The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for a comprehensive forensic audit of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries before any steps are taken toward their sale.

The party alleges that over $20.8 billion in public funds have been squandered on repeated rehabilitation efforts that yielded no results.

In a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, the ADC expressed alarm over recent statements by the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) indicating an intent to fully privatise the refineries.

The ADC described the proposed sale as “premature, suspicious and potentially criminal,” especially coming on the heels of government claims that some of the facilities had resumed partial operations.

“It is deeply troubling that after spending over $18 billion across successive All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations, and an additional $2.8 billion under the present government, there is still no tangible improvement in refining capacity. Now, the same government wants to quietly sell off these assets. Nigerians deserve to know: what exactly is being sold – scrap or sovereign assets?” the party stated.

The ADC raised concerns about the Bola Tinubu administration’s transparency, warning that such moves risk undervaluing national assets and transferring them to allies or insiders under the guise of reform.

“The approach could lead to the undervaluation and sale of national assets to cronies or even to themselves under the guise of reforms,” the statement continued.

The opposition party accused successive governments of using the guise of Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) to perpetuate corruption and mismanagement.

It labelled the refineries as “a black hole for public funds.”

Referencing recent remarks by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, the ADC highlighted his skepticism about the functionality of state refineries and pointed to his private refinery as the only viable refining operation in the country.

“If the goal was always to privatise, then the billions of dollars spent were either wasted or were part of a long-running scam,” the ADC declared.

In light of these developments, the ADC is calling for a full forensic audit, financial, technical, and structural of all funds allocated for refinery rehabilitation from 2010 to date.

The party also demanded an independent technical assessment of the current condition and operational viability of all refineries.

Furthermore, the ADC insists that the findings be made public in a legislative hearing, with the participation of civil society groups, anti-corruption agencies, and industry experts.

“Until these conditions are met, any attempt to privatise the refineries must be deemed illegitimate and resisted,” the party warned.

For the ADC, the issue transcends fiscal responsibility, it is a matter of public trust.

“If the government truly believes in reform, then it must begin with the truth. What we are witnessing is not a policy decision; it is a cover-up,” the party said.

A South-West socio-political group, Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, and the apex Igbo cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo have shared their perspectives on whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi can unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Akin Malaolu, president of Yoruba Ronu, heralded Atiku’s recent resignation from the PDP as “bold and strategic,” suggesting it positions him to exploit the perceived failures of the Tinubu government and the worsening economic situation.

He said “Tinubu squandered the goodwill he inherited from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s northern support base and the so‑called 12 million ‘block votes.’ Atiku is now strategically positioned to step into that vacuum and reap what Tinubu failed to consolidate in 2023.”

He criticised Tinubu’s policy approach as applying a “Lagos and South-West mindset” to national politics, which he believes alienated northern stakeholders, including Nasir El‑Rufai and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Malaolu added:

“Atiku’s exit from PDP is the final piece that could dismantle Tinubu’s hold on power. … The economic hardship, growing discontent in the North, and Atiku’s likely alliance with the ADC, backed by support from the South‑South and Southeast, create a strong front that could sweep Tinubu out in 2027.”

Still, he allowed that Tinubu retains “a narrow window to reclaim public confidence,” provided he effectively tackles insecurity and the economic crisis.

In an Abakaliki statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Deputy National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, advised that attention should shift to Peter Obi rather than Atiku.

He asserted that Obi “still commands overwhelming influence in the South-East” and predicted a repeat of the 2023 voting pattern in 2027 if Tinubu fails to resolve insecurity in the region and release detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Isiguzoro reflected on the changed political terrain following Muhammadu Buhari’s death, stating:

“The political ascendancy of Mr Peter Obi presents a formidable challenge that the Presidency must address with renewed vigour and strategic recalibration.”

He warned; “Failure to adapt and respond effectively to the pressing needs of the nation particularly in the realms of economic policy reform, national restructuring, infrastructural development, security enhancement, food security and mostly release of Kanu will severely undermine President Tinubu’s prospects and give Obi an edge if he becomes a presidential ticket.”

He also emphasised Igbo community aspirations like the creation of a sixth South‑East state, reopening the Calabar seaport, completing federal roads, modernising railway infrastructure, and releasing Nnamdi Kanu.

Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s presidential candidate, accused some coalition figures of corruptly “hijacking” the party. He claimed that state chairmen are being offered up to ₦20 million to resign. He warned:

“This fake coalition is staging events in different parts of the country, where they pay poor Nigerians to say they are decamping from other parties to the ADC.”

He challenged the coalition’s intentions, noting:

“Our constitution still doesn’t allow you to assume those offices. … If you succeed in paying off all the ADC party officials … what next?”

He further alleged that former Vice President Atiku has orchestrated this attempt:

“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar … orchestrated this charade for his personal benefit. … He almost truncated President Obasanjo’s return for a second term … After eight years of late President Buhari … Atiku believes it was morally right for him to be the presidential flag bearer of the PDP …”

Kachikwu insisted ADC was not for sale:

“The ADC is not for sale and is not an old people’s home. We are a party that believes Nigeria needs fresh faces, fresh ideals and fresh ideas. This current political war is the war of the old for the old; it is not our fight.”

Samuel Ortom, former Benue State governor and member of the PDP’s G5 bloc, explained his opposition to Atiku in 2023, stating that the G5 believed the presidency should rotate to the South after Buhari’s eight-year term. On Arise TV, Ortom said:

“I acted as I did because we had expected the PDP to uphold equity, fairness, and justice … When the majority of PDP members supported a northern candidate, we deemed it unjust.”

As chairman of the PDP’s zoning committee, he said “I presented the committee’s report as it was, and the NEC made the final call. I couldn’t override the collective decision.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ending a decades-long affiliation with the opposition party.

In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Atiku announced his decision to leave the party effective immediately.

The former Vice President, who has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a multiple-time presidential candidate, expressed deep appreciation to the PDP for the platform it provided him over the years.

“I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to serve and grow politically under the PDP,” Atiku stated in the letter.

Former presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina has stated that former President Muhammadu Buhari might not have lived as long as he did if he had relied on Nigerian hospitals for medical treatment.

Speaking on Channels Television during the station’s special coverage of Buhari’s funeral on Tuesday, Adesina responded to criticisms surrounding the late president’s choice to seek medical care in the United Kingdom rather than in Nigeria.

“Those who criticised the death of Buhari in a London hospital should understand that the former president had always used London hospitals before he was elected president in May 2015,” Adesina said.

He further explained that the medical team in the UK had already been managing Buhari’s health prior to his presidency, and changing hospitals or doctors later would not have been advisable.

Adesina noted that “the UK doctors were already familiar with Buhari’s medical history and there was no need to change them.”

Highlighting a broader issue within the country’s healthcare system, Adesina said that some local hospitals do not have the resources or trained specialists capable of handling complex medical conditions like Buhari’s.

He emphasized that “some Nigerian hospitals lacked the facilities and expertise needed for the ex-president’s treatment.”

The National Assembly has announced the suspension of all legislative activities for one week in honour of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82.

This was disclosed in an official statement issued on Monday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.

“The National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mourns the passing of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who died yesterday, 13th July 2025, in London, United Kingdom.”

According to Ogunlana, the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives directed the suspension to honour Buhari’s contributions to the country.

“In honour of his legacy and service to the nation, I am directed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to inform members of the National Assembly and the general public that all legislative activities is suspended immediately until Tuesday, 22 July 2025.”

Lawmakers have been advised to adjust their schedules to fully participate in the burial ceremonies of the late former president.

“All members of the National Assembly are urged to reschedule their engagements to enable full participation in the burial activities of the late President.”

In its message of condolence, the leadership of both chambers expressed sympathy to the nation and Buhari’s family.

“On behalf of members and staff of the National Assembly, the leadership of both chambers extend heartfelt condolences to: The government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the government and people of Katsina State; His wife, children and entire Buhari family.”

The statement concluded with a tribute to the late leader’s values and faith.

“President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered for his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and his integrity. May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”