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The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a suit brought before it by some state governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

A seven-member panel of Justices of the apex court, led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, on Tuesday adjourned the matter after parties in the suit adopted their processes.

The plaintiffs in the suit are the Attorneys General of ten states, while the defendants are the Federal Government and the National Assembly.

At the beginning of the proceedings, the fifth plaintiff, Delta State, withdrew from the suit, a decision that was not opposed by counsel for the Federal Government, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, who represented the plaintiffs, while adopting his process before the court, noted that their case was not a denial of the President’s power to proclaim a state of emergency but a challenge to the extent to which the proclamation can affect the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Fagbemi, in his argument for the Federal Government, and in response to the court’s question on whether there was a threat in the process of the proclamation, stated that there was none and that the plaintiffs had not been able to prove otherwise.

He noted that Rivers State was engulfed in a crisis involving the governor and the executive, prompting the President’s action.

The senior lawyer also submitted that the Governor, his Deputy, and the State House of Assembly were not removed but suspended as part of extraordinary measures required to restore decorum in the state.

Fagbemi stated that the President had no choice but a duty to act the way he did in declaring a state of emergency and therefore urged the apex court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Counsel for the National Assembly, Charles Yoila, aligned himself with the AGF’s submission and also urged the court to dismiss the case.

After listening to the parties, the apex court reserved judgment till a date to be communicated to them.

A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, has ordered the remand of the Bishop in charge of Champions Cathedral Church, Bishop Sam Onyeagoziri, in the Abakaliki Correctional Centre for allegedly having carnal knowledge of a sickle cell patient.

Onyeagoziri was docked on Tuesday in Abakaliki on a four-count charge in a suit marked MAB/547c/2025, bordering on unlawful carnal knowledge, threat to life with a gun, exposure of nude pictures on the internet, and emotional and psychological abuse of the sickle cell patient.

The Defence Counsel, Friday Agbom, applied for bail for his client pursuant to Section 88 (2) and Section 92 (2) of the Ebonyi State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2019, as well as Section 36 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

On her part, the Prosecutor, Ajibo Catherine, opposed the bail application, arguing that granting bail to the defendant could interfere with witnesses and hinder the progress of the case.

During the arraignment, the trial Magistrate, Happiness Chima, ordered the remand of the Bishop, citing the Magistrate Court’s lack of jurisdiction to hear such matters. Consequently, the defendant did not take a plea.

She directed that the original case file, evidence, and other documents be transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for further action at the High Court.

The matter was adjourned to 4 November 2025 for a report of compliance and further prosecution at the High Court.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Female Lawyers Association in Ebonyi State, Oluchi Odeh, led a team of members who held a watching brief for the complainant during the arraignment.

The charge sheet reads:

‘That you, Sam Onyeagoziri Ndubueze ‘M’, sometime in the year 2021 at Mile 50 Layout, Abakaliki, in the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did have unlawful carnal knowledge of one female (name withheld), having obtained her consent by means of threats and false and fraudulent representation, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria.

‘That you, Defendant, on the same date, place and within the aforementioned magisterial district, did threaten the life of one female (name withheld) with a gun, which caused her extreme fear, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 12(1)(a)(b) of the Ebonyi State Internal Security Enforcement and Related Matters Law, 2009.

‘That you, Defendant, on the same date, place and within the aforementioned magisterial district, did knowingly send messages by means of computer systems that are pornographic, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(I) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

‘That you, Defendant, on the same date, place and within the aforementioned magisterial district, did emotionally and psychologically abuse one female (name withheld) by causing her nude photographs to be circulated on social media, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 20(1) of the Ebonyi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2018.’

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The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed through Second Reading a bill seeking to ensure timely presentation of the annual budget estimates by the Executive to the Legislature with a view to enhancing fiscal transparency and timely submission of audited financial statements.

The bill also seeks to prescribe ratios for various budgetary heads for public expenditure, and provide for medium and long-term planning for infrastructure and human capital development at both the Federal and State levels and for related matters.

The private member bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and four others, advocated for budgetary allocation of not less than 30 percent not less than 30 percent for infrastructure; not less than 20 percent foe Human Capital Development; not less than 15 percent for Personnel Cost; not less than 10 percent for Administrative Overheads; and not less than 25 percent for Debt obligations, respectively.

Leading debate on the general principle of the proposed bill, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, who solicited for the support of other lawmakers in reshaping the future of Nigeria’s fiscal governance, explained that the proposed legislation ‘seeks to fundamentally strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s fiscal governance.

‘It seeks to constitutionally reform the budgeting process, ensuring that our fiscal operations are timely, evidence-based, transparent, and directed towards genuine development outcomes.’

The lawmaker, however, expressed grave concern over the recurring challenges that plague the Nigerian budgeting system, ranging from budgets being presented late and passed deep into the fiscal year, to Appropriation Acts that bear little resemblance to audited performance, to fragmented and non-transparent fiscal reporting at both the federal and state levels.

‘These inefficiencies not only undermine economic growth but also erode the public’s trust in government’s ability to manage their resources responsibly. This Bill offers a structural remedy by embedding discipline, transparency, and long-term vision into the Constitution to guide budget process at all levels of governance.’

According to him, the proposed bill which comprises four Clauses seeks to amend Sections 81 and 121 of the Constitution to – provide a constitutional basis for the President to lay the budget estimates to a Joint session of the National Assembly not later than the last working day of September in each year (recall that the extant provisions of the Constitution allow the President to present budget estimates to each House of the National Assembly separately,

‘There is therefore no provision mandating the President to present the budget to a Joint Session of the National Assembly as it is currently done).’

The private member bill also seems to provide for the submission of audited financial statements for the preceding three years alongside each budget estimate, and provide basis for the organisation of each budget into five Expenditure Heads with prescribed minimum and maximum ratios to ensure balanced fiscal allocation (that is to say Infrastructure, not less than 30 percent; Human Capital Development, not less than 20 percent; Personnel Cost, not more than 15 percent; Administrative Overheads, not more than 10 percent; Debt obligations, not more than 25 percent

The bill also require preliminary expenditure accounts to accompany supplementary budgets; provide for the submission of five-year projections for Infrastructure and Human Capital Development; and apply for the application of the same principles to State Governments.

While noting that bill is a patriotic reform, he argued that the bill was ‘about ensuring that the nation’s budget works for Nigerians. By adopting this Bill, we will be laying a permanent constitutional foundation for fiscal discipline, development-oriented spending, and transparent governance at all levels.’

Vice President Kashim Shettima has vacated his seat to allow a teenager, Joy Ogah, to preside over the affairs of the Vice President’s office for one day.

The gesture, seen as a show of mentorship and empowerment for the younger generation, especially the girl-child, reaffirms the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to promoting girl-child education and gender equality.

The event took place when Shettima received a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Idiong, on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

During the meeting, Shettima assured stakeholders and development partners of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education across the country, noting that the school feeding programme remains a key government intervention.

‘In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,’ VP Shettima told the delegation.

He described First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a symbol of how an empowered and supported girl-child can blossom into a great leader, recalling her active participation in Senate debates on girl-child education.

‘I want to assure you, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that this government is gender-friendly. We believe in inclusivity. We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,’ he stated.

After his remarks, Shettima handed over his seat to Joy Ogah, giving her the chance to serve as Vice President for a day and address the nation.

From the Vice President’s seat, Miss Ogah called on the government, policymakers, development partners, and citizens to take concrete actions toward improving girl-child education, safeguarding the rights of every girl, and ensuring the provision of free sanitary products, clean water, sanitation, and adequate nutrition in schools.

She lamented that about 10.5 million children in Nigeria are out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent of that figure.

She noted that Nigerian girls have the potential to become leaders if relevant authorities and stakeholders implement the necessary interventions.

‘We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible.

‘I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets,’ she said.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed as false and misleading recent media reports suggesting that its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, downplayed the ongoing killings of Christians in the country during a meeting with the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Barrister Daniel Bwala.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Archbishop Okoh, CAN said it was concerned by a press release reportedly credited to Bwala and titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.’

The statement allegedly claimed that Archbishop Okoh referred to the ongoing violence as a ‘so-called Christian genocide.’

CAN described the portrayal as completely false and grossly unfair, clarifying that at no point during the meeting, held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, did the CAN President use such words or dismiss the gravity of the attacks.

‘Referring to the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivialises the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks. The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and our position remains clear and unchanged,’ CAN said.

According to the statement, Barrister Bwala’s visit was aimed at understanding CAN’s position regarding global reactions to remarks by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who had described the widespread attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a Christian genocide.

During the meeting, CAN reiterated its long-standing stance that Christian communities across parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt have faced repeated, organised, and brutal attacks that have left thousands dead, villages razed, and families displaced over the years – a pattern of violence that cannot be ignored or dismissed.

Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, was said to have presented verified data from the online platform www.orfa.africa documenting consistent and targeted attacks against Christians in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

The meeting was attended by top CAN officials, including Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Rev (Dr) Stephen Panya Baba (Vice President), Apostle (Prof) Samson Fatokun (General Secretary), Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Director of Legal and Public Affairs), and other senior officers. CAN clarified that Rev Dr Uzoaku Williams and Dr Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present.

The association urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness, and transparency to stop the killings and ensure justice for victims.

‘We call on government officials and media professionals to speak with truth, empathy, and responsibility. Careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace,’ the statement added.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday commenced the first public hearing on the amendment of its constitution in Calabar, Cross River State, signalling the start of what party leaders described as a landmark process aimed at strengthening internal democracy, inclusivity, and effective party administration.

The event, which drew stakeholders from across the South-South geopolitical zone, was hosted by the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Otu and moderated by members of the APC Constitutional Review Committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

Declaring the session open, Chief Victor Giadom, APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), described the party’s constitution as the ‘cornerstone of internal democracy and embodiment of collective values and aspirations.’

He noted that the amendment process was directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ‘fill existing lacunae, expand state organs of the party, and ensure a more inclusive and functional framework.’

‘Our constitution is not just a legal document; it is a living testament to our commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law,’ Giadom said. ‘This public hearing provides an opportunity to reposition our party from the wards to the national level and ensure it remains a catalyst for progress.’

He commended Governor Otu for his ‘monumental support’ in hosting the first zonal public hearing and for his role in expanding the party’s influence across the region.

In his address, Hon. Alphonsus Eba, Chairman of APC Cross River State, linked the amendment initiative to a directive personally issued by President Tinubu on 25 February 2025. Drawing a biblical analogy from Genesis 1:26, Eba said the President’s call was to ‘let us amend our constitution and make it more inclusive.’

‘The President instructed that we must give space to former governors, recognise the contribution of women who make up more than 50 per cent of our winning strength, and broaden participation in our National Executive Committee,’ he explained.

Eba outlined the composition of the constitutional review team led by Governor Buni, with governors, party leaders, and legislators representing each of the six geopolitical zones. He expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for ensuring the South-South hosted the inaugural session.

During the session, state party chairmen, secretaries, and legal advisers presented memoranda proposing far-reaching amendments to address representation, dispute resolution, and structural imbalances within the party.

The Forum of APC State Chairmen called for the inclusion of state chairmen as members of the party’s National Caucus, arguing that states without governors are currently unrepresented in key decision-making organs.

They further proposed that former governors be recognised as members of the National Executive Committee (NEC). They also recommended that the constitution should clearly establish an internal dispute resolution mechanism, requiring members to exhaust party procedures before resorting to litigation.

In addition, they proposed that the National Working Committee (NWC) be expanded to include at least 37 members, ensuring every state has representation.

The Bayelsa State APC delegation, led by its Legal Adviser, echoed similar sentiments and added a proposal that only persons who have been members of the party for at least six months be eligible for election or appointment into any executive office.

‘We cannot continue to reward disloyalty by appointing people who joined the party barely weeks ago to leadership positions,’ the Bayelsa representative said.

They also recommended clear constitutional guidance on who qualifies as ‘leader of the party’ at various levels to prevent recurring power tussles.

In one of the most passionate presentations, Dr Juliana Diwa, representing persons with disabilities, advocated for a mandatory 5 per cent inclusion quota for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all party structures and elective positions.

‘This is not a symbolic demand,’ Dr Diwa stressed. ‘It is about structural guarantees of inclusion and equal participation in decision-making.’

Representing Governor Bassey Otu, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, lauded the APC leadership for initiating a process that allows members at all levels to contribute to the party’s constitutional evolution.

‘The constitution is the only safeguard of our liberties,’ Ayambem said. ‘This public hearing demonstrates that the APC remains a party open to all, irrespective of background, and committed to building a stronger and more sustainable structure for the next fifty years.’

He praised Governor Otu’s leadership and political mobilisation, describing him as a ‘pillar of support for the APC’s growth in the South-South region.’

Some memoranda from Delta and other states were deemed ‘abandoned’ due to the absence of their authors or representatives to formally adopt them, in line with committee procedure.

The session concluded with the adoption of several memos for harmonisation at the national level. The Constitutional Review Committee announced that subsequent zonal hearings will hold in other geopolitical zones before the final harmonisation meeting at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

The Nigerian Army has intensified its nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, achieving significant breakthroughs that led to the arrest of 88 suspects, the recovery of deadly weapons, and the rescue of several kidnapped victims across multiple regions of the country.

According to credible intelligence made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja on Tuesday, the coordinated operations – conducted between October 16 and October 19 – targeted terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and oil thieves operating in the North East, North Central, North West, and South-South regions.

The breakdown showed that the operations in the North Central, the troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace, raided the hideout of a notorious insurgent leader, Alhaji Muhammad Sule (alias MP), at Rawaya Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, four AK-47 magazines, two G3 magazines, 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

Also, Operations in the North East in Borno State, troops of 19 Brigade, stationed at Cross Kauwa, foiled an infiltration attempt by ISWAP/JAS terrorists from the Alagarno and Mallum Karamti axis. The insurgents fled under superior firepower, abandoning 95 rounds of 12.7x108mm ammunition.

The report added that elsewhere, troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak recovered an AK-47 rifle previously stolen from a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member after repelling a terrorist attack.

It further explained that in a joint operation with the Department of State Services (DSS), troops of 195 Battalion arrested a notorious ISWAP informant and ransom collector. Similarly, at Dowoshi, in Kukawa Local Government Area, two ISWAP logistics suppliers were captured with food items and assorted materials.

At Molai, along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, troops recovered two bicycles, two solar lamps, six mobile phones with chargers, and ?4.77 million abandoned by fleeing terrorists.

The report added that in the Operations in the North West, the Troops of 3 Brigade in Kano and 4 Brigade in Edo rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations.

‘Likewise, forces under Operations Whirl Stroke and Enduring Peace apprehended multiple suspects linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling, impersonation, and terrorist collaboration across Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna States.

‘In Kajuru, Kaduna State, a joint team comprising the 312 Artillery Regiment and the Defence Special Operations Force engaged terrorists, recovering a submachine gun with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition and rescuing one kidnapped victim.

‘Troops in Sokoto State arrested 69 suspected drug peddlers, who were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution. Additionally, five terrorist collaborators were taken into custody,’ the statement read.

The report further added that in the Operations in the South-East and South-South in Abia State, troops of 143 Battalion destroyed an IPOB/ESN hideout at Umudi Forest, Umunneochi Local Government Area, arresting two suspects.

Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke troops in Benue State dismantled another insurgent camp at Gbagir, recovering one motorcycle, two customised vehicle plate numbers, and a mobile phone.

‘In the South-South, troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State intercepted a vehicle transporting 10 drums (about 2,500 litres) of illegally refined condensate. Likewise, 343 Artillery Regiment troops in Rivers State seized a boat carrying 840 litres of illegally refined dual-purpose kerosene (DPK) and arrested one suspect,’ the statement added.

It pointed out that across all theatres of operation, the troops recovered four rifles (including AK-47 and G3), one revolver pistol, 1,198 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 95 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, ?4.77 million in cash, and several vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics items.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to sustain aggressive nationwide operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, suppressing criminal syndicates, and restoring lasting peace across the country and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities.

Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, has commissioned the North-West University Teaching Hospital, founded by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Abubakar Bawa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, on Tuesday.

He commended Wamakko for the initiative, describing it as ‘a golden legacy that will forever be remembered and cherished by the people of the state.’

Aliyu said the establishment of the hospital marks a significant milestone in ensuring that medical students acquire the requisite practical knowledge to become competent and professional Medical Doctors.

‘This hospital will serve as a centre of excellence for clinical care, medical education, and research.

‘It is designed to provide world-class services, equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities that will cater to both local and regional health needs,’ he said.

The governor also urged the management and staff of the institution to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and compassion in the service of humanity.

On his administration’s efforts to improve the health sector, Aliyu announced that the State Government has secured approval from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) to commence an internship training programme for all graduates in the field of Radiography.

He explained that, with this approval, all Radiography graduates sponsored by the state will now undergo their mandatory one-year internship at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.

The governor further highlighted key efforts of his administration in strengthening the state’s health sector across the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

These include the provision of basic and essential equipment and instruments in hospitals;

Others are the training of indigenous Doctors to serve in the state, 122 of whom had completed their studies and received automatic employment.

They also include automatic employment and deployment of 1,675 Nurses and Midwives across health facilities statewide.

They also include the enactment of a compulsory two-year rural posting for all health professionals sponsored by the state government.

Aliyu emphasised that ensuring quality healthcare services is one of the 9-point Smart Innovative Agenda, which is why the health sector received the second-largest allocation in the 2025 state budget.

‘I want to use this medium to assure the good people of Sokoto State of our firm commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services for all, irrespective of where they live,’ the governor added.

In his remarks, the founder of North-West University, Wamakko, said the establishment of the teaching hospital marks a new chapter in healthcare delivery, medical education, and research in Sokoto, the North-West, and Nigeria at large.

He explained that the hospital was established to complement the University’s plan to mount medical and health-related programmes such as MBBS, Nursing, Radiography, and other allied Health Sciences, which require a teaching hospital for practical experience.

According to Wamakko, the hospital will provide tertiary healthcare services and offer specialised, patient-centred, and accessible medical care.

He said it is equipped with modern facilities, including advanced diagnostic imaging, state-of-the-art surgical suites, and intensive care units capable of managing complex medical conditions that previously required patients to travel long distances.

‘Our aim is to bring world-class healthcare to the doorsteps of our people while providing a centre for research to address the unique health challenges of our region,’ he stated.

Wamakko also commended Governor Aliyu for his visionary leadership and transformational achievements within a short period in office.

‘The exceptional performances of my son, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, deserve total support in all ramifications.

‘That was part of the wisdom behind establishing this hospital,’ he added.

The Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, noted that in just three years of existence, the University had recorded rapid growth, culminating in the National Universities Commission (NUC) granting it a full operational licence.

He said the NUC had also approved the establishment of the University’s College of Health Sciences, which offers courses including Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), Radiography and Medical Imaging, Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS), Public Health (B.Sc), and Environmental Health (B.Sc).

‘This is a rare opportunity that many universities aspire to achieve,’ Prof. Bunza stated.

He added that the teaching hospital will provide both staff and students with hands-on clinical experience, exposure to complex medical cases, and opportunities for professional development.

Bunza assured Wamakko of the University’s readiness to support the hospital in achieving its tripartite mandate of teaching, service, and research, including collaborations on academic programmes and joint research initiatives with national and international institutions.

He also appreciated Governor Aliyu, whom he described as the ‘architect of the New Sokoto’, for his exceptional leadership and continued support of the North-West University.

In his goodwill message, the Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) Chairman, Prof. Taofeek, represented by Dr Lawal Bello, assured the founder that the management and staff of the hospital remain committed to excellence and professionalism.

He noted that the new facility will provide the medical students with the necessary clinical training to manage complex health challenges effectively.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by dignitaries from various sectors of society.

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa has assured members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that the leadership will continue to support them so that they can effectively mobilise votes for the party.

Obasa made this promise in his address at the maiden Lagos State APC Stakeholders Forum held at the convention centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites on Tuesday, October 21.

The forum was attended by a broad spectrum of party leaders, caucuses, and faithful, including ministers, senators, federal and state lawmakers, members of the Lagos State executive council, local government chairmen, royal fathers, and representatives of various trade associations.

In his brief yet impactful remarks, Speaker Obasa addressed a critical concern among party members regarding the reward system for those who dedicate themselves to the party before and during elections. He encouraged them to remain focused, cooperative, and diligent as they prepare for the 2027 elections, particularly in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Speaker Obasa said, ‘We will continue to support you so that you will be motivated to keep working for the success of the party at all levels.’

Obasa also endorsed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s motion calling for President Tinubu’s re-election.

Similarly, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, in his presentation themed: ‘Voter Apathy and the Sanctity of Election in Nigeria’s Budding Democracy,’ also cited a poor reward system as a major factor why members of any political party will become lethargic in matters concerning the party.

According to the former Minister of Works and Housing, ‘Political party participation is based on enthusiasm. Therefore, to avoid voter apathy, we must interrogate the reward system for our members.’

He urged the party to strengthen its internal reward system as a means of motivating party members and sustaining their commitment to the party’s success.

Fashola also lauded the state chapter of the party for convening the forum, and urged its continuity and spread across the nation.

Earlier, Cornelius Ojelabi, the state chairman of the APC, thanked Lagosians for supporting the party during the last LG election, and all those who contested, for their commitment and support.

He assured that those who lost would get a refund of the money spent on purchasing forms. A commitment, which he said was made by the president, ‘and which we are duty-bound to fulfill.’