In a key legislative milestone, the Nigerian Senate has passed the final two bills in a sweeping tax reform package, marking the completion of the National Assembly’s work on all four proposed fiscal overhaul measures.

The approved bills now advance to the harmonisation stage, where a joint conference committee of the Senate and House of Representatives will reconcile any differences before transmitting the final versions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

Seen as a cornerstone of the administration’s fiscal strategy, the reform package is designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax framework, improve compliance, and bolster public revenue.

The Senate leadership has emphasized the importance of the reform effort, describing the passage as “a significant step in the government’s efforts to streamline the tax system, improve revenue collection, and enhance overall economic stability.”

Observers note that the reforms have sparked widespread attention, given their potential effects on corporate and personal taxation, as well as implications for the national economy.

Once harmonisation is complete, “the final version of the bills will be presented to President Tinubu, who is expected to review and sign them into law,” Senate sources confirmed.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his weight behind Governor Charles Soludo’s re-election bid, signaling a major endorsement during his working visit to Anambra State on Thursday.

Speaking at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka after unveiling a series of completed projects by the Soludo administration, Tinubu heaped praises on the governor’s leadership, describing him as “a friend and ally.”

“I appreciate and commend Governor Soludo for laying a very solid foundation for a focused, steady growth of Anambra State,” the President stated, acknowledging the visible developmental strides across the state.

In what appeared to be a subtle dismissal of the political strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra, Tinubu’s glowing remarks were interpreted by observers as a nod to Soludo’s performance over party allegiance.

Soludo, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has been seen by many as a technocratic leader focused more on results than partisan politics.

The President noted that Soludo had been one of his trusted advisers from the early days of his administration, saying, “He was among my advisers right from the starting block of my administration.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has fired back at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urging him to demonstrate true leadership by first addressing the internal conflicts plaguing his party.

Akpabio’s comments were in response to remarks made by Obi during a memorial lecture in Abuja in honour of elder statesman Edwin Clark.

Speaking at the event, Obi had lamented the state of the country, questioning whether the efforts of Nigeria’s founding heroes had yielded meaningful progress.

“I listened to my brother Mike when you talked about, ‘may the Labour of our heroes past not be in vain,’” Obi said.

“I’m happy that Jonathan is here. But I can tell you their sacrifice is in vain. They have sacrificed for nothing.”

“We were in this country when people were protesting, when there was no need to protest under Goodluck Jonathan. Where are those protesters? Have they died? Where are they?”

Akpabio, clearly disagreeing, used the Senate floor to deliver a sharp rebuttal, defending the legacy of Nigeria’s past leaders while calling Obi’s credibility into question.

“When somebody makes a statement that the Labour of our heroes past are in vein, I beg to disagree,” Akpabio declared.

“Let our brother, Peter Obi show leadership like Edwin Clark did by resolving first the crisis in the Labour Party.”

He continued, “For a man who wants to run Nigeria, you have one of the smallest parties in Nigeria, and you can’t even resolve the crisis, is it the crisis of Boko Haram that you will come and resolve in Nigeria?”

Akpabio highlighted his own accomplishments in governance, emphasizing unity and infrastructure development.

“I would like us to be known for what we did when we had the opportunities. As I speak now, I can tell you about the dualized thoroughfares in my state, I can tell you about the flyovers in my state, I can tell you the unity I brought to Nigeria by sponsoring over 5,800 Muslims to the holy land and 12 to 15,000 Christians to Rome.”

Turning to the issue of political discourse, he criticised how aspiring leaders use social media platforms.

“But then, those who are aspiring presidential candidates are trying to cause divisions with their mouth using the social media.”

“Tell them to resolve the small crisis in the smallest party in Nigeria before they come to talk about the larger Nigeria.”

On a reflective note, Akpabio concluded, “But for the Social Media, it’s unregulated and I wish you luck as you have a field day. I’m saying this because this is what Clark would have advised if he were alive, so I have started to speak his voice.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has experienced yet another major defection as three of its House of Representatives members from Katsina State officially switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made on Thursday during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja, where Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read out the lawmakers’ letters of defection.

One of the defectors, Abdullahi Balarabe, who represents the Bakori/Danja Federal Constituency, pointed to longstanding issues within the PDP as his main reason for leaving.

According to Balarabe, the “protracted crisis” within the party had created a hostile environment, making it difficult to function effectively as a lawmaker under the PDP umbrella.

Their departure underscores the growing instability within the opposition party, echoing similar exits by other high-profile members in recent months.

The PDP, once a dominant force in Nigerian politics, continues to grapple with internal divisions and leadership disputes, issues that have, in many cases, translated into a drain of loyalists to rival parties.

The APC, on the other hand, continues to expand its reach by capitalizing on such weaknesses, welcoming defectors as part of its strategy to consolidate legislative strength ahead of future electoral contests.

Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District, has officially defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His defection was announced on Wednesday during the Senate plenary session, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out a letter from Sumaila detailing the reasons for his departure from the NNPP.

In the letter, titled “Notification of defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Sumaila attributed his decision to internal turmoil within the NNPP.

“Pursuant to Section 68, Subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I write to the Senate President on behalf of the Senate,” the letter began.

“I write to formally notify the Senate through your esteemed office of my defection from the NNPP to the APC, the largest party in Africa.”

Explaining the basis for his exit, the senator wrote, “My decision to bid goodbye to the NNPP is anchored on compelling and undeniable developments within the party, which have rendered the party severely divided and dysfunctional.”

According to him, the NNPP has been plagued by incessant legal disputes that have fractured its leadership and disrupted its operations.

“Over the past months, I have observed a growing number of litigations that have practically torn the party apart and left its structure fractured,” he noted.

“All of which clearly centred on issues of party disunity, functional leadership, and the legitimacy of its operations.”

Sumaila further pointed out the emergence of multiple factions within the party, each claiming to represent the authentic NNPP and even using different versions of the party’s logo.

He said, “These legal battles have not only eroded internal cohesion but have created parallel and conflicting authorities within the party.”

“This,” he continued, “underscored the depth of the division and reflected a clear and public splintering of the party’s identity in both form and substance, as the party was divided in form and substance.”

In conclusion, the lawmaker said he was acting in the best interest of his constituents and legislative duties.

“Therefore, in the spirit of democratic accountability and in line with my constitutional right, I have moved to APC, a national platform, an international platform, which I believe will better support my legislative responsibilities and aspirations of the good people of my senatorial district,” he declared.

In this conversation, Buba Galadima, a former National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a key figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), shares candid insights on Nigeria’s political developments, President Tinubu’s administration, and the roles of Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai in the unfolding 2027 race.

On the Tinubu administration:

“Well, you see, I don’t want to give an opinion on an administration until it has completed half of its term, which is two years. By that time, you will be able to know exactly where the administration is headed,” Galadima began.

“It is no secret that people are being pushed to the wall because things are getting out of hand. Prices and hardships are affecting people very hard.”

“Recently, we have seen a significant slowdown in the cost of commodities, which many people attribute to secret importation by friends of the government. We have yet to confirm that, but it seems likely… You can’t run an economy based on friendships or a system of favours; you must make hard decisions.”

On the State of NNPP:

“Everything is well with my party. What is wrong with my party is that some people within the APC… are trying to cause commotion, not only in my party but in all parties,” he stated.

“They made sure that even the governor [of Kano] does not function. They withdrew security support for him… Whatever the governor wants to do, they create a parallel organisation. I have never seen such deliberate hatred for a constitutionally organised government.”

He further alleged: “One of our senators said publicly that the APC government gave him N90bn worth of projects to execute in his constituency to undermine the government of Kano.”

On defections from NNPP:

“No, nobody left our party. We expelled them… No one can hold our party hostage,” he said confidently.

“In 2019, without a single councillor or elected official, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso defeated all the former governors of Kano… In 2023, they tried again but failed. The people of Kano know exactly what they want.”

On Kwankwaso’s alleged alliance with APC

“There is no single politician today who is as popular as Kwankwaso… All these efforts to destroy or neutralise him have not succeeded,” Galadima argued.

“If you have a friend like the APC to the NNPP, do you need an enemy? They are manipulating the judiciary and security agencies against us. This insinuation was planted to discredit us.”

On El-Rufai’s coalition plans through SDP:

“Well, not El-Rufai himself, but some of his associates, including the chairman of the SDP, visited me… I am confident that my perspective will prevail because El-Rufai cannot lead an opposition.”

“He is used to going into an established house and taking it over, but now that he’s trying to build from scratch, he will see how difficult politics can be”

“He does not own the SDP. He is merely a placeholder for someone else who is expected to take over.”

“El-Rufai has a history of betrayals… He ditched Atiku, he ditched Obasanjo, he ditched Buhari, and now he has ditched Tinubu. Unless you are like him or have committed some offence God wants to punish, you shouldn’t follow him.”

On possible talks with Kwankwaso:

“So many people have been talking to Kwankwaso. I must confess, even El-Rufai spoke to him… But it’s too early. If you are talking about a coalition, you should be looking at the middle of next year, not now.”

“We are looking at a coalition of like minds based on ideology, not one driven by anger or selfish interest.”

On the PDP Crisis:

“The PDP has been destroyed completely; it is irredeemable. We have three identifiable groups: the Wike group, the governors’ group, and the weakest group, Atiku’s group.”

“That is why Atiku is afraid of being stranded. El-Rufai is now jumping to become a placeholder for Atiku so that if he’s booted out of the PDP, he can emerge as the SDP candidate.”

He added: “For this 2027 election, the PDP is out of the question. Wike will never allow the party to stand on its feet. He is influential; he dictates what happens in the judiciary.”

On zoning and Atiku’s ambition:

“I don’t discuss North or South when I speak on democracy… If Tinubu finishes and Nigerians vote for his son Seyi, I have no grudge, provided the election is free and fair.”

“There is no agreement between North and South. Anybody who says that is a liar and doesn’t understand democracy.”

“Also, I think Atiku should not contest in the 2027 election… People have supported him since 1992—33 years ago. It’s time for him to support someone else, even if it’s his son, provided he is qualified.”

Advice to President Tinubu:

“I am sure if you ask him, he won’t deny that I am his friend… I want to tell him that it is counterproductive to destroy the opposition.”

“When you destroy every institution, when you start to fall, you will fall from a cliff and knock your head on the rock… It’s better to allow people to vent and express themselves freely.”

…Says El-Rufai a Respected Ally, Party Set For National Takeover

As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Youth Vanguard in the Northwest has declared its intention to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region and gain wider national support.

Speaking during a press briefing in Kaduna, the group’s Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Auwal Sani, expressed confidence in the SDP’s growing momentum, fueled by public dissatisfaction with the APC.

“APC is weak, and we will capitalize on that weakness to campaign against it,” Sani stated.

He highlighted the increasing defection of APC members to the SDP, attributing it to what he described as widespread frustration with the ruling party’s performance.

He also pointed to prominent political figures now associated with the SDP, including the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i.

“We are united with Nasir El-Rufa’i in the SDP and all others who are genuinely interested in moving the country forward. We distance ourselves from those attempting to tarnish the name of our leaders.”

“Our focus is not just on Kaduna State but on the entire Northwest and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

According to Sani, the SDP has experienced significant growth and is transforming into a more inclusive political platform.

“The SDP has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into an inclusive party where everyone who shares our vision for a better Nigeria is welcome.”

“We are committed to building a party that genuinely represents the interests of Nigerians,” he remarked.

He commended the leadership of the party for their foresight and determination and emphasized the need for internal cohesion.

“Unity among stakeholders is crucial at this time. Nigerians are looking to the SDP as an alternative to rescue them from the failures of the PDP and APC. We must present a united front to seize this opportunity and show our commitment to a better Nigeria,” Sani said.

Addressing recent internal challenges, Sani spoke on alleged attempts to discredit Prince Adewole Adebayo, another prominent figure in the SDP.

He issued a strong warning to those responsible and offered an apology on behalf of the youth wing.

“We call on those involved to desist from such actions in the future, or we will report them to the appropriate authorities for disciplinary measures.”

“The SDP Youth Vanguard apologizes to Prince Adewole Adebayo on behalf of those misled into that unfortunate act,” he added.

Looking to the future, the youth leader expressed optimism about the party’s prospects and encouraged citizens to take part in the political process.

“The future of Nigeria is bright, and we are proud to be part of it. We call on all Nigerians to join us on this journey towards a nation where peace, unity, and prosperity prevail.”

“Those interested in joining should visit their wards to register in line with the SDP constitution,” Sani concluded.

Abure,

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified its position regarding the leadership of the Labour Party (LP), stating that it is still examining the recent Supreme Court judgment which overturned previous rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal that upheld Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman.

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, addressed the issue via a post on the Commission’s official handle on “X” (formerly Twitter), explaining that Abure’s name had been reinstated earlier due to a separate court order, unrelated to the Supreme Court’s recent decision.

According to Oyekanmi, “Our attention has been drawn to some media reports claiming that the Commission has recognised certain persons as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Labour Party LP.”

“The reports also inferred that the Commission has restored a particular individual as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, referring to the listings on the Commission’s official website.”

He emphasized that no new decisions have been made following the apex court’s judgment: “The Commission has not made any decision in respect of either the LP or PDP.”

Oyekanmi further explained that the listings currently on the INEC website are reflective of previous legal directives.

“The names of the National Officers of the LP had previously been uploaded to our website following a court order, not related in any way to the latest judgement of the Supreme Court.”

“In the same manner, the name of the National Secretary of the PDP on the same website was neither deleted nor reinstated.”

Reiterating INEC’s commitment to legality, he added, “As a law abiding institution, the Commission is carefully studying the judgement of the Supreme Court on the Labour Party and will communicate its decision to the public in due course.”

As at the time of this report, the INEC website lists Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as its National Secretary.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu is also listed as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.