Category: PM News

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise the Delta State House of Assembly’s declaration of Hon. Collins Egbetanah’s seat vacant.

Egbetanah, who represents Udu Constituency in the Assembly, had his seat declared vacant after he defected from the All Progressives Congress to the NDC.

But the NDC, in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the Assembly’s action as unconstitutional and an attack on Egbetanah’s right to freedom of association.

The party said INEC must not act on the declaration because the matter would be challenged through the legal process.

According to the NDC, Egbetanah was elected into the Delta State House of Assembly on the platform of the APC and initially served as a minority lawmaker.

The party said the political situation later changed after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several members of the Peoples Democratic Party defected to the APC.

It alleged that following those defections, Egbetanah became politically isolated and was denied salaries and other entitlements for several months.

The NDC said Egbetanah eventually resigned from the APC and joined the party on April 30, 2026, before the Assembly moved to declare his seat vacant.

The party rejected the decision, insisting that Egbetanah should be allowed to continue representing the people of Udu Constituency until the court determines the matter.

It urged INEC to ignore the Assembly’s declaration and avoid taking any action that could validate what it called an unlawful move.

The NDC also reaffirmed its readiness to seek legal remedy, saying it would not allow the mandate of Udu Constituency to be taken away through what it described as an unconstitutional process.

The Delta State House of Assembly has not publicly responded to the NDC’s latest statement.

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure that no region is left behind in the quest for a more developed and secured Nigeria.

Tinubu gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the Transitway N2, from Central Business District to Wuse District, with two bridges, constructed by the FCT Administration.

The President therefore promised to replicate the infrastructural stride being recorded in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in every part of the country.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said that the move would ensure every part of the country is developed with roads, bridges, railways, and more.

The President noted that the Transitway project symbolised progress and a reflection of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, committed to building infrastructure that serves the people, unlocks economic potentials, and supports sustainable growth and development.

‘This infrastructure is a very important piece of the FCT’s Master Plan, designed to ease traffic flow, enhance connectivity, and improve urban mobility for millions of commuters, residents, and businesses alike in the territory.

‘For years, traveling between Wuse and the Central Area meant navigating bottlenecks, losing productive man-hours, and enduring frustrating traffic gridlocks. Today, all that has changed.

‘By cutting down travel times and bridging these two major districts, we are opening up new commercial corridors,’ he said.

The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for the ongoing transformation of FCT in line with the Abuja Master Plan.

‘You have contributed to something larger than a roadway; you have contributed to the future of our capital city and therefore given pride to Nigeria,’ Tinubu said.

In his remarks, Wike described the Transitway as a critical road corridor that seamlessly connects Wuse with the Central Business District.

The minister attributed the successes being recorded in the delivery of infrastructure in FCT to the overwhelming support of Tinubu, particularly the removal of the Administration from the Treasury Single Account.

The minister said that on July 17, the last day of the projects’ inauguration, he would present what Tinubu had done for the people of the FCT and for Nigerians in the last three years.

‘There are so many things Mr president has done that we have not made public so that Nigerians will know why we must continue to pray and support him,’ he said.

He assured FCT residents that all roads that were not on the Google map would be captured to enable residents to navigate through the city with ease.

On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud said that the newly completed corridor was a strategic investment in connectivity, economic growth and urban efficiency.

Mahmoud added that the road corridor also represents another fulfilled promise in the FCTA’s resolve to build a modern and inclusive capital city.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the project, the first major realisation of the construction of Transitways in Abuja city was awarded in October 2025.

Dauda described the Transitway as a mixed traffic corridor designed to carry both vehicular and rail traffic through the city and particularly connecting the sector centers.

‘The corridor is designed to support integrated mass transit infrastructure, including light rail in the median and dual carriage roads on each side of the rail to inter-modal terminals at intervals.

‘It is part of the larger mass transit system, which aims to connect the city center with other districts and satellite towns through the inner and outer transit loops,’ he said.

He added that the Transitway in the Abuja Master Plan was designed as a continuous transport corridor that radiates from the transportation centres located in the Central Area, runs through districts like Garki and Wuse in Phase I of the city.

He said that the corridor also runs through the four phases of the city, dissecting sector centres on both the northern and southern development corridors.

‘The road, if fully developed would cover about 52 kilometres (km) on the northern flank and 64km on the southern flank,’ he added.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has been hit by a fresh legal blow after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered one of its national officers, Nkemakolam Ukandu, to pay N100 million for filing a suit against two judges.

The order came as the ADC and four other political parties return to the Court of Appeal in Abuja today to continue their battle against a judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister them.

Ukandu, who is the National Welfare Secretary of the ADC, was ordered to pay N50 million each to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu.

Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order following an oral application by counsel to the two judges, J. U. K. Igwe.

The court also struck out Ukandu’s suit for lack of diligent prosecution after neither he nor his lawyer appeared in court when the case was called on Monday.

The court held that the N100 million cost must be paid within 14 days.

Ukandu had dragged the two judges before the court, accusing them of bias and disobedience of a Supreme Court directive in relation to the leadership crisis rocking the ADC.

He also listed the National Judicial Council, NJC, as a defendant in the suit.

In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1165/2026, the ADC chieftain asked the court to compel the NJC to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of judicial powers and bias against the two judges.

He specifically challenged the reassignment of the suit questioning the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC from Justice Emeka Nwite to Justice Lifu.

But when the matter came up, the plaintiff and his counsel were absent, prompting the court to strike out the case and award punitive costs.

The development comes as the ADC faces another major test at the Court of Appeal, where it is seeking to overturn the Federal High Court judgment that ordered INEC to deregister it and four other parties.

The other parties are the Action Peoples Party, APP; Action Alliance, AA; Accord Party, AP; and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP.

A three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, is expected to hear the substantive appeals today.

The Court of Appeal had earlier ordered a stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment, which barred INEC from recognising the five parties or accepting candidates from them for future elections, including the 2027 general elections.

The trial court had held that the parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements for continued registration as political parties.

The case was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, NFFL, which argued that the affected parties failed to meet the performance benchmark set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The plaintiffs said the parties failed to secure the required percentage of votes in a presidential election or win at least one elective seat at the national, state or local government level.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also supported the plaintiffs’ position before the trial court.

However, the affected parties and INEC have asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment.

The appellate court had also criticised Justice Lifu for going ahead to deliver judgment despite an earlier order directing him to stay proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal.

The court described the action as ‘judicial impertinence,’ citing previous Supreme Court warnings against conduct considered to amount to judicial rascality.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu moved forward with plans to establish police bill on Tuesday with the inauguration of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill.

The Committee which is tasked with the task of preparing the legal framework for the implementation of state police across the country was inaugurated at the Presidential Villa, Abuja by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on behalf of President Tinubu.

The inauguration of the working group, according to Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson of President Tinubu followed the National Assembly’s passage of the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026.

The President had in the executive bill proposed a dual policing structure comprising the Federal Police Service and 36 State Police Services.

Speaking while inaugurating the working group on Tuesday, Tinubu noted that while the constitutional amendment creates the framework for state police, the National Policing Bill would provide the legal structure for its implementation.

‘The Constitution Amendment Bill establishes the framework for dual policing, but it does not operationalise it. That work is left to the National Policing Bill.’

He said the proposed legislation would address issues necessary for a smooth operationalisation of the State Police system.

‘The proposed National Policing Bill will include provisions on minimum policing standards, state readiness certification, federal-state coordination, accountability, human rights safeguards and fiscal conditions.’

The President said that the committee will produce an implementation-ready draft bill immediately after the constitutional amendment process.

‘The Working Group has been constituted to produce a technically robust, implementation-ready draft National Policing Bill for transmission to the National Assembly,’ Tinubu said.

He said the committee was necessary to avoid delays after the State Police bill passed.

‘We must not wait until the constitutional process is concluded before beginning this important assignment,’ he said.

According to the statement by Onanuga, Gbajabiamila will serve as the committee’s chairman of the National Working Group.

Other members are the Attorney-General of the Federation, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the NGF Committee on State Police. A Secretariat will offer some administrative assistance to the committee.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on behalf of the NGF, pledged governors’ support for the speedy implementation of the reform.

He said the plan is for the 36 state governors to accelerate work on the bill once it reaches their respective Houses of Assembly and is passed unanimously.

Abiodun described the proposed state police as a response to Nigerians’ long-standing demand for community-based policing.

‘This bill has answered the cries of Nigerians about cascading policing and removing it from the Exclusive Legislative List.’

He said the initiative validated the success of regional security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West.

Abiodun said the state police would significantly increase the number of security personnel nationwide.

‘If each state deploys about 6,000 personnel, we will add nearly 200,000 officers to complement the existing federal police.’

The Governor commended President Tinubu for initiating implementation plans before the constitutional amendment process was completed.

‘This inauguration demonstrates the proactiveness of the Executive in preparing for effective implementation,’ Abiodun said.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, described the initiative as timely in view of Nigeria’s security challenges.

‘There is no denying the fact that we are in a critical moment security-wise, and all hands must be on deck,’ he said.

Fagbemi urged governors to ensure speedy ratification of the constitutional amendment by their respective state assemblies.

‘I appeal to the governors to do their utmost to ensure the early passage of the constitutional amendment because this is a shared responsibility,’ he said.

President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Afam Osigwe, reaffirmed the association’s support for the state police initiative.

‘Nigeria can hardly be effectively policed by one national police. We fully support the constitutional amendment providing for state police,’ he said.

Osigwe, however, stressed the need for adequate legal safeguards to prevent abuse of state police.

‘We must ensure we do not create a monster. The right legal framework must guarantee accountability and prevent oppression,’ he said.

He pledged the NBA’s commitment to supporting the committee in producing legislation that will strengthen security while protecting citizens’ rights.

Also present at the inauguration were the Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice of Plateau, Lagos and Ondo States, the representatives of the Inspector General and the National Security Adviser and senior government officials.

The Kano State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has been thrown into a fresh leadership crisis after its state chairman, Musa Ungogo, rejected claims that the party’s executive committee had been dissolved.

Ungogo dismissed the reported dissolution as false and unconstitutional, insisting that no such decision had been communicated to the Kano leadership by the party’s national body.

He spoke on Monday while reacting to an earlier press conference addressed in Kano by the ADC Deputy National Chairman, North-West, Hajiya Najaatu Mohammed.

Najaatu had announced the dissolution of the Kano State executive and the setting up of a caretaker committee headed by Alhaji Umar Bala.

But Ungogo said the announcement had no constitutional backing and questioned why Kano was being singled out.

‘There is no truth in the claim that the Kano State executive has been dissolved. No such decision has been communicated to us by the party’s national leadership,’ he said.

He argued that if the ADC intended to dissolve state executives, the decision would not be limited to Kano alone.

‘There is no similar action taken in any other state. So why Kano? The claim is unfounded and does not follow the party’s constitutional procedures,’ Ungogo added.

The Kano chairman maintained that the existing state executive remained the authentic leadership of the party and would continue to perform its duties until a lawful directive was issued by the appropriate organs of the ADC.

Najaatu, however, had earlier said the dissolution was carried out in line with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act and the need to preserve unity, continuity and constitutional integrity in the Kano chapter.

She said the national leadership had appointed Alhaji Umar Bala as chairman of the caretaker committee, with Isma’il Musa as secretary.

Najaatu also urged party members in Kano to support the transitional arrangement, saying the move should not be seen as a judgment on the loyalty or contributions of members who had worked for the party in the state.

The conflicting positions have now thrown the Kano ADC into uncertainty, with the state executive and the newly announced caretaker committee both laying claim to the party’s leadership structure.

The Lagos State Government has strengthened its emergency response capacity with the addition of 11 new fire stations, the deployment of 62 modern firefighting vehicles, the reconstruction of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, and the recruitment of 150 firefighters currently undergoing training at the upgraded Fire Academy.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Monday at the opening of the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference 3.0, themed ‘Preventing the Preventable: Strengthening Fire Safety in Buildings and Business Hubs,’ held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.

Represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the governor also revealed that the state’s emergency responders saved an estimated ?118 billion worth of property and rescued more than 1,900 lives in 2025.

Sanwo-Olu said the government would continue to strengthen emergency response through sustained investment in personnel, equipment and technology, while placing greater emphasis on prevention, enforcement, public education and strategic partnerships.

According to him, Lagos has intensified enforcement of fire safety regulations through stricter inspections and implementation of the Fire Safety Levy, stressing that compliance must go beyond obtaining certificates to ensuring that safety equipment and systems remain fully functional.

The governor said the interventions have increased the number of fire stations in the state to 29, with additional stations under construction in Yaba, Ikotun and Oworonshoki.

He also highlighted the introduction of the Fire Marshal Programme, designed to train volunteers in homes, schools, markets, offices, worship centres and factories to identify fire risks early, coordinate evacuations and support emergency responders before incidents escalate.

Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Olawale Rauf Age-Suleiman, described safety as a shared responsibility and urged participants to develop practical solutions capable of reducing fire disasters across the state.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, said the conference was aimed at shifting attention from emergency response to fire prevention through innovation, lessons from previous incidents and improved risk management.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service saved properties valued at more than ?11 billion within the last year, attributing the achievement to sustained government investment in emergency response, fire prevention, public awareness and modern rescue operations.

Chief Executive Officer of Sadeco, Mr. Vincent Effiong, called for greater collaboration, technological innovation and community participation to improve fire detection, emergency preparedness and coordinated response.

In a presentation titled ‘Case Studies and Lessons Learned: Lagos Fire Incident Statistics Trends and Corrective Actions – Sanwo-Olu’s 7-Year Scorecards,’ Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, praised the Sanwo-Olu administration for transforming the agency through sustained investment in infrastructure, equipment, manpower development and operational efficiency since 2019.

The Federal Government will on Wednesday receive another batch of 270 Nigerians returning from South Africa under its ongoing voluntary evacuation programme.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Monday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, an Air Peace aircraft deployed for the evacuation will depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 3:30pm.

The aircraft is expected to leave Johannesburg for Lagos at midnight with the 270 returnees.

The flight is scheduled to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by 5:00am on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

‘In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the AirPeace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July, 2026 for Johannesburg, South Africa at 3.30pm,’ the statement said.

‘The aircraft will depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees at 12.00 midnight, and the estimated time of arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos is 5.00am on Wednesday, 8 July, 2026, all things being equal.’

The expected arrival is the fourth evacuation flight under the Federal Government’s programme for Nigerians voluntarily returning from South Africa.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (FCNS), has highlighted Nigeria’s progress in artificial intelligence, digital goverce and cybersecurity, while expressing optimism about the country’s position within Africa’s growing digital landscape.

Speaking at the T and A Legal AI Summit 2026, themed ‘The AI Conversation- Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria: Balancing Regulation and Innovation’ in Victoria Island, Lagos, the senator said Nigeria had made significant strides in policy development, legislation and digital innovation over the years.

The senator explained that AI legislation should introduce regulatory sandboxes, a risk-based approach to AI classification, accountability mechanisms and appropriate safegaurds that promote responsible innovation while protecting the public interest.

‘African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, I have seen firsthand the progress being made across the continent. My conclusion remains unchanged: Nigeria is ahead in several critical areas of AI policy, innovation, and digital goverce, Salisu said.’

Salisu, who reflected on his more than four decades of experience in technology, recounted how he began his journey after gaining admission to study Computer Science in 1982, at a time when the discipline was still relatively unfamiliar to many Nigerians.

‘In 1982, I gained admission to study Computer Science at a time when very few people understood what the discipline truly entailed. In fact, I knew very little about it myself. Like many science students then, I was expected to study Medicine, but I wanted to chart a different course. Looking through the university brochure, I noticed that Computer Science required some of the most challenging science subjects. That alone convinced me it was a path worth pursuing.’

He said his career later expanded across the banking sector, public service and technology development, with professional engagements in Nigeria and abroad.

The senator noted that the technology sector has experienced several changes over the years, from earlier programming systems to more advanced digital processes, adding that recen technological developments continue to reshape industries and institutions globally.

Salisu highlighted some projects he had been involved in, including the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which introduced reforms in tertiary institution admissions, as well as the Lagos State Geographic Information System and other digital initiatives.

He also pointed to changes within Nigeria’s higher education system, noting that universities have expanded their technology-related academic programmes to include specialised fields such as Cybersecurity, Software Engineering and other emerging disciplines.

According to him, Nigeria has continued to strengthen its position through digital policy initiatives and institutional reforms.

He cited the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), established in 2023, as one of the regulatory structures aimed at improving data goverce and strengthening privacy protection.

The senator also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to update Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework through amendments to existing legislation in line with emerging global realities.

According to him, the proposed legislation is designed to provide a legal framework for digital transformation, encouragepartner innovation and improve goverce structures.

On digital goverce, Salisu announced that the National Digital Economy and e-Goverce Bill had completed legislative processes in the Senate and is expected to receive presidential assent.

Earlier, the co-founder and partner at T and A Legal, Seyi Adisa, highlighted the economic opportunities that AI presents for Nigeria, projecting that artificial intelligence could contribute approximately $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030.’The projection remains achievable if Nigeria continues to build on its strengths in creative industries, digital services and technology-enabled sectors.

Speaking further, Adisa noted that if the federal government continues to diversify the economy beyond oil, AI could play a significant role in accelerating growth across multiple sectors.

‘Artificial intelligence presents Nigeria with a defining opportunity to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation. Our responsibility is to build a regulatory framework that protects citizens, promotes trust and innovation, and positions Nigeria as Africa’s leader in responsible AI goverce.

The summit brought together policymakers, technology professionals, legal practitioners, academics and business leaders to discuss emerging trends, opportunities and regulatory issues shaping the digital economy in Nigeria and across Africa.

Nollywood actor Rykardo Agbor has opened up parenthood, revealing that he waited to become a parent for 18 years before finally having twins.

While speaking AfricanAList, the actor explained that despite enduring a long period of childlessness, he remained patient and faithful.

Rykardo also disclosed that he specifically prayed for twins, revealing that God answered his prayers 14 years ago after a long 18-year wait.

‘I wanted to get married to a particular lady; I have married her regardless of where she is from. She is not from my tribe. So ordinarily, we were supposed to have strife; no, it was very fair. It took 18 years for me to have the twins. And I waited. God knows, 18 years and they are 14 now, so I told God I wanted twins. So while that wait was on, if it were someone else, he would cross. But at the end of the day, I have twins. I have a boy and a girl. I asked God what I wanted,’ he stated.

A youth-based political mobilisation group, Smart Boys Movement Nationwide (SBM), has officially endorsed the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, under the APM, while also declaring support for the party’s candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Sunday during the official inauguration and unveiling of the movement in Ibadan, Oyo State, where youth leaders, political stakeholders, women leaders, grassroots mobilisers and community coordinators gathered to launch what the organisers described as a nationwide platform for youth participation in democratic goverce.

Among those in attendance were Hon. Olaoluwa Akinsola Akinwande, National Youth Coordinator; Hon. (Mrs.) Risikat Oloyede, Director for Women Mobilisation in Oyo State; Comrade Sarafa, Executive Director, Akinyele Local Government; Hon. Bajegbo Oluwakayode Peter (Hon. BOP), Acting National Secretary; and Mrs Omoyemi Olaleye, Women Coordinator for Ibadan North Local Government, among other political and community leaders.

Addressing members during the inauguration, the National Executive Director of the movement, Rotarian Funso Jide Adekunle, popularly known as Honourable Fushi, said the organisation was established to build a formidable youth-driven support structure capable of mobilising millions of Nigerians toward active participation in the country’s democratic process.

‘Our vision is to build a strong grassroots movement that will encourage young Nigerians to become active participants in goverce and national development. We believe the future of Nigeria depends on responsible leadership and meaningful youth involvement in politics,’ he said.

He added that the movement would work across the country to strengthen democratic values through political education, civic engagement and peaceful mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

As part of the resolutions reached during the inauguration, members uimously endorsed Governor Makinde as the movement’s preferred presidential candidate under the APM.

The movement also threw its weight behind APM governorship, senatorial, and other candidates nationwide, including Hon. Abimbola Adekanbi for Oyo State governor, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller for Oyo North Senatorial District, and Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide Odidiomo for Oyo South Senatorial District.

According to the movement, the endorsements were based on what it described as the candidates’ ‘vision, competence, leadership capacity and commitment to promoting good goverce, youth inclusion, economic development and national unity.’

In another major decision, members uimously adopted Makinde as the National Grand Patron of the Smart Boys Movement, citing what they described as his commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.

Similarly, Ambassador Ajadi was adopted as the National Patron of the organisation.

As part of activities marking its official inauguration, leaders and members of the Smart Boys Movement Nationwide paid a courtesy visit to Otunba Seye Famojuro, a prominent political strategist and humanitarian. The visit formed part of the movement’s consultations with influential stakeholders identified with the Omituntun political movement in Oyo State and its broader agenda of youth mobilisation and grassroots participation.

Receiving the delegation, Famojuro, who is widely regarded as one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s closest allies and trusted political confidants, commended the initiative of the movement and encouraged its members to remain committed to peaceful political participation, responsible leadership and community development. The delegation described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with key leaders whose contributions to grassroots politics and goverce continue to inspire young Nigerians.

Explaining the decision, the leadership of the movement said, ‘These appointments reflect our confidence in leaders who have consistently demonstrated commitment to grassroots mobilisation, youth empowerment and inclusive goverce.’

The organisation announced plans to establish functional structures at the national, zonal, state, senatorial district, federal constituency, local government, ward and polling unit levels to coordinate its activities and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hon. Adekunle said the movement would immediately commence nationwide membership registration, leadership training, digital mobilisation, voter education and community engagement programmes.

‘We are not merely building a political support group. We are building a movement that will promote civic responsibility, peaceful democratic participation, leadership development, and service to humanity,’ he stated.

He stressed that the organisation would continue to advocate issue-based politics, accountability, transparency, patriotism, innovation and national unity.

The movement also appealed to Nigerian youths, students, artisans, entrepreneurs, professionals and women to join its campaign for increased grassroots participation in goverce.

‘Our doors are open to every patriotic Nigerian who believes that the future of this country can be transformed through responsible leadership, peaceful participation and collective action,’ Adekunle added.

The inauguration ended with members pledging to support the Allied Peoples Movement through peaceful mobilisation, voter education and sustained grassroots engagement across the country as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

The Smart Boys Movement Nationwide describes itself as a youth-led grassroots organisation dedicated to leadership development, democratic participation, political education, community service and nation-building. Guided by its motto, ‘Smart Thinking, Smart Leadership, Smart Future,’ the organisation says it aims to empower young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.