POLITICS
Ganduje Inaugurates APC France Chapter, Drums Supports for Tinubu
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has inaugurated the new executive committee of the APC France Chapter in Paris, calling on all diaspora members to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms and Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event took place in Paris at the weekend, where prominent APC members in Diaspora gathered.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ganduje emphasized the importance of unity among party members in the diaspora, stressing their role in supporting the administration’s economic transformation efforts.
Ganduje acknowledged that while the reforms under President Tinubu may be seen as painful, he added that “they are necessary steps to reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth.”
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Monday in Abuja, the APC Chairman praised the efforts of the diaspora in expanding the party’s base abroad through active recruitment of members and mobilization.
He further assured the gathering that the party is committed to working with the National Assembly to realize the long-sought goal of diaspora voting, enabling full political inclusion for Nigerians living abroad.
“We appreciate you for holding the banner of our party, expanding its membership, and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially in light of the critical reforms he is undertaking.
“There is now more funding for capital development, and both governors and local government chairmen can attest to this,” Ganduje stated.
He also referenced recent party meetings, including those of the National Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC), which affirmed overwhelming support for the President’s performance.
“At the end of the NEC meeting, a vote of confidence was passed on President Tinubu because of the progress his administration is making. He is a reformer and has introduced significant changes, especially in the economic sector.”
Dr. Ganduje expressed optimism about the APC’s prospects heading into the 2027 elections, pointing to increasing internal stability and the defection of key figures from other political parties.
“There is peace in the APC, unlike in other parties that are battling internal crises. Because of this enabling environment, many are decamping to our party, including Senators, members of the House of Representatives, State Assemblies members, and other notable political figures. Our party respects its constitution and practices internal democracy.”
In her response, the newly inaugurated Chairlady of the APC France Chapter, Hajjiya Amina Musa Baba Suzuki, reiterated the critical role of Nigerians in the diaspora in national development—not just as economic contributors, but also as political stakeholders.
“The Nigerian diaspora contributes billions in remittances and investments, but we are also thought leaders and proud ambassadors of Nigeria’s democracy,” she said.
She advocated for stronger support for diaspora chapters, emphasizing their role as mobilizers and promoters of Nigeria’s interests abroad.
“We serve as vital links between our people and democratic processes at home. Our chapter and others like it act as soft-power diplomats, advocates, and connectors.”
The Chairlady concluded with a passionate appeal to Dr. Ganduje and the APC leadership to champion the cause of diaspora voting.
“Under your visionary leadership, we believe diaspora voting can become a reality. It is not only possible—it is necessary. We respectfully urge you to make this dream come true during the life of this administration. After all, where there is a will, there is always a way.”
Those who attended the inauguration include the wife of the APC National Chairman Professor Hafsat Ganduje, APC National Women Leader, Dr Mrs Mary Alile, Chairman of all APC chairmen in Europe, Honourable Tunde Doherty, HRM Oba Aderounmu
Bamidele Sadiq, OBA Yoruba in France.
Ilufemiloye 1 of France. among others.
By David Torough, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the removal of petrol subsidy, accusing the administration of worsening economic hardship while retaining what he described as opaque costs in the petroleum sector.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Tinubu was wrong to describe his proposed petroleum-sector intervention as economically ignorant.
Atiku argued that the economic conditions that existed before Tinubu assumed office had changed significantly following the removal of fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira and rising inflation.
He said his proposal was not a return to the previous open-ended subsidy regime but a targeted, capped, budgeted and time-bound production-support mechanism that would be independently audited and linked to domestic production.
According to him, the government removed the benefit of subsidy from consumers while allegedly retaining substantial petroleum-sector under-recoveries and energy-security costs.
The statement cited figures from NNPC’s audited accounts, claiming approximately ₦17.5 trillion in energy-security costs and petroleum under-recoveries, including about ₦7.13 trillion classified as energy security and ₦8.67 trillion in under-recoveries.
“If subsidy is dead, why are under-recoveries alive?” Atiku asked, arguing that Nigerians had been left with higher costs while questions about government expenditure remained unresolved.
He also rejected the Presidency’s argument that increased Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements to states represented a major benefit of subsidy removal.
Atiku said higher allocations to state governments should not be celebrated if they came at the expense of household purchasing power, citing rising transport costs, food prices and production expenses.
He further argued that increased FAAC allocations could encourage states to depend on federal transfers instead of expanding their productive economies, attracting investment and broadening their internally generated revenues.
The former vice president also demanded explanations for what he described as approximately ₦30 trillion in Federation Account revenues, deductions, savings and transfers, as well as ₦12.8 trillion allocated to the Service-Wide Vote in the 2026 budget.
Atiku said the administration should provide greater transparency over its finances rather than dismissing criticism of its economic policies.
He maintained that the success of economic reform should not be measured solely by rising government revenues while citizens experience declining purchasing power.
“The real ignorance is believing suffering is economic policy,” Atiku said.
He accused the Tinubu administration of transferring the burden of fiscal adjustment to ordinary Nigerians and warned against subjecting the country to another four years of what he called a failed economic experiment.
The statement was signed by Shaibu on behalf of Atiku, the 1999–2007 vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned Nigerian youths against being used for political violence, misinformation and digital intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections across the country.
Disu gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja during the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day celebration.
According to him, as we approach the 2027 electoral cycle, I urge you to remember a very simple, but profound reality that politicians contest elections, but you leave with consequences thereafter.
”He said that political actors often reconciled after elections, in spite of fierce campaigns, and might later become allies and guests of one another when political disagreements were resolved amicably over time.
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force recognised and respected the rights of youths to participate in politics, support parties, express opinions and campaign freely for candidates of their choice.
“Our responsibility is to create a security environment in which these democratic rights can be experienced freely and safely.
“We will protect citizens, facilitate peaceful campaigns, secure candidates, campaign venues and public spaces within the law.
“We will protect the integrity of the electoral environment, but will not protect violence, tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence.
“I therefore appeal to everybody to be cautious as we approach the 2027 electoral process,” Disu said, urging collective responsibility in safeguarding peace and democratic values across Nigeria.
The police chief also urged youths to become drivers of national transformation rather than instruments of destruction through the spread of false information and harmful online content.
According to him, every young Nigerian using a smartphone should recognise that digital activities leave permanent records that could influence opportunities and shape future prospects significantly.
“You know now, the moment you go to the embassies for your visa, they are checking you on social media to see what and what you are doing.
“So, your footprints are very important, so before you forward a message, verify it and before you publish or circulate, establish the facts,” he advised youths nationwide.
The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) has called for immediate prosecution of all those found to have committed electoral crimes during last Saturday’s Osun governorship election.
The organisation, in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Dr Yemisi Bamgbose in Abuja on Thursday, said that the prosecution would serve as a deterrent to others.
Bamgbose also congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of a transparent, free, fair and credible governorship election in the state.
According to him, INEC, under Prof.
Joash Amupitan, has passed the real litmus test in Osun.He said that the outcome of the election, if improved upon, could serve as a model for subsequent elections in the country.
“INEC deserves commendation for deploying all that was required to ensure the realisation of a free and fair election,” he said.
Bamgbose also commended security agencies for providing adequate security which, he said, helped to minimise tension and criminality during the election.
“It is imperative that INEC ensures the prosecution of all persons who perpetrated electoral crimes to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We therefore call on INEC and other relevant agencies to ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws and prosecution of all offenders,” Bamgbose said.
OnTiv Professionals Rejects Proposed Ranching Pilot in Benue, Demands Resettlement of Displaced Communities
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The OnTiv Professionals Association (OPA), Abuja, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed national ranching pilot scheme...
Precious Adugbo Condemns Alleged Distortion of Pastor Komaiya’s ‘Supernatural Speed’ Sermon
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Precious Adugbo, a member of The Master’s Place International Church, has condemned what he described as...
Military Rescues 48 Kidnap Victims, 47 Terrorist Family Members Surrender Nationwide – DHQ
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) rescued at least 48 abducted persons, neutralised several terrorists and...
Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Fuel Subsidy Policy
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the removal of petrol subsidy,...
Benue Gov’t Restates Commitment to Protection of AGYW, Non-Discriminatory Healthcare
ShareBy Attah Ede, Makurdi The Benue State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of Adolescent...
UNICEF Training: Communication experts charge media practitioners to champion child-rights protection
ShareFrom Attah Ede and Sylvia udegbunam, Port Harcourt Seasoned communication experts and veteran broadcasters, on Thursday, enjoined media practitioners both...
UNICEF Trains Journalists on Ethical Reporting
ShareFrom Attah Ede and Sylvia Udegbunam, Port Harcourt The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Wednesday, opened a two- day...
Grammy-winning Singer, Angelique Kidjo Immortalised on Hollywood Walk of Fame
ShareFive-time Grammy winner, Angelique Kidjo, has become the first African musician to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood...
Singers Wande Coal, Davido Clash over Unreleased Collaboration, ‘Come My Way’
ShareNigerian singers Wande Coal and Davido have clashed on social media over an unreleased collaboration,“Come My Way”. The disagreement was...
Tonto Dikeh to Renovate Churches in Birthday Tribute to Pastor Jerry Eze
ShareActress and humanitarian Tonto Dikeh has announced a church support initiative through The New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle to mark the...