By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The Amir and National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alatoye Abdulazeez, has urged Nigerian youths to unite politically and strategically, identifying Adewole Adebayo as a potential leader capable of driving national transformation if given collective support.

Speaking during an interview, Abdulazeez emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges largely on the ability of young people to organize themselves beyond tribal, religious, and financial inducements, and to rally behind credible leadership.

According to him, while several young candidates have emerged in past elections, their failure to build strong alliances allowed older political forces to maintain dominance.

He noted that the case of Adebayo, a lawyer and businessman who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), presents an opportunity for a different political direction if youths can act in unity.

“If the younger generation is sure that Adewole Adebayo can deliver, they should team up with him, get things right, and encourage other youths across tribes to see themselves as one,” Abdulazeez said.

He stressed that Nigeria is currently in what he described as a “storming stage” of nationhood, where divisions along ethnic and regional lines continue to hinder development.

He warned that unless a “national norm” is established—where citizens prioritize unity over sectional interests—the country may struggle to reach its full potential.

The cleric further advised youths to avoid electoral inducement and reject divisive politics, urging them instead to focus on long-term nation-building.

“We must move from where we are to the next stage. Otherwise, we will keep moving in the same direction,” he added.

Beyond politics, Abdulazeez reiterated the Ahmadiyya motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” as a guiding principle for national cohesion, stressing that religion should be a force for peace rather than division.

He condemned terrorism and violence carried out in the name of religion, insisting that such acts contradict Islamic teachings.

On governance, he acknowledged efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that while progress has been made in some areas, more attention is needed in critical sectors such as power and economic management.

Abdulazeez concluded with a call for collective responsibility among citizens, particularly the youth, to reshape Nigeria’s future through unity, moral discipline, and active participation in governance.

“Leadership is not just about those in office,” he said. “It is also about those who choose them.”
End

 From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) have released a revised timetable for the 2026 local government elections.

ENSIEC Chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu, presented the updated schedule to journalists in Enugu.

Ngwu said the framework outlines activities leading to elections on Sept.

He explained the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

 “The revised timetable aligns with the new law and other relevant statutes guiding elections in the state,” he said.

He recalled ENSIEC earlier issued a notice on Aug. 20, 2025 alongside an initial timetable.

According to him, party primaries will be held from Jan. 23 to May 26.

“Campaigns will begin on April 29 and end on Sept. 25, 24 hours before polling,” Ngwu added.

He said submission of nomination forms closes on May 29, while candidates’ particulars will be published on June 19.

“The final list of candidates will be released on July 27,” he stated.

Ngwu added that submission of polling agents ends on Aug. 31, while the official notice of poll comes on Sept. 11.

He confirmed elections will be held on Sept. 26, with voting from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. using the open secret ballot system.

 “In case of inconclusive results, re-run elections will be conducted on Oct. 10,” he said.

Ngwu stressed the timetable was issued under the commission’s constitutional mandate and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.

By David Torough, Abuja

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan have issued a strong call for national unity, institutional reforms, and economic transformation, warning that Nigeria’s future depends on collective responsibility and a democracy that delivers tangible results.

Both leaders, who spoke at separate high-level engagements on Thursday, converged on a common message: Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads and requires urgent, coordinated action from citizens, leaders, and institutions.

At the 6th Annual Colloquium marking the 65th birthday of Itua Ighodalo, Obasanjo stressed that no external force would fix Nigeria’s problems unless Nigerians themselves unite across divides.

“Until we come together to work and fix Nigeria, nobody will fix it for us,” Obasanjo declared, urging citizens—from grassroots traders to political elites—to take ownership of the country’s development.

He highlighted the importance of youth inclusion, describing young people as central to Nigeria’s future, and called for greater investment in technology and innovation to harness the country’s demographic advantage.

Echoing reformist sentiments, economist Eghosa Osagie advocated for increased local production, while Opeyemi Adamolekun of Enough is Enough Nigeria criticised the commercialization of politics. Technology investor Iyinoluwa Aboyeji pointed to infrastructural imbalances, noting that digital connectivity remains heavily concentrated in Lagos.

Meanwhile, at a policy convening in Abuja organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Jonathan underscored the need to align democracy with economic growth to ensure its sustainability.

He warned that democracy, both globally and in Nigeria, faces increasing pressure from economic hardship, insecurity, and declining public trust. According to him, elections alone are insufficient without transparent institutions and policies that foster innovation and enterprise.

Jonathan raised concerns about governance effectiveness, comparing Nigeria’s democratic system with alternative models in countries like China and the United Arab Emirates, where structured leadership selection and economic progress have been notable.

Despite this, he maintained that freedom and justice remain democracy’s defining strengths, cautioning that any system that fails to uphold these values loses its legitimacy.

“Our democracy has endured, but endurance alone is not enough,” Jonathan said, stressing that economic performance is key to sustaining public confidence.

Both leaders agreed that Nigeria must not choose between democracy and development but instead ensure that both reinforce each other. They urged policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to act decisively in bridging governance gaps and delivering inclusive growth.

The convergence of views from the two former presidents reflects a growing consensus among stakeholders that Nigeria’s progress hinges on unity, accountable leadership, youth empowerment, and a democratic system capable of improving the lives of its citizens.