The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: ADC

  • DSS Orders Probe Into Atiku’s Claim of Planned Disruption of ADC Rally

    DSS Orders Probe Into Atiku’s Claim of Planned Disruption of ADC Rally

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that the agency planned to organise protests in Sokoto State to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign rally.

    Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, reportedly made the allegation on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Abuja. He accused DSS leadership of recruiting protesters to cause unrest in Sokoto and create grounds for imposing a curfew that could prevent the party from holding its rally.

    However, the DSS, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, denied the allegation, insisting that its operations were guided by the need to protect political actors regardless of party affiliation.

    The agency said its operatives rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31, 2026.

    According to the statement, the operatives evacuated Daniya to safety, while two DSS personnel who were assaulted during the incident were still receiving medical treatment as of Tuesday.

    The Service added that Daniya later contacted the DSS State Director in Sokoto to appreciate the agency’s intervention and request additional security support.

    The incident followed accusations traded between the All Progressives Congress and the ADC in Sokoto State over an alleged attack on Daniya’s convoy on Saturday.

    To support its position, the DSS also cited the arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over an alleged threat to attack the New Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

    It said Steven was prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years in prison.

    The agency maintained that its actions demonstrated its commitment to providing security for politicians across party lines.

    Despite describing Atiku’s allegation as inconsistent with its record, the DSS said its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, had directed that the claim be investigated.

    The statement said the decision was taken out of respect for the former vice-president, whom it described as an elder statesman.

    The DSS also recalled a similar allegation by the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who accused the agency of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.

    It said it welcomed the police investigation into the incident, noting that a preliminary report attributed it to an altercation and that 11 suspects had been arrested.

    The Service said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and would not make further efforts to address the matter.

    It added that it would continue to operate accountably under its current Director-General.

  • Atiku Urges NASS To Withhold Approval For Tinubu’s $20.5bn, €1bn Loan Request

    Atiku Urges NASS To Withhold Approval For Tinubu’s $20.5bn, €1bn Loan Request

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the National Assembly to suspend approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed external loans until the Federal Government discloses detailed information on the projects to be financed.

    Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, insisted that lawmakers should not approve “a single dollar” without access to project specifications, costs, contractors, loan conditions and repayment plans.

    He made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

    The former vice president’s reaction followed Tinubu’s request for legislative approval to borrow $20.52bn and €1.045bn to finance development projects across key sectors.

    Atiku said the request supported his earlier warning on October 12 that the President was preparing to seek up to $20bn in loans in connection with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

    He criticised the government for providing broad sectors of investment without publishing a project-by-project breakdown of how the proposed funds would be spent.

    According to him, Nigerians should be able to scrutinise the proposed projects, their locations, estimated costs and the contractors expected to execute them before the National Assembly considers the borrowing plan.

    Atiku also questioned the reported rerouting of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, alleging that the project could be used to direct borrowed funds to political allies and favoured contractors. He did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation in the statement.

    The ADC chieftain further questioned the timing of the proposed borrowing and called on Tinubu to explain how the loans would benefit Nigerians rather than serve political interests.

    He urged lawmakers to make the supporting documents available to the public and subject the proposal to thorough scrutiny before reaching a decision.

    Atiku maintained that the government must demonstrate how the proposed borrowing would be used and how the resulting debt would be repaid, warning against approving loans without adequate transparency.

  • Atiku Faults Tinubu Over Police Pensions, Demands Action on Exit Bill

    Atiku Faults Tinubu Over Police Pensions, Demands Action on Exit Bill

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the welfare of retired police officers, urging the Federal Government to act on the proposed Police Exit Bill and review the salaries of serving personnel.

    Atiku alleged that retired officers were battling poverty, hunger and inadequate access to healthcare, while some serving policemen were withdrawing part of their pension savings to meet their families’ basic needs.

    The former Vice President made the demands in a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.

    He challenged Tinubu and the National Assembly to explain the status of the Police Exit Bill, which he said was transmitted for presidential assent in March.

    The proposed legislation seeks to exempt police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme and establish a Nigeria Police Force Pension Board to manage their retirement benefits.

    Atiku also called for a salary review for serving police officers following the recent pay increase approved for members of the Armed Forces.

    He argued that officers who risk their lives to protect Nigerians should receive adequate remuneration during service and dependable financial support after retirement.

    “Retired police officers stood at the gates of the National Assembly with their wives and children. Some of those children carried placards pleading for a law that could help their parents survive,” he said.

    Atiku cited the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who, according to him, received a monthly pension of N29,000.

    He also claimed that more than 120 members of the retired officer’s association had died within three years.

    The ADC candidate urged Tinubu to engage directly with retired officers to understand their living conditions.

    “Bola, sit with these officers. Look them in the eye. Tell them how you expect them to live,” he said.

    Atiku further recounted the experience of a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police whom he said had resorted to seeking work to survive.

    According to him, one of his media managers later found the retired officer begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja, prompting an intervention.

    He also described an incident in Bauchi in which a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police reportedly encountered a former colleague gathering firewood for sale to obtain money for food.

    Atiku said such experiences reflected the difficulties faced by former officers who had spent years serving the country.

    He maintained that serving personnel were also under financial pressure as rising food, transportation and healthcare costs continued to erode their earnings.

    “I know serving police officers who have withdrawn 25% of their meagre pension savings to feed their children,” he said.

    The former Vice President argued that the situation could undermine the welfare of officers who were expected to confront armed criminals while worrying about their families’ basic needs and their own retirement.

    On the proposed legislation, Atiku cited Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, arguing that the President had 30 days to assent to a bill or withhold assent.

    He called on the National Assembly to publish the bill’s formal status, explain any delay and clarify the constitutional options available.

    “The National Assembly must publish the bill’s formal status, demand an explanation for the delay and determine the constitutional steps now available,” he said.

    Atiku also urged lawmakers to conduct any required vote openly, insisting that legislators should be accountable for their decisions on the welfare of retired police officers.

    The ADC candidate pledged that, if elected president, his administration would introduce a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan to address pension arrears, gratuities, healthcare and remuneration.

    He promised to audit verified outstanding pension and gratuity claims, publish payment schedules and establish a minimum pension level that would be reviewed in line with changes in the cost of living.

    Atiku also proposed insured healthcare for serving and retired officers, treatment for personnel injured while on duty and timely support for families of officers killed in service.

    He said retirees who were too ill to travel would be able to complete verification exercises from their homes.

    The presidential hopeful further pledged to review police salaries and provide serving officers with clear records of their pension contributions and entitlements before retirement.

    He said his proposed plan would be backed by budgetary provisions and regular public disclosures on payments made.

    The allegations and proposals were contained in a statement from Atiku’s campaign council. The statement did not include a response from the Presidency or the National Assembly regarding the status of the bill.

  • Atiku Challenges Tinubu To Account For First Term Before Seeking Re-election

    Atiku Challenges Tinubu To Account For First Term Before Seeking Re-election

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain his administration’s performance and address Nigerians’ economic concerns before seeking another term in office in 2027.

    Atiku accused the President of relying on political allies, ministers, governors and defectors to defend his record instead of personally answering questions about the hardship facing citizens.

    The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate made his position known in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.

    His comments followed reports that Tinubu might miss some campaign rallies because of the demands of governing the country.

    Atiku questioned the President’s explanation, arguing that the same urgency should have guided his response to Nigerians struggling with the cost of living.

    “Tinubu says he may miss campaign rallies because Nigeria needs his attention. Where was that urgency when Nigerians pleaded for relief?” he asked.

    The former vice president said the President should explain what his administration had done to make food more affordable, improve access to medicines for pensioners and create decent employment opportunities for young people.

    He also argued that Tinubu must account for his first term before asking voters to renew his mandate.

    Atiku faulted what he described as the administration’s attention to foreign creditors and investors, insisting that the financial and social pressures facing Nigerian households deserved equal priority.

    “Tinubu says American creditors cannot wait. Nigerians cannot wait either. They have bills to pay, children to feed and lives to rebuild,” he said.

    He further criticised the President’s reliance on political supporters to defend his performance, maintaining that responsibility for government decisions rested with Tinubu himself.

    “The people on his campaign council did not receive the mandate in 2023. Tinubu did. He made the promises. He took the decisions. He must face the questions,” Atiku said.

    He added that voters would assess the President based on their personal experiences rather than the arguments presented by members of his campaign team.

    The criticism comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the economy, rising living costs, employment and the effects of government policies expected to feature prominently in campaigns.

    The Federal Government has defended its economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange regime, describing them as necessary measures to stabilise the economy and strengthen public finances.

    However, the policies have continued to attract criticism over their effects on transport fares, food prices and household purchasing power.

    Atiku contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party before joining the opposition coalition associated with the ADC ahead of the 2027 polls.

  • Atiku, ADC Demand INEC Clarification On Ballot Printing Contracts, Staff Transfers

    Atiku, ADC Demand INEC Clarification On Ballot Printing Contracts, Staff Transfers

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to explain its arrangements for printing sensitive election materials and recent personnel changes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Atiku urged the commission to disclose the companies contracted to produce ballot papers and other sensitive materials, while the ADC expressed concern over alleged ethnic bias in the redeployment of staff serving in key departments.

    INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku asked INEC to confirm or deny reports that Hitech or an affiliated company had secured a contract to print sensitive materials for the elections.

    The former vice-president said information available to him suggested that more than half of the commission’s sensitive election materials, including presidential ballot papers, might have been assigned to a company reportedly based in France.

    He expressed concern that the identity and credentials of the alleged contractor had not been made public.

    Atiku also questioned reports that the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc would print election materials for only 15 to 17 states, leaving private companies to handle the remaining assignments.

    He urged INEC to publish the names of all contractors, the materials and states allocated to each company, the procurement procedures followed and the security measures governing production, storage and delivery.

    “These reports demand urgent and unequivocal answers. INEC must confirm or deny them and publish the names of every company engaged, the materials and states assigned to each, the procurement method, the security clearances obtained and the safeguards governing production, storage and delivery,” he said.

    Atiku argued that transparency in the production and handling of sensitive election materials was necessary to protect the credibility of the electoral process and prevent public suspicion.

    He also questioned the potential involvement of Hitech or an associated company, citing publicly reported business connections between the Chagoury family, which owns Hitech, and the family of President Bola Tinubu.

    According to Atiku, awarding such a contract to a company with those reported connections could raise concerns about the independence of the electoral commission.

    He maintained that INEC should prioritise qualified domestic security-printing capacity and ensure that every ballot paper, result sheet and other sensitive document could be tracked throughout the production and distribution process.

    The former vice-president extended his call for transparency to the printing of higher-denomination banknotes, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria to disclose its current arrangements and clarify the respective roles of NSPMC and any foreign contractors.

    **Atiku Questions INEC Personnel Changes**

    Atiku also called on INEC to explain recent postings and redeployments involving officials responsible for election administration and technology.

    The statement cited reports that Isa Magaji Gum had been transferred from Electoral Operations to the Voter Registry Department, while Oluyemi Titilayo Adeyemi-Showunmi had been appointed to head Electoral Operations. Dr Lawrence Bayode was identified as the head of Information and Communication Technology.

    Atiku asked the commission to disclose the criteria used in making the appointments and demonstrate that the decisions followed established procedures and were free from political interference.

    “These departments are at the heart of election administration. INEC must explain these decisions, publish the criteria applied and show that every appointment and redeployment followed due process, was based on merit and was free from political interference,” he said.

    However, Atiku cautioned against assuming that any official was compromised because of ethnicity, background or personal associations. He said the commission should address concerns through verifiable information rather than general assurances.

    **ADC Alleges Ethnic Bias In Staff Redeployment**

    Separately, the ADC raised concerns over what it described as a pattern of transfers involving officers from northern states serving in sensitive INEC departments.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that some officers working in Electoral Operations and Information and Communication Technology had been moved to other departments and replaced by officials from Lagos and other South-West states.

    The party said it had received complaints and information about the changes, warning that the pattern required an explanation from the commission.

    “We have specific names of officers moved from Electoral Operations and ICT in a number of northern states and replaced with officers from Lagos and other South-West states. INEC may dismiss this as routine. But we have noticed a pattern, especially along ethnic lines, and we are concerned,” the statement read.

    The ADC did not provide the names of the affected officers or documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations in the statement.

    The party said it was not accusing INEC of having a predetermined motive but argued that personnel changes in departments central to election administration should be explained to avoid undermining public confidence.

    It warned that any perception of ethnic or regional preference in appointments to strategic positions could fuel suspicions about the neutrality of the electoral process and allegations of favouritism towards Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    The party urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to publish details of the recent postings, the criteria used to select officers for the positions and the reasons for the changes.

    According to the ADC, disclosure of the information would reassure Nigerians that electoral officials would carry out their responsibilities impartially, regardless of their ethnic, linguistic or regional backgrounds.

    The party warned that failure to address the allegations with evidence-based explanations could damage confidence in the 2027 elections.

    The concerns come as political parties prepare for the next general elections, with INEC facing expectations to demonstrate transparency in its procurement decisions, personnel management and handling of sensitive electoral materials.

  • 2027: ADC To Inaugurate Presidential Campaign Council Friday

    2027: ADC To Inaugurate Presidential Campaign Council Friday

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The African Democratic Congress will inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council on Friday as the party steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections.

    The ceremony, scheduled for 4pm at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, will be presided over by the party’s National Chairman, David Mark.

    In a statement on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the inauguration would formally activate the party’s presidential campaign structure.

    He said ADC leaders, governorship candidates, National Assembly candidates and state House of Assembly candidates were expected to attend the event.

    According to Ologbondiyan, the gathering would strengthen coordination among party leaders and candidates as the ADC prepares to take its campaign message to voters nationwide.

    The inauguration comes as political parties intensify activities ahead of the 2027 polls, with the ADC seeking to establish itself as a major opposition platform against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    The party has recently stepped up efforts to strengthen its structures across the country and coordinate its political activities ahead of the elections.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar holds the ADC presidential ticket, placing the party among the opposition groups seeking to consolidate support ahead of the presidential election.

    The party had earlier appointed Abia lawmaker Austin Akobundu as Director-General of its presidential campaign council, which Atiku described as a lean campaign structure.

    Ologbondiyan urged party leaders and candidates to attend the inauguration, saying their participation would demonstrate unity and commitment to the party’s preparations for the elections.

  • Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration of Worsening Poverty, Insecurity

    Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration of Worsening Poverty, Insecurity

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening poverty and the cost of living in Nigeria.

    Atiku made the allegations in a state-of-the-nation address delivered at the ADC secretariat in Abuja on Thursday as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

    He criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the reforms had increased the financial burden on households.

    According to him, rising prices of food, transportation and other essential goods have left many Nigerians struggling to meet their basic needs.

    Atiku also faulted Tinubu’s claim that the country was entering an era of prosperity, arguing that economic growth and lower inflation would have limited meaning if Nigerians could not afford food, healthcare, transportation and education.

    He said, “At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building.”

    The former vice president also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, saying attacks by armed groups had displaced communities, affected farming activities and created fear among families.

    He further questioned the government’s management of public funds, debt and development projects, calling for greater transparency in contracts, loans and social intervention programmes.

    On the economy, Atiku proposed what he described as a capped and budgeted production subsidy for petrol refined in Nigeria, including fuel produced by modular refineries.

    He said the proposed scheme should be independently audited and designed to ensure that any benefit reached consumers through lower pump prices.

    Atiku also raised concerns about the government’s borrowing plans, citing Nigeria’s public debt and the proposed $1.5bn World Bank loan. He called for greater disclosure on how existing borrowed funds had been spent and the projects they had financed.

    The ADC candidate also criticised the government’s handling of student loans, budgets, contractors’ payments and cash-transfer programmes, demanding greater accountability.

    On security and civil liberties, Atiku called for the release of individuals he described as being unlawfully detained and urged the government to uphold due process.

    He also appealed to Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general election, urging voters to protect their ballots and reject intimidation.

    Atiku said the election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to determine the country’s direction, while promising that, if elected, he would prioritise affordability, security, healthcare, education and accountability in public spending.

    He said Nigerians should scrutinise the programmes and promises of all candidates, including himself, and demand measurable commitments from those seeking public office.

    The former vice president concluded by urging Nigerians not to lose hope despite the economic and security challenges facing the country.

  • 2027 Election: Atiku, ADC Seek To Amend Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Eligibility

    2027 Election: Atiku, ADC Seek To Amend Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Eligibility

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until October 13 to hear an application by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress seeking to amend their suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date on Monday after counsel for the plaintiffs, Joseph Silas, informed the court that all the defendants had been served with the relevant court processes within the stipulated period.

    Silas also told the court that the plaintiffs had received and responded to the processes filed by the defendants.

    The case had previously been delayed over a dispute concerning the service of court processes on Tinubu, who is the first defendant in the suit.

    During Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the President, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, recalled that at the September 1 hearing, counsel representing the Independent National Electoral Commission, Popoola Owosanya, had offered to receive the processes on Tinubu’s behalf.

    Olanipekun said the plaintiffs’ counsel rejected the offer and later approached the court for an order allowing substituted service on the President, claiming that efforts to serve him personally had been unsuccessful.

    He further alleged that the plaintiffs subsequently attempted to mislead the court by maintaining that they had been unable to serve the President.

    Justice Ekwo, however, directed the lawyers to concentrate on the matter scheduled for the day.

    Silas subsequently informed the court that the plaintiffs had filed an application seeking to amend their originating summons and that all the defendants had been served with the application.

    After confirming that the parties had received the relevant processes, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to October 13 for hearing of the application.

    Atiku and the ADC had instituted the suit to challenge Tinubu’s eligibility to participate in the 2027 presidential election.

    A major aspect of their case concerns an alleged discrepancy between the name appearing on a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the President’s official name.

    The substantive issues raised by the plaintiffs are yet to be determined by the court.

    On September 16, Justice Ekwo granted the plaintiffs permission to serve Tinubu through the All Progressives Congress after they told the court that attempts to personally serve the President had proved difficult.

    The substituted service order was subsequently challenged by the APC, which argued that Tinubu’s legal representatives had already received the originating processes and filed his defence before the plaintiffs applied for substituted service.

    Meanwhile, INEC has filed a response challenging the competence of the suit, including arguments concerning the plaintiffs’ locus standi and alleged abuse of court process.

  • Momodu Explains El-Rufai’s Role In Atiku’s 2027 Campaign Council

    Momodu Explains El-Rufai’s Role In Atiku’s 2027 Campaign Council

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s decision to appoint former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to his 2027 Presidential Campaign Council was partly aimed at recognising what he described as El-Rufai’s political sacrifices.

    Momodu, who serves as Deputy Director-General of the campaign’s Media and Communications Directorate, spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* on Friday.

    Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, unveiled his campaign council on Thursday, appointing Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman and El-Rufai as deputy chairman. Senator Austin Akobundu was named Director-General and Campaign Manager.

    Explaining El-Rufai’s inclusion, Momodu said the appointment was a way of acknowledging the former Kaduna governor’s political experience and what he described as the difficulties he had faced.

    Momodu also pointed to El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria despite the legal proceedings involving him, arguing that the former governor could have remained outside the country but chose to return.

    El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings and has denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations against him. Reports on the case have also noted that he remains involved in proceedings concerning allegations linked to his time in public office.

    Commenting on the bail conditions attached to El-Rufai’s case, Momodu described them as excessive and questioned what he considered the former governor’s treatment by the authorities.

    Momodu further credited El-Rufai with playing an important role in the political developments that preceded the 2023 presidential election, claiming that his contribution was significant to President Bola Tinubu’s emergence.

    That claim represents Momodu’s political assessment and was not independently established by the campaign council announcement.

    El-Rufai’s appointment places him among several prominent political figures assembled by Atiku as the ADC builds its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The council includes former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, who was named chairman of the Campaign Advisory Board, while Momodu will oversee Media and Communications and former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye will lead Contact and Mobilisation.

    The campaign structure comprises six operational directorates, with 30 directors assigned specific responsibilities. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen will coordinate the Policy Team, while former governors and other political figures are also included in the wider campaign structure.

    The unveiling of the council comes as political parties and their candidates begin preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the ADC campaign saying its structure would focus on issues including the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

  • ADC Raises Alarm as Petrol Price Rises to N1,470

    ADC Raises Alarm as Petrol Price Rises to N1,470

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The African Democratic Congress has raised concerns over the latest increase in petrol prices, warning that the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit is deepening the economic pressure on Nigerian households and businesses.

    The opposition party’s warning came as petrol prices at some Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited retail outlets in Abuja rose to as much as N1,430 per litre, while prices in some locations were reported at about N1,470 per litre.

    In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the increase was already affecting the cost of transportation, food, electricity, education and other essential services.

    The party said the impact of higher fuel prices went beyond motorists, arguing that increased transportation and operating costs were being passed on to consumers and businesses.

    “President Tinubu has turned the petrol pump into an instrument of punishment for Nigerians,” the party said.

    The ADC also expressed concern over reported increases in private school fees, with some schools allegedly raising charges by between 30 and 40 per cent.

    It said the increases were adding to the financial burden on families whose incomes had not increased at the same pace as the cost of living.

    “Parents are not earning 40 per cent more. Their salaries have not risen with the prices of fuel, food, rent, transportation and school fees,” the party said.

    The opposition party, however, acknowledged that school proprietors were also facing higher operating expenses, including electricity bills, fuel costs, taxes, rent and staff salaries.

    The ADC urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take urgent measures to ease the pressure on households and businesses, warning against interpreting Nigerians’ ability to cope with the situation as acceptance of government policies.

    Meanwhile, checks at several NNPCL retail outlets in the Federal Capital Territory showed that petrol was being sold at between N1,395 and N1,430 per litre.

    The latest prices represent increases of between N50 and N80 per litre, depending on the location.

    The new pump prices were observed at NNPCL stations around Airport Junction, Gwarinpa, Kubwa Expressway, Wuse Zone 4 and other parts of Abuja and its environs.

    However, Sunday Asefon, National Director of Students Engagement of the City Boy Movement and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, attributed the latest petrol price increase to international market pressures rather than subsidy removal alone.

    In a statement titled, “The Pain Is Not From Subsidy Removal, It’s From Geopolitical Tensions Including the War in the Middle East,” Asefon linked the development to tensions involving the United States, Iran and Israel.

    He argued that the rise in petrol prices from about N800 per litre at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s gantry to between N1,300 and N1,400 at filling stations could not be explained solely by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    “The real enemy is the ongoing global geopolitical tension. The missiles being fired by the United States, Iran and Israel are the unseen hands shaping the global oil market,” Asefon said.

    He pointed to instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments, as another factor capable of affecting international crude prices and, consequently, domestic petrol costs.

    According to Asefon, the Bank of England had warned that a complete disruption of the waterway could push global crude prices to between $100 and $130 per barrel.

    The contrasting positions come as Nigerians continue to contend with higher fuel and transportation costs, with the latest pump price adjustments adding to concerns over the cost of living.

  • Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Mark, Aregbesola’s ADC Leadership

    Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Mark, Aregbesola’s ADC Leadership

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until September 28 the hearing of a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress led by former Senate President David Mark.

    The case, filed by an ADC member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, was scheduled for Monday before Justice Peter Lifu for the hearing of pending applications.

    However, proceedings could not take place as the judge was not sitting, leading to the matter being moved to September 28.

    The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, seeks to prevent Mark, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee from presenting themselves as the legitimate leadership of the party.

    Gombe argued that the emergence of Mark, Aregbesola and other members of the interim NWC was contrary to provisions of the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act.

    The plaintiff joined the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the former National Chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, as the first to fifth defendants respectively.

    The latest adjournment followed an earlier ruling by Justice Lifu on June 16, when he dismissed separate applications filed by the ADC and Aregbesola seeking his withdrawal from the case.

    The defendants had asked the judge to recuse himself over allegations of bias.

    Justice Lifu, however, ruled that the applications lacked merit and awarded N1m costs against both the ADC and Aregbesola in favour of Gombe.

    Following the ruling, the court fixed the case for Monday to hear the remaining applications before it.

    The substantive suit will determine Gombe’s challenge to the legitimacy of the current interim leadership structure of the ADC.

  • Melaye Threatens Mass Action If Atiku Is Arrested Over EFCC Petition

    Melaye Threatens Mass Action If Atiku Is Arrested Over EFCC Petition

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has warned the Federal Government against arresting, inviting or interrogating African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over a corruption petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    Melaye said the ADC and its supporters would resist any attempt to use the petition to target Atiku, insisting that the opposition would demonstrate the strength of public support if the former Vice-President was invited or arrested.

    He made the remarks in a video posted on his X account on Friday.

    “This is our note of warning, if due to this frivolous petitions you invite, arrest, or interview Atiku Abubakar, and we are not saying it with fear or favour, we will prove to you that those in government are less than one percent of the population of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will prove to you that the people own government,” Melaye said.

    His comments followed a petition submitted to the EFCC by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, seeking the reopening of corruption allegations against Atiku dating back to his time as Vice-President.

    The petition, signed by Agbonayinma’s lawyer, Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN, reportedly referred to an earlier EFCC investigation and report concerning allegations involving Atiku.

    The allegations date back to 2005 and 2006, when the EFCC and an administrative panel investigated claims including abuse of office, money laundering and alleged diversion of funds linked to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

    Atiku, who was Vice-President at the time, denied wrongdoing and described the allegations as politically motivated.

    On December 20, 2006, a Lagos State High Court reportedly set aside the EFCC’s administrative indictment against Atiku, holding that the process was unconstitutional and flawed.

    The allegations did not result in a criminal conviction against the former Vice-President.

    The renewed petition comes as Atiku prepares to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the ADC, amid efforts by opposition politicians to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    Melaye, a prominent supporter of Atiku and the ADC, warned that the opposition would not remain silent if the petition was used as a basis for targeting the former Vice-President.

    However, there was no confirmed indication as of the time of filing the report that the EFCC had invited or arrested Atiku in connection with the latest petition.