National

FCT, Rivers, Kano Polls: Democracy Threatened Under Tinubu – Atiku Warns

Published

4 weeks ago

February 23, 2026

Eric

Former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised alarm over the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s FCT Area Council elections.

Reacting to the exercise, Atiku described the turnout – averaging below 20 per cent, with the Abuja Municipal Area Council recording 7.8 per cent – as a damning verdict on the state of Nigeria’s democracy under the current administration.

According to him, such poor civic participation in the nation’s capital is not accidental but the result of “a political environment poisoned by intolerance, intimidation, and the systematic weakening of opposition voices.”

The Waziri Adamawa accused the Bola Tinubu-led government of shrinking the democratic space, harassing dissenters, and fostering a climate where alternative political views are treated as threats.

“When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die,” he said. “This is not mere voter apathy. Democracy in Nigeria is being suffocated – slowly and dangerously.”

Atiku warned that continued erosion of participatory governance could cause lasting damage to the country’s democratic foundations and called on opposition parties to unite.

“This is no longer about party lines; it is about preserving the Republic. The time to stand together to rescue and rebuild Nigeria is now,” he added.

National

Eid-el- Fitr: Interior Minister Announces Thursday, Friday As Public Holidays

Published

6 days ago

March 18, 2026

Eric

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

The minister extended warm greetings and congratulations to Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice emphasised during the holy month.

He also called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the country.

“The federal government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” he said.

The minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

He noted that Eid-ul-Fitr represents a period of reflection, gratitude, and compassion, urging Nigerians to uphold these values beyond the festive season.

The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity and strengthening peaceful coexistence across the country.

National

Nine Senators Announce Defection to ADC

Published

2 weeks ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

Nine senators on Thursday announced their defection from their various parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Five of the senators dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), three left the Labour Party (LP), and one from the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

The defectors from PDP are Senators Dauda Yaroe, Lawal Usman, Ogochi Onawe, Aminu Tambuwal and Austin Akubondu.

The LP defectors are Senators Ireti Kingibe, Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye.

Eight of the senators who dumped the PDP and LP cited leadership crises in their parties for their defection.

However, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe said he dumped APGA because the party sacked him in September 2025.

National

Police Council Confirms Tunji Disu As Substantive IGP

Published

3 weeks ago

March 2, 2026

Eric

The National Police Council has confirmed Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police.

His name is now to be sent to the Senate for screening.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Disu as the acting IGP on February 25, 2026, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

Tinubu, in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had said he would convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive IGP, after which his name would be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation,” he said.

The former AIG assumed office as the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) last Wednesday.

Disu, 59, took over the reins as Nigeria’s new police chief at a brief ceremony at the Louis Edet House in Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu decorated him as the acting IGP.

Until his appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police last year.