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The Pat Utomi-led National Consultative Front (NCFront) has welcomed Nasir El-Rufai back to the opposition, describing him as a strong and influential figure in the ongoing efforts to form a mega coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In its reaction, NCFront’s Director-General, Olawale Okunniyi, hailed El-Rufai’s political experience and coalition-building skills, particularly his role in the formation of the APC, as a valuable asset to the opposition’s strategy.
Former governor of Kaduna State, yesterday announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Speaking to Punch, Okunniyi highlighted El-Rufai’s negotiation abilities, northern political influence, and governance experience as critical factors in shaping the opposition’s game plan.
He said, “El-Rufai, coming from the North and being a former governor who previously collaborated with General Muhammadu Buhari, is a significant force. He cannot be underestimated.
“He has successfully built coalitions before, facilitated high-level discussions, and played a vital role in promoting an alternative political platform. His experience makes him a formidable and influential force.”
Opposition Plans To Finalize Coalition By July
Okunniyi revealed that ongoing discussions to select the coalition’s preferred political platform would be finalized by July.
He noted, “The SDP is one of the platforms under consideration, but discussions are still ongoing to determine the most viable option.”
He further stated that El-Rufai’s defection aligns with broader efforts to create a credible alternative to the ruling APC.
According to Okunniyi, “It appears that El-Rufai and others within the APC are working to establish their opposition platform, enabling them to actively engage in the ongoing consultations and discussions aimed at creating a mega coalition party to challenge the ruling party.”
National Political Summit Scheduled For July
Okunniyi disclosed that a national political summit for opposition stakeholders is scheduled for July, where a final decision on the coalition’s platform and structure will be made.
He said, “The decision will be made through a bottom-up approach, ensuring that the chosen party reflects the interests of all involved stakeholders.”
Okunniyi emphasized that the opposition coalition is expected to take shape in the coming months through extensive consultations and consensus-building.
“One certainty is that whichever platform is ultimately chosen must undergo rebranding and restructuring to accommodate the diverse interests involved in these negotiations,” he stated.
While forming a new political party remains an option, Okunniyi noted that the coalition could also adopt an existing opposition party, including Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
He added that the success of this coalition depends on aligning with a credible opposition platform that reflects the interests of all stakeholders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on political leaders across the country to channel more resources and policies toward the poor and vulnerable, emphasizing the need for selfless service.
Speaking at an Iftar gathering on Monday night in Abuja, Tinubu hosted governors, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Service Chiefs, and selected Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the State House.
Addressing his guests, Tinubu urged leaders to work in the interest of the people, stressing that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege.
“I thank you all for responding to this invitation. You honoured it out of respect, not because you don’t have enough to eat or share,” he said, as quoted in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu highlighted that government efforts are crucial in meeting citizens’ expectations, noting that economic and human development indicators have shown positive improvements.
The President credited economic reforms to the collective efforts of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and leaders at the subnational level.
“I recall in our first FEC meeting, I said we were going to work hard to fetch water from a dry well. We are still working hard to ensure that there is water to drink and that we spend money, not the people.
“You, the leaders at the subnational levels, are also doing all you can to spend money, not the people,” Tinubu stated.
He urged leaders to govern with posterity in mind, ensuring that history remembers them positively.
“Look at yourselves as navigators that will bring the country to the promised land. Standing here as President is a great honour, and you can’t trade it.
“Continue doing what you are doing. And do more for the people,” he added.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State,Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, commended Tinubu for his bold and decisive economic reforms.
Similarly, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who led the Christian prayers, noted the significance of Muslims and Christians fasting simultaneously, calling it a sign of unity.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, acknowledged that the prices of goods and foodstuffs have been gradually decreasing, attributing it to Tinubu’s economic policies.
Fagbemi also noted that the reforms had positively impacted livelihoods, praising the President’s courage in implementing tough but necessary decisions.
Dignitaries present at the Iftar dinner include Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Minister and cabinet members.
Among the state governors in attendance are Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State, Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Hyacinth Alia of Benue , Babagana Zulum of Borno, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Uba Sani of Kaduna,
Others are Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Mohammed Bago of Niger, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
Also in attendance were heads of key government agencies: the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the Comptroller General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Abdulganiyu, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Abba Kyari and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed.
The Peoples Democratic Party and the Rivers State Government on Monday kicked against the call by a faction of the All Progressives Congress for the resignation or impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The development comes as Fubara said he would not be deterred by threats from those pushing to disrupt governance through the instigation of political crises in the state.
He warned against any act of lawlessness and insisted that his path would remain focused on ensuring peace.
“I want to say to our teeming supporters, I know some of you, your spirits are high, some others, your spirits are low.
“I want to assure you, it doesn’t matter what the situation might be today, we will come up again stronger and better.
“Please continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers,” Fubara declared.
The APC faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike had called for the governor’s resignation or impeachment, citing multiple alleged offences.
The opposition party, led by Chief Tony Okocha, also dismissed the governor’s invitation to a reconciliatory meeting with the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly as a “Greek gift.”
Fubara, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, on Sunday, invited the lawmakers for dialogue on Monday, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that validated the 27 legislators as the authentic Assembly members.
Reacting to the invitation on Sunday, one of the lawmakers, Isaiah Opuende, who represents Akuru-Toru Constituency 2, blasted Fubara for using social media channels.
Calling for Fubara’s resignation, Okocha, in his address to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, accused the governor of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu and failing to implement the eight-point resolution earlier set to resolve the crisis.
He wondered if the governor had bent over backwards after a protracted grandstanding.
The APC chieftain described Fubara as “clueless” and insisted that the only viable option left for him was to either resign honourably or face impeachment.
“The options before Siminalayi Joseph Fubara are two: he should honourably resign or be impeached because he has run the state aground and disrespected Mr President.
“The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek gift. The Supreme Court judgment is final. There is nothing anybody can do about it.
“The only option available to the governor now is for him to resign or be impeached. And he should be honourable about it,” he said.
He stated, “The APC remains the major opposition party in Rivers State. We are the voice of the voiceless. When we said Siminalayi Fubara was clueless, we were not joking. The evidence is clear.
“The governor behaves like a saint, but he is a dangerous snake. His meeting agenda with the lawmakers is puerile. Is he inviting them to discuss the Supreme Court judgment?
“And why was the invitation letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, instead of the governor himself? It’s an aberration. As far as I’m concerned, it is a Greek Gift.”
Chief Okocha noted that the party would not stand idly by and watch the governor running the state aground with his style of governance.
He warned that the governor’s continued stay in office could lead to political instability in the state, likening the situation to a “keg of gunpowder” ready to explode.
Responding, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed Okocha’s comments, stating that he lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the APC leadership. Johnson described Okocha as an ‘impostor’ whose removal as the state APC chairman had been confirmed by the court.
He further stated that the call for impeachment was baseless, as the governor had demonstrated his commitment to peace by reaching out to the lawmakers for dialogue.
The commissioner stated, “I’ve decided not to be reckoning with what Chief Okocha says because he’s not a consistent person. He doesn’t have any moral grounds to make that call (impeachment) because as far as the law is concerned, he’s an impostor.
“A Rivers State High Court has long removed him from office. So, I think that he’s dangerously looking for relevance and I don’t think that he deserves it from this government.”
Speaking further, he said “This is not the first time, at some point he said he was going to ask members of his party who were in the House to invoke an impeachment proceeding. Not too long, he recanted
“So he’s not a man of his word. Nobody is talking about impeachment.
“An impeachment is not even on the table. The government is open to discussing with the Assembly members.”
The PDP described Okocha’s stance as “hallucination.”
In an interview with The PUNCh, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, accused the APC faction of attempting to create unnecessary political tension.
He asked the opposition party in the state to focus on addressing national challenges, rather than fuelling political crises in the state.
Ologunagba called on Okocha to deal with the issues concerning his chairmanship of the APC in Rivers and leave Fubara out of his troubles.
He said, “The man you are talking about has a lot of issues to deal with, one of which is his claim to the chairmanship of the APC in Rivers State.
“All we can say is that the man is hallucinating. He is in a dream world and we can’t stop him from dreaming.
“However, he must be told that impeachment is a constitutional process and not what you just sleep and dream about.
“Instead of Governor Fubara, Okocha should help his party think of how to deal with the hardship they have brought on Nigerians.
“Nigerians are being made to pay exorbitant tariffs in energy and telecoms and life has never been this hellish. This is what should bother him and his party, the APC.”
Ologunagba added that Fubara remained popular among the people of Rivers State.
“He has no locus standi to tell Governor Fubara to resign because the Rivers people are very happy with him.
“They are proud of the work he is doing. In a very short period, he has impacted the people of Rivers State in a manner that deserves our collective applause.
“Governor Fubara was elected to lead his people and he is doing that excellently,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said no rational person would demand Fubara’s impeachment.
He said the governor had firmly established himself in the state’s politics and had the backing of the people.
“Those calling for the impeachment of Governor Fubara don’t understand the constitution. Impeaching a performing governor like the Rivers State governor is not a tea party.
“The stakeholders are with him, and they know it is not a tea party to impeach him; he enjoys the support of the Rivers people.
“Governor Fubara has entrenched himself in the politics of Rivers State. He cannot be impeached and should not be impeached.
“Those who have said so, I believe they should retrace their steps. No sane person will move to impeach Fubara,” he added.
The state Publicity Secretary of the Emeka Beke-led APC faction, Darlington Nwauju, also described Okocha as an impostor benefitting from the crisis.
Nwauju, in a statement sent to our correspondent, said, “Recall that part of the grounds which the Supreme Court latched on to sustain the Federal High Court judgment which nullified the local government elections in Rivers State was that the election went ahead despite the court judgment stopping the process.
“Now, our question is – if we are not a people suffering collective amnesia in Rivers State, why must a Tony Okocha, who is still parading himself as chairman of the APC in Rivers against the judgment of the court, now be the person pontificating over abuse of or disobedience to court process?
“What kind of physician goes about healing others while needing a health emergency?
“The likes of Tony Okocha are conflict entrepreneurs as far as the political saga in Rivers State is concerned and posterity will not forget the ignoble roles he is playing in dismantling democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State,” Nwauju, the spokesman of the faction loyal to the former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, said.
Fubara urges calm
Fubara has urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the overall interest of the state.
He spoke at the inauguration of the Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom palace and a magnificent residential quarters for the king, Eze Levi Oriebe, at Ozuoba in Obi/Akpor Local Government Area on Monday.
He warned against any act of lawlessness and assured his supporters that he would come out stronger from the crisis.
“Please continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers.
“I will not encourage any act of disobedience or any act of violence. That is, however, not to say that we will support evil. We will never support evil.”
He said his administration remained focused on good governance and would not renege on the promise of delivering impactful, people-oriented development projects continually.
Fubara considered the palace inauguration as historic, being the first in over 200 years of the kingdom’s existence.
He said he promised to build the palace 10 months ago, during the flag-off of reconstruction work on the Okania-Ogbogoro road.
He said his administration achieved the fear six months after the project was awarded for construction.
“I was really touched to the point that I had a few drops of tears when the royal father was speaking. He said for over 200 years that the Akpor Kingdom has existed, it functioned without a palace.
“God doesn’t make mistakes. Maybe, He left it for our administration to build, so that we will be part of history forever in Akpor Kingdom,” Fubara said.
He added that he not only built a palace but also provided a personal residence for the Nyeweali.
He urged the Obio/Akpor people to remain supportive of his administration.
The Eze Oha Apara (IV) and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, during the inauguration, recalled that a few months ago, he benefitted from a magnificent palace built for his kingdom by the Fubara administration.
Eze Worlu-Wodo, who is also the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, said the government was spending much to build palaces for traditional rulers because it understood they were closest leaders to the people.
“I am glad to be here, Your Excellency, to witness your display of goodwill, respect and good intention for the traditional institution. Your Excellency, you have done well, and I must say, we are all proud of you,” he said.
Providing the project description, the Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, said the construction was awarded in August 2024, and the work was completed in six months.
RSIEC arrest warrant
The Amaewhule-led Assembly has issued an arrest warrant on the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.) and four of his commissioners.
The arrest warrant followed the expiration of the 72-hour ultimatum given to them by the Assembly to appear before it.
The Assembly members, during plenary on Monday, unanimously agreed for the arrest warrant on Justice Enebeli (retd.) and four of his commissioners.
The Assembly, in a statement signed by the media aide to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, was titled “Rivers Assembly wields a big stick, issues warrant of arrest to compel the attendance of Justice Enebeli (retd.) and other RSIEC commissioners.”
It read: “Invoking its powers to issue a warrant to compel the attendance of any person who, after having been summoned to attend, fails, refuses or neglects to attend, the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday, at its 133rd legislative sitting, rode on the crest of Section 129(1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and resolved to wield the big stick, by issuing a warrant of arrest on the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), and other commissioners of the commission for repeated failure to appear before the House to explain the commission’s alleged malfeasance in the conduct of the purported ill-starred 5th October 2024 Local Government Election in the state.
“And where the commission expects to generate funds to conduct the proposed 2025 election.”
The House resolved after three former commissioners in the commission who resigned their appointment recently appeared before to explain their roles.
The House Leader, Major Jack, read Section 129 (1)(d) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution to remind the House of the powers conferred on them as an Assembly by the Constitution, emphasising the flagrant refusal of Justice Enebeli (retd.), and other members of the commission to honour the summon.
Commenting on the issue before putting the question to voice vote, Amaewhule decried the situation where those who appeared before the Assembly for screening and confirmation when they were seeking to be appointed now treated summons from the Assembly with levity.
He said Justice Enebeli (retd.) must be brought to the House for questioning on the billions of naira of Rivers people’s money they squandered in the guise of local government election.
When the Speaker put the question to voice vote, the members voted in the affirmative.
Earlier, the House had given the first reading to three Bills; the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Bill, 2025, and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.
Rivers elders intervene
A former Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, Chief Rufus Ada-George, has called on all the warring factions in the raging political crisis in the state to sheathe their swords.
He also asked them to refrain from inflammatory statements, unnecessary ultimatums and threats in the interest of the state.
Speaking at a news briefing on Monday, Ada-George expressed a sense of commitment to the peace and well-being of the state and reminded the political gladiators in the crisis of the rich history and the remarkable progress made over the years.
“Currently, it appears that we are drifting far into the ocean. But, we still need to aim higher for peaceful co-existence and greater developments,” he said.
The former governor further said in light of the seemingly boiling political pronouncement and judgment by the Supreme Court, “I assert that peace is our utmost priority.
“I call on all parties involved to immediately stop all threats, inflammatory statements, ultimatums and exercise restraint in their pronouncements to avoid escalating the fever pitch tension.”
He enjoined all to “draw lessons from history, particularly from the then 1962 Western Regional crisis as recently emphasised by one prominent citizen of that area.
“Avoidable crises of this nature, if not swiftly and fairly handled, may have far-reaching consequences not just in Rivers State but on the entire nation.
“We cannot afford to degenerate into such a crisis again.”
Ada-George said although the Supreme Court had given its verdict, there was still room for humane and pragmatic decisions to be made.
“Already, the flashy lights are increasing by the day with the pronounced withholding of monthly allocations to the state.
“The end product and anger are being visibly seen on the faces of the ordinary man on the street.
“As a people, we must constantly cultivate the attitude of compromise. Even in the most tense and war-torn regions, compromise has proven to be a powerful tool for resolving conflicts and fostering peace,” he said.
Ada-George called on all former governors and their deputies to speak out in the best interest of Rivers State.
He also called on the 32 members of the legislature to prioritise the well-being of the state above personal and sectional interests.
“It’s time for us to come together as one cohesive, united people in our quest for peace and prosperity.
“As the oldest civilian governor of Rivers State, I’m optimistic about the future of our dear state.
“I, therefore, urge you all to join me in this call to action, to work together towards a peaceful, brighter, more prosperous future for ourselves and for generations to come,” he said.
Another member of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum and pioneer spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Amabs Sara-Igbe, chided Okocha for fomenting trouble.
Sara-Igbe defended the letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly through the SSG, Danagogo.
“I am surprised that Tony Okocha, with his level of education, does not know the role of the executive governor. Do the president or governor sign letters officially?
“Official letters are communicated through the secretary to the government whether federal or state. It’s not the role of Mr President or Mr Governor to sign letters.
“There are no two governors in Rivers State. We have only one governor who is the head of the government and so if the head of the government invites you to a meeting, it is normal, it is right, except you’ll tell us we have two governors,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to take the governor’s peace overtures as a sign of weakness would be resisted by the people of the state and the Niger Delta.
“Nobody is praying for problems. The governor said he’s going to implement the Supreme Court judgment. The judgment did not say impeach him or he should resign, right?
“And even though we have issues with the Supreme Court judgment, it’s the highest court, so we’re going to obey it; we’re going to implement it.
“But they should not take that for granted because we want to implement the judgment, so he (Okocha) will talk anyhow.
“Rivers people will not take it lightly and Niger Delta will not take it if anything happens to Sim. Let him get it clear in his mind,” he said.
Group demands lawsuit
A non-governmental organisation, Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, has given a seven-day ultimatum to Fubara to institute a suit against the Assembly members for lying on oath.
The group said the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC.
In a letter to the governor on Monday, signed by the President General of the group, Chizy Enyi, the group said if the governor failed, it would have no option but to apply for an order of mandamus to compel him to do so.
“I give you seven days pre-action notice to prosecute the under-listed persons who are officials of Rivers State government who lied on oath and thereby committed perjury.
“The affected lawmakers are Martin Chike Amaewhule, Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Linda, Somiari Stewart, Franklin U. Nwabocha, Christopher K. Ofiks and Azeru Opara.
“Others are Enemi A. George, Tonye Adoki, Granville W. Tekenari, Ngbar Bernard, John Dominic Iderima, Queen Owuma Tony, Loolo Isaiah Opuende, Abbey Peter, Igwe Obey-Aforji, Justina Emeji and Ignatius Onwuka.
“Also listed are Chimezie Nwankwo, Lemchi Prince Nyevhe, Barile Nwakoh, Emilia Lucky Amadi, Nkemjika Ezekwe, David O. Arnold, Nwankwo Sylvanus, Gerald Oforji and Wami Solomon.
“We wish to let you know that if you fail within seven days to initiate criminal prosecution against the above-mentioned persons, we will apply to the court for an order of mandamus to compel you to do so,” the statement read.
The group added that all necessary documents relating to the alleged offence “to enable you (Fubara) to prove your case beyond reasonable doubt are hereby attached.”
Plateau PDP warns
Some PDP chieftains in Plateau State, speaking with The PUNCH in separate interviews in Jos, on Monday, condemned the call for Fubara’s impeachment or resignation.
A member of the state PDP executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation in Rivers as “unfortunate.”
He warned that any attempt to impeach the governor would be met with resistance.
Another party leader blamed the judiciary for the crisis.
“The problem we are having in the country is the judiciary. If not, the Rivers lawmakers have defected to another party and everybody saw it, but the judiciary thinks otherwise. That’s the problem,” he added.
Former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has asserted that the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is good riddance.
Recall that El-Rufai has officially resigned from the APC and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable differences with the ruling party’s leadership.
In a resignation letter submitted to his ward in Kaduna State on Monday, El-Rufai expressed disappointment with the APC’s trajectory in recent years.
In an interview on Channels Television Politics Today on Monday, March 10, 2025, Shehu Sani argued that El-Rufai’s resignation was necessary, as his leadership had weakened the APC’s influence in Kaduna State over the years.
According to him, El-Rufai’s exit is an opportunity for the state Governor, Uba Sani and APC leaders to embrace the people of the state and reset the party towards the next election.
He said, “For those of us from Kaduna state, it is a good riddance, because he stands as a liability to the party in the state and I can back this with facts. In 2015, APC had two senators; by 2023, all the senatorial zones were taken over by PDP. And out of the 14 House of Representatives seats in Kaduna state, under Nasiru, almost 9 of the seats were won by the PDP, 2 by LP, and then 3 by APC. With him as the governor, the APC also lost the presidential election in the state.
“You can see that by the time he left, the party was an unpopular platform in the state, so his exit is an opportunity for the governor and party leaders of the state to embrace the people of the state and reconfigure and reset the party towards the next election.”
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have rescued 27 foreigners who were allegedly kidnapped and confined in an apartment in the Isheri Oshun area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday.
According to him, a distress call was received by the Complaint Response Unit from one of the victims, who reported that she and others had been held against their will and were not allowed to leave the apartment.
Hundeyin added that the Divisional Police Officer in the area was immediately contacted, and efforts were thereafter made to rescue them from the apartment.
”Somebody reached out to the Complaint Response Unit of the Lagos Police Command and complained that she had been kidnapped in an apartment and not allowed to leave the apartment. The CRU contacted the Divisional Police Officer covering the area and raced to the place and upon getting to the apartment and breaking into it, a total number of 27 foreigners were found in the apartment.”
The rescued individuals comprised 18 males and nine females, some of whom are Ghanaians and others from the Republic of Benin.
Hundeyin said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been lured into the country under the false pretence of securing jobs.
“We are currently investigating whether Lagos was their final destination or if they were being trafficked to another country. However, they are now safe and in our custody,” Hundeyin added.
In a related development, a couple was said to have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping an online vendor who had gone to deliver a product in the Iyana Ishashi area of the state.
Hundeyin said the incident was reported on Sunday by the victim, who alleged that she had been abducted while attempting to make a delivery.
He said, “The victim received a request for a product and proceeded to the customer’s house in Iyana Ishashi. Upon arrival, the door was opened, and she was forcibly dragged inside by a man and a woman. The suspects were later identified as Emmanuel and Mazioma Okafor.”
Hundeyin said that after seizing the victim, the couple allegedly stripped her naked and assaulted her.
He added that they thereafter took her nude pictures and demanded a ransom of N2m, threatening to leak the images if she failed to comply.
“She managed to pay N300,000 that day, which allowed her to regain her freedom. However, she was warned that if she did not pay the balance, her pictures would be released. The victim subsequently reported the incident to the police, leading to an immediate investigation. This led to the arrest of the suspects,” Hundeyin added.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has initiated fresh negotiations with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery over the renewal of the naira-for-crude agreement, as talks are underway in anticipation of the expiration of the initial deal, which ends on March 31, 2025.
The NNPCL disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in response to claims that the government-owned oil company had suspended the naira-for-crude deal until 2030, as it has forward-sold all its crude oil.
This came as fresh findings by The PUNCH indicated that crude oil worth about N486.31bn was received by the $20bn Lekki-based refinery under the deal between October and December 2024.
Recall that on October 1, 2024, the government commenced the sales of crude oil in naira to local refineries to improve supply, save the country millions of dollars in petroleum product imports, and ultimately reduce the pump prices of refined products.
The NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, in the statement on Monday, explained that the initial deal was for six months, confirming The PUNCH exclusive report last year, adding that discussions for the renewal of the agreement are currently ongoing, with the aim of establishing a new contract.
He also stated that under the deal initiated in October 2024, the 650,000-capacity refinery has received 48 million barrels to refine for petroleum products, while a total of 84 million barrels has been supplied to the refinery since it commenced operations in 2023.
The spokesperson also clarified that the deal was subject to availability.
The statement read, “NNPC Limited has noted recent reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged unilateral termination of the crude oil sales agreement in naira between NNPC and Dangote Refinery.
“To clarify, the contract for the sale of crude oil in naira was structured as a six-month agreement, subject to availability, and expires at the end of March 2025. Discussions are currently ongoing towards emplacing a new contract.
“Under this arrangement, NNPC has made over 48 million barrels of crude oil available to Dangote Refinery since October 2024. In aggregate, NNPC has made over 84 million barrels of crude oil available to the refinery since its commencement of operations in 2023.”
The national oil firm further reaffirmed its commitment to supplying crude oil for local refining based on mutually agreed terms and conditions. “
Naira-for-crude policy intact
Similarly, the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on the naira-for-crude deal, Zacch Adedeji, reaffirmed the government’s stance, emphasising that the termination of the contract was never a consideration.
He said there is substantial evidence supporting the policy as the correct approach and affirmed that it will continue to contribute positively to the nation’s economy.
“The policy framework enabling the sale of crude oil in naira for domestic refining remains in force. The initiative was designed to ensure supply stability and optimize the utilisation of local refining capacity. There has been no decision at the policy level to discontinue this approach, nor is it being considered. After implementing the policy for some months, evidence abounds that it is the right way to go, and it will continue to help the economy.
“The framework for domestic crude transactions is designed to promote a competitive and efficient pricing environment,” the Federal Inland Revenue Chairman said in an e-signed statement.
He also revealed that local refineries have not been excluded from domestic crude supply and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is actively ensuring compliance with the Domestic Crude Oil Obligations provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The engagement process for crude oil supply to domestic refineries therefore remains in place by structured agreements, balancing factors such as availability, demand, and market conditions. There is no exclusion of local refineries from access to domestic crude oil. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is actively ensuring compliance with the Domestic Crude Oil Obligations provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“We remain committed to ensuring the efficient execution of this initiative in line with its core objectives – enhancing local refining, reducing foreign exchange exposure, and stabilising the domestic fuel supply,” he concluded.
Commenting on the ongoing contract renewal discussions, the Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, stated that the renewal was part of the original plan, emphasising that there have been no changes to the initial discussions.
However, he urged the government to honour its commitment to meeting the 27,000 barrels per day demand from modular refineries, stressing the importance of fulfilling this promise for the continued success of the industry.
Speaking in an interview, the publicity secretary said, “What the Federal Government said to us during our meetings last year was that they were going to start the pilot phase with Dangote, and when it ends, the second phase, which will start after March, will cover other refineries with a capacity of 27,000 barrels. The reason they started with Dangote was because they needed a refinery that could produce petrol, and only Dangote could do that.”
“But we also know that diesel is consumed by trucks that carry foodstuffs, which ultimately drives up the price of products, so modular refineries are important, and we really hope that they would fulfil that promise, as discussed, to include other refineries.”
He also highlighted the gains of the agreement, stressing that “We have seen a reduction in the price of products on one hand, and the naira has performed well against the dollar. Given this success, we are supposed to just enter the second phase and not say the government is renegotiating with Dangote. It is supposed to be with all the refineries.”
Meanwhile, an analysis of crude oil liftings obtained from the NNPCL monthly presentations at the monthly Federal Account Allocation Committee meetings between October 2024 and the last FAAC meeting held in February 2025 showed that the Dangote refinery received crude supply worth N486.31bn.
The national oil firm noted that the transactions were valued at $373.76m, and payments were made at an Afrexim Bank-advised exchange rate payable in naira, amounting to N486.31bn.
However, as of last month, the documents indicated that a total of $126.99m at an equivalent of N199.96bn was listed as obligations due for remittance and yet to be paid.
It further stated that all products were supplied to the refinery under a credit facility, with a payment due date set for 45 days from the date of barrel liftings.
It was observed that the crude oil figures were disclosed post facto, with the December data shared during the company’s last meeting in February 2025. The figures reported in January and February are expected to be presented to the FAAC committee during its meeting in March and April 2025.
The report revealed that on October 14, 2024, the $20 billion Lekki-based refinery received its highest allocation of crude oil, totalling 598,125 barrels. In contrast, on October 30, 2024, the refinery’s lowest allocation was 5,000 barrels. Additionally, the government only fulfilled its daily oil requirement on four occasions during this period.
A detailed breakdown of each transaction revealed that the first shipment, which was loaded onto the Sienna vessel carrying 100,000 barrels of crude oil, was received on October 14. This shipment was sold at a unit price of $78.56 per barrel, corresponding to invoice number PSC10.24.001. The total value of the transaction amounted to $7,856,870, which, when converted at N1,628, equals approximately N12.797bn.
The second transaction with invoice number PSC 10.24.002 was initiated on the same day with 598,125 barrels supplied. It was sold at a unit price of $78.56 per barrel with a dollar value of $46,993,903 and the equivalent of N76.54bn using an exchange rate of N1,635 per dollar.
The next allocation with invoice number PSC.10.24.009 was initiated on October 23, with 597,917 barrels delivered via vessel Sonangol Kalandula to the refinery. It was estimated at a unit price of $78.67 per barrel and a total value of $47,043,332 and naira equivalent of N77.64bn. An exchange rate of N1,650 was used for this transaction.
Similarly, a supply of 350,000 barrels was delivered on the same date at the same unit price and exchange rate. This transaction with invoice number PSC 10.24.008 was valued at $27,537,545 and a naira equivalent of N45.45bn.
The next day, October 24, another supply of 250,000 barrels was submitted at a unit price of $75.37 per barrel at a total cost of $18,844,675 and N30.814bn naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,635 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.10.24.018.
Also, the next allocation with invoice number PSC.10.24.017 was initiated on October 24, with 202,716 barrels delivered via vessel Constantios to the refinery. It was estimated at a unit price of $75.37 per barrel and a total value of $15,280,468 and naira equivalent of N24.98bn. An exchange rate of N1,635 was used for this transaction.
On October 30, the lowest supply of 5,000 barrels was submitted at a unit price of $78.18 per barrel at a total cost of $390,943 and N600.03m naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,534 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.10.24.013.
A summation showed that 2,103,758 barrels were supplied in the month of October. However, there was a significant decline in the supply during November, with only two transactions approved throughout the entire month.
Both transactions occurred on November 4, 2024, with a combined supply of 798,374 barrels of crude oil. The unit price for the oil was $75.82 per barrel, bringing the total value of the transactions to $60,534,073. This amount was equivalent to N100.87 billion, using an exchange rate of N1,666 to the dollar. The invoice number for these transactions was PSC/EXP/OML/146/09-24/RO-19.
In December. On the second day of the month, four vessels conveying 799,737 barrels of crude oil berthed at the refinery terminal. It was sold at a unit price of $74.87 per barrel, a total dollar value of $59,879,328, and a naira equivalent of N93.59bn. An exchange rate of N1,562 was used for these transactions and was paid in naira.
On December 11, 233,401 barrels of crude oil were supplied at a unit price of $76.21 per barrel at a total cost of $17,787,886 and N23.03bn naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,294 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.12.24.001. A remark on this transaction stated that Dangote paid based on the received volume of 193,320 barrels as against the invoice volume of 233,401.
Also, a pending crude oil supply of 956,061 barrels at a unit price of $74.9 and a total value of $71.61 was postponed to January.
The documents, however, didn’t reveal the supply of petroleum products received from the refinery under the deal.
The Senate, on Monday, ruled out a reversal of the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, speaking exclusively with The PUNCH on Monday, dismissed any pressure to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasising that the legislative body would adhere strictly to its rules.
He said, “There is no pressure anywhere that can take our eyes away from our noble statutes. The Senate will always regulate her conduct, as empowered in the Nigerian Constitution and as enshrined in our Standing Orders.
“The Senate is currently busy, working on the tax reform bills and preparing equally for the constitution review. We want to reflect the feelings of Nigerians on the Electoral Act before the 2027 elections.”
Taking a rather evasive position, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, also asserted that: “There is no pressure,” adding, however, that “Sometimes it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions found her guilty of breaching the Senate Standing Orders.
Her suspension followed a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has contested the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit challenging her suspension.
Through his legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Akpabio argued that the court had no authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the Senate, insisting that legislative matters should be resolved internally.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the Federal High Court seeking to stop the Senate Ethics Committee from investigating her.
On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu summoned the Senate to appear before it and explain why Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prayers should not be granted.
The court directed the Senate to justify, within 72 hours, why it should not be permanently restrained from investigating the senator for alleged misconduct.
Justice Egwuatu also ordered that all court documents be served on the National Assembly through its Clerk or by publication in two national newspapers.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Ogunwumiju argued that the plaintiff had not properly served him the court processes.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered that all parties had been served, presenting affidavits of service.
After reviewing the documents, Justice Egwuatu confirmed service and adjourned the case until March 25, 2025, directing all parties to file necessary responses before the next hearing.
Akwa Ibom group tackles Saraki
In a related development, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals in Akwa Ibom State has condemned former Senate President Bukola Saraki for his comments on the Natasha-Akpabio dispute.
Saraki had called for an open, transparent, and fair investigation by the Senate, but the Akwa Ibom group accused him of attempting to interfere in the Senate’s internal matters.
In a statement signed by its National President, Edidiong John, and National Secretary, Kemfon Neke, the group argued that Saraki’s remarks could undermine due process.
“The pendency of this case in the judicial system renders any parallel investigation by the Senate improper and beyond its authority at this stage. This is not a matter of politicization, but a straightforward application of legal and parliamentary norms,” the statement read.
The group urged Saraki to respect the legal process, emphasising that Akpoti-Uduaghan had already filed a petition with the Senate Committee on Ethics, which would determine whether the Senate had jurisdiction over the matter.
“It is only the courts and the Ethics Committee that are the proper avenues for resolution. Nigerians expect the Senate to uphold its integrity and credibility within the bounds of the law,” the statement added.
The Senate is set to resume plenary on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 75 civilians from Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
Addressing newsmen on Monday during the victims’ handover to the Borno State government in Maiduguri, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu stated that the rescued individuals comprised seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.
The GOC, represented by the Deputy Theater Commander, Brig. Gen. A.L. Akpodu explained that the civilians were rescued during a clearance operation conducted by the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV in Sambisa Forest.
“As part of our ongoing clearance efforts, troops of the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion recently carried out successful offensive operations in Sambisa Forest,” he said.
“Key terrorist enclaves in Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara were cleared, leading to the rescue of 75 civilians, including seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children,” he added.
He further noted that the military destroyed several insurgent facilities during the operation.
“The operation significantly degraded enemy capabilities by neutralising insurgents and destroying command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials,” he said.
The rescued civilians have received medical and psychological support and are now set to be handed over to the Borno State government.
Receiving the victims on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, commended the troops for their gallantry in the fight against insurgency.
“We are taking them to our rehabilitation centre, where they will receive livelihood support, counseling services, mental health and psychosocial support, and educational services for the children. We will ensure they are well reintegrated before releasing them back into society,” she said.
The ongoing political feud between chieftains of the All Progressives Congress and the Osun State Government took a new turn on Monday as the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, accused his predecessor, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, of overseeing the withdrawal of N3.7bn by some officials of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria .
Adeleke, who served under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola between 2019 and 2022, made the allegations while responding to a petition filed against him by the state government.
The petition, submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, accused Adeleke of illegally securing renovation contracts for Primary Healthcare Centres while still in public office.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo alongside chairmen elected in the October 15, 2022, local government elections, Adeleke refuted the allegations and accused the current administration of financial mismanagement.
He claimed that part of the alleged missing funds was moved through ALGON officials who served under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.
Adeleke further accused the current administration of mismanaging N2bn in COVID-19 relief funds and awarding contracts without following due process.
He alleged that from 2017 to 2018, substantial sums of money were withdrawn under Alimi’s supervision.
He cited a case on December 27, 2017, when a former ALGON Chairman, Jayeola Omoboyede, allegedly withdrew N60m on in six tranches of N10 million each.
He also claimed that on the following day, then ALGON Secretary and now Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Children’s Affairs, Temilade Olokungboye, withdrew N70m in a single transaction.
Adeleke further claimed that multiple withdrawals took place, including a N100m withdrawal on March 29, 2018, by Omoboyede and Olokungboye.
He insisted that the current administration was attempting to scapegoat him without proof while ignoring the financial activities of its own officials.
“They alleged that we laundered money, but they have no proof. Now, we have their records,” Adeleke declared.
Regarding allegations that he took a Primary Healthcare Centre renovation contract, Adeleke admitted that the company involved belonged to him but insisted he resigned from it upon his appointment as commissioner.
But firing back at Adeleke, Alimi challenged him to submit a formal petition to the EFCC if he believed he had a case.
Alimi insisted that the allegations against Adeleke were valid and not a political ploy, urging him to address the charges rather than seeking to deflect blame.
“First and foremost, the allegations against Adeleke sent to the EFCC are true. This is not tit for tat. If they believe there is a case against me, they should file a petition before the EFCC instead of making noise in the media,” Alimi said.
He argued that ALGON operates independently and is not directly under a commissioner’s supervision.
According to him, the officials mentioned were responsible for managing its accounts, and if Adeleke had evidence of irregularities, he should formally petition the authorities.
Alimi explained that, unlike Adeleke’s case where funds allegedly moved from local government accounts to private accounts, no such transactions occurred under his supervision.
He also pointed out that three individuals—Jayeola Omoboyede, Sekinat Olokungboye, and Kujembola (currently the APC state treasurer)—were signatories to the ALGON account at the time.
“Why did they fail to mention Kujembola? They are hypocrites. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission has already invited Adeleke, and the EFCC will soon invite all of them for prosecution,” he added.
The federal government has confirmed that the Naira-for-crude-oil swap deal remains in place, countering recent reports of its termination at the end of this month.
The clarification followed reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has ended the agreement with local refiners including the Dangote Refinery.
Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on Crude-for-Naira initiative, Zacch Adedeji, responding to the reports said there is no decision at the policy level to discontinue the initiative.
Adedeji said these reports do not reflect the realities of the ongoing work under the Federal Executive Council Initiative on Domestic Sales of Crude Oil and Refined Products in Naira.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports suggesting that the Naira-based crude oil supply arrangement with local refineries has been discontinued, forcing them to rely solely on international crude purchases.
“As the committee driving the implementation of this initiative, we wish to provide an update on the Federal Executive Council initiative and confirm as follows: The Naira-Based Domestic Sales Framework Remains in Place.
“The policy framework enabling the sale of crude oil in naira for domestic refining remains in force. The initiative was designed to ensure supply stability and optimise the utilisation of local refining capacity.
“There has been no decision at the policy level to discontinue this approach nor is it being considered. After implementing the policy for some months, evidence abounds that it is the right way to go and it will continue to help the economy.
“The engagement process for crude oil supply to domestic refineries therefore remains in place by structured agreements, balancing factors such as availability, demand, and market conditions.
“There is no exclusion of local refineries from access to domestic crude. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is actively ensuring compliance with the Domestic Crude Oil Obligations provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.”
Adedeji, who is also the chair of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said that the framework for domestic crude transactions is designed to promote a competitive and efficient pricing environment.
“We remain committed to ensuring the efficient execution of this initiative in line with its core objectives – enhancing local refining, reducing foreign exchange exposure, and stabilising the domestic fuel supply,” he said.
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The Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress, on Monday, dismissed moves by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to galvanise opposition figures towards unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
They accused El-Rufai of being driven by “an inordinate ambition that is destined to fail” in his defection to the Social Democratic Party.
Also on Monday, the APC noted that El-Rufai’s plan to mobilise against Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 would not produce any significant outcomes.
El-Rufai, earlier on Monday, announced his defection from the APC to the opposition SDP, vowing to mobilise against the APC government in 2027.
“I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and by-elections,” El-Rufai stated.
Citing irreconcilable differences with the APC leadership, El-Rufai expressed disappointment in the ruling party, stating that over the past two years, the party had strayed from its progressive principles.
He highlighted his previous efforts to address internal issues privately and publicly, which he felt were ignored, leading to his decision to seek an alternative platform that aligns with his values.
In a resignation letter submitted to his ward in Kaduna State and shared on his X account, El-Rufai stated, “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC.
“Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation.
“I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the party’s capricious trajectory.
“Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform to pursue the progressive values I cherish.
“Founders rightly feel attached towards institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable.”
It added, “I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform, but I recognize that the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.
“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019 and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019 that stood for certain democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building.”
El-Rufai confirmed he had submitted his resignation letter to the ruling party and further explained that after consulting with his mentors, colleagues and supporters, he decided to join the SDP in preparation for the 2027 general election.
“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the grace of God,” he said.
Presidency tackles ex-gov
The Presidency, however, said El-Rufai’s switch to the SDP was a flawed move if he intended to unseat the governing party.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, stated that while El-Rufai has the constitutional right to change parties, his motives will be closely examined in the coming days.
Bwala, in a post on his verified X handle, @DanielBwala, downplayed El-Rufai’s political significance in politics, arguing that his relevance was neither sudden nor extraordinary.
He criticised the former governor’s decision to side with opposition figures, saying that attempting to unseat the incumbent government was not necessarily an ideological change.
Bwala wrote, “Senior, @elrufai, I read the news today that you resigned from APC to join SDP. Well, I have nothing against you because you exercised your constitutional right.
“However, the motive is what we would interrogate in the coming days and remind Nigerians that you are not a phenomenon that emerges like a clap of thunder out of a blue sky.
“We would intellectually remind you that associating with sore losers to unseat the incumbent is not an ideology, neither is it progressivism; It is simply an inordinate ambition that is destined to fail.”
In its reaction, the Kaduna APC said it was not worried by El-Rufai’s exit from the party, describing it as political gyration.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Monday, the Kaduna APC Secretary, Yahaya Baba-Pate, said the party remained focused on securing the state for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
Pate expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in the state, pointing to the influx of prominent politicians into the party.
He assured APC members that El-Rufai’s departure would not impact the party’s prospects.
Pate said, “We are unperturbed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
“The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party daily.
“So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in the state.
“We are not disturbed and we are not going to lose our sleep over El-Rufai’s moves. The party in the state is growing more than before.”
The former Federal Capital Territory minister had been associating with the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and other opposition political figures of late.
At a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, held in Abuja in January, El-Rufai asked the opposition parties in the country to unite to face the APC.
Also at the event were Atiku, a former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; representative of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, among others.
El-Rufai, after the conference, granted an interview on Arise TV, where he blasted the leadership of the party for derailing from the vision of the founding fathers.
He criticised the National Executive Council and the Board of Trustees of the ruling party for failing to convene meetings throughout last year.
After the interview, he visited the national chairman of the SDP, Musa Garbam and the leadership of the Kaduna State chapter of the PDP.
He skipped a meeting of the APC national caucus and National Executive Council held last month in Abuja, claiming he did not get the invite.
The former Kaduna governor met with former President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend, followed by a trip to Lagos to meet with former Osun State governor and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and the founder of the Citadel Global Community Church and former APC presidential aspirant, Pastor Tunde Bakare.
While the specifics of El-Rufai’s discussions with the two figures were not disclosed, the visits were believed to be part of his political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general election.
He rounded off his activities for Sunday with the breaking of fast at Atiku’s residence in Abuja.
Less than 24 hours after their meeting on Sunday evening, Atiku and El-Rufai were again seen together on Monday afternoon at the burial of a classmate of the former vice president, Prof Kharisu Chukkol, at the National Mosque, Abuja.
Posting the photo on his X handle, Atiku wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. With total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah, I joined others at the funeral prayer of my classmate, Prof Kharisu Chukkol, at the National Mosque, Abuja.
“May his family be comforted. I pray that Allah will forgive his sins and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Amin. -AA.”
Sani carpets ex-gov
A former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, poohed-poohed El-Rufai’s move to the SDP, saying it would not alter the political landscape of the state.
Sani, who represented the Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, noted that El-Rufai’s political relevance and influence had waned.
“Leaving APC for SDP wouldn’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again,” he declared.
Sani also expressed the assurance that both Tinubu and Sani would secure re-election in 2027.
“But one thing is sure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani will be voted again,” he said.
Defection premature – Lukman
The former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC and a key strategist in the ongoing proposed coalition among opposition parties, Salihu Lukman, bemoaned the defection of El-Rufai to the SDP.
Lukman, a loyalist of the ex-governor, said the defection was too premature and was not the kind of collective move they earlier projected.
The former Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum disclosed this in an interview with some selected journalists in Abuja.
He said, “Yes, I am close to Mallam El-Rufai to the extent that we come from the same state and were in the same party.
“I had the privilege of being nominated by him to serve on the National Working Committee of the APC. Of course, as everybody knows, we have our own disagreements.
“It (defection) is expected. Even after the interview he granted on Arise TV, you can see the handwriting. However, I expected that he should have been a bit patient for us to walk out as a group, based on the ongoing negotiation.
“But he knows better, and I do hope his decision is not going to become like a kind of breakaway from whatever we are doing. I hope that in the end, we should be able to reconcile and work together under one platform.”
When asked if his camp and some key northern elites would join El-Rufai in the SDP, Lukman expressed reservations about the leadership of the opposition party.
The former APC chieftain, however, noted that they might take their chances if certain conditions were met.
He stated, “The challenge is whether SDP will submit itself to some of the conditions that we believe are necessary.
“Frankly speaking, unlike most conventional politicians, most conventional politicians who just want a platform where they will present candidates and use it to win elections, there are a few of us who believe the issue is beyond that.
“What Nigerians need is a platform that will promote political competition in the country. If you remember, the challenge Nigerians had with the PDP was the problem of imposition of candidates.
“When the APC came and promised ‘change’, the expectation was that we would change the culture of imposition.
“Unfortunately, we have failed in that. In fact, it has become worse. If things continue as they are, you can predict that President Tinubu will become the candidate of APC, and you can predict all the first-time governors of APC will emerge as the candidate of APC, whether they are popular in their states or not.”
He added, “You can also predict all legislators at federal and state levels, whether they have performed or not, will return. So long as they are in the good books of Asiwaju and the party leadership, they will be returned.
“So, we may move if the SDP meets the conditions I have highlighted. We are in discussion, no doubt about it. If they meet it tomorrow, fine.”
PDP, Utomi-led NCFront disagree
While the Pat Utomi-led National Consultative Front embraced El-Rufai’s return to the opposition, describing him as a strong and influential figure in the proposed mega coalition, the PDP referred to his defection to the SDP as a mistake.
In its response, the Pat Utomi-led National Consultative Front welcomed El-Rufai back to the opposition, describing him as a powerful and influential figure in the planned mega coalition.
NCFront’s Director-General, Olawale Okunniyi, praised El-Rufai’s coalition-building experience—particularly his role in establishing the APC—as a valuable asset in the ongoing talks to create a political alliance to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Okunniyi highlighted El-Rufai’s negotiation skills, his experience as a former governor, and his strong political support in the northern region as crucial to the opposition’s strategy.
While noting that the SDP was one of the platforms being considered, Okunniyi mentioned that discussions on the coalition’s chosen platform were still ongoing and should be concluded by July.
He stated, “El-Rufai, coming from the North and being a former governor who previously collaborated with General Muhammadu Buhari, is a significant force. He cannot be underestimated.
“He has successfully built coalitions before, facilitated high-level discussions, and played a vital role in promoting an alternative political platform. His experience makes him a formidable and influential force.
“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is once again welcomed back to the fold of the opposition in Nigeria, just as he was embraced into the Congress for Progressive Change in 2012/2013 during the formation of the APC.
“It appears that he and others within the APC are working to establish their opposition platform, enabling them to actively engage in the ongoing consultations and discussions aimed at creating a mega coalition party to challenge the ruling party.”
Okunniyi also disclosed that a national political summit for opposition stakeholders was planned for July, where a final decision on the coalition’s platform would be made.
He, however, said the decision would be made through a bottom-up approach, ensuring the selected party reflected the interests of all involved stakeholders.
“Discussions regarding the opposition platform for the 2027 elections have reached an advanced stage.
“El-Rufai and his allies must strategically align themselves with a credible opposition platform to effectively participate in the ongoing consultations and negotiations.
“They cannot claim to represent the APC in these opposition engagements,” he explained.
He further noted that a mega-platform of opposition stakeholders was expected to emerge in the coming months, based on extensive consultations and a consensus-building process.
“One certainty is that whichever platform is ultimately chosen must undergo rebranding and restructuring to accommodate the diverse interests involved in these negotiations,” he said.
Okunniyi added that while forming a new political party remains an option—provided the Independent National Electoral Commission does not pose an obstacle—existing opposition parties such as the Labour Party, SDP, PDP, African Democratic Congress, and New Nigeria People’s Party could also be adopted.
The PDP National Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, however, referred to El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP as a mistake.
Osadolor, in an interview with The PUNCH, pointed out that a strong politician like El-Rufai should have joined the PDP, which he called the most powerful opposition party in Nigeria.
He stated, “El-Rufai’s defection from the APC further confirms the issues within the ruling party. He is a critical stakeholder in Northwest politics.
“He is a great strategist and a valuable asset that any strong political party would want to have. However, I believe he made a mistake by joining the SDP.
“The PDP platform remains the most credible and viable opposition party in Nigeria, with all the necessary reach to challenge the APC.”
The SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, welcomed the former Kaduna State governor to the party.
Writing on his verified X handle, @Pres_Adebayo, he said: “On behalf of the teeming members of the SDP and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria and her promise of inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother El-Rufai to our party.
“With the hardworking and sagacious Mallam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity.
“Now is the time for us to put our collective shoulders behind the efforts to fulfil Chapter 2 of the Constitution and rescue Nigerians from bad governance and underdevelopment to restore #HopeAgain 2027 to the suffering masses callously left behind in the locust years of the APC and its co-traveller PDP.”
He emphasised that all genuine democrats and true nationalists who believed in order, decency and honesty were welcome to the SDP, “where we are governed by law, not men, the constitution not constipation of money or personal ambition.”
Adebayo added, “Together, following the law, the constitution and the manifesto of our party, we can set a good example of clean and ethical politics to emulate and rally Nigeria to the forefront of the liberation of Africa and peoples of the Black World.
“Good politics begets good governance. Let no one sit on the fence any further. There is no time to waste. Join us on the March again. God bless Nigeria.”
[Punch]
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, yesterday, said he removed fuel subsidy to protect the future of the unborn generation.
President Tinubu stated this at the inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, declaring that the government policies were designed to secure a prosperous future.
He said: “I’ve listened to you carefully, today is not for long speeches, I just want to reassure you that you are the hope of the country. Everything hangs on your future, every decision that I’ve taken is all about tomorrow.
“When you remove oil subsidy, you’re protecting the future of generations yet unborn, the youth. Where’s the investment for the infrastructure? When you listen to majority of professionals talking about Japa, leaving Nigeria, it’s because if you grow prosperity back home and you empower people, they will not bother to leave, they will stay home. This is your home, to develop, build and make prosper.
“Government of the day is all about you, take it very seriously. You can abuse politicians all you like, but politics is about development and about the future generation. I’m glad you are all here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow and day after. I’m with you.”
Further, he said: “ When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey and hopeless. We tried hard and we were fetching water from a dry well, but today, the economy has turned the corner, prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking in, technology is advancing. You have the opportunity.
“I’ve listened to the remark of your spokesperson, you have the great opportunity of advancing the development of this country, it’s all in your hands. Mine is to help navigate and push and lift the heavy weight problems, so I can clear the path for you to have a very great future, but it’s in your hands.
“Look at me in the face, tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way you want things done or suggestions. We’ll try to implement all of it as long as it is for the prosperity of this country.
“Mine is to assure you that we’ll do everything possible to make Nigeria a better place for you, but we can’t do it alone, you represent over 60 percent of our population, you’re the heartbeat of our nation and I hope you’ll take this opportunity very seriously.
Inaugurates Youth confab Planning c’ttee
“I am with you, I repeat again. I, therefore, inaugurate the committee. I wish you a very successful period, an interesting one. Let’s employ technology every way possible, let’s look at our farming conditions, let’s hear what we can do to empower youths in their firm spirit, let’s work for food sovereignty of this country.
“I like you, I can’t be youth again, maybe in the next life, I’m envious of all of you.”
In his remarks, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the confab would be convoked to promote youth engagement.
Olawande noted that President Tinubu’s administration is a listening government ready to be attentive and incorporate the ideas and contributions of young people in governance.
He said that the members were carefully selected as representatives drawn from Federal Ministry of Finance, other related federal ministries, civil society organisations, non governmental organisations the World Bank amongst many others.
He said they were to champion and plan for the conference that would impact the life of youths of Nigeria.
A lead member of the youth confab planning committee and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, lauded President Tinubu’s commitment in recognising the youths.
[Vanguard]
Abba Aliyu, the managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), says the federal government has approved the establishment of Renewable Asset Management Company.
Speaking at an event in Abuja on Monday, Aliyu said the Renewable Asset Management Company has a capital raise target of almost N1 trillion, which will serve as intervention funding in the industry in the absence of loans and grants.
“This is something that we want to achieve. To ensure the sustainability of all these interventions, the Rural Electrification Agency has secured the approval for the establishment of Renewable Asset Management Company,” he said.
“A company that will warehouse on its balance sheet all the mega assets, infrastructure that will be deployed at the universities, close to $500 million worth of assets.
“This company will warehouse these assets and will leverage on the assets to raise close to $1 trillion so that we will continue to intervene even if there is no availability of loans and grants.
“The country will be standing on its own to continue to drive electricity access and infrastructure in the next many years to come. So that ramp-up is also something that we have started, and we intend to make sure that it comes to reality before the end of the year.”
Also, Aliyu said by this time next year, “the first 600 megawatt line will be up and we will be able to begin to supply this local market, not just Nigeria, but also the continent as a whole”.
“It will also be the first, on the African continent, solar modular assembly plant with a recycling line,” he said.
“So we’re building a solar modular assembly plant in Nigeria that will not only roll out solar panels, but also be able to take solar panels that are no longer working, maybe due to age or dysfunction, and recycle them into raw materials that we can then send back to those who use them for different purposes.”
Aliyu said it is not only about building infrastructure for energy provision but to ensure that the supply chain is embedded within Nigeria.
[TheCable]
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed strong opposition to the implementation of new financial charges imposed on private companies by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) under the recently amended FRCN Act.
In a statement by the Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kabir, the charges threaten business survival and contradict the government’s ease of doing business agenda.
Ajayi-Kadir described the charges as “astronomical,” highlighting that non-listed manufacturing companies—most of which are MAN members—are now classified as Public Interest Entities (PIEs) and subjected to hefty fees.
“For instance, a new section 33 introduced under the FRCN Amendment Act, 2023, mandates annual charges for non-listed entities, calculated as a percentage of their annual turnover (maximum being 0.05% of the annual turnover for companies with turnover of more than N10 billion).
“For publicly quoted companies, the maximum payment earlier was N1 million per annum. Now, that amount is hiked to N25 million! Quite incredibly, for non-listed companies, who were previously excluded, there is no cap, and it is linked to the turnover, irrespective of whether the company is profitable or not,” the DG noted, quoting Section 33 of the FRCN Act 2023.
Ajayi-Kadir argued that beyond the financial burden on manufacturers, the act prescribes severe penalties, including a 10% monthly penalty for non-payment and potential imprisonment of up to six months for defaulting CEOs.
He stressed that this criminalization of non-payment of charges is excessive, arguing that nonpayment of fees typically attracts fines or regulatory penalties, not imprisonment.
“The strict penalties and possible conviction to imprisonment could be construed as having the nature of a criminal law. Generally, non-payment of fees/dues typically results in other penalties or fines and imprisonment provisions are applicable only in cases where non-payment is seen as an act of defiance or fraud,” he said.
Not the right time for new charges
MAN warned that the implementation of these charges at a time of economic difficulty could stifle investment in Nigeria’s productive sector.
The association, therefore, urged the FRCN to suspend the implementation of these fees and reconsider their alignment with Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform efforts.
“MAN therefore implores the FRCN to be mindful of the potential negative impact of its continued administration of the fees on businesses and put it on hold. As the umbrella body for manufacturers in Nigeria, we admonish the FRCN to await the enactments of the tax reform laws and realign its operations with the relevant provisions,” the DG noted.
According to Ajayi-Kadir, halting the implementation of the new FRCN charges would support the federal government’s broader fiscal and tax reform agenda, which aims to streamline regulations, harmonize taxes, and promote business growth