News

2027 Polls Without PDP?

Published

2 weeks ago

March 13, 2026

There are clear signs that, for the first time since Nigeria’s present democratic dispensation began in 1999, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not be on the ballot. The once-dominant political party that boasted then that it would rule the nation for 60 years, is now a shadow of its former self that doubts are becoming rife about its viability as a platform for political contestation.

PDP has been embroiled in internal disputes that began before the 2023 elections and has remained unresolved to this day. This crisis has resulted in numerous litigations, suspensions and counter-suspensions, and even the sealing of its national headquarters.

There has been a struggle for the party’s soul, culminating in the rise of the Wike-led faction, headed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the faction supported by Bauchi state Governor Bala Mohammed and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde.

Recently, the Court of Appeal delivered its verdict on appeals arising from rulings by Justices James Omotoso and Peter Lifu. It also issued a judgment on the ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The Court upheld the decision that voided the Ibadan national convention of the party, which established the Tanimu Turaki-led national working committee backed by Governors Bala and Makinde. It also confirmed that Samuel Anyanwu’s suspension, a loyalist of Wike, is valid.

Fundamentally, the Appellate Court’s ruling, which voids the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee that was formed at the controversial Ibadan Convention, has further intensified the party’s problems. For the PDP, the issues persist, and there is no sign they will ease soon, especially since the Turaki faction has pledged to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

With preparations for the 2027 polls in full swing following the release of the timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it is doubtful that a distracted PDP can get its house in order to effectively participate in the activities that will culminate in the polls.

For example, INEC has scheduled party primaries for 23 April and 30 May 2026. Political parties, serious about the elections, have already started preparations. Unfortunately for the PDP, it is being hampered by leadership disputes which, in all essential respects, have left not only its members but also INEC in a dilemma over which faction to recognise.

Sadly, the PDP is the architect of its own misfortunes. The way it descended from its enviable position as the largest political party in Africa to a party in disarray, with slim chances of participating in the 2027 general election, is indeed a lesson for most Nigerian politicians, generally, and party leaders specifically.

We assert that the PDP is facing the repercussions of its prolonged period of impunity, as it neglected its constitution, rules, and operational procedures. For too long, the party took its members and, indeed, numerous Nigerians for granted. The consequences have now caught up with it.

Other political parties, including the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), must learn from the PDP’s decline. If anything, PDP’s current difficulties demonstrate that there is a limit to impunity. The party failed to manage its success, and it is doubtful it will ever get that chance again.

Almost everyone who mattered has left the PDP. The party is now a shadow of what a true political party should be. Since 2023, the party has suffered the worst defection in Nigerian political history. With about 10 governors elected after the 2023 elections, the PDP’s governor queue has reduced to just two.

Is PDP facing the consequences of karma? Could its current crisis be resolved in time for it to actively participate in the 2027 elections by nominating candidates for all elective positions? What steps is the party’s board of trustees taking to address this seemingly intractable crisis?

This newspaper is not surprised by the current troubles of the PDP. In our opinion, they are mostly self-inflicted. Even during its heyday, the PDP struggled with a clear lack of internal democracy, the imposition of candidates, and persistent leadership changes, which led to it becoming one of the political parties with the highest number of national chairmen. There is hardly any national chairman who successfully completed his tenure. Sad. But that is the legacy of the PDP.

Therefore, the party must endure the consequences of its many years of impunity. Despite this, the party’s likely absence from the 2027 polls is concerning, as it will further reduce the options available to Nigerians. Therefore, we urge the remaining few members of the party to do everything possible to resolve this ongoing leadership crisis and position the party to compete seriously in the 2027 elections. Time is running out.

-Leadership

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Education

NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu

Published

37 minutes ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.

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‎Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
‎Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
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‎He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
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‎ According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
‎Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
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‎He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
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‎While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
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‎Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
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‎“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
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‎Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
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‎However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
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‎He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
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‎“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
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‎Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
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‎He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.

-Leadership

News

Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands

Published

6 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he stated.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

-Leadership

News

Inspector-General Disu Submits 75-Page Framework On ‘State Police’ To Senate As Push Gains Momentum

Published

7 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework on the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a fresh move to advance decentralised policing in Nigeria.

The report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to develop modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said the document encapsulates the Force’s professional input following extensive consultations and a thorough evaluation of the legal, operational and administrative implications of decentralised policing.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria,” Disu said.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”

The police chief noted that the framework has been formally submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Responding, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Deputy President of the Senate commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of State Police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country,” the statement read.

He assured that the Senate Committee reviewing the Constitution would carefully examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal foundation.

The proposed framework is expected to outline the operational structure, governance model, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems— marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee in March to drive the implementation of State Police, declaring that the reform was irreversible.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the IGP insisted that decentralised policing “has come to stay,” dismissing concerns that it could threaten the roles of existing police personnel.

“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken,” he said.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and critical, giving members one month to submit their report amid rising security challenges across the country.

Disu stressed that the move towards State Police is aimed at strengthening internal security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and enabling faster, more targeted responses to threats.

“Across the nation, we continue to confront evolving security challenges. These require innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to explore reforms,” he added.

The push for State Police has gained renewed momentum following President Tinubu’s assurance that the plan would not be shelved, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.

-Sahara