Actor Threatens To Lead Mass Boycott Of Al Jazeera Over Article Denying ‘Christian Genocide’ In Nigeria.

Okechukwu’s intervention came after Al Jazeera published an opinion article by Gimba Kakanda, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Research and Analytics, on October 2, 2025.

Nigerian actor and media consultant Joseph Chidi Okechukwu, also known as J. C. Okechukwu, has threatened to lead a mass boycott of Qatar-based global news network Al Jazeera after the outlet published an opinion piece denying that Christians in Nigeria are the victims of a coordinated, faith-targeted extermination.

Okechukwu’s intervention came after Al Jazeera published an opinion article by Gimba Kakanda, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Research and Analytics, on October 2, 2025.

The Al Jazeera piece argued that claims of a “Christian genocide” mischaracterise Nigeria’s complex security crises and risk inflaming divisions.

The controversy has played out publicly on social media, where Okechukwu used his X account to issue a direct challenge to the broadcaster and to the author of the piece.

“Hi @AlJazeera World if you don't take this post down and tender unreserved apology to the grieving Christian faithfuls in Nigeria, we will carry out a massive boycott campaign the likes of which you've never seen before,” he wrote.

Okechukwu accused the network of a double standard in its global reporting, saying, “It is such a shame that you guys had your global viewers glued to your TV as you constantly screamed genocide over Israel’s actions in Gaza, only to turn around and deny the genocide of Christians in Nigeria that has gone on for more than a decade, which you’ve never reported.”

He also cited casualty figures, asking: “There are reports that about 70,100 Palestinians were killed and the whole world unanimously called it a genocide. In Nigeria, Christian deaths has since surpassed 125,000 and counting and you claim there’s no Christian Genocide?

Nation in Shock as Tinubu Grants
Presidential Pardon to Murder Convict Miriam Sanda — Nigerians React with Outrage!


Nigeria’s social media space has erupted with outrage and disbelief following the presidential pardon granted to Miriam Sanda, the woman convicted in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved clemency for 175 inmates, including Sanda, in a move that has reignited debate about fairness, justice, and political influence in Nigeria’s legal system.

Appearing on Arise TV’s “What’s Trending,” broadcaster Rufai Oseni condemned the decision, calling it “a political mistake that reopens old wounds.”

“Tinubu should stop selling or gifting out pardons like recharge cards,” Rufai declared. “These decisions hurt families and destroy faith in the justice system. A country that cannot uphold justice cannot progress.”


Members of Bilyaminu Bello’s family expressed deep pain and disappointment. A spokesperson, Bello Muhammad, described the pardon as “the worst injustice any family could face,” lamenting that the clemency has “reopened the trauma of losing a loved one to violence.”

On the other hand, both Miriam Sanda’s father and her late husband’s father defended the pardon, claiming that the plea for mercy began in 2019 and was meant to promote forgiveness and ensure the wellbeing of the couple’s two children.

However, public reaction has largely been critical. Many Nigerians argue that pardoning a convicted murderer while the country continues to battle insecurity, corruption, and lawlessness sends “a dangerous message.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized the decision, calling it “reckless and indefensible,” and accusing the presidency of weakening Nigeria’s moral foundation.

As the debate intensifies, the country appears sharply divided — between those advocating forgiveness and those demanding justice. For many, the question now is whether Nigeria’s justice system still upholds accountability or if, as Rufai Oseni warned, “presidential pardons have become another political gift.”

Bayelsa Governor Duoye Diri, 17 Lawmakers Resign From PDP.

According to the post, the governor has resigned from the party alongside the 17 House of Assembly members in the state.

The Bayelsa State governor, Duoye Diri, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He made this announcement through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah who communicated the development on his Facebook Page on Wednesday.

According to the post, the governor has resigned from the PDP alongside 17 members of the House of Assembly in the state.

Two other lawmakers from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) also tendered their resignation.

While it is unclear where the governor is headed, on May 1, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that no fewer than 27 political aides of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State were dismissed following their participation in the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of a grassroots-based political movement, The NEW Associates.

The affected aides were reportedly dismissed after attending the inauguration of the Bayelsa chapter of The NEW Associates and participating in a mega rally held in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Governor Diri's resignation comes a day after the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, also abandoned the PDP.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Governor Mbah announced his defection to APC on Tuesday during a press conference, saying the move was driven by his desire to better serve the people of Enugu and align with the APC’s “vision for development and progress.”

He formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his immediate predecessor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, state and federal lawmakers, among others.

In a broadcast to the Enugu people, Mbah announced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the APC, citing a desire for a platform where the people's interest would be represented and respected.

Here we go: Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah, Dumps PDP for APC, cites need to connect state with central government.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the announcement during a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, saying the decision followed deep reflection and the need to connect Enugu to the central government.
“Today, after a long reflection, we have made a decision to join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah said.

He expressed appreciation to the PDP for providing him with a platform that brought him to power but explained that his defection was driven by the desire to better serve the people of the state and align with the APC’s development vision.
“To the Peoples Democratic Party, which supported us through a demanding campaign and celebrated our victory, I express my heartfelt gratitude,” he stated.

“Leadership often requires taking tough, even painful decisions in pursuit of greater goals. This is one of those moments.”

Governor Mbah commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as “massive support” for Enugu under his administration and expressed confidence that joining the APC would bring more collaboration and growth opportunities for the state.

He confirmed that his move to the ruling party was in partnership with members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councillors, and other political appointees who have also switched allegiance to the APC.

Mbah’s exit from the PDP reportedly comes ahead of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s planned defection, which sources say has already been finalised. Earlier this year, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno had also joined the APC with their cabinet members and aides.

Tinubu Government Orders Physical Headcount Of Lecturers In Striking Nigerian Universities.

In a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and addressed to vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and other key education stakeholders, the government reaffirmed its position on the “no work, no pay” policy.

As the nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced yesterday, the President Bola Tinubu-led government has moved to enforce compliance with its directive by mandating an immediate roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff across federal universities.

In a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and addressed to vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and other key education stakeholders, the government reaffirmed its position on the “no work, no pay” policy.

The circular was also distributed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

According to the circular, vice-chancellors have been directed to conduct physical verification by taking roll call and head count of lecturers on campus to determine who is actively performing their duties and who is absent due to the industrial action.

“In line with existing labour regulations, any employee who fails to discharge official duties during a strike period will not be entitled to remuneration for that period,” the circular stated.

Dr. Alausa expressed the government’s disappointment over ASUU’s decision to proceed with the strike “despite ongoing engagement efforts,” adding that the administration “would no longer condone disruptions to the academic calendar.”

University administrators are now expected to compile detailed reports distinguishing between staff who are present and working, and those who have joined the strike. These records will be used to determine salary entitlements in line with the “no work, no pay” enforcement.

URGENT JOB VACANCY !

We are recruiting for the role of a Social Media/Communications Officer.

Location: Ogere, Ogun State.

Ideal candidate should have about 3 - 5years similar experience. You should be able to handle social media pages, basic knowledge of graphic design, online and offline social media campaigns.

CVs should be sent to strategichireafricaconsulting@gmail.com with the subject title, "Social Media/Communications Officer. "

Please rebroadcast.

Thank you.

MTV to Shut Down Music Channels After Nearly Four Decades of Broadcasting.

MTV, the world’s first 24-hour music television network, is set to end its long-standing run of non-stop music broadcasting in the UK after nearly 40 years. The network will shut down five of its UK music channels MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live on December 31, according to reports

The decision marks a significant shift in viewing habits, as audiences now primarily watch music videos on YouTube and social media platforms instead of traditional TV. Paramount, MTV’s parent company, has not issued an official statement regarding the closures.

Launched in the US in 1981, MTV revolutionized music entertainment by airing pop videos introduced by “video jockeys” or VJs, who became stars in their own right. The channel delivered iconic moments such as the debut of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, the 1985 Live Aid concert broadcast, and the creation of the MTV Video Music Awards.

MTV expanded to Europe in 1987, and the UK launched its own channel in 1997 with Three Lions by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner as its first video. The network helped launch the careers of several presenters, including Cat Deeley, Zane Lowe, and Emma Willis, and later moved into original reality programming with shows like Ex On The Beach and Teen Mom UK.

Reports suggest that Paramount will also shut down MTV music channels in other countries such as Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil, as part of a global cost-cutting plan aimed at saving around $500 million (£376 million).

Earlier this year, Paramount also closed its Television Studios division, which produced Jack Ryan and The Spiderwick Chronicles. In the UK, MTV’s original productions like Gonzo and Fresh Out UK were also cancelled.

Despite declining viewership, MTV’s UK music channels still drew modest audiences, with MTV Music reaching 1.3 million viewers and MTV 90s attracting 949,000 in July, according to Barb ratings.

MTV will continue to maintain its presence through social media platforms and Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+.

Alleged defamation: You’ve three days to apologise or be sued – Akpabio warns Pearse.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has threatened to sue a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos state, Adetokunbo Pearse, over what he described as false and defamatory statements made against him during a live broadcast on Arise Television.

Akpabio, in a demand letter dated October 7, 2025, and signed by his legal representatives, S. I. Ameh (SAN) & Co., alleged that Pearse made reckless and malicious comments intended to damage his reputation.

He ordered Pearse to issue a public apology and retraction within three days or face legal proceedings for defamation and criminal incitement.

The letter, titled “Demand for Immediate Retraction and Public Apology for Defamatory Publication Against Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON,” stated that during a political segment on Arise TV on October 4, 2025, Pearse made unsubstantiated allegations of corruption, manipulation, and criminality against the Senate President.

“If we get more women in the National Assembly and we have a Senate President like Akpabio, what is the point?

“The National Assembly we have now is a rubber-stamp assembly. Any president who wants to manipulate it can do so. And this one is actually manipulating it to the detriment of progress for Nigerians.

“Akpabio should not be President of the Senate. He’s a criminal; he shouldn’t be there. He has cases in the EFCC, millions that he stole when he was governor… If he has criminal cases, let him go and answer them. There’s no way a man like that should be there in the first place,” Pearse had said.

The Senate President’s legal team described the comments as false in every material particular, stating that the remarks were made with total disregard for the truth and in bad faith.

They argued that the statements were intended to portray their client as a corrupt and dishonest politician, thereby exposing him to public ridicule and hatred.

Why are main stream media not broadcasting about major issues like insecurity in Nigeria?

Renowned broadcaster Christopher Kolade Passes On at 92.

Renowned broadcaster and elder statesman, Dr. Christopher Kolade, has passed away at the age of 92.

His family announced his de@th in a statement on Thursday, revealing that he d+ed peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

“We are grateful for his remarkable life of faith and service and for God’s abundant blessings,” the family said.

Born on December 28, 1932, Dr. Kolade enjoyed a distinguished career as a broadcaster, diplomat, academic, and a strong advocate for integrity and corporate governance.

Presidency Dismisses World Bank Report Claiming 139 Million Nigerians Live in Poverty.

The Presidency has rejected the World Bank’s recent report estimating that 139 million Nigerians are living in poverty, describing the figure as exaggerated and disconnected from the nation’s current economic reality.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the World Bank’s assessment must be “properly contextualised” within the limitations of global poverty measurement frameworks.

“While Nigeria values its partnership with the World Bank and acknowledges its contributions to policy discussions, the figure quoted must be properly contextualised. It is unrealistic,” Dare stated.

According to the Presidency, the 139 million figure was derived using the global poverty benchmark of $2.15 per person per day, a standard set in 2017 under Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). It clarified that the measure does not represent an actual headcount of poor Nigerians.

The statement explained that when converted to nominal terms, the $2.15 benchmark equates to roughly ₦100,000 per month at the current exchange rate, far above Nigeria’s new minimum wage of ₦70,000 making the figure “an analytical model, not a direct reflection of local realities.”

“The World Bank’s poverty estimate should not be interpreted as a literal or real-time headcount. It’s based on an outdated PPP model using Nigeria’s last major consumption survey from 2018/19 and largely ignores the informal and subsistence sectors that sustain millions of households,” the Presidency said.

It added that the government views the report as a “global projection” rather than an accurate picture of living conditions in 2025, stressing that Nigeria’s economy is now on a recovery path.

David Mark Pledges a “Bigger, Stronger, and Purpose-Driven” ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections


The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its vision to build a political party that transcends individual personalities, surpasses any movement, and stands out in the history of Nigerian politics.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Tuesday, Senator David Mark, the party’s national chairman, said the journey ahead would be challenging and demand significant sacrifices.

“Our mission is not just to attain power in 2027 but to leave a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit,” Mark said.


The high-profile meeting drew respected leaders from across Nigeria, including former Osun State Governor and ADC National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, former SGF Babachir Lawal, Chief Oserheimen Osunbor, and actor Kenneth Okonkwo, among others.

In his remarks, Mark emphasized that ADC members have set aside narrow interests in favor of the common good, stating,

“We advance calmly, courageously, together as a formidable team.”


He added that the ADC would be a party of purpose and determination, committed to promoting democratic values, accountability, and responsibility in every government it forms.

Drawing from his experience as a former Senate President, Mark expressed concern over attempts—both subtle and overt—to undermine the legislature and judiciary. He promised that the ADC would defend the separation of powers, restore legislative and judicial independence, and ensure that public budgets serve the people, not private interests.

The party’s declaration signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s political landscape as it positions itself for the 2027 elections with a focus on principle-driven governance and lasting impact.

Kano Politician Blasts President Tinubu for Ignoring Insecurity Victims, Says “He Prefers Weddings Over Condolence Visits”


Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin, popularly known as Ibrahim Little — a former Kano governorship candidate and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — has taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as the president’s lack of empathy for victims of insecurity across Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview reported by Daily Post on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Little expressed disappointment that Tinubu has failed to visit communities devastated by terrorist attacks, banditry, and communal clashes since assuming office.

According to him, the president’s absence from crisis-hit regions sends a troubling message to citizens who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. He accused the president of prioritizing attendance at weddings and funerals of political elites instead of consoling grieving Nigerians.

“In the time since Tinubu took office, he has never travelled to any region affected by Boko Haram or banditry. On the other hand, he was in Kaduna for the wedding of a senator and in Plateau for a burial,” Little said.

He added that Nigerians expect their leader to demonstrate compassion and leadership by visiting affected areas to provide moral support and renew public trust in government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

Little maintained that the president’s approach makes it appear as though the government is detached from the suffering of ordinary citizens. He urged Tinubu to show true statesmanship by reaching out to victims of violence, insisting that such visits would go a long way in rebuilding national confidence.

President Tinubu Returns to Abuja After 10-Day Strategic Working Visit to Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a productive 10-day working visit to Lagos, filled with high-level meetings, project inaugurations, and national engagements aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure.


A Packed Schedule in Lagos and Beyond

According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the President’s trip began on September 26, shortly after attending the coronation ceremony of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan.

While in Lagos, Tinubu met with leading investors, including Global Infrastructure Partners CEO Bayo Ogunlesi and Metis Capital Partners Chairman HaKeem Belo-Osagie, discussing major investment opportunities in Nigeria.

He also hosted International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirming his administration’s determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime sector into a key economic driver beyond oil.


Commissioning and Celebration Across States

Ahead of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, Tinubu visited Imo State, where he commissioned major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma and unveiled a book documenting a decade of APC-led governance.

On Independence Day, the President delivered his national broadcast from the historic Dodan Barracks in Lagos before inaugurating the newly renovated National Theatre, now officially named the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts — a tribute to Nigeria’s creative excellence.

Before his return to Abuja, Tinubu made a stop in Jos, Plateau State, to attend the funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of APC chieftain Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, where he emphasized his administration’s dedication to religious harmony and national unity.

I am under a lot of pressure to join ADC despite APC being my child— Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, says he is under intense pressure from prominent politicians to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition but has firmly declined the offer.

Speaking on Saturday during the inaugural edition of the Citadel School of Governance Dialogue Series in Lagos, Bakare confirmed that several influential figures, including a former governor and minister from the South-West, have urged him to align with the ADC.

“There has been a lot of pressure on me from who is who to join ADC. They come to my home. Even while I was abroad, the hierarchy of that party kept calling, saying they needed my voice,” he said.

The cleric added that a younger political associate who had benefitted from key roles in the All Progressives Congress (APC) also tried to persuade him to lend his influence to the opposition party.

“I am not going to take part in ADC. The last time I knew about ADC was about a plane that cr+shed. I wish them well because we need a robust opposition,” Bakare said. “But you don’t birth a child called APC and then try to kill it yourself. We are not going to have another Awolowo-Akintola crisis in the South-West.”

Bakare also described President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as divinely ordained, saying his leadership could not have been achieved without God’s backing.

“If God wants to remove ‘emilokan,’ He knows how to do it. You can’t get the kind of thing Tinubu has brought without God’s support,” he noted.

Bakare, who contested for the APC presidential ticket in 2023 alongside Tinubu, was the running mate to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 presidential election under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) — one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC in 2013.

Tinubu’s Minister in Forgery Scandal as University disowns Certificate.

A major controversy has erupted over the academic qualifications of Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, after the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), formally disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate he has been parading for decades.

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, confirmed that although Mr. Nnaji was admitted into the institution in 1981 to study Biological Sciences, he never completed his programme and was therefore not awarded any degree.

“From every available record, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985. There are no records of his completion of studies,” Prof. Ortuanya wrote.

“The University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate, or at all, in July 1985 to Mr. Nnaji,” he added.

The minister’s credentials have under scrutiny since October 2023 after a whistleblower tip about inconsistencies in his documents.

Forgery Allegations Dating Back to 2023
Questions over Mr. Nnaji’s academic records first surfaced in July 2023 when President Bola Tinubu submitted his name to the Senate for ministerial confirmation. Critics alleged that the politician neither completed his studies at UNN nor participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, despite presenting both certificates to various federal institutions.

During his screening on August 1, 2023, Mr. Nnaji confidently told lawmakers that he obtained a degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from UNN in 1985 and served in Jos the following year. His statements were broadcast live on multiple television stations.

Uche Geoffrey Nnaji
However, forensic scrutiny of the certificates submitted by the minister revealed glaring inconsistencies that cast doubt on their authenticity.

Naira Hits Strongest Level of 2025 at Official FX Market.

The naira on Thursday appreciated to N1,455.23 per dollar at the official foreign exchange (FX) market, marking a 1.36 percent gain from the N1,475.34/$ recorded on September 30. This is the first time the currency has traded in the N1,400 range since May 2024.

The latest performance represents the naira’s strongest showing in 2025 and the best level since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) in December 2024. At the time of the transition, the naira had weakened to around N1,660/$ at the official window.

In his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, President Bola Tinubu said the reforms were yielding results.

“The naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024,” he said. “The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows.”

Market optimism was also boosted by comments from Abdul Samad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, who predicted on September 25 that the naira could strengthen further to between N1,300 and N1,400 by year end.

The recent gains highlight renewed confidence in Nigeria’s FX market, though analysts caution that sustained appreciation will depend on continued inflows, effective CBN intervention, and stability in global oil markets.

ADC’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ugochimereze Asuzu, Passes on After Slumping.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its Deputy Publicity Secretary in Imo State, Hon. Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu.

Asuzu, who also convened Ikoro Ndigbo and was regarded as a strong voice in Igbo sociocultural discourse, reportedly slumped and died in the early hours of Wednesday.

In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chief MacDonald Amadi, the ADC described his passing as a devastating loss, extolling him as a “man of uncommon intellect, conviction, and service.”

A native of Umuma Isiaku in Ideato South Local Government Area, Asuzu combined academic brilliance with grassroots activism. He earned degrees in Theology and Political Science and was pursuing a doctorate at the time of his death.

Beyond partisan politics, he was a theologian, entrepreneur, cultural advocate, and founder of the Igbo Intelligentsia Renaissance, a platform dedicated to cultural renewal and intellectual engagement. 

He also established and led I Stand With ADC, a coalition support group that mobilised citizens for democratic participation.

Before joining the ADC, Asuzu was a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was widely respected as a prolific writer, public affairs analyst, and visiting lecturer.

The party’s statement further described him as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor who inspired many in both religious and secular spheres.

“The passing of Chief Asuzu is an irreplaceable loss to his family, the ADC family, and the larger Nigerian society,” the statement read.

Details of his burial arrangements will be announced later.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is ready to drop his 2027 presidential ambition if a younger, vibrant and widely accepted candidate emerges under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku, a key member of the opposition coalition, made this known in an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday. He stressed that his interest in the race is not driven by personal ambition but by the need to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

“My being in the 2027 race does not prevent anyone from contesting. If a vibrant and widely accepted younger candidate emerges, I am willing to step aside,” Atiku said.

He dismissed suggestions that he is desperate for the presidency, saying his concern is to “rescue Nigeria from those who have held it hostage.”

Atiku also urged young Nigerians to take politics seriously, assuring that he would give his full backing if a younger candidate is chosen to represent the coalition.

Removing Corrupt Petroleum Subsidy Was A Tough, But Necessary Decision – President Tinubu Opens Up.

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, admitted that it was not an easy decision to end the controversial fuel subsidy regime in Nigeria.
Removing Corrupt Petroleum Subsidy Was A Tough, But Necessary Decision - President Tinubu Opens Up
He, however, added that it was a necessary and timely decision needed to save Nigeria’s economy from total collapse.

President Tinubu made the acknowledgement during his nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu, on May 29, 2023, right from the venue of his inauguration, declared an end to the fuel subsidy regime, prompting an immediate rise in the price of petrol, heightened inflation and other economic pressures.

Addressing the issue during his speech on Wednesday, Tinubu stated that the fuel subsidy regime was a corrupt system that needed to be abolished. He added that since the removal of fuel subsidy, the accruing financial resources have been deployed to other areas of development in the country.

“As a new administration, we faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous, fundamental reform path. We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today.

“In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority. At the same time, the masses received little or nothing from our commonwealth,” he said.

The President explained that the money saved from subsidy removal was channelled to other key areas, education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure, areas he said would improve the lives of Nigerians.

“Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.