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The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has explained why Nigerians should be concerned about quality legislation, saying it is at the base of good governance. Prof. Sulaiman in this interview is of the view that given that budget preparation is vital to governance, the amount of work that goes into it should be thorough, while the implementation should be closely monitored. He says that is why the focus on equipping legislators comes in the form of training so that the standard of legislation will be high for the benefit of the people. The former minister in the administration of Goodluck Jonathan also took time to explain why he was, for a long time, defending the former president after he lost power in 2015. He gave a glimpse into what he intends to do after his tenure expires, saying he believes he is now better equipped to govern his state, Kwara, having garnered much legislative and executive experience.

Read the full interview below:

Given the shoddy preparation and, most times, implementation of budgets over the years, many are of the view that the quality of legislation has not improved. Does that bother you?

It should bother every Nigerians. As part of our responsibilities, we don’t just provide technical assistance to the lawmakers in the areas of motion, bills, drafting, but to prepare briefs.

When we observe certain things that we believe are not in tandem with the federal government’s plan or agenda. We try to call the attention of those in government, the legislature, even the executive to it by way of briefs.

We put up a brief to them, analyse those briefs and what the implication is if A and B are not done, and the consequences. When it is up to this, this might be the long-term implication, so we do much more; we don’t just sit down. On the basis of our own observation, findings and research, we come up with bills and data analysis, provide useful information to the political class, upon which we try to even monitor whether they are responding, and whatever the responses are, whether those responses are impacting on the larger environment.

In what areas will you say this has impacted on the quality of legislation in the country over the years? What has been the landmark legislation as a result of this?

Go back to the national assembly; go and look at the legacy report of that assembly. Substantial numbers of those bills and acts emanate from this institute; they did not emanate from the output or the input of consultants but from staff of this institute.

Monumentally, during the lockdown, we came up with a mechanism towards exiting lockdown. So, you cannot start quantifying the relevance or the importance of all these monetarily or astronomically in terms of figures. And that is why today, the Institute is not just an intellectual hub for the Nigerian legislature, but even for the West African legislature. Just last week, the Ghanaian people were here. Next week or so, we’re expecting the Liberians; the Somalis have been here on several occasions, Uganda. We have signed an MoU with the Republic of Benin for three years to train their parliamentary and parliamentary staff. I think we are starting next week or so. That is where we are today. So we are not just for the legacy of Nigeria. The Institute today has commenced in the last two and a half years what you call legislative drafting internship for young graduates, to groom young drafters in the country, because we observe the disposition of drafters in West Africa generally. We are the only ones in Nigeria that have been doing that in the last two and a half years. All these things are done by the in-house staff of this institute.

Immediately after the Buhari government took over, you were one of those that stood in defence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, under whom you served as minister. What was the experience like?

I was a minister just for one year, as Goodluck Jonathan’s government was terminated on account of the outcome of the 2015 election. As Minister of National Planning, I left after the Buhari government took over.

Jonathan’s ministers were subjected to a lot of persecution. I think one remarkable thing I achieved was that, while everybody was trying to shy away from confronting the Buhari government, I put some things in proper perspective, as that government was trying to misrepresent and perhaps even portray the Jonathan government as a corrupt government trying to change some history by the likes of El-Rufai and Oshiomhole.

I was trying to say, look, that was not the way. So, I was in loggerheads with the Buhari government again. So, the government of the day was not comfortable with that position. Efforts to silence me proved abortive. Eventually, I landed in detention. In 2016, they filed something against me, you know, what they call a phantom allegation.

In the celebrated case of Belgore and Suleiman, I was in detention for almost two weeks in Lagos, and that commenced another travail in court again, my second leg in court, which lasted for three and a half years.

Again, I was in court when I was appointed the DG of this place. Those are the parallels of my life.

What principle has guided your leadership?

You see, my philosophy is simple: when I believe in something I pursue it, regardless of resistance or challenges and discomfort. I’m always very steadfast, very focused, I’m very committed to anything I believe in it. So when I set for myself an agenda, I go for it.

I don’t look at all these centrifugal forces trying to pull people down. I remain focused, dogged, steadfast, and pursue it, regardless of what might go against me. Because ultimately, either you pull me down or don’t pull me down, either you support me, don’t support me. I believe what God has destined for me will come to pass.

What advice would you offer to current and aspiring public servants on ethical leadership and the true essence of national service?

As a public servant, let us do the right thing while in service. We must be daring enough to do the right thing regardless of the position we found our self. You must uphold national interest. Nigeria project should be top most of your primary focus. We should all be guided by the nitty gritty of national the national value. As a public servant, you are under a lot of pressure, from home, work place, family and friends, a lot of interferences but the guiding philosophy is what ever take off stage should be in the interest of the nation. If it’s not in the interest of the country, don’t do it, regardless of what people will say. That is why if you look at my travails, I have problem with people at the tops, because some of us are very daring just to do what is right.

What are the reflections and emotions you will like to share with us and our readers, throughout these years.

I think the most important thing, first, to me, is to see such a mileage of milestone as a God given endowment is a rear gift from God which is not easy to come by. And as such, give thanks to God, for we know that life for us to have covered such a mileage in life to me, that’s the most important thing first, not everybody that were born the same time live up to that age.So when you have such a rare gift from God, I think it’s just normal to applaud God, glorify Him, thank him, appreciate him. And it’s not just spending such a year in life that is important, that you spend such years in life with remarkable success and accomplishments. People have lived for 60, 70 years, but when you ask the questions of what relevant, how have they utilized those years, they have nothing to say. So I thank God.

And therefore, going back to the questions of reflection, it has been a very a monumental journey. It has been very you know, rewarding, very remarkable, growing up as a child, passing through hurdles of education institutions from primary secondary, university, starting or been opportune to be endowed with the capacity to lead, the gut, God given attributes, leadership attributes from secondary school you know, started, from a main leader of a religious organization, cultural organization, a union leader in the university, dabbling into partisan politics at a stage in hurdles of trying to make ends meet after university education, carrying load on my head to sell at the Jos main market, the hurdles of trying to, you know, to survive, contest for elections, local government election in the early 90s, and at the point, three days to the primary the military struck, shattered your hope and aspiration; trying to get back to the academia again to complete your masters, coming out of the masters, having obtained your degree; just looking for Job, and at this stage, you had an uncle that asked you to come and head his outfit in Abuja. And one year after that, that uncle died, you have no where to go again, lucky enough to have saved by a former lecturer of mine who asked me to do part time work while I am doing my PhD. I started the part time work, and did the PhD for six years against four years or three years, not because you are not hard working, but because they believe you shouldn’t graduate. Few years of your starting the PhD that same lecturer of yours, your mentor without a penny to yourself, driving from Maitama to Gwagwalada every day and, you also a lecturer without a penny. And I know that this life we are talking about I had the opportunity of teaching people governance. I could recall that the former governor of Kogi state Ibraham Idris was my student, Natasha was my student, some senators like Olujimi and the rest were my students.

As at today, I have five students in Senate. I taught all these senators when I was a part time lecturer and not getting paid. And at the time I was part-time lecturer in the same department, rather than confirming my appointment, they were bringing in some other people from other places, you know, ethnic dissents, because they believe I’m not part of them.

Having been a politician would it be correct to say you’re on suspension from politics for now?

I want to be remembered as a teacher, already I am missing the class. Although, my next move is to go back to politics, and that will not take time. Very soon, I will be back to politics and my next move is to lead my state, all things been equal.

At least now, with the work I do here, I have knowledge of parliamentary practices, through my interaction with legislature. I observe it is one enterprise you must learn. Even if you are a professor, you must still learn it. So, if I am not here, even as a professor of a Political Science, I wouldn’t have known anything, like the parliamentary procedure and how it works, the politics, intrigues in the parliamentary palace and the enormous power so to speak and how the executives could impeach on that power.

For instance, I can’t be the governor of my state now and the relationship with the legislature will be a problem for me. If I have gotten it in 2019 perhaps, it could have taken me years to understand but now, I have mastered it. I’m relating with quite a lot of parliamentarians at the sub-national level in Nigeria. I’m relating with Senators and members of the House of Representatives; I’ve become part of them. So, I’ve learnt a moment of executive by being a minister and I have now grappled with that of legislature and I’ve been so much with the judiciary by the virtue of being the DG of NILDS, I think I am total, I am absolute, I possessed the rudimentary knowledge to navigate the murky water of administration at the state level. Nobody in my state – Kwara have such loaded attribute as me.

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded a 42-year-old man, Emmanuel Egbosimba, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling his 19-year-old daughter.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. L. A. Owolabi, did not take the defendant’s plea.

Owolabi ordered him to be remanded in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending Nov. 17, for legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the offence was committed between 2020 and 2025, starting when the victim was 14 years old at Ile Ewe Ejigbo area of Lagos.

Ademigbuji said the defendant had been sexually molesting his daughter since the death of his wife.

The prosecutor added that all efforts by the victim to free herself from her father failed, as he threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone.

The prosecutor said the victim went to the police station, and the defendant was arrested.

The prosecutor added that the victim told the police that the defendant slept with her almost every day.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravened Section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Nigeria’s university system stands at a crossroads. From just 49 universities in 1999 to about 300 today, our nation’s higher education landscape has witnessed rapid expansion, especially in the private sector. On the surface, this growth seems like progress. However, behind the numbers lies a system overwhelmed by quantity at the expense of quality.

Many of these new universities-particularly private ones-struggle with poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and a shortage of qualified academic staff. Heavy dependence on part-time and visiting lecturers has created a serious inconsistency in teaching standards. As a result, our institutions are producing graduates who often lack the practical and intellectual skills needed in a competitive global economy.

It is commendable that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has placed a moratorium on licensing new universities and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a seven-year pause on creating new public tertiary institutions. These measures should not be seen as restrictive but as opportunities to consolidate and strengthen what already exists. The focus now must shift toward improving infrastructure, research funding, and staff welfare.

The brain drain crisis has worsened due to poor remuneration and limited academic opportunities. Government initiatives such as the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) are a good start, but real progress requires consistent implementation and adequate funding. Equally important is the need for curriculum reform that prepares students for the realities of a technology-driven world.

Education experts like Professors Riskuwa Shehu and Oluwole Banjo have repeatedly warned that unchecked university proliferation risks collapsing the system from within. Their concerns echo what many Nigerians already know-that universities are becoming business ventures rather than centers of excellence. Yet, educators like Dr. Ajibade of Babcock University remind us that private institutions, when properly managed, can complement public efforts by providing structured and disciplined learning environments.

If Nigeria truly wants world-class universities, it must prioritise balanced growth. Alumni associations, the private sector, and international partners should be mobilized to support infrastructure, research, and innovation. The federal government must also enforce quality assurance and performance-based funding models that reward excellence, not political connections.

Our universities can no longer afford to be symbols of decline in a country brimming with youthful potential. The time has come for Nigeria to balance expansion with excellence-building a university system that inspires innovation, produces globally competitive graduates, and drives national development.

Halima Ibrahim Waziri, Department of Mass Communication

The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has waded into the leadership tussle rocking its Adamawa State chapter, affirming the faction loyal to former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, as the authentic one.

Daily Trust reports that the party has splintered into three rival factions, each claiming to hold the legitimate chairmanship of the party in the state.

Lawal’s bloc, which also include former Adamawa governor Jibrilla Bindow, Senators Abdul-Aziz Nyako and Elisha Abbo, has endorsed Sadiq Dasin as chairman, while Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani’s group has thrown its weight behind Saidu Komsiri. Shehu Yohanna, the chairman before the coalition took over ADC, however, maintains that he remains the duly recognised Adamawa ADC chairman.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also threw his weight behind the Dasin faction, saying on social media: ‘It is my hope and prayer that their inauguration will strengthen our party’s structure and unify all ADC members in Adamawa State. I fully and unequivocally support this leadership as inaugurated.’

Komsiri, however, rejected the development, insisting that his faction remains the legitimate one and pledging to reconcile aggrieved members. ‘I’ll reconcile aggrieved members and promote unity among all stakeholders,’ he said at a press briefing in Yola.

But in a statement on Wednesday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had, after investigations, recognised Dasin as the interim chairman in line with its earlier directive for interim state executives.

‘It has come to the notice of the national headquarters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that there appears to be a growing division in the ranks of the party leadership in Adamawa State,’ the statement read in part.

‘It will be recalled that at its meeting of October 8, 2025, the NWC approved that interim executive committees be set up to manage the affairs of the party in the states for now.

‘After due investigations, the party considers the Saturday, October 25, process supervised by the National Vice Chairman for the North East, which produced Barrister Sadiq Dasin as the interim party chairman in Adamawa State, to be in line with the NWC approval and guidelines.’

The party urged all members involved in parallel arrangements to ‘have a rethink and follow the path of reconciliation,’ while encouraging Dasin to ‘extend the hand of fellowship to all and address genuine grievances.’

Abdullahi added that while the party remains committed to fairness and justice, it would not tolerate any act of indiscipline capable of undermining efforts to strengthen its internal democracy.

Governors of the six South-West states have reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity and solidarity, stressing that political differences must never undermine regional cooperation and development.

They also pledged to strengthen collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while advancing the collective interests of the Yoruba people.

The pledge was made at the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue, a citizen-government interactive town hall session hosted by Ondo State Government in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere.

In his welcome address, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa called on Yoruba leaders to chart a common course for regional integration and sustainable development. He praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms as ‘bold and transformative steps’ that have helped stabilise the nation’s economy, increase non-oil revenues, and promote fiscal discipline.

‘It takes courageous, visionary, and transformative leadership to take such bold decisions,’ Aiyedatiwa said. ‘We, the sub-nationals, are happy as we now have improved allocations to embark upon various developmental projects for the good of our people.’

He urged continued federal-state collaboration and called for true federalism through dialogue and institutional reform. ‘Dialogue must bring action. We must reform and strengthen our institutions to work for our people,’ he said, stressing that unity, not division, remains the key to Nigeria’s progress.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, said the zone must re-enact its legacy as the country’s economic powerhouse, urging leaders to embrace Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a vehicle for collective prosperity. ‘Nigeria is being reshaped by President Bola Tinubu’s vision, and the South-West must lead that transformation,’ he said.

Other governors and representatives at the event included Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi (for Governor Ademola Adeleke), Ogun Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele (for Governor Dapo Abiodun), Ekiti Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Omolola Adubiaro (for Governor Biodun Oyebanji), and Oyo Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal (for Governor Seyi Makinde).

The dialogue also featured key Yoruba leaders and thinkers who stressed the need to revive regional solidarity and welfarist ideals.

Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Dr Femi Okunronmu, urged the governors to return to the development model of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, anchored on education, healthcare, and social welfare. ‘The Yoruba nation is only strong in its unity. Party politics must never weaken Yoruba solidarity or make brothers turn against one another,’ he warned.

In his keynote address, Femi Awoyemi lamented the absence of innovative governance in the South-West for over three decades, saying leaders had ‘spent more on politics than on policy.’ He urged the region to ‘think big’ and build enduring structures that promote collective growth.

Other notable figures at the dialogue included former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; Coordinating Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Salako; and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola.

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has strongly denied allegations of financial mismanagement related to the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Pinnick dismissed the accusations as ‘completely misconstrued,’ stressing that FIFA exercises stringent oversight on all Goal Projects.

‘If FIFA gives you their money, they audit that money. They know everything from A to Z, and they have standards. So, if the contract was about $1.1 million in 2020, how much was that in naira? Less than ?400 million. That’s what people don’t realize,’ he explained.

Pinnick further clarified that the project followed due process from start to finish, noting that no additional funds were requested or approved despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘There was no variation despite the challenges. Everything went according to plan. You can hate Amaju Pinnick, but love Nigerian football,’ he added.

The former NFF boss urged Nigerians to seek verified information before making public accusations, emphasizing that his tenure was marked by transparency, accountability, and adherence to FIFA’s financial regulations.

The FIFA Goal Project, an initiative aimed at improving football infrastructure globally, has drawn public scrutiny in Nigeria over the state of certain facilities built under the programme. Pinnick maintained, however, that the Kebbi project was properly executed and fully audited in line with FIFA’s standards.

The police high command, on Wednesday, sought the support of Media Trust Group, publishers of Daily Trust Newspapers and Aminiya, owners of Trust TV and Trust Radio, in its bid to tackle the country’s security challenge.

The Force appealed to the media not to create fears among residents with their reportage, while also soliciting Nigerians’ support to report suspicious movement to police officers.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force spokesman, who stated this at the corporate headquarters of Media Trust Group, Abuja, during a courtesy visit, said efforts are being made to ensure that every part of the country is safe.

‘The IGP conveyed his sincere greetings to the management of Media Trust Group. He also said I should appeal that we should not create fears in the minds of Nigerians through our news reports, though Daily Trust has not been found wanting before,’ Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said.

On his part, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Malam Ahmed Shekarau, lauded the appointment of Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer.

Shekarau, who was represented by the Deputy Editorial Director, Hamza Idris, said the appointment of Hundeyin was well deserved.

He, however, appealed to the police spokesman to ensure that his doors are opened for the free flow of information, which Nigerians would like to know.

Residents of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State are expressing growing concern over the frequent accidents involving government-owned trucks popularly known as ‘Yellow Bucket.’ These trucks, used for various public works and environmental sanitation purposes, have reportedly been involved in several accidents across the city, often resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and property damage.

In recent weeks, incidents have been recorded in areas such as Customs, Damboa Road, Dolori, and most recently near the Gwange Graveyard. While the latest mishap caused only road damage with no serious casualties, earlier accidents claimed lives and left several people injured.

Eyewitnesses and residents attributed the recurring accidents to factors such as over speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and mechanical failures, particularly faulty brakes. Others alleged that many of the drivers operating these heavy trucks may lack the maturity, experience, or proper training required to handle such vehicles safely.

Residents have therefore appealed to the state government to take urgent measures to prevent further tragedies. Suggestions include conducting routine mechanical inspections of all government trucks, organising refresher driving courses for operators, and ensuring only qualified and responsible drivers are employed to handle heavy-duty vehicles.

While acknowledging the numerous developmental strides of the Borno State Government under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, especially in infrastructure, sanitation, and road rehabilitation, residents emphasized that addressing the safety concerns surrounding the Yellow Bucket trucks is equally vital.

They commended the government’s responsiveness in tackling pressing issues across the state and urged it to extend the same commitment toward ensuring road safety.

As Maiduguri continues to grow and expand, ensuring the safe operation of government vehicles remains a shared responsibility. Residents also called on traffic authorities and relevant agencies to enforce stricter speed regulations and enhance driver discipline to safeguard lives and property on the city’s busy roads.

No fewer than 500 cancer patients have been treated, cured and discharged by the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.

The Chief Medical Director, Dr Aliyu Hamza Balarabe, disclosed this after playing host to the Wife of Kebbi Governor, Nafisa Nasiru Idris, who used the hospital as a terminal during her Walk Away Cancer in the state capital.

The CMD, who spoke to journalists through the acting Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Muhammad ‘Danyaro Rilwanu, said cancer is not a death sentence.

He said, ‘With early detection, the disease is curable and sufferers are healed. So far, the hospital has treated and discharged more than 500 people with cancer cases successfully.’

He added that as medical professionals, they always advise the public to report all suspected cases of cancer early to the hospital.

‘Early detection facilitates treatment through appropriate prescription and application of drugs to patients by doctors,’ he said.

Tanzania’s general election has been overshadowed by widespread unrest, internet shutdowns, and a heavy security crackdown, raising serious concerns about the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

With over 37 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday, the atmosphere across the country was anything but calm.

The incumbent, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, 65, is seeking her first full term in office after assuming power in March 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli.

Running under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, Suluhu faces 16 other candidates.

However, the absence of key opposition figures, either barred, disqualified, or facing legal battles, has cast a long shadow over the legitimacy of the contest

Internet blackout and suppressed opposition

In the early hours of election day, Tanzanians woke up to a nationwide internet shutdown.

According to internet watchdog NetBlocks, the blackout disrupted access to major platforms and communication tools, effectively silencing online mobilisation and independent reporting. The move, widely condemned by civil society groups and international observers, came amid mounting protests across the country.

The demonstrations, driven largely by youth and civil society activists, were sparked by allegations of political intimidation, suppression of free speech, and worsening economic conditions.

Protesters also decried the exclusion of major opposition parties from the ballot. Tundu Lissu, the most prominent challenger and leader of the CHADEMA party, is currently on trial for treason.

His party was barred from participating in the polls. Another opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified on technical grounds.

In many parts of the country, polling stations were reportedly raided and ballots destroyed.

In Dar es Salaam, a police station along Nelson Mandela Road was set ablaze by demonstrators. Despite these disruptions, voting continued in some areas, albeit with low turnout. President Suluhu cast her vote in Dodoma, while her running mate, Ambassador Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi, also participated in the exercise.

Curfews, crackdowns

As tensions escalated, Tanzanian authorities imposed a nationwide curfew beginning at 6 pm East African Time. Police Chief Camillus Wambura announced the measure on national broadcaster TBC, warning that military and police personnel would patrol the streets of Dar es Salaam and other hotspots.

The curfew followed earlier statements by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila, who vowed that the government would respond with overwhelming force to any attempts to disrupt public order.

‘Even if you see propaganda of any kind on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam Region, know the power that will be used to control the matter is seven times more than the force applied planning it,’ Chalamila warned.

Police in the Kimara Kibo area of Dar es Salaam dispersed groups of youths attempting to march, while patrol vehicles were seen along major highways.

The protests, largely organised through online platforms before the blackout, have spread from Kimara to Magomeni and other parts of the city.

In another development, the US Embassy in Tanzania issued a security alert, advising American citizens to avoid crowded areas and remain indoors.

Embassy staff were instructed to shelter in place as security forces responded to the unrest. The embassy emphasised the need for caution amid reports of demonstrations in multiple locations.

A one-sided election

Critics argue that the election has been reduced to a symbolic exercise, with President Suluhu effectively running unopposed. With CHADEMA barred, ACT-Wazalendo disqualified, and other opposition figures either jailed or missing, many Tanzanians feel disenfranchised. ‘It’s either you vote for Samia Hassan or you don’t vote at all,’ one activist lamented.

While voting proceeded relatively calmly in Zanzibar, access for foreign media on the mainland has been heavily restricted. Observers have raised alarms over the shrinking political space and the erosion of democratic norms in what was once considered one of East Africa’s more stable democracies.

As the polls close and counting begins, the question remains not just who will win, but at what cost. The events of October 29 have left a deep scar on Tanzania’s democratic fabric, and the days ahead will test the resilience of its institutions and the will of its people.

Whether the government can restore calm and legitimacy or whether the unrest will deepen remains to be seen. For now, Tanzania waits, tense, angry and uncertain.