ANN Politics

WHEN ETHNICITY BECOMES A LICENSE FOR FAILURE

By Boniface Uzoma Chilaka

I write this not in anger alone, but in fear - deep fear - for Nigeria’s peace, cohesion, and moral future.

What frightens me most is not poverty, not even bad leadership in itself, but the calibre of men and women who now openly defend it simply because of ethnicity.

These are not the uneducated or the uninformed.

These are people who are exposed, credentialed, travelled - people I once believed were above such crude, dangerous instincts.

Yet today, many of them are infested with the bug of ethnic bigotry, and the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exposed them.

Under previous presidents, these same individuals were loud.

They quoted the Constitution.

They shouted “accountability.”

They warned about nepotism, incompetence, debt, insecurity, and hardship.

But now - silence has become wisdom, excuses have become patriotism, and hypocrisy has become strategy.

What they condemned yesterday, they now defend.

What they called failure yesterday, they now rebrand as “complex governance.”

What they described as ethnic capture yesterday, they now boast about as “our turn.”

And all because their kinsman is president.

Let us be honest with ourselves: this is not progressivism.

It is not statesmanship.

It is not even politics.

It is tribal loyalty elevated above truth, justice, and national survival.

Nigeria cannot survive this kind of moral collapse.

A country cannot move forward when performance is secondary to surname, when suffering is justified by ethnicity, and when citizens suspend their conscience simply because “one of our own” is in power—even when governance outcomes are, by every objective measure, disastrous.

This is how nations break.

Not only through bad leaders, but through good minds that choose dishonesty, through educated people who abandon principle, through citizens who weaponize ethnicity against accountability.

Leadership will always reflect the people who defend it.

And today, what Nigeria is reflecting back to us is ugly.

I am frightened not just by those in power - but by those who once knew better and now pretend not to know at all.

Because when truth becomes tribal, peace becomes fragile, and the nation stands on a fault line waiting to crack.

Nigeria deserves better.

And so do our
consciences.

Boniface Uzoma Chilaka
[email protected]

ANN Politics

THE DANGEROUS DOUBLE STANDARD: INEC, PROF. JOASH AMUPITAN, AND THE CRISIS OF ELECTORAL INTEGRITY

In every constitutional democracy, the credibility of elections is anchored on the impartiality, consistency, and fidelity of electoral institutions to the rule of law. In Nigeria, that sacred responsibility rests on the shoulders of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Yet, recent developments involving the Commission’s handling of party affairs under the watch of Professor Joash Amupitan have raised troubling questions about double standards, selective compliance with court orders, and the erosion of institutional integrity.

The swift action taken by INEC to delist or alter the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal, purportedly in compliance with a Court of Appeal order, would ordinarily be commendable. Respect for judicial pronouncements is the bedrock of constitutional governance. However, what is deeply troubling is the inconsistency that has followed. In a similar and arguably more direct judicial circumstance involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where a subsisting court order affirmed the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu form the party, INEC conspicuously failed to act with the same urgency or fidelity.

Rather than reflect the court’s position, INEC retained Senator Anyanwu’s name on its official records, continued to recognize and engage him as the National Secretary of the PDP. This selective obedience to court orders is not just a procedural lapse, it is a fundamental breach of the principles of fairness, neutrality and administrative justice. It creates the unmistakable impression that the Commission applies different standards depending on the political party or the personalities involved. Such inconsistency is not a trivial administrative matter; it strikes at the very heart of electoral credibility. If INEC can choose which court orders to obey and which to ignore, then it inadvertently assumes powers above the judiciary, thereby undermining the doctrine of separation of powers. Worse still, it erodes public confidence in the electoral process, fuels suspicion of bias, and provides fertile ground for political manipulation.

The conduct attributed to Professor Amupitan raises a critical question of integrity. Integrity in public office is not merely about technical competence; it is about consistency, transparency and moral courage to uphold the law without fear or favour. When an official demonstrates a pattern of selective compliance, it calls into question not just his personal credibility but the institutional reliability of the body he represents.
It is imperative to emphasize that electoral management is not an arena for discretion divorced from legality. The law must be applied uniformly. The moment arbitrariness creeps into the system, democracy itself is imperiled. Nigerians cannot afford an electoral umpire whose decisions appear contingent on convenience rather than constitutional obligation. Therefore, the issue before the nation is not merely about ADC or PDP; it is about the sanctity of the electoral process. If INEC, under any leadership or influence, is perceived as partisan or inconsistent, the consequences will be far-reaching, ranging from voter apathy to post-election disputes and potential instability.

In conclusion, Professor Joash Amupitan’s handling of these matters, as alleged, presents a troubling contradiction that demands urgent clarification. The integrity of Nigeria’s elections cannot be built on selective justice. For INEC to retain public trust, it must demonstrate unwavering commitment to the rule of law, treating all political actors with equal regard. Anything short of this standard is not just a failure of administration, it is a betrayal of democracy itself.

Solomon Dalung, LLM, LLB, BL
Garkuwa Arewa, D**e Egwureogwu &Igbarman Otarok
Voice of the Silent Majority.

ANN Politics

Senate Seeks Suspension of Campaigns in 8 Northern States Over Insecurity

The Nigerian Senate has called for the temporary suspension of political campaigns across eight northern states as insecurity continues to intensify in parts of the country.

The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Abdul Ningi during plenary, where lawmakers expressed concern over worsening security conditions that have disrupted communities and endangered lives. Ningi urged the Federal Government to either suspend political campaigns nationwide or at least in the most affected states—Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kano.

Senators cited recent attacks attributed to Boko Haram and other armed groups, including assaults on military formations in Monguno and Benisheikh, as well as large-scale abductions in Borno State. They warned that the resurgence of violence is undermining counter-insurgency progress and threatening national stability.

The upper chamber consequently urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations for abducted civilians, strengthen military logistics, and review operational strategies to curb the renewed wave of attacks. It also called for an audit of affected military formations to improve response capacity.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of soldiers killed in recent operations and commended troops under Operation Hadin Kai for their continued efforts in the North-East.

Lawmakers maintained that ensuring safety and restoring security must take priority over political activities, stressing that elections and campaigns cannot be effectively conducted in an environment of widespread violence.

ANN Politics

What Reserves Judgment Means in the ADC Leadership Case

The recent decision by the Supreme Court to reserve judgment in the leadership battle of the African Democratic Congress has placed the party in a state of high stakes legal waiting. When the justices announce they have reserved judgment, it signifies that the oral arguments from both the David Mark faction and the Leke Abejide faction are officially concluded. Under Section 294 of the Nigerian Constitution, judges are generally expected to deliver their final written decision within ninety days of this point. For the ADC, this period is a time of total legal suspension where no side can claim definitive victory.

The case centers on whether the handover to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola in July 2025 followed the party constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022. Because the Supreme Court is the final stop in the Nigerian judicial system, their eventual ruling will be the ultimate word on who controls the party machinery. Until that day, the party exists in a vacuum. Since INEC delisted the Mark leadership in April 2026 following earlier court orders, the party is currently unable to nominate candidates for elections or perform official functions that require federal recognition.

Predicting a timeline based on historical structures in Nigerian political litigation suggests that while the law allows for three months, the court often moves faster in leadership disputes to prevent the total collapse of a political party. Given that judgment was reserved in late April 2026, the party and the public can likely expect a final verdict between June and July 2026. This period allows the panel of justices to deliberate in private, vote on the merits of the appeal, and draft a lead judgment that will serve as a binding precedent.

For the members of the ADC, this waiting period means the party is effectively paralyzed. If the court eventually rules in favor of David Mark, INEC will be forced to restore his factions access to the candidate nomination portals immediately.

If the court sides with Hon. Leke Abejide, the July 2025 transition will be permanently nullified, likely forcing the party to return to its previous leadership structure or organize a fresh national convention. Until the registrar of the Supreme Court sends out the notice for the judgment date, the leadership of the ADC remains a matter of legal theory rather than political reality.

ANN Politics

Tinubu Approves N68 Billion for Maiduguri Plant via N2 Billion Monthly Intervention

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a total sum of N68 billion to sustain operations at the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, reinforcing federal efforts to stabilise electricity supply in Borno State and the wider North-East region.

The intervention will be disbursed as a monthly allocation of N2 billion from March 2026 through December 2028, specifically targeted at closing existing funding gaps affecting the 50-megawatt facility. The plant, commissioned in 2023, was established as a strategic response to persistent power outages caused by damage to transmission infrastructure in the region.

For years, insurgent activities disrupted critical national grid connections serving the North-East, leaving Maiduguri and nearby communities dependent on irregular and costly alternative energy sources. The emergency plant has since served as a vital stopgap, providing electricity to key public institutions, healthcare facilities, and businesses.

Officials indicate that the newly approved funds will primarily cover operational expenses such as fuel procurement, maintenance, and technical support, ensuring steady power generation and improved reliability of the facility.

Energy experts note that while the plant’s 50MW capacity is relatively small in the context of national demand, its impact on local economic activity and humanitarian services is significant, particularly in a region recovering from years of insecurity.

The approval highlights the administration’s focus on targeted infrastructure interventions in vulnerable regions. However, stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for long-term investments in transmission networks and grid resilience to complement such stopgap measures and deliver sustainable power solutions.

ANN Politics

JUST IN: Obi–Kwankwaso Alliance Could Unseat Tinubu as North–South Strategy Gains Attention — Ibrahim

April 23, 2026

A political analyst, Hassan Ibrahim, has projected that a potential alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso could pose a formidable challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing the strategic advantage of regional balance.

Speaking on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Ibrahim argued that a joint ticket featuring both opposition figures would significantly consolidate electoral strength across Nigeria’s geopolitical divides. According to him, Obi’s influence in the southern region, combined with Kwankwaso’s entrenched political base in Kano and the broader North-West, could create a powerful voting bloc capable of reshaping the electoral landscape.

He noted that both politicians command loyal grassroots followings, which, if effectively mobilised under a unified platform, could translate into substantial electoral gains for the opposition. Ibrahim stressed that such a coalition, if properly structured and managed, would not only energise supporters but also attract undecided voters seeking a credible alternative to the ruling party.

However, the analyst cautioned that the prospects of such a political upset hinge largely on the ability of opposition leaders to overcome internal divisions. He warned that failure to forge a united front would ultimately strengthen the re-election chances of President Tinubu, as fragmented opposition efforts tend to dilute overall impact.

Reflecting on the outcome of the 2023 general elections, Ibrahim observed that disunity among opposition figures contributed significantly to their underperformance. He maintained that repeating similar patterns of political fragmentation could once again hand the ruling party a decisive advantage.

Emphasising the need for strategic collaboration, Ibrahim urged key opposition actors to prioritise collective political objectives over personal ambitions. According to him, only a coordinated and disciplined approach can present a credible challenge in the next electoral cycle.

“An Obi–Kwankwaso ticket has the potential to defeat Tinubu because it bridges the North-South divide in a meaningful way. But if opposition leaders fail to unite, they risk handing him an easy path to victory in 2027,” he stated.

ANN Politics

Obi/Kwankwaso… We Are Ready For The Fight — Hanga Weighs ADC Option Ahead Of Court Verdict

Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, has signalled a possible realignment ahead of the 2027 political cycle, declaring openness to a coalition involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, while awaiting a crucial court ruling that may determine his next political platform.

Speaking to journalists at his Abuja office, Hanga struck a defiant tone, insisting that both the “Obedient” and “Kwankwasiyya” movements possess the grassroots strength to challenge the ruling establishment. “Obi/Kwankwaso… we are okay. Obi/Kwankwaso. We will fight it out,” he said, hinting at a potential alliance between the two influential blocs.

The senator was emphatic about the ideological weight of the Kwankwasiyya movement, describing it as more than a conventional political structure. According to him, “Kwankwasiyya is not a party. It’s a movement — and the strongest movement in this country.” He acknowledged the growing influence of Obi’s support base, adding that the Obedient movement is “very large” and capable of shaping electoral outcomes.

Gesturing to his trademark red cap — widely associated with the Kwankwasiyya identity — Hanga underscored his political roots and loyalty to the movement, even as he navigates an uncertain partisan future.

Although an African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag is already displayed in his office, the lawmaker stopped short of formally declaring allegiance to the party. He explained that his decision hinges on an imminent court verdict expected to clarify the leadership structure of the ADC, particularly regarding the role of David Mark.

“I have not yet declared anyway. I’m waiting for tomorrow… the decision of the court,” Hanga stated. He outlined two possible scenarios: should the ruling go against the faction he aligns with, he would consider joining another party and make his position known on the Senate floor. However, if the verdict favours David Mark’s leadership, Hanga indicated he would likely announce his defection to the ADC.

Beyond political strategy, the senator used the opportunity to deliver a scathing assessment of the country’s socio-economic and security conditions. He lamented widespread hardship, saying Nigerians are grappling with hunger, poverty, and unemployment.

On insecurity, Hanga described the persistence of mass kidnappings as “scandalous” and “shameful,” particularly incidents involving large numbers of victims abducted simultaneously. He argued that such developments reflect systemic failures that demand urgent attention.

The lawmaker also expressed disappointment in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that expectations were high based on his track record as governor of Lagos State. “This is somebody who was very unique when he was in Lagos. We were hopeful that when he comes to Nigeria, Nigeria will be different,” Hanga remarked.

His comments come at a time of increasing political manoeuvring among opposition figures, with talks of alliances and realignments gaining momentum ahead of the next general elections. Analysts suggest that any formal collaboration between Obi and Kwankwaso blocs could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape, especially if backed by influential northern figures like Hanga.

ANN Politics

I’m Now a ‘Freelance Politician,’ Bala Mohammed Says After Meeting Peter Obi

A fresh layer of intrigue has been added to Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape following comments by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who described himself as a “freelance politician” after a closed-door meeting with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The high-level engagement, held amid intensifying political recalibrations ahead of the 2027 general elections, has fueled speculation about a potential realignment among key opposition figures seeking to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Mohammed, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the remark while addressing journalists shortly after the meeting. He noted that his “freelance politician” stance reflects a willingness to engage across party lines in pursuit of national unity, good governance, and a broader coalition capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current socio-economic challenges.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that the meeting centered on building bridges among opposition blocs, fostering collaboration beyond traditional party structures, and exploring pathways for a united front in 2027. Both leaders are understood to have emphasized the urgency of addressing economic hardship, insecurity, and governance deficits—issues that continue to dominate public discourse across the country.

While neither side disclosed concrete agreements, the optics of the meeting—and Mohammed’s subsequent declaration—have triggered mixed reactions within the PDP, where concerns over party cohesion and loyalty have lingered in recent months. Some party insiders view the governor’s comments as a strategic positioning move, while others interpret it as a subtle signal of discontent with the party’s internal dynamics.

For Obi, who remains a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics following his strong showing in the 2023 presidential election, the meeting reinforces his ongoing consultations with political stakeholders nationwide. Analysts say such engagements could form the foundation for a broader coalition aimed at consolidating opposition strength.

Political observers note that Mohammed’s “freelance” characterization may not necessarily imply a formal departure from the PDP but rather underscores a pragmatic approach to coalition-building in an increasingly fluid political environment. However, it also raises critical questions about party discipline and the future configuration of opposition alliances.

As permutations ahead of 2027 gather momentum, the meeting between Bala Mohammed and Peter Obi is likely to be seen as part of a wider chess game—one in which alliances are being tested, loyalties reassessed, and new political equations quietly assembled behind closed doors.

ANN Politics

APC Postpones Presidential, Governorship Primaries

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the postponement of its presidential and governorship primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, a development that underscores growing strategic recalibrations within the ruling party.

The decision, according to party insiders, followed extensive consultations among key stakeholders, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), state governors, and influential party leaders. While the APC did not immediately disclose a detailed rationale for the shift, sources indicate that logistical concerns, internal alignments, and the need to harmonise competing interests played a central role.

The primaries, initially scheduled to hold earlier in the election cycle, are now expected to take place under a revised timetable that will be communicated to party members and the public in due course. Party officials insist the adjustment is aimed at ensuring a more transparent, credible, and cohesive selection process.

A senior party figure familiar with the development noted that the postponement would allow the APC to “properly manage internal dynamics and avoid avoidable disputes that could weaken the party ahead of the general elections.” The move is also seen as part of broader efforts to consolidate the party’s position amid rising opposition activities and shifting political alliances.

The development comes at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is gradually heating up, with parties positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 race. Analysts suggest that the APC’s decision may impact the timelines of other political parties as well as preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is responsible for overseeing the electoral process.

Although no new dates have been formally announced, party stakeholders have been urged to remain patient and await official communication. The APC leadership has also reassured aspirants and party faithful that the revised schedule will provide a level playing field for all contenders.

Observers say the postponement could either strengthen the party by allowing better coordination or expose underlying tensions if not carefully managed. For now, attention remains fixed on when the ruling party will unveil its updated timetable and how it will navigate the complex process of candidate selection in the months ahead.

ANN Politics

ISWAP Fighter Captured, Commander Shot Dead In Borno

At least one fighter belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been captured alive, while a top commander identified as Abu Umar Bundi Munzir was neutralised alongside 24 other insurgents during a military operation in Borno State.

The development followed a failed coordinated attack by ISWAP elements on Kukareta community, where troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the assault after an intense gun battle that lasted for several hours in the early hours of Thursday.

According to military authorities, the insurgents had launched the attack shortly after midnight in a bid to overrun the area but were met with sustained resistance from troops under Sector 2, forcing them into a chaotic retreat.

During the confrontation, the ISWAP commander, Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, was among those killed, with the total number of neutralised fighters put at 25. One insurgent was captured alive, providing potential intelligence value for ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Troops also recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition from the battlefield, including multiple AK-47 rifles, machine guns, rocket-propelled gr***de tubes, mortar equipment, and large quantities of ammunition, underscoring the scale of the planned ആക്രമment.

Military sources disclosed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter but have since been stabilised, while an armoured vehicle was damaged in the firefight.

The theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai described the operation as a major success, noting that follow-up exploitation efforts are ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and recover additional equipment abandoned along their withdrawal routes.

The latest development highlights continued military pressure on ISWAP fighters in Nigeria’s North-East, as security forces intensify operations aimed at degrading the group’s operational capacity and denying it territorial footholds.

ANN Politics

Economic IssuesThe Damning World Bank Report On Nigeria And Lack Of Purpose And Transparency In Governance

-By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

To most of us Nigerians in Diaspora, the news and reports from the home front since the coming of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regime have always made us fret. When it is not about massacre of innocent citizens, it would be about mass kidnapping, human rights abuses, corruption and embezzlement or borrowing for phantom projects. The recent World Bank report on Nigeria which centers on early childhood development, economic growth, poverty and inflation, fiscal policy administration is one of those fear-inciting news. The report contained in the Nigeria Development Update (NDU), a biannual report that assesses economic and social developments in the country and provides policy recommendations for sustainable growth indicates that the country’s economic outlook is gloomy. The current report released on April 7 is entitled ‘Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development’. Nigerian news

The data released about the early childhood development indicate that Nigeria continues to face significant child development challenges with high infant mortality rate as over 11% of children die before the age of five and many failing to meet basic developmental milestones. Thus, the report emphasized the importance of investing in early childhood development, noting that stronger human capital is critical to translating recent macroeconomic reforms into improved living standards and job creation. The question here is: is there any macroeconomic reform in the country at present? And what constitute economic reform? And as far as I am concerned there is no economic reform in the country. News

On economic growth, the report indicates that Nigeria’s has averaged 4% in 2025 with a projected average of 4.2% between 2026 and 2028. The report has it that despite the drop in inflation rate, poverty situation has deteriorated, with 63% of the population living below the poverty line. That is over 140 million Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor.

Moreover the World Bank reports indicating that, while Nigeria’s Federation Revenue grew to ₦84 trillion in just three years, over N34.53 trillion representing about 41%, was reportedly diverted from the federation account over three years via “first-line charges,” creating a “hidden system” that reduces funds for state and local development. In its conclusion, the Bank recommends strengthening social safety nets, reducing food inflation through improved agricultural logistics, and improving transparency in public spending. Nigerian news

A cursory glance at this report shows glaringly that Nigerian economy is badly managed under the present administration. There are obvious cases of fiscal recklessness, corruption, lack of transparency, misplaced priority and poor policy design. The economy of Nigeria is in the hands of poor managers who have not been able to diagnose and prescribe the right medicines for the economy. The trial and error approach has not worked. The removal of petroleum subsidy, the floating of the exchange rate and the hike in tax rate are not does not constitute economic reforms in an economy that has more than half of its population living below the poverty threshold. News

There is a surge in the revenue earned by the government in the last three years and the government has increased the tax rate without any form of subsidy or social security provisions and yet there is no visible impact on the economy and instead the poverty rate has increased to frightening dimension and the government has continued to borrow on daily basis internally and externally. The government has borrowed from everywhere – from ways and means, the banks, and pension funds and recently from unclaimed dividends and dormant accounts.

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It is a clear contradiction that government revenue is burgeoning and poverty is increasing in leaps and bounds at the same time. The only explanation for this paradox is recklessness, inefficiency and corruption that has created leakages and diversion of public funds. The reference to a sizable proportion of government revenue not reaching the federation account before spending means that the funds were not appropriated. That means that the National Assembly that is in charge of appropriation are not properly doing their oversight duty.

The purpose of economic management at the center is not to accumulate or maximize revenue collection but to create enabling environment that will stimulate economic activities and policy measures that will maximize the welfare of the citizens. Any policy or reform that did not improve the quality of life of the citizens is no reform. The policy of the present government is increasing the cost of governance, cost of doing business, stifling economic activities and forcing firms to operate below capacity. This has a contracting effects on the economy.

We recommend a real structural reform that will ensure probity, transparency and accountability in governance and the use of economic resources. The NASS should do its assigned constitutional duty. The citizens must hold the leaders accountable. And until that is done this official recklessness and impunity will continue.

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

[email protected]
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK

ANN Politics