Opinion

Northwest’s Consensus Candidate: Rufai Khalifah’s Bid for NYCN Presidency Gains Momentum By Jagaban Matasa The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has a rich history dating back to 1964, when it was established by an Act of Parliament. As the statutory youth apex body, NYCN is responsible for youth mobilisation across the three tiers of government to implement national and state youth policies. The council gained further recognition and reinvigoration through the National Youth Policy of 2001, 2009, and 2019. With legal recognition granted in 1990 as the umbrella body and mouthpiece of Nigerian youths, NYCN plays a vital role…

Why Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 Chances Are Slim BY CHIONYE HENCS ODIAKA As Nigeria approaches another general election cycle in 2027, the nation’s political terrain is once again heating up. With opposition figures reportedly forming coalitions to unseat the incumbent government, names like Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are being floated as potential flagbearers. Some political analysts argue that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, remains the only realistic challenger capable of defeating the incumbent. While such claims held more weight prior to the last election, the current political realities particularly the informal,…

Why the Anti-Tinubu Coalition Isn’t Coalescing By Farooq A. Kperogi There is supposed to be a formidable coalition of powerful regional and national political forces working to upstage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. But this coalition isn’t coalescing and appears to be crumbling before it has even had a chance to be formed. Three major reasons account for this. The first reason is what I call the aspirational collision of the major movers of the coalition. By that, I mean the two major power blocs behind the coalition have irreconcilably divergent ideas about who should occupy the upper end…

2027 Has Started Too Early: Lessons From Edo And Warning Signs For Abia By Obinna Oriaku Unfortunately, the permutations for the 2027 elections have begun prematurely, even though our Governor has been in election mode since late last year. His frequent visits to churches are heavily laden with election rhetoric, despite assurances that governance, not campaigning, should now take precedence following the conclusion of the 2023 elections. No two elections are ever exactly the same. Politics and elections are dynamic, constantly influenced by a range of evolving factors. In Abia, the divide between “us” and “them” continues to widen, often…

SATIRICAL APOLOGY LETTER From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio, It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind. How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal…

Nasir El-Rufai’s Scorched-Earth One-Man Opposition By Farooq A. Kperogi Like a stranded mariner gasping on the shores of irrelevance, former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai writhes in the uneasy throes of power’s withdrawal. His disquiet, however, is less the quiet lament of a fallen statesman and more the tempestuous fury of a Shakespearean woman scorned. He has become fiery, irascible, indignant, and unrelenting in his public expressions of rage towards his former friends in power who have isolated him. He is throwing the kitchen sink at the power structures in Kaduna and Abuja in an all-out effort to extract…

A CALL TO ACTION : Securing Nigeria's Future: The Need for Urgent NSCDC Recruitment By Gambo Jagindi The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been a cornerstone of national security and critical infrastructure protection. Despite their heroic efforts, the corps faces a significant challenge The escalating attacks on electrical equipment, high-tension wire vandalism, and power cable sabotage have exposed a critical vulnerability in our national infrastructure. The NSCDC stands as a bulwark against these threats, tasked with protecting the very foundations of our economy. However, the corps' valiant efforts are being undermined by a severe manpower shortage, which…

Honourable Daniel Amos: A Beacon of Hope for Jema'a/Sanga Federal Constituency By Gambo Jagindi February 26, 2025 In a world where politics is often synonymous with broken promises and self-interest, Honourable Daniel Amos stands out as a shining exception. As the representative of Jema'a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Hon. Amos has consistently demonstrated his commitment to empowering his people and improving their lives. One of his most notable achievements is the Jema'a Vocational and Road Project, which has revolutionized the lives of countless citizens in his constituency. This project is a testament to his dedication to providing vital skills and infrastructure to…

Ojo Maduekwe: The Politician As A Thinker By Sam Amadi Someone rightly observed that perhaps Chief Ojo Maduekwe is one of the most misunderstood Nigerian politicians of the last three decades. This is true. It is also true that he is one of the under-reputed politicians in Nigeria. Yes, many Nigerians have expressed shock at his death and hundreds of tributes have been penned by many illustrious and famous persons in and outside Nigeria, it is still true that Ojo Maduekwe deserved more than the good reputation he enjoyed while alive. Perhaps, now that he is dead the rest of…