The Federal Government has announced that Thursday will be observed as a public holiday to mark the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.

This announcement was made in a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Magdalene Ajani, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ajani revealed that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, declared the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government and extended congratulations to Nigerians for maintaining 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.

“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He further added, “The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength, and courage, and a hope renewed than ever.”

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the commitment of the Renewed Hope government under President Bola Tinubu to uphold the universal value of democracy, which is grounded in the freely-expressed will of the people in shaping Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural systems.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the only credible opposition force capable of providing a strong challenge in Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This came as the Anambra State chapter of the PDP pleaded with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to return to the party.

Obi defected to LP when he felt he could not achieve his presidential ambition within the PDP fold.

In response, sources in Obi’s media camp and the Obidient Movement said that their principal is a member of the Labour Party for now.

Speaking during a strategic engagement with party stakeholders, Saraki, who is the Chairman of the PDP Reconciliation Committee, expressed optimism over the party’s capacity to regain stability and mobilise effectively despite the current wave of defections.

He noted that while some members have exited the party, an encouraging number of new entrants have continued to swell its ranks nationwide.

“The only viable opposition party remains the PDP,” Saraki declared.

“Yes, we are experiencing some challenges, but I am confident in our ability to overcome them. There is already positive momentum.”

“People are returning to the party and new members are joining. This speaks volumes about the enduring strength of our platform,” he added.

Saraki emphasised that rebuilding efforts were already yielding results, citing recent meetings of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and ongoing reconciliation activities.

He said these efforts were designed to reposition the PDP for a stronger, more united outing in the next election cycle.

“We started early, and that gives us an advantage. We have two solid years to do the necessary groundwork.”

“Some members may still leave, but many more are joining us.
What is most important is that our foundation remains strong, and our resolve to present a credible alternative remains unshaken,” he stated.

The former Kwara State governor, who also completed his re-registration as a member of the PDP, described the response from grassroots supporters as highly encouraging.

He said the level of enthusiasm among both old and new members, particularly at the ward and local government levels, signals a resurgence of confidence in the party’s mission and direction.

“People are associating with the PDP again. They want to be seen and counted as members of this party. That says a lot about where we stand with the masses. Our base remains active and energized,” he said.

Saraki attributed the renewed interest in the PDP to growing dissatisfaction with governance at the federal and state levels.

He pointed to rising insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and a perceived lack of responsive leadership as key drivers of the public’s yearning for change.

“People are tired of the current state of affairs. They are yearning for a return to purposeful leadership and credible governance. That is what the PDP represents,” he added.

He assured party members and supporters nationwide that the PDP leadership is committed to internal reconciliation and strategic rebuilding, all geared toward repositioning the party to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“Democracy cannot thrive without a vibrant opposition. We must all be ready to make personal and collective sacrifices to strengthen the democratic process. That is our commitment in the PDP,” he submitted.

Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement camp also insisted that the 2023 presidential candidate is a member of the coalition’s camp.

The PDP made the call after the enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) to review the state of the party and chart a way forward in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The communique, which was signed by Chidi Chidebe, Chairman of PDP in Anambra, said alliances with ideologically incompatible political formations in the guise of coalitions would likely not yield the desired success.

“The committee extends an open invitation to all aggrieved and former members of the PDP in Anambra, particularly our revered former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, to return home and reunite with the now rejuvenated and restructured PDP.”

“We will gladly welcome our brothers and sisters back to join us in the collective quest for a better Nigeria,” he said.

He told the Anambra electorate to support Mr. Jude Ezenwafor and his running mate, Mr. Francis Okeke, in the November governorship election while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair, transparent, and impartial electoral process.

“We call on the good people of Anambra to remain steadfast in their historic support for the PDP and to come out en masse to vote for our candidates,” he said.

He announced the unanimous nomination of Chief Clems Ezike to fill the vacant position of National Ex-Officio from Anambra and urged the South-East Zonal Executive Committee under Chief Ali Odefa to recognise and transmit the same to the national secretariat.

He also commended the party leadership for a successful National Executive Committee meeting on May 27 and expressed satisfaction with the template for resolution of its internal crisis.

The Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its commitment to forming alliances with other political parties to enhance governance both in the state and across Nigeria.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia on Saturday, the party’s state chairman, Don Obinna, said the ADC aims to secure various political offices in the 2027 elections, including the governorship of Abia State, as part of efforts to improve the quality of life for citizens and generate employment.

Obinna revealed that many politicians in Abia from different political backgrounds had indicated interest in joining the ADC.

He urged existing members to remain active and engaged in the party’s activities to retain their positions.

While acknowledging that the formation of alliances might lead to some loyal members being edged out, he clarified that the goal was constructive, not destructive.

He stated, “Although the alliance could result in many party faithful being displaced, its objective is not to destroy but to build the party.”

Explaining his reason for embracing the coalition effort, Obinna added, “I joined the coalition because I saw the need for Abia to have good governance.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of the current state governor but stressed that more was needed to address key issues like unemployment.

“The Abia governor is working,” he said, “but it is not enough to reduce the state’s unemployment rate, which stands at about 18.7 per cent.”

He emphasized that effective governance must touch all aspects of life for the people of Abia, saying the ADC is poised to bring about meaningful change.

“Good governance should impact every aspect of the lives of Abia residents,” he asserted, adding, “ADC was coming to change the story of the Abia people.”

The event’s keynote speaker, Uzoma Afamefuna, a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede in Imo State, echoed similar concerns.

He noted that the present administration had failed to confront the core challenges facing the public.

“The government in power had yet to address the real problems of the people,” Afamefuna said.

He underscored the importance of coalition-building to redirect Nigeria’s democratic trajectory and ensure a citizen-focused leadership approach.

“The good governance being clamoured for would solve most of the problems, especially insecurity,” he said.

According to him, the ADC’s initiative represents a significant step in the right direction.

“What ADC is doing today is what would advance Nigeria’s democracy because it would unlock Nigerians’ political potential to decide on their leaders,” Afamefuna concluded.

Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West in the Nigerian Senate, has announced plans to resign from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable differences with some recent entrants into the party, particularly former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

In an interview with journalists in Keffi on Sunday, Wadada said that while El-Rufai is his elder brother, he cannot share the same political platform with someone whose principles he no longer respects.

“Even though Malam El-Rufai is my elder brother, I don’t think I can stay with him in the SDP because he is not a principled politician,” Wadada stated.

The senator criticized El-Rufai’s political realignment, recalling his strong support for power rotation to the South and his key role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate and eventual winner.

Wadada questioned what had changed between then and now to warrant El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP, especially following his failure to secure a ministerial appointment.

“What changed in President Tinubu between the time El-Rufai supported him and now that he has defected to the SDP?” he asked.

Wadada described the move as self-serving and inconsistent with the values he believes a public servant should uphold.

He went on to praise Senator Abdullahi Adamu as a model of consistency and integrity, citing Adamu’s support for Senator Ahmad Lawan during the APC primaries and his continued loyalty to the APC even after Lawan’s loss.

“That’s the kind of politics I respect, principled, not opportunistic,” he said.

On national matters, Senator Wadada acknowledged the current economic hardships stemming from the removal of fuel subsidies, but expressed hope, pointing out that state governments now have more resources for development.

He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for effectively using subsidy savings to improve infrastructure and welfare in the state.

“In Nasarawa State, the impact of the oil subsidy funds is visible everywhere, even to the most gullible and the blind,” he added.

Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, has announced his decision to leave the Labour Party (LP) and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, revealed that he would formally declare for the APC on Thursday, June 12, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He attributed his defection to what he described as the LP’s total lack of direction and leadership.

According to Imasuen, “As we speak today, the Labour Party, LP has lost direction, is a party that you cannot really say who is the Chairman of the party, the party has lost direction.”

“I heard from some quarters that with the crisis in the Labour Party, it may be difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to download the name of the candidate because of the issue of who is the authentic national Chairman of the party.”

He lamented the party’s fragmentation and ideological confusion, saying, “Over the past months, it has become increasingly clear to me that the Labour Party as it currently stands, has become disconnected from the aspirations of the very Nigerians it seeks to lead.”

“Internal divisions, lack of ideological clarity, and inability to provide a credible, forward-looking agenda have made it difficult for leaders like me to pursue the reform of the political party.”

Imasuen also cited his admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating that the president’s courage and reform policies were part of what influenced his decision.

“The APC offers a more viable platform through which I can develop my national interest. The APC is a platform through which I can effectively serve my constituents. Advocating for progressive policies, I help move Nigeria forward.”

He continued, “I am also very happy that we have somebody like the President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is steering the ship of affairs today. I say so because of his courage. It takes courage to be able to do what he has done, and what he continues to do.”

“He has brought about certain policies that I believe that, as a matter of time, will begin to yield dividends. He’s not afraid to take on those issues that many of his predecessors stayed away from, just because they are interested in elections.”

“And for that, I salute him, and that is why I admire him because of that courage that he has to push the ship forward.”

Following his defection, the APC now has 69 senators in the 10th National Assembly, further consolidating its majority in the upper chamber.

When the two senators officially announce their defection at the Senate chamber, APC representation will increase to 71, while PDP’s will drop to 28. The numbers for the other parties will remain: LP – 4; NNPP – 1; SDP – 2; and APGA – 1.

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transport and two-term governor of Rivers State, recently marked his 60th birthday.

Known for his pivotal role in Nigerian opposition politics, particularly the rise of the APC in 2015, Amaechi spoke candidly in a monitored interview about politics, electoral reform, state capture, poverty, and his views on the current political terrain.

Amaechi started by addressing the politics around his rise to governorship.

“Nobody made me a governor but God, Dr. Peter Odili, and the Nigerian judiciary.”

He added, “I went to court. Lateef Fagbemi was my lawyer. He’s now the Attorney General of the Federation. Maybe you should ask him.”

He also denied claims about offering Wike the position of Commissioner for Finance, clarifying, “I want him as Chief of Staff so that I can supervise him.”

Asked if this supervision meant Wike was renegade, Amaechi insisted, “No. It’s a governor supervising his staff.”

He urged to “Discuss my 60th birthday, let’s move forward.”

Reflecting on his achievements, Amaechi expressed gratitude: “Every time I speak, I seem to want to first thank God, then I thank Dr. Peter Odili and his wife for the role they played in my life… God used this man to bless me.” He credited the 2015 APC victory to the transparency under then-INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega, saying, “If the current Chairman of INEC was the Chairman of the electoral body in 2015, we would not have won.”

On his performance as governor, he challenged critics, “I’m prepared to ask you to open your phone and call people from Rivers State.”

He noted his infrastructure projects: “I built six flyovers… I built primary schools also. Let any other governor who has built more primary schools come forward.” Sadly, he lamented the neglect of his projects after leaving office: “Abandoned! Vandalized… That’s why I don’t go to Rivers State because it gives you mental disorder.”

He highlighted other accomplishments: “I began and completed the railway from Lagos to Ibadan… I began and completed the Lekki Deep Seaport… I commenced the construction of Kano-Kaduna Railway… I started the Kano-Maradi Railway, and it’s going on.”

On personal legacy, he recalled his son’s advice: “If you do something that rubs off on the name Amaechi, then it affects all of us.”

Amaechi reflected on Nigeria’s electoral system: “Looking at the way Nigeria had run elections… there was a lot of transparency and you were sure of what was going on.”

He criticized the current INEC leadership: “The current man, if you complied with all the requirements, he would not register you. Already INEC is biased.” He accused INEC of “state capture using the electoral institution as a machine.”

When asked about electoral reform, he said, “I wish the National Assembly could amend the Constitution and allow Jega to remain there until we are able to get electoral reform right.” He warned, “If there is no electoral reform, then there has to be a man of conscience.”

Amaechi also criticized INEC’s party registration practices: “They’re not allowing the opposition to register political parties… INEC has taken sides. INEC is no longer the umpire.”

Amaechi was just 34 when he became Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

He recalled, “The process was a bit more transparent than you have now… The judiciary was given their due respect.” He spoke of managing a strong opposition and working toward results for the state.

Asked about his motivation for joining politics, Amaechi described his education reforms: “We ran a free and compulsory education… We expanded by building more schools and more classrooms.”

He noted improvements in health care, including hiring more doctors and providing cars and housing for health workers.

Sadly, he observed the decay of many of these projects: “I wish you can take a tour… Why do you think it’s no longer there?”

When asked about his shift away from the APC, Amaechi said, “I’m grateful to Buhari for the opportunity to be the director general of the campaign… But outside that, I don’t want to talk about the APC or the opposition alliance.”

On the 2027 elections and opposition coalition, he said, “Before we can even start, the INEC Chairman has ruled out the registration of a new party… So supposing we come together and we have no party?”

Regarding the state of emergency in Rivers State, Amaechi argued, “The president was not right… the Constitution does not give the president the power to suspend any governor.”

Amaechi stressed, “This militancy could be found in every part of the country because it has to do with poverty… Politicians have weaponized poverty. It’s unintended.”

He questioned government spending: “Where’s the money the president saved from the removal of fuel subsidy? The president removed the subsidy… where’s the money?”

Amaechi declared, “I’m an Ikwerre man… If you ask an Ikwerre man ‘who you are’, he will say ‘I’m an Ikwerre man’.” He acknowledged minority views including his own.

“There’s a very tiny minority that accepts they are Igbo which includes me.” He explained his political stance, “I didn’t like the way the Igbo were being treated… and in protest, I began to wear the ‘Isi Agu’ Igbo traditional wear with red cap.”