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Category: Politics

  • You can’t scuttle our efforts – Nwosu dares APC, Tinubu

    African Democratic Congress (ADC), past chairman, Ralph Nwosu doubles down on allegations about attempted inducement, insisting, efforts by the  government to scuttle opposition shall fail.

    He vowed that no offer or inducement from the Tinubu administration would deter the party from opposing efforts to turn Nigeria into a one party state.

    Speaking on Arise TV Prime Time, Wednesday night, Mr Nwosu asserted, “And that is why we have audaciously, and we will continue that process, to audaciously oppose anything that will make Nigeria to become a one party system under APC. It happened in Lagos, it cannot happen nationally.” 

    Nwosu who is the founder and pioneer chairman of the ADC firmly asserted that the presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu had deployed various strategies to torpedo efforts of the coalition to adopt and retool the party.

    He doubled down on his previous claim that the government made offers aimed at inducing him to decline coalition efforts to use ADC as the led opposition party.

    Read Also: I was Offered Three Ministerial Slots to Decline Use of ADC as Coalition Party, ADC’s Ralph Nwosu Says

    Apart from financial inducements, he mentioned that agents of the Administration offered him ministerial slots.

    Even though he would not mention names of those making the offers, he challenged a Presidential Spokesman, Daniel Bwala who called him out for making the claims.

    “Bwala, I wish you would come out and say why Elias, Godwin and Mohammed, they are doing in big hotels, being protected by government, the people paid police.”

    He continued: “They are still carrying the cards of ADC. But the government has used them to scuttle the things we’re doing.”

    The saboteurs

    Nwosu alleged that these individuals were being used to file court cases to halt the coalition’s progress. 

    “They have used them to go to court to say that they don’t agree with the things we’re doing. Therefore, it should be stopped. And they are being protected. We have pictures and we know where they are.”

    “There are people in APC who feel that if we offer this, and they feel it’s too small, we just up it… But this time they failed,” Nwosu averred.

    Please Read: ADC Crisis Deepens as Ousted Nwosu Expels Kachikwu, Seven State Chairmen

    He alleged that some of these subterranean moves were also woven around Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, ADC presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

    He accused Kachikwu of receiving funds to derail the coalition. “He has been the number one agent that is collecting resources from anywhere and funding the process to derail what we are doing as far as consolidating our coalition is concerned.”

    Affirming Kachikwu’s expulsion from the party from the party, Nwosu said, “We had ADL, which our NEC organised, and we recalled those people. And in our NEC yesterday, we pardoned them of everything. But Dumebi Kachikwu… we said for him, we don’t want him anymore.”  

    Sound leadership

    Despite all the odds, Nwosu is optimistic that the party and the coalition of individuals and political parties aggregating under the ADC would wither the storm.

    He mentioned one of the sources of his confidence as the choices they have made so far in their leadership recruitment exercise. “One of the biggest call that the coalition has made, choosing someone like David Mark and Governor Aregbesola, critical,” he enthused.

    “We’re just praying that everything will continue going well.… all the ideas that the new leadership has will work out well moving on,” he concluded.

  • ADC abhors imposition of candidates, indiscipline – Sen Mark

    ADC abhors imposition of candidates, indiscipline – Sen Mark

    Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark says the party shall not tolerate candidates’ imposition, anti-party activities and other forms of indiscipline.

    Mark made this known in his remarks at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja.

    The interim chairman  also pledged to serve the party with integrity, transparency, courage, and vision.

    He acknowledged the patriotism, sacrifices, and dedication of the outgoing National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and his team, who he lauded for building the ADC over the years and for relinquishing party leadership in the interest of the country.

    He also commended all party leaders and loyal members who contributed to the party’s growth, assuring them that his leadership would be fair and just.

    “I assure you that under my leadership, we shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges. Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra.

    “We will guarantee collective leadership at all levels. We will build a technically competent bureaucracy for the party and ensure structured financing. All members will truly own the party.

    “We shall revamp our grassroots leadership structures to reflect modern realities. From the polling units, wards up to the national level, every organ will be re-energised,” he said.

    Mark also promised inclusion for the youth and women.

    ”Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women and not just tokenism.

    “This is why we have reserved 35 per cent of our leadership positions for women. It is also our commitment to have youths below the age of 40 years in our leadership,” he said.

    He disclosed that the new National Working Committee (NWC) would, within the shortest possible time, raise committees to review the party’s manifesto and constitution to meet and reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

    “We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance.

    “We will not leave it to the discretion of individual candidates to choose what to do with power,” he affirmed.

    Mark announced that in the coming days, the ADC would unveil a 50-member policy committee dedicated to key sectors.

    These according to him were, health, education, agriculture, technology, security, economy, and infrastructure, underscoring the party’s focus on achieving good governance for Nigerians.

    He urged all Nigerians to join the ADC, promoting it as the only party that guarantees equal opportunity regardless of age, gender, religion, or region.

    He also encouraged all ADC members to return to their polling units and begin working at the grassroots, rather than remaining in Abuja.

    Earlier in his remarks, Chief Nwosu highlighted the ADC’s significant growth, stating it had transformed from a “small largest party in Nigeria” to a major political force under Mark’s leadership.

    Nwosu noted the increasing number of people seeking registration in the ADC nationwide, revealing that the party’s website had crashed three times due to the influx of young people attempting to register online.

    He described the adoption of ADC by the national coalition and unveiling Mark led leadership on July 2 as the beginning of a new dawn.

    “Within one week, our membership grew from maybe 600 people who were paying membership dues to almost three million who started paying membership dues.

    “Some states have told us that we must print a minimum of two million membership cards for them,” he said.

    Nwosu urged the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other democratic institutions in Nigeria to be alive to their responsibilities in delivering their mandates.

    An ADC Chieftain, Godson Okoye, advised party members to remain hopeful, describing the ADC as a party poised to lead Nigeria towards economic prosperity.

    “This journey has just begun, let us encourage ourselves,” Okoye said. 

  • An Open Appeal to Elder Statesman, Former Vice President, HE, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Wazirin Adamawa)

    An Open Appeal to Elder Statesman, Former Vice President, HE, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Wazirin Adamawa)

    Dear Sir,

    “At this point your Excellency, we need a unifying force; a symbol of national conscience. A figure that commands moral authority beyond politics. Waziri Adamawa, you are that figure. We need you. Our nation is in the ICU on oxygen existentially threatened. You have as a result promptly rallied a coalition to save her. That is really patriotic and We owe you a lot of gratitude. However, we still urge and beg you to go further and do what most men in your position have never done – suspend your personal dream to rescue a national destiny. Do not contest the 2027 presidency.“

    With the deepest sense of respect and patriotism, I write you sir—neither as a politician, because I’m not one nor as a party member, but as a concerned and distressed citizen of a nation on the brink. A nation whose people are battered by hunger in the midst of plenty, subdued by insecurity, denied and betrayed by their leaders who cluelessly watch the only country we can call ours dangerously drift to the edge of collapse.
    Sir, you certainly would not know me but I do know you very closely, having worked in the ‘80s with your Nicotes, (now Intel) Awolowo Road Lagos Office as Manager- General Services, reporting to the GM, one Mr. Balakuma- an Indian, as well as the MD, an Italian- Mr. Gabriel Volpi. I say this bit to confirm how much I knew you as a kind gentleman.

    You have been standing tall for decades in this Country as a symbol of political consistency and democratic resilience. From the North, you rose to national prominence, offering yourself time and again in service to a dear country Nigeria which I trust you do love. Your name commands recognition. You have built your legacy in the democratic space brick by brick through sacrifices and commitment to party politics. Indeed, history cannot erase your footprints on the sands of time in Nigeria’s political development journey.
    But there comes a time in the life of even the strongest of warriors when he must sheath his sword, not out of fear or weakness, but out of wisdom. That time, I believe is now.
    Your Excellency, the truth is that your country needs you now. However painful that truth is, it must be told anyways. Your dream to become President is noble, but as noble as it may be, it stands (in the current circumstances) on a crumbling foundation. Not because you are unqualified or because your passion is untrue. But because the moment requires a different kind of strength: – the strength to sacrifice self for a nation.

    Your Excellency Sir, the truth again is that you have unarguably worked hard to earn the position you occupy today but it’s also true that a thousand and one other Nigerians like you have equally worked even harder, but by no means are they anywhere near you. What then happened to them? Nothing. It’s just that success in life isn’t solely determined by skill, speed, or wisdom, but also by unforeseen circumstances and opportunities.  No wonder King Solomon in the good books says: ‘’The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.”
    There exists an unspoken yet deeply entrenched understanding of power rotation between North and South—a political equilibrium that, though not enshrined in law, but has served to maintain peace, balance, and trust in our fragile union. Presently, the South holds this mandate, and only two years have passed in what is meant to be an eight-year two terms.
    Nigeria is in distress. Hunger gnaws at millions. Insecurity has turned life into fear. Our youths, brilliant but jobless roam the streets. Blood spills daily in towns and villages that should have peace, yet the ruling government, with all its failings is hell-bent on holding on through crude manipulation, propaganda, intimidation, and open disregard for the democratic will of the people.
    At this point your Excellency, we need a unifying force; a symbol of national conscience. A figure that commands moral authority beyond politics. Waziri Adamawa, you are that figure. We need you. Our nation is in the ICU on oxygen existentially threatened. You have as a result promptly rallied a coalition to save her. That is really patriotic and We owe you a lot of gratitude. However, we still urge and beg you to go further and do what most men in your position have never done – suspend your personal dream to rescue a national destiny. Do not contest the 2027 presidency.
    Your withdrawal from this contest, and an open and passionate endorsement of a credible, southern candidate who enjoys broad national acceptance, will send a shockwave across the land. It will not only awaken hope but will solidify your name in the books of history as the man who chose legacy over title, unity over ambition, and posterity over politics.
    Imagine it for a moment sir, that you are celebrated in every region, in every tongue, by every creed. Not as another politician, but as a patriot, a saviour, the father of a new Nigeria.
    We do not ask this of you just because you are capable. No. We ask because you are the only one capable enough to make such a sacrifice. You have nothing left to prove. You have already earned your place in history. But you can choose how that place will be remembered.
    Nigeria needs you in 2027, not on the ballot, but on the moral high ground.

    God bless you.

    God bless Nigeria

    Sincerely yours in hope and patriotic urgency,

    Udochukwu George-Emenike.

    08033075998

  • Epidemic of internal squabbles berths at SDP

    Epidemic of internal squabbles berths at SDP

    The acting chairman has inaugurated a 5-man committee to investigate the suspended chairman and 2 other officials

    The epidemic of partisan squabbles berths at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) this Friday as its National Working Committee (NWC) of inaugurates a five-man committee to investigate its suspended Chairman, Shehu Gabam.

    Also to appear before the probe panel are Nze Clarkson, the National Auditor and Uchechukwu Chukwuma the National Youth Leader.

    The trio were suspended by the party over alleged financial misconduct.

    The investigative committee is chaired by Abubakar Liman, while Adelewa Williams is to serve as secretary.

    The acting National Chairman of the Party, Dr Sadiq Gombe inaugurated the committee at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

    He said that the committee has 14 days to conduct the investigation and report back to the party.

    He said that the exercise was not meant to witch-hunt anyone.

    Gombe said that the exercise was rather to cleanse and reposition SDP for the immense role it must play in the up-coming elections and in the political future of the country.

    The NWC had on Tuesday announced the suspension of Gabam as the national chairman, Nze Clarkson as National Auditor and Uchechukwu Chukwuma as National Youth Leader.

    The party had alleged that the trio were involved in gross financial misconduct, including funds generated from the 2023 general elections.

    Gabam had earlier described financial allegations against him as false, saying he had nothing to hide

    But Gombe, in his remarks, urged the committee members to carry the responsibility with utmost sense of duty, transparency and fairness without fear or favour.

    He also advised the committee to show decorum, dignity and decency to the persons who appeared before them and to one another.

    “It is paramount to begin on the constitutional presumption that those accused of any wrong doing before you are innocent, until the contrary is proved.

    “Let the law, good conscience and equity be your guiding principles not political considerations.

    “Let the truth be your anchor. Obey the rule of law and observe natural justice which essentially means that no one can be a judge in his own case and you must hear both sides thoroughly before coming to a finding.

    “In discharging your duties, we implore you to be just and impartial. Let your findings speak for themselves,” he said.

    In his remarks the party National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, said that the committee was to investigate Gabam and others over alleged gross financial misappropriation and diversions of SDP funds estimated at more than N1 billion.

    Agunloye said that the committee would also investigate alleged submission of “fraudulent audited financial reports” with several abnormalities to INEC by Gabam without the knowledge of the NWC members.

    He alleged that upon observations into SDP financial bank statements from First Bank of Nigeria and Zenith Bank PLC, the NWC noted multiple breaches of the SDP 2022 Constitution as amended, especially Articles 13, 17 and 19.

    He further alleged that there were no presentations or submissions of any incomes or expenditures to NWC from 2022 to 2025, but only three members out of 12 NWC members were aware of any details of the party’s incomes and expenditures.

    He said that NWC observed that there were no due processes or internal audit procedures followed the disbursement of N100 million of SDP funds.

    The Terms of Reference of the committee according to Agunloye were to: fact-finding the truth regarding the allegations of breaches of the SDP constitution

    “Examine the state of the accounts of the SDP. Determine the circumstances surrounding the production and submission of audited accounts submitted to INEC in the name of the SDP

    “Recommend appropriate remedies and generally, advice on better ways to manage the finances of the SDP to prevent abuse and breach of our constitution,” he said.

    He noted that the suspension of the three officers had been communicated to INEC; Inter Party Advisory Council, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    The SDP National Labour and Civil Society Secretary, Mrs Rosemary Effiong, said that the suspension had nothing to do about coalition of political parties.

    She alleged that only Gabam receives alerts on the party’s bank transactions, while the party national treasurer had also raised alarm of her signature being forged to withdraw money.

    Effiong also said that since she joined the party’s NWC, the committee had never discussed the party financial status.

    Also the SDP National Welfare Secretary, Judith Shuaibu said it was not that the NWC had been manipulated or quite for long over the development in the party leadership.

    Shuaibu said that the NWC had explored all the internal mechanism to resolve the issue before the suspension of Gabam. 

  • Coalition against Tinubu’s re-election dead on arrival – Shehu Sani

    Coalition against Tinubu’s re-election dead on arrival – Shehu Sani

    A former Senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, says the opposition’s coalition targeted at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027 is dead on arrival.

    Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the Eighth Senate, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said even though it’s within the democratic rights of Nigerians to organise themselves into a coalition, the credentials of those championing the present coalition course had shown very clearly that the move would be in a total fiasco.

    `Yes, any country or government without opposition can easily slide into a dictatorship or one-party state.

    “If everyone goes into one political party and there is nobody to challenge the government or hold the government to account, our government could be run aground.

    “We need a coalition and we need a credible opposition; a credible opposition should not be a canopy of frustrated and angry people, whose interest is not the country or the people, but their own selfish interest.

    “There are people in this coalition whose presence will give you ghost pimples. Someone like former governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai.

    “He is not a clean political figure that came out of the trenches; he is not someone who has never been in government.

    “Nigeria just celebrated 26 years of democracy and El-Rufai was the Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprises for four years, minister for four years, governor for eight years, and so why did he not achieve all those things he is saying now while in office,” he queried?

    Sani said that if one had been in the office for almost 20 years and the person is in his mid-sixty, such a person should be thankful to God because millions of people wanted to get what such person was taking for granted.

    He said though former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, one of the opposition figures, had the constitutional right to contest, he should not contest the 2027 presidential election.

    Sani said that Atiku should allow a southerner to contest and serve out the turn of the South, saying by doing that, he would have the moral right to seek the support of the south in 2031.

    “As someone who has been in the political realm more than many other politicians, he should know that there are consequences for contesting elections every other time and losing.

    “Atiku should not allow himself to be seen as a face of failure. He should rather be a good mathematician and a good hunter who knows when it is right to contest elections.

    “When you have someone from the north who spent eight years in office and a southerner just spent four years in office, and you are in the opposition, you have to present someone from the south as your party’s candidate.

    “You don’t build an opposition on the foundation of frustration and non-inclusion. All those things El-Rufai is saying about Tinubu is because he failed the ministerial test.

    “If he was made a minister today, he would have been one of the vociferous attackers of anyone who says anything against Tinubu.

    “Now he has reached a point whereby his utterances lack decorum, no restraint, and you can see anger, frustration and even desperation on his face.

    “He has moved away from pinpointing areas where the government is not doing well to personal attacks on Mr President, and when one has reached such a level, it is more of exhibition of anger than playing opposition roles,” he said.

    The former senator said that for Atiku venturing into contesting yhe 2027 presidential election, he would be greeted with a lot of controversies.

    “Atiku has a lot of good political credentials. For instance, when, as activists, we were in prison in the 90s, he was in touch with us.

    “I happened to share the same prison at Kirikiri, Lagos with the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who was Atiku’s mentor and Uba Sani was the contact between us and the outside world at that time,” he recalled.

    Read Also: 2027: David Mark may lead coalition battle against Tinubu

    According to him, the strategies being employed by the coalition cannot fetch those behind it any result.

    “For instance, the coalition ought to be looking at sectoral performances of the government in order to win support from the masses; rather, they are attacking the government aimlessly.

    “Unfortunately, El-Rufai as a governor in Kaduna left with bad records.

    “He treated the people from Southern Kaduna viciously, sacking thousands of teachers without paying them, sacking thousands of civil servants, disobeying court orders and arresting journalists and activists, and imprisoning them.

    “El-Rufai left mountain of debts and series of uncompleted projects, among other infractions and yet, coming now to preach about good governance, sanity and peace,” he said.

    On his recent endorsement for Senate in 2027 by members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, he said that if local political mathematics favoured him, he would contest for the Kaduna Central senatorial district election again in 2027.

    “Contesting elections, for someone who has been there and is not a novice, you will be experienced on how to navigate the landmines there.

    “Such a person won’t be a poster politician who is going to paste his posters everywhere and start visiting markets and be eating foods in the restaurants.

    “If you have been there once, you will know the truth and the deception, the falsehoods, the possibilities and the risks.

    “Whoever you see emerging as a candidate of a political party is a product of a local political mathematics, influences and consultations.

    “So if that favours me, certainly, I can offer myself for that in 2027,” Sani said. 

  • Gov Sule urges APC aspirants to be calm ahead of 2027 polls

    Nasarawa State Gov. Abdullahi Sule has urged stakeholders, especially APC governorship aspirants, not to overheat the polity but to follow due process.

    He gave the advice during a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone held in Keffi on Sunday.

    The governor said he would announce his preferred successor in 2027 at the appropriate time, without fear or favour.

    Sule promised to ensure justice and fairness during the party’s primaries for the progress and development of the APC in the state.

    Read Also: Gov Sule tasks leadership of APC on quality projects

    He emphasised that true political power comes from Allah, who alone determines leadership.

    “But A.A. Sule also has the right to support someone. When the time comes, I’ll clearly name my preferred candidate.

    “And I will not be afraid to publicly endorse who I believe should succeed me,” the governor said.

    He appreciated the initiators of the meeting for promoting unity and progress within the zone’s party structure.

    He also called on other zones to organise similar engagements for the benefit of the party in the state.

    “I am responsible for ensuring the primary election is free, fair, and transparent,” he said.

    He urged all party stakeholders to unite and work for the APC’s success beyond the 2027 elections, reminding them power is from God.

    Sule also thanked stakeholders, aspirants, and supporters for demonstrating maturity during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the state.

    Earlier, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu said it is now the Western Zone’s turn to produce the next Governor of Nasarawa State.

    He said the meeting aimed to foster unity among stakeholders and mobilise support for the zone’s 2027 governorship bid.

    “Keffi Zone governed for eight years, Lafia for twelve. Akwanga is currently serving its second and final term.

    “Therefore, the Western (Keffi) Zone should produce the next governor in 2027,” Adamu said.

    Adamu, a former APC National Chairman, urged the zone to remain united to achieve the 2027 governorship goal.

    Several prominent APC leaders attended the meeting in Keffi.

    Present were Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, APC Legal Adviser; Hajiya Imaan Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; and Mr Abdulmumin Ari, among others.

    Also present were Mr Shuaibu Labaran Magaji, the SSG; Alh. Aliyu Tijani, Federal Commissioner; and other politicians and party faithful. (

  • Just-in: ADC to Host Coalition Meeting in Kano

    Just-in: ADC to Host Coalition Meeting in Kano

    … as Opposition Realignment Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Elections


    As Nigeria begins to gear up for the next general elections, opposition political parties are accelerating efforts to form alliances capable of challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Widespread public dissatisfaction with both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has prompted fresh political realignments across the country. In response to this growing sentiment, the Kano State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to host a high-level political meeting tomorrow aimed at midwifing the convergence of several political blocs into its fold.

    Party insiders confirm that the meeting will mark the formal emergence of the ADC as a coalition platform, bringing together defectors from the PDP, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the APC, and a faction of the Labour Party (LP).

    The move aligns with a national directive issued to all ADC state chapters to oversee the integration of coalition partners as part of a broader strategy to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The meeting is scheduled to take place at Mumbayyu House in Kano at 10:00 a.m. and will be convened by the Kano State Chairman of the ADC, Alhaji Musa Shaibu Ungogo.

    According to sources within the party, the key objective of the gathering is to proclaim the formal merger of the coalition groups into the ADC, laying the foundation for a revitalized political force in Kano State and beyond.

    Further developments are expected to emerge following the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting.

    The planned convergence of opposition blocs into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano reflects growing disillusionment with Nigeria’s two dominant parties the APC and the PDP.

    As the 2027 general elections approach, many Nigerians are seeking alternatives amid ongoing economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived governance failures.

  • Love your neighbour regardless of faith – Sheik Lemu

    Love your neighbour regardless of faith – Sheik Lemu

    Sheikh Nuruddeen Lemu, Director of Research and Training at the Dawah Institute has stressed the importance of loving one’s neighbour, regardless of faith.

    Lemu spoke at the interreligious dialogue organised by the Mission and Dialogue Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) to mark the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate in Abuja on Thursday.

    The event, themed “60 Years of Nostra Aetate: A Journey of Discovery, Dialogue and Friendship,“ was co-hosted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Ufuk Dialogue (representing the Muslim community), and the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

    The gathering itself symbolised interfaith partnership.

    The event aims to usher in a new era of interfaith cooperation in Nigeria.

    “This new era is built not on suspicion and division, but on the recognition of shared humanity and God’s infinite mercy,” Sheik Lemu who is also the Assistant General Secretary of the Islamic Education Trust, Niger State said.

    Lemu recounted the story of the Good Samaritan and Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings on the rights of neighbours.

    He emphasised that true honour to God comes from God-consciousness, not tribal or religious affiliation.

    Quoting the Quran (Chapter 5, Verse 48), Lemu reminded participants, “God could have made us all one community, but He chose to make us different.”

    He lauded Nostra Aetate as a groundbreaking and initially controversial document that endured due to the Catholic Church’s respect for authority and commitment to dialogue.

    “For the first time, Muslim scholars could read a Church document and say, ‘We agree with everything here.’ It was a breath of fresh air, not just for Christians but for all people of faith,” he said.

    Lemu highlighted how Nostra Aetate recognised Muslims as worshipping the one living God, revering Abraham, Mary, and Jesus (peace be upon them), and being committed to prayer, fasting, and charity.

    He called for mutual understanding, rejection of discrimination, and healing of past hostilities, principles essential for Nigeria’s future.

    Lemu urged for a Nigerian declaration akin to Nostra Aetate, one that publicly affirmed shared values of Muslims and Christians and served as a foundation for national unity.

    “Nigeria has the largest populations of Muslims and Christians in Africa.

    “We need a declaration that recognises our differences as God’s will and our shared values as the path forward,” he said.

    He urged participants to reject religious phobias and misdiagnoses that fueled conflict and to work together for justice, compassion, and the common good.

    The cleric called on faith leaders to move beyond religious exclusivism and embrace shared values at the heart of Islam and Christianity.

    He warned against the dangers of exclusivism, where some believe God is “our God and not the God of everybody,” reducing the infinite to human biases.

    “We bring God down to our own myopic views. God supports only our our group, our way,” he said.

    He stressed that true piety lied in humility and compassion, acknowledging that every faith had both exclusivists and inclusivists.

    Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, expressed gratitude for the interfaith gathering, emphasising regular engagement.

    Kaigama urged Nigerians to focus on what united rather than divided them, saying, “Who I see before me are brothers and sisters, no more, no less.”

    He highlighted the shared beliefs of Nigeria’s two major religions, Islam and Christianity, including belief in one God, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and reverence for Mary.

    Kaigama lamented that people often focused on differences rather than shared values, which only widened divides.

    He shared personal anecdotes illustrating the power of interfaith cooperation, such as a Muslim friend helping him repair his cassock before an important talk in Belgium.

    “Here is a Muslim stitching the cassock of an Archbishop, and we are moving together. What is that, if not dialogue of life?” he said.

    He also cited experiences from Senegal and the Gambia, where Muslim-majority nations warmly welcomed Christian delegations and observed Christian holidays publicly.

    “Religion should bind us together. It shouldn’t separate us. Religion should motivate us to bind to our neighbour and to God,” he said.

    Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, described Nostra Aetate as a bold invitation to see one another as fellow pilgrims in search of truth and peace.

    He shared stories of interfaith hospitality, including a Muslim shopkeeper in Istanbul who offered him kindness upon seeing his Roman collar.

    Banjo highlighted the enduring friendship of Mr Emrah Ilgen, President of Ufuk Dialogue, a devout Muslim who attended both Pope Francis’s funeral and Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration, exemplifying mutual respect.

    He acknowledged Nigeria’s rich religious diversity but warned it could become a threat if not managed with wisdom, respect, and justice.

    Banjo lamented ongoing violence and discrimination in the name of religion and called on leaders who remained silent to act.

    He urged attendees to be “the voice of the voiceless” and to work together for peace, justice, and human dignity.

    Banjo reminded all that Nostra Aetate’s closing message remained urgent: no one should be mistreated because of their race, culture, or religion.

    Nostra Aetate, also known as the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, was proclaimed by Pope Paul VI in Oct. 1965 to promote interfaith dialogue and peace-building within the Catholic Church.

  • Shadow Govt: DSS drags Prof. Pat Utomi to court

    Shadow Govt: DSS drags Prof. Pat Utomi to court

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has sued renowned academic and politician, Prof. Pat Utomi over his plan to establish “a shadow government” in the country.

    The DSS, in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, prayed the court to declare the move as an attack on the constitution.

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the fresh suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, Utomi, the 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is sued as sole defendant.

    The security outfit, in the suit filed on May 13 by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, contended that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.

    The DSS argued that not only was the planned shadow government an aberration, it constituted a grave attack on the constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government that is currently in place.

    It expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a grave threat to national security.

    The plaintiff, therefore, urged the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

    It is also sought a declaration that “under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void.”

    The plaintiff prayed the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

    The plaintiff, in its grounds of argument, hinged its prayers on the fact that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.

    It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

    According to the DSS, Section 14(2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government through the constitution derives all its powers and authority.

    It contended that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacked constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions.

    The plaintiff further stated in a supporting affidavit that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace and constitutional order.

    The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Its constituent institutions.

    It stated that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, Professor Patrick Utomi, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he themed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet, ’comprising of several persons that make up its ‘Minister.’

    “The ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government. contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “The defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media, and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.

    “While inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, the defendant stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be led by Dele Farotimi; the Policy Delivery Unit Team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga: and the council of economic advisers.

    “Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fueling public disaffection,” it said.

    The DSS said in the discharge of Its statutory duties, it had gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

    “The defendant’s actions amount to an attempt to usurp or mimic executive authority, contrary to Sections 1(1), 1{2), and 14(2Xa) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), which exclusively vests governance in institutions duly created under the constitution and through democratic elections.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant.”

    The agency said it would be In the interest of justice, national security and the rule of law for the court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal.

    The suit is yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing.

  • PDP attempts reconciliation

    PDP attempts reconciliation

    Appoints former Senate President, Saraki to head 7-member Reconciliation Committee

    The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) and former governors have named former Senate President Bukola Saraki as the head of a seven-member reconciliation committee.

    The PDP-GF Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, announced this while briefing newsmen after the forum’s crucial meeting with former governors, on Sunday night in Abuja.

    Mohammed said that the seven-member committee was mandated to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting schedule for May 27 and the forthcoming national convention in August.

    “We are here with all the governors elected under the party, that are still in the party and a substantial number of former PDP governors, with our leaders, the chairman of the party, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

    “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of cours,e that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on May 27 and by August, we will have an early convention.

    “So many issues and reports have been made, and it is an opportunity to close ranks, and to make sure that at least there is no ill feelings, there are no qualms, there are no misgivings between the leaders of the party.

    “Governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have been there before, who have more experience.

    ”Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have, will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC, and our convention that is scheduled to take place on specific days.

    “We want to reassure our teaming supporters that the PDP is working, the PDP is united,” Mohammed said.

    Answering questions on the recent defection of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and others to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed said the party was working not only to strengthen it structures, but also reclaim its states.

    “Well, this is some of the manifestations in a democratic set-up like this that we have, and this is what is forcing us to come together.

    “Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure at least those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.

    “They will be able to produce governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up” he said.

    On what specific issues were discussed at the meeting, Mohammed said:”I cannot tell you all the issues that we discussed.

    ”We discussed unity. Definitely there are some ill feelings, and we are not here to hide things under the carpet. You know some of them.

    “Some of the litigations in court, some of the misgivings between party members, and of course, we wouldn’t want to blame the APC for causing crisis, but they are likely to be the ones. We are not saying they are,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the committee are governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, and Peter Mba of Enugu State.

    Other members are Sen. Seriake Dickson, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former governor of Abia State, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu.

    Others in attendance of the meeting held at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, include governors of Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun and Oyo states.

    Others are the Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike, and the Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi.

    Others  are Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, Seriake Dickson, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Adamu Muazu and Idris Wada.

    Also at the meeting were party acting National Chairman of the party, Urmar Damagum, and other members of the PDP National Working Committee, including the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.