Author: Gabby

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Adamu Usman Ahmed, has declared his intention to prevent Governor Bala Mohammed from installing a preferred successor in the upcoming election.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Ahmed noted that Bauchi voters have historically made independent choices and will reject any attempt to impose a governor.

“Bauchi people are known for their wisdom,” he said. “No governor in the state’s history has ever succeeded in handing over to a chosen candidate. That gives the opposition a real chance to win.”

Governor Bala Mohammed, who once led the PDP Governors’ Forum, recently defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) following internal party conflicts.

Ahmed pointed out that the current political landscape has shifted, with multiple parties vying for power. “In previous elections, only two parties were in contention. Now, with seven or eight parties fielding candidates, the dynamics are different—and that works to our advantage.”

The PDP candidate also outlined his vision for the state, emphasizing job creation as a top priority. “Our administration will focus on reducing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people,” he stated.

The United States has temporarily shut down its diplomatic operations in Nigeria, including the embassy in Abuja and the consulate in Lagos. This decision aligns with the observance of the June 12 Democracy Day holiday.

According to an official announcement from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, both facilities will be closed on Friday, June 12, 2026. The statement highlighted that the closure is in recognition of the national holiday commemorating the country’s democratic transition.

Earlier, the Nigerian government had declared Friday as a public holiday to mark Democracy Day. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his address to the nation, urged citizens to maintain faith in the country despite ongoing challenges. He emphasized the importance of unity and resilience, calling on Nigerians to continue believing in their nation’s potential.

The temporary closure of the U.S. diplomatic offices underscores the significance of the Democracy Day celebration, reflecting international acknowledgment of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

On Friday, a large crowd converged in Lagos to stage a renewed #EndBadGovernance protest, using the Democracy Day occasion to call for urgent action from the government on issues like economic suffering, rising crime, joblessness, and the increasing cost of living.

The peaceful march involved activists, non-governmental organizations, and worried residents who moved through several parts of the city holding signs that read “Release All Detainees Now,” “Stop Anti-People Policies,” and “We Need Living Wages and More Jobs.”

Demonstrators voiced deep concern over the nation’s worsening economic conditions and called on authorities to implement concrete measures to alleviate the hardships faced by the populace.

The protest follows recent reports of mass kidnappings in Oyo and Borno States, adding to public anger over rising living expenses and economic struggles.

Those taking part highlighted how inflation, higher transport costs, and reduced spending power are hurting ordinary Nigerians, and they demanded policies that would lessen the load on the people.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist Femi Falana was present at the protest, adding his voice to demands for better leadership, stronger security, and economic changes that would enhance the well-being of citizens.

Earlier, Falana joined various civil society groups in declaring June 12 a day for nationwide rallies, pointing to widespread insecurity, hunger, and economic problems affecting millions.

Security forces were deployed to oversee the demonstration and ensure calm throughout the event.

Meanwhile, a different set of demonstrators gathered at the same location to show support for the federal government’s ongoing economic and policy changes.

These pro-government supporters carried banners saying “Nigeria’s Future Is Bright” and urged citizens to be patient and allow the reforms to deliver positive outcomes.

They argued that the current policies are designed to reshape the economy for long-term recovery, stability, and sustainable development.

Abdulmumini Abiola, the son of the late MKO Abiola, has stated that Nigeria continues to grapple with the same fundamental issues that were prevalent in 1993. He made this observation during an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Friday, as the nation marked 27 years of uninterrupted democracy.

Abiola pointed out that despite multiple successive democratic administrations, the country remains fundamentally unchanged since the transition began. He clarified that while he values democracy, the system has failed to be truly representative. The problems identified three decades ago persist, he lamented, creating a situation where citizens exist but lack effective channels to voice their concerns to the government.

According to him, the current state of affairs in Nigeria shows a populace that is unable to express their views or hold the government accountable. This echoes the same disconnect that was flagged during the 1993 election period, indicating a stagnation in democratic progress.

The founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a fresh warning to President Bola Tinubu about a new terrorist group allegedly planning to destabilize his government. Speaking through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele claimed the group intends to commence operations within three to four months, with a clear agenda to undermine the current administration.

Ayodele stressed that the president must pay close attention to the activities of emerging threats to prevent a major crisis. He urged Tinubu to act swiftly and seal every security loophole, emphasizing that the group has carefully strategized its moves based on divine revelation.

The cleric lamented the persistent kidnapping crisis, noting that he had previously forecasted that insecurity would be a major challenge for Tinubu’s government. However, he said his warnings were disregarded. He pointed out that numerous groups are ready to stage protests if the security situation does not improve, and cautioned that the country must brace for another militant group emerging to create havoc.

According to Ayodele, the authorities must collaborate with citizens to tackle insecurity, as the police and military cannot handle it alone. He predicted that the new group might use waterways for their operations, requiring vigilance from everyone. The prophet advised Tinubu to take the insecurity threat seriously, warning that it could erode his peace of mind and weaken his tenure.

He also called for the establishment of additional security agencies, stating that the creation of state police alone would not be sufficient to curb the menace. He urged the government to do everything within its power to alleviate the nation’s sorrow and protect its citizens, especially children.

Prominent human rights attorney Femi Falana, along with his son—the well-known Nigerian musician Folarin Falana, better recognized as Falz—have taken part in the demonstrations against poor governance taking place in Lagos State. On Friday morning, protesters assembled at the Ikeja Underbridge area to voice their concerns over the nation’s economic struggles and security issues, as reported by DAILY POST. The demonstrators held signs calling for immediate measures to address the escalating insecurity, emphasizing that flawed policies are costing lives daily. Placard slogans included: “No Democracy Without Security,” “End Insecurity and Kidnapping,” “End Bad Governance,” and “Free All Abducted Children, Teachers, Farmers.” President Bola Tinubu had previously addressed the nation, vowing to resolve the security crisis. Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027, insisted that the country would triumph over the insecurity challenges.

On the occasion of Democracy Day, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has appealed to Nigerians to continue trusting democracy as a system that enhances civic participation. He emphasized that democracy serves as a platform for citizens to actively engage in governance and shape their future.

According to Oyebanji, Democracy Day provides a moment for thoughtful examination of the nation’s progress and a renewal of commitment to democratic principles. He stressed that it is an opportunity to strengthen resolve for a more robust state and prosperous country.

The governor described June 12 as a pivotal point in Nigeria’s political history and its uneven democratic journey. Delivered through his media aide, Yinka Oyebode, the statement highlighted that this day marks the 33rd anniversary of the 1993 presidential election, widely celebrated as the most free, fair, and peaceful election in the nation’s history.

Oyebanji paid homage to democracy icons like Chief MKO Abiola, his wife Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and other heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation to enjoy freedom from military rule. He also recognized other pro-democracy activists who fought for the validation of June 12 and witnessed the return of democracy in 1999.

The governor acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially designating June 12 as Democracy Day. He noted that this date signifies the people’s willingness to set aside ethnic, religious, and cultural divides to establish a system where their choices and voting rights are honored despite challenges.

While admitting that democracy is not flawless, Oyebanji maintained it remains the most effective form of government, offering every citizen the chance to influence decisions and elect leaders. He called on all Nigerians to contribute to strengthening democracy through adherence to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and building robust institutions for good governance.

Concluding his message, Governor Oyebanji congratulated Nigerians and Ekiti residents on marking this Democracy Day and celebrating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the longest such period in the country’s political history.

President Bola Tinubu, in his Democracy Day address on Friday, attributed the rampant insecurity plaguing Nigeria to the breakdown of grassroots governance structures. Speaking during a nationwide broadcast marking June 12, Tinubu emphasized that his administration is tackling the root causes of violence and instability, which he linked to ineffective local government administration.

Tinubu stated that recognizing the disconnect between citizens and democratic dividends, his government has pushed for financial autonomy for all 774 local councils across the country. He described the dysfunction at the local level as a fundamental obstacle to national progress, noting that the current insecurity is partly a consequence of the collapse of governance at the grassroots.

“A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration,” Tinubu said. “The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance.” He reiterated that empowering local governments is key to restoring order and ensuring democracy delivers tangible benefits to all Nigerians.

The Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has officially disassociated itself from a demonstration staged by a faction calling itself ‘Concerned Pensioners’ on Wednesday in Makurdi. The union declared that the protesters are not legitimate members but hired individuals seeking to mislead the public.

In a statement released on Thursday, the state NUP Chairman, Comrade Michael Vembe, labeled the group as impostors and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia and the general public to ignore their activities and demands. Vembe emphasized that the union had no involvement in procuring a nomination form for the governor, contrary to claims made by the protesters.

He noted that the so-called pensioners’ group had previously objected to the purchase of the nomination form and had aired their opposition through various media. This makes their current expression of regret over an action they never endorsed both confusing and baseless.

Vembe condemned the group as unlawful and called on security agencies to take appropriate action against them. He reassured pensioners in the state to remain calm, stressing that the NUP is engaged in negotiations with the state government regarding unpaid inherited arrears. He stated that the government has already initiated payment processes, which will soon be implemented.

Furthermore, Comrade Vembe pledged the union’s unwavering loyalty and full support for Governor Alia’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

The Kano State Geographic Information System (KANGIS) has clamped down on roughly 50 unlawful constructions spread throughout the Kano metropolis as part of a renewed enforcement drive to bring order to urban growth.

Areas affected by the operation include Hotoro, the Eastern Bypass, the Unguwa Uku corridor, and other city sections where unapproved developments were spotted.

Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, who chairs the taskforce and serves as KANGIS Director-General, stated during Thursday’s exercise that the move aims to clean up the system and safeguard lives, assets, and the surroundings.

He noted that the taskforce is traversing the state to detect and rectify all illegal structures, whether flagged by citizens or uncovered through regular surveillance.

“We are conducting rounds to spot all unauthorized buildings across Kano. Some come from tips by individuals, while others are noticed during our routine sweeps,” he explained.

Dr. Sani pointed out that some builders flout construction codes, while others hold permits that do not align with approved land usage. He highlighted two primary violation types: constructing without permission and abusing granted permits.

“At times people erect structures without any approval. In other instances, permits are erroneously issued or used in ways that breach zoning laws. A site cleared for commerce might be used for housing, which leads to severe complications,” he said.

He emphasized that such infractions harm government income, environmental planning, and urban security. The committee will sustain its enforcement actions throughout Kano to ensure every development conforms to the state’s master plan.

Dr. Sani also advised locals and builders to stay calm, noting that those with legitimate paperwork will have their cases examined. “They need not worry. If they have all required documents, their properties will be unsealed. But if not, they must fix their documentation,” he stated.

He further recommended that developers always follow proper procedures, stressing that doing so promotes safety and effective city planning. Among the sealed sites were plazas, garages, building projects, commercial outlets, and other developments found to breach planning rules.