#OpEd: My Prediction – Why Nigeria Will Be the Greatest Country in 2026, By Bayo Oluwasanmi

In this satirical New Year opinion piece, Bayo Oluwasanmi predicts that 2026 will be a transformative year for Nigeria, blending humor with sharp critique of the nation’s political and social landscape. He foresees a “deranged, narcissistic dictator” leading the country, a National Assembly enacting bizarre laws, and foreign-managed healthcare systems. Oluwasanmi humorously suggests radical reforms, including new countries within Nigeria, palm oil-powered lanterns replacing electricity, and K-9 police replacing human officers.

Through satire, he highlights corruption, inefficiency, insecurity, and the failures of government while urging Nigerians to confront the truth and work toward solutions. The piece blends wit, irony, and political commentary to provoke reflection on the state of the nation.

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#Nigeria2026 #BayoOluwasanmi #Satire #OpEdNigeria #NigerianPolitics #Corruption #PoliticalHumor #NewYearPredictions

Ohanaeze Youth Council Urges South-East Nigerians to Prepare for “Eventual Exit” Amid Marginalisation, Calls for Referendum in 2026

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has urged Igbos in Nigeria’s South-East region to prepare for an “eventual exit” from the country due to decades of marginalisation, post-civil war injustices, insecurity, and perceived failures of the Nigerian state. In a New Year message, OYC President Igboayaka Igboayaka emphasized the need for Igbo people to plan politically, economically, and diplomatically for self-determination.

Igboayaka cited unresolved injustices following the 1967–1970 civil war and condemned the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as violations of international law. He criticized Nigeria as a state overwhelmed by corruption and economic decay, urging Igbo youths to mobilize politically ahead of the 2027 elections and advocating for a referendum or plebiscite on self-determination throughout 2026.

The OYC leader stressed that unity without justice is oppression and called on community leaders to collaborate in protecting lives and property while resisting any form of brutality against campaigners.

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#OhanaezeYouthCouncil #IgboSelfDetermination #NigeriaPolitics #Referendum2026 #SouthEastNigeria

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Accuses FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of Plot to Destabilise Bauchi, Says Tinubu Is Surrounded by “Hooligans and Charlatans” Amid Alleged Political Victimisation

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the Federal Government and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating a coordinated campaign of political victimisation, intimidation, and abuse of state institutions aimed at destroying his political career.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the governor alleged that Wike was actively influencing security agencies and anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to target him and officials in his administration. Mohammed claimed that petitions, court processes, and security actions against his government were politically motivated and designed to tarnish his reputation, force political alignment, or neutralise him as a perceived threat.

The governor further alleged that Wike had threatened to “put fire” in Bauchi State, accusing him of bribing people, manipulating institutions, and selling influence. He said intelligence from within the EFCC suggested that documents and petitions were deliberately orchestrated to implicate his Commissioner for Finance and cast suspicion on his government.

Mohammed described the actions as a violation of his fundamental human rights and said he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and other agencies, warning that he would escalate the matter to the international community. He stated that he was seeking protection against what he termed “reckless” political persecution.

In a sharp rebuke of the presidency, the Bauchi governor said President Bola Tinubu was surrounded by “hooligans and charlatans” determined to destroy opposition figures. He also accused Wike of being a destabilising force within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging divided loyalties and describing him as an “undertaker” of the opposition party.

Mohammed warned that the alleged impunity within the ruling circle poses a serious threat to democracy, accountability, and political stability in Nigeria, insisting that unchecked abuse of power would have grave consequences for the country.

Sowore Mocks Peter Obi, Slams Defection From Labour Party to ADC, Says Opposition Leaders Suffer ‘Political Homelessness’

Former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has ridiculed Peter Obi and his supporters over their defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as evidence of “political homelessness.” In a statement shared on social media, Sowore accused the defectors of political drift and opportunism barely two years after mobilising support under the Labour Party during the 2023 general elections.

Sowore sarcastically remarked that Nigeria’s “most celebrated political drifters” had merely moved from one “homeless shelter” to another, branding the ADC as the “Association of Desperate Conmen.” He argued that the defection reflects a shift “from confusion to delusion” and from moral posturing to what he called naked political opportunism.

According to him, the change of party platform does not represent any meaningful ideological difference, alleging that the ADC maintains close ideological proximity to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he mockingly referred to as the “Association of Present Criminals.” Sowore insisted that despite new party logos, the political culture remains the same, describing the move as “different logos, same scam.”

The AAC leader further accused mainstream opposition figures of lacking the courage to confront entrenched corruption in Nigeria’s political system, warning that repeated defections only deepen public distrust. Peter Obi and other politicians officially announced their move from the Labour Party to the ADC on Wednesday, marking a significant realignment within Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Sheikh Gumi Criticizes Bombing of Terrorists in Nigeria, Cites Ideological Roots and Security Corruption

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has criticized the recent bombing of terrorist camps in Nigeria, arguing that military force alone cannot end terrorism, which he says is rooted in ideology. Speaking to TrustTV, Gumi alleged that groups like Boko Haram and ISIS are sponsored by foreign powers, particularly the United States.

He also accused Nigeria’s security system of corruption, claiming funds intended for modern weapons are mismanaged, and urged the government to withdraw U.S. military involvement. Gumi described Nigerians who supported the strikes as misguided and emphasized learning from South Africa’s approach to combating apartheid.

Court Sets January 5 for Bail Ruling of Bauchi Finance Commissioner in $9.7M Terrorism Financing Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 5, 2026, to rule on bail applications for Bauchi State Finance Commissioner Yakubu Adamu and three others, arraigned by the EFCC on terrorism financing and money laundering charges. The defendants face a ten-count charge involving conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and providing $2.3 million to alleged terrorists. Adamu is also accused of receiving $6.95 million outside the regulated financial system in 2024. They all pleaded not guilty. The court ordered that the defendants remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the bail ruling.

#BauchiFinanceCommissioner #EFCC #MoneyLaundering #TerrorismFinancing #NigeriaNews #YakubuAdamu #FederalHighCourt #CorruptionCases

BREAKING: Peter Obi, South-East Political Leaders Dump Labour Party, Officially Join ADC in Enugu to Unseat APC Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, alongside prominent political leaders from Nigeria’s South-East, has officially declared allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Enugu after months of consultations, with the leaders accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of poor governance, corruption and economic mismanagement. Obi described Nigeria as a nation “looted into poverty,” citing widespread insecurity, youth unemployment and institutional decay, while calling for urgent electoral reforms and warning against rigging in 2027. He criticised current fiscal and tax policies, argued that Nigeria’s problems stem from leadership failure rather than lack of resources, and formally urged the Obidient Movement and opposition parties nationwide to rally behind a broad opposition coalition under the ADC, led by former Senate President David Mark. The move is expected to significantly reshape opposition politics as preparations intensify for the next general elections.

B-Red Defends Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Osun Airport Project, Denies Embezzlement Claims and Sparks Online Reactions

Nigerian singer B-Red, cousin to Davido and son of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has spoken publicly about his father’s plan to build Osun State’s first airport, dismissing claims of corruption and embezzlement. During a live stream with Carter Efe, B-Red said the airport project is aimed at easing travel for Osun residents, stressing that his family is focused on development, not personal gain. He further cited his modest two-car convoy as proof that they are not misusing public funds. His comments, however, triggered mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning the necessity of the airport and others accusing politicians of self-interest, while supporters praised the Adeleke family’s intentions.

Tinubu Appoints EFCC Lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, as Director of Public Prosecutions to Strengthen Federal Government’s Legal and Anti-Corruption Strategy

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of seasoned anti-corruption lawyer, Mr Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, SAN, as the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Federal Ministry of Justice. The appointment, announced on December 30, 2025, involves Oyedepo’s transfer of service from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the mainstream Federal Civil Service in what the government described as a decision made in the public interest. Oyedepo will replace Mr Abubakar Babadoko, who is set to retire after completing the mandatory eight-year tenure as a director on December 31, 2025. A law graduate of the University of Ilorin and alumnus of the Nigerian Law School, Oyedepo brings over 15 years of experience in prosecuting complex economic and financial crimes at the EFCC, where he also served as Head of the Monitoring Unit. He was part of the Federal Government’s legal team in the landmark P&ID arbitration case. The Presidency said his appointment is expected to reduce reliance on external legal counsel, strengthen prosecution capacity, and ensure greater consistency in the government’s legal strategies, particularly in high-profile corruption cases.

Tinubu Government Denies ‘ADP4VIP’ Plot to Arrest and Detain Opposition Figures, Calls Allegations Fake and Baseless Disinformation

The Federal Government has firmly denied allegations that it established a secret programme known as “ADP4VIP” to arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition politicians in Nigeria. In a statement issued on December 30, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the claims as false, fabricated, and deliberately misleading. According to the government, the alleged programme—which purportedly involved a multi-agency task force comprising the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser—does not exist. The administration said the forged document behind the claims was designed to portray lawful accountability as political persecution, particularly targeting members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and constitutional freedoms, the government cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association. It stressed that law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies operate independently and within legal boundaries. The government also warned Nigerians against the spread of misinformation and fake news as the 2027 general elections approach, cautioning that political actors may increasingly deploy disinformation for relevance. Despite accusations of a crackdown on opposition parties, the Tinubu administration insisted it remains focused on economic reforms, tackling insecurity, restoring investor confidence, and delivering measurable progress for Nigerians.

FG Reaffirms Unwavering Commitment to Rule of Law, Dismisses Fabricated Allegations of Targeting Opposition

The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures. This clarification is in response to a fabricated document in circulation alleging the establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).

The baseless document falsely claims that a task force comprising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to aggressively target prominent opposition figures without due process.

The authors of this deliberate disinformation imprudently cite “multiple credible sources” to allege a planned “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Federal Government wishes to state emphatically:

1. There is no such programme as “ADP4VIP.”

2. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.

3. The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies.

The Government underscores its foundational principles. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble. President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold this Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion. He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.

Under President Tinubu's leadership, the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where law enforcement and judicial agencies are obligated to perform their duties professionally, without interference, and in the nation's best interest.

Politicians and citizens are therefore enjoined to desist from engaging in disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, especially in an era where credibility is intrinsically linked to informational fidelity.

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance. We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to reject the politics of distortion and division.

Every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to lawful association and political activity. Concurrently, our security and anti-corruption institutions retain the lawful mandate to operate in the nation's interest.

As we draw the curtain on 2025 and step into a new year, this government will not be distracted by those invested in perpetual politicking. Nigerians deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results—and that is what the Tinubu Administration remains dedicated to delivering.

Mohammed Idris, fnipr
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Overpriced’ ₦355 Million ICT Centre in Akwa-Ibom Facilitated by Senate President Akpabio Remains Poorly Equipped, Raises Anti-Corruption Concerns

A civic technology platform, MonITNG, has flagged an “overpriced” ₦355 million ICT centre in Etim Ekpo, Akwa-Ibom North West Senatorial District, facilitated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The project, executed through the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan under the Ministry of Agriculture, is largely incomplete and poorly equipped, providing only 25 desktop computers, basic tables, and stools. Key facilities such as UPS systems, printers, backup power, and a perimeter fence are missing, rendering the centre largely unusable. MonITNG highlighted concerns over political branding and misuse of public funds, calling for contractors to complete the project and anti-corruption agencies to investigate, emphasizing that public resources must benefit communities rather than serve political interests.

Federal Polytechnic Bida Staff Accuse Management of Alleged N1.1 Billion Diversion of Personnel Funds to Controversial Supplier Payments Amid Unpaid Salary Arrears and Promotion Backlogs

Staff at Federal Polytechnic Bida have accused the institution’s management of plotting to divert N1.1 billion intended for personnel welfare to settle controversial supplier claims from a previous administration. Workers allege that senior officials planned to take a 40% cut while using only 60% of the funds for staff arrears, including unpaid promotion and salary increments dating back to 2017, 2024, and 2025. Staff members are demanding that anti-corruption agencies investigate instead of allowing the funds to be misused, citing transparency and accountability concerns. The school management has yet to respond to the allegations.

BREAKING: Court Remands Ex-Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Son, Wife In Kuje Prison Over Naira-Billion Money Laundering Charges, Fixes January 2 For Bail Hearing

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son and another defendant at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications on January 2, 2026. The trio, arraigned by the EFCC on a 16-count charge, pleaded not guilty to allegations of money laundering, unlawful acquisition of assets and conspiracy involving properties and transactions worth billions of naira across Abuja, Kano and other locations. The case has attracted widespread attention as one of the most high-profile corruption trials involving a senior official from the Buhari administration.

Integrity Shock as ICPC Scores NNPC Zero, Ranks National Oil Company Bottom Despite Fresh Profits and Reform Claims

Nigeria’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has rated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) zero in its 2025 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, placing it last among 357 federal ministries, departments and agencies assessed nationwide. The report found that NNPCL failed across all four integrity pillars—management culture, financial management, administrative systems, and anti-corruption mechanisms—classifying the national oil company as a high-risk institution. The outcome has intensified concerns over governance, transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, especially given NNPCL’s recent claims of improved profitability.
The ICPC report also revealed mixed results across petroleum regulators, with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) emerging as the top-performing agency, while the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NMDPRA) recorded weak compliance. Overall, only about 14% of federal agencies achieved substantial compliance, prompting the ICPC to signal tougher enforcement actions against persistently non-compliant institutions. Analysts warn that NNPCL’s zero score poses reputational risks and could undermine public trust and investor confidence unless urgent governance reforms are implemented.

Tinubu Criticized for Appointing Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello to APC Reconciliation Committee Amid ₦80 Billion Corruption Allegations

The African Transparency Initiative (ATI) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to the APC national reconciliation committee. ATI described the move as a “grave assault on integrity and accountability,” citing Bello’s alleged involvement in corruption, illegal mining, terrorism sponsorship, and political violence, including the diversion of over ₦80 billion during his tenure. The group warned that Bello’s inclusion undermines Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, erodes public trust, and sends a negative signal to the international community. ATI called for his immediate removal and urged law enforcement agencies to pursue ongoing allegations without political interference.

EXCLUSIVE: How Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed’s Nephew Allegedly Used Courts, Lawyers To Jail EFCC Witness In ₦4.6bn Fraud Case

Fresh allegations have surfaced in the ₦4.6 billion money laundering case involving Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, with claims that Muntaka Mohammed Duguri, a nephew of Governor Bala Mohammed, orchestrated a plot to silence a key EFCC witness. Sources allege that Duguri weaponised civil and Sharia courts, colluded with lawyers, bribed judicial officers and facilitated the remand of Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu, a crucial prosecution witness, in prison while his property was allegedly sold off. The developments have reportedly stalled the EFCC’s case, as Aliyu’s testimony is considered vital to the prosecution, raising serious concerns about judicial abuse, corruption and obstruction of justice in the high-profile fraud investigation.

AAC Chairman Warns Against US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Cautions Nigeria on Sovereignty and Long-Term Instability

The African Action Congress (AAC) Chairman for the FCT, Agena A. Robert, has warned Nigerians against celebrating recent U.S. airstrikes on alleged terrorist targets in Sokoto State. He cautioned that foreign military intervention risks undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and could lead to long-term instability. In a statement titled “A Wake-Up Call for Nigerians: Don’t Trade Sovereignty for Short-Term Gains,” Robert argued that such strikes make Nigeria a potential battleground for global power interests and criticized the government for appearing merely “notified, not consulted.” He emphasized that foreign powers exploit conflicts rather than solve them, urging Nigerians to seek local solutions, strengthen regional cooperation via ECOWAS and Lake Chad Basin partners, and hold the Presidency accountable for approving foreign military operations. Robert stressed that addressing terrorism requires tackling root causes like poverty, corruption, and governance failures, rather than relying solely on airstrikes.

Ex-AGF Malami Accuses EFCC of Blocking Court Order Service, Insists Bail Order Was Properly Served

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of deliberately evading compliance with a valid court order granting him bail. Malami’s camp insists that contrary to the EFCC’s claims, the anti-graft agency was properly served with the order but allegedly refused to acknowledge or accept it.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami said a court bailiff visited the EFCC offices a day after the order was issued, but officials of the commission declined to receive the documents. According to Malami, such refusal does not invalidate service under Nigerian law, as attempted service and subsequent delivery to legal representatives are sufficient to establish notice of a court order.

Malami further disclosed that the same bail order was later received by the chambers of Chief J.S. Okutepa (SAN), a senior advocate linked to the EFCC, arguing that this conclusively established the commission’s awareness of the court directive. The former AGF maintained that the EFCC’s continued detention of him therefore amounts to an attempt to sidestep judicial authority.

The EFCC, however, has firmly rejected these claims. In an earlier statement, its lead counsel, Okutepa, described reports of an ex-parte bail order as misleading, bizarre, and professionally irresponsible. He insisted that neither the EFCC nor his law firm was served with any court order directing Malami’s release and said he only learned of the alleged order through social media reports.

Okutepa also recalled that on December 10, 2025, Justice S.C. Oriji of the FCT High Court ordered Malami’s remand in EFCC custody for 14 days pending investigations, an order he said remains valid and subsisting. He added that a subsequent bail application filed by Malami’s legal team before another FCT High Court was dismissed on December 18, 2025, with the court affirming that Malami was not being unlawfully detained.

The legal dispute has now escalated into a public standoff, with Malami accusing the EFCC of contempt and the commission warning against what it described as abuse of judicial process and attempts to mislead the public. The controversy has further intensified scrutiny of the EFCC’s handling of high-profile corruption cases and the enforcement of court orders in Nigeria.

ICPC Must Uphold Justice, Fairness, and Rule of Law

In this opinion piece, Muhammed Al-Ameen stresses the critical role of anti-corruption agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria’s fragile democracy. He argues that these institutions are vital to maintaining the integrity of the state, and their independence is non-negotiable.

Independence and integrity of anti-graft agencies are essential; any political manipulation threatens democracy.

ICPC under Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN—a Senior Advocate of Nigeria—is increasingly seen as politically biased, ignoring court orders and engaging in selective justice.

Senior Advocates are expected to uphold the law and serve as examples, but ICPC’s leadership has allegedly disregarded judicial processes, undermining public trust.

Mishandling Aliko Dangote’s petition against Farouk Ahmed (NMDPRA), effectively defending the accused instead of conducting an impartial investigation.

Ignoring an interim injunction by Kano State High Court protecting ALGON members from harassment.


Such actions signal institutionalized lawlessness, where those knowledgeable of the law use it selectively for political purposes.


Recommendations:

Immediate intervention by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) regarding petitions against Dr. Aliyu.

ICPC must comply with all outstanding court orders and rid itself of political interference.

The Presidency and judiciary should ensure the ICPC functions as a neutral, accountable watchdog.


Al-Ameen concludes that ICPC’s credibility and Nigeria’s democratic integrity are at stake. The agency must choose between strengthening the rule of law or becoming a tool for political vendettas.

The piece calls for restoration of institutional sanity, fair enforcement of laws, and prioritizing the public’s interest over political expediency.