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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When Africa gathered in Addis Ababa from September 8 to 10, 2025, for the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2), the message was loud and clear: the continent wants climate investment, not climate aid. This second gathering of African leaders, experts, financiers, and activists was not just another diplomatic ritual. It was a defining moment in which Africa sought to reframe its role in the global climate economy-from a victim of climate disasters to an investment frontier rich with opportunities.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed captured the spirit of the summit when he declared: ‘It’s time to replace climate aid with climate investment.’ His words were echoed by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who lamented the persistent failure of wealthy nations to meet long-standing commitments-especially the pledge to double adaptation finance by 2025.

The frustration is justified. Africa contributes less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it shoulders some of the harshest climate impacts: devastating floods, prolonged droughts, creeping desertification, collapsing food systems, and recurring humanitarian crises. In spite of this, the continent attracts only about one per cent of global climate finance. This imbalance is not just unfair; it is unsustainable.

Where was Nigeria in all of this?

Vice President Kashim Shettima had earlier made a symbolic appearance in Addis Ababa in June during Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, where he pledged Nigeria’s readiness to ‘play our part to keep Africa green.’ That was a welcome gesture of solidarity. But when it came to the main stage of ACS-2 itself, Nigeria’s delegation was hardly visible. No major speeches, no prominent leadership roles, and no defining interventions were reported. For a country that has suffered catastrophic floods in the Niger Delta, desertification swallowing up the far north, and millions of internally displaced people struggling to survive climate shocks, this absence was both puzzling and troubling. In climate politics, showing up is as important as planning. Presence and visibility are strategic. By remaining quiet, Nigeria missed a crucial opportunity to influence Africa’s collective position and secure a bigger slice of the emerging climate investment pie.

The Addis summit was not merely a litany of complaints. It was a showcase of solutions and opportunities. Delegates highlighted: Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, especially solar, wind, and hydro; nature-based solutions such as Ethiopia’s tree-planting drive that is restoring degraded lands; Climate-smart agriculture that promises food production stability in the face of erratic rainfall and the push for fairer terms in exploiting critical minerals-like lithium, cobalt, and manganese-that are vital for the global green transition.

Africa presented itself not as a victim, but as a hub of opportunity and innovation. And yet, Nigeria-the continent’s largest economy and most populous nation-failed to project its voice. This is especially ironic given Nigeria’s recent climate policy advances.

Nigeria has validated its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and launched its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1). These documents are not just bureaucratic paperwork; they are meant to enhance our credibility with investors, signalling that Nigeria is serious about meeting its climate commitments. But credibility abroad requires visibility at the right forums. Addis was one of those moments-and we were quiet.

Yet, Nigeria’s climate challenges cannot be tackled with loans alone. With debt levels already stretching our fiscal limits, the Addis call for more grants, concessional finance, and direct investments should have been Nigeria’s rallying cry.

For instance, Nigeria’s sun-rich northern region is ideal for solar power projects that could electrify rural communities, reduce dependence on diesel generators, and unlock jobs in green industries. Climate-smart agriculture, demonstrated by several African countries at ACS-2, could transform the way Nigerian farmers cope with floods, droughts, and shifting planting seasons. For Nigeria, adaptation is not a luxury-it is a matter of food security and survival.

As the biggest economy and home to the continent’s largest youth population, Nigeria’s voice carries weight in shaping continental narratives. Yet our muted presence in Addis signalled either disinterest or lack of coordination. Neither is acceptable.

Africa’s youth and women were placed at the heart of the Addis conversations, emphasizing the need for inclusive climate strategies. With over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population under 30, our country could lead in channelling this demographic power into innovation, renewable energy entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient farming. Missing the chance to highlight this at Addis was a strategic misstep.

Nigeria’s quiet role at ACS-2 should be a wake-up call. Symbolism matters. When Africa presents a united front, Nigeria should not be in the shadows-it must be at the head table. Looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil next year, Nigeria must align itself fully with Africa’s demands for investment, fairness, and climate justice.

That requires action on several fronts: implementing NDCs and BTR commitments not just on paper, but through concrete projects that attract investors, strengthening renewable energy policies to reduce risks for private sector participation, supporting farmers with adaptation programmes-irrigation schemes, improved seeds, early warning systems-that translate global commitments into local survival strategies, and giving youth and women a central role in the climate economy, not as token participants but as drivers of innovation.

The Addis summit is a clear demonstration that Africa is no longer content with being portrayed as helpless. The continent wants to lead, not beg. For Nigeria, the lesson is unmistakable: solidarity speeches are not enough. Presence, visibility, and strategic engagement are essential.

Our farmers, who battle erratic rains and shrinking harvests, cannot afford rhetorical commitments. Our youth, who could either drive the green economy or drown in unemployment, need a clear roadmap. Our economy, struggling with energy deficits and environmental degradation, requires bold investments.

Africa is ready to move from climate aid to climate investment. Nigeria must help lead from the front-or risk being left behind. When Africa presents a united front, Nigeria must be at the head table-not quietly in the background.

Ahmad resides at FMA2, off Yaya {Petel) Abubakar Road, Fadamar Mada, Bauchi Email: masalihu@aol.com

The Kaduna State Council of National Association Of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives has commended Governor Uba Sani for implementing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure(CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure(CONMESS) for its members.

The commendation was conveyed in a letter signed by Comrade Ishaku Yakubu and Comrade Christiana Bawa, the State Chairman and State Secretary respectively, dated September 2, 2025.

The council noted that the ”singular act of magnanimity and fairness has rekindled the hope of many dedicated nurses in your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.”

NANNM added that the Governor ” has not only demonstrated your genuine commitment to the welfare of nurses and health workers but has also reaffirmed your passion for strengthening healthcare delivery in our dear state.”

The letter acknowledged that the implementation of both CONHESS and CONMESS came amidst competing demands on state resources, ”yet Your Excellency prioritized the wellbeing of health workers.

”This visionary leadership has boosted morale, improved productivity and positioned Kaduna State as a model of labour-friendly governance,” the council added.

The nurses and midwives pledged continuous loyalty, dedication and professional excellence in service of Kaduna state, as their modest contribution to the Governor’s transformative agenda in the health sector.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has shifted the arraignment of activist Omoyele Sowore and two others on cybercrime charges to October 27.

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on Tuesday adjourned the matter after it was learnt that the federal government did not serve the charge sheet on Sowore as stipulated by law.

When the matter was called, Sowore through his lead counsel, Abubakar Marshall Esq protested that he had not seen a copy of the charge or be served as required by law.

Similarly, he said that the second defendant, X, had also not been served and since the trial is on joint charge, the arraignment cannot hold. The third defendant, Meta, was represented by Professor Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

Replying, the lead counsel to the federal government and the Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, denied the allegations of non-service of the charge and insisted that Sowore had been served.

Following the submission, the trial judge consulted the file and confirmed that the defendants have not been served.

The DPPF subsequently applied for an order to serve them in the open court which was granted.

Sowore personally accepted the service in the open court and requested for three days to study the charges as required by law.

The federal government had filed five-count charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR)481/2025 accusing Sowore of using his official X handle page @YeleSowore to tweet: ‘This criminal @OfficialPBAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!’

The alleged offending post said to be contrary to Section 24(2) (b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024 was said to have been made on August 25 within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

In count two, Sowore was said to have on August 26 used his official page Facebook to send the same false message out for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order in the country especially among those who hold divergent views on the person of President Tinubu.

The alleged offence is said to be contrary to Section 24(2) (b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024; sections 59 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act.

Projects like Lyno AI and Remittix are raising millions in their presales, but most of their traction still lives inside dashboards and coin charts. Lyno AI leans on AI-driven arbitrage, while Remittix pushes global payments, yet both remain digital-first with limited ways for everyday users to feel their impact. So here’s the question: when will blockchain step beyond code and actually become something people can experience in real life?

That’s exactly where BlockDAG (BDAG) stands out. With its partnership alongside the BWT Alpine F1® team, every Grand Prix weekend turns into a live demonstration of blockchain through simulators, fan activations, and trackside integrations. It isn’t just theory, it’s tangible for millions of fans. That’s why buyers looking for crypto presales with the biggest reach now see BlockDAG as different from the rest, and often rank it among the top presales to watch.

BlockDAG: From Trackside to Real-World Utility

Most crypto projects promise utility but stop at whitepapers or coin dashboards. BlockDAG is breaking that pattern by putting its technology in front of millions of people at live events. Through its partnership with the BWT Alpine F1® team, fans will experience blockchain not as an abstract idea but as something interactive. Simulators, trackside activations, and digital integrations during race weekends turn BlockDAG into a network that spectators can actually engage with. It’s a blockchain you can experience, making it more relatable than any other crypto presale on the market.

This approach matters because it bridges the gap between speculation and adoption. When fans interact with BlockDAG at a Grand Prix, they’re not just watching, they’re part of the ecosystem. That real-world connection gives BlockDAG an edge, turning it from just another presale into a global showcase for decentralized tech. It’s the kind of visibility other new presales simply can’t replicate.

At the same time, the financial side of BlockDAG is hard to ignore. The presale has raised more than $415 million, attracted 312,000+ holders, and continues to bring in around $1 million daily. Coins are priced at $0.0013, with a target listing price that offers early buyers strong ROI potential.

Add in 20,000 X-Series miners already sold worldwide and over 3 million users mining via the X1 mobile app, and BlockDAG isn’t just building hype, it’s delivering. That’s why it stands out as one of the most lucrative and visible presales in 2025.

Lyno AI: Early-Stage AI Presale With Utility Built In

Lyno AI is positioning itself as one of the most talked-about presales in September 2025. In its Early Bird phase, it sold more than 432,000 coins, raising about $21,600 at a price of $0.050. The next phase is already set at $0.055, showing steady demand. The project uses AI-driven arbitrage across 15+ blockchains to help users capture cross-chain trading opportunities automatically. What makes it stand out is a 30% fee-sharing model for stakers, audited security via Cyberscope, and a clear plan to integrate AI tools directly into user trading.

For buyers looking at crypto presales, Lyno AI ticks the right boxes: clear tokenomics, transparent audits, and a working concept that goes beyond buzzwords. Analysts are calling it one of the top presale cryptos of 2025 because of its mix of AI utility and staking incentives. With a low entry price, real distribution plan, and growing hype, LYNO is being compared to early AI-linked projects that delivered strong returns. It’s still small compared to bigger names, but the growth path is already visible.

Remittix: Payments Utility Driving Presale Growth

Remittix has raised more than $25 million in its presale, with over 668 million RTX coins sold. The project is building a global payments solution, supported by its beta wallet that already works with 40+ cryptocurrencies and 30+ fiat currencies. It has also secured upcoming listings on major exchanges like BitMart and LBank, giving buyers confidence that liquidity will be available at launch. Passing a CertiK audit and being ranked #1 on CertiK’s Skynet further strengthens its credibility in a crowded market.

For traders watching the crypto presale space, Remittix is one of the few that combine fundraising success with a working product. Referral rewards of up to 15% USDT and community incentives keep engagement high, while the wallet rollout shows real-world use beyond speculation. Analysts often group it alongside the top presale cryptos because of its mix of adoption potential, exchange readiness, and compliance with security standards. While still early, its steady growth signals buyer trust in its payment-focused vision.

Key Takeaway

Lyno AI has gained traction by selling over 430,000 coins in its early phase at $0.050, raising more than $21,000 while preparing for its next price increase. Remittix has gone further, crossing $25 million raised with its wallet now supporting 40+ cryptos and 30+ fiat currencies, plus confirmed listings on BitMart and LBank. Both projects are strong players in the new crypto presale market, but their exposure is still limited to digital platforms and buyer communities.

BlockDAG has gone a step further by putting its tech in front of millions at live Formula 1® weekends with the BWT Alpine F1® team. Fans can engage with simulators, trackside activations, and digital tools powered by the network. That’s why many buyers see BlockDAG not only as part of the top presale cryptos but as the new crypto presale delivering utility people can actually experience.

As the debate on whether the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should bear arms continues to trend, the Corps has defended its renewed call for personnel to be armed, citing growing threats to the safety of its operatives. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stressed that this measure is not intended for routine traffic control, but as a protective tool for specially trained squads tasked with safeguarding FRSC facilities, infrastructure, and personnel in dangerous situations.

According to him, the decision to arm a section of the Corps is primarily a safety measure. Many FRSC officials are increasingly exposed to violent motorists, some of whom deliberately attack or knock them down while carrying out patrol operations. The Corps Marshal explained that without the necessary power to enforce safety laws, it becomes difficult to manage high-risk situations such as stopping trailers overloaded with passengers or vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

The demand for FRSC personnel to bear arms is anchored on several pressing realities such as protection of operatives who face daily harassment and violent attacks in the line of duty .

Several FRSC operatives have lost their lives while working tirelessly to ensure safer roads. Protecting these men and women is both a moral and institutional obligation. Violent road users, including reckless drivers and those involved in criminal activities, pose an increasing risk, hence arming FRSC operatives will curb this.

Without means of self-defence, FRSC personnel are vulnerable targets during enforcement exercises.

Managing dangerous vehicles like stopping trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles, especially when overloaded with passengers or hazardous materials, is a task that often requires more than verbal persuasion. Weapons, when handled responsibly, can serve as a deterrent and ensure compliance with road safety laws.

Since the FRSC Establishment Act already empowers the Corps to bear arms what remains crucial is the training and discipline of a designated squad to handle firearms with professionalism, thereby preventing cases of misuse or accidental discharge that have marred other arms-bearing agencies.

The conversation is not about turning every FRSC operative into an armed officer, but about creating a well-trained, professional arms squad to handle life-threatening scenarios. With adequate training, proper supervision, and accountability, the risks of abuse can be minimised while the safety of operatives and the public is maximised.

At its core, this call is about valuing human life. Every FRSC officer who dies in the line of duty leaves behind grieving families and communities. Equipping them with the means to protect themselves and enforce safety laws is not just a matter of policy it is a matter of justice.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with road safety challenges, empowering the FRSC to bear arms may prove to be a decisive step in saving lives, securing national infrastructure, and ensuring that those who risk their lives daily to keep our roads safe are not left defenseless.

The newly elected President of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists (NAO), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to tackling the shortage of specialists in order to improve orthodontic care in Nigeria.

Orthodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry, focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws (malocclusion) using devices such as braces and clear aligners to improve bite, function, and facial aesthetics.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu, who is also the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), made this known in Benin during her acceptance speech after emerging as the association’s 10th national president.

She pledged to prioritise initiatives that would enhance members’ skills, promote best practices, and ultimately improve patient care. ‘We will strive to address the challenge of the shortage of orthodontic services in underserved areas, especially considering that only 74 orthodontists currently serve a population of over 237.5 million,’ she said.

According to her, the association will also focus on promoting excellence in research, technology, and innovation, while exploring new frontiers in orthodontics for the benefit of members and patients.

On her part, the immediate past president of NAO, Dr. Olayinka Adeyinka, expressed confidence that her successor would build on past achievements and take the association to greater heights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not enjoy a ‘free ride’ to the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Reacting to remarks credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible comeback on the PDP, the GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, said the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

Hamzat said, ‘With due respect, Professor Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about the return of former President Jonathan. However, only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately, God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,’ Hamzat said in a statement.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians were yearning for progress, not a return to the past, warning that Jonathan represents an ‘old order’ many citizens are ready to consign to history.

He said, ‘The Jonathan era cannot be painted as a perfect time. It was a period when the diversity of our nation began to be deeply mismanaged, rekindling ethnic tensions and religious bigotry, a legacy that has unfortunately worsened under subsequent governments,’ he added.

He also revisited Jonathan’s foreign policy record, faulting Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to break ranks with the African Union and support NATO’s intervention in Libya.

He described the move as a ‘strategic blunder’ that destabilized the Sahel and aggravated insecurity across Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries.

On the domestic scene, the GHSM leader insisted that Jonathan still has questions to answer on corruption allegations that trailed his administration, particularly the infamous Dasukigate arms procurement scandal.

Hamzat, however, affirmed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

‘If President Jonathan desires a return to Aso Rock, he must be ready to square up with nationally unifying aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,’ Hamzat declared.

He maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision to tackle the nation’s challenges, insisting that ‘the only way forward is forward, not backward.’