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Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, stated on Saturday that the worst of the nation’s economic challenges was over as the country stepped into prosperity driven by President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Speaking in Enugu at the flag-off of the South-East Women Mega Empowerment and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Mobilisation Directorate’s campaign across the six geopolitical zones, Senator Tinubu likened the reform process to childbirth, noting that labour pains ultimately lead to delivery.

The rally featured the distribution of empowerment materials including sewing machines, food processors, electricity-generating sets, and popcorn machines to women from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states to support small-scale enterprises. Dignitaries in attendance included the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Peter Mbah (Enugu); as well as Anambra Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

Expanding on the administration’s support initiatives, Senator Tinubu announced that on December 3, APC senatorial candidates will receive funds to empower 250 women each with ?200,000 to establish businesses. A separate empowerment programme for 250 elderly persons aged 65 and above is scheduled for December 17, bringing the total beneficiaries to 750 across the three senatorial districts of Enugu State.

Peter Mbah ,Enugu State Governor commended the initiative, noting that his administration has partnered with the First Lady’s office to support thousands of women through cash assistance, medical bill settlements, and business tools. Governor Mbah credited federal economic reforms and increased federation allocations for funding development projects such as Smart Green Schools and primary healthcare centres across the state.

Throwing the region’s weight behind the administration, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu asserted that Ndigbo were not part of any one-term presidency arrangement and deserved an eight-year tenure when an individual of Igbo extraction assumes the presidency. Kalu urged the South-East to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing long-term federal commitments such as the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and key regional appointments.

Governors Uzodimma and Nwifuru similarly echoed support for the President’s second-term project, urging party members to ensure robust mobilisation ahead of the general elections. Other prominent figures present included Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Dr Kingsley Udeh (SAN); and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after edging Venezuela 1-0 in a tense quarter-final on Sunday night, with Azeezat Oduntan converting a late penalty in the 89th minute.

The closely contested encounter saw Nigeria create several scoring opportunities but struggle to find a way past Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales, who produced a series of saves to keep her side in the game.

The Flamingos enjoyed much of the attacking play in the first half, but Rebanales stood firm as Nigeria pushed for an opener. Midfielder Favour Nkwocha was booked as the contest grew increasingly tense.

Head coach Hakeem Busari made his first substitution by bringing on Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough.

The deadlock remained unbroken until the 88th minute, when the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty before being called to the pitchside monitor to review the decision.

After consulting the video assistant referee (VAR), the referee upheld the penalty. Oduntan stepped up and converted from the spot in the 89th minute to give Nigeria the decisive goal.

Top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku won the penalty, creating the opportunity for Oduntan to settle the contest.

The victory sends the Flamingos into the semi-finals, where they will face Brazil, who advanced with a 2-1 win over China in their quarter-final match.

Nigeria stands today at a decisive inflexion point in its democratic journey. The nation’s political landscape is increasingly defined not by the loudness of electoral participation but by the silence of abstention. The politics of no-vote-often dismissed as apathy-has matured into a potent political signal, a collective expression of disillusionment, distrust, and frustration with a system perceived as unresponsive to the needs of its people. This phenomenon is not merely a democratic inconvenience; it is a structural warning that Nigeria’s political and economic foundations are under strain.

In a country where economic development and sustainability are urgent imperatives, the rise of no-vote politics threatens to weaken the very mechanisms required to achieve national progress. Democracy thrives on participation, legitimacy, and accountability. When citizens withdraw their consent through abstention, the democratic engine slows, governance becomes fragile, and economic transformation becomes increasingly elusive. Nigeria must therefore confront this challenge with intellectual honesty, institutional courage, and strategic foresight.

Understanding the politics of no-vote

The politics of no-vote is not a passive act of indifference. It is an assertive political stance rooted in accumulated disappointments. Many Nigerians have come to believe that voting does not produce meaningful change, a perception shaped by decades of electoral irregularities, unfulfilled promises, and governance failures. The ballot box, once a symbol of hope, has become for many a symbol of futility.

This disillusionment is particularly pronounced among the youth, whose political energy has migrated from polling units to digital platforms. Social media has become a theatre of civic expression, where frustrations are aired, movements are mobilised, and alternative visions of governance are debated. Yet this digital vibrancy contrasts sharply with declining physical participation in elections. The youth, who constitute a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, now engage politically without engaging electorally.

Regional disparities further complicate the landscape. Communities that feel historically marginalised or economically neglected often abstain from voting as a symbolic protest. Their silence is a message: the system does not serve them, and participation feels pointless. When such sentiments become widespread, they weaken national cohesion and erode the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

The economic consequences of no-vote politics

Democracy and economic development are inseparable. A disengaged electorate produces leaders with weakened mandates, undermining the stability required for economic growth. Investors-both domestic and foreign-monitor voter turnout as an indicator of political stability. Low participation signals uncertainty, discouraging long-term investments and slowing economic progress.

Policy continuity, essential for sustainable development, becomes fragile when electoral outcomes are shaped by disengagement rather than robust participation. Leaders elected by a minority of eligible voters often struggle to implement transformative policies, lacking the broad public mandate necessary for bold reforms. This fragility disrupts long-term planning, weakens institutions, and creates an environment where economic policies are easily reversed or abandoned.

Political disengagement also erodes accountability. Leaders who do not fear electoral consequences may become complacent, allowing corruption to flourish. Corruption undermines economic development, widens inequality, and perpetuates poverty. Communities that abstain from voting lose political leverage, becoming invisible in policy formulation and resource allocation. Their economic marginalisation deepens, creating a vicious cycle of disengagement and deprivation.

Thought processes behind no-vote behaviour

To address the politics of no-vote, Nigeria must understand the psychological and social dynamics that drive it. Many citizens believe their votes do not count, a perception reinforced by historical electoral malpractice. Others feel that all politicians are indistinguishable, lacking ideological diversity or moral distinction. This belief fosters cynicism and discourages participation.

Another prevailing thought is that democracy has not improved daily life. Citizens judge governance by tangible outcomes-jobs, security, infrastructure, fairness. When these outcomes remain elusive, democracy itself becomes suspect. The perception that the system is rigged against ordinary people further fuels disengagement, creating a sense of powerlessness.

Digital participation also shapes no-vote behaviour. Many young Nigerians feel more empowered through online activism than through voting. Social media provides immediate visibility and influence, whereas electoral participation feels distant and ineffective. This shift in civic engagement must be understood and addressed if Nigeria is to revitalise its democratic culture.

The link between democracy, economic development, and sustainability

Nigeria’s democratic health cannot be separated from its economic realities. Sustainable development requires stable institutions, predictable policies, and inclusive growth. Democracy provides the framework for these outcomes, but only when citizens participate meaningfully. A disengaged electorate weakens institutions, undermines policy continuity, and erodes public trust.

Economic development thrives in environments where the rule of law is respected, public institutions are transparent, and leadership is accountable. These conditions attract investment, stimulate innovation, and promote equitable growth. Sustainability, in turn, demands responsible resource management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and long-term planning. Nigeria’s vast natural resources, youthful population, and emerging digital economy offer immense potential, but this potential cannot be realised without a stable and participatory democratic system.

Solutions: Re-engineering Nigeria’s democratic and economic future

Nigeria must adopt a comprehensive strategy to reverse the politics of no-vote and strengthen democratic sustainability. Rebuilding trust in electoral processes is paramount. Transparent systems, secure digital technologies, and strong institutional independence are essential. Electoral malpractice must be met with strict penalties, and real-time monitoring should be made accessible to the public to enhance transparency.

Civic education must be revitalised. Citizens need to understand how voting influences economic outcomes and national development. Schools, religious institutions, and digital platforms should be leveraged to promote democratic participation. Influencers and community leaders can play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of voting.

Governance performance must improve. Citizens disengage when leadership fails to deliver. Governments must prioritise policies that directly impact daily life-job creation, security, healthcare, and infrastructure. Performance-based governance metrics and quarterly scorecards can enhance accountability and rebuild trust.

Economic reforms are critical for inclusive growth. Nigeria must expand opportunities in the digital economy, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and implement regional development plans to reduce inequality. Green industries and sustainable agriculture should be promoted to align economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Technology offers powerful tools for democratic sustainability. AI-driven platforms can facilitate public consultations, while blockchain can enhance transparency in public finance. Digital town halls can bridge the gap between leaders and citizens, fostering dialogue and trust.

Essentially, Nigeria must strengthen its social contract. National unity requires inclusive dialogue, recognition of historical grievances, and the promotion of shared national narratives. Democracy thrives when citizens feel heard, valued, and included.

A new democratic imagination for Nigeria

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The politics of no-vote is a warning sign, signalling that citizens are losing faith in the democratic process. To build a sustainable future, Nigeria must re-imagine democracy as a continuous, participatory, and economically productive system. A sustainable democracy is one where citizens feel heard, leaders are accountable, institutions are strong, and economic opportunities are widespread.

The next chapter of Nigeria’s democratic evolution will depend on whether the nation can transform no-vote politics into renewed civic engagement and align democratic governance with economic development and sustainability. The stakes are high, but the possibilities are immense. Nigeria must seize this moment to build a democracy that works, an economy that grows, and a future that endures.

Conclusion

The politics of no-vote is not a trivial trend; it is a profound democratic alarm. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore it. The nation’s economic aspirations, sustainability goals, and democratic stability depend on revitalising citizen participation. A democracy without voters is a democracy without legitimacy, and a nation without legitimacy cannot build a resilient economy or a sustainable future.

Nigeria must therefore confront this challenge with urgency and resolve. By rebuilding trust, strengthening institutions, enhancing governance performance, and expanding economic opportunities, the nation can transform political disengagement into renewed civic energy. The future of Nigeria’s democracy-and its economic destiny-depends on the choices made today.

As the 2027 electioneering year is fast approaching, Wahab L. Shehu, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kogi State Resident Commissioner (REC), has called upon the people of the state to demonstrate democratic maturity and work collaboratively to keep Kogi State peaceful and progress-driven.

Shehu stated this at the critical stakeholders’ session with political leaders and candidates at the INEC headquarters, Lokoja, saying this is a clear indication of their collective commitment to the peace, stability and democratic progress of Kogi State.

He said: ‘We have convened this gathering for one primary purpose: to ensure that our electoral processes in Kogi State remain peaceful, transparent, credible, and seamless.

‘As key players in the political ecosystem, your role goes beyond seeking public office; it extends to sustaining public confidence in our democratic process. Today, we want to address vital operational arrangements, security protocols, and compliance directives essential for our upcoming activities and future engagements.

‘This meeting will also provide you with an opportunity to express your concerns and what you expect from INEC and other stakeholders in the build -up to the General Election. Specifically, this meeting seeks to provide you with an update on INEC’s preparations for the elections and your expected roles, as well as to discuss security concerns in the ongoing political campaigns by candidates and their supporters across the state’.

He pointed out that as the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) Collection and Voter Sensitisation is ongoing across the 21 local government areas, ‘We strongly implore political parties, candidates, and community leaders to join hands with us in mobilising citizens to pick up their PVCs at the local government area offices while we await the arrival and distribution of cards for subsequent phases.

‘To ensure maximum outreach, the Commission is actively sensitising the public through regular media jingles across various radio stations in the state.

In line with our strategic preparations for the 2027 General Elections, the Commission is conducting comprehensive internal capacity -building workshops led by our Electoral Operations and Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Departments.

‘These initiatives cover critical operational areas, including the Collation Support and Verification System (CSRVS), Electoral Operations Support Centre (EOSC), Voter Education, as well as Gender and Inclusivity training to ensure every segment of society is served effectively.

‘To boost our logistical capacity and guarantee prompt deployment during elections, additional operational vehicles have been supplied to the State Headquarters and LGA offices. Major and minor reconstruction and renovation works are currently ongoing across our L local government area offices to create a safe and functional environment for staff, stakeholders, and the general public.

‘We urge all political parties and candidates to begin the mobilisation of their party agents immediately. This is to avoid delays when the time of upload begins and to avoid unnecessary delays in printing the official identification tags,’ he said.

On the security concerns in the ongoing political campaigns, he said: ‘We have received some disturbing reports of attacks and intimidation. Political competition is not a license for criminality. INEC and security agencies emphasise that no candidate’s ambition is worth the safety or lives of citizens.

‘Political parties are required by law to maintain peaceful, issue -based campaigns. Therefore, party leaders are encouraged to rein in their supporters and stop mobilising thugs, destroying opponents’ campaign materials, or blocking rival political gatherings.’

He pointed out that INEC in Kogi State remained strictly non-partisan and dedicated to providing a level playing field for every participant.

Africa’s growing creative industry needs improved access to financing, stronger copyright protection and better infrastructure to convert its expanding talent base into sustainable businesses, jobs and economic value, Adesoji Adesugba, founder and chairman of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Business Entrepreneurship, Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, has said.

Adesugba made the call at the Africa Creators Conference (ACC 2.0), held at the Abuja International Trade and Convention Centre on Friday, in Abuja, where he outlined measures governments, financial institutions and industry stakeholders should adopt to strengthen the continent’s creative economy.

He said that although Africa has a large pool of creative talent, the industry continues to face structural constraints that prevent creators from fully benefiting from the commercial value of their work.

‘Africa is not short of creativity. Africa is short of share. Let the editing, the animation, the mastering, the licensing and the data hosting happen here, so that the value-added stays here,’ Adesugba said

He argued that the continent must move beyond producing creative content to building businesses and systems that allow creators to earn fairly from their intellectual property.

A major challenge, he said, is the limited access to finance faced by creative businesses, particularly because conventional lenders often struggle to recognise intellectual property as an asset that can support borrowing.

He urged banks, development finance institutions and capital market operators to develop financing models that accept creative assets, including music catalogues, film libraries, design portfolios and verified royalty streams, as collateral.

According to him, recognizing intellectual property as a bankable asset would help creators raise capital, expand production and invest in distribution without depending solely on personal funds or conventional forms of collateral.

Adesugba also called for the establishment of dedicated creative economic zones and hubs in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt and other major centres.

He said such hubs should provide reliable electricity, fibre-optic connectivity, production studios, post-production facilities and rendering infrastructure, supported by a competitive fiscal environment to attract investment and encourage creative businesses to scale.

On intellectual property, he stressed the need for stronger copyright enforcement, particularly against digital piracy, which continues to undermine creators’ earnings.

He also called for greater transparency among collective management organizations to ensure that royalties generated from broadcasting, streaming services and public performances reach the artists and other rights holders entitled to them.

Adesugba said the growing use of artificial intelligence in content creation also required clear safeguards to protect creators’ consent, ownership and right to compensation when their works, voices and likenesses are used.

While encouraging creative professionals to embrace emerging technologies, he said they must also understand how to protect their rights as the industry evolves.

He further identified professional and business management skills as critical to the growth of the sector, urging creators to improve their knowledge of contracts, taxation, branding and financial management.

‘Talent is natural; professionalism is learned,’ he said, stressing that creative ability must be supported by the business skills required to build sustainable enterprises.

To strengthen the commercial capacity of the industry, Adesugba proposed partnerships involving conference organisers, AfriLabs, UNESCO and relevant government ministries through the ACCI BEST Centre. Such collaboration, he said, could provide business clinics, mentorship and market linkages for emerging creators.

He also urged universities to connect research and teaching more closely with commercial opportunities in the creative sector.

On the regional market, he called for stronger African distribution networks, more efficient cross-border payment systems and co-production agreements to enable creators to reach wider audiences and benefit from opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He encouraged creators to formalise their businesses, register their intellectual property, maintain proper financial records and join professional associations and chambers of commerce to improve their access to markets and business support.

Adesugba said Africa must ensure that the economic benefits generated by its creative output are shared more fairly with the people producing the content.

‘Our task now is to make sure that Africa is also paid, fully and fairly, for what the world enjoys,’ he said.