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My Covenant with Nigerians: PDP Presidential Candidate Presents Policy Document

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4 years ago

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THE ATIKU POLICY DOCUMENT

“MY CONVENANT WITH NIGERIANS”

This document spells out #AtikuOkowa’s commitment to a 5-point development agenda that seeks to:

 

  1. For Nigeria to work again, the leadership of #AtikuOkowa will reinvent Nigeria by reinvesting Nigeria in Nigerians.
  2. #AtikuOkowa will restore Nigeria’s unity through equity, social justice as well as co-operation and consensus amongst our heterogeneous people.
  3. #AtikuOkowa will establish a strong and effective democratic government that guarantees the safety and security of life and property.
  4. #AtikuOkowa will build a strong, resilient, and prosperous economy that creates jobs and wealth and lift the poor out of poverty.
  5. #AtikuOkowa will promote a true federal system which will provide for a strong federal government to guarantee national unity while allowing the federating units to set their own priories.
  6. #AtikuOkowa will improve and strengthen the education system to equip its recipients with the education and skills required to be competitive in the new global order which is driven by innovation, science, andtechnology and to lead healthy, productive, meaningful lives’.
  7. Atiku’s plan for Nigeria is contained in a 5-point development agenda. The agenda when implemented will make Nigeria a better nation. #AtikuOkowa
  8. #AtikuOkowa envisions a new Nigeria without crude oil in which Agriculture, Manufacturing and MSMEs shall be the growth drivers.
  9. #AtikuOkowa will harness potentials of the new Digital Economy by establishing a Technology Support Programme (TSP) to support the tech and ICT sector to meet the demand of technology currently being met by foreign tech, especially in the area of software development.
  10. In human capital development, #AtikuOkowa will ensure a country where people will live and work in a safe environment and guarantees the highest level of economic and social empowerment
  11. #AtikuOkowa’s economic agenda will seek to alter the current trajectory of the Nigerian economy and Build a competitive, and resilient economyto remain the largest in Africa and 15 largest globally with a GDP per capita raised from the current levels of approximately US$2,000 to US$5,000 by 2030.
  12. According to #AtikuOkowa’s plan, “We will invest to increase stock and improve the quality of infrastructure”
  13. Our goal is to double our infrastructure stock to approximately 70% of GDP by 2030
  14. “Our electricity target is put at 25,000MW, generated capacity mix of non-renewable energy and other thermal fuels including natural gas” #AtikuOkowa
  15. Our oil refining infrastructure shall be prioritized investment to double refining capacity to two million barrels per day by 2027”. #AtikuOkowa
  16. To achieve infrastructural reforms, #AtikuOkowa will establish an infrastructure Development Unit in the Presidency with a coordinating function and specific mandate to working with MDAs
  17. #AtikuOkowa’s economic agenda is centered on 3 principles; Private Sector Leadership, Leveraging The Market In Price Setting, Break Govt Monopoly In KEY Sectors
  18. According to @atiku, “We will support the private sector to provide critical leadership and drive growth and in return it provides funds, create jobs and wealth and lifts the poor from poverty” #AtikuOkowa
  19. According to @atiku, “Market will be allowed to function in determining prices to eliminate persistent price distortions occasioned by current interventionist policy”. #AtikuOkowa
  20. According to @atiku on how to break govt monopoly, “Private sectors will be encouraged to invest in sectors hitherto exclusively or predominantly government owned”.
  21. Let’s remind Nigerians that @atiku is practical when it comes to digitalizing governance by introducing ‘e-governance’ to reducing people to people contact. #AtikuOkowa
  22. Nigeria needs #AtikuOkowa for purposeful leadership
  23. #AtikuOkowa’s leadership is to provide the appropriate political leadership to implement a robust development agenda and facilitate the realization of prosperity for all Nigerians
  24. #AtikuOkowa’s vision is to foster a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria in which all citizens can live a happy, healthy and productive life
  25. Atiku’s economic agenda has an over-arching objective of providing a more hospitable environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs and wealth for Nigerians #AtikuOkowa
  26. According to Atiku Abubakar in his policy document,“ I believe the foundation of any government is rooted in a social contract. #AtikuOkowa
  27. Are we better off today than we were 7 years ago? As right thinking Nigerians, The answer to the above question is a capital NO! #AtikuOkowa
  28. The failure of leadership by the APC led govt is staring every Nigerian in the face as the country’s development challenges progressively worsen and assume frightening dimensions. #AtikuOkowa
  29. With Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria will regain its leadership role in world affairs, reverse the economic meltdown, reinstate a sense of belonging for everyone, regain our peoples’ trust to protect their lives and property, and ensure sustained prosperity.
  30. Nigeria’s unity has never been this threatened. Today, an increasing number of Nigerians openly challenge their allegiance to Nigeria’s corporate existence through violent agitations and misguided demands for ethno-regional autonomy because of wide spread feeling of marginalization and neglect. #AtikuOkowa
  31. The level of insecurity in the country has reached a point where the functions of the state have been usurped by separatists, bandits, insurgents and terrorists. #AtikuOkowa will fix this.
  32. As political campaign begins today, let’s remind Nigerians that the last 7 years have been the most daunting for us as a people in Nigeria. Increased Insecurity, unemployment, youth restiveness, inflation, hunger, poverty, economic downturn etc, have characterized Nigeria. #AtikuOkowa will #RescueNigeria
  33. Despite her vast resources, Nigeria has remained one of the poorest and unequal countries in the world. Our economy is fragile and vulnerable. Job losses, eroding incomes and lack of citizens’ access to basic amenities have pushed more than 90 million people below the poverty line.  #AtikuOkowa
  34. Our public education system is ill-equipped and has consistently underperformed keeping millions of our children out of school and producing graduates with skills and competencies which are not aligned to the needs of our communities and our industries. #AtikuOkowa is coming to fix this.
  35. “The Incessant industrial action by the Academic StaffUnion of Universities (ASUU) and other Unions of Educational institutions has undoubtedly affected the quality of our workforce with far reaching consequences on the economy. I will address this once and for all”- Atiku Abubakar #AtikuOkowa
  36. Nigeria has continued to operate a faulty, complex federal structure with a high degree of centralization at the center. The Federal Government has succeeded in accumulating many responsibilities which belong to the other [weaker] levels of government. The Federal government appropriates, along with these responsibilities, huge resources to the detriment of the states and local governments. #AtikuOkowa
  37. As we begin campaigns today, another opportunity present itself for us to ensure the emergence of an experienced, courageous and result oriented leader to find a way through our country’s tough situation and make a positive difference. #AtikuOkowa
  38. I believe the foundation of any government is rooted in a ‘social contract.’  Government emerges and finds legitimacy in the expectation that it shall work for the common good particularly to defend man’s inalienable rights to life, property, and dignity. #AtikuOkowa
  39. On a youth inclusive government, @atiku, said, “I will like to work with young people. Young people are more agile, creative and conversant with contemporary opportunities and challenges” #AtikuOkowa
  40. On Insecurity; “Nigeria has never been this overwhelmed by insecurity in all parts of the country. As the commander-in-chief, I will restructure all our security architecture, create reforms across board and reverse this ugly trend”.  #AtikuOkowa
  41. Sadly, we as a nation have reached a point where the functions of the State have been usurped by separatists, bandits, insurgents, and terrorists. When Atiku becomes President, such ugly trend will end. Atiku’s plan on the security of Nigeria is clear and practicable. #AtikuOkowa
  42. Nigerians, Go #GetYourPVC Lets rescue Nigeria together with @atiku and @OfficialPDPNig because Only As One, We Can Get It Done. #OneNigeria #AtikuOkowa
  43. The quality of leadership and governance in Nigeria has never been as poor as it is in the past seven years of the APC in charge. With @atiku, Nigeria will be set on the right path with qualitative leadership on one hand and good governance on the other hand. #AtikuOkowa
  44. According to H.E @atiku Abubakar, “I do not see myself as a Hausa/Fulani man, I see myself as a Nigerian, we are too divided as a people”, “I will UNIFY this country”. #OneNigeria #AtikuOkowa
  45. Nigeria must know that @atiku Abubakar remains the bridge between the past and the future for Nigeria #AtikuOkowa
  46. Let’s remind Nigerians that Atiku Abubakar was the head of the economic team between 1999-2007 which transformed Nigeria into a digital economy and brought prosperity to Nigerians. #AtikuOkowa
  47. Let’s remind Nigerians that Atiku Abubakar headed the economic team which led to the cancellation of our foreign debt by the Paris Club and made Nigeria a debt free Nation. #AtikuOkowa
  48. On Economic Policy, Atiku said, “Our dream economy shall rescue and lift our people from poverty and narrow the income gaps”. #AtikuOkowa
  49. Nigerians, I ask again; “Are We Better Off Today Than We Were 7 Years Ago”? Your guess is as good as mine. Since 2015, the poverty rate in Nigeria is doubtless, not just on the increase but skyrocketing. #AtikuOkowa
  50. Since democracy in 1999, Nigeria’s unity has never been this threatened. Atiku will reverse this ugly reality. And as a detribalized Nigerian, He will unify this country. #AtikuOkowa
  51. Today, an increasing number of Nigerian citizens openly challenge their allegiance to Nigeria’s corporate existence through violent agitations and misguided demands for ethno-regional autonomy because of widespread feelings of marginalization and neglect. Atiku will UNITE Nigerians. #AtikuOkowa
  52. Atiku Abubakar On Corruption, “We shall not only fight corruption, but we shall build institutions and encourage a national culture of accountability, efficiency and transparency”. #AtikuOkowa
  53. Atiku sees beyond mere political rhetorics, he is a master strategist #AtikuOkowa
  54. With Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria and indeed Nigerians will be in safe hands and together we will halt this downward slide and redirect our collective resources to building a prosperous country #AtikuOkowa
  55. On Education, Atiku said, “The public education system is ill-equipped and has consistently underperformed. Our poor education system is keeping millions of our children out of school and producing graduates with skills and competencies which are not aligned to the needs of our communities and our industries. This will be fixed” #AtikuOkowa
  56. Nigeria is only a president away from being a super power #AtikuOkowa
  57. Nigeria has continued to operate a faulty, complex federal structure with a high degree of centralization at the centre. With Atiku’s presidency, power will be devolved, so that the Government at the centre can function more efficiently. #AtikuOkowa
  58. All aspect of our basic capital development have deteriorated since the past 7 years, Atiku will restore our lost glory as a nation.  #AtikuOkowa
  59. Atiku will unify Nigeria, provide security, Create Jobs, Revamp our Ailing Economy, Restore Youth Confidence and Engagement, and create a workable system for all Nigerians #AtikuOkowa
  60. On International Politics, “Nigeria will regain its leadership role in world affairs, reverse the economic meltdown, reinstate a sense of belonging for everyone, regain our peoples’ trust to protect their lives and property, and ensure sustained prosperity. #AtikuOkowa
  61. Nigeria needs a strong and capable leader in Atiku Abubakar for a purposeful governance #AtikuOkowa
  62. Nigerians must know that Atiku Abubakar will provide jobs for the teeming youthful population of the country #AtikuOkowa
  63. Atiku Abubakar will build a Nigeria where you can sleep with your two eyes closed, where ethnic diversity means strength, where there is religious tolerance, where reward for hard work reigns supreme, and a Nigeria that caters for the physically challenged and people with special needs. #AtikuOkowa
  64. According to @atiku Abubakar, “Our mission is to reinforce Nigeria’s Unity by promoting the spirit of cooperation and consensus among its heterogeneous peoples” #AtikuOkowa
  65. According to @atiku, “If we are to grow into a strong, competitive and prosperous economy, we must re-structure the economy and polity in a bid to creating a strong, resilient and prosperous economy”. #AtikuOkowa
  66. According to Atiku, “We must adopt a new economic management model that will cure all the federating units of this addiction to oil revenues” #AtikuOkowa
  67. On Restructuring, Atiku said, “For us to get Nigeria working again, we must RESTRUCTURE Nigeria” #AtikuOkowa
  68. “Through constitutional means, we must establish a new political structure that reinforces the concept of ‘true federalism’ by conceding unfettered autonomy to the subordinating units and ensuring government accountability at all levels”- Atiku Abubakar #AtikuOkowa
  69. “With our UNITY being threatened, Nigeria needs a unity that is transparently and collectively negotiated and agreed upon”- Atiku Abubakar #AtikuOkowa
  70. Job losses, depleting incomes and lack of citizens’ access to basic amenities have pushed more than 90 million people below the poverty line. With Atiku Abubakar, income problems will be fixed, jobs will be created and these will in turn lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty. #AtikuOkowa
  71. “Nigeria can deliver. Nigeria can surpass its own growth expectations. We can put our people back to work. Our pledge to the Nigerian people is; We will #RescueNigeria and make it work again”- Atiku #AtikuOkowa
  72. According to @atiku, “We shall guarantee to the Nigerian people, a progressive and focused government, with a vision and positive notion of development, aided by professionalized and result-oriented public service” #AtikuOkowa
  73. “We shall reposition the public sector to become more accountable, disciplined and performance-oriented. Service delivery shall be more efficient and effective”- Atiku Abubakar #AtikuOkowa
  74. According to @atiku, “We shall build a dynamic and competitive economy. Nigeria’s economic growth shall be inclusive, equitable and humane: our dream economy shall create jobs for our youth”, #AtikuOkowa
  75. According to @atiku, “Our Economic development plan will be people-centered and Nigeria’s new prosperity shall be for all under my leadership” #AtikuOkowa
  76. According to @atiku’ economic plan, he said, “We shall enhance access to economic opportunities and shall consciously make the basic needs of life, including health, education, electricity, water and housing, readily available and affordable for everyone” #AtikuOkowa
  77. According to @atiku, “We shall endeavor to achieve and maintain a balance between the rural and urban sectors of the economy and between the various federating units and geo-political zones” #AtikuOkowa
  78. According to @atiku, “We shall ensure increased public-private sector interface for the financing of joint development projects”, #AtikuOkowa
  79. According to @atiku, “Our political reform shall reinforce the country’s concept of ‘true federalism’ by conceding unfettered autonomy to the other two tiers of government (states and local governments)” #AtikuOkowa
  80. According to @atiku, “We shall, through constitutional means, achieve a new political structure that guarantees freedoms and ensure government accountability at all levels” #AtikuOkowa
  81. According to @atiku, “We shall promote the politics of inclusiveness that will reduce citizens’ frustration and alienation and that way, eliminate the motivation to take up arms against the society or fellow countrymen” #AtikuOkowa
  82. According to @atiku, “We shall restore the citizen’s confidence in Nigeria as one indivisible, indissoluble, ethnically diverse but strong country that will protect and secure socio-economic benefits for all” #AtikuOkowa
  83. According to @atiku Abubakar on Corruption, “We shall emphasize prevention, detection and certain, swift and severe punishment of corruption” #AtikuOkowa
  84. Furthermore, According to @atiku Abubakar on Corruption “We shall rigorously enforce judicious use of public resources, with zero tolerance for nepotism, corruption and poor management” #AtikuOkowa
  85. According to @atiku, “We shall ensure that the Nigerian constitution will be the anchor on which the independence of the judiciary, personal liberty and democratic and other fundamental rights rest” #AtikuOkowa
  86. With Atiku Abubakar, all Nigerians shall recognise the central place of the rule of law and ensure the supremacy of law over all persons and authorities. #AtikuOkowa
  87. According to Atiku Abubakar, “Our vision is to transform Nigeria into a modern economy that works for its people and capable of taking its rightful place among the top 15 economies of the world”. #AtikuOkowa
  88. According to Atiku Abubakar, “Our Economic Development Agenda seeks to create a sound, stable and globally competitive economy that is diversified with a mix of output from a ‘technologically- enabled agriculture’, a ‘vibrant and globally competitive manufacturing sector’ and a modern services sector”. #AtikuOkowa
  89. Atiku’s economic development strategy rest on a firm commitment to the promotion of a private sector-driven, competitive and open economy supported by efficiently run public institutions. #AtikuOkowa
  90. Atiku’s economic development strategy Promotes economic diversification and linkages between agriculture, industry and micro and small enterprises all three of which have great prospects for employment generation and poverty reduction. #AtikuOkowa
  91. Atiku’s economic development strategy will improve productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and achieving significant transformation of primary produce into processed and manufactured goods for exports. #AtikuOkowa
  92. According to @atiku, “We shall promote social development by investing in human capital development to improve access to qualitative basic public services, notably education and health, and enhance the nation’s prospects for achieving the SDGs” #AtikuOkowa
  93. Atiku Abubakar will reform our public institutions to engender efficiency in service delivery as well as deepen transparency, accountability and rule of law. #AtikuOkowa
  94. According to @atiku, “Our policy priority is to build a broad-based, dynamic and competitive economy with a GDP of approximately US$900 billion by 2027” #AtikuOkowa
  95. His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar shall provide a supportive enabling business environment for business to invest and thrive #AtikuOkowa
  96. According to @atiku ON National Grid Collapse, “Power sector reform will be a critical policy priority. Few years into my govt, Nigeria shall make giant strides in diversifying its sources of power and delivering up to 20,000 MW of electricity” #AtikuOkowa
  97. Going by all indices, the only man with the expertise, capacity, structure and national acceptability to #RescueNigeria from the shackles of the APC is His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar and Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa. #AtikuOkowa
  98. Let it be known that the administration of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa will implement good governance and communication between all classes of Nigerians. #AtikuOkowa
  99. Atiku remains the only candidate who can match APC man for man, money for money, strength for strength, madness for madness. Therefore, We have a mandate as a people to support the candidacy of #AtikuOkowa to #RescueNigeria from further decline
  100. It has become fashionable for the APC to blame the opposition and external factors for Nigeria’s economic woes under their leadership #AtikuOkowa will reverse Nigeria’s economic woes to prosperity
  101. The #2023Elections presents Nigerians with an opportunity to ensure the emergence of an experienced, courageous, and result-focused leader to find a way through our country’s tough situation and make a positive difference. Atiku is the positive difference in leadership that we need as a nation. #AtikuOkowa
  102. The APC-led government lacks the critical competencies to initiate and implement innovative solutions to our problems and deliver on their mandate with the desired impact. Atiku as President, will bring on board competent hands and give Nigeria the leadership needed. #AtikuOkowa
  103. Ahead of the 2023 Presidential election, Atiku offers us as a nation, himself, to provide the desired leadership we need as a nation. This is a golden opportunity to fix Nigeria and set it on the path of greatness. We can’t afford to miss it. #AtikuOkowa
  104. Atiku has a history of economic reform and political transformation. He is the golden opportunity we need to fix Nigeria, come 2023 #AtikuOkowa
  105. As a private businessman of many years, Atiku has gathered a very deep understanding of our economy and its challenges. He will put that understanding to work on the fortunes of our dear nation, as President. #AtikuOkowa
  106. As a Vice President of the Federal Republic (1999-2007), Atiku demonstrated willingness to reform Nigeria. He did that when he supported his then boss, President Obasanjo to implement a formal development agenda named “The NEEDS AND SEEDS”. #AtikuOkowa
  107. As head of Nigeria’s economic management team between 1999 and 2007, Atiku was instrumental to the design of a private sector revival strategy. He advocated the opening up of the economy for private sector investments in the IT sector. Today it is undeniably the fastest growing services sector in the Nigerian economy. #AtikuOkowa
  108. #AtikuOkowa plan for Nigeria is a vision for a united, prosperous society in which all citizens are able to realize their full potentials in a secure and decent environment #AtikuOkowa
  109. #AtikuOkowa plans to restore Nigeria’s unity through equity, social justice as well as co-operation and consensus amongst our heterogenous peoples.
  110. #AtikuOkowa plans to establish a strong and effective democratic government that guarantees the safety and security of life and property.
  111. Achieve respectable economic growth:Aspire to a growth performance above the average for sub-Sahara Africa.
  112. Achieve diversification: A diversified economy with strong linkages amongst key sectors notably oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing and MSMEs to strengthen the productive base of the economy.
  113. Expand the export base:  Nigeria’s export basket shall consist of manufactures, processed agricultural goods, refined petroleum, and gas products.
  114. Build a New Economy: A knowledge-based economy in which a highly developed ICT sector, with wide application in commerce, education, health, and other areas of human endeavor, plays a significant role.
  115. Achieve inclusion: An economy that provides opportunities for jobs, generates incomes and lift the poor out of poverty.

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Parties’ Deregistration: ADC, Not NDC, is the Target

Published

1 day ago

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June 29, 2026

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By Eric Elezuo

As the 2027 presidential election draws closer, intrigues, manipulations and maneuvers have continued to be the order of the day as political parties engage in one gimmick or another to outdo and undo one another.

While some are playing politics of numbers and conviction, others are engaging tendencies that tend to question the status quo and established principles under which genuine democracy is formed. As a matter of fact, fingers have been pointed at the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal government as the brain behind all machinations that have attempted to derail multi-party democracy, and institute a one-party state, which is alien to the Nigerian democratic roots. This is as a result of the constant imbroglio that has consistently engulf almost all the major political parties in the country.

Fresh facts have however, emerged to prove that every act of frustration thrown at the opposition has been indirectly aimed at the main opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

According to reliable sources, the recent deregistration of parties, especially the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), was actually targeted at the ADC.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, on June, 26, set aside its earlier judgement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. A ruling that put a question mark on the eligibility of the party presenting candidates in the forthcoming 2027 elections

The presiding judge, Isah Dashen, held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made in the matter.

The court upheld the application filed by a certain organization, the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the party was a necessary party to the suit.

According to the judge, the earlier judgement was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties.

He declared that such an omission rendered the entire process null and void.

Mr Dashen further ruled that the status quo be restored to what it was before the December 10, 2025 judgement, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He also observed that certain material facts were suppressed in the earlier proceedings, which justified the decision to set aside the judgment.

Consequently, the court ordered that the substantive suit should begin afresh, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PMP and the NDC as parties to the case.

According to NAN’s reports, the applicant’s lawyer, Chikezie Ekeocha, told journalists that the PMP approached the court after discovering that NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the commencement of the suit.

According to Mr Ekeocha, the court agreed that the applicant’s rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgement.

“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of 10 December 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.

He explained that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.

“The recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgement must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Mr Ekeocha stated.

He, however, clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been decided.

“The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.”

Mr Ekeocha also dismissed suggestions that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically directed a restoration of the position that existed before the 10 December 2025 judgement.

The ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the NDC to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new determination is made.

It would also be recalled that a few weeks earlier, the Federal High Court in Abuja, had ordered the deregistration of five political parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The others are Action People’s Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Accord Party.

However, on June 16, the Court of Appeal in Abuja halted the enforcement of the judgement, ruling that it violated its earlier ruling staying proceedings before the Federal High Court.

While INEC awaits the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to deregister the NDC, the NDC has reacted, rejecting the judgment as travesty of justice.

Lending credence to the notion that the President Tinubu-led administration is basically targeting the establishment of the ADC as a party, and the candidature of its presidential flagbearer, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is also the presidential candidate of the ADC, has stated categorically that there are plots to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election.

Atiku’s position is stated in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu on Monday, notifying the public that he had received credible information suggesting that political and legal manoeuvres were being deployed against the ADC, stressing that the persecution that has been thrown towards the NDC was a clear distraction as the main target is the ADC.

Atiku alleged that anti-democratic elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were working to ensure that the ADC is excluded from the ballot.

“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative,” he said.

Atiku called on Nigerians to reject any attempt to determine which opposition parties participate in the election.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians — not just ADC members and supporters — to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election,” he said.

“Our message to the APC and the hooded men plotting in dark chambers is simple: you may conspire, but you will not succeed.

“If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?”

He said he hoped the information available to him would not materialise but argued that recent political developments made such concerns difficult to dismiss.

“The pattern has become all too familiar. First, institutions that ought to be neutral are drawn into partisan contests,” he said.

“Then, frivolous litigations suddenly gain unusual momentum. Administrative powers are selectively deployed.

“Political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Before long, democracy itself becomes the casualty.”

Atiku alleged that the ruling party has focused more on weakening the opposition than addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

“The obsession with silencing the opposition has become so consuming that governance itself has taken a back seat,” he said.

“At a time when Nigerians are battling hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and collapsing purchasing power, those entrusted with public office appear preoccupied with political survival rather than national survival.”

Nigerians recall that ever since the official rejuvenation of the ADC in June/July of 2025, where the duo of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola emerged as the party’s chairman and secretary respectively, the party has not known moments of peaceful coexistence as litigations from corners unknown have sprang up in a bid to destabilize the party and deprive it of the opportunity of featuring on the ballot paper come 2027.

ADC, as a child of circumstance emerged from the rumbles of the litigation-ridden former main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where two factions have consistently remelained at loggerheads over leadership. While the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is working assiduously to ensure the reelection of Bola Tinubu, leads one faction, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who became a defacto head, leads the other faction. In all, PDP appeared to have no direction, forcing many of its members to jump ship, thereby birthing the ADC, and to a large extent, the NDC, which is presenting Peter Obi as the presidential candidate, with former Kano governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.

Sources also informed The Boss that the hasty reading and passage of the Electoral Act 2026 by the Godswill Akpabio-led National Assembly, with many great areas left unattended to, were also part of the grand design to deprive the ADC the constitutional rights of presenting candidates for the 2027 elections.

But both the ADC and the NDC has vowed that they would follow every process to ensure that the crackdown on opposition parties by the Tinubu administration comes to an abrupt end.

But beyond the intrigues, Nigerians are gearing up to participate fully in the forthcoming election with cross sections of the population either hailing Tinubu for his policies or knocking him for the untold hardship in the land.

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South Africa Nothing Without Africa – MTN Boss, Mcebisi Jonas

Published

4 days ago

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June 27, 2026

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The MTN Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas, has condemned the ongoing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, describing it as a symptom of State failure being cynically exploited by politicians with no interest in genuine solutions.

The speech is seen as one of the most substantive interventions by a senior business figure into xenophobic crisis currently plaguing South Africa.

Delivered during the funeral service of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant, Thokozani Damasane, Jonas’ words have sparked a wave of discussion across South African civil society.

“I was thinking, what is home to Damasane?” he said. “Because I understand, and I understood very early in life, that home is where humanity is. Home is about humanness. It is about the good of humanity and striving for the good of humanity.”

Thokozani Damasane was born and educated in Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa during the post-apartheid transition period. Jonas described him as arriving “as an outcast” into a country still finding its post-liberation footing – and choosing, nonetheless, to commit himself entirely to its struggles and its people.

“He immersed himself deeply into the struggles, into the pains of South Africans, and he became one of us,” Jonas said.

“In Damasane’s strength, our strength as South Africa and South Africans is reflected. And in his weaknesses, our own weaknesses are reflected.”

Speaking further, Jonas blamed the state for the failure being witnessed, emphasising that if foreigners leave South Africa today, the country’s problems will still persist.

“Foreigners can leave tomorrow – inequality will be with us,” he told the congregation.

“Foreigners will leave tomorrow – unemployment will be with us. Foreigners will leave tomorrow – our police will remain corrupt. Foreigners will leave tomorrow – our politicians will still be concerned with one thing: being elected and re-elected.

“The problem is the failure of the state. The State doesn’t manage immigration. It doesn’t manage its borders. It doesn’t enforce
law enforcement. It doesn’t manage education. What are you expecting?”

Jonas argued that this failure created fertile ground for political manipulation. “When people feel the burn, they become vulnerable to politicians whose sole purpose is to be elected and re-elected. Some of them have no credibility whatsoever. But they lead marches and tell our people that the problem is not us – it is foreigners.”

Jonas recounted a conversation he had witnessed between Damasane and a young man who had challenged the right of foreigners to be in South Africa. Damasane’s response, Jonas said, had stayed with him ever since.

“Damasane said to this guy: Just wait fifteen or twenty years. You will also want to leave your country.”

Jonas told mourners those words now carry a weight Damasane may not have anticipated. “As I stand up today, I look at South Africa. The level of oppression and inequality, the level of exclusion of our people, the level of corruption, the betrayal of the dream of liberation – those words of Damasane ring very loud in my ears.”

South Africa is nothing without Africa

Jonas closed with a call for what he described as a return to “national consciousness” – one rooted in continental solidarity and economic interdependence rather than ethnic exclusion.

“We are a nation embedded in Africa,” he said. “And without Africa, our growth as a country – economically – our fortune is intertwined with the growth of Africa. South Africa is nothing without Africa. And Africa is nothing without South Africa.”

He also reframed the question of legacy and identity for Damasane’s children, who were present. “Sometimes this thing called meritocracy is measured in wealth. No. It is values, it is principles, it is integrity. And your father had all of that.”

“We cannot judge people by their origin,” he told mourners. “We cannot determine the legal status of people by their origin.”

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NDC Rejects Court Ruling on Party’s Registration, Heads to Appeal Court

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4 days ago

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June 27, 2026

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), on Friday, vowed to challenge the judgment nullifying its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that it would exercise its constitutional right of appeal.

Reacting to the ruling on Thursday, the party’s spokesman, Osa Director, said the NDC was still awaiting the certified copy of the judgment before making a comprehensive statement on the court’s decision.

He, however, confirmed that the party had resolved to head to the appellate court.

“We are still waiting to obtain a copy of the judgment. After reading the comprehensive judgment, we will make a detailed statement,” he said.

The spokesman added: “For now, what is certain is that we will exercise our right of appeal.”

Insisting that the party would challenge the ruling, he said: “It is our constitutional right to appeal, and we intend to exercise that right.”

When asked specifically whether the NDC would appeal the judgment voiding its registration, the spokesman replied: “Yes, the party will appeal the case.”

The party’s reaction came shortly after a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in a judgement that nullified its registration by INEC, a development that could have significant implications for the NDC’s participation in the country’s political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC, however, maintained that it would refrain from making further comments on the substance of the judgment until it had studied the full text of the court’s decision.

The party’s planned appeal is expected to set the stage for a fresh legal battle over its status and continued existence as a registered political party.

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