The Coordinator of City Boy Movement in Imo State, Prince Francis Uzor, has indeed proudly represented Imo State as a distinguished participant at the Inaugural Progressive Digital Media Summit 2025, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, in Abuja.

The landmark event, themed “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development with a Focus on the Renewed Hope Agenda”, was organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media.

The Summit marked the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and was attended by a high-powered delegation of dignitaries including the President, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of House of Reps, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Cabinet Members and key players in the digital media space.

Prince Francis Uzor was specially invited on the Summit in recognition of his exemplary leadership in youth empowerment and grassroots mobilization through digital platforms.

As the face of the City Boy Movement in Imo State, Prince Francis Uzor highlighted the growing impact of digital activism in shaping public discourse and national development in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Prince Francis Uzor’s participation cemented his position as a key digital influencer and a committed youth leader, who champions development in Imo State and across Nigeria.

Making an input, Uzor emphasized the importance of equipping Nigerian youth with digital skills and platforms to express their voices.

According to him, “this Summit has reaffirmed the critical need for digital innovation in governance and youth engagement. We must harness the power of social media to tell our stories and drive the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots”.

The Summit which brainstormed on strategic communication, digital storytelling and policy innovation, was aimed at building a more inclusive, tech-driven Nigeria.

The event ended with a dinner night, where attendees networked and reflected on the role of media in fostering national unity, transparency and development.

Thus, the two-day Summit drew over 1000 participants, including journalists, bloggers, content creators, digital strategists and policymakers.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of attempting to impose former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, at the expense of national unity.

The APC claimed that El-Rufai and his allies in the ADC were attempting to undermine Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement by pushing for Atiku’s candidacy in 2027, despite the presidency currently being held by the South.

The statement came after El-Rufai’s recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The reports said that the former governor had at a political meeting in Sokoto on Saturday reportedly described the Tinubu-led government as “incompetent and clannish”.In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC dismissed El-Rufai’s remarks.

Morka said El-Rufai and his allies in the ADC were offering no credible alternative to current policies.According to the APC, the opposition figures lack viable policy proposals and have instead relied on what it called “headline attacks” against the government.“El-Rufai and Atiku want to do to Nigeria what Atiku did to PDP. The El-Rufai and Atiku hijacked ADC constitute a clear and present threat to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria,” Morka said.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come under fire from the All Progressives Congress and a faction of his party after reaffirming his vow to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.

In a statement on Sunday, Obi declared the pledge “sacrosanct,” drawing criticism from APC spokespersons and a divided reaction from the Labour Party.

While the Abure-led leadership of the LP dismissed the vow as political theatrics, the rival caretaker faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman endorsed the commitment, citing Obi’s record of principled leadership.

The APC, however, described Obi’s promise as insincere and a ploy to woo voters.

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, had earlier cast doubt on claims of one-term presidency by Obi.

Soludo dismissed the one-term pledge, saying any politician making such a promise should be sent for psychiatric evaluation.

“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools? You come to people and say you will do only one term.

“Any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem,” Soludo said during a political rally in Anambra South.

The governor argued that the Nigerian Constitution provides for a renewable four-year tenure and questioned the wisdom of any politician voluntarily limiting themselves to a single term.

In response on Sunday, Obi, in a statement on X, invoked the legacies of revered leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela to justify his position that impactful leadership is not measured by longevity in office.

Without naming names, just as Soludo hadn’t, Obi reaffirmed that his pledge to serve only one term if elected president remains sacrosanct.

Obi said, “One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership.

“Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations.

“In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer.

“Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it. Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service — however brief — that defines true statesmanship.”

The former Anambra governor declared: “It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct.”

Although Obi claimed his one-term promise was spurred out of genuine concerns, he did not betray emotion by the scepticism that had since trailed his declaration.

He, however, assured Nigerians that the negative reviews he had been getting wouldn’t deter him.

“Recently, I became aware of two statements aimed, albeit indirectly, at my vow to serve only a single four-year term.

“One person remarked that even if I swore by a shrine, I still wouldn’t be believed.

“Another suggested that anyone talking about doing only one term should undergo psychiatric evaluation.

“I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their own standards, where political promises are made to be broken.

“But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation,” he said.

He emphasised that his resolve to serve only one term of four years was a solemn commitment, rooted in the conviction that purposeful and transparent leadership did not require an eternity.

He further outlined his agenda to sanitise governance, tackle insecurity, prioritise education and transform Nigeria into a productive economy.

“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference.

“These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years,” he maintained.

Speaking to our correspondent on the issue, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Mr Obiorah Ifoh, noted that as a party, the LP had a programme that everyone elected on its platform must stick with.

He said,  “The Labour Party has a programme to implement when it gets into government. Regardless of who the party fields as its presidential candidate in 2027, the person will run with the programmes and policies of the party.

“I think it is too early to start talking about 2031 when we are still trying to sort out 2027. The LP has thrown its presidential ticket open. We don’t even know who will emerge as the candidate because there are so many people who have shown interest.

“As our former presidential candidate, we wish Obi well in his career, including his ambition to govern for one term. The politician in him has seen that it is the right thing to do, and if that is what he wants to do, we are fine.”

On his part, the spokesperson to Senator Usman’s faction, Ken Asogwa, backed Obi to turn the fortunes of the nation around in four years if given the opportunity.

He said, “Mr Peter Obi’s one-term promise is anchored in character and track record. He has consistently maintained that if it took this present administration just two years to plunge Nigeria into its current sorry state, then four years would be more than sufficient to begin the process of putting the country back on a sound and progressive trajectory.

“We understand that some Nigerians harbour legitimate fears – that the allure of office may eventually cause him to walk back on this solemn pledge, especially as such promises are not legally binding.

“However, when leaders make commitments, the public must turn to history and examine their past conduct. That is where true assurances lie – not in mere words, but in character and precedent.”

According to Asogwa, “As governor of Anambra State, Obi kept faith with the people. He governed in strict adherence to the constitution and the rule of law, so much so that he was impeached by the state House of Assembly for being uncompromising in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process. He challenged that impeachment in court, won, and was reinstated  – a first in Nigerian political history.

“That singular act demonstrated the kind of leadership he represents: one rooted in principle, not convenience.

“As a political party, we do not doubt his integrity. We are confident that, if entrusted with the presidency, Mr Obi would honour his word and serve only one term, as he has repeatedly promised. History is filled with examples of principled leaders who chose to serve their people for just one term, even when a second was within reach.”

The Director of Publicity of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, described Obi as a man playing to the gallery, saying his words lacked sincerity.

“He is playing to the gallery. Obi is not sincere. What is there to guarantee that he will stick to the agreement if he is given the opportunity, knowing that he has the constitutional right to go for eight years? All these are antics aimed at deceiving the electorate or deceiving the coalition to give him the ticket. This is a proof of his desperation for power,” he said.

He added that “Obi is not doing this for the good of the country. He has nothing to offer. The APC is doing everything to bring democratic dividends to the people, and the reforms introduced by the government are beginning to yield fruits.

“They have seen this, and that is why they are coming up with shenanigans of ‘give me one term.’ Obi will not respect that agreement.”

Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa yesterday appealed to the electorate not to register twice as it was an offence under the law.

Ehimeakhe, who reiterated this while speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, said that multiple registration could attract a fine or an imprisonment as provided in Section 114 (b) of the Electoral Act 2022.He warned that the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) had been designed to detect multiple registrations and flag individuals who attempted to register more than once

He said: “Once you have been issued a PVC or previously completed the registration process, you do not need to register again, attempting to do so amounts to double registration, which is a punishable offence under law.

“Specifically, Section 114 (b) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits double registration. Penalties include a fine, imprisonment or both.

“Voter Registration is not only a foundamental right but also a duty of every eligible citizens of Nigeria.“No individual can vote in an election unless they are duly registered to do so. We urge all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18 and have not yet registered to do so,” he explained.

According to him, INEC remains resolute in protecting the voting rights of every eligible Nigerian, no eligible citizen will be denied the opportunity to register and vote.

He assured that security agencies and other partners were on ground to ensure a secured and transparent registration exercise

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has given final conditions that will make peace return to the Peoples Democratic Party.

The Minister insisted that the South-South zonal congress of the party must stand.

Wike stated this yesterday while fielding questions during his monthly media parley in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the Court allowed for the congress to hold, saying there’s nothing a person could do about it.

He said: “Our South-South zonal congress that was held must be upheld. There’s no doubt, no two words about it.

“Now, when we were doing our South-South congress, the Acting National Chairman claimed that the PDP governors were not in support of the National Congress. Where are the PDP governors now? Our congress was held in Calabar and there’s nothing anybody can tell us.”

“If they want another round of passes, so be it. Our congress held and Chief Daniel Orbi emerged as the National Vice Chairman of the congress. And the Court allowed for the congress to hold.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu may not extend the emergency rule in Rivers State.

Wike disclosed this while speaking extensively on the legality of the Rivers State emergency rule and local government elections scheduled for August 30.He noted that extending the emergency rule will not be palatable to the people of Rivers State.

Wike spoke during his monthly press briefing in Abuja yesterday.

He noted that Tinubu backs the conduct of the August 30 election as a way to ensure democratic structure at the local government level.

It would be recalled that Tinubu had suspended governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State for six months after declaring a state of emergency in the state.

Wike said: “The President, in his wisdom to bring peace and restore democratic governance in local government, came again with another regulation which was in July that this election must be conducted within 30 days, because the President from my understanding does not want to extend the emergency rule.

“Extending the emergency rule will not be palatable to the people but then if you don’t do local government election and leave the emergency rule, how will local governments now access funds?

“And when the governor can’t appoint a caretaker committee based on Supreme Court judgment and they can’t get money, is that not crisis?

“They President said we don’t want this crisis again, while you are here conduct this election so that there will be democratic structure in the local government and as this emergency rule is being lifted, the governor comes, the Assembly comes and they take care of the state.

“If they don’t do that election now and the governor comes, he will give notice of one year by the Supreme Court judgment and when you give such notice, you can’t set up a committee and they can’t have access to the Federation Account so what happens to the local government?

“Emergency rule allows the President to make regulations and modify aspects of the law and that is what he has done by suspending some aspect of the electoral act of 2022 which he has the power.”

The minister also dismissed insinuations that his loyalists were likely to emerge as local government chairmen in Rivers State after the conduct of the election.

He said: “I don’t know who has defined who my loyalists are but ignorance of the law is not an excuse. You know the problem I have in this country is that you people are used to television advocates. With all due respect, where you advocate law is not on television, its in the courtroom.

“When the state of emergency was declared they said it was illegal. How many of them have pursued the case till today? I hear people quoting supreme Court judgment. Who went to court over that judgment? It was we, when we went to court, people were advocating on television – when the judge gave that judgment that the election should not hold because it did not meet the requirement, you came out on television lambasting the court that he took bribe.”

Wike stressed that local governments won’t have access to funds if there was no modification to the law and an emergency rule in place.

He added, “Mind you, it’s only in the local government that there is no democratic structure which was modified by the Supreme Court. When you now say there is emergency and they have no power to conduct election, how could anybody say so?

“Remember that the Supreme Court says that where there is no local government, they cannot have access to funds from the Federation Account and no governor can set up caretaker committee, because of the emergency rule that the judgment was set aside and allowed the local government to assess funds, and that was why they appointed a sole administrator.

“Assuming there is no emergency rule, would local governments have accessed funds today? Will the states have accessed funds today? Certainly not so – the emergency rule becomes imperative.”

Mr Gbajabiamila’s plea to northerners and Nigerians at large comes ahead of preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila has said that President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to finish what he started.

Mr. Gbajabiamila, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, made the call during a dialogue session of the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators in Abuja on Saturday.

“President Tinubu is not just a southern leader; he is a national leader who has carried every region along. From critical infrastructure to policy reforms, the North is benefitting from a government that believes in equity and shared prosperity,” Mr Gbajabiamila said.

He added, “We are laying solid foundations today, and it is only right that the President is allowed to finish what he started.”

Mr Gbajabiamila’s plea to northerners and Nigerians at large comes ahead of preparations for the 2027 presidential election, while Nigerians lament hunger and rising poverty under Mr Tinubu’s watch.

Kayode Fayemi, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a former governor of Ekiti State, blamed Mr Tinubu’s government for the widespread hunger in the country.

“Except we are deceiving ourselves; Nigerians are not happy with the Tinubu-led government due to widespread hunger and lack of money,” Mr Fayemi said in a viral video.

Since Mr Tinubu assumed office, removing the fuel subsidy and enforcing exchange rate unification, Nigerians have witnessed unprecedented inflation and a cost-of-living crisis.

With pump prices jumping from N145 to about N900, while the naira collapsed to N1,500 to a dollar, inflation now stands at 23.7 per cent, a drop from 34 per cent after rebasing the economy.

The World Bank’s Africa Pulse report for April 2025 stated that Nigeria, under Mr Tinubu, has the highest number of extremely poor people globally, warning that more Nigerians will be plunged into poverty by 2027.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists yesterday condemned the Niger State Government for threatening to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1 and demolish the station’s premises.

It was  reported that the radio station, based in Minna, is privately owned and has been under pressure, following reported moves by the administration of Governor Umaru Bago.

In a statement sent to our correspondent and signed by the NUJ National President, Alhassan Abdullahi, the union described the alleged action as “a blatant act of intimidation and an assault on press freedom.”

“The threats issued against Badeggi FM 90.1 by the Niger State Government are deeply troubling and represent a dangerous overreach of executive power.

“Such actions undermine democracy and send a chilling message to independent media organisations,” he said.

The NUJ reminded the state government that the National Broadcasting Commission remains the only legally empowered authority to regulate, license, or sanction broadcast stations in Nigeria.

“No state government has the constitutional right to interfere with the operations or facilities of any media house.

“It is the responsibility of the NBC to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing by broadcast stations and to take appropriate actions through due process,” the NUJ president said.

According to the union, freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution and is essential to the survival of democratic governance.

“Independent journalism must never be stifled through threats, intimidation, or politically motivated directives.

“We are calling on Governor Bago to withdraw the threat of closure and demolition immediately and allow the proper legal channels to address any issues,” Abdullahi stressed.

The NUJ also urged civil society groups, professional associations, and the general public to resist any form of executive highhandedness that undermines press freedom.

“We will not stand by and watch as journalists and media institutions are harassed for doing their job,” Abdullahi concluded.

One of the opponents of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election and candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Nwosu has expressed concern over the alleged derogatory words he used against other contestants.

Soludo had while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, at a rally in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of the state said ”street urchins cannot govern a state that produced prominent individuals.

The governor was also quoted as saying that anyone promising to do one term to abide by the zoning formula in the state needs psychiatric evaluation.

But Nwosu, reacting to these comments, said the governor has merely shown that “passing six is not passing sense, claiming that Soludo made the comments to try and evade being held accountable for his failure in the state.

He said, “It is deeply concerning that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has resorted to name-calling, labeling, and stereotyping his political challengers, even going as far as suggesting they require psychiatric evaluation.

“Such remarks reflect a growing anxiety and a clear realization that his time in office may be limited to a single term, largely due to his disappointing governance record.”

He said some candidates from same zone (Anambra South) as Soludo, including himself have pledged to do one term in honour of the state’s zoning arrangement, adding that it is a mark of statesmanship, integrity, and regional equity.

“I, Nwosu stand out as the only candidate who has sworn a public affidavit affirming commitment to serve a single term in office. This public oath is a testament to dedication to fairness and the rule of law, values that should be celebrated, not mocked.

“Rather than hurl insults at those offering Anambra people a better alternative, Governor Soludo should focus on explaining the shortcomings of his administration and why the promise of his tenure remains unfulfilled.”

He also mocked Soludo, saying that: “Indeed, “Pass six is not passing sense.” Anambra deserves e-government not Soludo’s Archaic module.”

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has said that “street urchins” won’t govern a state that produced the likes of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akwueke Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Prof. Chinua Achebe and others.

He stated this at a rally on Saturday, organized by members of his party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, to endorse him for a second term.

The Governor, speaking at the massive rally at Ekwulobia Urban Stadium, declared that Anambra was “too big for charlatans” and must not be distracted by what he described as impostors and unserious aspirants.

He also stated that the zoning system of the state stands, and that any candidate coming to promise to do just one term needs psychiatric evaluation to ascertain the status of their brains.

He said: “Anambra doesn’t need street urchins as Governor. This is the state that produced the likes of Zik of Africa, Dr Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Prof Chinua Achebe, among others. It is too big for charlatans.

“Also, anyone saying he will do one term needs psychiatric evaluation, they want to disrupt the zoning formula of the state. Why will you do one term when the constitution allows you to do eight years?

“Our people are politically aware and know more than be deceived by such people,” he declared.

Soludo, visibly impressed by the turnout, said he had not yet launched his official campaign but was humbled by the support. He disclosed that the rally was organized and funded entirely by party members determined to see him re-elected.

He described some of his challengers as unserious but merely using their campaigns to extort funds from unsuspecting businessmen and the public. He maintained that his administration’s achievements over the past four years justified his second-term bid.

In a display of solidarity, APGA stakeholders in Anambra South presented a donation of N100 million to support his campaign, during the event. Traditional rulers in the senatorial district also honoured him with the “Olu Atu Egwu” chieftaincy title – a title already conferred on him earlier by the North and Central zones of the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that Mr. Tony Okocha remains the state chairman of the party in Rivers State.

A factional state chairman of the party in the state, Emeka Beke had on Thursday called on the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to suspend the scheduled local government primaries in Rivers State being organised by the Okocha-led Executive Committee.

He also demanded that his own Executive Committee should be allowed to superintend the entire process.

However, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka in a statement issued yesterday insisted that Okocha is the chairman of the party.

He noted: “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to media reports of a claim by Mr. Emeka Beke to the chairmanship of the Rivers State chapter of our party.

“We wish to clarify, for the record, that Chief Tony Okocha is, and remains, the Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of our Party.

“We urge our teeming members in the state, and the general public, to disregard the said reports or reference to Mr. Beke as State Chairman of Rivers APC as false and misleading.”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has criticised the Governor Alex Otti-led administration’s claim that it spent ₦54 billion on the construction and retrofitting of public schools across the state.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, Ikonne described the figure as “deeply suspicious, laughable, and insulting to the collective intelligence of Abians,” citing the continued dilapidated state of many schools as evidence that such a sum could not have been genuinely spent.

He challenged the government to justify how ₦54 billion was reportedly expended on only 53 schools without visible improvements on the ground. “What we see in Ukwa and other parts of the state is an education sector in ruins — leaking roofs, moss-covered walls, caved-in ceilings, and children sitting on bare floors,” Ikonne said.

Quoting a financial report signed by the state’s Accountant General, Njum Uma-Onyemenam, and published on the government’s website in January 2025, Ikonne referenced a claim that ₦54.07 billion was allocated to school rehabilitation in 2024, out of a total ₦320 billion generated by the state from FAAC, internally generated revenue, and other capital receipts.

He demanded that the government publish a full breakdown of the ₦54 billion expenditure — including the names of the schools, contractors, timelines, and photo or video evidence of completed works. “Anything short of this is a blatant disregard for accountability,” he stated.

Ikonne further urged Governor Otti to invite journalists, civil society organisations, and independent observers for an open and unscripted tour of the renovated schools, insisting that transparency is non-negotiable in public spending.

“Until then,” he warned, “this ₦54 billion remains a phantom project—something that only exists on budget documents and media headlines.”

He also pointed to the dilapidated condition of state-owned tertiary institutions such as the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, where parts of the buildings have collapsed, leaving students in unsafe and non-conducive learning environments.

“If we can’t even maintain our health college, how can we claim that we’re making progress in education? It is an utter disgrace and a sign of failed priorities,” he said.

Furthermore, Prince Ikonne reminded the public that under the current federal administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, states now enjoy increased federal allocations.

“The President, in his wisdom, has ensured that more resources flow to the states. One would have expected that the Abia State government would utilise this opportunity to transform critical sectors like education, health, and road infrastructure. Instead, what we are seeing is media packaging, propaganda, and empty political marketing.”

He emphasised that good governance is not about viral videos or curated press releases but about results that citizens can see and benefit from.

“How on earth does anyone justify spending ₦54 billion on just 53 schools, with nothing visible to show? This must not be swept under the carpet. Abians must ask questions. Lawmakers must wake up. We need a comprehensive forensic audit of this expenditure. Our children deserve better,” Ikonne concluded.

He urged all well-meaning Abians, civil society groups, anti-corruption agencies, and legislative oversight bodies to rise in defence of accountability and demand answers from the state government.

A factional Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in Kano State, Jibril Doguwa, has hinted that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, may return to the All Progressives Congress.

Doguwa, in an interview stated that the recent visit of a stalwart of Kwankwaso group known as Kwankwasiyya, Abdulmumin Kofa, to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa could signal an imminent political realignment.

“There is a possibility that Kwankwaso wants to go back to the APC. No Kwankwasiyya member would meet Tinubu without the knowledge or approval of Kwankwaso,” he said.

Doguwa downplayed Kwankwaso’s recent criticisms of President Tinubu, noting that political alliances in the country were often fluid.

He said, “Being a critic of Tinubu doesn’t mean Kwankwaso can’t work with him. In politics, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Maybe he’s just trying to remind the President of his responsibilities as a leader.”

The NNPP chairman maintained that the party still recognised Kwankwasiyya loyalists as members but insisted the it could survive without Kwankwaso.

Doguwa dismissed concerns over tensions in the party, stressing that defections were routine in Nigerian politics.

“We still recognise members of the Kwankwasiyya movement as NNPP members. But we will remain in the NNPP with or without Kwankwaso.

“There is no prominent politician in Nigeria who doesn’t have a record of switching parties,” he said.

Doguwa’s remarks came amid growing speculation of a possible alliance between Kwankwaso and Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, a report that has unsettled some NNPP members in Kano.

However, an NNPP chieftain in Ogun State, Chief Femi Aina, dismissed Doguwa’s position, insisting that Kwankwaso remained focused on his presidential ambition.

“In the NNPP, we have an open-door policy. If you align with our ideology, we are ready to work with you. But for now, we are standing alone. Kwankwaso is looking ahead to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are with him all the way,” Aina said.

He also stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar didn’t pose any threat to Kwankwaso’s 2027 prospects, arguing that the NNPP’s upcoming manifesto would give it a decisive edge.

Aina said, “The APC is entrenched today, and to remove them from power, you need a completely different blueprint.

“So far, those in the coalition promising change haven’t offered anything new. Atiku is not a threat. By the time we release our new manifesto, Nigerians will see that we have the capacity to govern, and we have a leader who knows his onions.

“Our overwhelming votes in Kano during the last election were based on his record as governor. We will capitalise on that to unseat people who promise big and deliver little.”

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged President Bola Tinubu to take a more proactive approach in tackling the growing poverty crisis in Nigeria by fully committing federal resources to social welfare initiatives.

He made this known in a statement he issued yesterday.

Falana’s statement came days after Tinubu addressed governors of the All Progressives Congress, urging them to deepen their grassroots interventions to ease economic hardship.

“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. To you, the governors, you must wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and grant us more fertile lands”, Tinubu had told the APC governors.

Reacting to the President’s call, Falana insisted that the responsibility to initiate concrete welfare action lies primarily with the Federal Government.

“Instead of begging state governments to ‘wet ground more’, President Bola Tinubu is urged to ensure that the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act is adopted and enacted into law by the 36 state governments,” he said.

He argued that rather than channelling large sums of public funds into administrative or infrastructural luxuries, both federal and state governments must prioritise effective social protection measures for the poor.

Falana also criticised the disparity in federal spending, comparing the ₦32.7 billion earmarked for Nigeria’s National Social Investment Programme in the 2025 budget with a recent project that gulped even more.

“A government that recently claimed to have spent the sum of ₦39 billion for the renovation of the International Conference Centre at Abuja at the Federal Capital Territory cannot justify the allocation of ₦32.7 billion to fund the National Social Investment Programmes for 2025 to support the 133 million people that are said to be multi-dimensionally poor in the country,” he argued.

According to Falana, sufficient funds exist to support such programmes—if only there’s the political will to prioritise them. He referenced data from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, which reportedly disbursed over ₦11.19 trillion to all tiers of government in the past year.

He also cited a recent analysis by civic tech group BudgIT, which alleged that the 2025 federal

budget includes over 11,000 suspicious projects worth a staggering ₦6.93 trillion—inserted by the National Assembly.

Falana said this budget padding highlights how skewed the country’s fiscal priorities have become, especially when contrasted with the generous allowances paid to federal lawmakers.

He questioned the logic of a system where: “₦21 million is paid monthly to each senator and ₦15 million to each member of the House of Representatives,” yet essential social programmes remain underfunded.

Falana, therefore, urged the Federal Executive Council to show the same urgency it applies to infrastructure spending to the country’s welfare sector.

“Therefore, the Federal Executive Council should, as a matter of urgency, approve not less than ₦5 trillion to fund the National Social Investment Programme,” he said.

To ensure accountability and impact, Falana further recommended that the administration of the fund should include representatives of labour unions and trusted civil society groups—not just government appointees.

“The management of the fund should not be left solely in the hands of government officials, but should involve elected representatives of trade unions and credible civil society organisations to ensure transparency and effectiveness,” he advised.

2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has restated his vow to serve only one term of four years if elected president, insisting that effective leadership is defined by impact, not time spent in office.

In a statement posted via his X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, Obi referenced global figures such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela, noting that each led with principle and left enduring legacies despite short tenures.

“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership.

“Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations.

“In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer.

“His decision was a deliberate act of leadership, a statement that power must serve the people, not the self. Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it.

“Longevity in office is not a mark of success; rather, it is purposeful, accountable service – however brief – that defines true statesmanship.

“It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected President. And that vow is sacrosanct,” he wrote.

Obi said his commitment was not a political gimmick, but a decision rooted in conviction and supported by his record of service in Anambra State, where he said he fulfilled clear and measurable promises without deviation.

Addressing recent jabs at his one-term declaration, he noted that some critics questioned his sincerity, with one suggesting psychiatric evaluation and another claiming he wouldn’t be believed even “if I swore by a shrine.”

“I understand the basis of their scepticism.

“They are judging me by their own standards — where political promises are made to be broken.

“But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth,” Obi wrote.

He stressed that public trust must be restored in Nigeria’s leadership and that focused, transparent governance can yield real results within the constitutional four-year window.

“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference.

“I do not intend to stay a day longer,” he added.

Obi outlined key priorities if elected, including sanitising governance, tackling insecurity through proper use of national resources, improving education and healthcare, supporting small businesses, and transforming Nigeria into a productive economy driven by agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

“These are not utopian dreams. They are realistic, actionable goals that are achievable within four years,” he said.He concluded by affirming that he would not exceed a single term under any circumstance, describing his vow as a solemn commitment to purpose, not power.