Senator Adeola,

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola (popularly known as Yayi), has alleged that the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari borrowed over $400 billion in an effort to stabilise the naira against the US dollar.

Speaking during the 2nd Edition of the Town Hall Meeting, Mega Empowerment, and Thank You Tour held in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, also stated that trillions of naira were spent on fuel subsidy payments, benefitting only a tiny fraction of Nigerians.

The Senator praised President Bola Tinubu for the bold policy moves of removing fuel subsidy and floating the naira, describing them as critical steps that saved the nation’s economy from collapse.

“When the president assumed office, he carried out two major policies that hit Nigerians hard. We now heave a sigh of relief,” he said.

Adeola explained that under the previous administration, large sums were borrowed annually to fund fuel subsidies.

He said, “First, he removed the fuel subsidy. He removed the fuel subsidy because the subsidy payment ended up in the hands of people who are less than 1% of Nigerians. Yearly, the former president would have to borrow huge amount of money in the tune of trillions of naira in order to pay fuel subsidy.”

“But when the current President, my father, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assumed office, the payment of subsidy elapsed the day the immediate past president handed over power to Tinubu. So, there was no fund budgeted for the continuous payment of the subsidy.”

“The government that left had stopped subsidy payment and when our father (referring to Tinubu) got to power, he said he could no longer afford to be borrowing huge amount of money that will end up in the hands of less than 1 percent of the country’s population, whereas the payment is made for all Nigerians.”

“Today, anyone can bring in fuel and sell it at your own price as far as it pays off. One person can own ten cars and the country is expected to pay subsidy on all the cars. But if there is no subsidy, your cars won’t be more than one or two.”

Addressing the second major policy shift, Adeola said, “The second policy has to do with the floating of the naira. Before, in order to stabilise the dollar to naira rate, we have to borrow money. We borrowed to suppress it.”

“By the time this government assumed office, the amount borrowed is well above 400billion dollars. In order to stabilise dollar to naira rate, we were also paying subsidy. That President had to stop that.”

Senator Adeola commended Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the policies have begun to steer the Nigerian economy in the right direction.

He urged Nigerians to be patient, assuring that the benefits of the tough decisions will become more evident over time.

On the empowerment event, Adeola explained that it was organized to thank and support the constituents of Yewa North for their loyalty during the 2023 general elections.

He added that similar programmes had already been held in Imeko-Afon LGA and would be extended to Yewa South, Ipokia, and Ado-Odo/Ota LGAs.

Highlighting his achievements, Adeola said he has used his role as Appropriation Committee Chairman to facilitate numerous developmental projects for Ogun West.

These include road construction, installation of power transformers and solar lights, establishment of ICT centres, construction of healthcare facilities, modern markets, and police stations.

He also announced that 3,000 students from across the six local government areas in Ogun West would receive scholarships and bursaries worth N200,000 and N100,000 each.

Adeola expressed gratitude to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for consistently supporting his initiatives and encouraged the people to continue backing the current state administration.

Earlier, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, in his remarks, described President Tinubu as a leader committed to the welfare of Nigerians.

He called for continued support for Tinubu’s administration and praised Senator Adeola’s efforts, saying, “In less than two years in office, the Senator has fulfilled his campaign promises.”

A pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the South West Stakeholders Forum, has reaffirmed that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the authentic National Secretary of the party.

The forum based its position on the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the dispute over the national scribe seat.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Alhaji Kola Ajayi, Coordinator of the South West PDP Stakeholders Forum, maintained that there is no ambiguity in the Supreme Court’s judgment.

He blamed the controversy on individuals he described as having biased, self-serving interpretations of the ruling.

The forum stated that it does not recognise the appointment of any other person as PDP National Secretary.

Ajayi’s statement read: “We members of the South West Stakeholders Forum, as a group interested in the growth of our great party, are concerned in the recent development relating to the position of the National Secretary.”

“We are convinced that there is no crisis as far as the position is concerned because Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the authentic National Secretary of the party.”

“Any other person is an impostor.”

The forum emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision had vindicated Senator Anyanwu.

“The Supreme Court judgement has vindicated Senator Anyanwu. So, we do not recognize Hon. Sunday Ude Okoye or anyone in acting capacity by the name Arc. Setonji Koshedo,” the forum declared.

They further criticised the party leadership, accusing them of not being firm enough in implementing the apex court’s ruling.

“We blame the misunderstanding on this position on the leadership of the party who are not firm enough in implementing the Supreme Court judgement,” Ajayi stated.

The forum appealed to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to allow Senator Anyanwu to remain in office until the expiration of the current NWC’s tenure.

“The national convention is around the corner, we are appealing to the party leadership not to aggravate the crisis within the party but allow the status quo remain while working internally to resolve differences at the national level and state chapters,” Ajayi said.

Expressing optimism about the party’s future, the forum said it was confident that the PDP would emerge stronger after the national convention and be well-positioned ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed a deep loss of faith in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating that he does not foresee any significant achievements under his governance before May 2027.

In an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akanda, a political show on Channels Television, Lukman shared his growing disappointment with Tinubu’s administration, revealing that his hopes for the President had faded.

Lukman explained, “For you to even expect something very wonderful to happen before May 2027, I will say you are a dreamer, I will wish you luck in your dream, but if it happens, it will be a pleasant surprise.”

The former APC leader pointed out that, after observing Tinubu’s leadership style, he realized that the President is not the progressive figure he once believed him to be.

Lukman noted that Tinubu is handling the country differently compared to how he managed Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

He went further to say, “For me, I have reached the conclusion that I don’t think anything good is going to come out and which is why we have to start organising. I have said so, this country can be fixed in our lifetime, and I pray to God to give us the strength and courage to engage our leaders.”

Lukman also recalled that he waited until July of the previous year before withdrawing his support for Tinubu, explaining that the President has increasingly isolated himself, even within his own party, making him inaccessible to many.

Having initially hoped that Tinubu would address the issues left behind by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Lukman admitted that Tinubu’s administration has unfortunately fallen short, leaving Buhari’s tenure looking better in comparison.

The ex-APC vice chair also discussed the current political landscape, stating that the failure of the APC necessitates a strong and foundational new coalition.

He emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes, particularly the failure of the APC, which he believes sacrificed the party for personal interests.

“If having gone through the APC and failed, we now organise another coalition that will become business as usual, which is why this initial negotiation we are really engaging ourselves.”

“So, we really have to, we owe it to Nigerians, and I am telling Nigerians that look, it is possible to fix this country in our lifetime,” he said.

Lukman insisted that the mistakes made by the APC should not be repeated in the formation of a new political alliance, stressing the importance of staying true to the core values and goals for a better Nigeria.

The Presidency has said the wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is purely voluntary and not influenced by President Bola Tinubu or any of his associates.

Responding to allegations of orchestrating a one-party state, the Presidency maintained that Nigeria’s democracy remains robust, stating that the freedom of association is being fully respected.

“Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for Tinubu are doing so out of their free will, based on the belief that the reforms being executed are in the interest of Nigerians and the unborn generation,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, in a statement issued Sunday.

The statement, titled ‘Democracy Strong and Alive in Nigeria,’ comes amid the latest defections, including those of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, commissioners, and local government chairmen.

Notably, Okowa had been the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections.

With major opposition parties like the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP currently dealing with internal crises and losing members to the APC, some critics have alleged that the ruling party is manipulating these defections to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections—an accusation the Presidency firmly rejected.

“The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs,” Onanuga stated.

He continued, “While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken and disillusioned over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of the promotion of a one-party state against President Bola Tinubu, who is working very hard to reverse decades of economic mismanagement of our country.”

Onanuga emphasized that, “Contrary to the false claims in the sponsored propaganda materials in circulation across mainstream and social media, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria. Accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated.”

He further stressed, “We must add that no policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency seeks to ‘dismantle democracy’ or ‘weaken opposition or create a one-party state.’”

Accusations that defections are driven by bribery, blackmail, or state weaponisation, the Presidency said, “only exist in the idle minds” of opposition figures and their sympathizers.

“It is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties,” the statement insisted.

Onanuga also challenged what he described as double standards among critics who had earlier celebrated former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s alleged defection to the Social Democratic Party and the building of a regional coalition aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027, but now complain about the APC’s growing strength.

He noted that, “Without any equivocation, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of choice are part of the cherished ideals of democracy.”

“When politicians and citizens can not freely join any association or political party of their choice or cannot openly express their views, democracy is imperilled.”

According to him, opposition figures and civil rights activists critical of the APC are the same ones who lament when their plans falter.

“It is hypocrisy writ large when opposition politicians and their collaborators in the ‘human rights’ movement desire that the party of the President should implode so they can gain electoral advantage and cry wolf when their wish does not materialise,” Onanuga added.

He warned that undermining the political decisions of Nigerians while applauding opposition coalitions is a “gross disservice to democracy.”

Onanuga affirmed that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s democracy remains vibrant and resilient, with the multiparty system secure.

“His administration remains resolutely committed to upholding and strengthening the democratic foundations upon which our Fourth Republic has stood since 1999. Politicians changing party affiliation is not new or peculiar to Nigeria,” he said.

Pointing to practices in advanced democracies where party-switching is not unusual, Onanuga praised both Tinubu and the APC’s National Working Committee, led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for building a political party that is attractive to Nigerians.

“President Tinubu is an avowed Democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy. His political activism and democratic credentials in galvanising and strengthening opposition platforms as a force that defeated a sitting President and the then ruling party attest to his profound credibility as a tested and relentless defender of multiparty democracy,” Onanuga stated.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to support efforts to protect democracy and to ignore alarmist narratives.

“We urge all Nigerians to join hands with the administration in protecting our democracy by respecting their choices and giving a wide berth to peddlers of alarming narratives rooted in fiction,” he said.

Dr. Jibril Mustapha, President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former leader of the Buhari Youth Organisation, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, Mustapha said Jonathan should respond to the growing appeals urging him to re-enter the presidential race.

“As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation believes that now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and support a candidate who can genuinely represent the interests of all Nigerians.”

“We urge former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider this call and to step forward as a candidate who can unite our country and lead us towards a brighter future,” he stated.

Highlighting the challenges facing Nigeria, including economic struggles, insecurity, unemployment, and widespread banditry, Mustapha stressed the need for a leader with proven integrity and a commitment to national unity.

“Nigeria is at a crossroads. We are grappling with significant issues that threaten our stability and progress.”

“We need a leader who can bring all Nigerians together, regardless of their background,” he added.

Mustapha praised Jonathan’s previous tenure, saying he demonstrated strong democratic principles and consistently prioritized the welfare of citizens.

The group believes that Jonathan possesses the vision and leadership experience necessary to steer the country towards recovery.

“His leadership style is one that fosters inclusivity and economic advancement, which is exactly what our nation needs at this critical juncture.”

“Under Jonathan’s leadership, we can work towards restoring Nigeria’s lost glory on the international stage and within our borders,” Mustapha emphasized.

Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) was originally a youth-driven support group for former President Muhammadu Buhari.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Jonathan had previously lost his re-election bid to Buhari in 2015.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility to run again was settled in 2022 when the Federal High Court in Bayelsa ruled in his favor.

Justice Dashen, who presided over the case, determined that Jonathan remained eligible to contest future presidential elections.

The judge explained that Jonathan’s assumption of office in 2010 followed the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, and that the constitutional provision limiting a president’s terms could not be retroactively applied to disqualify him.

Dashen further clarified that since no presidential election was conducted in 2010, Jonathan’s 2010 swearing-in could not be counted against him in terms of constitutional term limits.

Senator Godswill Akpabio,

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to popular social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, demanding he apologise for remarks made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding his trip to the Vatican for the Pope’s funeral.

In a viral video, VeryDarkMan criticised Akpabio, arguing that given the widespread insecurity across Nigeria, the Senate President should have prioritised visiting states like Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Ogun, and Enugu, which have been severely affected by violence, rather than travelling abroad.

According to the influencer, “the Senate President lacked the moral standing to attend the Pope’s funeral when he ought to be consoling communities affected by violence across the country.”

Reacting to the video, the South-South Zonal chapter of the APC condemned VeryDarkMan’s statements and, through a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, demanded an apology within a week.

The party’s warning was conveyed by Blessing Agbomhere, the Zonal Organizing Secretary of the South-South APC.

The statement read: “VeryDarkMan is becoming notorious for blackmail, slander, and character assassination while pretending to be an advocate for the masses and a social crusader.”

“The unwarranted verbal attack on the number three citizen of Nigeria, who did not send himself to Rome but was duly nominated by the President to lead a delegation to represent Nigeria — what exactly is wrong with that?”

The South-South APC defended the government’s approach to insecurity, stating, “Upon his return from France and the UK, Tinubu met with the security chiefs, and during the meeting, he gave them marching orders to ensure that a different approach is deployed in the fight against insecurity.”

“Does this sound like a man who is not serious about protecting the lives and property of Nigerians?”

The party further stressed that “the complex security problems in the country cannot be wished away with a wave of the hand.”

DAILY GAZETTE had earlier reported that Senate President Akpabio was appointed to head a high-profile Nigerian delegation to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City on Saturday.

This was confirmed through a statement issued Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.

The Nigerian delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

Onanuga explained, “The delegation will formally deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis’ passing to the Acting Head of the Vatican.”

President Tinubu had earlier paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just one day after presiding over Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

In his tribute, President Tinubu reflected that the Pope’s death immediately after the Easter celebration “symbolises a sacred return to his Maker, offering renewed hope to Christians worldwide.”