Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has warned Nigerians to prepare for even higher fuel prices, stating that the recent increases are only the beginning.

He urged citizens not to complain about the inevitable price hikes, as the government is determined to let market forces set fuel prices.

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Adebayo criticized President Tinubu’s strategy of using the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to temporarily lower fuel prices, arguing that this approach is unsustainable due to the NNPC’s financial difficulties and substantial debt.

Reiterating his earlier prediction of a sharp increase in fuel prices following the removal of the fuel subsidy, Adebayo labeled the policy shift as a mistake.

He argued that eliminating the subsidy would push fuel prices to unaffordable levels, making it difficult for average Nigerians to cope.

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Adebayo described the removal of the subsidy as one of the greatest mistakes, suggesting that the economic and social costs far outweigh any potential savings.

He criticized President Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi for their support of subsidy removal during the last election.

Adebayo claimed that if he had been elected, he would have pursued a different approach, emphasizing that the removal of the subsidy reflects an economic philosophy favoring the elite over the needs of ordinary citizens.

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Adebayo also condemned the targeting of the fuel subsidy for removal while other subsidies for the elite remain intact, calling it an example of social injustice in a country with significant economic inequalities.

Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Adebayo called for a systematic policy shift to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petrol.

He advocated for the adoption of alternative energy sources, such as electric vehicles, and urged the government to implement measures to alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices on the average Nigerian.

The leadership struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed the Rivers State congresses, consolidating Nyesom Wike’s influence.

The NWC’s decision, made during a meeting at Wadata Plaza in Abuja on Thursday, affirms Wike’s control and delays the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting—initially scheduled for September 26—to October 24. This postponement could prevent any potential reversal of the endorsement.

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The PDP NWC, chaired by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, faced mounting pressure as tensions escalated between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum.

The conflict reached a peak when PDP governors publicly supported current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and called for a review of the Rivers State congresses.

Wike responded with threats to destabilize the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State affairs, prompting condemnation from the PDP Governors Forum.

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An anonymous NWC member revealed that the endorsement of the Rivers and other state congresses had been completed, and the rescheduled NEC meeting would be the only remaining venue for overturning the decision.

Some states, such as Kogi, saw partial approval due to identified irregularities, but the Rivers State congresses were fully endorsed.

The delay of the NEC meeting, originally set to address crucial issues including the potential replacement of Damagum, is seen as a strategic move to solidify Wike’s gains.

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The rescheduling of the meeting to October 24 may affect its execution, further entrenching Wike’s position against the governors’ forum led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

As the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) gears up for the 2027 elections, the chairmen of its state chapters in the South-West have expressed strong support for the party’s national leadership.

The vote of confidence was delivered during a meeting in Lagos, overseen by Ademola Ayoade, the Vice National Chairman for the zone.

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In the meeting, attended by chairpersons including Adelusi Ayeni of Ekiti State and Mrs. Ronnie Dikko-Kila of Lagos State, Ayoade affirmed the unwavering support of the state chairmen for the leadership of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, who head the NNPP’s National Executive and National Working Committees.

Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, Osun State chairman, highlighted the urgent need for improved party discipline and a more robust organizational structure down to the ward level.

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He emphasized that the party would no longer tolerate indiscipline and stressed the importance of unity and cohesion as the NNPP prepares for the 2027 elections.

The meeting also focused on strategic planning and agreed to initiate zonal consultations and strategic meetings to strengthen the party’s presence.

Motunde Fajuyi, the Oyo State chairman, announced that consultations would commence soon, with a major Southwest meeting scheduled to take place in Osun State in the final quarter of the year.

These actions are part of the NNPP’s broader strategy to enhance its influence and ensure a strong showing in upcoming elections.

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, former Kano State Governor, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has initiated consultations regarding his potential candidacy.

Kwankwaso, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has begun a series of meetings with key stakeholders, party members, and political allies to gauge support and strategize his bid for the presidency.

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Kwankwaso’s consultations are aimed at assessing his party’s readiness and exploring alliances with other political groups.

During these meetings, he is expected to outline his vision for Nigeria’s future, address concerns about his platform, and build a coalition of support across various regions of the country.

The former governor’s consultations come at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle in 2027.

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Kwankwaso, known for his track record in governance and his influential role in northern Nigerian politics, is seeking to consolidate his political base and rally support from across the country.

Kwankwaso’s potential presidential bid reflects his continued ambition to influence national policy and governance in Nigeria.

His consultations will likely involve discussions on key issues such as economic development, security, and political reforms, as he aims to position himself as a viable candidate for the presidency in 2027.

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended former senator and governorship candidate Dino Melaye due to alleged anti-party activities.

The decision, made by the party’s executive committee in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1, follows Melaye’s failure to attend a disciplinary hearing.

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According to a memo dated September 12, Melaye was summoned by the party’s disciplinary committee in August to address allegations of misconduct.

His absence was deemed a serious breach of party discipline.

The memo stated: “The Ward Party Executive Committee of the PDP in Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1 met on September 12, 2024, to review the disciplinary committee’s findings.

Despite being invited, Senator Dino Melaye did not attend, showing disregard for the party’s authority.”

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The committee determined that Melaye’s failure to appear represented a significant disrespect to the party and its leadership.

The resolution included that his actions violated the PDP Constitution and undermined party principles.

The suspension, effective immediately, was enacted under Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, which grants the Ward Party Exco the power to discipline members for rule violations.

The executive committee emphasized that Melaye’s conduct has caused embarrassment to the party and that his continued membership was no longer acceptable.