Welcome

Category: Politics

  • Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Calls Opposition Coalition a “Gang-Up of Failures” Ahead of 2027 Poll

    President Bola Tinubu has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the opposition coalition seeking to unseat him in the 2027 general election as a “coalition of failures,” during a political engagement at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    What happened

    Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday, April 16, 2026, while addressing the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.

    The president accused opposition figures, including Atiku, of ganging up against his administration, while questioning their past records in governance and economic reforms.

    He specifically referenced Atiku’s role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme, suggesting it contributed to failed national assets.

    Tinubu’s criticism of Atiku

    In his speech, Tinubu mocked the opposition’s track record, pointing to stalled projects such as Ajaokuta Steel Company and other privatised assets.

    “The head was the chairman of the Privatisation Council of Nigeria… they privatised the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today? No,” he said.

    He added that Nigerians should judge political actors based on results rather than promises, insisting his administration is focused on correcting past failures.

    Defence of his administration

    The president maintained that he inherited a struggling economy but chose to confront the challenges head-on.

    “I didn’t have to look back because the truth is, I took over from myself,” Tinubu said, referencing his role in the transition from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He assured supporters that ongoing reforms would eventually deliver visible results in infrastructure, education, and the economy.

    Message to supporters

    Tinubu also praised members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, describing them as part of a national movement committed to economic recovery and social renewal.

    He urged them to remain committed to his administration’s agenda, promising not to abandon them midway.

    “You are in good company… all I can promise is that I won’t give up,” he said.

    What it means

    The comments reflect rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with early campaigns and rivalries beginning to shape public discourse around governance and opposition unity.

  • Tinubu Declares 2027 Bid, Says “I Can’t Be Intimidated” by Opposition

    President Bola Tinubu has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, signalling readiness to seek a second term in office amid rising political tension and opposition criticism.

    President speaks on 2027 ambition

    The president made the declaration on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said his goal is to tackle poverty, promote freedom, and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.

    Tinubu also insisted that he remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of the judiciary, even when decisions do not favour his administration.

    Takes swipe at opposition

    In his remarks, the president criticised opposition parties, describing their approach as lacking substance.

    He said he intends to offer Nigerians something different from what he called “rascality” and “noise-making.”

    Tinubu added that he is not threatened by political pressure or criticism from rival camps.

    “They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I have been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over again, I will do the same thing,” he said.

    Stance on political pressure

    The president maintained that his experience in Nigeria’s political landscape has prepared him for any challenge ahead of the next election cycle.

    He stressed that attempts to intimidate him would not succeed, noting that he understands the dynamics of opposition politics.

    What it means

    Tinubu’s declaration sets the stage for early political positioning ahead of 2027, as parties and key actors begin to align and test public sentiment.

  • APC Member Sparks Debate, Says “Tinubu Won’t Win” in Free and Fair Election

    An alleged member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked fresh political debate after openly criticising the state of the country and questioning President Bola Tinubu’s chances in a free and fair election.

    What he said

    In a now-viral video, the party member expressed doubts about the current administration’s popularity, insisting that the outcome would be different under a credible electoral process.

    “I’m an APC member, but I tell you people that if we put election on ground, free and fair for people to vote their hearts, the answer is Tinubu won’t win,” he said.

    He also questioned claims linking Nigeria’s economic hardship to global conflicts.

    “How do we explain that a war going on in Iran is why people are hungry in Nigeria?” he added.

    Concerns over governance

    The comments come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising cost of living and economic pressure.

    The speaker argued that explanations tied to international crises do not fully address the realities faced by citizens.

    Allegations within APC

    The APC member further alleged that some elements within the ruling party are undermining opposition parties.

    “Some elements in APC are stopping opposition parties from existing; it is a bad thing,” he said.

    He warned that weakening opposition voices could harm democratic growth and accountability.

    Wider reactions

    The statement has triggered reactions online, with Nigerians weighing in on governance, economic hardship, and the country’s political direction ahead of future elections.

    Debates have continued over the role of opposition parties and the need for a more competitive political environment.

  • Kenneth Okonkwo Warns Obi: Leaving ADC Makes You a “Mobile Squatter”

    Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has warned that any move by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could damage his political credibility amid ongoing opposition coalition talks.

    What he said

    Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo reacted to speculation that Obi might exit the ADC if he fails to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

    “If he leaves, will he now be a mobile squadron? Anybody that leaves ADC for another party is a mobile squatter,” he said.

    He stressed that switching parties at this stage of coalition negotiations would raise serious concerns about political consistency.

    Concerns over coalition unity

    Okonkwo argued that any aspirant who exits the coalition platform during internal negotiations would be seen as politically compromised.

    According to him, such a move could weaken opposition unity ahead of future elections.

    “Anybody that goes out of the coalition is compromised and is working for Tinubu, whoever that person is,” he added.

    ADC and opposition talks

    The ADC has been at the centre of ongoing opposition realignment discussions involving key political figures.

    Among those linked to the talks are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister Chibuike Amaechi, both reportedly interested in the party’s presidential ticket or broader coalition arrangement.

    What it means

    Okonkwo’s comments highlight growing tensions within opposition circles as parties and aspirants weigh their options ahead of future elections, with unity emerging as a key issue in the unfolding political landscape.

  • Labour Party Rejects Obi’s Return, Backs Tinubu for Second Term — Arabambi

    The Labour Party (LP) has ruled out any possibility of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, returning to the party, as a top official declares support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid amid ongoing internal realignments.

    Party leadership takes position

    Abayomi Arabambi, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West), made the position known during an interview on News Central on Thursday.

    He said the party leadership had already reached a consensus on its political direction after months of internal crisis and consultations involving key stakeholders.

    According to him, discussions across factions within the party influenced the decision to move forward without revisiting past alliances.

    Obi’s return dismissed

    Arabambi dismissed speculations that efforts were underway to bring Obi back into the party, insisting such moves would not succeed.

    Reacting to reported attempts by Nenadi Usman, he said any push to reintegrate the former candidate was not in the party’s interest.

    He added that the leadership had no plans to reopen talks on Obi’s return.

    Blame over 2023 elections

    The LP chieftain also criticised Obi and his supporters over the party’s performance in the 2023 general election.

    He alleged that internal lapses, particularly logistical challenges at polling units, contributed to the party’s outcome, rejecting claims that external forces were solely responsible.

    Shift towards Tinubu

    In a significant development, Arabambi disclosed that the party had agreed to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

    He said the decision reflects a new political direction aimed at avoiding past mistakes.

    According to him, members of the party are now committed to working towards Tinubu’s re-election.

    What it means

    The stance signals a major shift within the Labour Party, marking a clear break from its 2023 presidential campaign and indicating fresh alignments ahead of future elections.

  • Okpebholo Grants Full Scholarships to Three Children of Late Edo Officer Braimah

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved full educational scholarships for the three children of the late Oseni Omoh Braimah, a fallen security officer, in a move aimed at securing their academic future from their current levels up to university.

    What happened

    The Edo State Government confirmed the approval in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Akhere Ebojele.

    The beneficiaries are Farida Hussain-Braimah, 18, a 100-level Software Engineering student at Nile University, Abuja; Amir Hussain-Braimah, 16, an SS3 student at Olumawu Senior School; and Yasmeen Hussain-Braimah, 12, a JSS2 pupil at Olumawu Junior Secondary School.

    The government said their education will be fully funded without interruption.

    Governor’s decision

    Governor Okpebholo described the gesture as both a moral responsibility and a commitment to honouring those who die in service to the nation.

    “Brigadier General Braimah paid the ultimate price in service to this country. It is only right that we stand by the family he left behind,” he said.

    He added that the initiative is designed to ensure the children are not denied access to quality education due to the loss of their father.

    What the scholarship covers

    The state government said the support will cover the children’s education from their current academic levels through to university, fully funded by the Edo State Government.

    Officials added that the policy reflects the administration’s focus on human capital development under its SHINE Agenda, which prioritises education and social welfare.

    Honouring a fallen officer

    The late Braimah was described by the governor as a symbol of discipline, courage, and patriotism.

    He died during security operations and was later buried with full military honours at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery.

    Wider call for support

    The Edo State Government also called on other states and private sector actors to adopt similar initiatives to support families of fallen military personnel.

    It stressed the need for structured interventions, especially in education, to prevent children of deceased officers from being left behind.

    The move adds to growing conversations around long-term welfare systems for families of security personnel who die in active service.

  • Abiodun Approves Weekly Day Off, ₦10,000 Transport Allowance for Ogun Workers

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved a weekly day off and a ₦10,000 monthly transport allowance for civil servants, a move aimed at easing the impact of rising fuel prices and cost of living, with the measures set to run for three months from April 2026.

    Relief measures announced

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, who said the decision was designed to provide immediate relief to workers facing increased transportation costs.

    According to him, the weekly day off will apply across the state workforce, while the ₦10,000 allowance will serve as a temporary palliative within the three-month period.

    “This is in addition to the payment of ₦10,000 special transport allowance as palliatives for three months commencing from April 2026,” Onasanya said.

    Who is affected

    Onasanya clarified that not all categories of workers will benefit from the weekly day-off arrangement.

    He explained that essential workers, including medical personnel, judicial staff, teachers, security operatives, and heads of departments, will be exempted from the one-day break.

    However, they will still receive the ₦10,000 transport allowance.

    Implementation plan

    The Head of Service said accounting officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies will determine the specific day off for eligible staff.

    This, he noted, is to ensure that government operations and service delivery are not disrupted.

    He added that the intervention is expected to not only cushion economic pressure but also improve worker productivity.

    Why the decision was taken

    The state government said the move is a direct response to the recent hike in fuel prices and the ripple effect on transportation and living costs.

    Onasanya described the approval as a timely intervention, urging workers to reciprocate the gesture with improved commitment and efficiency.

    Similar move in Oyo

    The development mirrors a similar policy in Oyo State, where Governor Seyi Makinde approved a ₦10,000 monthly transport allowance for civil servants.

    Makinde said the support, which began in March, will also run for an initial period of three months as part of efforts to ease economic hardship.

  • Malema Sentenced to 5 Years, Appeals Conviction Over Public Gun Firing Incident

     

    South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging it in public, a ruling that immediately triggered an appeal from his legal team as he seeks to avoid jail.

    Court ruling and sentence

    The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Twanet Olivier at a court in East London, where Malema appeared in a dark suit and red tie, showing little emotion as the sentence was read out.

    He had earlier been convicted of five offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment, and discharging a weapon in a public space.

    The court’s decision marks one of the most serious legal setbacks yet for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, who has remained a dominant and controversial figure in South African politics.

    How the incident happened

    The case dates back to 2018 when a video went viral showing Malema firing several shots into the air with a semi-automatic rifle during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Eastern Cape province.

    Prosecutors argued the act was dangerous and reckless, especially as it took place in a crowded public event attended by supporters and party members.

    In his defence, Malema insisted the firearm did not belong to him and claimed he only discharged it to energise the crowd during the celebration.

    However, the court dismissed the explanation, with Magistrate Olivier ruling that the act was deliberate and not impulsive.

    Appeal and legal reaction

    Immediately after the judgment, Malema’s lawyer filed an appeal, a move aimed at stopping any immediate imprisonment while the case continues through higher courts.

    The EFF leader has consistently maintained that he will challenge the ruling to the highest judicial level, including South Africa’s Constitutional Court if necessary.

    Malema himself had earlier framed possible jail time as part of his political struggle, saying, “We cannot be scared of prison or to die for the revolution.”

    Public reaction and support

    Outside the courtroom, hundreds of supporters gathered in solidarity, chanting and singing revolutionary songs in support of the EFF leader.

    The atmosphere reflected Malema’s continued influence among his base, despite growing legal and political pressure around him.

    He remains one of South Africa’s most polarising political figures, known for his fiery rhetoric and strong grassroots following.


    Malema’s party supporters have been out in force to show their solidarity

    Political background and rise

    Malema first rose to national prominence as the leader of the African National Congress Youth League, before being expelled following a fallout with then-President Jacob Zuma.

    He later went on to form the Economic Freedom Fighters, a party built on radical economic transformation policies, including calls for land expropriation without compensation.

    The EFF has since grown into a major opposition force and became the fourth-largest party in South Africa’s 2024 general elections.

    Other legal challenges

    Beyond the firearm conviction, Malema has also faced other court rulings, including a hate speech conviction linked to remarks made at a 2022 rally.

    That case followed comments interpreted by the equality court as inciting harm, although the EFF argued the statements were taken out of context.

    What next

    With the appeal now in motion, Malema’s legal and political future remains uncertain, as the case is expected to move through South Africa’s higher courts in what could become a prolonged legal battle.

  • ADC Defies INEC, Vows to Hold Congresses as David Mark Demands Chairman’s Sack

    A high-stakes confrontation between Nigeria’s most prominent opposition coalition and the country’s electoral commission intensified on Friday, as the African Democratic Congress declared it would proceed with its planned party congresses and national convention regardless of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to de-recognise its leadership, a move the party described as a politically motivated attack on democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

    What triggered the crisis

    The crisis reached a boiling point on Wednesday, April 1, when INEC announced it was removing Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, and would not monitor any congress or convention convened by their faction. INEC cited a Court of Appeal ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which directed all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum”, that is, the state of affairs before hostilities began, pending the resolution of an ongoing leadership dispute before the Federal High Court.

    The dispute involves a former ADC official, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claims he never resigned as national chairman and that his signature on a resignation letter was forged. INEC said it received legal letters from Nafiu Bala’s lawyers demanding that Mark and Aregbesola be de-recognised, and determined that since Mark’s leadership was uploaded to the INEC portal seven days after the lawsuit was filed, removing the names was consistent with restoring the status quo.

    ADC: “We are proceeding regardless”

    Addressing a press conference at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, ADC National Chairman David Mark described INEC’s action as a direct attack on democracy and accused the commission of taking sides in an internal party dispute. “The only conclusion Nigerians can draw is that the electoral umpire has taken sides and can no longer be trusted,” he said.

    Mark announced that the ADC would proceed with its congresses beginning April 9 and its national convention on April 14, arguing that the law does not make INEC’s attendance a mandatory requirement for internal party processes. “We have duly served INEC notice, and we will proceed accordingly,” he said.

    He called on the ADC’s allies in the international community to take note of what he described as a convergence of legal pressure and political intent by the ruling party. “If you are convinced you have done well, why are you afraid of credible elections?” he asked, directing the question at President Tinubu.

    David Mark demands INEC chairman’s resignation

    Mark went further, calling for the immediate resignation or removal of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan and other national commissioners, saying the ADC had lost all confidence in their ability to conduct credible elections. “We are convinced they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” he said. He also warned that INEC’s actions could affect the ADC’s participation in the upcoming Osun and Ekiti governorship elections.

    INEC chairman fires back

    Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, INEC Chairman Amupitan defended the commission’s decision, saying the matter was already before a Federal High Court in Abuja and that INEC could not take any step that would prejudice proceedings still before the court. “We have a record of a letter written by ADC sometime ago informing the commission that Nafiu Bala had resigned. Then Nafiu also wrote and contended before the court that he did not resign, and as a matter of fact, that his signature was forged,” he said.

    Amupitan warned the ADC about the potential consequences of proceeding with unsupervised congresses and conventions, citing the Zamfara State precedent. “If they decide to go ahead, let me tell you what happened in Zamfara. At the end of the day, after you have won, the court will declare the election invalid, and the implication is that the person with the second-highest number of votes will be declared the winner,” he said.

    APC denies involvement

    The ruling APC rejected the ADC’s claim that President Tinubu was behind INEC’s action. APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru said at a separate press conference on Friday that the decision implemented by INEC was a consequence of the dismissal of an appeal filed by Mark’s own faction. “Where does President Bola Tinubu feature in their claims, if not in fallacious and malicious propaganda?” he asked. The APC also described the ADC’s call for Amupitan’s sack as reckless.

    INEC brushes off removal call

    In a statement on Thursday night, INEC also firmly dismissed the calls for its chairman’s removal. The commission said its decision was anchored strictly on compliance with the Court of Appeal order, and not on political considerations. It noted that it had recently registered three new political parties, the Democratic Leadership Alliance, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and the National Democratic Party, bringing the total number of active parties to 22, which it said was an empirical rebuttal of claims that it supported a one-party agenda.

    What it means for 2027

    The dispute strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s 2027 opposition strategy. The ADC has spent the past three months assembling the most formidable opposition coalition in recent Nigerian history, with Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Tambuwal, and Mark himself all under the same roof. An INEC-enforced leadership freeze — or a court ruling that invalidates the Mark-Aregbesola leadership, could significantly disrupt those plans.

    The Federal High Court is yet to set a hearing date for the substantive case. The Court of Appeal has separately ordered that the matter be granted an accelerated hearing. RNN.NG will continue to follow all developments in this critical dispute.

  • PDP BoT Takes Over Party Leadership After Supreme Court Ruling

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken over the party’s national leadership following the Supreme Court ruling that nullified key structures.

    BoT moves to prevent leadership vacuum

    In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, the body said its intervention was necessary to stabilise the party and avoid a vacuum.

    The trustees said the court’s decision invalidated the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

    Court ruling dissolves party structures

    According to the BoT, the judgment nullified the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and upheld the suspension of key officials, including Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, and Kamaldeen Ajibade.

    It added that all decisions taken by the affected leadership, including the appointment of an acting national chairman and the formation of a caretaker committee, are now void.

    BoT assumes control of party affairs

    Following the ruling, the trustees declared that both the Turaki-led and Abdulrahman Mohammed-led structures stand dissolved.

    “The BoT hereby immediately assumes responsibility of the national working leadership of the PDP,” the statement said.

    The body described the move as a constitutional step to restore order and reposition the party.

    Emergency NEC meeting planned

    The BoT also announced plans to convene an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to appoint an interim National Working Committee.

    The interim leadership is expected to manage party affairs and prepare for the 2027 general elections in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

    Party staff have been directed to resume duties at the national secretariat under BoT supervision pending the emergence of a new leadership structure.

    Call for unity among members

    The trustees commended party stakeholders, including Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, for their roles during the crisis.

    They urged members to set aside differences and work together to rebuild the party.

    “The PDP has suffered enough,” the statement added, calling for reconciliation and collective action.