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Tinubu Vows Fiscal Discipline, Transparency as Lawmakers Demand Tougher Oversight

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago15 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: Abuja, July 8, 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal governance and transparent use of public funds, pledging to redirect national resources into critical sectors to restore public trust and drive inclusive development. Speaking through the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance on Monday, Tinubu defended the controversial fuel subsidy removal, saying it has enabled the government to fund social safety nets, public transportation, and infrastructure. “A subsidy that disproportionately benefited the affluent and encouraged smuggling was neither equitable nor strategic,” the President said. “We are now redirecting those funds into impactful, people-oriented projects.” He also highlighted key reforms under his administration, including new tax laws designed to expand the tax base, simplify compliance, and enhance revenue collection through digitisation. “We are laying the foundation for a self-sustaining economy that gradually moves away from dependence on oil revenues,” Tinubu noted, citing initiatives like the National Credit Guarantee Company to empower SMEs and grow non-oil exports. On monetary policy, Tinubu praised the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) efforts in stabilising the naira and curbing inflation, stressing better coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities to remove structural bottlenecks, especially in the food supply chain. Lawmakers Demand Accountability, Slam Audit Gaps Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdul Ningi, called on public agencies to respect legislative oversight, warning that failure to honour audit queries and legislative summons was “an affront to democracy.” “PACs are not just committees; they are constitutional bodies empowered to summon any individual over the use of public funds,” he said. “Non-compliance must stop.” House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, decried the over ₦300bn in unresolved audit infractions, revealing persistent non-compliance among MDAs. “Audit recommendations must be implemented with consequences for mismanagement,” he said, noting that fiscal responsibility cannot exist without enforcement. The Speaker also advocated for full digitisation of public financial management systems, including real-time expenditure tracking, automated audit tools, and wider public access to audit reports to boost transparency and citizen engagement. Public Accounts Committees Demand Reform Senate PAC Chairman, Senator Ahmed Wadada, stressed the need to “reimagine Nigeria’s fiscal framework” in response to declining revenues and rising public mistrust. “Every Naira must count—for education, health, infrastructure, and national stability,” Wadada said, citing poor budget implementation, untracked funds, and weak reporting systems. House PAC Chairman, Bamidele Salam, called for a “complete recalibration” of fiscal governance systems, adding that public service must align with constitutional obligations and measurable results. “Fiscal transparency must not remain an elite exercise—it must become a democratic right,” he said. The conference, themed “Fiscal Governance in Nigeria: Charting a New Course for Transparency and Sustainable Development,” brought together lawmakers, government officials, and audit experts to discuss Nigeria’s path toward financial integrity and institutional accountability. As fiscal reforms continue under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stakeholders agreed that achieving sustainable development would require not only policy reforms but also strict oversight, citizen participation, and measurable service delivery outcomes.

2027: Martha Agba South-South APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for Second Term

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Prominent political leader Martha Agba joined key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benin City for a high-level South-South Stakeholders Meeting, where the region formally reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 general elections. The strategic gathering brought together a formidable coalition of APC faithful, including Governors of Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River States, zonal party executives, and former governors—most notably Senator Ben Ayade of Cross River State. The President of the Senate led a robust delegation of National Assembly members from the region, underscoring growing internal unity and the APC’s preparedness to retain national leadership. Addressing the gathering, Martha Agba restated her unwavering support for President Tinubu and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, pledging to continue mobilizing grassroots support for their re-election efforts. She also used the platform to encourage young women across the South-South to take active roles in politics, urging them to prepare for elective positions in 2027. “Inclusive participation is essential for a truly representative democracy,” she said. The meeting concluded with the Senate President delivering the closing remarks and reading a communiqué in which the APC South-South leaders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their candidate for a second term. With this endorsement, the APC aims to consolidate its base across the South-South, rallying support amid a tightening race as opposition forces also mobilize nationwide.

Aregbesola’s Defection to ADC Is Justified – Allies Slam Yoruba Ronu, Critics Cite APC Betrayal

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Supporters of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have fired back at critics questioning his emergence as National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing such criticism as misguided and fraudulent. In a detailed rebuttal widely circulated on Friday, Aregbesola’s allies dismissed the “Yoruba Ronu” narrative that accuses him of disloyalty to President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had repeatedly betrayed and humiliated the former Minister of Interior long before his defection. “Aregbesola didn’t stab anyone. He was the one betrayed—stabbed politically by those he trusted, worked for, and handed over power to,” the statement said. “Trying to paint him as disloyal is like blaming Julius Caesar for being stabbed.” The group also emphasized that political opposition and contest are legitimate democratic processes, not acts of sabotage. “In a democracy, there is no such thing as working for someone’s downfall. There is political competition, and the people decide who wins,” they added, noting that Tinubu himself defeated an incumbent—Goodluck Jonathan—through such means in 2015. They also outlined a long list of perceived political persecution Aregbesola endured within the APC: “For six years, Aregbesola was dragged through humiliation and political exile. Now he’s in a new party, people suddenly remember his old ties to Tinubu. Where were they when he was being silenced and sidelined?” the statement queried. The former governor’s camp insisted the political alliance between Tinubu and Aregbesola is over, and any expectations of loyalty are misplaced. “It’s like a divorce—once it’s over, your ex’s choices are no longer your business. Aregbesola has moved on. He’s no longer in APC. Let him be.” They further described attempts to guilt-trip Aregbesola over his political choices as illogical, hypocritical, and delusional. “The man has chosen a new path where he is valued. Respect it. If APC didn’t want him, they should stop acting entitled to his political destiny now that he’s left.” The strong-worded response aims to shut down internal criticism and make it clear that Aregbesola is repositioning himself politically, with or without the blessing of his former allies.

Wike Blasts ADC-Led Coalition Labels Members Desperate Power Seekers and Defectors

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Abuja — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a fierce attack on members of the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing the group as lacking credibility, cohesion, and the capacity to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Thursday, Wike described the coalition as a “desperate alliance of failed political actors” who, according to him, are merely regrouping after being edged out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “There is no coalition,” Wike said bluntly. “The opposition has decimated themselves. The only party that can, if they put themselves well, challenge this government is the PDP.” Wike specifically took aim at former Senate President David Mark, now interim chairman of the ADC coalition, accusing him of previously attempting to hijack PDP’s leadership. “David Mark wanted to be chairman of the PDP, and we resisted it,” Wike said. “Now he has gone to chair the coalition. Let’s see who Nigerians will listen to.” Also in his line of fire was Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine and a former presidential aspirant, whom Wike described as “politically irrelevant.” “Dele Momodu ran for president and didn’t get one vote. That one is in the coalition too,” Wike mocked. The minister, known for his hard-hitting political commentary, accused many in the coalition — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — of serial defections driven by personal ambition. “Atiku left PDP for AC, came back, joined APC, returned to PDP, and now he’s in ADC again. They just want to control wherever they go,” Wike alleged. He also questioned the sincerity of coalition members who frequently invoke national discontent as a rallying point. “They keep saying Nigerians are angry. Just say you’ve been defeated and stop projecting your failure onto Nigerians.” Wike challenged any member of the coalition to match his record in public office, particularly in his current role as FCT minister. “If I leave office today, I can list my achievements. Let any of them do the same.” He also hinted that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s involvement in the coalition may be due to political frustration. “If the President hadn’t dumped El-Rufai, would he be in a coalition today?” With the 2027 general elections looming, Wike stressed that despite internal wranglings, the PDP remains the only viable opposition party — if it maintains its unity and structure. “Politics is about interest. They did everything to hijack the PDP chairmanship and we resisted. If the PDP stays united, it alone can challenge the APC,” he concluded.

Opposition Defections to ADC Strengthen APC Ahead of 2027 — Analyst Claims

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

A political analyst has described the mass movement of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a few disaffected All Progressives Congress (APC) elements into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a development that ultimately strengthens the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Reacting to the widely publicised “coalition” formed earlier today, the commentator argued that, by law, individuals cannot belong to more than one political party, making today’s declaration of support for ADC a formal abandonment of their original parties — particularly the PDP. “Their open declaration for ADC today is a clear abandonment of their previous parties,” the statement read. “In fact, belonging to two political parties is a ground for disqualification in an election.” The defection, according to the analyst, marks the beginning of the end for the PDP, which he says has now been fractured beyond repair, with older party stalwarts sidelined by emerging forces within. He described the new ADC-led coalition as a desperate attempt by Atiku Abubakar’s faction to secure a new platform for the 2027 presidential race. “The so-called coalition is just Atiku’s faction of the PDP looking for another vehicle to the 2027 election. It is a gathering of ‘former this’ and ‘former that’ of the PDP,” he stated. The defection of a few APC members was dismissed as inconsequential, with the commentator arguing that many of them had worked against President Tinubu in the 2023 elections or had lost political relevance. “Their movement takes NOTHING away from the APC. In fact, it’s like removing a disease from within — the APC is better off without them,” he said. He further suggested that Labour Party’s Peter Obi is being lured into the coalition by Atiku’s camp only for his electoral value, with no intention of giving him the presidential ticket. “They want Peter Obi’s votes, but not to hand him the ticket. That’s why David Mark is interim chairman. Politics watchers know what that means,” he added. “And how do you make someone who won two regions in 2023 (South-East and South-South) a running mate to someone who won only one (North-East)?” In conclusion, the statement claimed that APC has emerged stronger since the 2023 elections, with significant defections into its fold from elected officials, while the opposition is “fragmented and weakened.” “For now,” he concluded, “let us focus on governance and allow them to exercise their constitutional right to associate and assemble.” The remarks highlight the deepening rifts within Nigeria’s opposition bloc as the 2027 electoral race begins to take shape.

PDP Warns Defectors Accuses APC of Intimidation Ahead of 2027 Elections

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong warning to members considering defection, declaring that decisive action will be taken against those attempting to undermine the party’s unity. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum stressed the PDP’s preparedness for the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the party remains resilient despite internal challenges and would not tolerate disloyalty. “If you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go out to demarket the party,” Damagum said. “We are watching, and we will take appropriate action at the right time.” Damagum also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying intimidation and inducements to poach PDP members. He assured Nigerians that the next election would be decided by the people, not through manipulation. Blaming the APC-led government for worsening national insecurity and economic hardship, he urged it to “reflect and correct its ways,” adding that the PDP remains the only party with the structure and democratic values capable of rescuing Nigeria. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to meet from July 23 to 25, with major strategic discussions expected ahead of the 2027 general elections.

APC Chieftain Claims Reps Now Get N1bn Senators N2bn for Constituency Projects Under Tinubu

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Ayodele Asalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has claimed that constituency project allowances for federal lawmakers have significantly increased under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, rising from N200 million to N1 billion for House of Representatives members and up to N2 billion for Senators. Constituency allowances are federal funds allocated to lawmakers to address developmental and socio-economic challenges in their constituencies. Asalu, a former House of Representatives aspirant for Ede/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, made the claim during a meeting with APC supporters, as seen in a video shared by IntelRegion. He stated that following the removal of fuel subsidy, federal allocations to states and lawmakers were reviewed upward to allow for greater project execution capacity. “Before 2024, it wasn’t like this. But after subsidy removal, federal allocations to states increased—and so did lawmakers’ project funds. If you see a lawmaker executing projects, don’t think it’s from their pocket,” he said in Yoruba. Asalu’s remarks echo those of Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), who disclosed in March 2024 that he received over N1 billion for constituency projects in the 2024 budget. Nwoko emphasized that while there’s no uniform distribution, lawmakers secure funds based on lobbying power, noting that the allocations are intended for infrastructure and community development, not personal use.

In a significant political development, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The announcement was made by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo during President Tinubu's working visit to the state on May 8, 2025. Speaking at a reception held at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Governor Soludo emphasized the shared progressive ideals between APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated, "Our party (APGA) started endorsing the president at the centre from 2011 before I joined, and will continue to align and support the government at the centre. President Tinubu, who was sworn in on May 29, 2023, is expected to complete his first term in May 2027. The endorsement by APGA, a prominent party in the South-East, is seen as a strategic alliance aimed at fostering national unity and collaboration. During his visit, President Tinubu commissioned several projects, including the state's first-ever Government House, marking a historic milestone for Anambra State. He also received a chieftaincy title, 'Dike Si Mba' (Hero from another land), conferred by traditional rulers in recognition of his contributions to the state. The endorsement has sparked discussions within political circles, with some viewing it as a move to strengthen progressive politics in Nigeria. As the 2027 elections approach, such alliances may play a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape.

APGA Endorses President Tinubu for 2027 Backs Alliance with APC

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

In a significant political development, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The announcement was made by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo during President Tinubu’s working visit to the state on May 8, 2025. Speaking at a reception held at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Governor Soludo emphasized the shared progressive ideals between APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated, “Our party (APGA) started endorsing the president at the centre from 2011 before I joined, and will continue to align and support the government at the centre. President Tinubu, who was sworn in on May 29, 2023, is expected to complete his first term in May 2027. The endorsement by APGA, a prominent party in the South-East, is seen as a strategic alliance aimed at fostering national unity and collaboration. During his visit, President Tinubu commissioned several projects, including the state’s first-ever Government House, marking a historic milestone for Anambra State. He also received a chieftaincy title, ‘Dike Si Mba’ (Hero from another land), conferred by traditional rulers in recognition of his contributions to the state. The endorsement has sparked discussions within political circles, with some viewing it as a move to strengthen progressive politics in Nigeria. As the 2027 elections approach, such alliances may play a crucial role in shaping the country’s political landscape.