The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment To Nigeria’s Development After Umrah Pilgrimage

    Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment To Nigeria’s Development After Umrah Pilgrimage

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has declared that his commitment to Nigeria’s development remains stronger than ever, following his recent spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.

    The President made the declaration while reflecting on his pilgrimage and the rare opportunity to enter the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers. His spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

    Tinubu expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred site.

    Describing the experience as a historic spiritual privilege, he said his prayers focused on seeking wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.

    “I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.

    The President recalled that he had also performed Umrah before the 2023 presidential election, when he prayed for Allah’s blessings and promised to return in gratitude.

    Reflecting on the Qur’anic teaching in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26, Tinubu said political power belongs ultimately to Almighty Allah and should be treated as a responsibility that demands humility and service to the people.

    He described his emergence as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief as a special blessing, adding that the position carries a duty to work for the country’s progress.

    Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, Tinubu said he remained determined to strengthen the economy, promote prosperity and create opportunities for Nigerians.

    “My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.

    The President also expressed optimism about the economy, describing the foundation laid by his administration as solid and the progress recorded as encouraging.

    He, however, emphasised the need to invest in young Nigerians, warning that the decisions taken by present leaders would determine how future generations judge their leadership.

    “We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now?” he asked.

    Members of the Nigerian delegation who also expressed gratitude for the opportunity included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.

    Business leaders Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, and Wale Tinubu, Chief Executive Officer of Oando, were also part of the delegation.

  • Makinde Takes Campaign Message To South-East, Urges Voters To Reject Ethnic Politics

    Makinde Takes Campaign Message To South-East, Urges Voters To Reject Ethnic Politics

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has called on voters in the South-East to look beyond ethnic and religious affiliations when choosing leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Makinde, who is also the governor of Oyo State, made the appeal during an APM South-East town hall meeting in Enugu, where he presented his party’s proposed agenda for addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

    He acknowledged the strong political support enjoyed by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in the region but said his campaign would not be discouraged from seeking votes in the South-East.

    Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, is now the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Makinde maintained that the problems confronting Nigerians cut across ethnic and religious boundaries, urging voters to support candidates based on their plans and capacity to address the country’s challenges.

    He outlined four major components of his proposed agenda: economic recovery, restructuring of the security system, education reform and rebuilding the socio-political environment.

    The APM candidate said his campaign had engaged Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones to understand their concerns and incorporate their expectations into the party’s manifesto.

    He disclosed that the document would be finalised over the weekend and unveiled on November 4, 2026.

    Makinde also identified the lack of trust between political leaders and citizens as one of the problems affecting governance, arguing that sincerity and accountability could help restore public confidence.

    Using his experience in Oyo State as an example, he said his administration had worked to rebuild trust between the government and residents and promised to apply a similar approach at the national level if elected.

    On the economy, Makinde pledged to move Nigeria away from dependence on the distribution of federal allocations towards a productive system driven by businesses, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

    He identified high interest rates and limited access to long-term financing as major obstacles to industrial growth, promising to address both challenges.

    The governor also announced a partnership between his campaign and Skill Reset Nigeria to train one million young Nigerians in employable skills. He encouraged interested youths to register through the organisation’s website to participate in the programme.

    His running mate, Lawal Daura, also called for urgent action against hunger, poverty and insecurity, warning that democracy could not function effectively where political activities were militarised and security issues became politicised.

    Daura said the party was proposing a 16-point agenda aimed at addressing the country’s difficulties, adding that Nigerians needed leadership committed to improving their living conditions.

    Meanwhile, the APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and support Makinde’s candidacy.

    Dantalle argued that Tinubu should allow Makinde to complete what he described as the remaining four years of the South’s turn in power.

    He also attributed Nigeria’s insecurity to underlying socioeconomic problems, including poverty and unemployment, and called for improved electricity and transportation infrastructure to support economic development.

    The meeting was attended by former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Director-General of the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation, Felix Hassan Hyat, APM state chairmen and other party stakeholders.

    APM Urges Tinubu To Reconsider 2027 Presidential Bid

    In a related development, the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation has asked Tinubu to use his ongoing Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia to reflect on his administration’s performance and consider withdrawing from the 2027 presidential contest.

    The organisation made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa.

    It urged the President to reflect on his campaign promises, the country’s security situation and the economic difficulties Nigerians have faced since he assumed office in May 2023.

    The campaign organisation also questioned whether Tinubu deserved another term, citing concerns over rising hardship, hunger, insecurity and access to essential services.

    It argued that public office should come with accountability and that the President should assess his administration’s record before seeking another mandate.

    Tinubu departed Abuja for Makkah on Thursday to perform Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage.

  • Obi Accuses Tinubu Of Avoiding Campaigns, Questions His Ability To Govern

    Obi Accuses Tinubu Of Avoiding Campaigns, Questions His Ability To Govern

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his reported reluctance to campaign across all 36 states ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Obi accused the President of spending more than 260 days outside Nigeria while claiming he could not devote 36 days to visiting states to campaign and explain his administration’s achievements.

    He made the remarks on Thursday at a political summit in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

    Tinubu had indicated that he might not visit every state during the 2027 campaign, explaining that his responsibilities as President required him to give priority to governance.

    Reacting, Obi challenged Tinubu to visit Abakaliki and account for his administration’s performance over the past three years, particularly how funds borrowed by the Federal Government had been utilised.

    The former Anambra State governor also questioned the President’s capacity to continue leading the country, arguing that he lacked the energy and competence required for the position.

    Obi urged Tinubu to leave office, saying the country needed leadership capable of addressing its pressing challenges.

    He also cautioned against ethnic divisions in the South-East, insisting that voters should support him based on his qualifications and ability to lead Nigeria rather than his Igbo identity.

    Obi said he was seeking votes from Nigerians across the country and not relying on regional or ethnic sentiments to secure support.

    Outlining his proposed priorities if elected president, the NDC candidate promised to declare a state of emergency in key sectors, including security, education, healthcare, agriculture and the fight against corruption.

    He said his administration would prioritise national unity and ensure that government appointments reflected the federal character principle.

    On security, Obi pledged to strengthen the country’s security agencies through improved equipment and resources, promising decisive action against those responsible for attacks and kidnappings.

    He also vowed to intensify the fight against corruption, warning that anyone found guilty of stealing public funds would face prosecution, regardless of their position.

    In education, the former governor expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, which he put at more than 18 million. He promised to introduce measures to reduce the figure and improve access to education.

    Obi further pledged to tackle hunger by supporting farmers, improving agricultural production and expanding opportunities for food exports.

    On healthcare, he promised to establish functional healthcare facilities in every political ward across the country, arguing that Nigeria had the resources to provide accessible medical services to its citizens.

    He said addressing these challenges would form part of his administration’s priorities if elected in 2027.

  • Tinubu To Visit Saudi Arabia For Umrah, Pray For Nigeria’s Peace

    Tinubu To Visit Saudi Arabia For Umrah, Pray For Nigeria’s Peace

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu is expected to depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the lesser Islamic pilgrimage, Umrah, and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity and stability.

    The planned trip was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    According to the statement, the visit will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion, during which he will seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens.

    Before leaving the country, the President is scheduled to commission newly acquired Nigerian Air Force operational equipment at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The Presidency did not disclose further details about the equipment in its announcement.

    Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.

    The planned visit comes as the Federal Government continues to face challenges relating to national security, economic conditions and social stability. However, the Presidency’s announcement focused on the President’s religious activities and prayers for the country.

    Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be undertaken at various times of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar.

    The President’s departure and the planned commissioning of the Air Force equipment were announced by the Presidency on October 28, 2026.

  • Tinubu To Present 2027 Budget To National Assembly Before Year-End

    Tinubu To Present 2027 Budget To National Assembly Before Year-End

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu is expected to present the 2027 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly before the end of December 2026, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has disclosed.

    Uzoka-Anite made this known on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents on decisions taken at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Tinubu at the State House.

    She also announced that the council approved the National Development Plan for 2026–2030, alongside new policy measures aimed at reducing child stunting and improving food security.

    Among the approvals was the Revised National Policy on Food and Nutrition 2026, which is expected to replace existing frameworks and promote sustainable funding for nutrition programmes.

    According to the minister, the policy will strengthen cooperation among key sectors, including agriculture, livestock, health and education, as well as development partners.

    The announcements followed the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, held in Abuja from October 26 to 28.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has defended the Federal Government’s proposed $21.7bn external borrowing plan, describing it as a long-term investment in infrastructure and other productive assets rather than funds intended for immediate expenditure.

    Oyedele explained that the proposal covers a period of about five years and does not mean the entire amount would be borrowed or disbursed at once.

    He said $10.6bn had been earmarked for major transportation projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Kano–Kaduna Metro Rail.

    The finance minister added that more than $7.9bn would come from multilateral and bilateral development partners, including a proposed $5bn facility from the World Bank, at an average interest rate of about 2.1 per cent.

    The borrowing plan also includes $3.3bn for projects by state governments and $1.45bn for the Federal Capital Territory.

    The proposed financing has been presented to the National Assembly for consideration.

  • Tinubu Seeks Reps’ Approval For $20.5bn, €1.045bn External Loans

    Tinubu Seeks Reps’ Approval For $20.5bn, €1.045bn External Loans

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to approve external loans worth $20.52bn and €1.045bn to fund infrastructure and development projects under the Federal Government’s 2026–2027 Supplementary External Borrowing Rolling Plan.

    The request was presented to lawmakers on Wednesday through a letter read by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary.

    In the letter, Tinubu urged the House to fast-track consideration of the proposal, saying the funds would support programmes in agriculture, healthcare, education, water supply, security, employment and other critical sectors.

    The President listed the proposed facilities as $20,517,755,901 and €1,045,083,643, with a detailed breakdown attached to the request for legislative review.

    He explained that the proposed borrowing was necessary to support his administration’s reform agenda, stimulate economic growth and address the country’s infrastructure funding gap.

    According to Tinubu, the projects were selected after technical and economic assessments, with consideration given to their potential contributions to national development.

    He said the initiatives were expected to create jobs, improve skills acquisition, encourage entrepreneurship, reduce poverty and strengthen food security.

    Tinubu added that most of the projects would be implemented across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    He argued that the country’s infrastructure needs, particularly in power, transportation and healthcare, required substantial investment beyond what the government could adequately provide from available resources.

    The President maintained that responsible external borrowing would help bridge the funding gap, while stressing the importance of timely disbursement and effective execution of the proposed projects.

    Following the presentation, the House referred the request to a joint committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management and Appropriations, chaired by Abubakar Nalaraba, for further consideration.

    The committees are expected to examine the proposed facilities, including their terms, intended purposes and potential effects on public finances, before submitting their findings to the House.

    The loan request comes amid ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s need to fund major development projects while managing its public debt obligations.

    The proposed facilities will require legislative approval before the Federal Government can proceed with the borrowing covered by the request.

  • Onochie Igwesi Makes Enugu APC Campaign Council List

    Onochie Igwesi Makes Enugu APC Campaign Council List

    The Secretary to Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Barr. Onochie Jon-Igwesi, has been appointed a member of the Enugu State All Progressives Congress Campaign Council.

    Jon-Igwesi who was also sworn in for a second term as Secretary to Nkanu West on October 21, 2026, was appointed the state Deputy Director of the Mainstream Media (Print) in the campaign council.

    The 51-Directorate campaign council which is chaired by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and was inaugurated by him on October 27, 2026, was charged to pursue a resounding victory for the party in all the 2027 elections.

    Mbah urged party faithful to campaign hard on the administration’s achievements and be unapologetically APC in doing so, saying the opposition had nothing but propaganda to offer.

    Accepting his appointment, Jon-Igwesi expressed gratitude to Mbah for the opportunity to serve the party and the state. He noted that the confidence reposed in him ought to be justified and he expressed readiness to campaign vigorously for the APC, remarking “Mbah’s administrative acumen and governance scorecard makes the job less difficult”.

    Onochie Jon-Igwesi is a dedicated professional with a diverse portfolio spanning public service, entrepreneurship, media proprietorship, community engagement, education administration, and the legal profession. In 2020, he embarked on media entrepreneurship founding Pacesetter Frontier Magazine.

    He holds degrees in Microbiology and Law; certificates in Public Leadership and Policy; International Criminal Law, Journalism, Business Consultancy and Mediation. He is a school administrator, Rotary International member, and Paul Harris Fellow, driving discussions on peace, governance, and development through the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards, an initiative of his Magazine.

    Jon-Igwesi is expected to bring his expertise in the print media industry to bear to drive the re-election of all candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the state.

  • Tinubu Blames Past Leaders for Hunger, Seeks Second Term in 2027

    Tinubu Blames Past Leaders for Hunger, Seeks Second Term in 2027

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has blamed previous administrations and opposition figures for Nigeria’s hunger and poverty, while promising improved prosperity if re-elected in 2027.

    Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign flag-off at Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna, where he urged Nigerians to support his re-election bid and other APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

    The President said his administration was working to address the country’s economic difficulties, adding that his government had maintained regular salary payments and that APC governors were making progress in their respective states.

    “I hear my opponents talking about hunger. Who created it? They did. They created hunger and poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” Tinubu said.

    He assured Nigerians, particularly young people, that a second term would bring greater economic opportunities and prosperity.

    Tinubu also urged voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and turn out for the elections, calling on them to support APC candidates contesting governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and state assembly seats.

    He defended his administration’s economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the country was moving towards a new phase of growth and recovery.

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who also addressed the rally, appealed to Nigerians to renew the APC’s mandate, arguing that the party had delivered on its promises and deserved another term.

    Shettima highlighted infrastructure projects being pursued by the administration, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road, Kano-Maradi railway and Lagos-Kano rail corridor.

    He also pointed to investments in education in Kaduna State, citing the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal University of Education in Zaria and vocational institutions which he said had produced more than 4,000 graduates.

    Shettima said the APC won the 2023 presidential election because voters considered the alternatives and chose the party, expressing confidence that Nigerians would again support Tinubu.

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also endorsed the President’s re-election bid, citing federal infrastructure projects and security interventions in the state.

    Sani said reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway was 95 per cent complete. He also highlighted work on the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, which he said had received N117bn in funding after remaining abandoned for more than 40 years.

    The governor added that efforts to improve security had enabled the reopening of some schools and primary healthcare centres previously shut because of insecurity.

    The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, said the party would campaign on the administration’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education and human capital development.

    Yari said APC leaders were engaging traditional rulers, Islamic clerics and other influential figures in Northern Nigeria to mobilise support for Tinubu’s return to office, describing continuity as important to the country’s stability and development.

    The Kaduna event formally launched Tinubu’s campaign for the 2027 presidential election. The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the poll for January 16, 2027.

    Several senior government and party officials attended the rally, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, governors, ministers, lawmakers and APC national executives.

    Thousands of supporters gathered at the stadium, wearing party-branded clothing, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of Tinubu and other APC candidates.

  • 2027: Minister Udeh to Unveil ‘ATM’ Political Group for Tinubu, Mbah’s Re-election

    2027: Minister Udeh to Unveil ‘ATM’ Political Group for Tinubu, Mbah’s Re-election

    …Presents 17 Buses For ‘ATM’ Political Group

    …Says “I’m confident of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah’s Victory”

    Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, is set to unveil his grassroots mobilisation and political support group, “As Tinubu and Mbah Move (ATM)”.

    This is also as the Minister has expressed confidence in the victory of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.

    Udeh, who convened a strategy meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the group’s secretariat, ahead of the planned unveiling of ‘ATM’, also presented 17 branded buses to support grassroots mobilisation by the movement in preparedness for the forthcoming elections.

    Announcing the initiative, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged members to work towards securing victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the presidential and governorship elections.

    He said the buses were provided to ease the mobilisation process and strengthen the movement’s presence across communities, wards and polling units.

    Expressing confidence in the victory of Tinubu and Mbah, he stressed that the movement must go beyond the usual boisterousness of political groups and focus on practical activities that would translate into electoral success.

    “I want this group to be different so that it will not end in noise-making. The aim is to make APC win from top to bottom, especially the President and the Governor,” he said.

    Udeh urged members to take responsibility for delivering their respective polling units and wards, noting that grassroots engagement remained central to political success.

    “Politics is local. Everybody should work to ensure that APC wins in their respective wards and polling units,” he said.

    He explained that ATM was established to provide a platform through which members could connect with political leaders and contribute to the party’s activities.

    According to him, active participation in grassroots mobilisation could also create opportunities for members to engage with government officials and seek assistance on issues affecting their communities.

    Udeh, who described himself as not being a career politician, said he valued integrity and fulfilling commitments in his dealings with people.

    He also pledged to spend more time in the South-East during the campaign period to coordinate the movement’s activities.

    Earlier, the ATM Coordinator, Igboke Onyebuchi, said the meeting was organised to establish and ratify the movement’s structures ahead of the planned commencement of local government mobilisation in November.

    He described ATM as a political movement rather than an ordinary group, explaining that some of its membership was by people who wanted to support Governor Peter Mbah and acknowledge his role in Udeh’s ministerial appointment.

    “We are doing this to support the governor for giving such a smart young person the opportunity to be a minister. This has not happened in recent times,” Onyebuchi said.

    He said the movement comprised community mobilisers, union leaders and people from the civic space, many of whom were not career politicians but were willing to contribute to the political process.

    The coordinator said ATM planned to adopt an innovative, community-based approach to mobilisation, with a focus on reaching rural residents and strengthening the APC’s existing grassroots structures, adding that a community map to guide its engagement with residents had been developed.

    Onyebuchi expressed appreciation to Udeh for providing the platform for members to participate in the political process, saying the movement hoped to encourage greater opportunities for young people with strong professional and intellectual backgrounds.

  • Obasanjo Faults Tinubu’s Reforms, Says Nigerians Have Become Poorer

    Obasanjo Faults Tinubu’s Reforms, Says Nigerians Have Become Poorer

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the sharp depreciation of the naira has worsened poverty and hardship across Nigeria.

    Obasanjo made the remarks on Wednesday at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2026 in London, United Kingdom, where he questioned the impact of the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration in 2023.

    He argued that the naira’s depreciation had significantly reduced Nigerians’ purchasing power, noting that the exchange rate moved from about N500 to the dollar to approximately N1,500.

    “We do not live in isolation as a country. We interact with the rest of the world. And overnight, you devalue the currency by 300 per cent. The naira went from N500 to a dollar to N1,500 to a dollar. What that meant was that every Nigerian is made poor by 300 per cent,” the former president said.

    Obasanjo described Nigeria as the “poverty capital of the world”, arguing that the economic changes had increased the number of people struggling to meet their basic needs.

    He rejected suggestions that the President should be given more time for his reforms to deliver results, saying he had yet to see sufficient improvement in the economy.

    “For the economy, I don’t see anything getting better. What policies are you seeing through? You impoverish your people, and you want to see impoverishment through?” he asked.

    The former president also maintained that the administration’s policies were not serving the interests of Nigerians.

    On the removal of the petrol subsidy, Obasanjo acknowledged the importance of fuel to households and businesses but argued that corruption associated with the subsidy regime should have been addressed before the policy was scrapped.

    He said a country facing severe economic difficulties should focus on eliminating corruption, reducing waste and unnecessary spending, and increasing domestic production.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria unified its foreign exchange windows on June 14, 2023, when the official exchange rate stood at approximately N460.8 to the dollar. The naira subsequently weakened, reaching about N1,333.54 to the dollar on the official market on October 19, before falling to around N1,607.05 in early May 2025.

    Despite the currency’s depreciation, official figures cited in the report showed that Nigeria’s headline inflation fell to 14.63 per cent in September from 20.98 per cent a year earlier. Food inflation, however, remained higher at 19.59 per cent, while the economy recorded real gross domestic product growth of 4.43 per cent in the second quarter.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said on August 19 that the removal of the petrol subsidy had saved the government N15.8tn between June 2023 and December 2025.

    Efforts to obtain the Presidency’s reaction to Obasanjo’s comments were unsuccessful, as the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, could not be reached.

  • Makinde Defends 2027 Presidential Bid Against Tinubu, Cites Obasanjo-Falae Contest

    Makinde Defends 2027 Presidential Bid Against Tinubu, Cites Obasanjo-Falae Contest

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has defended his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against an incumbent from the South-West, arguing that the region can field more than one candidate without compromising its interests.

    Makinde spoke on Thursday at the APM’s South-West town hall meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he recalled the 1999 presidential election, which featured two prominent candidates from the region.

    The governor said some people had questioned his decision to enter the race because President Bola Tinubu, who is also from the South-West, currently occupies the office.

    “I’ve listened to people. They said to us, ‘Seyi Makinde, why are you contesting in this election when the South-West already has somebody seated on that seat?’ And I’ve explained to them, we do have an example here in the South-West,” he said.

    Makinde cited the 1999 election, in which former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae contested the presidency, noting that the region’s decision to produce two candidates did not result in any disaster.

    He argued that the arrangement gave Nigerians the opportunity to choose between two candidates from the same region.

    “And heaven did not fall. As a matter of fact, what the South-West did was to present two of their finest, two of their best for Nigeria to choose from. Is there anything wrong with that this time around?” he asked.

    The governor also urged voters in the region to reject what he described as deceptive politics, saying he would campaign on his record in Oyo State rather than rely solely on criticism of political opponents.

    Makinde also criticised the Federal Government over a reported presentation of the United Nations budget to the President in Nigeria by the country’s permanent representatives to the UN.

    He questioned the justification for spending public funds on travel from New York to Abuja for the exercise.

    The governor further raised concerns about budget implementation, asking which fiscal year’s budget was being implemented.

    “Is it 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 budgets?” he asked.

    On the campaign, Makinde said he would focus on energy and physical stamina rather than make age a central issue in the presidential contest.

    “While I will not make age an issue of this campaign, I will make energy. Having energy. Being able to stay up late, have the rigours, have the energy to deal with the challenges that we are faced with as a country,” he said.

    He challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical fitness during the campaign, suggesting that voters should consider their ability to withstand the demands of the race.

    “So please, when they bring their own presidential candidates, let the candidates come here and also jump down. If they can do that, vote for them,” Makinde added.

  • 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.