From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Mrs. Nkasiobi Madumere, has raised an alarm over alleged discrimination by officials during the primaries. She attributed her exclusion from the count to her gender.

Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, Madumere alleged that she was deliberately excluded from the counting process despite being duly cleared to participate in the exercise.

She revealed that she was the only female contender in the race. She expressed disappointment over what she described as unfair treatment and gender-based discrimination during the primaries.

The aspirant hinted that she joined the contest after receiving overwhelming support and encouragement from party members who believed in her vision for effective representation and good governance.

Madumere reiterated that after buying her nomination form, she successfully underwent screening and was cleared by the party to contest. She added that she mobilised supporters across her constituency. She said the conduct of the exercise was, however, marred by irregularities, including late communication of venues, delays in the arrival of party officials, and multiple changes of election locations.

She regretted that the delayed arrival of party and election officials caused many of her supporters to leave before voting commenced. She added that she was physically present throughout the exercise at the Umuahia South LGA venue, Olokoro Primary School, unlike some other aspirants who were represented by agents.

“However, when it got to my turn, the delegates allegedly turned away without counting me or my supporters. I see it as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise me, while supporters of my male counterpart were counted,” she said.

She also alleged that similar incidents occurred in Umuahia North and Ikwuano Local Government Areas, insisting that her supporters across the constituency were excluded from the process.

Madumere disclosed that she had submitted petitions to the party’s Appeal Committee, the National Chairman, and other relevant organs of the party, seeking redress over the outcome of the exercise. She called on the leadership of the party to investigate the conduct of the primaries in Abia State, alleging that several irregularities undermined the credibility of the exercise.

She said: “Restoring confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes will require a thorough review of the actions of officials involved in organising the primaries. I am calling for justice and fairness for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. Women should not be discouraged from seeking elective positions through actions that undermine confidence in the democratic process.”

Reacting to the allegation, the Abia State Secretary of the NDC, Mr. Kanu Dike, appealed for calm among party members and urged them to allow the party’s internal mechanisms to address grievances arising from the primaries.

The State Secretary maintained that the party’s Appeal Panel and the National Executive Committee are already considering petitions submitted following the recently concluded primaries.

He assured that the party leadership will announce its decisions after reviewing all valid complaints brought before it.

The Kwankwasiyya movement has distanced Peter Obi from claims that he oppressed northerners during his time as governor.

Speaking with DAILY POST, the movement’s spokesman, Captain Mansur Kurugu, said the claims are false and constitute propaganda targeted at the Obi movement.

He insisted that the opposition is manipulating public ignorance to peddle false narratives about the presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 polls.

“All these sayings that Peter Obi degraded the northerners, this is not true. The one who did that is with the APC now. We are alive when northerners were degraded in Benue, Oyo, Mile 12. Who did you hear amongst these men speak out on his?” he added.

Kurugu insisted that these are attempts by the opposition to rubbish the Obi movement, adding that they are unable to properly showcase the achievements of their candidates.

The spokesman said these attempts would not hold ground as the Kwankwasiyya movement is backed by the people.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has revealed how some Northerners plotted his removal from the office under former president Muhammadu Buhari.

In a post on his Facebook page late Saturday, Lawal said his close relationship with Buhari annoyed so many people who were beginning to fear the late former president was grooming him for something higher.

He said the contract to get him out was awarded to some Northern Senators who proceeded to subcontract the assignment to their very well-known legislative hatchet men.

According to him, the legislative hatchet men recruited some sympathizers and collaborators in the executive branch of government and in the press.

He added that Buhari would not listen to the high powered delegation they sent to him in this regard, stressing that they had to get him out of the seat of the very powerful SGF at all costs.

“They did all manners of things to make sure that I was removed. They felt that Buhari had no business appointing me because I was from the small tribe of Kilba and a Christian.

“I will save them the shame by not naming them here because the main contractor himself later apologized to me in the presence of three of our common friends.

“As a good christian that I strive to be, I forgave him right there at the meeting and it has remained so ever since,” Lawal said.

Recall that Lawal was removed as SGF during the first tenure of late President Buhari.

The battle for the Minority Leadership of the House of Representatives has taken a fresh turn as acting minority leader, George Ozodinobi, dismissed the reported bid by the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, describing the move as “a joke taken too far.”

The controversy follows reports that no fewer than 61 lawmakers had endorsed Ugochinyere for the position following the resignation of former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda.

Chinda formally stepped down during plenary last week after securing the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC),for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.

His resignation created a vacuum in the minority leadership structure and triggered a fresh contest among opposition lawmakers.

Prior to Chinda’s resignation, Ozodinobi, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and acting minority leader, had been performing the functions of the office and was widely considered a leading contender for the substantive position.

Speaking with Our correspondent in Abuja, Ozodinobi argued that parliamentary tradition does not support the aspiration of a first-term lawmaker to a principal office in the House.

He said, “We have a tradition in our House Rules that a first timer cannot constitute a nuisance to the extent of aspiring for a principal office of the House. This is a joke taken too far.”

The lawmaker, however, insisted that he was not desperate to succeed Chinda.

“For me, I am not overly ambitious,” he stated.

The latest development comes amid growing divisions within the minority caucus over the process of selecting a replacement for Chinda.

While supporters of Ugochinyere have claimed majority backing among opposition lawmakers, questions have emerged over the authenticity of some endorsements contained in the nomination documents submitted on his behalf.

One of those questioning the process is the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, who has publicly disowned the use of his signature in support of Ugochinyere’s nomination.

On Friday, Agbese said his signature had been used without his authorisation for a purpose entirely different from what he had agreed to.

The Benue lawmaker disclosed that he raised the matter on the floor of the House during plenary on Thursday under Order 6 Rule 2, expressing concern over what he described as the misuse of his signature and subsequent attempts to justify the action.

According to him, he signed a document in the company of Ugochinyere and another lawmaker under the impression that it related to a proposal seeking equitable distribution of principal offices among minority parties.

In a statement he sent to our correspondent, Agbese said, “For the avoidance of doubt, I signed a document with Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and another colleague concerning a proposal that sought equitable sharing of principal positions among minority parties in the House.

“At no time was I informed, nor did I consent, that the said document would be converted into or used as a nomination form for Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere as Minority Leader.”

He maintained that his support was limited strictly to the principle of inclusiveness among opposition parties and not to the endorsement of any individual.

“My support was solely for fairness, inclusion, and justice among the minority caucuses, not for the endorsement of any individual for any leadership position,” he said.

Describing the alleged conversion of the document into a nomination form as a serious breach of trust, Agbese added: “The subsequent use of my signature to support a nomination I neither approved nor endorsed constitutes a gross misrepresentation and a clear case of forgery.”

He further denied signing any nomination form in support of Ugochinyere and challenged anyone in possession of such a document to subject it to forensic scrutiny.

“I challenge anyone in possession of such a document to submit it for forensic analysis. The truth must prevail,” he added.

The lawmaker also revealed that he had petitioned the relevant authorities and expressed confidence that a thorough investigation would establish the facts.

“This matter has already been formally reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation, and I have full confidence in the institutions responsible for uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability,” he said.

Agbese urged members of the public and political stakeholders to disregard claims that he had endorsed Ugochinyere’s bid for the minority leadership.

“I urge the public, my constituents, and all stakeholders to disregard any false narrative suggesting that I endorsed Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere for the position of Minority Leader. Such claims are entirely untrue and misleading.”

He added that his actions were guided by integrity and respect for due process.

“As a legislator and public servant, I remain committed to integrity, transparency, and the rule of law. Public trust is sacred and must never be undermined through deceit or manipulation.

“I appreciate the support and understanding of Nigerians and assure them that I will continue to stand for what is right, just, and in the best interest of democratic governance,” he said.

The unfolding dispute has exposed fresh fault lines within the opposition caucus in the House, with competing interests and questions over procedure threatening to complicate the process of choosing a new Minority Leader.

The position is one of the principal offices in the House and traditionally serves as the voice of opposition parties in the Green Chamber.

The National Working Committee (NWC,) of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has concluded review of the report of the primaries appeal committee and approved the report.

Consequently, former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, was validly elected as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

National publicity secretary of the PRP, Muhammed Ishaq, said in a statement that the primaries appeal committee also upheld other primary election outcomes and duly cleared the candidates to contest in the upcoming elections.

“The primaries appeal committee also upheld four other primary election outcomes. All other candidates have been duly cleared to contest in the upcoming elections, with the exception of Tarauni Federal Constituency, whose election has been nullified. In line with our commitment to active participation in the electoral process, the PRP is proud to field a total of 420 candidates across all positions in the 2027 general elections. We remain committed to principles of internal democracy and service and to delivering a credible and transformative leadership for Nigeria,” the party said.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, from their cabinet positions.

A statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, said the development was contained in a memo signed by the

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

Also appointed is Dr. Muttaqha Darma as Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development.

The memo directed the outgoing ministers to complete handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials.

It stated that all handing over and taking over activities must be concluded on or before the close of business tomorrow Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.

Explaining the decision, Akume said the changes were aimed at improving coordination and strengthening delivery across key sectors of the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume stated.

He added that President Tinubu acted in line with his constitutional powers as provided under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The SGF also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours, noting that the process of cabinet reinvigoration would remain continuous.

The statement further noted that Taiwo Oyedele was appointed as Minister of State for Finance in March 2026, while Edun was among the ministers appointed on August 16, 2023.

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, (APC), are influencing the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking to journalists yesterday as plenary resumed after the Easter break, Kalu said INEC operates independently under the chairmanship of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, without interference from any arm of government.

The Abia North senator described the opposition’s allegation, pushed mainly by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as frivolous and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic process.

“The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body, and we have a lot of respect for the chairman of INEC. He is an erudite Professor of Law.

“So, let us stop this frivolity. People should take the electoral process and democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country,” he said.

Kalu, a former Senate Chief Whip, also rejected suggestions that the ruling party is coercing governors and other politicians to defect to the APC, saying that party membership remains a matter of personal choice and negotiation.

“President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party or to join our party. If a governor decides to join the APC, that is his business.

“When you come, we negotiate; if it is good, you stay; if not, you go your way. Nobody is forcing anybody,” he explained.

He urged political actors to strengthen democratic institutions and offer credible policy alternatives rather than “unproductive criticism.”

Kalu further dismissed claims that the South East is marginalised under the APC government, arguing that both the late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu have contributed to national development, including in the South East.

“Every President has something to add. Buhari has contributed his quota, Tinubu is contributing his quota. We are getting what we are supposed to get… maybe even more today. That does not mean Buhari did not do well,” he said.

Assessing Tinubu’s reform agenda, he said macroeconomic indicators show progress, but challenges persist at the grassroots due to insecurity and sabotage.

“The upper end of the reform is working… investors are coming in. But the lower end has problems because of insecurity and sabotage. Reforms take time; they don’t happen in one day,” he added, citing long-term reform paths in China and Singapore.

Kalu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027, describing the opposition as weak and lacking viable alternatives.

“I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election. APC is like a moving train. Even in places that were not APC before, people are joining. We are rocking like a hurricane,” he declared.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP), Peter Obi, has raised concerns over what he described as growing attempts to stifle press freedom in Nigeria.

Obi spoke in a post shared on his official X page yesterday.

According to him, the recent notice issued by the National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC), raises serious concerns about the state of democratic institutions.

Obi said a free and responsible media should not be seen as an enemy, stressing that the press plays a key role in holding leaders accountable.

“The media is the conscience of the nation,” he said, warning that any attempt to silence or intimidate journalists under the guise of regulation could weaken democracy.

He added that institutions are meant to serve the people and not the government, noting that actions perceived as limiting freedom of expression could undermine public trust.

The former governor also pointed to rising insecurity, economic challenges and growing frustration among citizens, saying attention should be focused on addressing these issues rather than controlling narratives.

Obi further stated that Nigeria needs stronger institutions and not tighter control, as he expressed support for media organisations and broadcasters.

The venue scheduled for the national convention of a faction of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), led by Nafiu Bala, was deserted yesterday, with no sign of delegates or party officials.

The convention was expected to hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, but the facility remained empty at the scheduled commencement time.

A correspondent who monitored via Facebook, reported from the venue that there were no preparations or activities underway, while key sections of the complex, including the velodrome, were locked.

The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, with parallel claims to the party’s leadership by Bala and another faction led by former Senate President, David Mark.

Bala’s faction had fixed April 21, 2026, for its convention, days after rejecting the April 14 convention organised by the rival group, describing it as a violation of a subsisting court judgment.

He had also questioned the legitimacy of the earlier convention, citing the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), which he said indicated a lack of official recognition.

The dispute has since escalated, with both factions laying claim to the party’s leadership and legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The matter is currently before the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, following INEC’s refusal to recognise Bala as acting national chairman.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official explanation from Bala’s faction for the absence of activities at the convention venue.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has, in a unanimous judgement delivered by a three-member panel of Justices, dismissed the appeal filed by Barrister Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party.

On 21st January 2026, Hon. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, reaffirmed the earlier judgment of the Supreme Court that removed Barr. Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the party, to the exclusion of all others.

Dissatisfied with that decision, Barr. Abure approached the Court of Appeal in suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026 – Barr. Julius Abure & Anor v. Sen. Nenadi Esther Usman & 3 Ors – seeking to overturn the judgment of the lower court.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike concurring, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court.

The court held that the Supreme Court had, on 4th April 2025, conclusively settled the leadership dispute within the Labour Party when it nullified the convention that purportedly returned Barr. Abure as National Chairman.

The appellate court agreed with the trial court that the court below had the powers under Section 251 of the Constitution to compel a statutory Federal Government agency to perform its functions when it ordered INEC to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

The appellate court also agreed with the trial court that the constitution of the Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party, headed by Usman, was a doctrine of necessity needed to provide leadership in the party when there appeared to be a vacuum.

The Justices strongly criticised Barr. Abure for abuse of court process and for engaging in forum shopping at a Nasarawa State High Court on a matter already decided by the Supreme Court, and for persisting in laying claim to the leadership of the party despite the clear and unambiguous pronouncement of the apex court.

The court further held that the appeal was devoid of merit and constituted an abuse of court process.

Consequently, the court, while dismissing the appeal by Barr. Abure, imposed a cost of ten million naira against him for wasting judicial time on a matter that had already been conclusively determined.

Reacting to the judgment, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. She commended the judiciary for its courage and steadfastness in upholding justice despite attempts by certain elements to undermine its integrity.

Senator Usman also expressed gratitude to party faithful and supporters across the country for their patience, loyalty, and unwavering commitment during the period of uncertainty.

She urged all stakeholders to remain focused on the party’s forthcoming congresses and national convention.

The party further appreciated members of the media for their professionalism and objective reporting and called on Nigerians to continue to place their trust in the Labour Party as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Factional National Chairman of the Labour Party,(LP), Julius Abure, yesterday, rejected a judgment of the Court of Appeal, describing it as unacceptable and vowing to challenge it at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Abure, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, dismissed the appellate court’s ruling, which affirmed the leadership of Nenadi Usman, insisting it ran contrary to established legal principles and party procedures.

He argued that party leadership issues remain internal matters beyond the scope of judicial interference, maintaining that the court’s decision did not align with existing legal precedents.

“We have seen what transpired today at the Appeal Court and we want to say very clearly that the judgment is not acceptable to all of us in the Labour Party led by my humble self.

“I want to say very clearly that the judgment is against all known principles of law. The courts, the Supreme Court and all courts in Nigeria have stated very clearly that the issues of leadership of a political party is an internal affair of a political party.

“It is also not true and I disagree when people say that the tenure of this executive has expired. That is untrue and very unacceptable to us,” he stated.

He stressed that the party’s convention in Nnewi on March 27, 2024, produced a valid leadership expected to run for four years.

According to him, the court failed to properly consider this in reaching its conclusion.

He said, “I want to say that the court today didn’t look at that before arriving at the conclusion that the tenure has expired. I must also say clearly that the Umuahia meeting, which produced the Caretaker Committee, was also against the Labour Party constitution.  “It is only the National Chairman and Secretary of a political party who have the power to convene any NEC meeting of any sort. Let me state clearly that we are going to appeal that decision.

“Today’s decision of the Appeal Court is not acceptable to us and we reject it in its entirety. We have put our legal team together and we are going to file an appeal and move to the Supreme Court.”

The ruling marks a major setback for Abure’s faction, coming on the heels of a series of legal and political developments that have tilted recognition in favour of Usman’s camp.

Earlier, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja unanimously dismissed Abure’s appeal, describing it as unconvincing and lacking legal foundation.

The court upheld the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court, which had affirmed Usman’s leadership.

The crisis reached a decisive turning point two months ago when the Independent National Electoral Commission formally recognised the Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the authentic leadership of the party, acting on the directive of the Federal High Court. The commission’s move followed weeks of intense internal wrangling, parallel leadership claims, and protracted court battles that have dogged the party since the 2023 general elections.

As part of the changes, INEC updated its records, replacing Abure’s name with that of Usman as Acting National Chairman on its official platform.

Despite the mounting legal setbacks, Abure’s decision to approach the Supreme Court signals that the protracted battle for control of the Labour Party is far from over, setting the stage for a final judicial showdown that could determine the party’s leadership structure ahead of future electoral contests.

Prominent political opposition figures, yesterday stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, to protest the non recognition of the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Vehicular and pedestrian movement around the commission’s headquarters was severely disrupted as demonstrators gathered despite steady rainfall.

The protest, initially linked to the ADC leadership crisis, evolved into a broader coalition rally drawing participants from multiple political parties and civil society groups.

Among the notable figures present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso; former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, alongside other political stakeholders.

The protesters had earlier assembled at Mark’s residence, where a brief morning service was held to mark his 78th birthday, before proceeding to the INEC headquarters. The procession, which began from the Apo Legislative Quarters, grew as more supporters joined along major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.

The protest comes amid heightened tensions following INEC’s decision to stop recognising the ADC leadership of Mark following a court ruling on the leadership dispute with Nafiu Bala.

Opposition leaders at the rally accused the electoral body of bias, alleging that its actions could pave the way for a one-party system in the country.

Protesters carried placards expressing support for Mark’s leadership, with inscriptions such as, “In David Mark’s NWC we trust.”

Addressing supporters in a post on X, Peter Obi called on Nigerians to defend democratic values and resist any attempt to undermine the country’s multi-party system.

Major opposition political party leaders are holding a crucial meeting in Abuja, as it was gathered.

The meeting came just hours after African Democratic Congress (ADC) members protested at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja over the derecognition of the leadership of the party.

The meeting, a seeming realignment of forces to counter the INEC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in view of recent political developments in the country, has personalities from both PDP and ADC in attendance.

It is holding at the Apo residence of former Senate President, Senator David Mark.

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar; National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark; former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi; Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Senator Aminu Tambuwal -all of the ADC, are at the meeting.

Factional National Chairman of the PDP, Tanimu Turaki, led some members of the National Working Committee (NWC), Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP to the meeting.

Those who accompanied Turaki included the National Secretary, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; the BoT chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu; former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana; and the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

The meeting is ongoing and the official agenda is unclear.

Seyi Tinubu has called on youths in the Southeast and across Nigeria to place their trust in the administration of his father, President Bola Tinubu, expressing optimism that ongoing reforms will deliver long-term benefits.

In a video that began trending yesterday, Seyi appealed for patience amid public concerns over current economic policies, stating that the government is addressing deep-rooted structural challenges to secure a better future for Nigerians.

He said, “We’re asking you all to have faith in Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu. He is already driving this country in a direction this country has never ever seen and I continue to pray for his life, continue to pray for his second term.”

He added that rather than ignoring systemic problems, the president is focused on fixing foundational issues that have lingered over time.

“This is a man that has come in and has seen cracks, instead of just trying to pass by and waiting for the cracks to continue to spread, and just think lets leave it for the next man, he’s actually trying to fix it,” he added.

According to him, the reforms are aimed at building a stronger foundation for future generations, ensuring that young Nigerians inherit a more stable and functional system.

“So that way, when it’s our own time, we don’t have to fix a crack. We’ll live in a house that is well built, with a great foundation, with a great legacy, for our own children to also benefit,” he said.

His comments come at a time when many Nigerians have raised concerns over the economic impact of policy changes, including rising living costs and broader financial pressures.