News

2027: Atiku, Obi, Amaechi bringing nothing new, says Ndume

Published

2 months ago

March 21, 2026

The Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has expressed confidence in his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), retaining power at the centre after the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, is not coming up with anything new to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

The long-serving lawmaker, who appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, however, said the opposition cannot be underrated.

“I am not worried because nobody is coming up with something new. Everybody is talking about it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu or Atiku or Amaechi, or Peter Obi. I don’t see anything that they put on the table,” Ndume said.

“The man holding the steering now is Tinubu, but those who are trying to take over, and the ADC itself, every day it’s here and there. Initially, I had a lot of confidence, but when you find people concentrating on themselves for the power they can get, it’s not a big deal.

“Up till now, despite the fact that they have strong personalities, they have not been able to actually put their house in order. But you can’t underrate any opposition, no matter how small.

“Remember, that was how PDP was thinking about APC initially — that APC is not serious. Buhari tried several times; he didn’t make it. So, I’m not writing Atiku, Obi or Amaechi off.”

He asserted that having a strong opposition is very necessary in every democracy.

Asked if Nigerians should reject Tinubu at the polls in 2027 for failing to fulfil some of his promises, Ndume said that the decision is left to Nigerians. However, he insisted that Tinubu has done a lot of work, but it has been overshadowed by insecurity and lack of welfare for the people.

He said that if the President can take the fight against insecurity very seriously, secure Nigerians, improve the power sector, and improve welfare for citizens, Nigerians will return him to power.

Even though he acknowledged that Nigerians may not be happy with the APC, Ndume insisted that the ADC is not a threat.

He said that once the APC government is able to solve the problems of insecurity and welfare for the people, Nigerians will not have a problem voting for the party because they are forgiving.

“As I said, our problem is the security and welfare of the people, and then keeping up with some of those things and getting them right. Some of the policies that the government put in place, if they start yielding results, Nigerians will be happy about it. One good thing about Nigerians is that they are forgiving; if you offend them and you ask for forgiveness or things turn around, they will put it behind them.

“So, don’t write APC off. I will not say Nigerians are happy with all that we are doing, but at the same time, I cannot say the opposition is a threat because we are all one — all the same politicians,” he said.

With a crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the ADC has emerged as a formidable opposition that can challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 polls. The party was adopted by the opposition coalition, including Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Abubakar Malami, Nasir El-Rufai and other political heavyweights, to challenge for power in the next election.

News

Adeboye backs Remi Tinubu’s RCCG pastor title

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

Despite mounting pressure from various quarters, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has stated that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will continue to hold her position as an ordained pastor in the church.

Adeboye made the clarification during the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service, explaining that Mrs Tinubu was ordained as an Assistant Pastor more than a decade ago—well before her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as a presidential contender.

He noted that her ordination followed the church’s established procedures and emphasised that she had not violated any of its doctrines or regulations.

The cleric also dismissed calls from some quarters demanding that she be stripped of the title, stressing that the church would not yield to external pressure on internal matters.

Adeboye further rejected claims that the church is aligned with any political interest, reiterating that it remains a place of worship open to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.

He made the clarification during the May edition of the church’s Holy Ghost Service, themed ‘Excellent Counsel,’ where he responded to public perceptions linking the RCCG with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeboye said such assumptions overlook the diverse political representation within the church.

“Some people are saying RCCG is an APC church. I just smile. In RCCG, you will find a governor from the Peoples Democratic Party sitting down with a governor from the Labour Party, APC, and APGA.

“By the special help of God, we are representative of the whole nation, and that is what we will continue to be,” he said.

He stressed that the pulpit is not used for political expression, regardless of the status of worshippers present.

According to him, church activities are focused on prayer and worship rather than political engagement or announcements.

“If you saw one governor among us today dancing and you were expecting he would be called forward to say something, we don’t do that. But if you come to worship with us, you are welcome. Our duty is to pray for everybody,” he added.

The cleric also commented on Nigeria’s political future, particularly the 2027 general election, stating that ultimate outcomes are already known in the divine order.

“The one that will rule has been decided by God before we were born. He knows the end from the beginning,” he said, urging citizens to remain prayerful while fulfilling their responsibilities.

Adeboye further addressed his participation in past civic protests, explaining that his involvement was based on directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“That was because the then chairman of CAN asked all Christians to go out for a peaceful protest. If he talks tomorrow and asks me to march, I will,” he said.

He emphasised that his public actions are guided by the umbrella Christian body on national issues affecting believers.

News

Xenophobia tensions: FG summons South African envoy

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

The Nigerian government has summoned the South African High Commission in Nigeria over ongoing protests in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, which have reportedly led to the killing of at least two Nigerians and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting High Commissioner has been invited to a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026.

Ebienfa stated that the most senior official at the South African mission in Abuja is expected to attend the meeting.

He explained that the engagement is intended to formally communicate the Nigerian government’s deep concern over the recent incidents, which could strain the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

The statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.

“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”

News

Varsity clears N3bn staff salary arrears

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

The Osun State Government has cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to workers of the state-owned University of Ilesa (UNILESA).

Management of the institution confirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke released N3 billion to offset the backlog of unpaid salaries owed to staff of the university. The governor also approved the regularisation of about 300 casual workers, granting them permanent employment.

Speaking with journalists during a briefing to commemorate the institution’s third anniversary, themed “Three Years of Purposeful Leadership, Growth and Institutional Transformation,” the Vice Chancellor, Taiwo Asaolu, commended Adeleke for the administration’s support since the university was established.

Asaolu also disclosed that no fewer than 3,661 students of the university benefited from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in 2026.

According to him, the institution currently has a student population of about 15,000, with 3,661 students benefiting from the federal government’s NELFUND initiative. He added that Governor Adeleke also approved a tuition-free policy for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the current management inherited dilapidated and obsolete facilities, demoralised staff, a dwindling student population of fewer than 1,000, overgrown surroundings and poor infrastructure.

However, he said the institution has since recorded significant progress and now runs 97 academic programmes, all of which have been approved by the National Universities Commission.

“We inherited over 300 staff on temporary appointments from the defunct Osun State College of Education, Ilesa. Many of them had been in such unfortunate and inhumane conditions, receiving salaries of less than N25,000 per month. Those on permanent appointment were also owed several allowances. When we assumed duty, agitations from these staff constituted a major setback to the smooth take-off of the University.

“The Governor rose to the occasion and provided lasting solutions: all temporary staff were granted permanent appointments, and all outstanding allowances owed to permanent staff, amounting to over Three Billion Naira (₦3billion) only, were fully paid. Retired staff of the defunct College and next-of-kin of deceased staff also benefited from this payment.”

He equally confirmed that “Within the last three years, the University has enjoyed tremendous support from TETFund, Owa Obokun, Oba Clement Haastrup, the Ijesa Community, among others. You will see the various projects funded or donated by them during your guided tour of the campus.”

Speaking about the accommodation for students, he said TETFund released over N750million for the school, while about N2 billion has been made available for the construction of hostels.