Category: Nigerian Tribune

Belgium Ambassador, Peiter Leenknegt has parleyed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja on bilateral economic relationship between Belgium and the ancient city of Ibadanland.

Leenknegt had during a courtesy call on Oba Ladoja at Olubadan palace Oke-Aremo, Ibadan lauded the government diversion policy from the oil and gas sector to the agricultural sector.

He disclosed that Cocoa that the Country is known for has taken over the oil and gas at the International market.

He said, ‘Since 2024, cocoa has been over taking crued oil as the main export product from Nigeria to Belgium.

‘For this fact, the price of cocoa has risen, and I think that is a good thing for the farmers which means they will be making better livelihood. That also shows that our commercial relations are diversifying beyond.

Oba Ladoja, in his speech had declared that his main focus now is to protect all residents in the ancient city, irrespective of their tribe, religious or political inclinations.

‘My ascension to the throne of Ibadanland is divine. As I said, it’s not the Ifa oracle that chooses Oba for Ibadan. It is not money that chooses for Ibadan. It is long life granted by God. And I’m very happy that when the Ambassador was talking, he was talking in the same sense that the role of Kabiyesi nowadays is different from the role it was in 50 years ago.

‘They look more up onto us for support. One of our responsibilities, as Olubadan, is to make sure that, there is peace in Ibadanland which we are already working on.

‘We cannot talk about peace without talking about the stomach infrastructure. We have to find away of engaging our youths, maybe when they are busy, when they are well taken care of, the incident of drugs addiction which is now threatening the founding of Ibadanland will be tackled.’

He, therefore, appreciated the Belgium government to partner and collaborate with Ibadanland, adding that the city has enough farmland for agriculture.

‘Let me appreciate the intellectual and financial capacity of the country. They have it, the Ambassador has assured me that whenever we knock, they will be there to assist us.

‘Ibadan has been there for other Yorubaland. We have our own mineral resources which we can also talk today. We have agricultural land which means that either the grass land you want to use, we have it, whether forest we have it. That’s why Ibadan is different from many other places.

‘The Ambassador has introduced the platform which I intend to exploit immediately. He said they have a committee of French speaking Ambassadors in Nigeria.

‘The two of us will discuss, and I will be very happy to host all of them in Ibadan very soon so that with them, we will plan how we can transform Ibadan, not only the fact that we are leaving on the history of first but to continue moving fast so that nobody will catch us. We are first already, we are Pacesetter and we want to remain so,’ he explained.

In a related development, the Olubadan, Ladoja has urged traditional rulers to lead by example so as to sanitize the traditional institution.

He made this call while receiving the Olofi Isheri Olofin of Lagos, Oba Ibrahim Bello at the Olubadan Palace Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

‘Isheri town has many things in common with Ibadanland such as seeking for peaceful co-existence, promotion and preservation of Yoruba cultural values, love of our people and desire to take our towns to enviable position

Earlier, Oba Lawal appreciated Olubadan for the warm reception accorded him and the members of his entourage

‘We are in your palace to learn more about your leadership qualities and litany of achievements so as to reach our desired goals in life and replicate such achievements.’

He prayed God to endow Ladoja sound health and longevity of life in the service of God and humanity.

Dignitaries at the occasion were members of Olubadan Advisory Council and other traditional title holders.

Tension is brewing in Owo local government area of Ondo following the indefinite suspension of the Council Chairman, Hon. Tope Omolayo, over allegations of gross misconduct.

The suspension, announced after a stormy plenary session of the Owo Legislative Council on Wednesday, was part of resolutions passed by a two-thirds majority of the 11 councillors, led by the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo.

Omolayo was accused of financial improprieties, violation of budgetary and revenue regulations, disrespect to traditional rulers, and failure to uphold due administrative conduct, among other offences.

In a statement signed by the councillors, the legislative arm said the move was aimed at restoring accountability and transparency in the council’s operations.

According to the resolution signed by the two-thirds majority of the councillors, ‘the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo Local Government Area.

‘The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, utter violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself appropriately. These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.

‘During the period of suspension, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, the Vice Chairman, shall act as the Chairman of the Local Government Area Council. The investigation into the allegations shall be conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner.

‘The Council assures the good people of Owo Local Government Area that this suspension is necessary to ensure good governance and accountability.

‘We urge all stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as we work towards resolving the issues at hand,’ the statement read in part.

The lawmakers also directed the Head of Local Government Administration to effect all necessary changes to bank signatories and ensure that all government properties in Omolayo’s possession are returned.

But Omolayo, in his reaction, dismissed reports of his suspension as false and baseless, insisting that he remains the substantive chairman.

He said, ‘Those are elements of destruction. I didn’t receive any letter from them. We were even in the same programme yesterday’.

He alleged that some of the councillors were unhappy over his refusal to yield to financial demands.

He claimed that the grievances were politically motivated and said ‘they said I should give them 30 percent from project funds and later demanded ?25 million. All they wanted was money, money, money.

‘I am a man of peace. As far as I’m concerned, nothing is happening. I am not impeached or suspended,’ he declared.

However, the development has triggered unease within political circles in Owo, with fears that the suspension may deepen internal crises within the local government’s political structure.

Stakeholders have called for calm as the investigation committee begins its work amid rising tension among supporters of both camps.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the preparation and implementation of the 2026 budget, assuring citizens of improved welfare and sustained development across all zones of the state.

This assurance was given during the 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Meetings held across Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, and Iseyin zones, where top government officials engaged residents on their needs and priorities for the forthcoming fiscal year.

Speaking at the Oke-Ogun session held at Saki Township Hall, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, urged residents to make relevant submissions and contributions to enrich the 2026 budget, emphasizing that the consultative process gives citizens a voice in shaping the government’s financial plan.

He noted that the state government had implemented several suggestions made during previous consultations, assuring that all ongoing projects initiated after the 2025 stakeholders’ meetings would be completed before the end of the current administration’s second term.

On security, Lawal reassured residents of the Oke-Ogun zone of the government’s resolve to maintain peace and safety in the area, stressing that all linking roads, entry and exit points, and other strategic locations would receive adequate security attention to boost economic growth.

‘The Oyo State Government will leave no stone unturned in strengthening security and ensuring that miscreants are dealt with according to the law,’ the Deputy Governor said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transparent budgeting and prudent financial management, stating that every kobo allocated in the 2026 budget would be spent in line with development priorities.

He noted that the consultative meetings across the zones were crucial to ensuring citizen-driven budgeting, adding that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde remains focused on good governance and people-oriented development.

‘Governor Makinde has your interest at heart. What we are doing here is foundational to the 2026 budget presentation, and it ensures that the needs of residents guide government planning,’ Prof. Babatunde stated.

In Iseyin, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Faosat Sanni, highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing the 2026 budget strictly in accordance with approved projects and sound financial practices. She commended Governor Makinde for the completion of the Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road, describing it as a landmark infrastructure project enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities across the state.

‘The road is a testament to the Governor’s dedication to linking major regions and boosting economic accessibility for investors, local businesses, and residents alike,’ Sanni said.

She acknowledged the challenges faced during the 2025 capital budget implementation but assured that the government would intensify efforts to ensure full execution of all planned projects before the end of the administration.

At the Ogbomoso session, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, promised residents a better deal and more dividends of democracy in the 2026 fiscal year. He assured that Governor Makinde would continue to work tirelessly to improve the living conditions of citizens and consolidate on the gains of previous years.

‘Governor Seyi Makinde will act with speed to deliver more good governance before 2027. His leadership has brought greater opportunities and prosperity to Oyo State, and we will continue in that direction,’ Oyelade said.

Representatives of various communities, religious groups, market associations, artisans, and student bodies attended the sessions and presented their requests and recommendations to the government.

The consultative meetings, organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, are part of a statewide series designed to promote inclusive governance and ensure that citizens’ voices shape the 2026 budget priorities.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Nigeria’s economic growth forecast, projecting a 3.9 per cent expansion in 2025 and 4.2 percent in 2026, reflecting renewed optimism about the country’s reform-driven economic rebound.

The revised figures were announced on Tuesday during the launch of the World Economic Outlook (WEO) 2025 at the ongoing World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

In its July 2025 update, the IMF had forecast Nigeria’s economy to grow by 3.4 percent in 2025. The new projection marks a 0.5 percentage point upward revision, signaling increased confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic policies and reform momentum under the Tinubu administration.

The IMF also upgraded Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.2 percent, compared to 3.2 percent previously predicted in July.

The improved outlook places Nigeria ahead of South Africa, whose growth is expected to edge slightly from 1.0 to 1.1 percent in 2025, but fall to 1.2 percent in 2026, while the Sub-Saharan Africa regional average was lifted to 4.1 percent in 2025 and 4.4 percent in 2026.

The IMF attributed Nigeria’s stronger growth prospects to ‘supportive domestic factors,’ notably higher oil production, improved investor confidence, and a more favorable fiscal stance projected for 2026.

‘Whereas growth in Nigeria is revised upward on account of supportive domestic factors-including higher oil production, improved investor confidence, a supportive fiscal stance in 2026, and given its limited exposure to higher U.S. tariffs-many other economies see significant downward revisions because of the changing international trade and official aid landscape,’ the IMF stated.

The upward revision follows a period of key policy adjustments in Nigeria, including exchange rate unification, subsidy reforms, and a tightened monetary stance by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curb inflation and stabilise the naira.

Globally, the IMF projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, slowing slightly to 3.1 percent in 2026. Although this represents a modest improvement from the July 2025 update, it remains 0.2 percentage points below forecasts made before the October 2024 global policy shifts.

‘This is an improvement relative to the July WEO Update-but cumulatively 0.2 percentage point below earlier forecasts, with the slowdown reflecting headwinds from uncertainty and protectionism, even though the tariff shock is smaller than originally announced,’ the Fund noted.

Advanced economies are expected to grow by around 1.5 percent during 2025-2026, with the United States slowing to 2.0 percent, while emerging markets and developing economies are projected to expand just above 4.0 percent.

Global inflation is forecast to ease to 4.2 percent in 2025 and 3.7 percent in 2026, as world trade volume grows at an average rate of 2.9 percent-down from 3.5 percent in 2024, reflecting ongoing trade fragmentation and weaker global demand.

In July, the IMF concluded its 2025 Article IV consultation with Nigeria, reaffirming confidence in the government’s reform agenda and forecasting 3.4 percent growth for the year. The Fund also backed the CBN’s tight monetary policy stance, describing it as crucial for containing inflation and ensuring macroeconomic stability.

The latest WEO update suggests that Nigeria’s ongoing structural and fiscal reforms are beginning to yield measurable gains, setting the stage for stronger, more sustained growth over the medium term.

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has said that Nigeria’s transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in the capital market will significantly enhance market efficiency, reduce risks, and strengthen investor confidence.

Speaking at a Trade Associations Roundtable on ‘Ensuring Stakeholder Readiness for T+2 Settlement’ held in Abuja on Wednesday, Agama said the migration from the current T+3 to T+2 cycle represents a strategic step toward aligning Nigeria’s capital market with global best practices.

According to him, the move is not just a technical reform but a major milestone that will make the Nigerian market more competitive and resilient.

He said: ‘A shorter settlement cycle is a hallmark of a mature, dynamic, and competitive market. It directly addresses several key objectives: It significantly reduces counterparty risk and

market exposure. The less time between trade execution and final settlement, the lower the potential for a default to ripple through the system.

‘It boosts market liquidity by returning capital to investors more quickly, allowing for its redeployment and fostering greater market activity. It aligns our market with international best practices, enhancing our attractiveness to foreign investment

and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global financial arena.

‘Ultimately, a more efficient and safer settlement system strengthens the bedrock of our market-investor confidence’.

Agama explained that by shortening the time between trade execution and final settlement, the T+2 system will lower market exposure and minimize the potential for defaults, adding that faster settlement would improve liquidity by returning capital to investors sooner, enabling them to reinvest and contribute to greater market activity.

He noted that many advanced markets are already moving toward T+1 settlements, adding that Nigeria must continue to evolve to remain globally relevant.

‘The global financial landscape is constantly changing, driven by technology and investor demand for efficiency. The transition to T+2 is, therefore, a strategic imperative to keep our market competitive and future-ready,’ he said.

The SEC boss emphasized that the success of the transition depends on the collective readiness of all market participants – from brokers and custodians to clearing houses and investors.

He urged trade associations to take a leading role in preparing their members for the operational and technological changes that the new system will require.

‘Your readiness and that of your members is the single most important determinant of our success. This means recalibrating back-office operations, upgrading technology systems, streamlining settlement processes, and ensuring that all market participants are informed and prepared,’ he said.

Agama assured stakeholders that the Commission would work closely with trade associations, market operators, and Financial Market Infrastructures such as the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the Central Securities Clearing System to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition.

He said the Commission would also intensify investor education and awareness campaigns to ensure that all market participants understand the implications and benefits of the change.

‘The move to T+2 is a necessary leap forward for the Nigerian capital market. It is a testament to our collective ambition to build a market that is efficient, resilient, and globally competitive,’ he stated.

Agama called on stakeholders to engage constructively and collaboratively to identify potential bottlenecks, share best practices, and agree on a clear roadmap for implementation.

He reaffirmed the SEC’s commitment to providing the necessary regulatory support and guidance, urging all market participants to work together to make the T+2 transition a ‘resounding success and a proud milestone’ for Nigeria’s financial markets.

WHEN Governor Ahmed Aliyu assumed office in 2023 as the governor of Sokoto State, his administration rolled out a 9-point ‘smart agenda’ focusing on key developmental goals, security, youth empowerment, economic growth, water supply, education, environment, agriculture, religious affairs, and local government autonomy. Among these, security has emerged as the most pressing challenge and unarguably the most defining test of his leadership,because of the impact.

In recent years, Sokoto State has been caught in the crosshairs of banditry, rural violence, and growing insecurity, part of a broader national trend afflicting the North-West zone. While debates on the decentralization of Nigeria’s policing system specifically the establishment of state police-continue at the federal level, some state governments are not waiting for the constitutional amendments. Governor Aliyu stands among those that have taken proactive, localized steps to counter insecurity within existing legal frameworks. From the outset, Aliyu made it clear that tackling insecurity would be a priority. His administration has funded federal security agencies operating within the state and established supplementary structures, such as the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, which now operates with over 40 Hilux vans and 700 motorcycles. Over 170 patrol vehicles have equally been distributed to various security agencies, and allowances for personnel stationed in volatile areas have been increased.The governor has also invested in upgrading security infrastructure. The Department of State Services (DSS) now operates with upgraded 5G tracking systems. A new military base is under construction in Illela Local Government Area, and an Air Force base has been operationalized, a move intended to bolster surveillance and rapid response capabilities.

In a state where the rural communities have borne the brunt of violence, Governor Aliyu has made multiple condolence visits, notably to Silame, Wurno, Rabah, Tureta, and Dange/Shuni LGAs, which have seen recent spikes in bandit attacks. In Silame, where 33 people were killed in one such attack, his government distributed ?66 million and 165 bags of rice to affected families, an emergency humanitarian response meant to provide immediate relief.

Beyond material support, the governor has taken a tough rhetorical stance. He recently warned critics and commentators not to politicize security issues, labeling such discourse as harmful to the ongoing efforts. He has also instructed security agencies to treat informants aiding bandits ‘in the same way as the bandits themselves’, a statement that drew praise from various quarters. Aliyu’s administration has clearly signaled a zero-tolerance policy towards individuals who assist criminal groups, particularly informants within local communities. Speaking during visits to Wurno and Rabah local governments the governor encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior especially individuals living beyond their apparent means. He also announced plans to present a bill prescribing stiff penalties for those found to be aiding banditry. Religious leaders have also been enlisted in the fight. The governor has called on Imams of Jumu’at and daily prayer mosques to educate their congregations on the Islamic perspective regarding criminality and the consequences of abetting violence. While such initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach, as usual critics who while in power abdicated responsibility want the government not to adopt punitive measures. Because they are not aware of what the government is doing they continue to proffer solutions – addressing rural poverty, unemployment, and lack of education – which the government had already integrated as part of its strategy.

Significantly, the administration is not relying solely on military and enforcement strategies. In June, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, stated that the state government is open to dialogue with repentant bandits. ‘We will wholeheartedly welcome any development that promotes peace,’ he said, adding that many conflicts globally have ended through negotiation rather than force.

This dual approach- combining kinetic action with non-violent peace-building marks a notable shift from previous hardline strategies pursued by some northern states. The state government believes that some of the violence is being driven not only by criminal intent but also by inter-communal grievances, economic exclusion, and a lack of state presence in remote areas. As expected not everyone agrees with the idea of dialogue. Some civil society groups and victims of attacks argue that engaging with violent actors could embolden others and weaken trust in the justice system. Others, however, point to examples in Zamfara and Katsina States, where dialogue efforts, though imperfect, have at times reduced violence. The security crisis in Sokoto State has no doubt taken a heavy humanitarian toll. In August, renewed attacks in Tureta and Dange/Shuni LGAs displaced hundreds of families. Women and children have fled to bushes, open fields, and under trees, often without food, water, or shelter. ‘I have not entered my house in three months,’ said Halima, a mother of four from Tureta. ‘Every night, we sleep under a tree. We live in fear, not knowing if the next sound we hear will be the bandits.’

This level of displacement has disrupted farming activities, local economies, and school attendance, compounding the state’s development challenges. Insecurity in Sokoto mirrors a nationwide trend of deteriorating safety in rural areas. The impact is far-reaching, the closure of markets and schools, decline in food production, collapse of small businesses, and a halt in local governance. Because unless addressed comprehensively, these issues could deepen structural inequalities, increase radicalization risks among youth and affect investor confidence the government is more than determined to defeat the bandits.

Governor Aliyu’s strategy so far demonstrates a mix of enforcement, humanitarian intervention, and policy reform. His administration’s investment in security infrastructure and personnel has been widely acknowledged, and the creation of the Community Guard Corps represents a tangible effort to improve rural surveillance and rapid response. Still, questions remain, are the current investments sustainable without broader federal support or international partnerships? Experts believe that long-term success depends on integrated development planning, beyond emergency responses. Sokoto, like other conflict-affected states, needs a multi-sectoral recovery plan that includes education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and social cohesion efforts. Governor Aliyu’s handling of Sokoto’s security crisis has been marked by urgency, assertiveness, and a willingness to experiment with new models of subnational intervention. His administration’s readiness to engage both militarily and diplomatically suggests a shift toward more nuanced governance in a region long plagued by violence.

Still, the road ahead is steep. While immediate interventions patrol vehicles, military bases, humanitarian aid are necessary, long-term peace will hinge on building trust, addressing root causes, and empowering local communities. Sokoto’s security strategy, if it maintains its current trajectory, could serve as a blueprint for other states facing similar challenges. But for now, the people of Sokoto await tangible and lasting relief, hoping that the promises of their governor will translate into the peace and stability they so urgently need.

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The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) on Tuesday, inducted 19 pioneer nursing graduates of the Wellspring University, Benin, Edo State into the profession.

The oath was administered by the Chief Executive Officer/Registrar of the Council, Ndagi Alhassan, represented by a member of the department of Planning, Research and Statistics of the NMCN, Ali Gorini, said

Delivering his address At the first oath-taking/induction at the university campus in Benin, Gorini, said with the ceremony, the graduands have become nurses who must strive for excellence in their chosen profession.

He admonished the new nurses to adhere to the rules of professional conduct which are a set of ethical guidelines binding on every nurse in Nigeria.

Gorini urged them to learn from their senior colleagues and ensure they minimise the incidents of error, as their patients rely on them for quality treatment.

He said: ‘Nursing is a profession that is tremendously demanding compassionate, kindness and attentiveness while dealing with patients.

‘As graduate nurse, you must be able to perform nursing skills in various healthcare settings, therapeutically assisting individuals, families, communities and diverse backgrounds.

‘In doing this, you must understand the psychosocial and physical factors in alleviation of offering, promotion, maintaining and restoration of health and be able to function independently and collaborate with other healthcare professionals in the course of our practice in any healthcare setting.

In his message to the inductees, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Isaac Ajayi, described the inductees as the trailblazer and the first fruit of the nursing programme at Wellspring University.

He said that nursing is not merely a career, but a calling to serve humanity with compassion, diligence and integrity.

‘Go forth and make your mark in hospitals, clinics and communities across the nation and beyond. Uphold the ethics of your profession and continue to learn, grow and contribute to improving healthcare delivery,’ he added.

Akayi also expressed appreciation to the NMCN for their steadfast support, guidance and encouragement throughout the development of our institution’s nursing programme.

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Nursing Science, Professor Ngozi Osunde, said the ceremony is memorable and represented a paradigm shift for the new nurses.

She enjoined the inductees to always remember that the profession is dynamic and evolving, hence they must be abreast with the dynamism

‘You have been trained not in the science and art of nursing but also in the values that define a true professional: empathy, integrity, competence and selfless service.

‘The health healthcare environment is constantly changing with new challenges such as emerging diseases, technological innovations and global health crisis, so you must be abreast of them to make an impact and remain relevant,’ she said

In his presentation, the guest lecturer, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, who tilted his lecture ‘The health of nursing’ emphasised the need for hard work on the part of the nurses in delivering quality healthcare services.

He welcomed the new members into the profession, adding that decision making is crucial in the nurses’ day to day activities.

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has suspended the membership of Honourable Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State chapter), and that of Abia State, Honourable Amah Ibrahim Nnana, for allegedly plotting to derail the scheduled November 15 National Elective Convention of the PDP.

Nwachukwu, a former member of the House of Representatives, was until his suspension, the chairman of the Forum and also the Imo state chapter chairman of the body, while Nnana is the Abia state chairman.

The forum, which condemned the alleged plot, said the two worked with the backing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their bid to derail the convention.

‘Specifically, the Forum condemned the actions of Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention.

‘Their actions were unanimously described as a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve’, the forum said in a statement released on Wednesday following an emergency meeting it held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Forum named Mr Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the Edo state PDP, as its new chairman to replace Nwachukwu.

Recall that Nwachukwu and Nnana are among the plaintiffs in a suit filed before an Abuja Federal High Court, seeking to halt the party’s convention.

Hearing in the case resumes on Thursday, October 16.

The forum, which declared full support for the Ibadan convention, also expressed confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party led by Ambassador Umar Damagum.

Blaming the actions of the suspended members on the APC, the forum said, ‘The Forum strongly condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its undemocratic, desperate, and systematic efforts to intimidate, harass, and coerce PDP leaders-including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies-into defecting.

‘The Forum described these acts as an assault on democracy, warning that the ruling party’s conduct is a dangerous step toward establishing a de facto one-party state, which Nigerians must collectively resist.’

On the NWC, it said, ‘The forum passed a vote of confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party.

‘It reaffirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with these organs in rebuilding, revitalising, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force.’

The meeting, said to have been attended by 25 out of the 36 state chairmen and the FCT, called on ‘all party members, supporters, and stakeholders across the country to remain calm, united and steadfast.’

It also ‘pledged continued cooperation with the party’s national leadership as it undertakes deliberate, strategic steps to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.’

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum across the country, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohamed Ndarani Mohammed, has called for the investigation of retired civil servants and former public office holders before they are allowed to contest elective positions.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndarani expressed concern over the growing trend of former public servants amassing unexplained wealth toward the end of their tenure in preparation for political ambitions.

According to him, while the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) mandates all public servants to declare their assets, there is often no follow-up investigation after they leave office, adding that, ‘After retirement or resignation, no one checks whether their post-service assets align with what they declared when they joined public service.

‘This lack of scrutiny allows many to plunder public funds with impunity’, the senior lawyer said and lamented that many public officials exploit their positions to divert public resources into private accounts, using such funds to finance expensive election campaigns.

He noted that despite the provisions of Section 88(2-7) of the Electoral Act 2022, which sets limits on campaign expenses, politicians continue to flout these laws without consequence.

The senior lawyer expressed worry that politicians are not being sanctioned for violating campaign finance limits, which he said explained why so many public servants, as their retirement nears, resort to corrupt practices in anticipation of their entry into politics.

Outlining several measures to curb this trend and promote transparency ahead of the 2027 polls, Ndarani said, retired civil servants and former political office holders should undergo a thorough investigation to determine the sources of their assets and income after leaving office.

‘Retired public servants should be barred from contesting elections for at least one year to allow anti-corruption agencies sufficient time to investigate them. Heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) who have retired or been relieved of their duties should also face financial investigations, regardless of whether they plan to contest elections’.

He called on Nigerians to play active roles in holding their leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance, and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should invoke Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to strengthen the fight against corruption.

Ndarani emphasized that Nigeria’s political class must begin to view public service as an avenue for nation-building, not personal enrichment.

‘Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira spent, and put the nation’s welfare above personal gain,’ he said, and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to begin proactive investigations into potential political aspirants well ahead of the 2027 elections.

He appealed to President Tinubu to create an enabling platform that would prevent retired public officials from using ill-gotten wealth to contest for political offices, stressing that such reforms were vital to Nigeria’s progress and democratic integrity.