Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has dismissed suggestions that a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket offers any electoral advantage, insisting that competence, justice and good governance remain the issues that matter most to Nigerians.

Adebayo made the remarks during an interview on ARISE Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, following the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) confirmation of Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

According to the SDP flagbearer, religion should not determine political choices in a country grappling with widespread poverty and economic hardship.

“There is nothing like a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Adebayo said.

“From the point of view of Muslims in Nigeria, it is a zero Muslim ticket.”

He argued that Islamic teachings emphasise justice and merit rather than religious identity when choosing leaders.

“The main reason Muslims get involved in politics is to pursue justice. If you are a good Muslim, you will not give political office to someone who is not qualified or who is unjust.

“What Muslims and Nigerians are looking for is a righteous leader,” he said.

According to Adebayo, where justice is absent, the religious composition of a presidential ticket becomes irrelevant.

“When you say you are a Muslim-Muslim ticket and there is no justice anyway, it amounts to nothing,” he added.

The SDP presidential candidate also cited the experience of the previous Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, whom he said championed the Muslim-Muslim ticket, and is now allegedly not shielded from alleged persecution by the government.

He maintained that Nigerians are more concerned about leadership quality than religious affiliation.

“There is no support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket anywhere,” he said.

Adebayo further accused the Tinubu administration of failing to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.

According to him, the government has committed what he described as five major “abominations.”

He alleged that the administration had shown contempt for the Constitution, failed to fully implement appropriated budgets, narrowed Nigeria’s democratic space, failed to ensure fairness in public appointments and demonstrated incompetence in governance.

Adebayo also criticised the handling of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), arguing that the controversy surrounding the body reflected incompetence within the government.

The Federal Government has previously distanced itself from the PFIPC, stating that the body lacks official government approval and denying any wrongdoing.

The SDP candidate further accused the administration of failing to uphold transparency and accountability in public affairs.

He alleged that government officials had relied on figures that could not be independently verified, including electoral statistics.

Questioning claims that the APC inherited 12 million votes associated with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Adebayo asked: “Where do you get such figures?”

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Adebayo outlined what he described as his administration’s priorities if elected president.

He promised to strengthen national security by increasing manpower in the armed forces, fully implement national budgets, create employment opportunities and reduce unemployment to single digits.

He also pledged to promote inclusive governance, ensure fairness in public appointments and expand opportunities for young people in government.

“We are fair and reasonable. No part of Nigeria will feel alienated. No favouritism, no ethnocentrism.

“We will ensure that the democratic space is well open, with greater involvement of young people in government,” he said.

Returning to the debate over religion in politics, Adebayo argued that Nigerians are ultimately united by shared socio-economic challenges.

“History has shown that it is not a major issue in Nigeria.”

“You cannot eliminate religion, but it cannot be the dominant factor in a country reeling in poverty.

“Nigerians have a common problem, irrespective of religion. The key issues are survival and justice,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening Nigeria’s petroleum sector crisis, alleging that government policies have fuelled rising pump prices and deepened the country’s dependence on imported fuel.

Adebayo made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday, in which he criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the nation’s refineries and broader energy policy.

According to the SDP presidential candidate, the Tinubu administration has failed to make Nigeria’s refineries operational, forcing the country to rely heavily on imported petroleum products.

“They made us dependent on oil imports for everything. Then they removed the subsidies. After that, they started charging surcharges on the imports they necessitated. Pretty soon, they’ll be taxing the air you breathe,” he said.

Adebayo argued that the government now treats Nigerians as consumers rather than citizens.

“This government sees Nigerians as customers, not citizens. SDP knows that Nigerians have more important things to spend their money on. It’s time for real change,” he added.

In an accompanying video shared alongside the statement, Adebayo alleged that the Tinubu administration was imposing excessive taxes and levies on citizens.

“President Tinubu is a clever tax collector. He wants to collect tax from you for everything, including oxygen tax, soon if you are not careful,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also criticised President Tinubu’s role as Minister of Petroleum, accusing the administration of failing to revive state-owned refineries despite significant public expenditure on their rehabilitation.

“We gave you refineries to manage. You appointed yourself the Minister of Petroleum. We spent billions on refinery maintenance. You are not making the refineries work. You now want to surcharge me for your own inefficiency,” Adebayo said.

He described the government’s fuel pricing policies as anti-people, arguing that they have placed additional financial burdens on ordinary Nigerians.

Adebayo also reflected on President Tinubu’s political history, claiming the President had departed from the ideals he once championed during the pro-democracy movement.

“Tinubu that used to be in SDP… that was following Abiola everywhere, doing Hope ’93, has changed to the side of the money people.

“He is just thinking of how to collect more money for the war chest,” he said.

Using satire to underscore his criticism of the administration’s tax policies, Adebayo remarked that if left unchecked, the government could eventually introduce taxes on multiple births.

“If you have twins in your house, Tinubu is going to think of twin tax, multiple birth tax,” he said.

The SDP flagbearer maintained that the most effective solution to Nigeria’s recurring fuel price challenges is to restore the country’s refineries to full operation and eliminate dependence on imported petroleum products.

“What the President needs to do is ensure the refineries work and reduce fuel importation to zero,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Works David Umahi has defended his challenge to presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to a public debate on governance and infrastructure, insisting the invitation was about comparing records of public service rather than political status.

The exchange followed Obi’s remarks during an interview in which he declined Umahi’s invitation to debate, arguing that the Minister was not a presidential candidate and therefore not his political peer.

Speaking in the interview, Obi likened the proposed debate to “a team that failed to qualify for the World Cup wanting to play against a team that qualified,” maintaining that it would not be appropriate for him to engage in such a contest.

Umahi, however, rejected the argument in a statement issued on Sunday through his Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, titled “Umahi vs Obi: The Performance Debate Obi Declined, Knowing He Could Not Win.”

According to the Minister, the proposed debate was never intended to focus on political ambition or party affiliation but on governance, accountability and measurable performance in public office.

“In politics, narratives may shape public opinion, but history is ultimately written by records of service. Campaign slogans change, but tangible achievements endure,” the statement said.

Umahi argued that many Nigerians had expected what he described as an important national conversation on leadership and governance.

“Mr Obi declined the invitation, explaining that he is currently a presidential candidate while Senator Umahi is not. Yet the challenge was never about electoral status. It was about accountability. It was about inviting two former governors to present their records before Nigerians and allow the public to judge whose leadership produced the greater impact,” he said.

The Minister maintained that governance should be assessed on verifiable achievements rather than political titles.

“If governance is measured by performance, political ambition should not prevent an honest comparison of records. Senator Umahi’s invitation was straightforward: place the evidence on the table and let Nigerians decide,” the statement added.

Umahi also contrasted his public service career with that of the former Anambra State governor, arguing that his experience spans several levels of government.

According to him, before entering politics, he built a successful private sector career before serving as State Chairman of a ruling political party, Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Governor, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Co-Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Senator and now Minister of Works.

The statement noted that Obi’s highest elective office was Governor of Anambra State, adding that he had not served as a minister, senator or party chairman.

Highlighting his record as Governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi cited the construction of extensive concrete road networks, flyovers, bridges, hospitals, schools, markets and other public infrastructure.

Among the projects listed were the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, the Ebonyi Shopping Mall, the Ecumenical Centre, the New Government House, the Margaret Umahi International Market, the revitalised Fertiliser Blending Plant and more than 20 flyovers across the state.

The Minister also pointed to his current role overseeing major federal infrastructure projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the rehabilitation of strategic federal roads nationwide.

Describing the projects as visible evidence of performance, Umahi argued that Nigerians should assess leaders based on tangible outcomes rather than campaign rhetoric.

The statement further challenged Obi’s repeated emphasis on the financial savings accumulated during his administration in Anambra State.

While acknowledging that fiscal discipline is an important aspect of governance, Umahi argued that leadership should also be measured by physical infrastructure, institutional development and improvements in citizens’ quality of life.

“Keeping money in the bank while leaving contractors unpaid and failing to complete meaningful, life-impacting projects cannot, by itself, be regarded as an achievement. Ultimately, leadership is measured by the tangible improvements it delivers to the lives of the people,” he said.

Umahi also criticised Obi’s administration for operating for most of its tenure without democratically elected local government chairmen, relying instead on caretaker committees until local government elections were conducted shortly before he left office in 2014.

Reaffirming his earlier challenge, the Minister said he remains prepared to participate in a public debate on any credible platform.

“The debate would not have been about personalities or political parties. It would have focused on verifiable outcomes — roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, public institutions, urban renewal, economic development and the lasting impact of governance.

“Senator Umahi remains ready to participate in such a debate on any credible platform, convinced that leadership is ultimately measured by the enduring value created for the people,” the statement added.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his re-nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement personally issued on Saturday, Abbas described the re-nomination as a reflection of loyalty, competence and consistency in public service.

“Loyalty is remembered. Competence is rewarded. Consistency earns trust,” the Speaker said.

He expressed confidence in the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election and wished President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima continued success in leading the country.

“I warmly congratulate His Excellency, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his re-nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election,” Abbas said.

The Speaker called on APC leaders, members and supporters across the country to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls.

“I call on all APC leaders, members and supporters to remain united, mobilise effectively, and take our message of progress, hope and development to every community across our nation,” he said.

Abbas concluded by wishing the President and his running mate wisdom, strength and success as they seek another mandate from Nigerians.

“Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. I wish you and President Tinubu continued wisdom, strength and success in the service of our dear country,” he added.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has rejected claims by the Presidency that he remained silent following the rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers, insisting that he had publicly welcomed the development and commended the security agencies.

The response follows remarks by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who alleged that Atiku had repeatedly used the abduction as a campaign issue but failed to react after the victims were rescued following 56 days in captivity.

Responding in a statement on Saturday titled, “You Are Either Lazy or Too Embarrassed to Acknowledge My Statement,” Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the Presidency’s allegation as a distortion of facts.

According to Shaibu, Atiku had earlier issued a statement titled, “A Nation at War Needs a Commander-in-Chief, Not a Campaigner-in-Chief,” in which he welcomed the rescue of the children, praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies, and called for sustained efforts to secure the release of Nigerians still being held by kidnappers and terrorists.

“The Presidency’s claim that Atiku remained silent following the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is a reckless distortion of facts that collapses under the weight of documentary evidence,” the statement said.

Shaibu argued that there were only two possible explanations for the Presidency’s position.

“It is astonishing that a Presidency with limitless public resources could accuse someone of silence without carrying out the most basic verification. Either they failed to read our statement because they were too lazy to do so, or they deliberately ignored it because it exposed uncomfortable truths about their misplaced priorities,” he said.

The statement maintained that Atiku not only congratulated the security agencies but also acknowledged their courage, professionalism and sacrifice.

However, Shaibu said the former vice-president deliberately refrained from commending President Tinubu, arguing that the Commander-in-Chief should have personally led the nation in celebrating the successful rescue while reassuring families whose loved ones remain in captivity.

Atiku also urged the Federal Government to focus on rescuing other abducted Nigerians, including children still being held in Borno State and other parts of the country.

He further accused the Presidency of devoting more attention to attacking the opposition than addressing the country’s security challenges.

“A government secure in its performance does not invent silence where there was a documented public statement. It responds to legitimate concerns with facts and results, not propaganda,” the statement added.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, over his silence following the rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers after 56 days in captivity.

In a statement on Saturday, Onanuga alleged that Atiku had repeatedly used the abduction as a campaign issue since the incident occurred, but had yet to publicly react to the successful rescue of the victims.

The presidential spokesman contrasted Atiku’s response with that of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, whom he commended for issuing a public statement welcoming the victims’ release and calling for national thanksgiving.

According to Onanuga, Atiku had not publicly acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government, security agencies or the safe return of the abductees nearly 18 hours after the rescue operation.

“Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims,” Onanuga said.

He further alleged that the former vice-president had previously “weaponised” the abduction for political purposes but had remained silent after the successful rescue.

Onanuga added that Peter Obi, despite not commending the President directly, had at least welcomed the development and called for thanksgiving.

“Kudos to Peter Obi: at least he has spoken and called for thanksgiving without commending the Commander-in-Chief,” he said.

Neither Atiku Abubakar nor the African Democratic Congress had publicly responded to Onanuga’s remarks at the time of filing this report.