Category: Daily Trust

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said that Nigeria is not yet where it is supposed to be in its journey through 65 years of independence.

However, he urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the persistent challenges of poverty, insecurity and mistrust.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Sulaiman Wali, spoke on Monday at a pre-independence public lecture held at the Coronation Hall, Kano Government House, as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

‘Nigeria at 65 is still far from the nation of our dreams. But this is not a reason to despair; it is a call to action. Unity is not about uniformity, but about celebrating our differences while working towards a common destiny,’ he said. He called on citizens to take ownership of nation-building by participating actively in democratic processes, supporting security initiatives, and embracing youth development programmes.

‘Security is not just the absence of war or crime; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and unity,’ he added.

As Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, the governor said Kano is determined to chart a new course where its youth are seen as agents of peace, innovation, and development, rather than tools for violence and division.

He said Nigeria’s milestone anniversary should serve not just as a celebration but as a moment of sober reflection on how citizens and leaders alike can contribute to national unity, peace, and prosperity.

‘I stand before you today filled with pride, gratitude, and responsibility. Pride, because we are gathered to celebrate Nigeria at 65; gratitude, because it allows us to reflect on our journey; and responsibility, because as leaders and citizens, we must translate noble words into concrete actions,’ Yusuf said.

The governor stressed that security goes beyond deploying weapons or security forces but involves creating opportunities for justice, economic empowerment, and unity.

‘The Safe Corridor Initiative’s rehabilitation and reintegration approach can turn despair into hope and danger into opportunity. It teaches us that no life is beyond redemption if society chooses to guide rather than abandon,’ he added.

Earlier, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, presented a paper titled: ‘Safe Corridor Initiative – The Kano Model: A Special Intervention Project of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to Address Thuggery and Other Related Crimes in Kano State Through a Non-Kinetic Approach.’

The commissioner explained that the initiative targets repentant political thugs and drug users by providing counselling, de-radicalisation, skills acquisition, empowerment, and reintegration into society.

According to him, the programme is anchored on the recognition that the state’s youthful population is an asset that must be properly harnessed rather than allowed to drift into crime.

The decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider registering new political parties has stirred debate among analysts, politicians and observers, with concerns over whether the move will strengthen or weaken Nigeria’s democracy.

On September 11, INEC announced that 14 political associations had met the initial requirements to proceed to the next stage of registration. If successful, they would join the existing 19 recognised parties, raising the total to 33.

This development comes five years after INEC de-registered 74 out of 92 political parties in the country for failing to meet constitutional requirements for continuous existence. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, explained at the time that the affected parties had failed to secure the minimum electoral threshold as stipulated in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

For the fresh exercise, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the commission had received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, but only 14 scaled the first hurdle. The associations include the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), African Transformation Party (ATP), Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Grassroots Initiative Alliance (GRIP), Green Future Party (GFP), Liberation People’s Party (LPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), National Reform Party (NRP), Patriotic People’s Alliance (PPA) and People’s Freedom Party (PFP).

According to INEC, ‘Each request was assessed on the basis of its prima facie compliance with Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2 and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.’

Daily Trust, however, gathered that some interim leaders of the proposed parties were officials of the de-registered parties in 2020.

For instance, Rev. Olusegun Peters, former national chairman of the de-registered Democratic People’s Congress (DPC), now leads the proposed Allied Conservative Congress (ACC). Though not among the 14 cleared, ACC is listed among the 171 associations seeking registration.

Peters recently said ACC was determined to win the 2027 presidential poll and redirect Nigeria on a conservative ideological path if registered.

Questions and scepticisms

The move has raised questions about whether the new associations, if eventually registered, will make any meaningful difference in the political space.

Some observers fear they could face the same fate as the 74 de-registered parties. Others doubt their capacity to win elections or address Nigeria’s governance challenges.

Concerns have also been raised about whether the new platforms will meet electoral thresholds or present manifestos that foster unity, inclusivity and democratic growth. Critics argue that if leaders of defunct parties are returning with new platforms, the outcome may not change.

On the other hand, some analysts maintain that democracy thrives on healthy competition, and more parties would give Nigerians wider choices at the polls. They argue that while opposition parties have failed in their roles and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been accused of bad governance, new parties could provide alternatives.

Bad omen for democracy?

Elder statesman and former presidential candidate, Chief Chekwas Okorie, expressed concern over the recurring cycle of registration and deregistration, describing it as a ‘bad omen for democracy.’

Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and later the United Progressives Party (UPP), which was de-registered in 2020, told Daily Trust that opposition parties should be allowed to exist to provide alternatives for political heavyweights denied tickets in big parties.

He said ‘After another round of elections, another round of de-registration will commence. I have never seen a country that operates this kind of confused system. Since the government no longer pays grants to political parties, those registered should be allowed to remain on the register. The beauty of the multi-party system is that when people don’t get space in major parties, they can still contest under smaller ones.

‘Many political parties have collapsed on their own without de-registration because it costs money to maintain a party office and staff. When a party is inactive, its leaders eventually give up.’

Similarly, Hon. Bernard Mikko, a political scientist and former federal lawmaker from Rivers State, said INEC should register all qualified associations, describing it as a ‘good omen for democracy.’

Mikko, a former PDP governorship aspirant who later joined APC, said:

Once the associations meet requirements, INEC should register them. Those that fall short or fail to win elections can then be de-registered, but the process must be transparent. It shouldn’t look like witch-hunting. There is freedom of association, and these are constitutional matters.’

New parties not the

solution – Analysts

Other analysts, however, argue that new parties will not solve Nigeria’s problems.

Political analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo told Daily Trust that existing parties already provide enough choices, describing the proposed ones as ‘political liabilities’.

‘New parties won’t make any difference. They can’t even make a positive noise for change. They are just wasting INEC’s stationery. Nigerians should be able to join from the existing ones,’ he said.

Another analyst, Aminu Yakudima, said the proposed 14 parties, including ADA, might not survive electoral thresholds, let alone win elections.

‘Most of these parties don’t have viable manifestos or grassroots structures. Forming a party requires resources, experience and membership mobilisation. Without these, they cannot add value to the electoral process. The 2027 elections will be between two or three parties – APC, PDP and maybe ADC,’ he said.

Also, former PDP deputy publicity secretary and now APC chieftain, Barrister Abdullahi Jalo, argued that Nigeria’s real problem lies in governance, not the proliferation of parties.

He said: ‘Registration of new parties is constitutional but a waste of time and resources. Our problem is governance and leadership. Even the existing parties are not living up to expectations. What Nigeria needs is accountability and reforms, not more parties.’

With Kwara State facing a housing deficit of over one million units, private investors have begun to step in to support government efforts in addressing the challenge.

Speaking at a programme to mark its third anniversary in Il?rin, Group Managing Director of Experience Vision Creation (EVC), Engr Fola Oyedeji, said the company’s entry into Kwara was aimed at introducing a standard housing model similar to what is obtainable in Lagos, Port Harcourt and other top cities in the country.

He noted that the housing deficit nationwide is estimated at between 28 and 32 million, stressing that no single government could shoulder such a burden.

According to him, public private partnerships remain the most realistic option to close the gap and provide affordable homes.

‘Three years ago when we started in Kwara, awareness was very low. Today, more developers have come on board, creating competition that prevents monopoly and offers civil servants and other residents wider choices,’ Oyedepo said.

He added that the company’s projects are designed with long-term planning and attention to detail, while the state’s ongoing infrastructure drive has further boosted investor confidence in the housing sector.

Kwara State Commissioner for Works, AbdulQowiy Olododo, who was present at the event, said his attendance was to support youth participation in the industry.

He described the initiative as consistent with the government’s vision for urban planning, city expansion and the smart city project.

Operations Manager of EVC, Mahmoud Babatunde, said the anniversary activities were designed to highlight the company’s growth over three years and its role in housing delivery.

He explained that the programme was marked with project allocations, staff community service and public engagements.

According to him, the anniversary served as a point of reflection on the company’s operations and its plans for the future.

A National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, while ruling on an ex-parte application by Dangote Refinery on Monday, specifically restrained the defendants, which included Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, (NNPCL), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), from cutting crude and gas supply to Dangote Refinery.

The application was filed by George Ibrahim from Ogwu James Onoja law firm in Abuja seeking ‘an interim injunction.

Ibrahim, in the motion, sought an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st Defendant (NNPCL), its members, agents, servants, privies, representatives, assigns or howsoever described, from directing or effecting a halt in the supply of crude oil and gas to the Claimant. He further prayed the Court to restrain them from embarking on any industrial action against the Claimant with the intention of crippling operations, blocking access roads, obstructing vehicular movement, or otherwise disrupting the operations of the Claimant or the licensees of the 2nd to 4th Defendants, as contained in the directives issued by the 1st Defendant on September 26, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Ibrahim argued that the Applicant is a duly licensed petroleum production and distribution company, engaged in refining and producing petroleum and petrochemical products for general public consumption in Nigeria. He stressed that the company provides essential services critical to the Nigerian economy and the well-being of the public.

He further contended that in recent times, incidents of sabotage by some employees at the Claimant’s plant had raised grave health and safety concerns, necessitating a re-organisation exercise which led to the disengagement of some staff. This, he noted, was communicated to all employees through a memo dated September 25, 2025.

In his brief ruling on the ex parte application, Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience was in favour of the Applicant, as the continuation of the threatened industrial action would irreparably damage its business and undermine the provision of essential services to the Nigerian public.

The judge ruled that it was in the interest of justice to restrain the Respondents in order to preserve industrial peace and safeguard the continuous provision of essential services pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Subilim accordingly granted the restraining order and directed that same be served on the defendants forthwith, together with the motion on notice.

The Court held that the order shall subsist for seven days only.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 13 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

Reconciliatory meeting drags

The fresh peace meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve the rift between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report last night.

The meeting, which had the leadership of the PENSASSAN led by its President, Festus Osifo and the representatives of Dangote Refinery in attendance, was convened with a view to ending dispute

While the union leaders were led by the General-Secretary of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, led other government officials.

Daily Trust reports that the federal government had on Sunday summoned the leadership of PENSASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to an emergency meeting over the ongoing rift between the duo.

However, the meeting, which was earlier scheduled for 2:00pm, started at about 3:50pm owing to the late arrival of critical stakeholders involved in the matter, before it later went into a close-door session.

Speaking, Dingyadi said, ‘What’s happening today is very dear to our economy and to the security of the country. We have been informed that PENGASSAN is on strike.’

Hours after the meeting started behind closed doors, a shouting match could be heard from the Conference room where the meeting was being held.

A source, who was part of the meeting, confided in our correspondent that representatives of Dangote Refinery stuck to their guns, insisting that it would be hard to bring those who have been eased out back to the company.

The source said the sacked workers were described as saboteurs by the Dangote Refinery representative – the statement, he said, angered the labour leaders at the meeting.

‘The meeting started smoothly after you people went out of the venue. That is when both the ministers of labour and finance had spoken to the two parties, to let them know the implications of their actions.

‘So, the two parties were allowed to make their presentations and laid out their demands, but they all stuck to their guns. Nobody between the two parties was ready to shift ground,’ the source confided in Daily Trust last night.

NLC places other unions on red alert

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has commenced mobilisation of its affiliate unions, stressing that it would join forces to fight the company for violating labour laws.

The Congress, in an internal memo signed by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero and obtained by our correspondent, specifically said the company violated Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, vILO Conventions 87 and 98, arguing that it was treating national labour laws with contempt.

It read, ‘This letter serves as a formal and urgent request in response to the protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade being waged by the Dangote Group against the Nigerian working class.

‘The ongoing battle with PENGASSAN and NUPENG is merely a symptom of a deeper sickness; a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.

‘The Dangote Group has operated for too long as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our national labour laws with contempt. Their facilities are not workplaces but plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few.

‘The time for pleading and endless, fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now.

‘Consequently, we have resolved as follows: 1. Request for total mobilization of all Unions and workers. All aforementioned affiliate unions are hereby placed on IMMEDIATE AND FULL ALERT.

‘You are requested to commence, with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility falling under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

‘To start full preparation for an engagement with Dangote across the nation. You are requested to immediately begin mobilising your members and resources for a full-scale, decisive engagement against the Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance. This action aims to compel the conglomerate to:

‘Unconditionally respect the right of every worker to freely join a union of their choice. Cease all forms of intimidation, victimisation, and union-busting activities. Submit to the authority of our nation’s labour laws and institutions.

‘Each union is to set up an Action Mobilisation Committee and liaise directly with the NLC National Secretariat within the next 72 hours to coordinate strategy, logistics, and communication. Unity of purpose and action is non-negotiable.

‘The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the resistance of organised labour. No amount of media verbiage and paid hirelings will stop us from fighting for our liberty in the face of apparent Regulatory capture, where the state seems to have abdicated its responsibility to hold this behemoth accountable for its breaches of our laws.

‘The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built this conglomerate; we will not let it become a monument to their oppression. Together, we stand! Together, we will overcome.’

The crypto market continues to shuffle as the top crypto coins right now react to surging volumes, shifting sentiment, and key technical levels. XRP price declines have added pressure despite higher liquidity, while the latest Cardano (ADA) price drop underscores ongoing volatility across major altcoins. For many traders, these swings signal profit-taking and repositioning ahead of bigger moves.

But one project is growing as more than just another presale headline: BlockDAG (BDAG). With $415M raised at $0.0013 in Batch 30, confirmed miner shipments across the globe, its Awakening Testnet, and a multi-year BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship, BlockDAG is capturing attention beyond crypto circles. Buyers are now viewing it not only as one of the top crypto coins right now but as a competitor for long-term growth, with a realistic path toward the $20 target.

XRP’s Price Declines Among Rising Volumes

The spotlight remains on Ripple after XRP price declines saw it fall 6.32% in just 24 hours, sliding from $3.01 to $2.82. This pullback came even as daily trade volume surged nearly 94% to $6.52 billion, suggesting heavy profit-taking or strategic repositioning by traders. Despite this drop, XRP has still posted a 7.39% gain over the past week, proving resilience in a rough market.

XRP’s market capitalization currently sits at $168.3 billion, keeping it among the largest digital assets. Yet analysts warn that XRP price declines coupled with sharp volume spikes often signal instability, raising questions about whether buyers or sellers will control the next move.

Still, XRP maintains its reputation as one of the top crypto coins right now, with consistent institutional interest and cross-border utility.

Cardano Struggles With Heavy Selloff

Alongside XRP’s struggles, the Cardano (ADA) price drop has drawn significant attention. ADA plunged nearly 12% in a single day, falling to $0.7936, its steepest one-day loss since April. The move pulled Cardano’s market cap down to $30.3 billion, well off its all-time high of $94.8 billion.

In the past 24 hours, ADA traded between $0.7921 and $0.8875, with volumes at $1.36 billion, about 1% of the entire market’s liquidity. Over the past week, Cardano lost another 6.05%, cementing its reputation for volatility. Currently, ADA sits 74% below its all-time high of $3.10 from September 2021.

This Cardano (ADA) price drop reinforces that even top-tier altcoins are not immune to sharp selloffs. For ADA holders, maintaining support near $0.79 will be critical to preserving confidence among market roughness.

Full Throttle: BlockDAG’s F1® Edge and Miner Shipments Rev Up Adoption

While XRP price declines and the Cardano (ADA) price drop dominate short-term news, BlockDAG is busy proving its long-term credibility. The project has raised $415M in presale, currently priced at $0.0013 in Batch 30 with a confirmed $0.05 listing price, showing strong market sentiment.

The most powerful driver of momentum is BlockDAG’s multi-year BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship. As BWT Alpine’s Exclusive Layer One Blockchain Partner, BlockDAG branding will feature on F1® race cars, team merchandise, and fan simulators. Beyond visibility, the deal includes interactive fan zones, hackathons, and Web3 integrations, giving the project global cultural reach. CEO Antony Turner called it a showcase of DAG technology for billions, while BWT Alpine’s Flavio Briatore praised its transformative potential.

BlockDAG’s adoption extends beyond branding. Miner shipments are already rolling out worldwide, with X-Series devices supporting decentralization alongside over 3M X1 app miners. This hybrid Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Engagement ecosystem strengthens scalability and security. On top of that, the Awakening Testnet has activated core blockchain functions, streamlined ledger upgrades, and introduced real-time explorer tools, demonstrating technical readiness before mainnet launch.

Together, these milestones position BlockDAG far ahead of many presale projects. With real adoption, institutional partnerships, and cultural integration, BlockDAG is now viewed as one of the most compelling top crypto coins right now, and its $20 target doesn’t look out of reach.

Final Word!

The latest volatility shows that even the top crypto coins right now face challenges. XRP price declines highlight short-term instability despite rising volumes, while the Cardano (ADA) price drop underlines how quickly sentiment can reverse. Both assets remain influential, but they are fighting to prove resilience in a choppy market.

BlockDAG, however, is pulling ahead with substance. With $415M raised, miner shipments already underway, a live Awakening Testnet, and its high-profile BWT Alpine F1 sponsorship, it is combining technology with mainstream visibility. This rare mix of adoption, credibility, and cultural integration is why traders see BlockDAG not only as one of the top crypto coins right now but as a project with a real chance at hitting $20.

For buyers, the message is clear: while XRP and Cardano go through price roughness, BlockDAG is already racing on the fast track to leadership.

I shared many interests with the late Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad. I met him on the platform of Nahnu Muslimum – a WhatsApp group formed by late Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa. We agreed on many issues on the socioeconomic development of northern Nigeria, especially on the role our religious heritage may play in shaping the future of the region. We had a couple of private phone conversations. But, I never met him – face-to-face. When he was hospitalised, all members of Nahnu Muslimum eagerly followed his health progress through his son and his direct messages. His last message-about his recovery, travel to Medina, and eventual plan to recuperate at Baze University Hospital-was very reassuring. Then, suddenly, the news of death was broken on September 17, 2025. We were all shocked. On September 21, I joined other members of NM on a condolence visit to his family. Due to torrential rainfall, I stayed longer than planned. During that time, I observed the diversity of visitors-a former governor, a former minister, a poor university professor, etc. Their presence reflected his wide influence across different strata of society. I used the opportunity to reflect about life in general and the place of Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad (MBA).

Indeed, the passing of MBA has left a deep void in Northern Nigeria. Known for his integrity, foresight, and relentless pursuit of progress for his people, Mouftahu embodied the quiet strength of a statesman who influenced not only through wealth or power, but through wisdom and vision. He was one of the youngest executive directors of NEPA. Later, he chaired the board of NAL Merchant Bank. He was the chairman of the board of Noble Hall Girls Academy – a premier day and boarding secondary school in Abuja. Recently, he founded the Nigeria Collective – an elite discussion group that draws members across Nigeria. As an ardent supporter of our traditional institutions, I remain deeply grateful to him for his role in attempts to reconcile the different factions in the Kano emirship tussle. He belonged to a generation that understood the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, faith and pragmatism, unity and diversity. His lifelong concern was the future of Northern Nigeria-a future he believed could be transformed if its brightest minds and strongest leaders could set aside differences and work together for the common good.

One of Mouftahu’s most enduring wishes was the unity of four towering figures in the region: Nasiru El-Rufai, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Nuhu Ribadu, and Muhammadu Sanusi II. Each of them carries unique strengths; together, they could form a formidable force for renewal. In Nasiru El-Rufai, MBA saw a bold reformist. El-Rufai is widely regarded for his ability to take tough decisions. Though often controversial, his record demonstrates an unwavering drive to modernise institutions, demand accountability, and confront entrenched interests. In Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, MBA saw a respected Islamic scholar and cleric, who represented the moral and religious voice of conscience in the region. Though his views have sometimes sparked debate, he symbolizes dialogue, reconciliation, and the persistent call to address grievances through peaceful engagement. Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), carved a reputation as a fearless anti-corruption crusader. His name is synonymous with integrity and the belief that public life must be anchored in transparency and justice. His current position as National Security Adviser gives him special leverage to get things done. Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, a globally respected intellectual, combines scholarship, vision, and courage. He has consistently spoken truth to power, challenging societal complacency and advocating for economic reform, and the modernisation of Muslim society in line with its best traditions. Sanusi’s PhD thesis clearly demonstrates his vision for such modernization. It needs political will to germinate.

Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad understood that while these four men differ in temperament, style, and even worldview, they represent complementary pillars of leadership. In his eyes, El-Rufai’s technocratic boldness, Gumi’s moral voice, Ribadu’s fight against corruption, and Sanusi’s intellectual clarity could-if united-redraw the destiny of Northern Nigeria. He envisioned a coalition that transcends politics, religion, and ethnicity, guided only by the urgent need to rescue a region burdened by poverty, insecurity, illiteracy, and fractured leadership. Imagine such unity that may lead to: (i) A political blueprint led by reformists with the courage to confront vested interests. (ii) A moral and religious consensus that counters extremism with compassion and wisdom. (iii) An economic agenda rooted in accountability, equity, and the empowerment of youth and women. And, (iv) a social reawakening that restores confidence in education, entrepreneurship, and justice. This was Mouftahu’s dream-not for himself, but for generations yet unborn. In fact, among the quadripartite, MBA was closed to only one of them. His vision was never about individual greatness; it was about collective strength.

As we mourn his departure, we must also celebrate the clarity of his thought. He reminds us that true legacies are not built on material wealth, but on the seeds of ideas planted in fertile hearts. In urging unity among these figures, he called all of us to transcend narrow interests and embrace the higher duty of service to humanity.

Today, Northern Nigeria stands at a crossroads. In honouring Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad, let us not allow his vision to die with him. As Thomas Campbell, beautifully put it, ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die’. Let us keep MBA alive. Let El-Rufai, Gumi, Ribadu, and Sanusi-and indeed all leaders-take to heart his call for unity. For in unity lies the strength to heal wounds, unlock potential, and guide Northern Nigeria toward a future of peace, prosperity, and dignity. MBA believed deeply that ‘we are only as strong as we are united, and as weak as we are divided.’

May Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds, and make his vision a reality for the benefit of all.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has praised Nigerians for what he described as ‘uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience despite living under suffocating socio-economic and security conditions.’

In his Independence Day message to Nigerians, the opposition leader alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration had abandoned Nigerians to their fate.

Atiku lamented that Nigerians were enduring pains from ‘raging insecurity, rising food scarcity, mass unemployment, and a dangerous climate of hopelessness all ‘compounded by the insensitivity of the APC-led administration’.

‘It is tragic that in a country blessed with immense human and material resources, millions of our people have been reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland. Every responsible government holds the welfare and security of its citizens as supreme.

‘But what we have today is an administration that has abandoned its people. Hunger is killing Nigerians, bandits are massacring communities, yet President Bola Tinubu and his cabinet stand by, unmoved and uncaring.’

While calling on citizens not to lose faith, Atiku reminded Nigerians that 2027 provides a clear opportunity to reject bad leadership and reclaim the promise of a better tomorrow.

‘The beauty of democracy lies in the power of the ballot. Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls. That is the power no cabal can take away from the people.’ He said.

Atiku said, At 65, Nigeria remains a giant moving painfully slow on feet of clay – a direct result of decades of poor leadership and wasteful governance.

He however, urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, insisting that with the right leadership, the country can still rise from the ashes of failed governance to reclaim its rightful place among the comity of nations

The opposition leader also wished Nigerians a happy 65th Independence Day anniversary celebration.

The Presidency has attacked former President Goodluck Jonathan over speculation that he may contest the 2027 presidential election, describing his six years in office as a disaster.

There have been renewed calls, particularly from the North, urging Jonathan to return to the presidential race as coalition efforts to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 gain momentum.

Several PDP leaders, including former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido and Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, have publicly called on the Bayelsa-born politician to run.

Last week, Jonathan visited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark at his Abuja residence. Mark was Senate President during the administration of Jonathan between 2010-2015.

While the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, told Daily Trust the visit was private, observers believe it could be linked to 2027 permutations, with the ADC said to be considering the acceptability of a Jonathan candidacy.

Jonathan, who lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, is believed to be showing renewed interest in the political arena.

Though he has yet to declare formally, his appeal, according to insiders, lies in the constitutional term-limit provision that allows him to serve only one more term-a prospect seen as a strategic option in balancing the power rotation debate between North and South.

During the PDP state congress in Niger at the weekend, former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana said Jonathan would contest and could even defeat the ruling APC in 2027.

That remark appeared to trigger a sharp response from the Presidency.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement on Monday, described Jonathan’s tenure as a disaster, while stressing that he is free to run.

‘President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race. But Jonathan will have his date in court. The jury will determine whether Jonathan, who was sworn in twice as president, satisfies constitutional requirements and is eligible to contest the presidency and be sworn in, if successful, for a third term,’ Onanuga said.

He accused Gana of attempting to draft Jonathan into the race on the platform of the ‘discredited’ PDP, which he said left behind ‘economic ruins after 16 years of bad governance.’

‘Gana even deluded himself, asserting that the former president would defeat Tinubu to reclaim power after 12 years. He is free to engage in his usual comedy; after all, Jonathan’s entering the race would provide another job for the Niger State-born former university don.’

He said politicians like Jerry Gana only want to lure him into the race to satisfy their interests.

‘However, we should caution former President Jonathan to be wary of the PDP sugar-coated cheerleaders. Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure him into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests. They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch,’ he added.

The Presidency maintained Jonathan would have to convince Nigerians that he had anything new to offer ‘after his disastrous six years, for which they voted him out in 2015.’

Onanuga also revisited Jonathan’s record, accusing his administration of lacking any clear economic agenda, engaging in frivolous spending, and running the country into crisis.

He said, ‘Shorn of all those selfish considerations for which some PDP big guns find his candidacy appealing, President Jonathan will also have his encounter with the people as to whether he has anything new to offer after his disastrous six years, for which they voted him out in 2015.

‘The nation’s economic downturn, which President Tinubu is working very hard to overcome, actually began under President Jonathan. The Jonathan administration severely damaged the economy, and all key indicators declined under his watch.

‘Under him, the so-called business moguls allocated foreign exchange to import fuel, simply pocketing the dollars without importing anything. Some of those big men still have court cases on the issue today.

‘Jonathan and his National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), freely distributed security funds to friends and cronies.’

According to Onanuga, in 2010, President Jonathan inherited a total of $66 billion, of which $46 billion was in foreign reserves and $20 billion in the noble-but-abused Excess Crude Account.

‘By 2015, when the people democratically removed him from office, the foreign reserves had fallen below $30 billion, and the Excess Crude Account had been depleted to $2 billion, despite generating record revenue from crude oil sales that the country had never achieved in more than 25 years combined.

‘It is on record that between 2010 and 2013, crude oil sold for an average of $100 per barrel. By December 2014, however, the Jonathan-led Federal Government could no longer pay salaries to Federal Civil Servants. At least 28 states across the country owed workers huge salary arrears.’

By contrast, he said, President Tinubu has taken bold decisions in the past 28 months to reset the economy, including removing the ‘ruinous’ fuel subsidy and abolishing multiple exchange rates.

‘The President has stabilised the economy. In Q2 2025, GDP grew by 4.23 per cent, the highest in four years and above the IMF’s 3.4 per cent projection. Inflation dropped to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, the lowest in three years. Foreign reserves stand at $42.03 billion. The naira has stabilised, investor confidence is back, and investors are betting on Nigeria,’ he said.

Onanuga also cited infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, alongside security interventions in parts of the country.

‘The PDP and its co-travellers broke the economy; Tinubu is fixing it. Jonathan and others are welcome to the 2027 race, but Nigerians will not allow them to return and run it down again,’ he said.

Jonathan has yet to respond to the latest criticism. Since losing the 2015 election, his administration has been a frequent target of APC attacks, though he has previously defended his record on corruption and the economy.

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government another 14-day ultimatum to resolve lingering issues affecting its members.

The union threatened to embark on an industrial action if its demands were not met at the end of the fresh ultimatum.

It explained that the notice, starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025, will first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike over the federal government’s attitude towards resolving pending issues.

The union made the decision on Monday following a National Executive Council meeting that was held on Sunday at its headquarters in the University of Abuja. President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, who made this known in a strike notice he signed, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Trust, said the union was tired of the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards education.

Daily Trust reports ASUU’s demands include renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, adequate revitalisation funds for universities, settlement of outstanding salary arrears, sustainable funding mechanisms, among others.

‘At the National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on the 28th of September, 2025, the Union decried the neglect of the University system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands.

‘Accordingly, ASUU has given the Federal Government of Nigeria an Ultimatum of fourteen (14) days within which to address these issues.

‘If at the end of the fourteen-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the Union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike,’ the notice partly read.

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru is designed to be a crucible for Nigeria’s future leaders. Its flagship programme, the Senior Executive Course, pushes participants to engage directly with the complex realities of the nation we were trained to lead. For our Course 24, Integrated Research Group (IRG) 2 embarked on a prescribed study tour with the theme: ‘Governance and the Nigerian Public, with special focus on Education, Health, Electricity, Water, and Roads.’ Our assignment was to move beyond theoretical models and assess the ground-level functionality of these essential services.

Our tour took us to two states for a week each: Niger State from April 7th to 14th, 2002, and Ogun State from April 14th to 19th, 2002. The contrast between the two experiences presented a stark portrait of two very different Nigerias.

Our first leg in Niger State was a lesson in institutional decay. From a shoddy reception and inadequate accommodation to a hurried meeting with the Governor, the experience was disheartening. Our single audience with the State Governor was brief and left little room for meaningful dialogue. His address to our group was memorable for its dissonance with the realities we were witnessing. While acknowledging national challenges, he dismissed the pervasive hunger in the country as a ‘lie,’ an assertion that struck a discordant note. His primary policy focus was the establishment of a ‘HYPERDEC’ (Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission), modelled after the OMPADEC (Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission) in the Niger Delta. He argued that while hydroelectric dams like the one we visited at Shiroro provided power for the nation, they deprived local farmers of water for irrigation. Though the concept had merit, its presentation felt more like a political talking point than a well-considered solution offered for robust discussion, especially as the tangible sectors of education and health we were there to study languished in neglect.

Our fieldwork at the Local Government level was even more revealing. The decay was palpable. At the Primary Healthcare Centres we inspected, the triple challenges of substandard infrastructure, a crippling lack of essential drugs, and acute staff shortages were the norm. Our visits to several Local Government secretariats were equally disheartening; we often failed to meet the elected chairmen, instead being received by junior staff who were clearly unaware of our scheduled visit. Community members lamented that the only time they saw their local government chairman was at the end of the month. The state of primary education was perhaps the most distressing, with schools in an advanced state of physical decay and pupils struggling to communicate in English. It was a week of profound disillusionment, leaving us with a heavy cache of evidence pointing to systemic failure.

We arrived in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on April 14th with our expectations firmly managed. Yet, from the moment we stepped into the Gateway Hotel, a different reality unfolded. State officials received us with genuine warmth and efficiency. The accommodation was comfortable, reflecting a clear intention to ensure our stay was productive. This welcome was not just polite; it was a statement of administrative competence that immediately began to restore our faith.

The following morning, we were scheduled to meet Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba. To understand the calibre of man we were meeting, one must appreciate his unique place in Nigerian history. He was, and remains, a quintessential blend of two powerful professions: a veteran journalist of immense repute and a seasoned politician. This background forged a leader who was both articulate and politically astute.

We expected a brief greeting, but what we received was a masterclass in hands-on leadership. After shaking our hands and enquiring sincerely about our welfare, the elderly Governor did the unexpected: he climbed into our coaster bus and, for the entire journey, remained standing, expertly navigating the moving vehicle as he pointed out landmarks and detailed his administration’s strides in education, health, and infrastructure. His humility was disarming. He engaged us with questions, answering ours with a clarity that made governance tangible.

Emboldened by his demeanour, I ventured a question that had long intrigued me. I noted that many Yoruba leaders, from the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, often shunned official residences, preferring their private homes. I mentioned I had heard he did the same. The atmosphere shifted palpably. My colleagues were aghast at my directness, for the unspoken implication of my question was clear: this practice allowed leaders to collect hefty accommodation allowances from the public purse while simultaneously using state resources to maintain and upgrade their private properties, a controversial benefit not available to those who resided in official quarters. But the wisdom of Aremo soon surfaced; he offered a measured response and gracefully steered the conversation forward.

The difference at the local government level was staggering, directly addressing our study theme. The chairmen, councillors and the Staff of the local Government,and were young, vibrant, and clearly understood their mandates. They presented achievements in our sectors of focus: functional primary healthcare centres, schools in good condition with educational support programs, and newly sunk boreholes ensuring water supply. When I asked about the source of this commitment, the answer was starkly honest: the consequences of failure were dire. Community accountability was immediate and non-negotiable.

The day’s most profound lesson came that evening, entirely unplanned. On our way back at the end of our tour, Governor Osoba, without any prior notice, directed our coaster bus to make a detour to his private residence. It was not a formal invitation but a spontaneous decision. We arrived at a home that was not a policed edifice, but a modest, welcoming building. After serving simple refreshments-Coke, Fanta, and water-he gestured for me to follow him. He led me into his simple bedroom, a silent, powerful answer to my provocative query hours earlier. He was showing me, not just telling me, that his home was just that-a home, not a symbol of ill-acquired power, and certainly not a property lavishly maintained by public funds.

The next day, we toured other local governments on our own, but the scenario was the same everywhere: visible progress in the core sectors of education, health, water, and roads. The picture we got from these visits was one of healthy competition among the Local Governments to provide the best services in the areas covered by the theme of our visit.

The following day, we were invited to participate in the State Executive Council meeting, where we featured alongside the Local Government Chairmen. This integrated meeting was not only unique but a true reflection of new and effective ways of governance. It included not only the state commissioners but also all the chairmen of the Local Government Areas of the state. The nature of the discussions and the quality of the contributions from each local government area was legendary. Everyone participated freely in what can only be described as a collaborative atmosphere filled with a spirit of comradeship. I have simply not seen anything near this level of integrated governance before or since. There, we witnessed governance as it should be: strategic, accountable, and focused on the public good.

Watching this exemplary display of participatory governance, I was moved. When it was my turn to comment, I could not help but declare to Governor Osoba, ‘If this is the Alliance for Democracy (AD), then from today, please consider me a member.’

At the conclusion of our visit, His Excellency’s generosity was as profound as his leadership. He presented each member of our group with a specially prepared native Adire fabric and a cash gift. This gesture, so thoughtful and personal, remains indelible in our hearts.

A telling epilogue to our study was the respective states’ response to our findings. Following our return to Kuru, all states visited were invited to send delegations to receive our reports for possible implementation. In a clear demonstration of commitment to good governance, Ogun State sent a high-powered delegation to formally receive our findings. In stark contrast, Niger State sent no representative-a final act of lukewarm indifference that sadly confirmed our on-the-ground observations about their approach to governance and development.

Reflecting on that transformative experience, it becomes clear that Governor Osoba’s model of governance was a direct inheritor of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy of progressive governance, a legacy fundamentally built on the cornerstone of free education. This model was being successfully replicated in Osun State under Chief Bisi Akande. It is one of the great tragedies of our recent political history that this standard was brutally truncated in the 2003 elections. The inability of these progressive governors to secure a second term was not a rejection by their people but the direct result of a calculated political betrayal by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. After securing support from the South-West leaders based on promises of restructuring, Obasanjo orchestrated a federal electoral onslaught that targeted the Alliance for Democracy governors. This betrayal led to the defeat of the AD governors in all South-Western states except Lagos, where Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu retained his seat, ostensibly because he was not a part of the initial pact with President Obasanjo. This event, which later prompted Muhammadu Buhari to describe Chief Akande as a victim of a ‘diabolical double-cross,’ marked a pivotal setback from which the quality of progressive leadership in the region has never fully recovered.

Beyond the immediate contrasts in infrastructure and administrative efficiency, this NIPSS study tour revealed a more fundamental divergence: the critical role of an educated populace and political class. The stark difference in the quality of governance and community engagement between Ogun and Niger States appears to be deeply rooted in the educational landscape. This was not an isolated finding; during our final course presentations, other groups that visited different states reported similar patterns, confirming that the correlation between educational attainment and effective governance was a national phenomenon. In Ogun, an environment that valued education had, in turn, cultivated a cadre of leaders at both state and local levels who were not only qualified but also acutely aware of their responsibilities to an equally aware electorate. The situation in Niger State suggested a cyclical challenge: a deficit in educational quality and access impedes the emergence of a sufficiently critical mass of enlightened leadership. Fundamentally, an uneducated leader cannot be expected to genuinely respect education or prioritize its advancement; consequently, education itself becomes the primary victim of such leadership. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle where the electorate’s capacity to discern and elect competent leaders is compromised. This is not a reflection of a lack of qualified human capital, but rather a symptom of a political ecosystem where the recruitment process for leaders, particularly at the local government level, is often impacted by these educational disparities. Ultimately, the quality of governance in any democracy is inextricably linked to the educational attainment of both its leaders and its citizens.

That encounter was not just a study tour; it was a lifelong lesson in service from a true master. If in the 23 years since that April of 2002, Nigeria had been blessed with more leaders of Aremo Osoba’s character and competence, our nation would undoubtedly be a better place today.

(Hassan Husaini is a member of the National Institute (mni), having participated in 2002.)

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