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Ondo Cautions Traders Against Use Of Chemicals To Preserve Food

By
Ayodele Oni
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Food Stuffs in the Market

By Ayodele Oni

 

Amidst ongoing investigation by the Ondo State Government of the cause of  death of 48 persons after consuming suspected poisonous local herb drink, it has been discovered that some traders in the state apply formalin to preserve consumable products.

 

Government raised the alarm over what it described as the abuse of formalin in preserving food items, warning residents to be wary of food products that remain unusually fresh for prolonged periods.

 

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, gave the warning while speaking on environmental and public-health concerns in the state, alleging that formalin was being abused by some people as a cheap means of preserving food.

 

According to him, formalin, which is associated with formaldehyde, is being obtained through various channels and allegedly being used to keep vegetables and other food materials, to look fresh for longer than they ordinarily should.

 

Loko further alleged that some individuals were sourcing formalin-related liquid from factories and even mortuaries for use in preserving food.

 

He advised residents to be particularly cautious of food items that maintain an unusually fresh appearance for an extended period, urging consumers not to mistake unnatural freshness for quality.

 

The commissioner warned that consumption of food treated with formalin could expose residents to serious health risks, particularly to vital organs such as the kidney and liver.

 

He stated that the state government was already intensifying surveillance and public sensitisation as part of efforts to protect residents from environmental and public-health hazards.

 

Loko’s warning came against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation by the state government into environmental concerns affecting parts of Ondo State.

 

However, he treated the alleged misuse of formalin in food preservation as a separate public-health concern requiring greater vigilance from residents.

 

The commissioner urged residents to pay closer attention to the condition and appearance of food before purchase and consumption, stressing the need for caution where food appears to remain unnaturally fresh.

 

He said the government would continue to monitor environmental and public-health threats while sensitising residents on practices capable of endangering their health.

 

The commissioner also raised concerns about prolonged exposure of sachet water to sunlight, warning residents against leaving packaged drinking water under intense heat for extended periods.

 

According to him, substances from plastic packaging could migrate into the water under prolonged exposure, potentially creating health concerns over time.

 

Loko stressed that the responsibility for protecting public health was not solely that of government, urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid practices that could expose them to preventable health risks.

 

He added that government would continue to investigate environmental hazards and take necessary steps to safeguard residents across the state.

“I Feel Relieved I’m Not On Wike’s List Of APC Governors Fighting Rainbow Coalition” – Nasarawa’s Gov. Sule

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has expressed the view that the position of the Progressive Governors Forum on Rainbow Coalition, being sponsored by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, ( FCT), Nyesome Wike may have been misunderstood.

 

Sule, however, expressed relief after his name was not included among the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors that Wike, accused of opposing the Rainbow Coalition.

 

 Sule made the remarks during an interview with TVC, while reacting to the political disagreement between Wike and some APC governors over the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Wike had earlier identified Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun as APC governors he said were fighting his political coalition.

 

Reacting to the development, Sule said he was grateful that he was not among those named by the FCT Minister.

 

The Nasarawa governor also questioned the basis of the political alliance being promoted by Wike, noting that the minister is not a member of the APC despite serving in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Sule suggested that the position of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) may have been misunderstood, adding that the disagreement could have stemmed from differing interpretations of the forum’s message.

 

He said, “Thank God I’m not on that list. I feel relieved that I’m not on Wike’s list of APC governors fighting the Rainbow Coalition.

 

“Wike is one of the ministers in this administration, and if he says he wants to support President Tinubu from another party, remember he’s not an APC member.

 

“What’s the whole essence of an alliance? I think the Governors’ Forum message was misunderstood.”

 

The APC governors had vowed not to have anything to do with the Rainbow Coalition, asking Wije to limit activities of tge coalition to Rivers state.

 

Wike, reacted to the position of the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Rainbow Coalition, reiterating that his support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu remains sacrosanct.

 

Wike maintained that he never promised that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not field candidates in governorship, National Assembly and States House of Assembly elections.

 

The Minister pointed out that the rainbow coalition does not have anything to do with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the coalition as a platform for other political parties that are pleased with the good works of the President and are supporting his reelection.

Cardoso Explains Interest Rate Cut Amid Skeptism

By
James Orji
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0
Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has reduced the Monteary Policy Rate,MPR to 23 percent from 26.5 percent. The MPR  is the benchmark interest rate in the country, which commercial banks use to set their own interest rate for  loans.

Yemi Cardoso made the disclosure on Tuesday following a meeting by the Monetary Policy Committee, MPR, its 307th in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The commitee had earier in August set the MPR at 26.5 percent from 27 percent.

Speaking yesterday,Cardoso stated that the reduction is in conformation with the current economic relites in the country, saying the inflationary trajectory has slighly subsided.

According tohim, the Commitee also considered the trends in the domestic and global economy before taking the decision to ”reset the monetary policy rate at 23 per cent is aimed at strengthening monetary policy transmission and enforcing the primacy of the rate.

The latest reduction comes after the MPC kept the rate unchanged at its two preceding meetings, following a 50-basis-point cut in February 2026.

Cardoso stated that the committee also agreed to recalibrated the standing facility corridor to +50 and -300 basis points around the MPR, while retaining the Cash Reserve Requirement, CRR, at 45 per cent for deposit money banks, 16 per cent for merchant banks, and 75 per cent for non-TSA public sector deposits, adding that the operational reset will enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy and support the transition to an inflation targeting framework, noting that the decision will not contradict its ongoing efforsts to tackle inflation in the country.

“The MPC emphasized that the duration of the corridor does not constitute a change in the current monetary policy stance, but rather an operational reset to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy and support the transition to an inflation targeting framework.

“Members are of the view that the macroeconomic environment remains supportive of such a recalibration without undermining the disinflation process,” Cardoso said.

Reacting, Ayodele Akinwumi, Chief Economic, United Capital Plc said the CBN decision to lower the rate was unexpected, saying he was ”plesantly surprised” at what he also described as a ”bold decision” by the apex bank.

Though unexpected, Akinwumi stressed that the commitee may have taken the decision to lower the MPR, by considering other economic factors, which are not visible  to other stakeholders in the sector.

He noted that the trajectory of the economy, in the next few days, will determine whether the CBN has taken the right decision to reduce the rate.

2027: LP Vows To Scrap N70,000 Minimum Wage

By
James Orji
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Nenadi Esther Usman - Labour Party Chairman

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Dr Chibuzo Okereke, has promised to scrap the minimumwage, saying what Nigerian workers really need is a living wage, and workable social system that make their lives easy to live.

Okereke made the assertion while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, noting that the minimumwage does not,among other things, consider the inflationary factors, which reduce what such wage award can buy as soon as it’s decalred by the government, adding that other broader social-econmic factors should be considered.

Acording to the LP presidential candidate,  a living wage should not be reduced to fixing a particular monetary figure, arguing that workers’ welfare must encompass decent pay, housing, healthcare, food security, job security, social protection and a safe working environment.

He said his government, if elected next year, will push for a living-wage-law toreplace the current minimum-wage-law currenlty operation in the country, where the government has pegged the monthly minimumwage of a Nigerian worker at N700, 000.

“When we have a living-wage law, you will see that the question of when we come to negotiate will disappear,”he  said.

He stressed that the irreducible minimum for Nigerian workers should be “equal opportunity, functional social welfare and a fair reward system” adding that workers’ take-home pay must also be capable of responding to changes in the cost of living, because rising commodities prices could quickly erode the value of any fixed wage.

“If somebody bought this phone for ₦20,000 today and tomorrow the phone is ₦50,000, already the cost of things is rising. There should be different ways to make consequential adjustments,” he said.

Obi’s Office Challenges Claims on Water Corporation Arrears, Workers’ Deaths

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Peter Obi’s media office has challenged claims concerning alleged arrears owed to workers of the Anambra State Water Corporation and reports that as many as 200 workers died during his tenure as governor.

 

In a statement issued by Chief Barr. Jeo-Martins Uzodike, Commissioner for Information to Peter Obi, the former governor’s office said the allegations were part of renewed attempts to discredit Obi’s record in office.

 

The statement urged those making the allegations to provide verifiable records, particularly on the number of Water Corporation workers who allegedly died during Obi’s administration, the Corporation’s total workforce during the period, and comparable figures under previous and subsequent administrations.

 

“Are Water Corporation workers uniquely susceptible to death under one administration and not under others?” the statement asked, insisting that such claims should be supported by official records rather than allegations.

 

On the issue of the Corporation’s finances and workers’ welfare, the statement said the matter should be understood within the framework of the Anambra State Water Corporation Law (Cap. 150).

 

It cited Sections 4(1) and 26 of the law, which assign the Corporation responsibility for developing, providing, conserving and distributing water, while requiring it to generate sufficient revenue from its operations to meet its working expenses.

 

According to the statement, Obi did not ignore the Corporation’s challenges. It said he held discussions with its management on several occasions and requested a viable blueprint for improving water supply, while offering government support, including financial assistance or guaranteed borrowing, within the limits of the enabling legislation.

 

The statement said that when the Corporation’s management failed to produce actionable solutions, the Obi administration partnered with the European Union to rehabilitate major waterworks in Nnewi, Onitsha and Awka.

 

The rehabilitation programme, it said, was still ongoing when Obi left office in 2014.

 

The administration also provided boreholes in more than 300 schools as part of efforts to address water supply in vital public institutions, according to the statement.

 

The statement further disputed claims that Obi left substantial liabilities to Water Corporation workers.

 

It recalled that in 2014, following court proceedings and subsequent administrative actions, government statements and paid advertisements announced that claimed salary arrears and other financial liabilities owed to Water Corporation workers had been settled.

 

It therefore questioned the re-emergence of the same alleged arrears in current public discourse.

 

The statement also addressed broader allegations concerning Obi’s financial record as governor, reiterating his position that he did not borrow from commercial banks or raise a bond during his tenure.

 

It said he left office without outstanding obligations to contractors and suppliers for completed and certified work, or arrears of pensions and gratuities, and left funds in the state treasury.

 

According to the statement, attempts to portray Obi’s administration as heavily indebted had involved describing concessionary development financing secured between financial institutions and the Federal Government as conventional borrowing.

 

It further alleged that some of the same funding arrangements were subsequently utilised by other administrations that now maintain that they did not borrow.

 

Uzodike said the renewed allegations against Obi should be assessed against documentary evidence and the relevant legal and administrative records.

 

“Mr Peter Obi is on the move, ready and prepared to serve his country at the highest level,” the statement said.

APM Presidential Candidate, Makinde, Calls For Devolution Of Power To Allow States Control Mining Sector

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

 

Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, (APM), Seyi Makinde, has advocated for Devolution of power to make states control mining sector.

 

In his opinion, the Federal Government should retain the oversight function only.

 

He was of the view that greater control of Nigeria’s mining sector by state governments, will  be more effective under a devolved arrangement.

 

Makinde, who is also the Oyo State Governor, made the proposal on Tuesday at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina.

 

His call came against the backdrop of the death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

 

The Federal Government has constituted an independent committee to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the cause of their deaths.

 

Speaking on his proposed approach to the mining sector, Makinde noted that mining is currently under the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution, giving the Federal Government primary responsibility over the sector.

 

“Right now, the issue of mining is on the Exclusive Legislative List in our Constitution. Devolve that responsibility to the states and let there be oversight only at the federal level. They will do better.”

 

The APM candidate also questioned the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected miners, saying the incident highlighted broader issues of poverty, unemployment and survival confronting young Nigerians.

 

“A few days ago, we all woke up to learn about the 37 young souls who were lost in Niger State. Is it their fault that they were born in Nigeria? Is it their fault that they were looking for means of surviving? No, sir. The answer is no.”

 

Makinde argued that tackling illegal mining required attention not only to those carrying out the activities, but also to the demand side that sustains the illegal trade.

 

“People may not want to take responsibility, but from what has been done so far and the actions that have been taken, we can see that we are focusing on the supply side of things.

 

“For every 10,000 illegal miners, you have perhaps another 10,000 on the demand side, legitimising the operation,” he stated.

 

He said his proposed administration would review the distribution of responsibilities among the different tiers of government, particularly on matters that directly affect citizens.

 

The Oyo governor also pledged to comply with constitutional provisions on the transfer of presidential powers whenever the President is unavailable to discharge the functions of office.

 

Makinde cited Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to perform the functions of office.

 

“I promise you that, as your President, I will follow the Constitution to the letter. If I am not going to be available, if I am on vacation, I will transmit power to the Vice President. Record this and hold me accountable,” he said.

 

He added that the constitutional provision should also apply in situations where the President is unable to function because of circumstances including illness or medical treatment.

 

President Bola Tinubu is currently on three weeks vacatiin, wguch has been extended without transmitting power to tge vice president, Kassim Shettima.

 

Makinde urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support his proposed “Reset Agenda”, saying his campaign would focus on creating a country that works for citizens regardless of ethnic, religious or regional differences.

 

He also said the 2027 election should not be viewed simply as a contest between political parties.

 

“And for the election, I maintain and repeat it: it won’t be APC versus APM, or APM versus ADC, or ADC versus NDC. It will be APC versus Nigerians,” Makinde said.

 

Speaking at the town hall, the APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, said the meeting was organised to demonstrate support for Makinde and underscore the party’s campaign for political change ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Daura identified insecurity and poverty as major challenges confronting the North-West, promising that the party would unveil details of its proposed solutions as the campaign progresses.

 

Also speaking, the APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, said security and the restoration of normalcy would be priorities under a government led by Makinde.

 

Dantalle stated that the proposed administration would introduce measures aimed at enabling Nigerians to make informed political choices and see elected leaders as representatives of the people.

 

He urged Nigerians to trust the party’s commitment to the 2027 election, describing its political journey as genuine and focused on delivering the change it seeks

Court Of Appeal Declares Magu’s Prolonged Tenure As EFCC Acting Chairman Illegal

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ibrahim Magu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Six years after his removal from office, the court of appeal in Abuja has ruled that Ibrahim Magu’s prolonged stay as acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was illegal.

 

The appellate court declared Magu’s tenure as unlawful, overturning a federal high court judgement that upheld his continued retention in office.

 

Ibrahim Magu served as the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from November 9, 2015, until his suspension on July 7, 2020.

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him on November 9, 2015, following the removal of Ibrahim Lamorde.

The Senate declined to confirm his nomination as the substantive chairman in December 2016 and March 2017, but he continued to serve in an acting capacity.

He left office in July 2020 after his suspension and subsequent investigation by a presidential panel.

A three-member panel of the appellate court delivered the judgement in an appeal filed by Johnmary Jideobi, a lawyer, who had challenged Magu’s continued stay in office after the senate twice rejected his nomination as substantive EFCC chairman.

 

The respondents in the appeal were the senate, the attorney-general of the federation, the EFCC and Magu.

 

The appeal arose from a judgement delivered by Ijeoma Ojukwu, a judge of the federal high court in Abuja, on December 4, 2019.

 

Jideobi had instituted the suit before the federal high court in March 2017, arguing that Magu could not remain indefinitely as acting chairman after the senate had rejected his nomination.

 

In the 2019 judgement, the judge dismissed suit challenging Magu’s continued stay as acting chairman.

 

She held that the EFCC Act, especially section 2(3) did not restrict the powers of the president to retain Magu as acting chairman of the commission.

 

The judge had noted that the lacuna in the law handed the late former President Muhammadu Buhari the “proverbial yam and the knife to do as he pleases, being that there is no specific time stipulated for acting capacity”.

 

She stated that Order 1(2)1 of the Senate Rule cited by the plaintiff applies only to ministerial appointees and cannot be enforced on the position of the acting chairman of the EFCC.

 

The judge also added that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to institute the suit.

 

However, dissatisfied with the decision, Jideobi appealed the lower court’s verdict, where he argued that the chairman of the EFCC has a four-year tenure, renewable once, and that Magu had exceeded the stipulated period without senate confirmation.

 

He further argued that Magu’s acting appointment had ended by operation of law after the senate rejected his nomination.

 

Jideobi asked the appellate court to set aside the federal high court judgment and grant the reliefs sought in his original suit.

University Unions In Ondo Say No Agreement Yet, As Govt. Approves Domestication Of FG/ASUU Pact

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Less than 24 hours after the Ondo State Government and tertiary institution unions reached an agreement over the wage dispute arising from the implementation of the new Federal Government and Varsity Unions’ wage structure and allowances, some unions have disowned the agreement.

 

The state government announced the decision on Monday through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary yo the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

 

The governor’s aide stated that this followed series of meetings between officials of the State Government led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) in the state-owned universities.

 

“Rising from the meetings, both parties agreed to a comprehensive resolution of all outstanding issues relating to salary adjustments, allowances and other welfare matters.

 

“As part of the resolutions, Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the full domestication of the Federal Government-ASUU agreement on CONUASS for academic staff of Ondo State-owned universities, with implementation to reflect the peculiarities of the state.

 

“The Governor, who described education as a cardinal priority of his administration, assured the unions of his administration’s commitment to sustaining industrial harmony in the state’s tertiary institutions.”

 

According to the Governor, “Our administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of workers, especially in the education sector, because we understand that a motivated workforce is key to academic excellence. 

 

“We have approved the FGN-ASUU pact for our universities because we want our institutions to compete favourably and our staff to be at par with their counterparts elsewhere.”

 

He added that the state government will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that the state’s tertiary institutions remain centres of excellence without incessant strike actions.

 

Responding on behalf of the unions, the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko chapter of ASUU, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his listening disposition and for approving the FGN-ASUU agreement for state universities, describing it as a bold and commendable step that will boost morale of staff.

 

In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Y.K. Kazeem, the union said “the intervention by the governor demonstrated his profound commitment to the welfare of workers and conveys a clear message this his administration is workers friendly”.

 

The unions pledged to reciprocate the governor’s gesture by ensuring academic stability and improved productivity in the universities.

 

In a reaction, the Joint Action Committee,  (JAC) of the Ondo State Owned Tertiary Institutions faulted the agreement, describing it as part of moves by the government to divide the unions.

 

JAC in a reaction, signed by Comrade Kunle Akinwonmi Secretary, JAC-ODSTI and Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, Chairman, JAC-ODSTI, insisted that to the best of members knowledge, no agreement has been reached.

“We wish to inform the good people of Ondo State that the Joint Action Committee of the Ondo State Owned Tertiary Institutions comprising of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa and University of Medical Sciences, Ondo are not part of the agreement purportedly reached with the state government

 

“It is now clear that the state government is using divide and rule tactics in order to break our ranks but this will fail woefully.

 

“We want to emphasize that ASUU-AAUA cannot and should not negotiate on behalf of our Unions, considering the fact that the ongoing statewide strike was not called by ASUU-AAUA alone. 

 

“How can one Union negotiate on behalf of the other three University Based Unions without their consent? We shall resist the plan of the state government to demoralise our members in whatsoever form.

 

“We stand on our demands for the payment of the FGN/Unions Agreement with effect from August, 2026 and payment of the outstanding arrears from January, 2026 to date.”

Niger State 37: South South Youths Flay Calls For Sack Of NSCDC Commandant

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Ahmed Abubakar Audi - NSCDC DG

By Ayodele Oni

 

The South-south Youths Initiative (SSYI) has described as misplaced, unjust, and politically motivated,” calls for the sack of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, following the death of 37 suspected miners in Niger State.

 

The youths in a statement signed by their their National President, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, condemned the calls, saying it was wrong to hold the NSCDC boss responsible for an alleged operational breach committed by a state commandant.

 

According to the group, the NSCDC operates a defined administrative structure in which state commandants report directly to zonal commanders, who are assistant commandant-generals.

 

He said the various state commands also have legal, intelligence, administrative and operational departments responsible for their day-to-day activities.

 

Oscar further argued that Audi had previously issued circulars warning personnel against detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally prescribed period.

 

 “It is on record that the Commandant General has issued several circulars warning all formations against detaining suspects beyond 24 hours, in line with the Constitution.

 

“Specifically, circulars to this effect were issued in 2022 and 2024 and widely circulated to all State Commands.”

 

Oscar described as “wrong, unjust and mischievous” attempts to demand Audi’s removal over an alleged offence committed by a state commandant.

 

“It is therefore wrong, unjust and mischievous for individuals or groups to call for the head of the Commandant General for an offence allegedly committed by a State Commandant.”

 

The South-South youths also linked the calls for Audi’s removal to the corps’ operations against illegal mining, alleging that “some powerful illegal miners and their collaborators” were behind the campaign.

 

The group said that Audi had previously contributed to efforts that helped increase crude oil production in the Niger Delta from about 800,000 barrels per day to approximately 1.6 million barrels per day.

 

Oscar also said that the Federal Government generated about N40bn from mining activities in 2025, attributing the development largely to operational reforms and measures introduced under Audi.

 

“The Commandant-General should be allowed to repeat what he did in the Niger Delta in the mining sector.”

 

It called on the Presidency, the Minister of Interior and Nigerians to disregard what it described as “sponsored calls” for Audi’s removal and instead support him in his efforts to tackle illegal mining.

 

“Prof. Audi should be supported and encouraged to do more for the nation,” the statement added.

Fmr SGF, Lawal, Joins NDC, Says Party Represents Future

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Babachir Lawal Joins NDC

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Three months after he announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

 

Lawal announced his move on Tuesday in Abuja, where he was formally received by the NDC leadership.

 

He also declared support for the party’s presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The former SGF said Nigerians worried about insecurity, hunger and other challenges should support what he described as a platform for change, saying his decision reflected his concern about the situation in the country.

 

“Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing in our country, along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease, will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future.”

 

He urged Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and expressed confidence that the alliance would pursue what he described as a better future for the country.

 

“Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this.”

 

He added that he looked forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate what he described as the success of the political project.

 

Receiving Lawal, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described him as an experienced political mobiliser.

 

Dickson said Lawal’s experience would be useful to the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

 

“Babachir Lawal does not need any introduction. He was the former secretary to the government of our country, who did well.”

 

He added that Lawal would take a leadership role in the party’s activities and campaigns across the North-East.

 

“We are pleased to have you play a leadership role that only you can play at those levels.”

 

Dickson also tasked the former SGF to resolve political issues and providing direction to NDC candidates and campaign structures in the region.

 

Lawal’s defection follows his resignation from the ADC in June after the party’s presidential primary.

 

At the time, he alleged that the primary process had been manipulated to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

 

Lawal claimed that results were altered in some areas and that some declared winners were allegedly replaced by other candidates.

 

He remarked that the process was fundamentally flawed and that he could not remain in a party whose primary he believed had been manipulated.

 

Atiku, however, later dismissed Lawal’s allegations as speculation without evidence. His spokesperson also defended the primary as credible.

 

Lawal’s move to the NDC now places him within the party backing the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

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