Tinubu

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has vowed to relocate to Kano for two weeks to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bello made the pledge at the Yoruba Political Mobilisation and Empowerment Programme organised by the Leke Abejide Foundation in Kano, urging Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities to unite behind the All Progressives Congress.

He said he was prepared to go beyond political speeches and personally join efforts to deliver Tinubu and Yusuf, insisting that the communities’ reported nearly 500,000 votes for Tinubu in 2023 were not enough. He expressed confidence that Rep. Leke Abejide’s political network could mobilise at least two million votes for Tinubu in 2027.

Bello also urged the communities to support all APC candidates and appealed to Northerners to back Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that the president should be allowed to complete his constitutionally permitted two terms.

“After eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from the North, President Tinubu has not even completed his first four-year term. Must he complete his eight years before power returns to the North?” he asked.

He defended the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure record, citing improved conditions on the Kano-Abuja Federal Highway.

Earlier, Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State and is Asiwaju of Yoruba in Kano, said N500 million had been set aside as interest-free loans for women’s cooperative societies. Beneficiaries included Yoruba women from eight states and Igala and Ebira communities from Kogi resident in Kano. He said widows would receive food, clothing and financial assistance, with separate programmes planned for youths and men.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting non-indigenous communities and ensuring their participation in governance. He said special advisers had been appointed for Yoruba, Igbo and northern minority communities, adding that similar representation could be extended to Igala and other groups.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s defence of government borrowing, describing excessive debt as more damaging than leprosy because its consequences can affect generations yet unborn.

Obasanjo made the remarks on Friday at the third Ajibosin Annual Symposium, held at the amphitheatre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The symposium was themed, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Solve Grassroots Problems and Accelerate National Development.”

Tinubu had recently argued that borrowing was not leprosy, maintaining that his administration was prepared to work hard to repay whatever loans it obtained.

However, Obasanjo dismissed the argument, questioning the country’s growing debt burden and the ability of its leaders to manage the economy.

The former President, who secured a $30 billion Paris Club debt relief for Nigeria during his administration from 1999 to 2007, argued that while leprosy affects an individual, excessive borrowing places the future of entire generations at risk.

“For anybody to say debt is no leprosy is absolute nonsense. Debt is worse than leprosy, because leprosy destroys only one person. Debt destroys generations,” he said.

Obasanjo faults dependence on World Bank, IMF

The former President also criticised the policies of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arguing that their recommendations were not necessarily designed to advance Nigeria’s development interests.

He questioned why African countries were discouraged from subsidising agriculture while developed countries continued to support their own agricultural sectors.

Obasanjo said Nigeria should develop policies based on its peculiar economic realities rather than blindly adopting recommendations from international financial institutions.

He also expressed concern over what he described as excessive reliance on foreign economic prescriptions, warning that such dependence could undermine the country’s ability to determine its development priorities.

Raises concern over naira depreciation

Obasanjo further lamented the depreciation of the naira, comparing its value against the US dollar when he started his farming business about 47 years ago with its current exchange rate.

He recalled that the naira was stronger than the dollar at the time, questioning how the country had reached a situation where the exchange rate was around ₦1,500 to the dollar.

“What has Nigeria done in 47 years that we now have N1,500 naira to the dollar? What have we done?” he asked.

He also challenged Nigerian leaders to demonstrate their understanding of the country’s economic problems through practical solutions.

Warns against foreign control of artificial intelligence

Obasanjo also cautioned Nigeria and other African countries against adopting artificial intelligence without understanding its implications and ensuring sufficient local control over the technology.

He argued that innovations developed by powerful foreign countries could be exploited against nations that lacked the capacity to regulate and control them.

“I don’t know too much technically about AI. But I know that anything that is not in your control can be abused against you,” he said.

The former President urged Nigeria to determine how artificial intelligence could serve its development priorities instead of allowing foreign interests to dictate the country’s technological direction.

Africa warned against another form of exploitation

Also speaking at the symposium, historian and political commentator, Dr Umar Ardo, warned that Africa could face another form of economic exploitation through artificial intelligence if it failed to control its data, technological infrastructure and intellectual property.

Ardo acknowledged the potential of AI to transform economies and support national development but cautioned that adopting the technology without local ownership and adequate safeguards could reinforce existing economic inequalities.

He traced Africa’s history of economic exploitation from the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism to the post-independence period, arguing that the continent had repeatedly supplied valuable resources while foreign interests controlled the technologies and captured much of the economic benefits.

According to him, the pattern continues today, with African countries exporting raw materials while importing finished products and depending heavily on foreign technology and expertise.

He cited Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported refined petroleum products despite being a major crude oil producer, as well as the reliance of cocoa-producing countries on foreign manufacturers for finished chocolate products.

Ardo warned that data generated from African citizens, businesses, hospitals, farms, languages and public institutions could become another valuable resource extracted and controlled by foreign companies.

He argued that although artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities, Africa must establish ownership of its data and technological infrastructure to benefit fully from the emerging digital economy.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly wage award for federal workers, demanding instead that the minimum salary for the lowest-paid worker be increased to ₦300,000.

The union said workers needed a substantial and sustainable salary increase rather than temporary financial support that might not benefit all eligible employees.

The proposal followed a meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to discuss workers’ welfare and measures to address the rising cost of living.

In a statement signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the TUC also called for the implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

“Our position is unequivocal: workers are not asking for favours; they are demanding social and economic justice that protects their dignity and livelihoods,” the statement said.

TUC questions implementation of previous wage awards

The union expressed concerns over the implementation of previous wage awards, arguing that the government had yet to fulfil its earlier commitments to workers.

According to the TUC, the wage award introduced in October 2023 was not fully implemented before the parties reached an agreement on a new national minimum wage in 2024.

It claimed that some workers received payments for only one or two months, while others did not receive any payment.

The union also criticised the irregular payment of the previous ₦40,000 wage award, alleging that some workers received payments covering up to four months without a consistent monthly schedule.

It further claimed that more than 80 per cent of state governments and employers in the informal sector did not implement any form of wage award.

The TUC questioned the rationale for introducing another temporary payment while, according to the union, previous commitments remained outstanding.

“How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?” it asked.

Union seeks sustainable salary increases

The TUC maintained that a permanent salary increase would offer workers more reliable financial support than a temporary wage award, particularly as the prices of essential goods and services continue to rise.

It argued that ongoing negotiations over a new national minimum wage should not prevent the government from granting workers an urgent pay increase.

The union also noted that the economic difficulties extended beyond federal government employees, affecting state and local government workers, pensioners, private-sector employees and those in the informal economy.

It identified rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare and other basic necessities as major pressures on households.

Calls for broader economic measures

Beyond salary increases, the TUC urged governments at all levels to take practical measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services.

It also called for the timely payment of salaries and pensions, protection of existing jobs and stronger action against exploitative labour practices.

The union further advocated renewed efforts to strengthen the productive sector and create decent employment opportunities.

The disagreement adds another dimension to ongoing discussions between the government and organised labour over workers’ welfare, wage adjustments and the economic pressures facing Nigerians.

The Daily Reality

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage, according to a State House statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement said the President will use the spiritual exercise for reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress. While in Makkah, he will perform the rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.

Before leaving Abuja, President Tinubu will commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.

The President is expected back in the country next week after completing the spiritual exercise, the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate allegations that some ministers pay billions of naira to secure appointments and subsequently seek to recover the money.

The council also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate any credible evidence of financial inducements linked to ministerial appointments.

The demand followed remarks by Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, during an interview on Arise Television last Thursday.

While defending Tinubu’s direct involvement in government expenditure decisions, Hassan alleged that some ministers pay substantial sums to secure appointments and later attempt to recoup their investments.

“A lot of ministers pay billions and billions, and you know, to get themselves appointed. The first thing they think of is how to recoup that money,” Hassan said.

He also described ministers as among the most corrupt public officials under successive administrations, arguing that the problem was not limited to the ruling APC.

However, Hassan did not identify any minister allegedly involved in the practice or provide evidence to substantiate the claim during the interview.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC said the allegation required a transparent investigation because of its implications for accountability and the integrity of public appointments.

“An allegation of this magnitude cannot simply be ignored or dismissed without a transparent explanation,” the council said.

It argued that, if proven, the alleged practice would raise concerns about whether ministerial appointments were being treated as commercial transactions rather than positions of public trust.

The council therefore asked Tinubu to clarify whether he was aware of the alleged payments, whether an investigation had been initiated and what measures his administration intended to take to establish the facts.

It also challenged Hassan to identify the ministers allegedly involved, disclose the amounts purportedly paid and name those who allegedly received the money.

The ADC-PCC further called on the National Assembly to consider a public inquiry into the allegation, including inviting Hassan to explain his remarks and present any supporting evidence.

The council stressed that its demands were intended to establish the facts and safeguard public institutions, rather than replace evidence or due process.

“Public office is a responsibility, not a commercial transaction. Ministerial appointments must be guided by competence, integrity and a commitment to national service—not by financial inducements or expectations of private returns,” the statement said.

The controversy emerged from Hassan’s defence of Tinubu’s hands-on approach to government spending. During the interview, he questioned whether ministers should have control over budgetary allocations, arguing that the President’s direct involvement in expenditure decisions was preferable.

The ADC-PCC linked the allegation to broader concerns about the management of public resources and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly at a time when Nigerians are facing economic difficulties and rising living costs.

With the 2027 general election approaching, the council urged Nigerians to scrutinise political leaders’ records and demand accountability. It also presented former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy as an alternative on governance, economic recovery and public accountability.

As of the time of the report, no specific minister had been identified as having paid money to secure an appointment, and the allegation remained unsubstantiated.

The Daily Reality

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Mubarak Abdullahi, popularly known as Sardaunan Samari, in Kaduna over allegations that he circulated a forged letter attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and purportedly sent to the US President.

Abdullahi faces three counts bordering on cybercrime and defamation. Reports said he was arrested after he posted the letter on Facebook with the caption, “ATIKU IS COMING.”

Punch newspaper reported that it could not independently verify that the suspect is a supporter of Atiku Abubakar. The case is awaiting the commencement of hearing at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu for blaming the opposition for hunger and poverty in Nigeria, describing the claim as an attempt to evade responsibility for his administration’s economic policies.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reacted after Tinubu accused opposition politicians of being responsible for the country’s economic difficulties during the APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday.

“I hear my opponent talking about hunger, poverty. Who created it? They did! They created the hunger, they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the President said.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that Nigerians had every right to demand accountability from the ruling party over the rising cost of living, insecurity, poverty and government spending.

He maintained that the APC had controlled the federal government for about 11 years, including the period before Tinubu assumed office.

“Mr President, blaming the opposition for hunger is either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia. The APC governed Nigeria for eight years before you took office. You have added another three and a half years.

“Nigerians know who has been in power, and hardship did not begin when the opposition started talking about it. Stop insulting their intelligence and answer for your record,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Atiku insisted that the economic difficulties affecting Nigerian households and businesses were linked to government policies and could not be dismissed by blaming political opponents.

“The hardship your administration has brought upon Nigerians is real. You cannot deny it by blaming others,” he said.

The former vice president also criticised Tinubu’s decision to commission the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway from a stadium, arguing that the move raised questions about the actual state of the project.

“Your decision to commission the unfinished Abuja to Kaduna Expressway from inside a stadium shows how far removed you are from the daily reality of Nigerians. A road cannot be completed with a speech or a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” he said.

Atiku further challenged the President to explain the impact of his administration’s economic decisions, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the depreciation of the naira.

“Which administration removed the petrol subsidy and watched the naira fall from about ₦471 to ₦1,329 to the dollar?” Atiku asked.

He also cited a World Bank estimate that 63 per cent of Nigerians would be living below the national poverty line in 2026.

Atiku Demands Explanation For Government Spending

The ADC presidential candidate raised concerns about federal budgeting and public expenditure, including the extension of the 2024 budget into 2025 and spending recorded under energy security.

He questioned the reported ₦7.13tn expenditure under “energy security” in 2024, alongside ₦11.2tn in pipeline-related spending by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“Nigerians deserve to know who received these sums and what was delivered,” he said.

Atiku also demanded clarification over what he described as a $12.4bn gap in Nigeria’s external accounts during the first half of 2026 and a payment of $22.5m listed as “other charges” under the Abu Dhabi financing facility.

Beyond economic concerns, he linked the country’s financial difficulties to the worsening security situation, asking the Federal Government to account for persistent killings, kidnappings and the displacement of residents in several communities.

“These are the questions Nigerians are asking while your government blames the opposition,” he said.

2027 Election Will Test Tinubu’s Record — Atiku

Atiku maintained that the Tinubu administration should be assessed based on its achievements and the impact of its policies on Nigerians rather than its explanations for the country’s challenges.

“You cannot govern for three years, make life harder, and then blame others for describing the hardship. You asked who created the hunger. Nigerians are asking what you have done to end it.

“The 2027 presidential election will be a referendum on your record. Nigerians have felt the cost of your leadership in their homes, markets and communities,” he added.

The exchange highlights the growing political dispute over responsibility for Nigeria’s economic challenges as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign council has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to explain why the N10 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu for Ebola preparedness in June has reportedly remained unused.

In a statement issued on Friday, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC presidential campaign council, accused the ruling party of avoiding questions about the release and management of the emergency fund.

The statement followed comments by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC presidential campaign council, who reportedly said the money had not been spent because the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies had relied on existing resources.

Reacting, Shaibu criticised the APC’s response and demanded documentary evidence showing whether the funds had been released and how they were being managed.

“The APC have made a remarkable discovery: ‘Bola’ sounds like ‘Ebola’. We had not noticed. They found the rhyme, wrote a lengthy press statement about it and somehow still could not tell Nigerians where the ₦10 billion ordered released for Ebola preparedness is,” the statement reads.

“Atiku Abubakar asked for the money trail and an account of the emergency response. The party in power came back with a pronunciation lesson.”

Shaibu asked the Federal Government to clarify whether the money had been disbursed and, if so, identify the account holding it, the officials responsible for managing it and the reasons it had not been spent.

“Was the money released or was it not? If it was released, where is it held, who controls it, and why has it not been used for the preparedness President Tinubu announced in June?” he stated.

“If it was never released, why was an order for its immediate release announced in June? Publish the release documents, the account records and the Task Force’s expenditure reports. Insulting Atiku Abubakar will not account for one naira.”

The ADC spokesperson also questioned the government’s response to the confirmed Ebola case in Abuja, demanding a detailed timeline showing when the infection was first suspected, when health authorities received an alert and when testing and contact tracing began.

Citing the World Health Organization’s account, Shaibu said the patient developed symptoms on October 7, sought treatment at a private health facility on October 11 and received laboratory confirmation on October 20.

“The APC says an infected person cannot transmit Ebola before symptoms appear. That is true. It does not answer what happened after symptoms appeared,” he said.

He also called on the government to identify the agency that raised the surveillance alert and explain the actions taken after the warning.

“The APC claims surveillance ‘tipped off’ the government. Then publish the timeline. Name the agency that raised the alert, give the date and explain the action taken,” he said.

Shaibu stressed the need to provide healthcare workers involved in treatment and contact tracing with adequate protection, equipment and resources.

“Health workers treating the patient and tracing contacts deserve protection, equipment and every resource needed to act quickly. Questioning the government’s preparedness is no insult to them.”

He further expressed concern that public health measures could be used to restrict political campaigns or voting during the election period. He urged the Tinubu administration to make public any proposed restrictions, the medical justification for them and the recommendations of health authorities.

“Public health guidance must protect people. It must never become a political tool,” he added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, describing him as an influential and progressive politician.

In a statement issued on October 21, 2026, Tinubu said he and Kwankwaso had maintained a longstanding association dating back to their time in the National Assembly in 1992, when Kwankwaso was in the House of Representatives and Tinubu in the Senate. He noted that both later emerged as governors in 1999 and, as members of the “Class of ’99 Governors,” played pivotal roles in laying the foundation for Nigeria’s democracy.

The President recalled that although their political paths differed due to different choices, they coalesced in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress, adding that history and service had kept them intertwined since then.

Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria as a two-term governor, former Minister of Defence, former Senator, former presidential candidate and now a presidential running mate.

He said that being in different political parties and competing on different platforms in the January 2027 election would not diminish his affection for Kwankwaso.

The President wished the former governor good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of engagement in the nation’s democratic process.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved an 18-month extension of the tenures of the heads of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The affected officials are Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller-General of the NIS, and Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, Controller-General of the NCoS.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the decision in a statement on Monday, stating that Nwakuche would remain in office until May 26, 2028, while Nandap’s tenure would run until June 30, 2028.

According to Onanuga, the extension followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Tinubu commended both officials for the reforms recorded under their leadership and urged them to sustain and build on the progress made.

Nwakuche was appointed Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service in December 2024, with his appointment confirmed by the Senate in March 2025.

Nandap was nominated as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service on February 21, 2024, and her appointment received Senate confirmation on March 1, 2024.

The extensions will allow both officials to remain in their respective positions beyond their previously scheduled tenure periods.