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.

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election, David Emmanuel Ombugadu on Wednesday intensified his grassroots engagements across Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, receiving widespread support from residents, traditional leaders, women, youths, elders, and religious leaders ahead of the poll.

Earlier in his consultations across the constituency, Ombugadu visited Igga-BrumBrum, Ikka-Wangibi, Mada Station, Lambaga/Arikpa, and Kagbu wards, where he was warmly received by enthusiastic supporters.

The PDP candidate also paid a visit to the hometown of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, where he met with members of the family. During the visit, the father of the late senator described Ombugadu as his son and symbolically adopted him as “Ombugadu Akwashiki.” He prayed for the success of the PDP candidate and urged him to remain committed to the ideals of service, unity, and development championed by the late senator.

In his latest round of engagements, Ombugadu visited Ezen/Lizzi, Agunji/Ogbagi, and Alogani/Gale communities, where large crowds turned out to welcome him. Women groups, youths, elders, and pastors offered prayers for the PDP candidate and publicly endorsed his senatorial ambition, expressing confidence in his ability to provide quality representation at the National Assembly.

Speaking during the meetings, several community leaders recalled projects executed by Ombugadu during his tenure in the House of Representatives, noting that the impact of those interventions remains visible years after he left office.

According to them, many communities continue to benefit from the developmental projects he attracted, a record they said has strengthened public confidence in his leadership.

“The projects Ombugadu brought to our communities are still fresh in our minds. We have not forgotten what he did for our people, and that is why we are supporting him for the Senate,” a community representative said during one of the engagements.

Addressing supporters, Ombugadu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming reception and assurances of support from the various communities. He pledged to provide effective representation and attract more development projects to Nasarawa North if elected.

“I am humbled by the love, prayers, and confidence the people continue to show me. This support is a call to greater service, and I assure our people that I will continue to work for the progress and development of every community in Nasarawa North,” he said.

The former Lawmaker reiterated his commitment to promoting infrastructure development, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, and improved social services, stressing that his campaign remains focused on issues that directly affect the lives and wellbeing of the people.

Political observers say the growing turnout at Ombugadu’s campaign engagements across Nasarawa Eggon reflects increasing grassroots momentum as candidates intensify consultations and voter outreach ahead of the highly anticipated senatorial bye-election.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

As Nigeria moves closer to renewed constitutional conversations around the creation of state police, comments made about four years ago by former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, are drawing fresh relevance.

In an interview conducted during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, Adebayo strongly defended the creation of state and local government policing, arguing that Nigeria’s highly centralised security structure had become ineffective and disconnected from local realities.

According to him, any level of government empowered to make laws should also possess the authority to enforce them.

He argued that it was contradictory for states to legislate on issues including criminal offences, sanitation, public order and local administration while depending almost entirely on a centrally controlled police system headquartered in Abuja.

Adebayo maintained that most offences affecting everyday life — including murder, theft, arson and other serious crimes — are prosecuted under state laws, raising questions about why states have little operational control over policing.

Using Lagos as an example, he questioned situations where incidents occurring entirely within a state still require intervention and decisions from federal authorities.

He said such arrangements weaken accountability and delay justice.

The former presidential candidate also called for wider police reforms beyond decentralisation, arguing that policing in Nigeria should move away from what he described as a culture of force toward one rooted in public service and community trust.

According to him, police should belong to the people rather than function as an extension of government power.

He further proposed stronger institutional links between policing and the justice system, including reforms that would reinforce the role of legal institutions in ensuring accountability.

Beyond security, Adebayo linked Nigeria’s security challenges to broader failures in economic governance.

He rejected arguments that Nigeria’s fiscal problems stem primarily from insufficient taxation, insisting instead that the country loses substantial revenue through leakages, resource theft and weak administration.

He argued that government should prioritise recovering legally due revenues rather than imposing additional tax burdens on citizens and businesses.

Adebayo pointed to crude oil theft and illegal extraction of solid minerals as examples of areas where stronger governance could significantly improve national income.

He also criticised arbitrary tax practices, warning that unrealistic assessments discourage productivity and encourage corruption.

According to him, economic recovery requires efficient revenue collection, transparent administration and stronger protection of public resources.

While the interview was held years ago, many of the issues raised — particularly around decentralised policing, insecurity and economic management — remain central to Nigeria’s ongoing governance debate.

With discussions on state police once again gaining policy attention, Adebayo’s earlier arguments are returning to public conversation as part of wider calls for security and structural reforms.