Tag: President Bola Tinubu

  • Adelabu Speaks on 2027 Gubernatorial Ambition, Confirms Exit Plan from Power Ministry

    Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed his intention to step down from office in the coming days as he prepares to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, after formally informing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his political ambition.

    What happened

    According to a statement issued by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu disclosed that he had already communicated his decision to the President during a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he also presented a detailed report on his stewardship in the power sector over the past two and a half years.

    The statement noted that the Minister is expected to resign officially in the coming days, a move described as part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in ongoing reforms within the electricity sector before his exit from office.

    Meeting with Tinubu and sector update

    During the engagement with President Tinubu, Adelabu reportedly highlighted key developments recorded under his leadership, including attempts to stabilise electricity generation, improve transmission capacity, and strengthen reforms across the power value chain.

    He also presented major policy frameworks such as the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), its Strategic Implementation Plan, and a Medium to Long-Term Resource Plan designed to guide sustainability and long-term sector growth.

    The statement explained that these frameworks are aimed at improving electricity access, expanding renewable energy integration, attracting investment, and building a more resilient national power system with clearer institutional responsibilities.

    Resignation linked to 2027 ambition

    The statement further confirmed that Adelabu’s planned resignation is directly tied to his governorship ambition in Oyo State, adding that he has received the President’s consent and blessing to pursue the political move.

    It also stressed that part of the reason for the delayed exit is to allow him conclude critical interventions in the power sector, particularly ongoing efforts to address challenges such as gas supply constraints, infrastructure repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers affecting generation output.

    What it means

    Adelabu’s decision now officially positions him among serving ministers preparing for the 2027 political cycle, as political activities gradually intensify across the country. His exit is expected to trigger a replacement process within the Federal Executive Council in the coming weeks.

  • FG Files 13-Count Charge Against Sylva, Others Over Alleged Coup Plot

    The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, and six others over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, in a case now before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The charges, bordering on treason, terrorism and money laundering, were filed on Tuesday by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026.

    Who is involved

    Sylva, a former minister under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, is listed as the seventh defendant but is currently at large, with authorities expected to proceed against him in absentia if he fails to appear.

    Other defendants include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

    They are expected to be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Breakdown of charges

    Court documents show that the 13-count charge revolves around allegations of conspiracy, failure to disclose intelligence, terrorism-related activities and financial crimes linked to terrorism financing.

    The key charges include:

    • Conspiracy to wage war against Nigeria in a bid to overawe the President
    • Failure to disclose knowledge of an alleged treason plot to authorities
    • Failure to take steps to prevent the commission of treason
    • Conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism within Nigeria
    • Participation in meetings linked to acts of terrorism
    • Providing support to individuals planning terrorist acts
    • Withholding information that could prevent or expose terrorism activities
    • Retention and handling of funds suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing
    • Acceptance of large cash payments outside formal financial systems
    • Money laundering through bank accounts linked to alleged unlawful activities

    Financial allegations

    Specific counts detail financial transactions allegedly tied to terrorism financing, including claims that some defendants received millions of naira through bank accounts or cash payments believed to be proceeds of unlawful acts.

    These include ₦50 million allegedly traced to Bukar Kashim Goni, ₦10 million cash reportedly received by Zekeri Umoru, and smaller amounts linked to other defendants.

    Court proceedings

    The Federal Government is prosecuting the case as part of efforts to address threats to national security and uphold Nigeria’s constitutional order.

    The arraignment is expected to mark the beginning of a closely watched legal battle, given the high-profile individuals involved and the gravity of the allegations.

    Wider context

    Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, despite a history of military coups in earlier decades and recent instability in parts of West Africa.

    The case adds to growing concerns about internal security threats, as authorities intensify efforts to prevent actions that could undermine the country’s democratic system.

     

  • Wale Edun Breaks Silence Ahead of Exit as Finance Minister

    The outgoing Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has spoken out as he prepares to step down from office on Thursday, ending his tenure under President Bola Tinubu.

    Edun, in a statement, expressed gratitude to the president for the opportunity to serve since May 2023.

    What he said

    He recalled that his involvement in the administration began as head of the Presidential Transition Committee before serving as Special Adviser on Monetary Policy and later as minister.

    According to him, the government inherited significant economic challenges but implemented reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and driving growth.

    “We have worked collectively… to stabilise the macroeconomic environment and lay the foundation for inclusive growth,” he said.

    Claims on economic progress

    Edun stated that economic growth rose from about two per cent to over four per cent during his tenure.

    He also claimed that inflation declined from 35 per cent to 15 per cent, attributing the development to coordinated policies and improved investor confidence.

    He added that the progress was driven by collaboration across the Federal Executive Council, state governments and private sector partners.

    Looking ahead

    While acknowledging that more work remains, the minister expressed confidence in the country’s economic direction and wished his successor success.

    He also reaffirmed his commitment to national development beyond his time in office.

  • Viral Video Questions Tinubu’s Media Silence, Sparks Debate Online

    A viral video has triggered fresh debate over President Bola Tinubu’s communication style, with a Nigerian woman questioning the level of his direct engagement with journalists.

    The clip, which has gained traction across social media, shows the speaker raising concerns about what she described as limited access to the president.

    What she said

    In the video, the woman criticised the pattern of public appearances by the president, noting that most engagements appear to be controlled settings without direct questioning.

    “President Tinubu occasionally holds press briefings… and that’s it,” she said, adding that she has not seen instances where journalists directly ask him questions.

    She also pointed to the campaign period, recalling that his media appearances were minimal.

    “Even during his campaign… that’s the only interview I can remember,” she added.

    Questions over transparency

    The speaker further raised concerns about transparency, questioning the absence of open interviews or press interactions since Tinubu assumed office.

    She referenced a town hall event during the campaign which the president did not attend, saying it added to perceptions of limited media access.

    “There’s a lot of questions to be asked… but we never get that,” she said.

    Global comparison

    Drawing comparisons with international practices, she cited the United States, noting that leaders there often engage directly with journalists.

    Her comments referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump as an example of frequent media interaction.

    Reactions trail video

    The video has since generated mixed reactions online, with some users agreeing that there is a communication gap, while others argue that the president communicates through official channels and spokespersons.

    Observers say the discussion reflects broader concerns about transparency and public engagement as political discourse intensifies.

  • Tinubu Drops Finance, Housing Ministers, Installs Oyedele, Darma in Fresh FEC Shake-Up

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, removing two ministers and naming replacements as part of efforts to strengthen governance and economic delivery.

    What happened

    The development was confirmed in a statement issued Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, through his media aide, Yomi Odunuga.

    According to the statement, Wale Edun, who served as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has been directed to hand over to Taiwo Oyedele.

    Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, is also to exit the cabinet.

    New appointments

    Oyedele, who previously served as Minister of State in the finance ministry, will now take over as substantive Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

    For the Housing Ministry, Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named as minister-designate, pending confirmation.

    In the interim, Dangiwa is to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry until Darma’s confirmation is completed.

    Timeline for transition

    The presidency directed that all handover processes must be concluded on or before Thursday, April 23, 2026.

    Why the reshuffle

    Akume said the changes are aimed at improving coordination within the cabinet and enhancing service delivery.

    “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,” he said.

    He added that the President exercised his constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution.

    What it means

    Tinubu also thanked the outgoing ministers for their service, noting that further adjustments may follow as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the administration.

    The reshuffle signals a renewed push by the presidency to tighten control over key sectors, especially the economy, as Nigeria continues to navigate fiscal and policy challenges.

  • FG Arraigns Retired General, Others Over Alleged Plot to Oust Tinubu

    The federal government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against six suspects over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

    Those charged include a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others accused of treason-related offences.

    Charges filed

    According to court documents, the defendants are facing allegations bordering on waging war against Nigeria, treason, and acts linked to terrorism.

    The case marks the latest step in the government’s response to what security authorities earlier described as a planned coup attempt.

    How the plot emerged

    The issue first gained attention in October 2025 following the sudden cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade.

    While initial reports linked the decision to security concerns, the Defence Headquarters later dismissed claims of any connection to a coup plot.

    Arrests and confirmation

    Days later, reports emerged that several military officers had been arrested over the alleged plan, with others declared at large.

    In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered involvement of some personnel in a plot to overthrow the government.

    The military said those implicated would face appropriate judicial proceedings.

    Family protests and demands

    In March, families of detained officers called on President Tinubu to allow a public trial, raising concerns about transparency.

    The protests continued in April, with relatives storming the National Assembly to demand access to the suspects and a speedy trial.

    What next

    With the case now before the Federal High Court, attention is expected to shift to the trial proceedings as the government moves to prosecute those accused.

  • Tinubu Approves New Police Academy Campus in Ogun, Releases ₦15bn Take-Off Fund

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigeria Police Academy campus in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, alongside a ₦15 billion take-off grant for its development.

    The approval was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    What was approved

    According to the statement, the ₦15bn intervention fund will be sourced from TETFund’s 2026 allocation.

    It will cover key infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and essential training equipment for the new campus.

    The Presidency said the move aligns with the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, which allows the institution to operate multiple campuses nationwide.

    Why Ogun was selected

    The siting of the campus in Erinja followed recommendations from a high-level meeting involving top government officials.

    Participants included the Minister of Police Affairs, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Universities Commission.

    They considered factors such as student capacity, funding, academic standards, and the long-term training needs of the Nigeria Police Force.

    What it means

    The Presidency said the expansion is aimed at strengthening policing education, institutional governance, and national security.

    The Nigeria Police Academy currently operates a single campus in Wudil, Kano State.

    The new Ogun campus will be the first additional campus created under the 2021 Act.

    Background

    The Academy began in 1988 with temporary campuses in Kano and Kaduna before relocating to Wudil in 1996.

    It became a degree-awarding institution in 2012 and now offers programmes across law, sciences, and related fields.

    Lawmakers had earlier called for decentralisation of the Academy, proposing campuses across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

     

  • Retired Police Block Aso Rock Gate, Demand Tinubu Sign Exit Bill from ‘Killer’ Pension Scheme

    Retired police officers and their families on Monday blocked an entrance to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, protesting what they described as years of hardship under the Contributory Pension Scheme and demanding immediate action from President Bola Tinubu.

    The protesters, under the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, gathered near Aso Rock, calling for the Nigeria Police Force to be removed from the scheme.

    Why they are protesting

    The retirees insisted that the Contributory Pension Scheme is “fraudulent, illegal, inhumane and obnoxious,” arguing that it has left many former officers struggling to survive after decades of service.

    Placards at the protest carried messages such as “End CPS” and “If military, DSS were removed from PENCOM, why not police?”

    Many also chanted, “Police dey work, PenCom dey chop.”

    Call for presidential action

    The group urged Tinubu to sign the Police Exit Bill passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, and forwarded to the Presidency in March 2026.

    According to them, the bill would remove police personnel from the pension scheme they claim has worsened their living conditions.

    They described the scheme as one that leads to “untimely death” and hardship among retired officers.

    Voices from the protest

    Speaking during the protest, a retired ASP, Nurudeen Dahiru, said the demonstration was about survival and dignity.

    “We are not begging anybody. We have come to fight for our rights. We have served for 35 years,” he said.

    He added that many retirees can no longer meet basic needs, including feeding and supporting their families.

    Another protester questioned the level of pension payments, saying they remain inadequate even decades after retirement.

    Background

    The Contributory Pension Scheme has long been a subject of debate, with security agencies like the military and DSS previously exiting the system.

    Retired police officers argue that they deserve similar treatment, given the nature of their service.

    https://twitter.com/i/status/2046196172780339480

  • “I Won the 2023 Election” — Peter Obi Insists, Questions Official Results

    Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has again declared that he won the 2023 presidential election, maintaining that the officially announced results did not reflect what he believes was the true outcome.

    Fresh remarks on election outcome

    Speaking during an appearance on the Naija Unfiltered podcast, the former Anambra State governor said he remains convinced that his campaign secured victory, despite the final figures released by electoral authorities.

    According to him, the system produced a different result from what he insists actually happened during the election.

    “I can show you today, as far as I’m concerned, I have run election for the office of the President of Nigeria and won. But the system decided otherwise and they know it,” Obi said.

    Context of the 2023 race

    Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and polled about six million votes nationwide, emerging as one of the leading candidates in the race.

    His latest comments add to ongoing debates around the credibility of the election and the broader conversation on electoral reforms in Nigeria.

    Public reaction builds

    The statement has since stirred reactions online, with supporters and critics weighing in on his claims and the state of Nigeria’s electoral process.

    Obi has consistently maintained his stance on the election outcome, reinforcing calls from his camp for greater transparency and accountability in future polls.

  • “Tinubu Should Resign Now” — Fayose Laments Empty Lagos Roads, Blames Hardship

    Social commentator Isaac Fayose has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, claiming the impact is now visible on major roads in Lagos as residents cut down movement due to rising costs.

    What he said

    Fayose, in a viral video, described a noticeable drop in traffic across usually busy parts of Lagos, linking the situation to the high cost of fuel and general economic pressure on citizens.

    He called for urgent intervention from national leaders, insisting that the current hardship has made daily life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.

    “Even Lagos State roads wey dey always dey busy, poverty don carry am. Poverty has made everyone park their cars. President Tinubu should resign now, Nigerians are suffering,” he said.

    Concerns over cost of living

    The social commentator questioned the sustainability of current fuel prices, arguing that many Nigerians can no longer afford regular transportation.

    “How much is 10 litres of fuel? ₦14,000. Who can afford that every day?” he asked, pointing to what he described as a growing economic burden on households.

    Call for action

    Fayose further urged political leaders to take decisive steps, calling on the Senate leadership to act in what he described as the interest of Nigerians.

    He also expressed doubts about key national institutions, claiming that public confidence in governance structures is weakening.

    His remarks have since added to ongoing conversations about the cost of living crisis and economic reforms in the country.