Category: Nigerian Tribune

Popular Nigerian relationship coach and social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, was arraigned on Tuesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N69.15 million fraud.

The EFCC brought the influencer before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly deceived Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited into paying N69.15 million after falsely claiming ownership of a property at No. 1, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency said she purportedly leased the property to the company for five years, despite not being the owner.

The commission further accused her of dishonestly converting the N69.15 million for personal use, which it said amounts to stealing under Lagos State law.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie confirmed that the defendant had been served with the charges and urged the court to proceed.

The defence counsel, Nkama Nneka, argued that service had only recently been effected, but Justice Oshodi ruled that the arraignment should proceed.

Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending another criminal matter before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi. Justice Oshodi granted the request and ordered her remand.

The case was adjourned until July 16, 2026, for hearing of her bail application and commencement of trial.

Renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has been appointed as the incoming chairman of the board of Seplat Energy, with his tenure set to begin in January 2027.

In a post shared on X on Tuesday, Elumelu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to succeed Senator Udoma Udo Udoma as board chairman, noting that he will take over the position at the start of 2027. He said he looks forward to guiding Seplat Energy into its next phase of expansion and strengthening its governance and growth strategy.

He emphasised his belief in the importance of indigenous resources in driving economic transformation across Nigeria and Africa. He also noted that the company’s operational discipline and governance culture align with his own leadership values, while acknowledging the contributions of Senator Udoma and Roger for their stewardship.

Elumelu further congratulated Mr. Okon on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, expressing confidence that his industry experience would support the company’s next stage of development and long-term growth.

The statement reads, ‘I am honoured to succeed Senator Udoma as Chairman in January 2027 and to lead the Board through@SeplatEnergy’s next phase of growth.

‘I firmly believe in the critical role indigenous resources play in the economic transformation of Nigeria and Africa, and Seplat’s culture of execution and governance aligns strongly with my own values.

‘I thank Senator Udoma and Roger for their stewardship and look forward to delivering further value for shareholders.

‘I also congratulate Mr. Okon on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. His deep industry experience gives me great confidence that@SeplatEnergy is well positioned for its next chapter of growth.’

The development comes months after Seplat Energy earlier announced the appointment of Tony Elumelu as a Non-Executive Director.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s four flagship road infrastructure projects are designed to connect Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones through an integrated transport network aimed at boosting economic growth, food security and regional development.

In a statement signed by Francis Nwaze, the Special Assistant to Umahi, disclosed that the Minister made this statement in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), led by Mrs Maimouna Sidibe, Head of the Basic Infrastructure Division, Department of Public Sector Corporations.

The delegation is currently conducting appraisal activities ahead of the approval of financing for Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, one of the Federal Government’s major legacy infrastructure projects.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister explained that the four legacy road projects initiated by President Tinubu were strategically conceived as an interconnected national transportation loop.

‘The entire four Legacy Projects of Mr President are interconnected in a loop,’ Umahi said.

He explained that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is linked to the Trans-Sahara Super Highway through Ndibe Beach in Cross River State, creating a seamless transport corridor across multiple regions of the country.

According to him, Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway stretches 123.64 kilometres from Ndibe Beach to the Benue State border, while additional sections covering Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states have already been awarded.

Umahi described the route as a historically significant trade and agricultural corridor that remains vital to Nigeria’s food production and distribution network.

‘It has long existed and remains a major food corridor. It is critical to food sufficiency in our country,’ he said.

The Minister noted that the highway would connect major agricultural hubs in Cross River, Ebonyi, and Benue states and significantly reduce travel time between Calabar and Abuja.

‘This route will shorten travel time from Calabar to Abuja to about four hours. It is therefore a very important corridor,’ he stated.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government plans to leverage existing dams along the corridor for irrigation and renewable energy projects, creating opportunities for industrial development, investments, and employment.

‘There are many benefits to this project. Beyond tolling and corridor development for investment returns, it will generate numerous jobs, both direct and indirect. There will be factories along the corridor, power projects and significant traffic volumes on the road,’ Umahi added.

The Minister also explained that the Trans-Saharan Super Highway would connect with another legacy project through the Abuja-Akwanga corridor, extending to Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu, and Maiduguri.

He revealed that the recently inaugurated Gombe-Biu section covers 125 kilometres and is being developed as a six-lane carriageway, while procurement processes for the Bauchi-Gombe section are ongoing.

Umahi further outlined plans to connect the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway through a new alignment beginning from Victoria Island and passing through a 3.5-kilometre tunnel, Ogogoro Island and Snake Island before reaching Badagry.

‘When you look at all of this on a map, you see a loop. All the geopolitical zones are included.

‘If you start from Sokoto, you can access all six geopolitical zones within two days. It is a remarkable development,’ he said.

The Minister commended the contractor handling Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, stating that construction progress had already surpassed 20 per cent completion.

He stressed the need to expedite the loan approval process to support ongoing construction activities.

‘My concern is that we need to fast-track the loan component because once they reach 30 per cent completion, payments will become necessary,’ he said.

Umahi described the visit by the EBID delegation as timely and praised the regional financial institution for its commitment to supporting the project.

Earlier, the leader of the EBID mission, Mrs Maimouna Sidibe, reaffirmed the bank’s readiness to finance the project, describing it as a priority infrastructure investment.

‘We are very honoured to contribute to the financing of this very important project, which was submitted last week to our first credit committee,’ she said.

Sidibe disclosed that the project had already received favourable consideration from the bank’s first credit committee and had advanced to the appraisal stage.

According to her, the delegation’s visit includes consultations with relevant government agencies as well as site inspections to evaluate project implementation, environmental standards, and social safeguards.

She stated that the project is expected to move to the second credit committee next week before being presented to the Board of Executive Directors in early July for final approval.

Sidibe also commended the Federal Government for demonstrating commitment to the project through the payment of counterpart funding obligations.

‘The project is of top priority for the administration, and that is why the administration has already paid 30 per cent of the counterpart funding,’ she noted.

She expressed satisfaction with the quality of work already executed and praised the road construction technology being deployed on the project.

‘The members of the credit committees said that this technology is very good and already experienced on the Lagos-Calabar project, and the road lifespan will be at least 50 years,’ she added.

Members of the EBID delegation included Mathieu Anno, Head of Environment and Sustainability Unit; Onimisi Aliyu, Financial Analyst; Blaghe Dougah, Head of ESG Department at Sky Capital Europe; and Sheka Humphrey of Influence International, the project contractor.

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, is set to make history as the first Nigerian trade union leader to receive the prestigious Arthur Svensson International Award.

The award, which will be presented on June 10 in Oslo, Norway, recognises individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment, courage and leadership in the defence of workers’ rights and trade union freedoms.

Established in memory of renowned Norwegian trade unionist Arthur Svensson (1938-2003), the award is presented every two years to labour leaders and organisations that have made significant contributions to advancing workers’ welfare, particularly in difficult and challenging environments.

Ajaero’s selection places him among a distinguished group of labour activists from different parts of the world who have been honoured for their advocacy, resilience and commitment to social justice.

Labour leaders and activists have described the recognition as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s labour movement and an acknowledgement of the struggles and sacrifices made by workers across the country.

Before emerging as NLC president, Ajaero served as General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), where he played a prominent role in labour negotiations during the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector and championed workers’ rights within the industry.

Since assuming leadership of the NLC, he has remained a leading voice on issues affecting Nigerian workers, including wages, economic reforms, labour rights and social welfare.

Supporters say the award reflects his years of advocacy and commitment to defending workers’ interests despite numerous challenges associated with labour activism.

The Arthur Svensson International Award has previously been conferred on labour leaders and organisations from countries such as Colombia, Myanmar, Turkey and Belarus, where trade union movements have often operated under difficult conditions.

Ajaero’s recognition is expected to further strengthen the profile of Nigeria’s labour movement on the global stage while drawing international attention to the concerns and aspirations of Nigerian workers.

The award ceremony, scheduled to take place in Oslo, will bring together labour leaders, activists and representatives of international trade union organisations from across the world.

For many within the labour movement, Ajaero’s emergence as the first Nigerian trade union leader to receive the honour represents a significant milestone and a moment of pride for workers throughout the country.

Across Nigeria, customised number plates have become a growing status symbol among business owners, politicians, celebrities, and luxury car enthusiasts. It is no longer unusual to see vehicles carrying personalised plate numbers with names, initials, company brands, or unique letter combinations that stand out immediately on the road.

For many vehicle owners, these plates offer a sense of identity and exclusivity. Others see them as a prestige item that reflects social status. But as interest continues to rise, one question keeps coming up: what is the actual cost for customised number plates Nigeria 2026?

What are customised number plates?

Customised number plates, often called fancy or personalized plates, allow vehicle owners to request a unique registration combination instead of accepting the standard number plate assigned during vehicle registration.

Meanwhile, these plates are issued through government-approved vehicle registration channels and remain subject to regulatory approval. Vehicle owners cannot simply create any combination they want. Requests must comply with registration rules and security requirements.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) oversees vehicle registration systems through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme.

How much do customised number plates cost in Nigeria in 2026?

Recent pricing approved under Nigeria’s vehicle registration framework shows that fancy private vehicle number plates now attract significantly higher fees than standard plates.

According to fee schedules published by The Nigerian Observer, following the Joint Tax Board (JTB), the top coordinating body for tax authorities across Nigeria has hiked the cost of vehicle number plates and driver’s licences across the country. So, a standard private vehicle number plate costs about N30,000, while a fancy customised number plate costs around N400,000.

Also, other categories and their prices include; standard private vehicle plate at the rate of N30,000, dealer plate cost N100,000, while out-of-series plate cost N150,000, and fancy customized plate cost N400,000.

Why people pay so much for plate numbers

The popularity of customised plates goes beyond transportation. Many Nigerians choose personalized plates because they promote business brands, display family names, increase vehicle uniqueness, create social recognition, and reflect personal identity.

For luxury vehicle owners, a customised plate often becomes part of the vehicle’s overall image. Because in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, personalized plates have become increasingly common among owners of high-end vehicles.

How to apply for a customised plate

The application process is handled through approved vehicle registration authorities.

Generally, applicants are expected to submit a request through the relevant licensing authority, provide vehicle ownership documents, select preferred plate combinations, pay the approved government fees,and then await approval and production.

Although the requested combination may be rejected if it conflicts with existing registrations, security regulations, or approved naming standards.

The FRSC advises motorists to use authorised registration channels and official vehicle identification platforms.

Things vehicle owners should know

As a vehicle owner, before applying, it is important to understand that a customised plate does not exempt motorists from normal vehicle registration requirements.

Vehicle particulars, roadworthiness obligations, insurance requirements, and ownership records must still remain valid.

The FRSC has also warned against fake, altered, or unauthorised number plates and its vendors.

Enforcement operations across Nigeria have targeted vehicles carrying illegal registration plates because of security concerns and vehicle identification challenges.

Is it worth the cost?

Whether a customised plate is worth N400,000 depends on the vehicle owner’s priorities.

As for some Nigerians, the appeal lies in exclusivity and branding. And for others, spending hundreds of thousands of naira on a number plate may seem unnecessary, especially when a standard registration plate performs the same legal function.

Whereas, demand continues to grow despite rising registration costs.

The cost of customised number plates in Nigeria 2026 is considerably higher than standard vehicle registration fees, with fancy plates now costing about N400,000 under current pricing structures. While personalized plates remain a luxury option rather than a necessity, they continue to attract motorists looking for uniqueness and visibility on Nigerian roads.

Before applying, vehicle owners should verify current fees through official registration channels and ensure they follow FRSC-approved procedures to avoid complications.

Hon. Bitrus Kaze was a two-term member of the House of Representatives. In an interview with the North-Central Bureau Chief, ISAAC SHOBAYO, he speaks on the recently concluded primary election across political parties, defection on the floor of National Assembly, state of opposition parties, among other issues: Excerpts:

What is your take on the controversies trailing the primary elections held by various political parties in the country?

That of the APC is more pronounced. Literally, the APC’s issues are more visible because it is the party in power. A lot has happened in Nigeria’s political landscape that has led many politicians to move into the APC. Therefore, the APC has become like a home for many politicians. When the APC coughs, Nigeria catches a cold. That is why its problems are more pronounced. If the APC is witnessing a lot of struggles simply because it is in power, then one begins to wonder what is happening with the opposition parties. Take the PDP, for example.

It has been in Nigeria’s political landscape longer than the APC. Why has it not been able to gather itself together and provide credible opposition?

The truth is that the way the APC emerged and the way our political situation evolved today is partly because the PDP failed to manage its success well. Even as an opposition party, it has not conducted itself any better. The very atrocities that people are now complaining about in other political parties, with utmost respect, I think began in the PDP and have spread like an infectious disease.

As the party in power, it is usually assumed that the APC should set the standard for others to follow, the primary elections across the nation have revealed the division within the party. What is your feeling concerning this?

In fact, I understand and accept that there are complaints here and there concerning what happened during the APC primaries.

I can even tell you that from my own constituency in Jos, where I come from, there are definitely genuine complaints. But as I said earlier, the APC’s issues are more pronounced because it is the ruling party. It has many prominent politicians within its ranks.

Naturally, whatever happens there will be heard more widely, known more broadly, and exposed more than what happens in other parties. However, if the APC, which is in government, is struggling with these problems, the natural expectation is that opposition parties should be more decent, more orderly, and more democratic. Let me put it this way: opposition parties should conduct themselves in a manner that attracts people, even those leaving the APC, because they would have demonstrated a better understanding of how to manage political success and internal democracy.

As things stand today, with utmost respect, I have admitted that there are complaints within the APC. But I do not know whether the complaints within the APC are on the same scale as those in the opposition parties, or perhaps even less severe. After all, the opposition is where politicians who may wish to leave the APC should find solace. But the opposition parties, especially the PDP, have for a long time been unable to hold themselves together. And if you cannot hold yourself together as an opposition party, how can you provide a credible alternative? That is the situation. Yes, the APC has problems, but unfortunately, I think the problems within the opposition parties are even worse.

How do you view democracy in the light of the crises rocking the opposition parties, is Nigeria moving towards a one-party state?

Democracy does not function solely because of those who are already in leadership positions. Those aspiring to leadership must also conduct themselves in a way that earns the confidence of the people. They must be able to provide alternatives that attract attention, inspire confidence, and convince people that they are capable of governing. Unfortunately, whether in the APC, the ADC, the PDP, or any other party, there are hardly any completely new players in Nigerian politics. The people who crippled the PDP are spread across other parties. Some have joined the APC. Likewise, some of those who contributed to the challenges within the APC were among those who formed it and helped bring it to power. They did not manage success well. And because they do not have a strong track record of managing political systems effectively, the problems they created tend to follow them wherever they go.

So, ensuring that Nigeria operates as a true multi-party democracy is not solely the responsibility of the ruling party. It is also the responsibility of Nigerians, political actors across all parties, and citizens who must ask valid questions of their leaders. One thing I have observed in this country is that we rarely pay attention to the internal workings of political parties. The courts have repeatedly held that internal party affairs remain internal matters over which they generally have limited jurisdiction. However, we cannot ignore the fact that whatever happens inside political parties eventually affects governance and the country as a whole. Therefore, Nigerians ought to be concerned about internal democracy in all parties, not just the APC. Not all of us are politicians. Not all of us belong to political parties. But civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, associations, and religious bodies all have roles to play in advocating for internal democracy within political parties. If the APC is making mistakes, and if the PDP made mistakes while in power, then someone else should rise, put their house in order, and provide a credible alternative. To the extent that there is no credible alternative, you cannot entirely blame the party that everyone seems to be running to because it appears to be the only available platform.

The presidential election in 2027 may be a repeat of the 2023 one in terms of major candidates, does this imply that there are no alternatives to these political figures?

It could suggest that we are not moving forward. It could suggest that there is insufficient political renewal in Nigeria.

But more importantly, it could simply reflect the desperation of some political gladiators. It may be that certain political actors want power at all costs.

With utmost respect, my brother, what is Atiku still running for president for in this country?

Is there nobody he has mentored or groomed to take over from him? Is there nobody who can carry on after him? At some point, one must step aside and allow younger people to emerge. As for Peter Obi, I was sympathetic to the Obidient movement, especially during the 2023 election. If I were an Obidient, I would ask myself this question: considering the experience President Tinubu has, considering that he is a veteran in Nigeria’s political terrain, will it be feasible to take down such an experienced politician in the middle of his first tenure? If I were Peter Obi, I would have approached that question differently rather than moving from one political party to another. Unfortunately, it sends a message of weak political tact. It creates the impression that he is desperate to become president by any means necessary and through any political platform available. It also suggests that he may not fully understand what it takes to unseat an experienced president like Tinubu, who, more than possibly any other president, enjoys the support of a significant number of state governors. He has about 30 governors with him in the APC. Taking down such a person cannot be that easy.

As for Atiku, I have said before that he has expired politically. He should have groomed someone to take over from him, even if it were his son. As for the other aspirants emerging, some may simply be adding to the numbers for now. I do not think they are ready.

What is your assessment of political parties in Nigeria at the moment?

Having only one viable political party is not solely the making of that party. It is also a reflection of the inability of other parties to provide a credible alternative. It is a function of the entire political system. Look at what has happened in the PDP. Look at what is happening in the ADC. How can it be that, knowing fully well you are no longer in government, you still cannot provide fairness internally?

How is it that you are unable to provide internal democracy, one so attractive that it could encourage people to leave the ruling party and join you? Instead, they are busy fighting one another. They are busy destroying one another.

Naturally, those in the ruling party look at that alternative and see an even worse option.

Is that not another way of one-party state in disguise?

It cannot work anywhere in the world for a country like Nigeria to effectively operate as a one-party state. But a one-party reality is not just the fault of the party in power. It is a function of all political parties. It is a function of political stakeholders and citizens alike.

STAKEHOLDERS of Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State have defended the ongoing selection process for the Alara of Aramoko stool, describing it as credible, transparent and in line with the town’s chieftaincy declaration.

The stakeholders, in a statement by Princes Adeolu Adediran, Adeniyi Samuel and Olusola Adeniyi, maintained that the exercise was conducted in strict compliance with the registered Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration, and under the supervision of relevant government officials and community leaders.

Reacting to a publication calling on the Ekiti government to restart the selection process, the princes described the demand as misleading and unfounded.

The princes argued that it was based on falsehoods, misrepresentations and allegations capable of causing unnecessary tension in the community.

They stated that the process was conducted in strict compliance with the established chieftaincy guidelines governing the selection of the traditional ruler.

They listed the officials present during the exercise to include the state commissioner for chieftaincy affairs, the permanent secretary and director in the ministry, and the secretary of the Ekiti West Local Government Traditional Council.

Others are the representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim community, as well as officials of the Aramoko Development Association (ADA).

They dismissed allegations of irregularities surrounding the Ifa consultation conducted during the selection process, stating that a renowned Ifa priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, was invited by the kingmakers, and not by any contestant.

They said the divination was carried out in the presence of stakeholders, government officials and observers, adding that the proceedings were recorded on video and could be used to verify the transparency of the exercise.

The princes noted that all eligible princes from the Olokun Ruling House were given equal opportunity to participate in the selection process and that the screening stage was a standard requirement aimed at ensuring only qualified candidates advanced.

‘We, the people of Aramoko-Ekiti are peaceful and law-abiding, and we are appealing to the government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to disregard the faceless individuals and conclude the process promptly so that Aramoko can have a traditional ruler,’ they said.

Also, in the statement, the Ogboni of Aramoko-Ekiti, Chief Adebayo Oyewole, said he was misrepresented in the report and did not allege any irregularity in the process.

He said that the traditional chief affirmed that the exercise was conducted without irregularities and expressed concern over what he described as a misrepresentation of his views.

He alleged that opposition to the process was being driven by dissatisfied aspirants and individuals seeking to create division within the community.

‘This is the work of a desperate aspirant and fifth columnists who imported unknown persons with no stake in Aramoko to create division and tension. The Alara stool is not anyone’s personal property but a sacred and revered stool in Yoruba land,’ Oyewole said.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Young Adults and Youth Affairs (YAYA) has announced, at a press conference in Lagos, the second edition of its Mega Music Festival (MMF 2.0).

Themed ‘A New Season’, the festival is scheduled for June 12 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, in what is tagged ‘A night of praise, worship, and prayers’.

The General Overseer (GO) of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, is expected to minister at the event. Other expected ministers include Pastor Johnson Odesola and Pastor J. T. Kalejaiye.

Gospel ministers, including Nathaniel Bassey, Duers Oyekan, Yinka Alaseyori and Bidemi Olaoba, are expected to feature as well.

The special assistant to the general overseer (Youth Affairs) of RCCG, Pastor Sola Olukoya, disclosed that transportation would be provided for people in Lagos and Ogun states, adding that adequate security, traffic management, and medical services would also be arranged.

Pastor Olukoya described the gathering as a divine appointment designed to bring believers together in prayers, worship, prophetic declarations, and thanksgiving to God.

‘We are gathering thousands of believers from across Nigeria and beyond to lift one sound of worship before God and declare the beginning of a new season over our lives, our families, Lagos State and Nigeria as a nation,’ he said.

Pastor Olukoya stated that the theme was inspired by biblical accounts demonstrating the power of praise and worship in bringing divine intervention, citing the stories of King Jehoshaphat and Paul and Silas.

The pastor noted that the church believes that Nigeria is entering a season of restoration, economic recovery, security, innovation, and national transformation, which he said is worth celebrating with faith.

Beyond worship, the event will also serve as the launch platform for the RCCG Young Adult and Youth Tech Fellowship, an initiative of RCCG Young Adults and Youth Affairs in collaboration with Reach4Christ.

Olukoya disclosed that the fellowship aims to equip more than 100,000 young people with practical digital and technology skills through a four-month intensive training programme.

According to him, participants will receive training in data analysis and visualisation, product development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development, digital innovation, and other emerging technology fields.

‘The future belongs to those who are prepared. Our mission is to equip young people spiritually, mentally, and professionally, enabling them to access global opportunities, build enterprises and contribute meaningfully to national development,’ he said.

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has commenced efforts to resolve internal disagreements in Kano State following a meeting with representatives of the Kwankwasiya movement, as the party reiterated its commitment to internal democracy and transparent candidate selection processes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, a delegation of the Kwankwasiya movement met behind closed doors with the National Leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, and other party leaders.

According to the statement, the meeting was convened to address issues between the Kwankwasiya movement and legacy officials of the party in Kano State.

The party said the intervention by its national leadership was aimed at promoting unity, inclusion and broader participation among members ahead of the conclusion of its internal electoral processes.

‘The closed-door meeting was aimed at resolving the issues between the Kwankwasiya movement and the legacy officials of NDC in Kano State,’ the statement said.

It added that Senator Dickson and the party leadership were actively mediating in the process to ensure that all stakeholders were carried along in the affairs of the party.

The NDC stressed that it would not impose candidates in Kano State or any other part of the country, maintaining that its leadership remained committed to the principles of internal democracy.

According to the party, the ongoing consultations are intended to foster consensus and strengthen confidence among members as preparations continue for future electoral contests.

The statement described the meeting as productive, noting that discussions lasted several hours and focused on finding common ground among the concerned parties.

‘The NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State, and indeed across the nation, as the party cherishes the virtues of internal democracy,’ it stated.

The development comes amid reports and speculations surrounding the outcome of the party’s primary elections in some states.

However, the NDC dismissed the authenticity of lists purportedly containing results of its primaries, saying no official results had been released by the party.

‘The NDC has not released any official results of its primary elections in any state. Hence, the public and party members are urged to disregard any such list in circulation,’ the statement added.

Party officials said the clarification became necessary to prevent misinformation and reassure members that the leadership would follow due process in announcing the outcomes of its internal electoral exercises.

The party expressed confidence that ongoing consultations and reconciliation efforts would strengthen unity among members and further consolidate its commitment to democratic principles and inclusive participation.

National Coordinator of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, has expressed grave concern over the controversy trailing the breach of data at the disposal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by an Aide to the FCT Minister.

Comrade Charanchi, who spoke during an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune, also frowned at the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the 30 May 2026 deadline issued to political parties on the conduct of party primaries.

He said, ‘We are conversant with the controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s insistence that political parties must comply with its May 30 deadline for primaries.

But first, as law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in the democratic process, we believe that once a court of law has delivered a judgement, such judgement deserves respect and compliance pending the outcome of any appeal. It is up to parties in the case to challenge the ruling at a higher court.

‘But this issue once again exposes the deep flaws and contradictions deliberately embedded in the Electoral Act by lawmakers whose primary concern has never been the protection of democracy but the manipulation of political processes for selfish interests.

‘It is disgraceful that the National Assembly continues to produce vague and crisis-prone electoral provisions that repeatedly drag us into avoidable legal confusion ahead of every election cycle.

‘It’s also sad that the Tinubu-led administration appears comfortable backing INEC’s increasingly controversial positions instead of reassuring Nigerians about neutrality, fairness and its independence. Democracy cannot thrive if INEC becomes an extension of the ruling party rather than a neutral arbiter of the people’s mandate,’ Comrade Charanchi said.

While expressing concern over recurring controversies trailing the Commission’s integrity, Comrade Charanchi lamented the erosion of public confidence in the Commission.

Worried by the development, he urged the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to resign, stressing that his neutrality is openly questioned by large sections of the population.

He said, ‘On the issue of INEC itself, we must state clearly and without ambiguity that public confidence in the commission and its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has waned almost completely. Across Nigeria, among civil society groups, observers, stakeholders and ordinary citizens, there is now a widespread perception that the current leadership of INEC has become overtly partisan and incapable of serving as a neutral umpire.

‘INEC conducts many recent happenings in the electoral processes; the inconsistencies in policy decisions, the poor management of public expectations and the controversial breach of data at its disposal, allegedly by an Aide to the FCT Minister, have severely damaged the credibility of the institution. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that inspires trust, not suspicion.

‘If Prof. Amupitan still has any remnant of integrity and commitment to democratic credibility, he should honourably vacate his position. The office of the INEC Chairman is too sensitive to be occupied by someone whose neutrality is openly questioned by large sections of the population.

Democracy survives on public confidence. Once citizens lose faith in the electoral referee, the entire democratic process becomes endangered,’ Comrade Charanchi stressed.

While calling for the restoration of confidence in INEC and the breach of data in the electoral system, the CNG leader maintained that Nigerians ‘cannot continue approaching every election cycle under clouds of distrust, controversy and avoidable legal disputes.

‘The future of our democracy depends on rebuilding credibility, transparency and public confidence in the institutions responsible for managing elections by people of the highest integrity, which Amupitan is lacking,’ he noted.