The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has sharply criticized the presidency for what it describes as an insensitive and premature declaration regarding President Bola Tinubu’s intention to run for re-election in 2027.

The group argues that the timing of the statement is out of touch with the current realities facing Nigerians, especially amid ongoing economic hardships.

Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the CUPP, expressed concern over recent comments made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, who boldly stated that President Tinubu would contest and win the 2027 presidential election.

Ameh labeled the declaration as boastful and disconnected from the struggles of the Nigerian populace, who are grappling with poverty, inflation, and high unemployment rates.

Ameh commented, “The declaration made by the SGF has sparked a lot of controversy and raised serious concerns about the priorities of this administration. At a time when millions of Nigerians are battling economic hardships, the notion of Tinubu’s victory in 2027 seems far-fetched.”

He further criticized the administration for policies that, in his view, have exacerbated the nation’s economic and social challenges, further eroding public trust in the government.

The CUPP official also suggested that the premature announcement could be a diversionary tactic, aimed at shifting attention from the pressing issues Nigerians are currently facing.

Ameh emphasized that the government should focus on resolving critical problems like poverty, insecurity, and infrastructure decay, rather than prematurely declaring an electoral victory.

Additionally, Ameh raised concerns over the administration’s understanding of democratic governance, emphasizing that democracy is fundamentally about responding to the needs and aspirations of the people. H

He stressed that the focus should be on good governance, not political victories, and warned that such premature declarations undermine the democratic process and dismiss the possibility of a change in leadership come 2027.

Concluding his remarks, Ameh stated, “What Nigeria needs now is an inclusive government that truly listens to the people, prioritizing their needs and aspirations, rather than pushing forward political ambitions without considering the reality on the ground.”

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a ruling that had blocked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing monthly statutory allocations to Rivers State.

In a split decision of 2-to-1, the three-member panel of justices ruled that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case that led to the restraining order.

The panel, led by Justice Hamma Barka, argued that the involvement of federal agencies in the case was insufficient to grant the Federal High Court the authority to rule on the matter.

The case, which concerned the state’s budget appropriation, should have been heard in a more appropriate court, the Appeal Court ruled.

As a result, the Appeal Court dismissed six appeals filed by those challenging the lower court’s ruling, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Government, who sought to nullify the high court’s orders.

However, Justice Adebukola Banjoko dissented, maintaining that the Federal High Court’s decision should stand.

The appeals, numbered CA/ABJ/CV/1277/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1196/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1287/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1293/24, and CA/ABJ/CV/1360/2024, were consolidated and heard by the appellate court.

Governor Fubara had previously requested the Appeal Court to annul the high court order issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on October 30, which had prohibited the CBN from allowing Rivers State to access its funds from the federal revenue account.

Fubara’s team, led by Mr. Yusuf Ali SAN, argued that the ruling was made in bad faith and should be nullified.

The original suit, filed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, called for the cessation of all federal monthly allocations to Rivers State.

The faction argued that Governor Fubara had failed to comply with a court order to present the 2024 state budget before them.

The Amaewhule faction, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, had previously urged the lower court to stop the funds until the issue was resolved.

The Rivers State government countered that the Amaewhule-led group had forfeited their legitimacy as lawmakers by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Despite this, the high court ruled in favor of the Amaewhule faction, deeming them the legitimate representatives of the state’s assembly.

This decision was challenged and ultimately overturned by the Appeal Court.

In their application, the plaintiffs argued that the Governor’s actions, including unauthorized withdrawals from the state’s revenue, violated the Constitution.

They had sought the court’s intervention to ensure accountability and prevent further fiscal mismanagement.

The Appeal Court’s ruling restores the status quo, allowing the CBN to release the statutory allocations to the Rivers State government once again.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have announced discussions for a potential merger aimed at addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, including the decline of democracy, economic mismanagement, and rampant corruption.

The two parties unveiled their plans during a joint press briefing in Abuja on Friday, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Falalu Bello, National Chairman of the PRP, and Ralph Nwosu, National Chairman of the ADC, both stressed the urgency of creating a unified political force to confront Nigeria’s growing challenges.

They emphasized that the current state of democracy in the country, particularly following the controversial 2023 elections, calls for comprehensive electoral reforms to restore public trust.

The two leaders condemned the state of Nigeria’s democracy, citing concerns over the integrity of the 2023 general elections and ongoing local government elections.

They called for reforms to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, noting that the nation’s future depends on the restoration of electoral integrity.

On the economic front, the PRP and ADC leaders criticized the nation’s economic performance, with Nigeria’s GDP falling from $493 billion in 2015 to an estimated $352 billion in 2024.

They called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s economy, advocating for a move from a consumption-based economy to one focused on sustainable production, job creation, and educational reforms, particularly for the millions of out-of-school children in the country.

Corruption, they argued, remains a significant challenge, with instances such as budget padding in the National Assembly highlighting the deep-rooted nature of the issue.

Both parties called for more transparent governance, including the creation of an independent electoral commission and stronger anti-corruption measures.

They also emphasized the need for judicial reforms, which they said are crucial for holding political leaders accountable.

In his remarks, Dr. Falalu Bello stressed the importance of vigilance and commitment to ethical standards in safeguarding democracy.

He pointed to recent electoral events as evidence of the erosion of trust in the democratic process.

“The democracy we claim to champion is in trauma under the current administration. We must ensure that every citizen’s vote counts,” Bello said.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s potential for economic prosperity, stressing that the country’s rising unemployment and inflation, along with the exodus of both local and foreign investors, make urgent corrective measures essential.

“The government must create a fully independent and transparent electoral commission to combat electoral fraud and violence at all levels,” he said, adding that anti-corruption agencies need greater resources to function effectively.

Both parties also expressed their desire to unite with other political forces that share their vision for a better Nigeria.

They called on other political parties committed to democracy, economic prosperity, and integrity to join their alliance for the 2027 elections.

Their goal is not just to gain political power but to build a legacy that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious background.

Ralph Nwosu, National Chairman of the ADC, underscored the importance of creating a value-driven political movement.

“After 25 years of democracy, it’s time to build something that lasts. This merger is not about us; it’s about creating a political party that focuses on values and long-term goals, rather than being just a vehicle for elections,” Nwosu stated.

He called on Nigerians from all walks of life to join their cause, noting that the merger is about creating a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

“We aim to be a value-driven political force with clear economic policies and a firm commitment to democracy,” he added.

“Any politician who shares these values is welcome to join us in this journey.”

Hon. Toby Okechukwu, the former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, has officially resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In a resignation letter dated December 6, 2024, addressed to the Chairman of the Owelli/Amoli/Ugbo/Ogugu Ward in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, Okechukwu thanked the PDP for the platform it provided him to serve as a representative of the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the 7th, 8th, and 9th National Assembly.

The letter reads: “I hereby notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and extend my sincere appreciation to the Party for affording me the opportunity to serve the people of Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in three terms.”

Okechukwu reflected on his significant contributions during his time in the legislature, including his leadership roles as Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Chairman of the Committee on Works, and Deputy Minority Leader.

He also highlighted his involvement in key infrastructure projects like the Second Niger Bridge, the Abuja-Kano Road, and the Lagos-Ibadan Road.

Additionally, he mentioned his role in advocating for the COREN Bill, which was signed into law to improve engineering standards in Nigeria.

“I remain hopeful that our collective efforts will continue to advance the welfare of our people,” Okechukwu concluded in the letter.