When political leaders start confusing executive authority with absolute ownership of the electorate, Nigerian democracy has a way of serving up a harsh reality check. Addressing members of the Apo Traders Association in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, staked his entire cabinet career on the outcome of the next…
In a political climate where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appears determined to bulldoze all dissent and push Nigeria toward a de facto one-party state, genuine institutionalists who defend the sanctity of the constitution across partisan divides are becoming rare national treasures. That rare status was captured in clear terms by Comrade Daniel Onjeh,…
In Nigerian politics, when discussions about female leadership arise, political elites are quick to deliver patronizing speeches. They praise women as the “backbone of rallies,” the most reliable voters, and the tireless mobilizers who queue under the scorching sun from dawn to cast their ballots. Yet, the moment elections are won and the boardroom doors…
On a day meant to commemorate 66 years of national independence and civic freedom, the streets of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, witnessed a scene that felt uncomfortably reminiscent of a military garrison. Instead of celebratory banners, white plumes of tear gas choked the air around the Water Fountain as armed police officers moved…
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, the national atmosphere feels far removed from celebration. Across cities and rural communities, ordinary citizens are battling crushing economic realities: petrol selling at unprecedented highs, food costs climbing beyond reach, and security concerns keeping farming communities on edge. Yet, tuned to national broadcasts and political channels, what the…
As Nigerians marked Independence Day, millions of citizens heading out to motor parks and bus stops in Lagos, Kano, Onitsha, and Abuja were met with the exact same crushing reality: exorbitant fares, empty pockets, and commercial drivers demanding full payment. The disconnect between official rhetoric and street reality prompted a scathing reaction from African Democratic…
Public sector machinery across all 36 states, local government secretariats, and federal ministries in Abuja is grinding to a halt. Following the expiration of an ignored ultimatum, the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has directed all public servants to embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike beginning midnight on Friday, October 2, and…
In a democracy, the line between robust political dissent and criminal conduct is supposed to be crystal clear. But in Maiduguri, Borno State, that line was erased when five citizens found themselves handcuffed, dragged before a magistrate, and remanded in custody for the simple act of printing and wearing cotton T-shirts bearing the words “Tinubu…
The political landscape in Delta State witnessed an earthquake as thousands of jubilant citizens, party faithful, and defectors from rival platforms converged in Asaba for the official unveiling of the Nigeria Democratic Congress Delta State campaign headquarters. The atmosphere along Dr Chimokwu Way off Mariam Babangida Road felt less like a routine party secretariat tape-cutting…
Following weeks of intensive consultations and debate over campaign structures, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reached an accord with its presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on the framework of its 2027 presidential campaign council. As reported in The Punch’s report on NDC campaign appointments and corroborated by…
