Politics
Democracy remains best governance option – Lai Mohammed
A former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has reiterated that democracy is the most effective system of governance despite its inherent flaws.
Mohammed made this statement on Wednesday during a high-level interactive session at St John’s College, Cambridge, organized by the Cambridge University Nigeria Society.
The event gathered Nigerian students and scholars in the diaspora for an open discussion regarding the state of democracy, governance, and development in Nigeria.
In response to concerns raised during the session about the efficacy of democracy in light of low educational access, he emphasized that the true challenge does not lie in the principle of equal voting rights, but rather in the socio-economic conditions that influence voter behavior.
He pointed out that enhancing access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, is essential for improving democratic outcomes.
Discussing the connection between insecurity and social exclusion, the former Minister stated that insurgency and banditry are partly fueled by poverty, lack of education, and marginalization. He stressed that military action alone is inadequate, advocating instead for a comprehensive approach that incorporates non-kinetic strategies such as education and economic development.
Earlier in his speech, Mohammed emphasized the vital role of communication in governance, referring to it as the “lifeblood” that links leadership to the populace.
He contended that governance in the contemporary era cannot thrive without intentional, strategic, and credible communication.
“Communication is not merely a supportive function of governance; it is fundamental to it.
“It serves as the connection between the state and its citizens, the mechanism through which policies are articulated, legitimacy is established, and trust is maintained,” he said.
Drawing from his distinctive experience as both an opposition spokesperson and a government spokesperson, he underscored the evolution of political communication in the digital age.
“We have transitioned from a top-down approach to engaging in real-time public dialogue. Today, citizens do not merely receive information; they question it, challenge it, and actively influence the narrative,” he stated, cautioning that governments must evolve to this changing landscape by becoming more transparent, responsive, and consistent in their communication strategies.
Reflecting on his tenure, Alhaji Mohammed highlighted the administration’s implementation of multi-platform communication strategies that encompassed traditional media, digital platforms, and direct engagement with citizens as a significant achievement.
“We shifted communication from one-way broadcasting to meaningful interaction. We listened as much as we communicated, and we integrated citizens’ feedback into governance,” he remarked.
Drawing on examples from his recent publication, Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration, he emphasized the importance of communication in governance and demonstrated how communication strategies were crucial in crisis management, narrative shaping, and defending national interests.
Regarding Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he characterized communication as the nation’s most vital tool in the absence of vaccines and treatments.
“During a period when there was neither cure nor vaccine, communication served as our most potent weapon. We utilized it to encourage behavioral changes, social distancing, mask-wearing, and hygiene practices, which proved to be highly effective,” he noted.
He pointed out that the high level of public adherence to these measures significantly contributed to mitigating the pandemic’s effects in Nigeria and lowering projected fatalities.
Addressing the $9.6 billion P&ID arbitration case, Alhaji Mohammed remarked that communication also played a crucial role in the outcome, explaining that the government employed a dual strategy that combined legal action with vigorous media engagement.
“We recognized that our battle extended beyond the courtroom and into the realm of public perception. It was essential for us to redefine the global narrative and frame the situation as one of fraud against Nigeria,” he stated.
Regarding the EndSARS protests, he characterized the incident as a prime illustration of how misinformation and disinformation can exacerbate crises.
“The digital era has not only increased the velocity of information dissemination but has also heightened the proliferation of false information. Unverified accounts can escalate tensions and misrepresent the truth,” he cautioned.
He further commented on the contentious choice to suspend Twitter (now referred to as X), labeling it as one of the most challenging decisions of his administration.
“It was a difficult decision. We were acutely aware of the economic and social ramifications. However, in governance, the public’s interest must take precedence over personal interests,” he remarked, emphasizing that the choice was motivated by concerns regarding national security and the responsible management of digital platforms.
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Politics
NDC: Peter Obi present when motion for party supremacy was passed – Dickson
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, has revealed that the poo party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was president when the motion for party supremacy was passed.
Speaking at the NDC stakeholder’s meeting on Thursday, Dickson said appointments and nominations will be done with consensus of the party and stakeholders.
Dickson was speaking on the party’s directive mandating affiliated groups like the Obidient Movement to operate under NDC supervision
According to him, they do not want somebody to win and run a one man show.
“His Excellency, Peter Obi was there when this motion on party supremacy was moved by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and seconded by Senator Victor Umeh, and it was put to vote and passed.
“Every elected officer of this party must implement the programmes and policies not according to his or her whims and caprices, but programmes and policies of this party that will be analyzed, discussed, debated, and agreed.
“So, whether in the National Assembly or everywhere, we want to build an institution in this country. We may not get it one year or two years, but that’s our vision. So we say government policies and programmes must align with the parties, and a team is fine tuning certain things, which we will present to the public.
“Now, the second element is that appointments and nominations will be done with consensus of the party and stakeholders at all levels,” Dickson said.
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Politics
APC elders warn Tinubu may face electoral risk in Adamawa over candidate imposition
Members of the APC Elders Forum in Adamawa Central senatorial zone have warned that President Bola Tinubu could face difficulties winning Adamawa State in the 2027 election if concerns over the alleged imposition of candidates are not addressed.
Speaking at a press conference in Yola on Thursday, the group’s spokesperson, Mohammed Jimeta, said the ruling party risks repeating mistakes that contributed to the PDP’s defeat in 2015.
Referring to the 2015 governorship election in Adamawa, Jimeta said, “In 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP chieftains sat in Abuja and appointed the present National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as the governorship candidate, but the people of Adamawa State voted for the person they wanted as governor.”
He questioned the emergence of Mustapha Salihu as the party’s senatorial candidate, arguing that Salihu contested for governorship rather than the Senate during the primaries.
“The President himself knows that Mustapha Salihu did not contest for the Senate; he contested for governor. It was Abdulraheem Abbati who contested for the Senate in the Central senatorial zone. So, how can Salihu become the senatorial candidate in the zone?” Jimeta asked.
The elders insisted that, for fairness and justice, the ticket should be given to Abdulraheem Abbati, who they said legitimately contested for the seat.
Jimeta also argued that several local government areas in the zone have produced senators over the years, while Yola North has yet to be given the opportunity.
“Salihu and Senator Abbas are from the same local government area, so why is the APC showing bias against the people of Yola North? A few individuals are trying to deny Abbati the ticket,” he said.
The group further called on National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to help prevent what they described as an injustice, warning that failure to resolve the issue could hurt both the APC governorship candidate and President Tinubu in future elections.
“There will be two losers—the Adamawa State APC governorship candidate and the President. To avert the looming political setback, the issue should be addressed now,” Jimeta stated.
He added that Abbati worked for Tinubu’s success in the state during the last election, saying, “Abbati was the returning officer for President Tinubu in Shelleng Local Government Area, even when some enemies of the APC in Adamawa State were working secretly against him.”
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Politics
Osun Guber: Labour Party urges calm amid rising political violence
The Osun State chapter of the Labour Party has appealed for calm following recent incidents of political violence, including reported gunshots and killings in parts of the state.
The state chairman of the party, Mustapha Adebayo Muhydeen, made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday, expressing concern over what he described as a disturbing rise in politically motivated violence.
Muhydeen said the development was a source of worry and urged political stakeholders and their supporters to embrace peace as political activities continue ahead of future elections in the state.
He recalled that during his inauguration as the chairman of the Labour Party in Osun on April 25, 2026, he had stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence among residents before, during, and after the August 15 governorship election.
According to him, “the recent incidents threaten the stability and democratic progress of the state and should not be allowed to continue.”
“The Labour Party in Osun State is deeply concerned about the recent spate of violence, including gunshots and reported loss of lives in some communities. We call on all political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint and allow peace to prevail.”
The party chairman urged security agencies to intensify efforts to maintain law and order across the state and ensure that those responsible for acts of violence are identified and prosecuted.
He maintained that political competition should not degenerate into violence, adding that democracy can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Muhydeen stated, “No political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. We urge all stakeholders to put the interest of Osun State above partisan differences and ensure that peace is not compromised.”
He also sympathised with families affected by the recent violence and called for justice and support for victims of the unrest.
The Labour Party chairman advised youths across the state not to allow themselves to be used by politicians as agents of violence, warning that such actions could have lasting consequences for their future.
Muhydeen reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peaceful political engagement and urged residents to remain calm while relevant authorities address the situation.
He stressed that dialogue and lawful engagement remain the appropriate means of resolving political differences in a democratic society.
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