Category: Politics

  • “No Be ‘See Finish’?” Fayose Blasts Tinubu Over Election Victory Boast

    Isaac Fayose has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over comments suggesting confidence in his electoral victories, sparking fresh political reactions online.

    Fayose reacts to Tinubu’s remarks

    In a viral video, Fayose, younger brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, questioned what he described as a boastful tone from the President.

    Tinubu had earlier stated that both the party primaries and the general election that brought him to power were tough, but he emerged victorious.

    Reacting, Fayose said the statement reflects a “see finish” mentality among political leaders.

    “Can you see and hear ‘see finish’ from Mr. President? He said during the primaries it was tough, but he won. And during the election that brought him in, it was tough that he won,” he said.

    Allegations about system control

    Fayose went further to suggest that such confidence points to a belief that political actors have control over key institutions.

    “They don see us finish. It’s so confident because they know that INEC is their own. They know that judicially is no more hope. They are so sure of themselves,” he added.

    Message to Nigerians

    Despite his criticism, Fayose urged Nigerians not to give up, insisting that citizens still have the power to influence the country’s future.

    “But you and I, we can still wake up and change our story. God bless you,” he said.

    The comments have since generated reactions online, as political debates continue ahead of future elections.

     

  • Tinubu’s Son Olayinka Bags Master’s Degree In UK, Video With Seyi Surfaces

    Olayinka Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has completed his postgraduate studies at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, earning a Master of Science in International Financial Management.

    Moment captured at graduation

    The graduation ceremony took place on Wednesday at the university’s campus.

    A video circulating online captured a moment between the siblings, showing Seyi Tinubu helping Olayinka adjust his graduation gown ahead of the ceremony.

    Low-profile lifestyle

    Unlike his brother Seyi, who has remained visible in political circles, Olayinka has largely stayed out of the public spotlight.

    One of his few public appearances in recent years was in May 2023, when he accompanied his father to the Presidential Villa during the formal handover from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Debate over foreign education

    The development has again stirred conversations around Nigerian leaders sending their children abroad for education.

    Some Nigerians have criticised the trend, arguing that it reflects a lack of confidence in the country’s education system.

    There have also been calls for policies that would require public officials to enrol their children in local institutions, though no concrete action has been taken.

  • Tinubu Signs ₦68.32trn 2026 Budget, Extends 2025 Implementation Deadline

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, approving a total budget of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year while also extending the implementation of the 2025 budget to June 30, 2026.

    Breakdown of the budget

    Details released by the Presidency show that ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while ₦15.8 trillion is set aside for debt servicing.

    Recurrent expenditure will gulp ₦15.4 trillion, while ₦32.2 trillion has been earmarked for capital projects under the Development Fund.

    The Presidency said the allocation reflects a balance between ongoing obligations and investments aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic growth.

    Extension of 2025 budget

    Tinubu also signed an amendment extending the lifespan of the 2025 Appropriation Act from March 31 to June 30, 2026.

    According to the government, the extension is to allow Ministries, Departments and Agencies to complete ongoing capital projects already at advanced stages.

    Officials say the move will help maximise the use of allocated funds and improve project delivery across the country.

    Focus on infrastructure, growth

    The government noted that capital expenditure accounts for about 50 per cent of the total budget, signalling a strong focus on infrastructure, security and inclusive growth.

    The 2026 budget took effect from April 1, with full implementation already underway.

    Tinubu tasks MDAs

    The President has directed MDAs to ensure transparency, discipline and efficiency in the use of public funds.

    He also emphasised the need for value for money and timely execution of projects.

    Tinubu commended the National Assembly for what he described as swift consideration and passage of the budget, while reaffirming the importance of collaboration between both arms of government.

    He further assured Nigerians of continued fiscal reforms, improved revenue generation and investments targeted at job creation and economic stability.

  • Wike Storms PDP Secretariat As Fresh Tension Hits Party Leadership Crisis

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday visited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, amid ongoing leadership crisis rocking the opposition party.

    Wike’s visit raises fresh questions

    Wike was received at the secretariat by the PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.

    His visit comes at a time when the party remains deeply divided, with unresolved disputes over its leadership structure and control of the national headquarters.

    Crisis that shook PDP headquarters

    The PDP crisis escalated on November 18, when rival factions clashed at Wadata Plaza, leading to a breakdown of order at the party’s headquarters.

    The faction led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), backed by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, confronted the Mohammed-led group believed to be aligned with Wike.

    The situation has since remained tense, with both sides laying claim to party leadership.

    Dispute over control of secretariat

    The unsealing and takeover of the secretariat was confirmed by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee through its spokesperson, Jungudo Mohammed.

    The faction warned against any attempt to disrupt peace, while also commending the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

    Opposition faction kicks

    However, the Turaki-led faction rejected the development, describing the unsealing as contempt of court.

    Spokesman Ini Ememobong argued that the judgment cited had already been appealed, warning that the move could undermine ongoing legal proceedings.

    The latest development signals that the PDP leadership crisis is far from over, as rival factions continue to battle for control of the party.

  • Kwara Files 20-Count Charge Against Saraki, Ahmed Over Alleged Offa Robbery Links

    Kwara State Government has filed a 20-count criminal charge against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and ex-governor Abdulfatai Ahmed over alleged links to the 2018 Offa armed robbery, with the defendants set to be arraigned on June 4 before a state High Court in Ilorin.

    What led to the charges

    The case, marked KWS/114C/26, also names Yusuf Abdulwahab, a former Chief of Staff, and aide Alabi Olalekan.

    According to the state government, the charges followed developments after the Court of Appeal upheld earlier convictions tied to the Offa robbery incident.

    The robbery, which occurred in April 2018, led to multiple arrests and prosecutions, including that of Ayo Akinnibosun, who allegedly made key confessional statements during trial.

    Key allegations in court

    Prosecutors claim that some weapons and exhibits linked to the robbery were recovered from the Government House and a state ministry in 2018.

    These items were later tendered in court and formed part of the evidence that secured previous convictions.

    Akinnibosun was also said to have claimed he led a group of armed operatives connected to political figures, alleging they received financial and logistical support.

    He further alleged that firearms and a vehicle bearing Saraki’s name plate were made available through a senior government official.

    Saraki denies involvement

    Saraki has rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation.

    The defendants are expected to challenge the claims in court as the trial begins.

    What happens next

    The prosecution is expected to rely on confessional statements and recovered exhibits as proceedings commence in June.

    All the accused persons have maintained their innocence ahead of the arraignment.

  • Sowore Declares Tinubu ‘One-Term President’, Says Nigerians Are Suffering

    Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not secure a second term in office, intensifying political criticism ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Fresh attack on Tinubu

    Sowore made the remark while speaking on the state of the nation, insisting that Nigerians are currently facing hardship under Tinubu’s administration.

    “I can assure Nigerians that Tinubu is not coming back, he’s a one-term president, he’s sucking the life out of Nigerians,” he said.

    His comments come amid growing political tension, with opposition figures increasingly questioning the government’s economic and governance policies.

    Concerns over electoral reforms

    Sowore has also been vocal about recent electoral developments, particularly the amended Electoral Act.

    He criticised the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, warning that it could undermine Nigeria’s democracy if not properly implemented.

    The criticism followed President Tinubu’s signing of the amended law at the State House in Abuja, a move that has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders and citizens.

    Political tensions ahead of 2027

    The latest statement adds to ongoing debates over governance and the future of Nigeria’s democracy as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

    Opposition voices have continued to call for credible, free, and fair elections, while scrutinising policies of the current administration.

     

  • “Power Has Improved Since 2015” — Tinubu’s Aide Bwala Defends Electricity Supply Gains

    Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has said electricity supply has improved in parts of Nigeria, insisting that Nigerians now enjoy more power than they did in 2015 and 2023.

    Aide speaks on current situation

    Bwala made the claim during an interview on Arise TV, where he acknowledged that challenges still exist in the power sector but argued that there are noticeable improvements in some areas.

    He pointed to the Federal Capital Territory as one of the regions experiencing relatively stable electricity compared to others.

    Focus shifts from supply to tariffs

    According to him, many of the current complaints about electricity are now centred more on tariffs than on availability in certain locations.

    He suggested that this reflects a shift in concerns, as some areas are seeing better supply than before.

    Reforms opening up the sector

    Bwala also credited recent government reforms for expanding participation in the power sector.

    He said the legal framework now allows state governments, local authorities, and private investors to play active roles in electricity generation and distribution.

    “We have created the legislative environment that has given rise to the capacity of state, local government, and even the private sector to participate,” he said.

    ‘Judge by hours of supply’

    The presidential aide argued that progress should be measured by actual hours of electricity supply rather than political comparisons with previous administrations.

    He maintained that Nigerians are more concerned about how much power they receive daily than past benchmarks.

    Debate over real impact continues

    While Bwala insists there has been measurable improvement, discussions around electricity supply remain a key national issue, with many Nigerians still raising concerns about access, cost, and consistency.

  • Atiku Fires Back at Tinubu, Accuses President of ‘Hypocrisy and Historical Amnesia’ Over Privatisation Clash

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has launched a sharp rebuttal against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of hypocrisy, distortion of history, and political desperation following a heated exchange over Nigeria’s privatisation programme.

    Tinubu’s initial remarks trigger controversy

    The confrontation began after President Tinubu, during a meeting with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, accused Atiku of attempting to “privatise” the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and questioned the outcomes of past privatisation efforts overseen by the former vice-president.

    Tinubu argued that several assets sold under the programme, including steel projects and Ajaokuta Steel Company, had failed to deliver expected results.

    “The head [Atiku] was the chairman of the privatisation council of Nigeria… is it working today? No,” Tinubu said.

    Atiku responds through aide

    In a strongly worded statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed the president’s comments as a “reckless tirade” and accused him of rewriting established economic history.

    The statement described Tinubu’s remarks as “a troubling pattern of hypocrisy and historical amnesia,” insisting that the privatisation programme under Atiku produced long-standing private sector success stories.

    It listed companies such as Oando, Conoil, Ardova Plc, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Benue Cement Company, and Transcorp Hilton Abuja as examples of successful reforms.

    Defence of privatisation legacy

    Atiku’s camp maintained that the former vice-president played a key role in driving reforms that revived struggling state enterprises and strengthened private sector participation in the economy.

    It also argued that Tinubu had previously opposed some of the reforms he now appears to support in office, particularly in the oil sector.

    According to the statement, current economic policies are being implemented “without transparency and accountability.”

    Personal jabs escalate tension

    The response took a more personal tone, accusing the president of ignorance and questioning his academic history, while also referencing past controversies around his educational background.

    “If he were properly educated he would have acquainted himself with the privatisation records,” the statement said.

    It further described Tinubu’s comments as reflective of “a leadership more comfortable with insults than facts.”

    Economic hardship enters the debate

    Atiku’s camp also linked the exchange to Nigeria’s current economic situation, pointing to rising inflation, job losses, and worsening cost of living across the country.

    It argued that what is being described as reform has instead translated into hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

    Political tension deepens ahead of future contests

    The latest exchange highlights growing political friction between both camps as debates around Nigeria’s economic direction and past reform policies continue to intensify.

  • Nigeria Won’t Seek IMF Loan Despite $50bn Support Plan, Edun Declares

    The Federal Government has ruled out any plan to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial support, despite the fund’s proposal to make up to $50 billion available to struggling economies, including countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing at the ongoing World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington DC.

    Government takes firm stance

    Edun stated clearly that Nigeria is not considering taking on additional debt from the IMF at this time.

    “Nigeria has no plan at the moment to approach the IMF for any other such burden,” he said while responding to questions from journalists.

    His comments come a day after the IMF disclosed plans to provide between $20 billion and $50 billion in financial support to vulnerable economies in the near term.

    Why IMF funding is on the table

    According to the IMF, the proposed support will cover both expansions of existing programmes and new funding requests from at least a dozen countries, many of them in Africa.

    The move is aimed at cushioning the economic impact of global challenges, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

    Pressure on African economies

    Edun, however, noted that African countries are facing increasing economic pressure despite not being directly responsible for the global crisis.

    He explained that the situation threatens macroeconomic stability, slows growth, and weakens efforts to reduce poverty across the continent.

    “They need and deserve extra help at this time,” the minister said, referring to vulnerable economies, particularly oil-importing nations.

    IMF warns of global slowdown

    IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva also raised concerns about the wider economic impact of global tensions, especially the Middle East conflict.

    She warned that disruptions to supply chains and rising oil prices could slow global growth significantly.

    According to her, global growth is projected to drop from 3.4 percent last year to about 2.1 percent in 2026, with a worst-case scenario of 2 percent if the crisis persists.

    What it means for Nigeria

    While Nigeria is opting out of immediate IMF borrowing, the government’s position suggests a focus on managing existing economic challenges without adding to its debt burden.

    The decision also highlights ongoing concerns about fiscal sustainability and the long-term impact of external loans on the country’s economy.

  • TikToker Kesari Okala Sparks Outrage After Threatening Voters Over APC Support

    Controversial Lagos-based TikToker, Kesari Okala, has come under fire after a viral video showed him issuing threats to Nigerians over their voting choices ahead of future elections.

    What he said in the video

    In the clip circulating online, Kesari warned that anyone who refuses to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) could face physical consequences.

    He also made a controversial claim suggesting that President Bola Tinubu could remain in office beyond the constitutionally allowed two terms.

    “If you don’t vote for APC I will beat the hell out of you. Tinubu will be the first President to go for three terms in Nigeria. If you don’t agree I will beat you up,” he said in a mix of Yoruba and English.

    Public reactions pour in

    The video has since triggered widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians condemning the use of threats and intimidation in political discourse.

    Some users dismissed his comments, while others criticised what they described as the growing trend of influencers promoting divisive narratives online.

    @loafplug wrote, “How many people can he beat? He should go and sit down. Nobody is scared of him. That money they paid him will soon finish.”

    @Melv_1017 added, “Who be this one? Una go just dey give these people unnecessary relevance.”

    @folatheicon commented, “Anything for the bag.”

    @attah_akor stated, “Of course he go dey support APC.”

    Growing concerns over political intimidation

    The development has raised fresh concerns about the tone of political engagement in Nigeria, especially on social media platforms where such statements can quickly gain traction.

    Many have called on authorities to address threats linked to electoral choices and ensure a safe and fair democratic process.