News
2027 Presidency: Tinubu Accused of Disregarding Federal Character, Religious Balance, Fairness
Shettima’s confirmation for the 2027 presidential election has reopened debate over the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, with political parties and stakeholders divided over whether religion or competence should shape leadership choices.
The APC’s decision ended months of speculation that Tinubu could replace Shettima with a Northern Christian, while reviving arguments that dominated the build-up to the 2023 election.
Although critics had argued that the same-faith ticket undermined Nigeria’s religious balance, Tinubu and Shettima won the presidency, and the ruling party has now opted to retain the combination for a second term.
While some opposition parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Young Progressives Party, have downplayed concerns over the same-faith ticket, others have warned that religious balance remains an important factor in Nigeria’s politics.
The renewed debate followed the APC’s confirmation on Friday that Tinubu would contest the 2027 election with Shettima, a move that effectively ended months of speculation that the President could pick a Northern Christian as his running mate.
Ahead of the announcement, several names had been linked to the position, including the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.); the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Hassan Kukah; and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.
The APC’s decision has revived arguments that dominated the 2023 election after Tinubu, a Muslim from the South-West, selected Shettima, also a Muslim from the North-East, as his running mate.
Critics had argued that the ticket broke with Nigeria’s tradition of balancing presidential tickets along religious lines to reflect the country’s diversity. However, Tinubu and Shettima went on to win the election, defeating candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party, Peter Obi; and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Reacting to the development, APGA said the focus of elections should be on leadership capacity rather than religion.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, said Nigeria must move beyond identity politics and judge leaders by their performance.
“Competence should remain the defining issue in 2027, not whether candidates are Muslims or Christians,” he said.
The Young Progressives Party also argued that character, competence and integrity should outweigh religious or ethnic considerations in leadership selection.
Its spokesman, Wale Egbeola-Martins, said Nigeria’s major challenge had been poor leadership rather than the religious identities of those in power.
“The real challenge confronting our nation since the return to democratic rule has not been the ethnic or religious identity of those in power, but the persistent deficit of purposeful and accountable leadership,” he said.
The party said it would continue to support politics based on merit, service and national interest rather than religious or ethnic considerations.
APC defends retention
Meanwhile, the APC has defended its decision to retain Shettima, insisting that the choice was based on national interest and a careful assessment of political realities.
The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the Muslim-Muslim ticket had not produced the religious tensions predicted by critics ahead of the 2023 election.
“The decision was reached after a careful assessment of the situation. The party is conscious of religious sensitivities but is also mindful of the broader interests of Nigerians,” he said.
Ibrahim dismissed fears that the ticket could fuel religious division, arguing that the administration had promoted interfaith harmony since assuming office.
The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, Yabagi Yusuf, and a leader of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Mark Adebayo, also argued that issues such as security, the economy and governance performance would dominate the 2027 campaign rather than religious identity.
Yusuf said the APC’s decision was largely influenced by electoral considerations, particularly the need to secure support across key voting blocs.
He argued that while religious considerations remain part of political discussions, parties ultimately consider the electoral strength and acceptability of their candidates when making strategic decisions.
Yusuf said the APC’s decision was driven by electoral calculations rather than religious considerations.
According to him, political parties are primarily concerned with assembling tickets capable of attracting the broadest electoral support.
“It’s politics. They must have done their calculations and concluded that this is their best chance of winning. In the end, elections are about where the votes are,” he said.
The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Mark Adebayo, also argued that the Muslim-Muslim ticket is unlikely to generate the level of controversy it did in 2023.
He said issues such as security, the economy and governance would dominate the 2027 campaign.
The Ijaw Youths Council also dismissed religious identity as the basis for evaluating political leaders.
The President of IYC Worldwide, Jonathan Lokpobiri, said Nigerians should focus on competence and good governance rather than the faith of candidates.
“What we need is a competent, focused and compassionate leader who can take difficult decisions and improve the lives of Nigerians. Religion should not be the yardstick for leadership,” he said.
Groups oppose ticket
However, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders criticised the APC’s decision, describing the retention of the Muslim-Muslim ticket as insensitive to Nigeria’s religious diversity.
Its President-General, Goodluck Ibem, said overlooking the opportunity to nominate a Northern Christian could deepen feelings of exclusion among many Nigerians.
“In a nation as religiously and culturally diverse as ours, leadership must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair,” he said, urging the APC to embrace greater inclusiveness.
Similarly, the South-South Youths Initiative rejected Shettima’s renomination.
Its National President, Imeabe Oscar, argued that the APC’s decision was politically motivated and alleged that the party retained the Vice President largely for electoral advantage in Northern Nigeria.
‘Christians feel excluded’
The National President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Pogu Bitrus, criticised the APC’s decision, describing the retention of the Muslim-Muslim ticket as a slight on Christian Nigerians.
“To retain a Muslim-Muslim ticket after 2023 sends the wrong signal in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria,” he said, urging the APC to reconsider its decision in the interest of national unity.
The Chairman of the Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, however, said fears expressed over the Muslim-Muslim ticket before the 2023 election had not materialised.
“The fears widely expressed in 2022 did not happen. The President and the Vice President have worked together, and that relationship appears to have remained stable,” he said.
Adeniran added that Shettima’s loyalty and working relationship with Tinubu may have influenced the President’s decision to retain him.
APC backs Shettima
Stakeholders of the APC in Abia State also defended the President’s decision.
The state chairman of the party, Chijioke Chukwu, said there was no justification for replacing Shettima, describing the President and Vice President as a team that had worked harmoniously since assuming office.
“It’s unreasonable to drop him (Shettima). Tinubu is a Muslim from the south and has been supporting Christians. Going for his second tenure, it is proper for the President to pick from the North. They have collaborated well without any problems between the Vice President and the President. There is no reason for a new VP. To us, this is a wonderful decision,” he said.
Similarly, Ohanaeze chieftain Justice Rowland Ajuzieogu said Tinubu was constitutionally entitled to choose his running mate, adding that Shettima had remained loyal throughout the administration.
“Tinubu looks at loyalty. Shetima is loyal.”
Industrialist and politician Sam Ohuabunwa also backed the decision, saying the Tinubu-Shettima ticket had already secured victory in 2023 and there was no compelling reason to alter it.
“Since Tinubu made the choice, heaven did not fall. He can do it again, and I believe that is the right thing to do.”
Afenifere faults decision
A faction of Afenifere led by Oba Olaitan Oladapo, however, faulted the renomination of Shettima.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, said retaining another Muslim-Muslim ticket failed to reflect fairness, religious balance and inclusiveness in a multi-faith country.
Speaking on Tinubu’s choice of Shettima, Faloye said “President Tinubu has continued to show disregard for federal character and religious balance and fairness.
“Most important is that we can expect more of the same if he chooses to coronate himself in 2027. May God save Nigeria sociopolitically and economically from this regime.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
ENUGU — Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has fixed Sunday, September 13, 2026, for its annual New Yam Festival.
The cultural celebration, which is scheduled to commence at 3 p.m., is being organised under the leadership of the Executive Chairman of Umuchigbo, Hon. Chief Afam Joseph Ogbene, popularly known as Akirika Chioku 1, Na Nike Kingdom.
The festival is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Umuchigbo and Umuenwene in Iji Nike Autonomous Community, while promoting unity and communal bonding.
Ogbene, in an invitation to the festival, described the celebration as an opportunity for the people to preserve their cultural heritage, strengthen community ties and give thanks for the year’s harvest.
He said, “Our New Yam Festival is more than a cultural celebration. It is a time for us to come together as one people, appreciate our heritage and give thanks for the blessings of the year.”
According to him, the event will also provide an opportunity for sons and daughters of the community, as well as friends and well-wishers, to reconnect and celebrate together.
“We are inviting everyone to come and celebrate with us. It is a celebration of our culture, our community and thanksgiving for the new yam season,” he added.
According to the invitation, activities will commence at Ogbene’s residence on Akirika Chioku Avenue, Nome Ogba Aniji Road, Umuchigbo, before proceeding to Obodoeze Iji Village Square, Odangene, for the New Yam rites and masquerade display.
The event will also feature traditional cuisine, music and other forms of cultural entertainment.
The organisers urged sons and daughters of Umuchigbo, friends, well-wishers and members of the public to join the community in celebrating the festival.
The Nigerian Army has announced a major reshuffle of senior officers, with several major generals and brigadier generals redeployed to key command, operational and administrative positions.
The changes, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, are aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational effectiveness.
Major General IA Ajose has been appointed the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI. He moves from the Department of Army Operations at Army Headquarters to take charge of military operations against insurgency in the North-East.
Other notable appointments include:
Major General AE Abubakar — Dean, Faculty of Operational Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Major General AM Alechenu — Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Major General RT Utsaha — Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison.
Major General AM Umar — Commandant, Army War College Nigeria.
Major General UM Alkali — Director, Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
Major General GS Muhammed — Director General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.
Major General JE Osifo — Chairman, Military Pension Board.
Major General IE Ekpenyong — Director of Engineering Services, Defence Logistics, Defence Headquarters.
The reshuffle also affects several brigadier generals, including Brigadier General AA Bello, Brigadier General MS Adamu, Brigadier General MS Sule, Brigadier General I Sule, Brigadier General E Azenda and Brigadier General AS Bugaje, who have all been assigned to new command or administrative roles.
The Chief of Army Staff directed the newly posted officers to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, dedication and a strong sense of duty.
More than 24 feared dead in suspected poisoning incident in Ondo
More than 24 people have reportedly died following a suspected poisoning incident in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The deaths were recorded in Araromi-Obu, Orita New Town and Odigbo communities, while several other residents affected by the incident are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the incident but said he could not provide further details until medical experts conduct a professional assessment and determine the cause of the deaths and illnesses.
As a precaution, the local government has restricted the sale and consumption of sachet herbal concoctions and similar drinks being hawked in the affected communities.
Residents have been advised to avoid suspicious herbal mixtures, unverified sachet products and other substances of uncertain origin pending the outcome of medical examinations and laboratory tests.
Authorities are expected to carry out further investigations to establish the source of the suspected poisoning and confirm the exact cause of the deaths.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Residents of Umudimishi Village, Umuoru, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, have petitioned Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the worsening menace of gully erosion allegedly caused by illegal and unregulated sand mining activities in the community.
The villagers said about 120 buildings are currently threatened by the expanding gully, with some residents already making arrangements to relocate for fear of losing their homes to the erosion.
In the petition addressed to Governor Soludo and copied to the state Ministries of Environment and Works, the villagers alleged that the activities of sand miners posed a serious threat to human lives, property and the continued existence of the community.
The petition, signed by the Chairman of Umudimishi Development Union, Nze Ibeabuchi Umeugochukwu, stated that several homes in the area were located only a few metres from the mining sites and had consequently become vulnerable to erosion.
The villagers said: “Many homesteads in Umudimishi are close to and along the line of mining by few metres and, as a result, stand eroded in the course of this ecological problem fueled by unregulated sand mining.”
They further alleged that the erosion menace was largely triggered by human activities, particularly unregulated sand mining along the Aguata-Orumba axis, where they said the soil structure was highly susceptible to erosion.
According to them, “Erosion menace is being triggered by human factor of unregulated sand mining, especially as it is in Aguata-Orumba Axis where the sand structure is prone to erosion, which is the major environmental hazard in the region.”
The community also claimed that sand mining had become the major source of environmental crises affecting Umudimishi Quarter, Umuoru Village and Uga generally.
Beyond the environmental consequences, the villagers expressed concern that the availability of quick money from sand mining was discouraging youths from learning vocational skills.
They said many youths now preferred sand mining to acquiring skills, while the worsening erosion had also discouraged residents and prospective investors from establishing businesses in the area.
The villagers therefore appealed to Governor Soludo to permanently shut down the mining sites in Umudimishi to prevent further deterioration of the already deplorable environmental situation.
They also urged the governor to direct the appropriate agency of the Anambra State Government to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the erosion sites and produce a comprehensive report with recommendations on how to tackle the problem and reclaim lands already lost to erosion.
The petitioners said urgent intervention by the state government was necessary to protect lives, homes and the remaining land in the community from further destruction.
News
Major Generals to Receive Up to ₦25.91m Yearly as Tinubu Approves New Military Pension Structure
The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, effective September 1, 2026.
The approval was communicated in a circular issued on September 3 by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Under the new structure, the highest-ranking officers—Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals—have annual pensionable salaries ranging from ₦21.9 million to ₦29.75 million, depending on their salary steps. The highest figure is equivalent to about ₦2.48 million monthly when divided by 12.
Other approved pensionable salary ranges include:
Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals and Air Marshals: ₦16.99m–₦25.91m annually.
Major Generals, Rear Admirals and Air Vice Marshals: ₦14.98m–₦23.9m.
Brigadier Generals, Commodores and Air Commodores: ₦13.86m–₦16.39m.
Colonels, Captains and Group Captains: ₦8.31m–₦9.49m.
Lieutenant Colonels, Commanders and Wing Commanders: ₦7.55m–₦8.74m.
Majors, Lieutenant Commanders and Squadron Leaders: ₦5.99m–₦7.01m.
Captains, Lieutenants and Flight Lieutenants: ₦5.28m–₦6.42m.
Second Lieutenants, Midshipmen and Pilot Officers: ₦4.92m–₦5.59m.
The new schedule also covers non-commissioned personnel. Warrant Officers have pensionable salaries ranging from ₦4.53 million to ₦5.17 million annually, while Privates, Ordinary Seamen and Aircraftmen fall within the range of ₦2.28 million to ₦2.49 million.
The government, however, clarified that the figures are pensionable salaries used to calculate retirement benefits and should not be interpreted as the actual monthly salaries or take-home pay of serving military personnel.
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