Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the attempt to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), through judicial means,  as  evidence of the desperate determination of President Bola Tinubu to impose a de facto one-party state in Nigeria, against the democratic wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.

In a statement at the weekend by his media office, Atiku said that he was not surprised by the disturbing situation, which may have grave consequences if the sinister plot to weaken opposition parties in order to help Tinubu have his way in the 2027 election, comes to fruition.

According to Atiku, the participation of citizens in a free, fair and credible poll is the soul of democracy and any attempt to stifle such freedom of choice could be a trigger to chaos and anarchy.

The ADC Presidential candidate explained further that “Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections.”

He urged Tinubu to borrow a leaf from the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who despite being a retired military officer turned politician, never deregistered any opposition party. Ditto for former President Goodluck Jonathan,  who lived by a non-violent mantra that political ambition should not be worth the blood of any citizen.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku reminded Tinubu. 

 “Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.” 

“You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027,” Atiku stated.

The former Vice President also advised judges “to resist being used by dishonorable politicians who are bent on destroying the hard-earned democracy in the country.

“Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses. Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice. The judiciary is the last hope of the people. Let’s avoid anything that is capable of ruining the credibility  and reputation of our courts; not for a messy pot of pottage or love of lucre. 

“There are great judges in Nigeria, but the unchecked excesses of some who allow themselves to become judicial swords on the hands of politicians, are capable of damaging the larger image of the judiciary,” Atiku said.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has announced plans by the Nigerian Army to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity in tackling insecurity across the country.

The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing at the Army Headquarters in Abuja to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), which marks the Army’s 163rd anniversary.

According to the COAS, the recruitment drive follows the establishment of a third training depot at Amasiri Edda, aimed at expanding the Army’s manpower and improving its readiness to confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

Shaibu said the Army has also established additional brigades and units, while reviewing its force structure to address emerging security challenges nationwide. He added that the service has continued to induct modern combat platforms and strengthen strategic partnerships to enhance operational effectiveness.

The Army Chief noted that since assuming office seven months ago as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has recorded progress in operations, infrastructure development, personnel welfare, professionalism and civil-military relations.

He said his command philosophy is focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Highlighting the “Soldier-First” initiative, the COAS said the Army is prioritising the welfare of personnel and their families, describing it as a key factor in achieving operational success.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order, while respecting human rights and operating in accordance with the Constitution and international standards.

He said the theme for this year’s celebration is “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” adding that it reflects the Army’s dedication to national security and public service.

The COAS announced that NADCEL 2026 activities commenced on June 26 with Juma’at prayers across Army formations and will feature interdenominational church services, public lectures in secondary schools, a literary competition award ceremony, media interaction, charity and medical outreach programmes, and the commissioning of civil-military cooperation projects in Port Harcourt.

The week-long celebration will culminate on July 6 with a grand parade, commendation awards, equipment displays and a research and development exhibition.

A major highlight of the celebration, he said, will be the hosting of the African Land Forces Forum (AFRILAFF) 2026 under the theme, “Securing Africa: Advanced Defense, United Efforts.” The forum is expected to bring together African army chiefs, defence industry stakeholders, policymakers and security experts to promote regional collaboration and showcase emerging defence technologies.

The Army Chief called on the media to continue supporting national security efforts through objective reporting, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, law-abiding and supportive of the Armed Forces.

“The Nigerian Army belongs to the people. Let us all demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the ideals of peace and unity for national development,” he said.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian Government has reiterated its commitment to securing the freedom of all Nigerians held in captivity, assuring citizens that every necessary effort is being made to facilitate their safe return.

The assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume (CON) on Friday while playing host to the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), led by its National Amirah, Dr.

He underscored the critical role of faith-based organisations in addressing the numerous challenges confronting the country, while urging them to sustain their prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

Akume also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national security, noting that protecting the lives and property of Nigerians remains a top priority.

The SGF expressed optimism that ongoing security operations and coordinated interventions would yield positive results in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“Our mission on earth, our goal on earth is to promote, to preserve, and to prolong life. It’s not to shorten it. The government is doing everything to secure the release of all who are captured,” he said.

The SGF commended FOMWAN for its steadfast contributions to national development, describing the association as a vital partner in promoting peace, unity and social progress.

He noted that the organisation, made up of mothers, sisters and wives, occupies a strategic position in society and has consistently complemented government efforts through advocacy, humanitarian services and moral guidance.

Akume acknowledged the association’s commendation of the Tinubu administration, admitting that governance is often challenging regardless of a country’s level of development.

He, however, stressed that effective leadership is measured by its ability to respond decisively to emerging challenges. He added that the Federal Government places great importance on the contributions of faith-based organisations in fostering national cohesion, tackling insecurity and advancing development, while noting that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on women’s empowerment.

FOMWAN National Amirah, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, said the association remained committed to promoting the values of Islam through Da’awah, while advancing the socio-economic development of women, youths and children through quality education, healthcare, humanitarian services, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and advocacy.

She hailed the Federal Government for its efforts in nation-building, particularly in the areas of security, education, humanitarian response, social protection and women’s development.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of security agencies in tackling insecurity, Hamza urged the government to further strengthen the nation’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, greater community engagement, enhanced protection of vulnerable communities and measures to address the socio-economic factors driving insecurity.

The FOMWAN leader reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting peacebuilding, family strengthening, youth development and civic responsibility across the country.

She noted that for more than four decades, the association has contributed to national development through women empowerment, education, literacy programmes, health interventions, humanitarian services and social welfare initiatives.

Hamza also appealed for stronger institutional collaboration with the Federal Government to enable FOMWAN expand its impact.

She requested support for the renovation of the association’s national secretariat, the establishment of additional skills acquisition and women empowerment centres, provision of an official operational vehicle, strengthening of state-level operations, and assistance for its forthcoming National Annual Conference scheduled for August in Abia State.

She further proposed the establishment of a sustainable partnership framework between the government and the group in key areas including women’s empowerment, education, literacy, youth development, humanitarian response, peacebuilding, community development and family welfare programmes.

According to her, such collaboration would leverage the association’s extensive grassroots network to complement government efforts in delivering sustainable development across Nigeria.