By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has raised concerns over what he described as a growing perception that opposition parties are being stifled under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that Nigeria’s democratic space may be narrowing ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in an interview, Adebayo pointed to a combination of voter apathy, internal crises within opposition parties, and what many observers see as a political environment increasingly tilted in favour of the ruling government.

According to him, the weakness and fragmentation currently plaguing opposition parties cannot be separated from a broader system that appears to discourage credible alternatives and limit effective political competition.

“Strategic partners in an election are not necessarily politicians,” he said, stressing that millions of Nigerians have become disillusioned with the political process.

“If you want to have a coalition, you must find where the 80 percent who didn’t show up are and address why they stayed away.”

His remarks come amid rising concerns in political circles that the opposition’s inability to organise effectively is being compounded by a climate that critics say indirectly benefits the ruling party by weakening rival platforms.

Adebayo expressed skepticism about ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures, warning that alliances lacking discipline, credibility, and shared values could further erode public trust and reinforce the dominance of the incumbent administration.

“You cannot be talking about corruption and accountability and then align with people whose actions contradict those values,” he stated.

He also revealed that attempts by the SDP to engage with other parties have often been frustrated by internal disputes, with multiple factions from the same platforms approaching coalition discussions without resolving their differences—an issue he said reflects deeper structural problems within the opposition.

“We told them, don’t bring your internal problems into coalition discussions. Go back and organise your party first,” Adebayo said.

Despite these challenges, the SDP leader insisted that the real threat to Nigeria’s democracy lies in the growing disengagement of citizens, many of whom no longer see the political system as responsive or inclusive.

Analysts say this disengagement, coupled with persistent crises within opposition parties, reinforces perceptions that the political environment under Tinubu is becoming increasingly difficult for alternative voices to thrive.
Adebayo maintained that beyond electoral contests, the focus should be on rebuilding a system that guarantees accountability and genuine political participation.

“Some people are satisfied once the president is removed. For us, that is only the beginning,” he said.

“The real task is to replace the system with one that reflects good governance and accountability.”

His comments highlight mounting concerns within the opposition that unless the current trajectory is reversed, Nigeria risks entering the next election cycle with weakened political competition and diminished public confidence in democratic institutions.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, as stakeholders convened for a mid-term review meeting in Kaduna.

Speaking at the meeting on Thursday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasized the ministry’s continued dedication to advancing the project’s objectives.

Utsev, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the ACReSAL Steering Committee, highlighted the ministry’s role in watershed management, flood forecasting, and the development of sustainable water infrastructure.

He noted that agencies under the ministry, including River Basin Development Authorities and Hydrological Services, would remain central to strengthening early warning systems and ensuring water resource sustainability for both present and future generations.

The minister described the mid-term review as a critical milestone, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to evaluate progress, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and identify operational challenges that may be limiting the project’s impact.

He added that the meeting would also help deepen collaboration across sectors and institutions, a key factor in achieving the project’s long-term goals.

Utsev outlined priority areas for the project moving forward, including integrated water and landscape management, improved access to reliable hydrological and climate data, and the sustainability and scalability of ongoing interventions.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, acknowledged the positive impact of ACReSAL on communities nationwide.

He urged state governments to enact supportive legislation to sustain the project’s gains beyond its lifecycle.

The meeting featured presentations from representatives of the Kaduna State Government, including those representing Uba Sani, as well as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and the World Bank’s ACReSAL Technical Team Leader, Joy Agene.

The ACReSAL project is a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at building climate resilience in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions through sustainable land and water management practices.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) in Political Science by the University of Calabar (Unical).

In the same vein, Rear Admiral Garba Sadeeq Abubakar (Rtd) was also conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

They received the awards at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, UNICAL, during the 38th Convocation Ceremony for the award of Postgraduate and Honorary Degrees.

The Chancellor of Unical, His Highness, Sarkin Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, described the award as deserving, citing the invaluable contributions of the duo to national development.

He eulogized Governor Otu for his transformative leadership in Cross River State and Rear Admiral Abubakar for his distinguished service in the Nigerian Navy, emphasizing their commitment to public service and nation-building.

The Chancellor noted that the honorary degrees recognize not just their achievements, but their dedication to uplifting communities and promoting peace, making them exemplary role models for the graduating class.

He stated that UNICAL is proud to confer these awards on such outstanding individuals.

Speaking shortly after being robbed in an academic regalia, Otu said he feels honoured to receive the award, describing it as a testament to the character, discipline, and excellence Unical instilled in him as a student.

He pledged to continue partnering with tertiary institutions, especially Unical, to drive development and foster academic excellence.

Governor Otu charged graduands to dream big, stay focused, and get prepared to lead, urging them to make meaningful contributions to the society.