IBADAN – Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has named the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, as his presidential campaign coordinator in the state.
By Our Reportet
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Ambassador Designate and member of Nigeria’s diplomatic delegation to recent bilateral talks with South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has disclosed key outcomes of the high-level engagement with Pretoria, declaring that the era of silence over the alleged persecution and killing of Nigerians in South Africa is over.
Fani-Kayode’s statement released on social media is widely seen as a strategic response to public calls for greater transparency over the outcome of the Nigeria-South Africa diplomatic meeting, as he moved beyond earlier photographs and protocol announcements to reveal the substance of the discussions and Nigeria’s firm position on the safety of its citizens.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode said he was deeply disturbed after watching what he described as a secretly recorded video showing a Nigerian national allegedly being tortured and beaten to death by members of the South African Police Service.
“I listened to the young man’s screams as they put a plastic bag over his head and tortured him and I was badly shaken,” he said.
The former Aviation minister condemned what he described as the persistent vilification, racial profiling, extra-judicial killings and persecution of Nigerians living in South Africa, insisting that such acts could no longer be ignored.
According to him, Nigeria’s delegation conveyed that position directly during its meeting with South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.
“Neither will we continue to be complicit in these crimes against our nationals by remaining silent in the face of them. That is the new order and I made my position clear on this at our meeting with the South African Foreign Minister yesterday. The hate needs to stop,” he stated.
Fani-Kayode maintained that Nigerian lives must be accorded equal value and dignity, rejecting what he described as a tendency by some Nigerians to downplay attacks against their compatriots abroad.
Describing himself as a “hardliner” on the issue, he cited figures indicating that at least 90 Nigerians had allegedly been killed by Afrophobic groups, violent mobs and South African police officers since 2022 without any successful prosecution.
He further alleged that six Nigerians had been killed in South Africa this year alone, three of them by police officers, adding that in one of the cases, the only suspect initially arrested had since been released and disappeared.
The former minister also referred to a recent incident in Cape Town in which a Nigerian was allegedly tortured to death by police in his home, while another was reportedly shot in the face with a rubber bullet after protesting the killing of his friend.
Despite the allegations, Fani-Kayode said both countries had agreed during the bilateral meeting to lower tensions, improve cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations.
“We have made much progress and we had a productive meeting with the South Africans yesterday where we agreed to de-escalate the rhetoric and work closely together to stabilise the situation and build stronger bilateral ties.
“This is a step in the right direction and has brought us hope but much more needs to be done. Action speaks louder than words,” he said.
His latest remarks provide the first detailed public account of the issues discussed during the diplomatic engagement, highlighting Nigeria’s demand for greater protection of its citizens and accountability for attacks against them, while signalling a determination to preserve bilateral relations through concrete action rather than diplomatic exchanges alone.
The prominent Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has narrated how he escaped from operatives of the Department of State Services during the controversial raid on his Ibadan residence in July 2021.
Igboho said the security operatives failed to arrest him despite surrounding his residence, claiming they mistook a cat for him and even brought in what he described as a “fake herbalist” to perform rituals in an attempt to apprehend him.
Recounting the incident when some Muslim delegations visited his residence in Ibadan on Monday, Igboho said he was inside the house throughout the operation, but the operatives could not find him.
“When they came around 1:30 am. I heard a sound and was inquiring who it was; they started shooting at the room. They heard my voice. When they finally scaled the fence in, they planted a dynamite on the burglary, and everything completely fell apart. That was where they entered. I was naked, but upon hearing their voice, I wore a jean and shirt. One mind was telling me to surrender to them; the other was telling me not to surrender, else I would be killed.
“So at a point, it was looking like I was scared of them; then I immediately yelled, inquiring what had happened and why they had come to pick me up. So they started shooting at close range without even seeing me.
“When they entered and were screaming that I opened the door, they pointed a gun at Dudu (my personal assistant)’s head. And he kept begging me not to shoot while knocking on the door. There, I suspected. They forced the door open. People were even lying that they shot me and I ran away with my intestines out.”
Dismissing the rumour that he turned into a cat on sighting the operatives, the activist stressed, “I didn’t turn into a cat. They even killed it, thinking it was me. They even brought a fake herbalist who was just making an incantation and performing a ritual. I was in the house watching them, but they didn’t see me.
“There was this my brother who was partially blind and came out; upon sighting him, they shot him, thinking that he wanted to attack them. They took the corpses away as evidence that they truly invaded my home. So it was God that saved me after a prayer that some Muslim clerics did in my house, forestalling a bad vision they claimed to have seen on me.”
Recall, the DSS invaded Igboho’s Soka residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, in the early hours of July 1, 2021, following months of heightened tension between the activist and the Federal Government under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari (now late).
Before the operation, Igboho had gained national attention after issuing an ultimatum to some Fulani residents in parts of Oyo State, accusing them of involvement in kidnappings and other violent crimes.
He subsequently declared that criminal elements among the Fulani would be driven out of Yorubaland and intensified his campaign for the establishment of a sovereign Yoruba Nation.
The Federal Government viewed some of his activities as a threat to national security, leading to attempts to arrest him.
During the raid, the DSS said it recovered firearms and ammunition from the residence and arrested 13 of Igboho’s associates.
The agency also confirmed that two of his aides were killed during the operation after what it described as an exchange of gunfire.
Following the raid, Igboho escaped from Nigeria and was later arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, while attempting to travel to Germany.
He was subsequently released by Beninese authorities after months of legal proceedings and has since remained in self-imposed exile in the Benin Republic, from where he has continued to champion the Yoruba Nation cause.
ABUJA – The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday set aside a judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
The other parties are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA) Accord Party (AP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices, held that the order which the Federal High Court issued to the electoral body on June 15 amounted to a nullity.
The court held that the high court wrongly assumed jurisdiction and made the order on an incompetent suit that was filed by a non-juristic entity.
According to the appellate court, there was no valid suit that could have warranted the consequential order that directed INEC to derecognise the political parties.
It noted that the trial court failed to properly evaluate evidence placed before it, stressing that proof that the parties won various seats in previous elections was ignored.
It also held that the high court acted in defiance of an order that directed it to stay proceedings in the case.
It held that the high court ought to have dismissed the substantive case for want of jurisdiction and merit.
Consequently, the appellate court, in its lead judgment delivered by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that all the affected political parties remained duly registered.
It allowed separate appeals filed by the political parties and awarded monetary costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which had filed the case against them.
Reports that the appellate court had, on June 16, ordered a stay of execution of the High Court judgment, even as it slammed the trial judge for disregarding the judicial hierarchy.
The panel berated Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for disobeying an order it had made on May 22 directing him to stay proceedings in the case pending the outcome of an appeal by the parties.
It noted that even though the trial judge’s attention had been drawn to the order for a stay of proceedings, he intentionally flouted it and went ahead to deliver judgment.
It held that Justice Lifu’s action was “a form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acts in such a manner “is unfit for the bench, as the conduct amounts to judicial rascality.”
NAN also reports that the High Court had directed INEC to deregister the five political parties, which it said had failed to meet the constitutional requirements needed to warrant their continued existence and participation in future elections.
It also barred INEC from according further recognition to the parties, accepting nominations of candidates from the affected parties, or giving effect to their activities for purposes of participating in the 2027 general elections.
Justice Lifu ordered the defendants to stop parading themselves as registered political parties in the country, saying he found merit in the suit filed by the NFFL.
The NFFL had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, asked the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to remove political parties that fail to meet the electoral performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations.
It was the plaintiffs’ position that the five political parties listed as defendants had persistently failed to meet the constitutional benchmarks required to retain their registration.
The former legislators stressed that the requirements include winning at least 25 per cent of the votes in a state during a presidential election, or securing at least one elective seat at the national, state, or local government level.
They told the court that the ADC and the four other parties had performed poorly in both the 2023 general elections and the by-elections conducted by INEC, thereby failing to win seats across key tiers of government.
The litigants insisted that the continued existence of the ADC and the other defendants as recognised political parties is unlawful and undermines the integrity of the country’s electoral system.
Notably, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who is also a defendant in the matter, threw his weight behind the plaintiffs.
In processes filed before the court, the AGF argued that the continued existence of the said political parties violates extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and ultimately undermines the nation’s electoral integrity.
The AGF argued that unless the court intervened, INEC would continue to act in breach of its constitutional duty by retaining parties that had failed to meet the minimum requirements prescribed by law.
Dissatisfied with the trial court’s verdict, all the defendants, including INEC, urged the appellate court to set it aside.(NAN)
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Atiku Media Office has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s judgment setting aside a Federal High Court ruling that sought to remove the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties from Nigeria’s democratic space, describing the verdict as a major victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the media office said the appellate court’s decision had effectively cleared all legal obstacles before the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It noted that, with the latest judgment validating the party’s legal status, alongside an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, affirming the election of the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee, there is no longer any pending litigation challenging the party’s leadership.
According to the statement, the Court of Appeal ruled that the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court on June 15 was a nullity because it was issued in violation of an existing order of the appellate court.
The court also held that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, describing their claims as speculative and without legal merit.
The Atiku Media Office further noted that the appellate court clarified the interpretation of Section 225A of the Constitution, holding that its provisions should be read disjunctively rather than conjunctively.
It added that the court found the suit to be premature since the Osun and Ekiti election cycles were still ongoing when the action was filed.
The statement also highlighted the appellate court’s criticism of the lower court for disregarding the affidavit evidence presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed that the ADC and the other affected political parties had complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements. It said the Court of Appeal faulted the trial court for allegedly creating additional conditions not supported by law, despite accepting INEC’s evidence.
Describing the judgment as more than a legal triumph for the ADC, the Atiku Media Office said the ruling represented a victory for all Nigerians who believe in competitive democracy and the supremacy of the rule of law. It argued that democracy is strengthened when political contests are decided through elections rather than litigation aimed at eliminating opposition parties.
The statement warned against what it described as attempts by anti-democratic forces to use the courts and other state institutions as tools for political engineering. It stressed that the judiciary must not become an avenue for shrinking the democratic space or removing political opponents through judicial processes.
As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, the Atiku Media Office maintained that political disputes should be resolved through the ballot box rather than “contrived lawsuits” intended to achieve judicial victories where electoral success may be unattainable.
The media office commended the Justices of the Court of Appeal for what it described as their courage, impartiality and fidelity to the Constitution, expressing confidence that the judgment would reinforce public trust in the judiciary and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The statement similarly expressed optimism that truth, justice and the democratic will of the Nigerian people would ultimately prevail.
OSUN – The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Monday hosted the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) campaign team and prayed for peace during the Aug. 15 governorship election in Osun.
Ooni received the delegation in his palace in Ile-Ife ahead of the official launch of SWAGA on Tuesday in Osogbo.
Oba Ogunwusi praised members of the team for the unity, maturity and peaceful relationship, saying their conduct had made Osun proud and deserved commendation.
The traditional ruler commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration on infrastructure development, housing projects and empowerment programmes.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission, Mrs Ayo Omidiran, appreciated Oba Ogunwusi for promoting peaceful coexistence and providing fatherly leadership across the country.
Omidiran said the delegation considered it necessary to seek the Ooni’s royal blessings before commencing campaigns in support of the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji.
She expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s vision, passion and leadership, saying his policies had strengthened national development and laid foundations for a better Nigeria.
Also speaking, SWAGA Chairman, Sen. Adedayo Adeyeye, praised Ooni’s leadership, stressing that the traditional rulers’ blessings were important for the success of the campaign.
Adeyeye recalled that the group received Ooni’s blessings before Tinubu’s presidential victory in 2023, expressing confidence that similar prayers would ensure another successful political outing. (NAN)
GARAKU – The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr Danladi Jatau, has urged stakeholders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to support and vote for all the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Jatau (APC-Kokona West) made the call on Sunday at a meeting with his supporters and APC members from Kokona Local Government Area at his residence in Garaku.
He described APC as the party to beat in the 2027 elections and urged the people to vote for President Bola Tinubu and other candidates of the party.
“Let us remain united, peaceful and work together to ensure victory for all APC candidates in 2027,” he said.
The speaker thanked God for the gift of life and for seeing him through the party’s primary election, despite losing the contest to Mr Daniel Ogazi, member representing Kokona East Constituency in the state assembly.
He urged his supporters to accept the outcome of the recently concluded primary election in good faith, stressing that the APC remained one united family.
Jatau noted that while every political contest produced winners and losers, the overall interest of the party must take precedence over individual ambitions.
He advised his supporters to shun actions capable of creating division within the party, saying that only a united APC could secure victory in the 2027 general elections.
“Politics is about service and party loyalty. I appeal to everyone to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith,” he said.
Jatau also appreciated his supporters for their unwavering loyalty, maturity and peaceful conduct before, during and after the primary election.
He assured them that their commitment to the party and development of Kokona Local Government Area would not be taken for granted.
The speaker urged them to remain steadfast and continue supporting all APC candidates at all levels.
“I sincerely appreciate your support and confidence in me over the years. Let us continue to strengthen our party, avoid unnecessary disagreements and focus on delivering electoral success for the APC in the next general elections,” he said.
Jatau reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, saying that he remained a loyal member of the party.
He also called on his supporters to unite behind the APC governorship candidate, Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, ahead of the 2027 elections.
Jatau urged the people of the state to promote unity, love and peaceful coexistence irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
Reports that some party stakeholders and supporters, including the Secretary of Kokona Local Government Council, Mr Mikailu Sallau, pledged their continued loyalty and support to the speaker and the APC. (NAN)
ABUJA – Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) is to Chair the All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun Governorship National Campaign Council and its sub committees.
Mr Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Morka, the council has Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe; Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate; and Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives as Co-Chairmen.
He said Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Political and Other Matters, would serve as Deputy Chairman of the council while Sen. Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, is its Secretary.
Morka said the council comprised eminent party leaders, governors, members of its National Working Committee (NWC), principal officers of the National Assembly, ministers and Federal and State Legislators among others.
He added that members of the council were drawn from across the country to drive the party’s campaign towards victory in the Osun governorship election slated for Aug. 15.
“To ensure seamless co-ordination and effective execution of campaign activities, the party has also constituted specialised sub-committees,” the APC national publicity secretary said.
The committed are the Election Planning and Management; Finance and Resource Mobilisation; Contact, Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation; Logistics and Campaign Management.
Others are Monitoring and Compliance; Protocol, Media and Publicity and Security among others.(NAN)
Some people suspected to be hoodlums reportedly stormed a ward collation centre located at Oyinlola DC School, Okuku, Osun State, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were distributing Permanent Voters Cards, and carted away some of the items.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, was learnt to have disrupted the exercise, as those at the scene reportedly ran in different directions.
A resident of Okuku, identified simply as Gbadebo, told our correspondent that the perpetrators entered the premises without drawing the attention of people around and shot into the air as they made for some packs of PVCs placed close to the chairs of the INEC staff members attending to those waiting to collect their cards.
“The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday. Some of us were around to collect our PVCs, and I can’t say when those hoodlums got into the premises.
“They shot into the air and disrupted the exercise. Some of us around fled in different directions, and they went straight to where those INEC staff put the PVCs and made away with some packs.
The hoodlums involved are about eight in number,” Gbadebo said.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Osun Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the act.
Ojelabi also said that Gotan had directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those involved.
He also said tactical and intelligence assets of the command had been deployed, adding that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs.
“Some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, who were peacefully distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about 10 armed thugs.
“The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, has condemned the incident in its entirety and has directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those responsible.
“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of the peace,” Ojelabi said.
He appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that may assist police investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency lines.
SOKOTO – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has repositioned the party for victory in the 2027 general elections.
Mallam Yusuf Abubakar Dingyadi, Yilwatda’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, stated this in a statement issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday.
Dingyadi stated this to mark Yilwatda’s first anniversary as national chairman of the ruling party.
He said the APC had recorded renewed unity, expanding nationwide support and stronger internal cohesion under Yilwatda’s leadership.
“APC has evolved into a more disciplined, inclusive and people-centred political platform,” Dingyadi said.
He said Yilwatda assumed office at a critical period in the party’s history and focused on strengthening internal democracy and reconciling stakeholders.
According to him, the national chairman also prioritised repositioning the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The party’s National Secretariat has become more professional, with greater emphasis on accountability, innovation and efficient administration,” Dingyadi said.
He said Yilwatda’s leadership style, characterised by consultation, humility and administrative discipline, had improved cooperation among stakeholders.
Dingyadi said the approach had strengthened collaboration within the National Working Committee, among party elders and across other stakeholder groups.
He added that one of the administration’s major achievements was reconciling aggrieved members and promoting consensus-building among different tendencies within the APC.
The aide said the party had also expanded engagement with youths, women, persons with disabilities and other groups.
He added that the APC had strengthened its structures across wards, local governments and states.
Dingyadi linked the party’s growing acceptance to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing economic reforms.
He said Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of the reforms through infrastructure projects and government interventions nationwide.
While acknowledging that the reforms had caused temporary hardships, Dingyadi said the APC considered them necessary to stabilise the economy.
He said the measures were also aimed at averting what he described as a deeper national crisis.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Dingyadi expressed confidence that the APC would retain power.
He said the foundation laid under Yilwatda’s leadership had positioned the party for another electoral victory.
Dingyadi urged Nigerians to sustain their support for the APC, describing the party as committed to democratic values and national development.
He said the party remained open to new members and would continue strengthening its internal structures.
The aide also pledged that the APC would work toward delivering what he described as greater dividends of democracy to Nigerians. (NAN)
KADUNA – Pst. Ishaya Auta, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) candidate for the Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, has promised to prioritise security, education, and rural electrification if elected.
Auta made the promise in Kachia on Saturday, while presenting his manifesto to the constituents.
He argued that the constituency had long suffered from a lack of competent representation, which had deprived the constituents of the dividends of democracy and good governance.
“If elected, I promise to partner with the executive arms at both federal and state levels, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting security, peace, and stability for our people,” he said.
Elaborating on the manifesto, the candidate pledged to ensure total electrification across the constituency.
He equally pledged to give undivided attention to education by launching a “Go Back to School” campaign, and champion massive infrastructural development.
Reacting to the declaration, Mr Eugene Peter, a political stakeholder in the constituency, described the candidate’s manifesto as timely, adding that the area was in dire need of competent representation at the National Assembly.
Peter noted that the constituents stand for justice, equity, and fairness, assuring the candidate that residents would be inclined to vote based on competence, capacity, and reliability rather than party lines.
Speaking on behalf of women in the area, Ms Mercy Yakubu, a resident of Kachia, assured the candidate of their massive support, citing his clear zeal and commitment to service.
Yakubu, however, appealed to Auta to remember widows, orphans, and the indigent if he wins the election.
Representing the youth, Mr Manji Apollos from Kurmin Musa ward in Kachia Local Government Area, described Auta as a beacon of hope, expressing strong optimism for his victory at the polls. (NAN)
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Human rights lawyer and public affairs commentator, Chidi Odinkalu, has warned that democracy is facing an unprecedented threat across Africa, arguing that an increasing number of political leaders are abandoning the principles of constitutional governance in favour of governance models that weaken the will of the people.
In remarks posted on his X handle on Sunday, Odinkalu linked the emerging trend to comments made by former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, nearly three years ago.
In November 2023, Obasanjo argued that the Western model of democracy was imposed on Africa and was ill-suited to the continent’s peculiar realities, although he stopped short of proposing a clearly defined alternative system.
Odinkalu noted that the former Nigerian leader, who himself unsuccessfully sought a constitutional amendment to secure a third presidential term in 2006, questioned the suitability of liberal democracy for Africa without articulating what should replace it.
According to him, leaders across different political traditions on the continent now appear to be conducting “experiments” that are gradually eroding democratic governance under the guise of finding alternatives to the Western democratic model.
He said the signs are becoming increasingly evident across Africa, where constitutional institutions are being weakened, opposition voices suppressed, elections manipulated, and constitutional term limits altered or ignored to keep incumbents in power.
Recent developments across the continent appear to reinforce Odinkalu’s concerns. In Tunisia, President Kais Saied has been accused of dismantling democratic institutions after dissolving parliament, rewriting the constitution and expanding presidential powers following the country’s democratic transition after the Arab Spring.
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has remained in office since 1986 after constitutional amendments removed presidential age limits and term restrictions, while opposition politicians continue to allege harassment and electoral irregularities.
Similarly, Rwanda amended its constitution in 2015, enabling President Paul Kagame to potentially remain in office until 2034, a move criticised by democracy advocates despite strong domestic support for his administration.
In Togo, constitutional changes have enabled President Faure Gnassingbé, whose family has ruled the country for decades, to further consolidate power under a restructured political system that opposition groups argue undermines democratic accountability.
The situation has also deteriorated in parts of West Africa where military coups have interrupted constitutional rule. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are currently under military governments following coups between 2020 and 2023. In each case, the juntas justified their takeovers by citing insecurity, corruption and poor governance, but democratic transitions have either been delayed or remain uncertain.
In Guinea, the military seized power in 2021, suspended the constitution and dissolved democratic institutions, while elections promised by the junta have yet to restore civilian rule.
Elsewhere, political tensions have continued to mount in countries such as Zimbabwe, where opposition parties have repeatedly questioned the credibility of elections, and South Sudan, where repeated postponements of elections have prolonged a fragile transitional government.
Odinkalu argued that these developments reflect a broader continental trend in which governments increasingly concentrate power while weakening institutions meant to guarantee accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
“Wherever you look around the continent today, a government of the people, for the people and by the people is beleaguered and troubled,” he stated.
Political analysts note that Africa’s democratic journey has become increasingly fragile in recent years, with military coups, constitutional amendments extending presidential tenures, shrinking civic space, restrictions on media freedom and judicial interference becoming recurring features in several countries.
Precise Post recalls that Odinkalu’s intervention comes amid renewed debate over the future of democracy in Africa, as scholars and policymakers continue to grapple with whether the challenge lies with the democratic model itself or with the failure of political leaders to faithfully implement its principles.
He warned that unless African leaders recommit themselves to constitutionalism, credible elections, respect for term limits, judicial independence and accountable governance, the continent risks further democratic backsliding, with profound consequences for political stability, human rights, economic development and public trust in government.
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has welcomed the appointment of Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), describing the choice as a fitting recognition of competence and experience.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker commended President Tinubu for appointing one of his former top aides to serve as the key liaison between the Presidency and the House of Representatives.
Abbas said the President had once again demonstrated remarkable political judgment by entrusting the strategic position to Olanrewaju-Smart, whom he described as “the right person for the job.”
The Speaker noted that the appointment, which elevates Olanrewaju-Smart from his previous role as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, was well deserved considering his wealth of experience in legislative affairs and public administration.
Before joining the Presidency in October 2023, Olanrewaju-Smart served as Chief of Staff to Speaker Abbas. He had earlier occupied the same position under the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who is now the Chief of Staff to the President.
According to Abbas, Olanrewaju-Smart’s impressive record of service, deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and democratic governance, as well as his commitment to duty, make him eminently qualified for the new responsibility.
The Speaker further described the appointee as a brilliant, hardworking and patriotic Nigerian whose integrity and dedication to national service have distinguished him throughout his career.
He expressed optimism that Olanrewaju-Smart’s new role as the bridge between the Executive and the Legislature would further deepen cooperation, enhance legislative-executive relations and facilitate smoother engagement between the Presidency and the National Assembly.
Abbas also wished the new presidential adviser a successful tenure and prayed that Allah grants him the wisdom, strength and guidance required to discharge the responsibilities of his office effectively.
Olanrewaju-Smart holds a PhD in Educational Management from Lead City University, Ibadan, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. He is an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, where he specialised in artificial intelligence and civic technology. He also holds a professional diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations.
President Tinubu announced Olanrewaju-Smart’s appointment on Sunday, naming him Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives) with immediate effect, following the resignation of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who stepped down to pursue an elective office in his home state.
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), with immediate effect.
The appointment, announced on Sunday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, follows the resignation of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who stepped down from the position to pursue an elective office in his home state.
According to the Presidency, Olanrewaju-Smart brings to the role a rich blend of academic excellence, public policy expertise and extensive legislative experience spanning more than a decade within the National Assembly and the Presidency.
The new presidential aide holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Management from Lead City University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.
He is also an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and possesses a professional diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations.
In addition, he served as a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, where he specialised in artificial intelligence and civic technology.
His career in the National Assembly began as Research and Media Assistant to the Minority and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives during the 7th and 8th Assemblies.
He later rose through the ranks, serving as Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff, and eventually Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 9th and 10th Assemblies.
In October 2023, Olanrewaju-Smart joined the Presidency as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until his latest appointment.
The Presidency noted that he has contributed to the development of several major public policy initiatives and legislative reforms, including work on the landmark Interest-Free Student Loan Act.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the new Special Adviser would leverage his wealth of experience, intellectual capacity and commitment to enhance legislative coordination and deepen collaboration between the Presidency, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and the House of Representatives.
Precise Post reminds that the appointment takes immediate effect.
LAGOS – The Lagos State Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Mr Richard Benson, has called on opposition political parties to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Benson said opposition parties should work assiduously towards providing a credible alternative capable of delivering good governance, accountability and ethical leadership in Lagos State.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
According to him, the unity of opposition parties is necessary to ensure a change of government and deepen democratic governance.
He said that such collaboration would promote youth development, inclusiveness, equity, social justice, public participation, competence and integrity in leadership.
Benson said: “I call on all opposition parties in Lagos State to come together and take over power from the ruling APC.
“This will bring about good governance, accountability, youth development, inclusiveness, equity, social justice, greater public participation, competence and proper integrity in leadership.
“Our vision is centred on ethical leadership. We believe Lagos deserves a government that is accountable to the people and committed to democratic values.”
Benson alleged that governance in the state had been characterised by practices that favoured particular interests and sections of society.
He said a change in political leadership would create opportunities for broader participation in governance and ensure fairness for all residents.
He said: “The opposition must have a united front to ensure that power changes hands in the 2027 General Elections.
“The general public will benefit if power changes hands because there will be inclusiveness and greater democratic participation at all levels.”
The DLA chairman said the party remained committed to promoting good governance, accountable leadership and sustainable national development through democratic principles.
According to him, the party represents the credible alternative many Nigerians desire.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance is committed to promoting good governance, accountable leadership and sustainable national development through democratic principles.
“Under the leadership of Barr. Samuel Memeh, the party aspires to build a country with strong institutions, accountable leaders, national development, youth empowerment and sustainable progress.”
Benson said the DLA had visionary leaders who placed national interest above personal ambition.
He added that the party would continue to promote ethical leadership, inclusive governance and sustainable development.
“We must build a society where justice prevails, opportunities are accessible to every citizen and institutions remains strong. (NAN)
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted its National Campaign Council and 12 specialised sub-committees to coordinate its campaign activities ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announcing the composition of the campaign structure and the date for its formal inauguration.
According to the statement, the National Campaign Council will be chaired by the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
The council has the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as co-chairmen.
Also appointed is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Kabir Masari, who will serve as Deputy Chairman, while the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, will serve as Secretary of the council.
The APC said the campaign council comprises eminent party leaders, governors, members of the National Working Committee, principal officers of the National Assembly, ministers, federal and state lawmakers, as well as other key stakeholders drawn from across the country to drive the party’s campaign toward victory in the Osun governorship election.
To ensure effective coordination and implementation of campaign activities, the party also constituted 12 specialised sub-committees covering Election Planning and Management; Finance and Resource Mobilisation; Contact, Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation; Logistics and Campaign Management; Monitoring and Compliance; Protocol; Media and Publicity; Security; Youth Mobilisation; Special Interest (Persons with Disabilities) Mobilisation; Women’s Mobilisation; and Secretariat functions.
The APC announced that the National Campaign Council and its sub-committees will be inaugurated on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Event Centre, Abuja, by 12 noon, marking the formal commencement of the party’s coordinated campaign efforts ahead of the Osun governorship poll.
