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Nigerians Joining APC Doing So Freely – Presidency
In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the government reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles. Onanuga insisted that the act of politicians switching allegiance does not equate to a breakdown of democracy. Rather, it is a testament to the freedom of association enshrined within the country’s political framework.
Onanuga explained, “Nigerians joining the APC and pledging loyalty to President Tinubu are doing so freely, motivated by a belief in the positive direction of the reforms underway, intended to benefit both current citizens and future generations.”
The recent defection of prominent figures such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, several commissioners, and numerous local government chairmen. Notably, Okowa had served as the vice-presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, making his switch particularly impactful.
The defection significantly weakened the PDP’s standing, raising questions about the opposition’s ability to effectively challenge the ruling party in the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, internal crises continue to plague other major opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), leading many political observers to speculate about the future competitiveness of Nigerian politics.
In response to allegations that the ruling APC might be engineering the collapse of opposition forces through coercion, the Presidency was unequivocal in its denial. Onanuga argued that the disorganisation, internal strife, and poor leadership plaguing opposition parties cannot be laid at President Tinubu’s feet.
“It is not the responsibility of President Tinubu or the APC to organise or salvage the opposition,” Onanuga stated. He added that the same critics now crying foul had previously celebrated the defection of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of regional coalitions aimed at unseating Tinubu.
He further questioned why there was no outcry when opposition figures cobbled together anti-APC alliances along regional lines, while every defection to the APC is now painted as evidence of democratic decline.
Onanuga also stressed that politicians must be free to change party affiliations without facing accusations of betrayal or coercion.
He remarked, “Without freedom of choice, association, and speech, democracy cannot survive. Politicians and citizens alike must have the liberty to support any political platform without fear.”
The Special Adviser criticised those who accuse the government of authoritarian tendencies, arguing that their very ability to express dissent freely is proof of Nigeria’s democratic vibrancy under Tinubu’s leadership.
He stated, “Those who oppose this administration do so without fear or repression. This shows that democracy is alive and well in Nigeria, despite the alarmist narratives pushed by a few discontented voices.”
The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Reform Committee to review existing policy documents and propose comprehensive reforms to ensure the scheme remains effective and responsive to current national needs.
Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday during the inauguration of the committee.
He noted that the NYSC had long been a pillar of national integration, promoting unity across Nigeria’s diverse cultures while providing young Nigerians with valuable life experiences.
“Today signifies an important step forward in our collective journey to improve one of Nigeria’s most valuable national institutions dedicated to unity, empowerment, and development,” Olawande said.
He emphasised the vital role the NYSC had played in fostering national unity and youth development since its inception in 1973, but stressed that it was now time to reassess and modernise the scheme to reflect contemporary realities and challenges.
“As the nation advances, we must improve the institutions that support its development.
“While the NYSC has made remarkable progress, it also faces significant challenges, particularly concerning the safety of corps members, infrastructural deficits, and questions about the scheme’s relevance in a changing socio-economic landscape,” he said.
Olawande explained that the committee’s mandate includes conducting a comprehensive review of the scheme, assessing its current operations, and proposing reforms to make it more secure, innovative, and impactful.
“Our goal is to transform NYSC into a platform that offers youth better opportunities in skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and career development,” he added.
“The committee will also review existing policy documents, laws, and reports guiding the NYSC; engage in consultations with stakeholders nationwide; and recommend legal, policy, and institutional reforms, including improved funding and monitoring frameworks.
“A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted to the Minister of Youth,” he said.
In her remarks, Hajiya Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, stressed the need to restructure technical and vocational training in alignment with academic development.
She said such reforms would enable young people to make long-term contributions to their communities and the country.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, proposed the creation of a Teachers’ Corps and Medical Corps for NCE-certified graduates and healthcare professionals, especially those willing to serve in rural areas for a voluntary two-year period.
He said the Teachers’ Corps would help address educational gaps and offer a path to government employment, while the Medical Corps would strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved communities, particularly in maternal and child health.(NAN)
Nigerian government has called for decisive and unified action to unlock the country’s vast natural gas reserves.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this while delivering a keynote address at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference hosted by Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) on Tuesday in Houston, Texas, U.S.
Ekpo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into a globally competitive, gas-powered economy.
The theme of the session is: “Harnessing Nigeria’s Gas Potential for Domestic Utilisation and Global Export Market”.
“Nigeria holds over 210 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves; Africa’s largest and among the top ten globally.
“This resource is a divine gift, but it comes with a responsibility—to use it for sustainable development, job creation, industrialisation, and global energy security,”Ekpo said.
He said that “potential alone does not generate growth, action does.
The minister commended PETAN for showcasing Nigeria’s innovation on the world stage and emphasised that the country’s Decade of Gas initiative, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is central to national energy transformation.
According to him, government is investing heavily in gas infrastructurepipelines, processing plants, and distribution systems, to make gas widely accessible for electricity, manufacturing, transport, and home use.
He said that barriers to industrial gas use were also being dismantled, with incentives created for sectors such as fertiliser production and modular gas hubs.
He also spotlighted innovative solutions like Floating LNG (FLNG), and new regional agreements such as the Nigeria–Equatorial Guinea Gas Pipeline, which aim to commercialise stranded gas and boost exports.
Ekpo stressed that innovation and technology, including digital oilfield solutions, low-carbon gas processing, and emissions monitoring, will be key drivers in this transformation.
He called for greater investment in R&D and closer collaboration between academia, startups, and the private sector.
Addressing the financing challenge, the minister noted that Nigeria must make its gas projects bankable and ESG-compliant to attract global investment amid shifting energy transition priorities.
He commended the efforts of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies, the NMDPRA and NUPRC, for fostering investor confidence through transparency and efficiency.
Ekpo emphasised the need for indigenous companies to take the lead in this new energy era.
“The future of gas in Nigeria is not just for multinational corporations, it belongs to every capable Nigerian entrepreneur ready to act.”
“Nigeria’s gas potential is vast, but it is only through decisive, collective action that we can transform that potential into prosperity—both for our people at home and for our position on the global stage,”he added. (NAN)
A Zamfara-based group, Zamfara Concerned Citizens, has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to cease blaming his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for the state’s challenges and focus on delivering on his 2023 campaign promises.
The group also urged Matawalle, now Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, to contest the 2027 governorship election, citing his efforts in tackling insecurity nationwide.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s publicity secretary, Aliyah Dan-Musa, accused Governor Lawal of failing to address critical issues such as hunger, poverty, and healthcare in Zamfara.
“Dauda has failed the mandate entrusted to him by the good people of Zamfara,” Dan-Musa said.
“Instead of fulfilling his promises, he is looking for someone to blame, and Dr Bello Matawalle is his target.”
The group claimed that Lawal’s administration has run out of ideas and is resorting to scapegoating Matawalle to deflect from its shortcomings.
They further criticised the governor for allegedly squandering state resources on international trips with family and associates, rather than tackling the state’s pressing needs.
Zamfara Concerned Citizens called on residents to reject Lawal in the 2027 governorship election, accusing him of betraying the trust of the electorate.
“The governor has not done anything to address this ugly situation,” Dan-Musa stated, pointing to ongoing economic and social challenges in the state.
The group praised Matawalle’s tenure as governor from 2019 to 2023 and his current role as Minister of State for Defence, where they claim he has made significant strides in reducing insecurity across Nigeria.
“We have seen what he has done in Nigeria by reducing insecurity, and we are happy with what he is doing,” Dan-Musa said.
They urged Matawalle to run for governor in 2027, expressing confidence that his leadership would restore stability and attract investment to Zamfara.
“Zamfara will be much better and safer where civil servants will be smiling again and no more half salary,” the statement read.