
Politics
Payment of fuel subsidy is organised crime, says Obi
• LCCI president: Tinubu is next to address private sector in October
• Group accuses Oshiomhole of using Obi’s popularity to seek relevance
• LP candidate tells Nigerians to vote character, competence
• Okowa to Bode Goerge: Delta PDP intact, not in crisis
• Wabara meets Fintiri in Yola over Ayu
The presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, said government was behind oil theft in the country.
Obi, who was the guest speaker at the second in the series of Private Sector Economic Forum of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for presidential candidates, asserted that it was impossible for an ordinary Nigerian to steal oil without the cooperation of government.
“Payment of oil subsidy as currently practiced in Nigeria is an organised crime. We need an aggressive production of local refining. Make resources available to ensure a private-sector led oil refining,” the former Anambra State governor advised the Federal Government.
The presidential candidate who made the remarks, while answering questions from panellists at the event, also reacted to a question on the issue of cost of governance. “I have allergies to waste,” he said, alleging that 50 per cent of the claimed subsidy being paid was ‘corruption’.

Speaking on challenges relating to high exchange rate, Obi, who said the problem was due to ‘physical recklessness’, stated that Nigeria needed to move away from being a ‘consumption to production nation’.
Another critical policy he identified to address exchange rate challenges was to stop ‘dollarisation’ of local oil transactions.
He insisted that there was need for an overhaul of the security architecture in the country, proposing multi-level policing from the federal to the community security system.
The LP presidential standard bearer, who stressed that tackling insecurity challenges was significant to economic growth, affirmed that once insecurity was adequately addressed, farmers would be able to go to farms, productions would increase and high rate of inflation would gradually reduce.
When asked how he was going to sustain institutional growth, Obi replied that he would ensure “certainty of policy”, as well as subjecting himself to public scrutiny and accountability.
On borrowing, Obi specified that there was nothing wrong in borrowing, but where the problem lied was when government borrowed to consume, stating that when borrowing is done to invest, the return would be prosperous and impact positively on both micro and macro economies.
He urged Nigerians not to vote him or any other candidate in the coming general elections based on tribe, religion or acclaimed right. Instead, he advised the electorate to vote based on trusted character, accountability and prosperous future for the country.
“Don’t vote for me because it’s my turn, Nigeria is nobody’s turn. This time, it’s the turn of Nigerians to take back their country. So, it’s not the turn of anybody. Don’t vote for anybody because of connections. Don’t believe what they say about their structure, it is the structure of criminality, corruption and looting. That is what we want to dismantle.
“What Nigeria needs is a leadership that is committed. They said 2023 election is the last bus stop, my appeal is that 2023 election should not be based on ethnicity. There is no place where poor people in Nigeria live a better life. They don’t buy bread cheaper in Kano, Maiduguri, Oyo or Onitsha.
“Poor Nigerians are suffering in every part of the country. There is nowhere in Nigeria where security is perfect, people today can’t go to Kaduna, by air, road or train out of fear. Katsina State is not safer than Oyo. Insecurity is everywhere in Nigeria. There is no tribe that has uninterrupted electricity or where unemployment is lower. The farmers in the North are not in the farm because of insecurity.
“Elections in 2023 will be based on the character we can trust. Show us your last office, where you have been to, let’s go and verify how you managed public resources,” he said.
He thanked the LCCI for giving him opportunity to speak to Nigerians, calling on Nigerians to hold him accountable on all his electoral promises, if elected into office.
Oil theft, debt burden, subsidy regime, foreign exchange, and other economic issues were core areas the forum expected each of the candidates to address ahead of the 2023 elections.
Last week Tuesday, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was the first to present his economic blueprint for post-2023. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is expected next to have his turn at the Private Sector Economic Forum.
The LCCI, which has organised the event for the past 16 years, said it was interested in the economic agenda of each of the candidates aspiring to take over the leadership mantle at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
This, according to the LCCI President, Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole, will enhance the choices people make at the polls.
“Beyond economic management, we understand that countries rise or fall through leadership and governance. Nigerians have another opportunity to decide who leads them in the next four years from 2023-2027,” LCCI boss stated.
Olawale-Cole stressed that the Nigerian economy has been inundated with a myriad of problems, among which are oil theft, an unsustainable subsidy regime, insecurity and a foreign exchange crisis.
Despite these challenges, he affirmed that the prospects and future remain bright for the Nigerian economy.
“Nigeria is the largest economy on the African continent with an output in the region of almost half a trillion dollars in nominal terms. The country is also hugely endowed with human and natural resources.”
While announcing that the Chamber plans to host Tinubu next month, Olawale-Cole promised that the Chamber would consider hosting other notable presidential candidates, so that it would not be accused of being biased.
MEANWHILE, a civil society organisation, Conference of Civil Society for Peace and Good Governance Initiative (CCSFPGG), has taken a swipe at the statement credited to former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, to the effect that Obi failed to tackle insecurity in Anambra, while he held sway as governor of the state.
The former Edo governor, had while speaking during the youth conference of APC in Abuja, said: “For those of you who are social media warriors, there are issues here that you need to speak to. Go to Google and look at the first six months of Governor Obiano’s administration in Anambra.
“What you will find on YouTube is Governor Obiano demolishing houses of kidnappers and those who were then referred to as Bakassi Boys.
Who was the governor when Bakassi Boys developed and who solved the problem? So, if a man could not solve a security challenge in his own state, which requires courage, how can he convince you that he will solve security challenges all over Nigeria?”
But reacting to Oshiomhole’s statement, National Coordinator of CCSFPGG, Dr Oshioke Mathew Afegbu, described the APC chieftain as a failed politician, who was trying to get into prominence using Obi’s popularity, having not only been disgraced out of office as his party’s chairman, but also rejected by the people of his home state, Edo, when he tried to impose a governor on them in the last governorship election.
“Nigerians have not forgotten that few weeks ago, Oshiomhole, who was an ardent attacker of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid, glaringly admitted in the face of teeming crowd in Abuja, that the APC government he helped to impose on Nigerians has failed in all ramifications and that the former President left a very good legacy for Nigeria than any other President in history. He said he had attacked him only because of political differences.
“For the records, Anambra provided security agencies with range of support, including provision of more than 500 security vehicles. Abubakar Mohammed, the former IG of Police, praised Anambra for not experiencing a bank heist in the final three years of Obi’s government due to the state’s amazing security development.
“Obi changed the local vigilante system such that neighbourhood watch organisations now collaborate with the police and are closely supervised.”
DELTA State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has cleared the air on the legal action within PDP in the state that has been misconstrued to be a destructive crisis among rank and file of the party.
Okowa said the former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Bode George, entirely missed it to have said Delta as a key PDP stronghold was in crisis.
He expressed delight that Olorogun David Edevbie, who contested and came a distant second in the credible primary election of the party, sought redress over his grievance in a civilised manner in court.
He said the litigation against the winner, Sheriff Oborevwori, Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, was on alleged certificate forgery and not against his defeat or the peaceful conduct of the primary election.
His Chief Press Secretary, Olise Ifeanjika, who reacted to questions on the outburst of George, yesterday, said the chieftain goofed.
He said: “What is going on in Delta PDP is the beauty of democracy in action. There is no crisis in Delta PDP. When the legal fireworks is over at the Supreme Court, all the party faithful will close ranks and work to deliver all their candidates to retain the state for PDP, which the state is known for since the advent of democracy in 1999.”
MEANWHILE, as the crisis ravaging PDP over insistence of Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, on the resignation of the national chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Aldophus Wabara, yesterday, arrived Yola and went into a marathon meeting with Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
The PDP state chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu, who confirmed the arrival of Wabara to The Guardian, said he was on his way to join the governor at the meeting.
Sources at the meeting disclosed that the BoT chairman has selected close allies of Wike to visit them and seek for their intervention.
Wabara will meet with the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, today, in Makurdi, in continuation of his search for solution. (The Guardian)
Photo: Chairman, Printing, Publishing and Allied Group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Princess Layo Okeowo-Bakare (left); Principal Consultant of DRNL Consult Ltd UK, Mrs. Ronke Onadeko; President, LCCI, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, CON; 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi; Vice President, LCCI, Prince Abimbola Olashore and moderator of the event, Chairman, LCCI Economics and Statistics Committee, Dr. Ayo Teriba during the private sector forum on 2023 Presidential Election with Labour Party’s candidate at Commerce House, Victoria Island, Lagos…yesterday.
Politics
Full list: NDC unveils 2027 presidential campaign council
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled its National Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, with the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, named chairman and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, appointed co-chairman.
The council also includes the party’s National Chairman and vice-presidential candidate, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, as vice-chairman, while its National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, will serve as co-vice-chairman.
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim has been named council secretary and Director-General.
The party said the council would coordinate its nationwide campaign and mobilise support for its vision of a “new, just, and prosperous Nigeria”.
Below is the full list of members.

National Campaign Caucus
His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson CON — Chairman / NDC National Leader
His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi CON — Co-Chairman / NDC Presidential Candidate
Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe — Vice Chairman / NDC National Chairman
His Excellency, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso CON — Co-Vice Chairman / NDC Vice Presidential Candidate
Mr. Babachir Lawal — Member / Chairman, National Campaign Advisory Council
Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu — Council Secretary / NDC National Secretary
Alh. Sidi Bomi Abdul — Member / Deputy National Chairman, North
Mr. Babatunde F. Alli — Member / Deputy National Chairman, South
Senator Ovie Omo Agege CFR — Member
Senator Victor Umeh OFR — Member / Representative NDC Senate Caucus
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim — Member / DG, Presidential Campaign
Engr. Buba Galadima — Member
Prof. Yakubu Ochefu — Member
Professor Mahmud Gambo Jahun — Member
Hon. Moshood Salvador — Member
Mrs. Dudu Manuga — Member / NDC National Woman Leader
Hon. Victor Ogene — Member / Chairman NDC House of Representative Caucus
Hon. Muktar Usman — Member / Member NDC House of Representative Caucus
National Campaign Advisory Council
Mr. Babachir Lawal — Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe — Co-Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
His Excellency, Dr. Sam Egwu CON — Vice Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu — Secretary, National Campaign Advisory Council
Dr. Danladi Abdulhameed Tambari — Member / Asst. Secretary, National Campaign Advisory Council
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu CON — Member / Abia State Representative
Obong Ini Okon — Member / Akwa Ibom State Representative
Hon. Oseloka Obaze — Member / Anambra State Representative
Madaki A. Mohammed mni — Member / Bauchi State Representative
Dr. O.O. Osusu OON — Member / Bayelsa State Representative
Dr. Tor Ujah — Member / Benue State
Ibrahim Alhaji S. Matawalle — Member / Borno State Representative
Chief Ugba Murphy — Member / Cross River State Representative
Prof. Pat Utomi — Member / Delta State Representative
Senator Roland Owie — Member / Edo State Representative
Sen. Akinyede Sola — Member / Ekiti State Representative
His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo — Member / Enugu State Representative
Hon. Uche Okonkwo — Member / F.C.T. Representative
Prof. Iliya Ishaya Jalo — Member / Gombe State Representative
His Excellency, Chief Achike Udenwa CON — Member / Imo State Representative
Mallam Hassan Kabiru — Member / Jigawa State Representative
Joshua Makama — Member / Kaduna State Representative
Nasir Lawan Ahmad — Member / Kano State Representative
Dr. Ismail Iro — Member / Katsina State Representative
Alh. Ahmed Zayyanu Iliyasu — Member / Kebbi State Representative
Mallam Adamu Atta — Member / Kogi State Representative
Arc. Dr. Toma Audu Gana — Member / Kwara State Representative
Hon. Tunji Soyinka — Member / Lagos State Representative
Hon. David Zakaria — Member / Nasarawa State
Alh. Isa A. Kutugi — Member / Niger State Representative
Otunba Tope Niyi Taiwo — Member / Ogun State Representative
Chief Tope Adebambo — Member / Ondo State Representative
Hon. Razaq Mustapha Adeniyi — Member / Osun State Representative
Mr. Kayode Joseph — Member / Oyo State Representative
Manasseh Zakka Watyil — Member / Plateau State Representative
Sen. Ben Birabi — Member / Rivers State Representative
Alh. Jabbi Hassan Sifawa — Member / Sokoto State Representative
Hon. Dr. Philip Kafiya — Member / Taraba State Representative
Engr. Buba Galadima — Member / Yobe State Representative
Hon. Barr. Mohammed Sani Takori mni — Member / Zamfara State Representative
National Campaign Directorates
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim — Director General
Ebubedike VinMartin Obiora Ilo — Deputy DG Admin, National Campaign Council
Alh. Tijjani Iya — Deputy DG North
Chief Barr. Fred E. Owotorufa — Deputy DG South
Mrs. Ndidi Mbagwu — Director Finance
Dr. Peter Onigah, NDC National Treasurer — Co-Director Finance
Folashade Aliu — Deputy Director Finance
Hon. Oseloka Obaze — Director Logistics and Operations
Mr. Wole Adedapo — Deputy Director Logistics and Operations 1
Ibrahim Tukur Gusau — Deputy Director Logistics and Operations 2
Osa Director, NDC National Publicity Secretary — Director of Communication & Media
Mr. Ikeddi Isiguzo — Deputy Director of Communication & Media
Dr. Constance Ikokwu — Campaign Spokesperson
Sonny Neme — Deputy Campaign Spokesperson 1
Dr. Sam Omale — Deputy Campaign Spokesperson 2
Anulka Rita Modebe — Campaign Spokesperson North Central
Rev. Wesley Gainaka — Campaign Spokesperson North East
Ibrahim Rabi’u Amana — Campaign Spokesperson North West
Nwosu Christopher Maduabuchukwu — Campaign Spokesperson South East
Dr. Isaiah Osifo — Campaign Spokesperson South South
Amb. Makinde Akinlade — Campaign Spokesperson South West
Mr. Zekeri Idris — Director New Media
Theophilus Abu — Deputy Director, New Media
Dr. Obinna Simon — Asst. Deputy Director, New Media
Dr. S.K.C. Ogbonnia — Director Policy, Research & Documentation
Barr. Shehu Muhammad Danmusa — Deputy Director Policy, Research & Documentation
Barr. Reuben Egwuaba — Director Legal Affairs
Barr. Vincent Otaokpukpu — Deputy Director Legal Affairs
Major General John Enenche (rtd) — Director Security and Intelligence
Ali Garba Sarbi — Deputy Director Security and Intelligence
Dr. Danlami Arabs Rukujei — Director Election Monitoring and Vote Protection
Hajiya Bilkisu Shu’aibu — Deputy Director Election Monitoring and Vote Protection
Mr. Daniel Elombah — Director Diaspora
Princess Maryam Tolofari Nyong — Co-Director Diaspora
Dr. Daniel Onifade — Deputy Director Diaspora
Comrade Adamu Abbas Ahman — Director Youth Mobilization
Idris Usman Audu — Deputy Director Youth Mobilization
Mrs. Dudu Manuga, NDC National Woman Leader — Director Women Mobilization
Binta Abba Gana — Deputy Director Women Mobilization
Dr. Maji Peterx — Director Civil Society & Support Groups Coordination
Abduljalal Idris (Aljazeera) — Deputy Director Civil Society & Support Groups Coordination
Dr. Shu’aibu Abdulrashid — Director Election Observers Liaison
Chief Abayomi Kuye Taiwo — Deputy Director Election Observers Liaison
Ms. Jackie Wayas — Director Protocol
Sharon Chukwuobasi — Deputy Director Protocol I
Alh. Abdulrazak Maaji — Deputy Director Protocol II
[Name Missing / Blank in Document] — Director Situation Room Management
Umar Mahmood — Deputy Director Situation Room Management I
Malate Peter — Deputy Director Situation Room Management II
Ms. Chinasa Issac-Oduka — Director Welfare
Mallam Nafiu Umar Dankura — Deputy Director Welfare I
Madaki Muhammad wMisau, mni. — Deputy Director Welfare II
Umar Usman Besse — Director of Organization
Hart Sylvanus Idabelema Handley — Deputy Director of Organization
Dr. Abdulmutallib Alhassan — Director, Information Communication & Technology
Boma N. Williams — Deputy Director, Information Communication & Technology
Brian Jonah Dennis — Asst. Director, Information Communication & Technology
Dr. Pillar Josemaria — Director, Medical
Dr. Ezra Dablet — Deputy Director, Medical
Abdullahi Akilo Jugunnu — Director, Persons with Disability.
State Campaign Coordinators
Senator Nkechi Nwogu, CON — State Campaign Coordinator (Abia)
Bamanga Tukur Jr. — State Campaign Coordinator (Adamawa)
Apostle (Dr.) David Okpon — State Campaign Coordinator (Akwa Ibom)
Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezim — State Campaign Coordinator (Anambra)
Sulaiman Muhammad — State Campaign Coordinator (Bauchi)
Prof. Silva Opuala-Charles — State Campaign Coordinator (Bayelsa)
Hon. (Engr.) Andrew Abba — State Campaign Coordinator (Benue)
Abdulkadir Fema — State Campaign Coordinator (Borno)
Rt. Hon. Eta Mbora — State Campaign Coordinator (Cross River)
Mr. Ken Pela — State Campaign Coordinator (Delta)
Professor Ben Odoh — State Campaign Coordinator (Ebonyi)
Hon. John Yakubu — State Campaign Coordinator (Edo)
Barr Babafemi Adegbite — State Campaign Coordinator (Ekiti)
Bishop Oscar Okwudili Ossai — State Campaign Coordinator (Enugu)
Alh. Garba Zagada Zagada — Gombe Campaign Coordinator (Gombe)
Chief Martins Agbaso — State Campaign Coordinator (Imo)
Alhaji Ado Waziri Kwalam — State Campaign Coordinator (Jigawa)
Ibrahim Mado — State Campaign Coordinator (Kaduna)
Abdullahi Musa — State Campaign Coordinator (Kano)
Dr. Zayyana Shehu — State Campaign Coordinator (Katsina)
Capt. Ladan Soja Bunza (Rtd) — State Campaign Coordinator (Kebbi)
High Chief Peter Ameh — State Campaign Coordinator (Kogi)
Hon. Anthony Dele Abiodun — State Campaign Coordinator (Kwara)
Mr. Ife Salako — State Campaign Coordinator (Lagos)
[Senatorial Candidate — Name Missing] — State Campaign Coordinator (Nasarawa)
[Senatorial Candidate — Name Missing] — State Campaign Coordinator (Niger)
Barr. Abimbola Lanre-Balogun — State Campaign Coordinator (Ogun)
Hon. Idowu Famusipe — State Campaign Coordinator (Ondo)
Hon Kunle Tiamiyu — State Campaign Coordinator (Osun)
Adeola Ebisemiju — State Campaign Coordinator (Oyo)
Prince Rwang Pam — State Campaign Coordinator (Plateau)
Mr. Zubi Nwuke — State Campaign Coordinator (Rivers)
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar — State Campaign Coordinator (Sokoto)
Alh. Abdullahi Ade — State Campaign Coordinator (Taraba)
Ilu Bello Dambazau — State Campaign Coordinator (Yobe)
Ibrahim Tukur Gusau — State Campaign Coordinator (Zamfara)
Dr. Stephen Knabayi — FCT Campaign Coordinator (FCT)
Politics
Atiku accuses Tinubu, Okpebholo of enabling political violence after ADC supporter’s attack ADC presidential candidate Atiku
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of creating an environment that encouraged political violence.
The accusation followed an alleged attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as Porkupyne, in Benin City.
In a post on X on Saturday, Atiku alleged that the comedian was attacked because he supported him and his demand for good governance and accountability in Edo State.
He condemned the incident and called for an urgent police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia (aka Porkupyne), in Benin City, Edo State,” Atiku said.

He added that the incident was politically motivated, alleging that the comedian was targeted because he was his supporter.
Atiku held Okpebholo, Tinubu and the APC leadership responsible for what he described as a climate of impunity in which opposition supporters were allegedly intimidated and assaulted.
“Governor Okpebholo must explain what happened to Porkupyne, stop hiding behind official silence and prove that his government is not shielding political thugs,” he said.
The former vice-president also called on Tinubu and the APC to stop what he described as the brutalisation of opposition supporters, insisting that political differences should not expose citizens to violence.
He urged the police to identify those responsible for the alleged attack and investigate whether any individuals sponsored or facilitated it.
“The police must urgently investigate allegations of political involvement, identify the perpetrators and expose whoever sponsored or facilitated this cowardly attack,” Atiku said.
Atiku also appealed to Amnesty International and foreign missions in Nigeria to monitor the treatment of opposition supporters and document cases of alleged politically motivated violence ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I am formally drawing the attention of Amnesty International and all foreign missions in Nigeria to this deeply troubling incident,” he said.
He called for justice for Idedia and protection for Nigerians exercising their right to political choice and peaceful dissent.
“I demand immediate justice for Porkupyne and protection for every Nigerian exercising the right to political choice and peaceful dissent,” he added. (AriseNews TV)
Politics
Atiku’s ADC Campaign Council Faults Tinubu’s 90-Day Relief Plan, Calls It ‘Election Bait’
The presidential campaign council of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s 90-day cost-of-living relief plan, describing it as “election bait” and demanding details of how the proposed measures would ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
The council’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stated this on Friday during a world press conference at the party’s secretariat, questioning the timing of the initiative and the government’s ability to deliver meaningful relief within the proposed timeframe.
Shaibu argued that with the presidential election reportedly 86 days away, the 90-day timeline would extend beyond the poll, raising concerns that Nigerians might not experience the promised benefits before deciding whether to renew the administration’s mandate.
“After three and a half years of hardship, this government is asking families to carry another promise into the polling booth and wait for relief until the votes are counted,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to judge the Tinubu administration by its economic performance and the impact of its policies on household incomes rather than promises announced ahead of the election.

The Federal Government’s 90-day plan identifies five priority areas: food affordability, tax harmonisation, completion of key projects, removal of investment bottlenecks and household support.
However, Shaibu maintained that these issues had remained unresolved for too long, citing rising food and transportation costs, growing pressure on manufacturers and the closure of businesses.
He also criticised the government’s handling of petrol subsidy removal, arguing that adequate measures to protect vulnerable households should have accompanied the policy from the outset.
According to him, Nigerians were made to bear the immediate economic consequences of the reform while being asked to wait for its promised benefits.
“A government cannot put a 90-day deadline on hunger, the cost-of-living crisis and insecurity and call it an economic policy,” he said.
ADC Questions Tinubu’s Planned Kaduna Visit
The ADC campaign official also questioned President Tinubu’s planned visit to Kaduna State to launch his re-election campaign, citing concerns over insecurity, civilian casualties from military airstrikes, abductions and natural disasters in the state.
He recalled the December 3, 2023, military drone strike on civilians attending a Maulud celebration in Tudun Biri, which killed at least 85 people.
He also referenced a reported military airstrike in Giwa in September 2024 that allegedly killed at least 24 civilians, as well as reported kidnappings in Kachia in September 2025 and the impact of storms and flooding on communities across the state.
Shaibu challenged the President to explain what his administration had done to support victims of the incidents and what concrete measures had been introduced to protect residents from abductions and other security threats.
Demands Transparency Over NNPC Fuel Discount
Shaibu also questioned the effectiveness of a fuel discount promotion reportedly introduced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) on October 1.
He claimed that he visited NNPC retail outlets but was told that no discount was available, adding that he subsequently purchased petrol at ₦1,405 per litre.
He challenged the company to publish comprehensive details of the promotion, including the number of motorists who benefited, the participating stations and the volume of petrol sold at discounted prices.
The ADC official further questioned the reach of a reported ₦66-per-litre discount, arguing that the impact of the initiative needed to be assessed against the number of NNPC retail outlets and the country’s wider fuel retail network.
Demands Details of Five-Point Relief Plan
On food affordability, Shaibu asked the government to explain which production and distribution costs would be reduced for farmers, transporters and traders, when consumers should expect lower market prices and how the reductions would be sustained beyond the 90-day period.
He also demanded the publication of the proposed tax harmonisation measures, a list of projects scheduled for completion within the timeframe and details of the government’s plans to remove obstacles affecting manufacturers and investors.
Regarding household support, Shaibu called for disclosure of the eligibility criteria, payment amounts, commencement dates, funding arrangements and plans for beneficiaries after the initiative expires.
He argued that without clear implementation details and measurable targets, the plan risked becoming another government announcement without demonstrable benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
Raises Concerns Over ‘Arise for Tinubu 2027’ Registration Form
Shaibu also raised concerns about a registration form circulating under the name “Arise for Tinubu 2027”, which he said requested voter identification, bank details and phone numbers.
He demanded clarification on the identity of those collecting the information, the purpose of the exercise and whether it was connected to the proposed household support programme.
He insisted that Nigerians should not be required to surrender sensitive personal information to a political organisation as a condition for accessing public relief.
He further urged the government to explain what safeguards would prevent the misuse of personal data or the diversion of public assistance for political purposes.
Atiku’s Alternative Economic Position
Shaibu said Atiku had pledged to make Nigeria more affordable through disciplined public spending, targeted household assistance, lower production and transportation costs for essential goods, and policies designed to help local manufacturers expand and create jobs.
He maintained that the success of economic policies should be measured by improvements in household purchasing power, reduced living costs and increased economic opportunities, rather than official announcements.
The ADC campaign council urged Nigerians to demand verifiable evidence that the proposed relief measures would reach intended beneficiaries, deliver measurable improvements and remain effective beyond the election period.
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