axis, could provoke backlash from that axis. The Borno-Yobe axis, long considered the APC’s stronghold in the Northeast, may view such a move as a betrayal of loyalty, especially given that Borno was the only state in the region that delivered a win for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Overlooking this issue in favour of another Northeastern state could result in protest votes or political apathy from key stakeholders and voters who feel their support is being taken for granted. In a tightly contested 2027 race, such fractures could prove costly.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding the Tinubu/Shettima ticket for 2027 is shaping up to be an early and avoidable self-inflicted wound for the APC. Rather than uniting the party around governance and strategy, it has reopened an unnecessary debate and controversy. This is fueling unnecessary tension within the party ranks and distracting from core governance issues that could strengthen the APC’s re-election prospects. 

Yet, amid all the speculation and lobbying, it is important to remember that the selection of a running mate remains the sole constitutional prerogative of the presidential candidate. While input from party leaders and stakeholders matters, the final decision rests with President Tinubu, who must now weigh loyalty, optics, regional dynamics, and electoral viability in making a choice that could define both his legacy and the APC’s future.

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

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, also known as Kacalla, has announced that the Nigerian Federal Government is initiating new peace negotiations with armed groups operating in the country’s troubled northwest region.

According to a statement reportedly delivered by Sheikh Murtala Assada of Sokoto via his official Facebook page, Turji stated he received a message from the government requesting him to inform his followers and other “concerned parties” of their readiness for reconciliation and peace.

Crucially, Turji emphasized that participation in the proposed talks would be entirely voluntary. “Anyone who feels they are not interested in the peace talks can continue their operations as bandits,” he was quoted as saying.

The bandit leader further relayed that he had been instructed to inform everyone involved and urged those unwilling to engage to declare their stance immediately.

“I do not want this to create tension or problems between me and anyone,” Turji added.

The message, now widely circulating online, has ignited discussions among communities and observers closely monitoring the protracted security crisis in Northern Nigeria. There has been no immediate official confirmation from the Federal Government regarding Turji’s claims.