“We Won’t Pay Ransom or Negotiate with Bandits” — Niger Governor Bago Declares, Orders Statewide Mining Ban.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has vowed that his administration will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that such actions only empower criminals and fuel insecurity across the state.

Bago made the declaration during a condolence visit to residents of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, where several communities were recently attacked by bandits in the Kontagora axis.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor said Niger State had reached a critical point that demands collective resistance from its people. He warned that ransom payments would only commercialise kidn+pping and make the cr+me more lucrative.

“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” Bago said. “This is a war situation, and we must all rise to defend ourselves. The constitution empowers us to protect lives and property, and we will not back down.”

In addition, Governor Bago declared a total ban on mining activities across Niger State’s Zone C, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara LGAs. He linked illegal mining to the rising wave of insecurity, alleging that many miners operate freely in forest zones that are unsafe for residents.

“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,” he stated, directing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities.

Forgery Allegation Deepens PDP Crisis Ahead Of November Convention.

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a fresh twist after the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector General of Police over an alleged forgery of his signature.

In petitions dated October 15 and submitted on October 16, Anyanwu denied signing the August 29 letter sent to INEC concerning the party’s planned November 15–16 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In his letter titled “RE: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Year 2025 Elective National Convention: Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature”, Anyanwu insisted that the correspondence purportedly bearing his signature was neither signed nor authorised by him.

He urged the DSS and the police to immediately investigate what he described as a case of forgery capable of undermining the party’s integrity ahead of its convention.

The controversy comes amid a pending suit filed by aggrieved party chieftains seeking to halt the exercise. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia states, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Abraham Nnanna, alongside the South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah Alabah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee of breaching the party’s constitution and internal election rules.

Defendants in the case include INEC, the PDP, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and other senior officials.

At Tuesday’s sitting, the court adjourned proceedings to October 20, after a dispute erupted over who was authorised to represent the PDP in court.

Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN) both claimed the mandate, prompting Justice James Omotosho to order them to present proof of authorisation. He directed all parties to exchange documents by October 17.

"Nigeria has no reason to be poor"— President Tinubu affirms.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria should not remain poor, stressing that the nation’s wealth in solid minerals and human talent must be fully harnessed to drive prosperity.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said, “Nigeria has no reason to be poor, given our abundant resources and talented people. Let us turn our minerals into miracles of development ‘Minerals to Miracles’ must be our rallying cry.”

He assured that his administration is committed to creating a safe and investor-friendly mining environment, describing the event as a platform for ideas that can guide Nigeria’s path to economic renewal.

The President noted that Africa holds about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, urging nations to ensure that more value is retained within their economies through responsible exploitation.

NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said Nigeria’s mining sector is undergoing key reforms, but its GDP contribution remains below 1%. He noted that revenues rose from ₦339.57 billion in 2022 to ₦401.87 billion in 2023, while artisanal miners accounted for over 80% of output but less than 30% of royalties.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration is repositioning the mining sector as a central pillar of economic diversification and growth.

Tinubu Urges World Leaders To Declare Theft Of Mineral Resources An International Crime.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on world leaders to recognise the stealing of countries’ mineral resources through illegal mining and smuggling as an international crime.

Speaking at the 7th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) in Abuja, the President said the illegal exploitation of Africa’s natural resources has become a global threat to economic stability and peace.

Tinubu lamented that billions of dollars are lost yearly to mineral smuggling, corruption, and illicit trade, which he said fuel insecurity, kidnapping and banditry across the continent.

“The stealing of our countries’ mineral resources should no longer be treated as a local issue. It is an international cr+me that undermines peace and stability,” he said.

The President urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the broader international community to strengthen legal frameworks that criminalize illegal mining and resource theft.

He also called for collective regional action to trace and recover stolen assets, while emphasizing transparency in their use. Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has so far channelled over ₦100 billion in recovered proceeds into social intervention projects such as the Student Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme.

“No nation can win this fight alone. We must build stronger partnerships and ensure that those who profit from our collective wealth face justice,” he added.

Tinubu further appealed to world leaders to support a global convention against resource theft, similar to existing international laws against drug and human trafficking.

Tunisian Man Sentenced to Death Over Facebook Posts Criticising President.

A Tunisian court has sentenced a 56-year-old man to death for allegedly insulting President Kais Saied and undermining state security through Facebook posts, his lawyer and the Tunisian League for Human Rights confirmed on Friday.

The ruling has been described as unprecedented in the North African country, where restrictions on free speech have tightened since Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021.

The defendant, Saber Chouchane, a day labourer with limited education, was arrested last year after publishing online criticism of the president. 

His lawyer, Oussama Bouthalja, said: “The judge in the Nabeul court sentenced the man to death over Facebook posts. It is a shocking and unprecedented ruling.” He added that an appeal has already been lodged.

Although Tunisian courts occasionally issue death sentences, the country has not carried out an execution in more than three decades.

Chouchane’s brother, Jamal, expressed disbelief, telling Reuters: “We can’t believe it. We are a family suffering from poverty, and now oppression and injustice have been added to poverty.”

The judgement has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with activists and citizens accusing authorities of attempting to silence critics through fear. Observers warn the ruling could intensify political tensions and further erode freedom of expression.

Since dissolving parliament and ruling by decree, Saied has faced mounting criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders, many of whom are imprisoned on various charges after being labelled “traitors” by the president.

This Is Not Labour Office’ – Oshiomhole Speaks On Senate Warning Over ‘Khaki’ Outfit.

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has clarified why he stopped wearing khaki to the Senate chamber.
[BREAKING] VIDEO: Drama As Oshiomhole Shuts Down Lagos Airport Terminal After Missing His Flight Oshiomhole, speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, said that some commentators had suggested his change of dressing was due to the influence of political office.

However, the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president said he had been cautioned several times against wearing his trademark khaki attire to plenary.

According to the Senator, his decision to stop wearing ‘Khaki’ was a matter of compliance with Senate rules because there is a dress code.

He said, “The ‘senator’ (wear) thing I need to clear it. I watched one analysis, where it was said that ”even Oshiomhole, power changes people. He no longer wears ‘khaki’.

“Do you know that I am not allowed with all my human right? I’m not allowed, I don’t have the right to wear those khaki to the Senate Because they have a dress code.

“And I have seen, I was there for a couple of times, they warned me, “please, this is not labour office.”

Meanwhile, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, has slammed Oshiomhole over his comment on the insecurity in the North.

Oshiomhole had recently stated that the insecurity in the North was tied to the activities of illegal mining in the region, stressing that top personnel were using choppers to carry out gold from the area.

Lawyer Sues EFCC, Others Over ‘Illegal Seizure’ Of Abuja Property For Elizade Motors Chair Adeojo, Seeks N500Million Damages.

Oketa, representing Jona Brothers Construction Limited and its associates, has instituted legal action against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

A land tussle in Abuja has now escalated into a constitutional battle with Abuja-based lawyer, Alexander Oketa, accusing Nigeria’s anti-graft agency and other top officials of undermining judicial authority in a matter already settled by multiple courts.

Oketa, representing Jona Brothers Construction Limited and its associates, has instituted legal action against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

The suit is also seeking N500 million in damages against the respondents.

At the heart of the matter is a disputed piece of land located at Plot 680-689, Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi, Abuja.

According to Oketa, multiple judgments and rulings have already affirmed Jona Brothers as the lawful owners, only for the EFCC to step in and declare that the land belonged to Chief Michael Adeojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors.

Oketa described the move as a dangerous precedent that undermines judicial authority, stressing that EFCC operatives stormed the land last Thursday, sealed it off, and threatened arrests, citing an ex parte order of interim forfeiture.

In the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of Jona Brothers Construction Limited, Bullion Properties Limited, Oyenbueke Uche Vincent, and John Oyih, Oketa is seeking an order to unseal the property and allow his clients unhindered access immediately.

Oshiomhole Is Part Of The Problem In Nigeria’ Yusuf Blasts NASS Over Failure To Checkmate Tinubu.

Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, has slammed the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, over his comment on the insecurity in the North.
[BREAKING] VIDEO: Drama As Oshiomhole Shuts Down Lagos Airport Terminal After Missing His Flight.

Oshiomhole had recently stated that the insecurity in the North was tied to the activities of illegal mining in the region, stressing that top personnel were using choppers to carry out gold from the area.

Reacting to the remark, Yusuf, in an interview with Punch, opined that the former Governor of Edo State was part of the problem in Nigeria.

Taking a swipe at the 10th National Assembly, Yusuf said the lawmakers have failed to checkmate President Bola Tinubu, despite the violation of the constitution.

According to Yusuf, the 10th National Assembly is the most docile National Assembly since the beginning of democratic rule, adding that they never stopped anything, but were only interested in earning salaries without doing anything.

He said, “Adams Oshiomhole doesn’t know anything about the level of insecurity in the North, and he is part of the problem in Nigeria. The 10th National Assembly is a do-nothing National Assembly. They have allowed the President free rein without checking him.

“He gets loans from all over the place, and this is going to cripple the lives of our grandchildren. They never checkmated him. If Senator Adams Oshiomhole wants to grandstand and be in the newspapers, he is welcome. But he is as much a problem for this country as the President is.

“The 10th National Assembly is the most docile National Assembly we’ve had since the beginning of democratic rule. They never stopped anything, and all they are interested in is seeing an alert and doing nothing. They don’t ask the questions on behalf of the constituents who elected them. The whole 10th National Assembly is a failure.

“They have failed Nigerians because they are not checkmating this President. He is doing whatever he likes, violating the constitution in his appointments. Section 14(3) and 14(4) of the Constitution call for the President to ensure that whatever he does reflects the federal character. This is not what the President is doing, and nobody is asking him.

“He is getting loans all over the world, approved by them (the National Assembly), with nothing to show for it. People are suffering every day; people are hungry all across the land. You don’t hear any senator, including Senator Adams, telling the President that his government is cruel. He is not running this nation with the milk of human kindness.”

Kebbi LGA Imposes Curfew After Deadly Gold Mining Clash

Authorities in Yauri Local Government Area, Kebbi State, have imposed a 10 p.m.–7 a.m. curfew following violent clashes among youths in the Garin Katta community over gold mining.

The violence, which began with the killing of a miner on Saturday, escalated into retaliatory attacks, destruction of shops, and the burning of motorcycles. Casualty figures remain unclear.

Council Chairman Abubakar Shuaibu said security forces, including police and the military, were deployed after attempts to identify the culprits were obstructed. He urged calm, stressing that conflict only deepens instability.

El-Rufai Warns Tinubu Could Become ‘Nigeria’s Paul Biya’

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has warned that President Bola Tinubu risks becoming “Nigeria’s Paul Biya” if not voted out in the 2027 elections. Hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai accused the APC-led government of centralizing power, undermining federalism, and posing a greater threat to democracy than past military regimes.

He described Tinubu’s administration as “a disgrace to democratic ideals,” cautioning that failure to act decisively in 2027 could entrench authoritarian rule similar to Biya’s decades-long stay in power in Cameroon.

Violence erupts in Kebbi community as clash over gold mine claims life.

A violent clash between residents over a gold mining site has claimed one life in Garin Katta community, Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The crisis, which broke out on Saturday after a misunderstanding among miners, escalated on Sunday when relatives of the deceased reportedly launched a reprisal attack.

The confrontation led to the destruction of property, vandalisation of shops, and motorcycles being set ablaze.

In response, the Chairman of Yauri LGA, Abubakar Shuaibu, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

He disclosed that security agencies, including the Police Area Commander and the Department of State Services, had been notified to restore calm, with military support also sought.

Police authorities confirmed the recovery and burial of the victim in line with Islamic rites. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend those behind the killing.

AGG Slams APC League of Professionals Over Attacks on Primate Ayodele

The Alliance for Good Governance (AGG) has strongly criticized the APC League of Professionals (ALP) over its recent response to Primate Elijah Ayodele’s prophecies concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing ALP’s position as “a shameful display of ignorance, misinformation, and falsehood.”

In a statement signed by its president, Sola Johnson, AGG accused ALP of embarrassing itself by sponsoring media publications against the cleric, who has consistently issued spiritual counsel and warnings to Nigerian leaders.

“Day in and day out, the man of God is criticized for his prophecies, but this particular one by ALP is laughable. It reeks of ignorance, misunderstanding, and drunken misinformation. For a group that claims to be professionals, they have only succeeded in presenting themselves like stark illiterates and rumour peddlers,” Johnson said.


He dismissed as false and fabricated the claim that Primate Ayodele told President Tinubu not to contest in the 2027 elections.

“How can someone who has been advising on strategies that could make the president win or lose suddenly tell him not to contest? It is embarrassing that ALP would stoop so low to concoct lies,” he added.

On Prophecies About Trump and the Economy

Responding to Ayodele’s caution that Tinubu should be careful in his dealings with former U.S. President Donald Trump, AGG insisted the advice was both timely and crucial.

“This is a prophecy the president himself should take note of to make informed decisions. What exactly is paining this amateur group in this message? They are clearly more interested in attacking the prophet than protecting the president’s interest,” the group noted.

AGG also condemned ALP’s stance that prophets should not speak on economic matters, describing it as “evidence of serious illiteracy.”

“The Bible itself is full of examples where men of God shaped national economies. Joseph’s foresight saved Egypt from famine, Elijah foretold economic recovery in Israel. To say a prophet cannot speak on the economy is shallow reasoning,” Johnson argued.


On security matters, AGG clarified that Ayodele has expressed support for the idea of state police, but warned against its potential misuse by politicians.

The group further cautioned President Tinubu not to be swayed by groups like ALP, alleging they were more interested in undermining his administration than ensuring his success.

“This group is not after Tinubu’s success; they are after his failure. By trying to turn him against the word of God, they are pushing him toward defeat. The president must be very careful of such misguided elements,” Johnson warned.

Analyst Majeed Dahiru Traces Nigeria’s History of Presidential Power Transfers and Constitutional Loopholes

Public Affairs Analyst Majeed Dahiru has analyzed how Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on presidential power transfers during medical absences evolved through the actions of past leaders—from Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to Muhammadu Buhari—and how they continue to shape governance under Bola Tinubu.

Dahiru recalled that late President Yar’Adua sparked a constitutional crisis when he failed to formally hand over power to then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan during a medical vacation.

“Yar’Adua was sick. The constitution was clear: if you are embarking on medical vacation, hand over to your vice president. For reasons best known to him, he didn’t. It became a big problem until Jonathan was forced by necessity to take over,” Dahiru explained.


This crisis, he said, prompted a constitutional amendment mandating that if a president fails to transmit power within 21 days of absence, the vice president automatically assumes acting powers.

However, Dahiru argued that former President Buhari found a way around the new rule.

“After the first few times Buhari handed over to Osinbajo and Osinbajo took some decisions he didn’t like, what did you see next? Buhari would travel, return on the 20th day, then leave again two days later—resetting the clock,” he said.

He further criticized Buhari for delaying governance by refusing to appoint a cabinet for months, which later led to another amendment requiring presidents to form a cabinet within a specified timeframe.

According to Dahiru, President Tinubu also tested this provision by waiting until the last possible day before submitting his ministerial list.

The analyst concluded that these actions by successive presidents reveal a consistent pattern of bending constitutional provisions to personal convenience, often undermining smooth governance.

Dangote signs landmark agreement with Kogi Community, promises jobs, infrastructure.

There was widespread celebration on Wednesday as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, formalized a five-year Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the Jakura community in Kogi State.

The historic pact aims to deliver critical social infrastructure and economic opportunities, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the cement company and its host community.

The agreement, according to Dangote Cement, reflects a broader commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development in its operational areas.

At the signing event, the Plant Director, represented by Chief General Manager, Production, John Gwong, emphasized the company’s adherence to the legal framework outlined in the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and its 2011 regulations.

He affirmed Dangote’s philosophy of “good neighbourliness,” highlighting the company’s dedication to fostering harmonious relations with its host communities.

A dedicated structure will oversee the execution of the CDA, with Gwong urging collaboration from government stakeholders to ensure its success. Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, Group Head of Social Performance, assured immediate commencement of the agreed projects, despite the year nearing its end.

He emphasized that the process followed the 2023 amendment to the CDA development guidelines.

Reinforcing the company’s role as a socially responsible entity, Mr. James Adenuga, Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment, and Sustainability, stated that the CDA strengthens Dangote’s social licence to operate.

Yahoo boys worsening visa restrictions for Nigerians – EFCC.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

Olukoyede, who was represented by the Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the charge on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.

His statement was contained in a release issued by the commission on Tuesday.

“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.

“Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

He urged young people in the South-South and across the country to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.

He was quoted as saying, “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”

Wife of Labour Party Candidate, Bright Ngene, Appeals for His Release After 15 Months in Prison

The wife of Labour Party candidate for Enugu South Urban 1 State Constituency, Bright Ngene, has appealed for his release after 15 months in prison.

Munachi Ngene alleged that her husband’s imprisonment was politically motivated and aimed at nullifying his electoral victory, claiming he was targeted for refusing to defect to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ngene, a senior lawyer, was sentenced to seven years over a revived 2016 case involving a sand mining committee, despite being earlier cleared by his community. His wife described the trial as unfair and said the family has been struggling since his incarceration.

She called on the government to free her husband, insisting the charges were baseless and amounted to political persecution.

Nigeria Destroys Over 1,300 Firearms Recovered From Terrorists, Bandits

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has destroyed 1,316 illicit firearms in Abuja, in an exercise supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The weapons — seized from terrorists, bandits, smugglers, and violent groups — were burned and later smelted at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, to ensure full decommissioning.

Since 2021, NCCSALW has eliminated over 13,230 illegal and obsolete weapons, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to combating arms proliferation and fulfilling international security obligations.

NSA Nuhu Ribadu described the exercise as a “clarion call” to reclaim Nigeria’s security space, citing new reforms such as the Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024.

NCCSALW Director-General Johnson Kokumo said the destruction sends a clear signal that Nigeria will not tolerate illegal arms undermining national stability.

The event was attended by military chiefs, police leaders, and international partners.

#Nigeria #Security #Peace

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos Zone, has demanded that the Federal Government pay lecturers a living wage instead of a minimum wage, citing harsh economic realities.

Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Adesola Nassir, said at a press briefing that members are still owed promotion arrears of up to four years, wage awards, and palliatives, despite several meetings with government agencies.

Nassir warned that ASUU could embark on a nationwide strike if demands remain unmet, stressing that Nigerians should hold the government accountable. He also criticized the government for undermining university autonomy and making academic support loans largely inaccessible.

#ASUU #Education #Nigeria #LivingWage #Strike #BreakingNews

Soldier Killed by Policeman Escorting Illegal Mining Truck in Bauchi

A Nigerian Army officer, MWO Ali Haruna, was shot dead by Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, a mobile policeman allegedly escorting a truck carrying illegally mined solid minerals.

The incident happened on Aug 25 in Futuk, Alkaleri LGA, when troops stopped the suspicious truck at a checkpoint. After initially refusing to stop, the truck was intercepted—but the policeman reportedly opened fire, hitting Haruna in the stomach.

The soldier later died in hospital. The truck driver escaped amid the chaos, while the inspector was overpowered and disarmed by soldiers.

Authorities are investigating, as tensions rise between the police and military in Bauchi.

#Bauchi #IllegalMining #Nigeria #SecurityCrisis #Justice

Court of corruption Obasanjo knocks INEC chairman, judiciary in new book.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the Nigerian judiciary, saying it has been “deeply compromised” and that corruption among judges has turned courts into “a court of corruption rather than a court of justice.”

In his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo laments the steady decline of the Nigerian judiciary’s integrity, warning that justice has become commodified in Nigeria.

“The reputation of the Nigerian judiciary has steadily gone down from the four eras up till today. The rapidity of the precipitous fall, particularly in the Fourth Republic, is lamentable,” Obasanjo wrote.

He expressed concern that the judiciary’s decline poses a significant threat to the nation’s stability.

Obasanjo recounted an incident where a governor showed him six duplex buildings belonging to a judge who allegedly acquired them from money made as chairman of election tribunals. This anecdote, he said, illustrates the depth of corruption in the judiciary.

The former president also accused Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, of undermining the electoral process since 2015.

“No wonder politicians do not put much confidence in an election which the INEC of Professor Mahmood Yakubu polluted and grossly undermined to make a charade,” he said.

Obasanjo further alleged that politicians believe the outcome of election disputes depends on the will of tribunal judges, court of appeal judges, and supreme court judges.