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  • ADC Slams Tinubu Over ‘Street Convention’ Remark, Says Nigerians Face Hardship

    The African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of focusing on political attacks while Nigerians grapple with worsening economic and security challenges.

    In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the President’s recent comments about opposition groups as inappropriate and disconnected from the realities faced by citizens.

    What triggered the reaction

    The ADC’s response followed remarks attributed to Tinubu, where he reportedly dismissed opposition parties and mocked their convention as being held “on the street.”

    The party rejected the claim, insisting its convention was not conducted in such a manner and suggesting the statement may have been based on misinformation.

    Concerns over economy and insecurity

    ADC said the focus should instead be on urgent national issues, including rising cost of living, food inflation, and declining purchasing power.

    It also raised concerns over insecurity across the country, citing ongoing cases of abductions and attacks, while alleging that the government’s response has not been sufficient.

    Allegations of shrinking political space

    The party further claimed that democratic space is narrowing under the current administration, accusing authorities of restricting opposition access to public venues such as Eagle Square.

    According to the statement, such actions could undermine political participation and weaken democratic processes.

    “At a time when families are battling a historic cost-of-living crisis, the President chose to mock the opposition instead of addressing the suffering of Nigerians,” the party said.

    It also criticised what it described as contradictions in governance, arguing that the President cannot simultaneously act as political leader and interpreter of legal matters.

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • Actress Sarah Martins Declares Support for Seyi Tinubu, Vows to Campaign for Him

    Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has publicly declared her support for Seyi Tinubu, stating that she would campaign for him if he decides to contest for any political office in the future.

    The actress made the statement in a video shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, April 16, while responding to critics questioning her open admiration for the president’s son.

    Why she is backing him

    Martins explained that her loyalty is rooted in a personal experience, revealing that Seyi Tinubu once supported her charity work with a ₦20 million donation.

    She said the support came in October 2025 after she raised concerns about an alleged assault by uniformed officials while distributing food to the less privileged.

    According to her, the incident involved operatives believed to be from the Kick Against Indiscipline unit, who confronted her during a street outreach.

    She added that Tinubu later reached out and offered financial assistance to help sustain her charity initiative.

    “I will campaign for him”

    Speaking in the video, Martins said the gesture strengthened her commitment to him, stressing that she is ready to publicly support him if he enters politics.

    “If Seyi Tinubu comes out to contest for anything now or later, I will loudly campaign for him,” she said.

    She also dismissed criticism over her stance, saying she has no issue being labelled a political tool.

    “I accept it with my full chest only for Seyi Tinubu’s government, not his father’s government. I am big on loyalty,” she added.

    Plans to expand charity work

    The actress also revealed plans to grow her outreach efforts, noting that she is working towards acquiring a truck to improve logistics for feeding vulnerable communities.

    According to her, her current vehicle is too small to accommodate her team and equipment.

    The development has sparked mixed reactions online, with many debating her comments and public support for the president’s son.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.