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Rivers Consensus Candidate, Chinda, Wins APC Gov. Primary Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kingsley Chinda

By Ayodele Oni

 

After last minutes withdrawal and realignment, Kingsley Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives, has emerged the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Rivers State.

 

Bitrus Kwamoti, the returning officer, announced that Mr Chinda, who was returned unopposed, polled 268,497 votes.

 

He said the figure represented the number of APC faithful who voted in support of Mr Chinda across the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), quoted the Returning Officer as saying that “The figure represents a true and accurate record of the votes collated across the state during the exercise,” he said.

 

Mr Kwamoti affirmed that Mr Chinda satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and the election guidelines.

 

The returning officer stated that the election was peacefully and orderly conducted in all the wards across the state.

 

“The exercise was free, fair and orderly. It was in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines,” he added.

 

Mr Kwamoti commended party members and people of Rivers for their orderly conduct during the exercise.

 

Felix Obuah, an APC chieftain in Rivers, said that with Mr Chinda, the party now stood a formidable chance of winning the governorship poll in Rivers.

 

“Our party has presented the best candidate for the governorship election. I am personally grateful to God.

 

“With the outcome of this exercise, I can tell you that Rivers people are united irrespective of ethnic background,” he said.

 

Mr Obuah described Mr Chinda as a dependable and trusted administrator with a strong commitment to the development of Rivers.

 

It would be recalled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Tonye Cole, and George Kelly withdrew from the race, paving the way for Mr Chinda to stand unopposed.

Anambra Police Command Arrests, Investigates Officer In Viral Video Threatening Violence

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Anambra State Police Command has arrested officer in a viral video threatening to kill anyone that attempt to film him while on duty.

 

The officer an assistant superintendent of police, Newton Isokpehi, according to the command, has been subjected to drug test to determine his state of health.

 

Briefing journalists, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration,

DCP Ngozi Ezeabata, stated that “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to formally address the public concerning a viral video currently circulating on social media in which a Police Officer was seen threatening violence and engaging in conduct unbecoming of a member of the Nigeria Police Force.

 

“Following a prompt review of the video, the Command immediately identified and arrested the officer involved. 

 

“The Officer is an Assistant

Superintendent of Police ASP Newton Isokpehi  serving in the Command. 

 

“In line with the disciplinary standards and ethical code of the Nigeria Police Force, internal disciplinary proceedings have since been activated against the officer.

 

“As part of the ongoing investigation, the officer has also been subjected to a drug test to aid the Command in establishing all surrounding circumstances and ensuring a thorough and transparent process.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD, strongly condemns the conduct displayed by the Officer in the video and reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution, that will not condone misconduct, abuse of office, incitement, or any form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust and confidence.

 

“The Anambra State Police Command further assures Ndi Anambra and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law and police regulations.

 

“The Command also uses this opportunity to remind officers and men of the Command to remain professional, emotionally balanced, and respectful while carrying out their lawful duties, especially in this era where actions and conduct are constantly subjected to public scrutiny.

 

“The Command appreciates members of the public, civil society groups, and social media users who continue to assist the Police with credible information capable of improving service delivery and accountability. 

 

“Residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents or behaviours capable of undermining public peace, safety, and confidence in security agencies.”

APC Primaries: Aggrieved Apapa Constituency 2 Members Petition Chairman

By
Akinwale Kasali
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APC

 

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Finger Honourable  Jimoh as mastermind of electoral manipulation

 

Aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have expressed their displeasure over what it termed irregularities, intimidation, manipulation, electoral violence and abuse of office by Hon. Olawale Jimoh Saliu, the Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, at the APC Primaries held in Lagos.

 

The Group has petitioned the APC Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, registering their dissatisfaction over the conduct of the APC primary election held in Apapa Constituency II, which they alleged was grossly marred by violence, intimidation, manipulation, and several acts which undermine the integrity and democratic principles of our great party.

 

They stated that what ought to have been a transparent, peaceful, and credible primary election was instead reduced to a coordinated exercise of electoral subversion orchestrated by desperate political actors determined to impose a predetermined outcome against the wishes of genuine party members.

 

They fingered Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, alongside other political actors, and they alleged recruited thugs, who unleashed terror on party loyalists and supporters perceived to be opposed to their interests after it became obvious that the exercise was not yielding results favourable to them.

 

It was alleged that throughout the exercise, several party members with genuine membership cards were subjected to intimidation, harassment, and physical attacks across various voting locations, thereby preventing them from freely exercising their democratic rights.

 

Rilwan Azeez, a Party member stated that in many areas identified as perceived strongholds of opposition within the party, voters were chased away with stones and other dangerous weapons and denied access to participate in the process.

 

It was also gathered from eyewitnesses and sources in the LCDA, who alleged that thugs and non-party elements were mobilised with questionable and irregular membership cards to participate in the exercise, thereby disrupting the election process, and intimidated genuine APC members in Apapa Constituency II. 

 

These actions, it was gathered, created widespread fear, tension, and chaos during the exercise and were met with strong resistance from genuine party members.

 

In Ward A, it was alleged that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had initially resisted the use of such cards and left the venue in protest and annoyance. 

 

However, after an absence of over two hours, the officials returned and attempted to proceed with the exercise using the same disputed membership cards merely by sighting and waving the cards without proper verification. 

 

This denied genuine party members the opportunity to exercise their franchise.

 

Party members were said to have resisted this irregular process, resulting in the inability of the election to hold in the ward.

 

In addition, there were serious incidents concerning the compromise and improper movement of electoral officials.

 

It was alleged in Ward A that one Ade Melody, an aide to the Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, accompanied and transported INEC officials to unknown destinations during the exercise, thereby compromising the neutrality, transparency, and credibility expected of the electoral process.

 

Fake and fabricated election results were subsequently written and announced despite the widespread irregularities, violence, voter intimidation, and disruptions recorded across several polling locations within the constituency.

 

The aggrieved members said that such actions collectively amount to a complete violation of the democratic ideals, electoral guidelines, and internal democratic principles of the party and have seriously damaged the credibility and legitimacy of the entire primary election process in Apapa Constituency II.

 

The Group  demanded the immediate cancellation of the purported results announced for the APC primary election in Apapa Constituency II.

 

It also demanded for a thorough investigation into voter intimidation, violence, manipulation of voter accreditation, importation of non-party members and voters from Ifelodun Local Government, and falsification of election results.

 

It also stressed that a full investigation into the role played by political office holders and individuals who sponsored violence, thuggery, and electoral misconduct during the exercise, and that apropriate disciplinary sanctions should be taken against all persons found culpable in the manipulation and disruption of the primary election process.

 

It, also, demanded that a fresh, transparent, peaceful, credible, and heavily secured primary election that will truly reflect the wishes and mandate of genuine APC members in Apapa Constituency II should be held.

Eid El-Kabir: Gov Mohammad Re-Opens 25 Cattle Markets

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Ahead of the Eid El-Kabir celebration, the Bauchi State Government on Thursday, May 21, 2026, ordered the immediate re-opening of cattle markets in the State.

 

The State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had, on April 9, 2026, amidst growing level of banditry activities, approved the closure of about 25 cattle markets spread across four local councils of Alkaleri ,Kirfi ,Tafawa Balewa and Bauchi.

 

The Government said that the affected markets had been targeted by terrorists who routinely invaded, terrorized traders, disrupted food supply chains, and rustled animals, leading to unmitigated losses to the people.

 

The authorities had also described the closure of the markets as temporary measure to curtail the activities of criminal elements in the state.

 

But in a statement on Thursday, Mukhtar Gidado, spokesperson for the Governor, said the affected markets are to be equally re-opened  temporarily to enable the people access their livestock needs ahead of the Sallah celebrations slated for May 27, 2026.

 

Gidado emphasized that the re-opening has become necessary in the face of the strategic importance of the markets in servicing the livestock needs of the people, particularly in view of the Eid El-Kabir celebration.

 

The re-opening, according to the statement, will be for a period of two weeks.

 

“The measure has been taken in consultation with security agencies which, alongside local authorities and traditional leaders, will continue to monitor activities in the markets to ensure security and peaceful operations”, Gidado noted .

APC Primaries: Sanwo-Olu Says Hamzat Would Consolidate Lagos Gains

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Babajide Sanwo-olu and Hamzat

 

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Governor Babajide  Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has thrown his weight behind his Deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, expressing confidence that Hamzat would emerge as the All Progressives Congress, APC, flag bearer and eventually win the Governorship Election in the State come 2027.

 

Sanwo-Olu stated that he has confidence in Hamzat’s capacity, competence and understanding of governance in Lagos State, stating that his Deputy had contributed immensely to the progress his administration has recorded in the past Six and half years.

 

He further added that he believes Hamzat will sustain and build on the developmental strides achieved over the years.

 

The Governor spoke on Thursday as he participated in the APC Governorship Primary Election at Ward E3 on Lagos Island. He described the exercise as peaceful, orderly, and reflective of internal party democracy.

 

Sanwo-Olu who arrived the polling venue with his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said that the direct primary process allowed party members at the ward level to freely participate in the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate.

 

He  said he remains optimistic that Hamzat will consolidate on the progress the State has achieved over the years and leverage on it.

 

Hamzat was chosen as the Consensus Candidate of the Party, prompting the likes of Mauyon Ajose and Olajide Adediran, popular as Jandor to step down for him. Thar followed his endorsement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Gov Yusuf’s Attempts To Drag Obi Into Divisive, Ethnic, Regional Narratives, Irresponsible – Kwankwasiyya Movement

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Governor Abba Yusuf

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed claims suggesting that its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is working to promote the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It described the assertion as not only childish, reckless, contradictory, but coming from a person completely lacking the standing, authority and proximity to speak on matters relating to the political preferences, alliances and constitution of the Movement.

 

 Sanusi Tofa ,the spokesperson for Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State had, on Tuesday, in an Arise News programme, not only questioned the acceptability of the new political alignments between Kwankwaso and Peter Obi in the nascent Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, but also alleged that the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement is secretly working and promoting the re-election bid of President Tinubu.

 

Tofa had particularly expressed serious doubt about the proposed Obi/Kwankwaso pairing ahead of the 2027 polls resonating with the majority of Kano residents and Northerners .

 

He emphasized that Kwankwaso, who was also a former Governor of Kano state ,is not sincerely committed to the political alliance with the former Anambra State Governor, but is rather working behind-the-scene for the return bid of President Tinubu.

 

But in a scathing rebuttal on Thursday, May 21,2026, from its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, the Kwankwasiyya Movement described Tofa’s comments as a clear betrayal of the fear and panic within the Governor Yusuf’s administration.

 

The movement expressed serious concern and regret that fear has driven Governor Yusuf’s administration to the extent of resorting to ethnic ,and divisive rhetorics for survival.

 

Particularly, the Kwankwasiyya Movement described as completely unacceptable and irresponsible for the Kano State Government to drag the person of Obi into ethnic politics.

 

“Ordinarily, such confused political speculation would not deserve a response, but considering the deliberate attempt to mislead the public, and distort the political realities in Kano and Nigeria, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

 

“First, it is both shocking and embarrassing that a Government spokesperson could go on a national television to openly promote rumours, assumptions and fabricated political gossip as official communication.

 

“One moment, he claims Senaror Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the next moment, he says Kwankwaso has thrown the opposition into disarray. These contradictions clearly expose the confusion within their camp.

 

“The truth is simple: the growing acceptance of the Kwankwasiyya Movement across Nigeria has unsettled many political actors who now see Senator Kwankwaso as one of the most strategic ,and influential political leaders in the country today.

 

“It is important to remind the public that Sanusi Bature Dawaki Tofa was never at any point an official spokesperson for the New Nigeria Peoples Party or the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

 

“He merely served as media aide, and spokesperson for Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf during his political journey in both the Peoples Democratic party and later the NNPP.

 

“Therefore, it is dishonest and misleading for him to present himself as someone with knowledge of internal consultations strategic discussions or high-level political negotiations involving Senator Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya leadership.

 

“This same false narrative was earlier circulated through a section of the local media using the name of Ibrahim Shekarau ( former Governor of Kano state) as the supposed author.

 

“However, Malam Shekarau publicly distanced himself from the publication ,and denied any involvement with such claims.

 

“This clearly points to a deliberate and coordinated attempt to manufacture confusion, spread propaganda and create imaginary divisions within the opposition ahead of 2027.

 

“It is unfortunate that Sanusi Bature attempted to drag the person of Peter Obi into divisive, ethnic, and regional narratives.

 

“Nigeria has gone beyond the politics of hate, intolerance, and manufactured fear. Any attempt to label political cooperation between patriotic Nigerians from different regions as “pro-Biafra” is irresponsible , dangerous and unacceptable in modern democracy 

Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

“The Kwankwasiyya Movement believes strongly in national unity, social justice inclusion ,and issue-based politics. We will never subscribe to politics built on ethnic suspicion, regional blackmail or religious manipulations.

 

“We also reject the childish attempt to create imaginary hostility between Senator Kwankwaso and Peter Obi. Political leaders may hold different opinions on national issues, but mature democracies are built on dialogue , consultations and cooperation in pursuit of national development . Only insecure politicians are afraid of alliances and consensus building.

 

“On the issue of the crowd that welcome Senator Kwankwaso, Nigerians do not need propaganda to confirm political realities.

 

“The overwhelming public support witnessed in Kano was visible to the entire world. No amount of media distortion can erase what millions watched physically and across multiple media platforms 

 

“Ironically, those questioning crowd figures are the same individuals who once rented crowds during elections and used state resources to sustain artificial popularity.

 

“The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains one of the few organic political movements in Nigeria built on ideology, sacrifice, loyalty and direct connection with the people” Mohammed stated.

 

The Movement described as extremely irresponsible for a Government acclaimed spokesperson to claim that Governor Yusuf approached President Tinubu for defection with Kwankwaso’s consent , while at the same time, portraying him as politically confused.

 

Mohammed warned that the Movement and Kano people are too politically sophisticated to be deceived by desperate narratives designed to create division within the family.

Court Nullifies INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

An Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar, has nullified the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timeframe within which political parties are expected to submit the digital list of their membership, conduct primaries, submit or withdraw names of their candidates for the purpose of 2027 polls.

 

The Electoral umpire had fixed May 10, 2026,and May 30, 2026, as the dateline for political parties to submit their full and digital membership registers, conduct primaries, as well as submit names of their candidates for the purpose of the 2027 polls.

 

But in a judgement which may have offered a glimmer of hope to otherwise frustrated aspirants to seek political greener pastures in other parties, Justice Mohammed, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, held that the timetable as rolled out by INEC is in gross violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

 

According to him, the timeframe “imposed” by the INEC on political parties within which to conduct their primaries, submit, withdraw, and replace names and particulars of their candidates for the 2027 general elections “is inconsistent with the Electoral Act.”

 

Justice Mohammed ruled that going by the provisions of Section 29( 1) of the Electoral Act , political parties are to  submit the particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to the election proper.

 

Justice Mohammed while  ruling on  a motion on notice filed by the Youth Party also held that by  the provisions of Section 32 of the same Electoral Act, the INEC does not have the statutory power to publish the final lists of candidates for the 2027 general elections before the 60 days minimum period prescribed by the law.

 

“After hearing J. O. Olotu, Counsel to the Plaintiff and Sarafa Yusuf, Counsel to the defendant, Justice Umar held that going by the provisions of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to an election, “INEC cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by prescribing a shorter timeframe in its 2027 timetable.” 

 

In the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment order in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 and in which the INEC was the only defendant, the  trial Judge similarly held that the electoral umpire lacks the power to abridge the statutory 90 days provided by the Electoral Act for political parties to  withdraw and replace their candidates in the 2027 elections.

 

“A declaration is made that upon the proper construction.of Section 98 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendant (INEC), does not possess the statutory authority to fix its timetable for the 2027 general elections for campaign to end two days before the elections.

 

“A declaration is made that upon the proper interpretation to Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the timeframe prescribed by the Defendant for submission of membership registers for the conduct of primary elections is NOT applicable to primary elections conducted for the purpose of replacing withdraw candidates.”

 

Justice Mohammed subsequently made an order setting aside the timeframes imposed by the defendant in its Revised Timetable and  Activities for the 2027 General Elections – for the conduct of primary elections ,the submission of personal particulars of cando by their political parties for the 2027 general elections, the withdrawal and replacement of candidates by political parties for the 2027 general elections ,the publication of the final list.of candidates.for the 2027 general elections and campaigning for the 2027 general elections which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026″. 

 

The plaintiff in its motion on notice filed on March 11, 2026 through its Counsel, J O Olotu, had  prayed the Court for a declaration that upon a proper consideration and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 29 ,82 and 84 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2026,the powers of the INEC to receive notice of party primaries, and the personal particulars of candidates, and  to attend, observe and monitor such primo does not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections for the purpose of nominating candidates for the purpose nominating candidates for the general elections” .

Ekiti 2026: 12 Candidates Sign Peace Pact, As INEC Promises Transparent Process

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ekiti Election Peace Pact

 

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has charged political parties not to see the signing of Peace Accord as mere ceremony but to try and keep to the words of the agreement.

 

The INEC Chairman, Prof Joash  Amupitan, SAN, reminded the participating political parties and their candidates that the peace accord signing was not merely a bureaucratic formality, but a moral treaty entered before Nigerian people and the international community. 

 

He made the pledge in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, during the signing of peace accord by 12  governorship candidates of political parties in the June 20 governorship election.

 

He noted that they are expected to demonstrate sincerity by translating their signature into actions that promote peace, tolerance and respect for electoral process before, during and after the election.

 

The INEC Chairman urged political actors to avoid any conduct capable of undermining the credibility of the election, adding that the Commission remains fully committed to conducting a frees, fair and transparent governorship poll in Ekiti State.

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji in his remark, reaffirmed his strong commitment to ensuring peace before, during and after the June 20 governorship election in the State.

 

Addressing the gathering shortly after appending his signature to the document, Governor Oyebanji noted that his party had just concluded its local government campaign tour without any record of violence, a development he said reflected the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to peace, as well as his administration’s resolve to ensure harmony in the State.

 

The Governor pointed out that the fact that no case of violence has been recorded in the electioneering barely one month to the election, has further reinforced his confidence that the forthcoming election would be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

 

While noting that the prevailing calmness across the state was unprecedented in Ekiti’s electoral history, the Governor said it was perhaps the first time a governorship election is approaching with such a high level of peace and political maturity.

 

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preserving peace across the state, the Governor charged political parties and their candidates to honour the peace agreement in both words and actions by ensuring strict compliance with its provisions.

 

He also urged them to place the interest of the state above partisan consideration and work collectively to sustain the peaceful atmosphere already being witnessed across the state.

 

 “Our party just concluded a tour of local government in the state and it was violent free. Ekiti State will be 30 years in October this year, this is the first time in the history of the state that an election will be few days away and we will have this kind of peace.

 

“So, I stand to make a commitment that after signing this accord and like the INEC Chairman said that is not the singing that is important, but the character of those holding the pen and I believe strongly and I can attest to fellow contestants that we will do everything to ensure that we have peace.

 

“I stand to make a bold declaration on behalf of the government that I am leading and other contestants that the election will be peaceful because it is only in the atmosphere of peace that we can serve our people”.

 

Also in his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Olatunji Disu assured that the Nigerian Police has made comprehensive security arrangement to guarantee the safety of voters electoral officials and other stakeholders before, during and after the governorship election.

 

He explained that operational deployments, intelligent gathering and strategic positioning of personnel have been intensified across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order, warning that the force would not hesitate to deal decisively with any attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

 

The IGP therefore urged residents of Ekiti State to come out en mass on the day of election to exercise their civic responsibility, assuring them that adequate security has been put in place to ensure peaceful, safe and credible electoral environment throughout the process.

 

The peace pact was organised by the National Peace Committee, (NPC) in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the signing of the document was witnessed by the National Chairman of the body, General Abdusalam Abubakar, who was represented by General Martin Luther Agwai ; and the Convener of the NPC, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah;

Despite Criticisms, FG Insists On Fresh World Bank Loan

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Presidency has fingered opposition in the decision of some Nigerians to kick against the Federal Government’s resolve to approach the World Bank for fresh loan.

 

Some Nigerians had flooded the World Bank’s social media platforms with appeals urging the institution to stop granting loans to Nigeria.

 

The Presidency,  however, defended the Federal Government’s borrowing policy.

 

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, suggested that political opponents may be behind the online campaign, noting that the country is already approaching another election cycle.

 

Bwala stated that it was difficult to determine whether those making the appeals were ordinary citizens or members of the opposition, stressing that political activities often intensify ahead of elections.

 

He maintained that regardless of the criticism, the Federal Government remains constitutionally obligated to carry out its responsibilities in line with the law.

 

He explained that leadership decisions cannot be driven solely by sentiments expressed on social media, especially when there are differing opinions among citizens on the same issue.

OPINION: Arsenal, at Last

By
The Source
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0
Azu Ishiekwene
Mr Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

I love Arsenal fans. I sometimes think there can’t be many of them who won’t make good spouses or lifetime friends.

It takes the patience of Job and the fidelity of a monk to support a team through 22 winless seasons and still have the heart to sing “The Angel (North London) Forever,” each time that they filed out to play about 835 Premier League matches before this season’s glorious dawn.

When the Manchester City v A.C. Bournemouth match ended in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night, giving Arsenal an irretrievable win, the relief and joy that erupted amongst Arsenal supporters was beyond belief – the pure, unbounded ecstasy of “Arsenalotary” was in full display after more than two decades of shattered dreams! And who knows what might happen if Arsenal were to defeat PSG on May 30, and also win the UEFA Cup?

The world has changed since Arsenal last won the English Premier League (EPL) trophy in the 2003/2004 season. Barack Obama became the first Black US president. Brexit and COVID-19 happened, and Queen Elizabeth II died, ending the longest reign in British history.

Nigeria has had four presidents, and the fifth, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is ending his first term.

iPhone was launched, and Facebook became a global giant. Twitter did not even exist, nor did Instagram, TikTok or ChatGPT.

And two of the Club’s players– Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, on loan to Olympique Marseille – had not been born. That was how long Arsenal fans waited, singing Louis Dunford’s “Forever” most of the time.

Bookies nightmare

But it wasn’t always funny, especially in the last five years. In 2023/24, for example, pundits wagered that it would be Arsenal’s season. City, a serious contender, was on the back foot, and Mikel Arteta’s side looked formidable with the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

Analysts felt the club had matured. Arsenal topped the table for nearly 18 weeks before City toppled them and snatched the title by two points. It was another heartbreak year, as it turned out that City’s decline was slightly exaggerated.

Even in 2025/26, which is ending in glory, it seemed, at some point, that the curse of “nearly there” was about to repeat itself. I’m speaking not as an Arsenal fan, but as a father at the receiving end of the emotional turmoil suffered by family and friends broken by Arsenal’s many torrid seasons.

My barber, my cousin

This season has been particularly traumatic for them. For example, after Arsenal stumbled to a 2–1 defeat to City in April, my cousin vowed he would not watch the team again. He said the games were giving him mental stress and causing him nightmares. “If Arsenal doesn’t give me HBP,” he lamented, “then nothing will!” It’s what the Reggae star, Peter Tosh, might have called, “Arsenalmylitis.”

Like my cousin, my barber also managed to keep his sanity by telling anyone who cared to listen that this would be his last Arsenal season. For me, a Chelsea fan with nothing more to lose this season, I found myself playing a pocket therapist by assuring him there was hope, to lessen his misery, and also from what I thought was the mentality, depth and alignment of Arsenal’s squad this season. No Arsenal team has wanted to win more in the last 22 years than this one.

It’s been edgy for me, watching the Blues slip off the Champions League perch and losing the FA Cup final to City in the outgoing season. With a new coach and an overpriced, underperforming squad without major competitions to challenge them, even the new season looks uncertain. Yet, I’m not up for the fans’ transfer market.

More than just a game

Professional football, generally, has gained a frenzied global ascendancy that only religion can surpass in numbers, followership, and fanaticism. Despite the global economic downturn, football arenas fill up across cities and towns whenever there are fixtures. There seems to be more hunger for matches than there is in the stomach.

But there’s more to it than matches. I’ve often heard stories, both comical and sad, of how an increasing number of folks,young and not-so-young, are losing what ought to be residual income, savings or even borrowed funds in football pools and betting ventures. Even though it’s a matter of choice, the allure must feel like dope – overwhelming and psychotic.

The EPL Annual revenues for the 2023/24 season, according to Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance, were worth around €38 billion. That figure covers professional club football, including the big five leagues in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, as well as smaller domestic leagues.

Its sheer size, efficiency and organisation are probably the reasons EPL has spawned a betting industry which has outgrown social inhibitions about gambling and now defies even religious preachments that gambling breaches the righteous code.

Boosted by digital satellite television, betting, especially the football brand of it, is no longer a street corner venture, but one of the fastest-growing businesses.

The tragic fallouts and losses have become part of the silent misfortunes of many folks, who, like insects attracted to the sweet smell of a poisonous plant, are ever again fatally tempted by the prospects of making easy money. So long as there’s a game, there’s hope.

Follow the money

Premier League clubs generated about £6.3 billion in revenue in the 2023/24 season, and Manchester City alone made £719 million. If the EPL were a country, its economy would be larger than those of at least nine African countries, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Niger, and Lesotho.

Premier League clubs surpassed £6 billion in aggregate revenue in 2023/24, with the 2024/25 season projected to push total revenue even higher thanks to broadcast‑rights, new commercial deals, and rising match-day receipts.

Despite successive seasons of price rises, the average EPL fan paid around £53 per match-day in 2024/25, up from about £51 the year before, reflecting strong demand and limited stadium capacity. That pricing power underscores the basic economic truth: in a league where TV and commercial revenue insulate clubs from gate‑dependence, owners can treat match-day as a premium‑experience business, not a charity.

Before the title, Arsenal was already valued at £2bn to £2.8bn, according to Forbes. According to some estimates,ending a 22-year league drought could increase the club’s value by 10-20 percent over time, especially if it also wins the European title.

What next?

As the 25/26 season gives way to the World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will jointly host in June, emotions will find new avenues for expression, as football takes centre stage. Whether for club or country, the game can count on the tribal loyalty and emotions of hundreds of millions of fans to keep the cash register ringing and the stakes high.

Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

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