Politics
Hardship: No regrets removing subsidy, tax reform’ll go ahead — Tinubu
The Presidential Media Chat, Tinubu’s first, was aired on the Nigerian Television Authority Monday night.
The tax reforms have sparked controversy across the country, forcing the House of Representatives to suspend indefinitely the debate on the bills earlier fixed for December 3 following mounting pressure from the 19 northern states governors.
The planned debate was called off after 73 northern lawmakers kicked against the bills.
However, while the reforms have garnered support in the South as steps toward equitable resource distribution, stakeholders says resistance from the North reflects fears of marginalisation and economic disadvantage.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, was quoted in an interview with BBC as saying, “Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children will reap its benefits.
“We condemn these bills sent to the National Assembly. They will drag the North backwards and also affect the South East, South West, and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.”
September 3, 2024 Bola Tinubu transmitted four tax reforms bills to the National Assembly for consideration following the recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms.
The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which aims to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.
Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, expected to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service as well as the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
On October 29, 2024, the Northern Governors Forum, the umbrella body comprising the 19 governors of the region, kicked against the bill, particularly the Value Added Tax-sharing template.
At a gathering in Kaduna, the governors directed federal lawmakers from their respective states to vote against the bills when they came up for debate in both chambers of the National Assembly.
Two days later, the National Economic Council presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima advised the Federal Government to withdraw the bills to create room for broader consultations among critical stakeholders, a counsel turned down by the President in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
But the President stressed that tax reforms was pro-poor and aimed at widening the tax net, noting that it was typical for tax reforms to be accompanied by outcries.
He said, “Tax reform is here to say. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears in today’s economy. We cannot retool this economy with the old broken tools. The essence of the tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment. Every tax situation without outcry is not a tax.
“You cannot satisfy uniformly the larger community of tax evaders. This tax reform is pro-poor; the vulnerable are not to pay taxes. All we are asking for is to widen the tax net and bake the cake larger so that we can share a larger meal.
“They will still ask for this consultation no matter how long I delay it. The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it has to be done. That is my philosophy.”
Questioned about the economic hardship following the subsidy removal, the President said he had no regret as it had become necessary.
Tinubu said removing petrol subsidy was in a bid to save generations to come, noting that the country was already spending its future while giving freebies to neighbouring countries.
He also knocked calls for the phased removal of subsidies, saying the nation was headed for financial disaster.
With the subsidy removal, he said what was imperative was for Nigerians to manage within available resources and shun unnecessary expenses.
“What contingency? We were spending our future. We were spending our generations’ fortunes; we were not investing. We were just deceiving ourselves. That reform is necessary. I could see the smugglers fighting back; that doesn’t affect me. It affects smuggling. Why should you have expenditures that you don’t have revenue for? I don’t want to question people who have acquired limousine kind of vehicles on the road. We should teach management in all our programmes. We have to manage our resources within our means,” Tinubu stated.
“There is no way that you give out fuel and allow all the neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have any regret whatsoever in removing the subsidy. It is necessary. We cannot spend our future generations’ investments upfront.
“Phased removal is part of unnecessary fear. No matter how you cut it, you still have to meet the bills. So cut your coat strictly to your size. Management is the issue and we have no choice but to pull the hand brakes, otherwise, we are headed for slippery slopes and in such financial disaster, not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren. Where is the pathway for prosperity?”
The President added that he was not ready to shrink his cabinet, saying all his appointees were adding value.
Tinubu said his plan in the 2025 budget proposal to reduce inflation from 34 per cent to 15 per cent would be realised by boosting local production and reducing imports.
“If one produces more for consumption locally, stop imports, give a reasonable level of funding and assistance, the low interest rate to farmers, improve the security as you see in the budget so that they can return to their farms and produce more food, encourage the procurement and manufacturing of drugs in Nigeria, we have what it takes.
“Talk to Professor (Ali) Pate, he is doing an excellent job trying to encourage. All I need to do is put the incentive in place in order for them to harness what is possible in Nigeria. It is about time we do all of those. Bring the cost of governance down,” he explained.
On the recent stampedes, Tinubu blamed organisers of the various events in Ibadan, Abuja and Okija, where a total of 67 people, including 35 children, died in their rush for palliatives.
His comments follow a wave of stampedes as people scampered for food items made available by charitable groups and individuals.
In Okija, Anambra State, what was meant to be a Christmas palliative distribution on Saturday turned tragic when 22 persons lost their lives, with several others injured, during an early morning stampede.
The same day in Abuja, another tragedy struck when 10 persons died during an annual Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama.
These incidents followed Wednesday’s stampede at the Islamic High School, Basorun, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where several children lost their lives during a holiday funfair celebration, with others rushed to the University College Hospital for medical attention.
“To me, I see this as a very grave error on the part of the organisers,” he said. “Are we looking at it from the organisers point of view or from the goodwill gesture of the people trying to give what they have as extra?
“Sadly, people are not very well organised, we just have to be more disciplined in our society. Condolences to those who lost family members, but it is good to give. I have been giving out food stuff and commodities, including envelopes in Bourdillion for the past 25 years; I have never experienced this kind of incident because we are organised and prone to discipline.
“If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicise it. Every society has food banks and hungry people. They are organised; they take tokens to be in line and take turns to collect. It is unfortunate. It is reflected at our bus stops, we don’t want to queue, so we rush to board vehicles. We continue to learn from our mistakes.”
On fighting corruption, Tinubu said his efforts in this regard included the removal of subsidy, which he said ended stopped smuggling of the nation’s petroleum resources.
The President said he believed in people having more access to legitimate income as a way to tackle corruption, noting that with increased earnings, allocation to states and local governments had increased.
He also stated that anti-corruption agencies continued to plug loopholes for corruption, noting that the recent discovery of hundreds of duplexes reportedly owned by a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, was evidence of his government’s corruption fight.
Tinubu also mentioned the Student Loan as a means to prevent people from subscribing to corruption to fund their education.
While noting that the government cannot eliminate corruption fully, he stated that it had drastically reduced corrupt practices, adding that the increase in minimum wage was also a way to tackle corruption.
The President said, “Corruption in all ramifications is bad. First of all, pay enough attention to the causes. Why are the people corrupt? The lack of social amenities; the lack of needs in some areas; lack of funding for their children’s education. There are so many anti-corruption mechanisms that you can put in place that will help the people not to be corrupt. Pay them good living wages.
“I have moved from N35,000 to N70,000, to me that is anti-corruption. If I can earn more, I have given more money to the states and local governments. I have been transparent with my earnings. Every month, there is a publication as to how much this country is making.
“We got the man who had 735 houses. You don’t know how long it has started. He had fantastic infrastructure; he had a row of houses but we got it. That is anti-corruption too. We got it for the public. The structure, ability to stem corruption is part of the instrument of the EFCC, that is why they are discovering all sorts of inefficiencies in the system. Block all the loopholes where anybody can just game the system.
“Part of the anti-corruption is removal of subsidy. It is very difficult to eliminate but you reduce it to the barest minimum.
“Meet the people’s needs; help them with the education of their children. Our students’ loan is part of anti-corruption. No parent should lament how to encourage their children in university education. It is working for the larger part of the population.”
Asked about how to stem the high price of food items, Tinubu said he believed in increasing agricultural production, not price control.
He said government would continue to work hard to increase supply to the market such that the nation had enough to feed itself and export.
“I don’t believe in price control,” he said.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as an attempt to undermine opposition parties through judicial interventions.
The party issued the warning following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that removed the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated the party’s nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu as an attempt to weaken the opposition and deny Nigerians the opportunity to freely choose their leaders in the 2027 general elections.
The party also questioned the timing of the judgment, noting that it came barely 24 hours after its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, which it claimed attracted hundreds of thousands of supporters.
According to the ADC, the development raised concerns that the judgment had been prepared earlier but was only delivered following the successful rally.
The party said the ruling could have far-reaching consequences beyond Atiku and David Mark, potentially affecting thousands of candidates seeking elective positions at the local, state and federal levels.
“Do these people understand what they are playing with? This is not about Atiku Abubakar or David Mark. It is about the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their own leaders. It is about the rights of thousands of candidates to participate in a democratic process,” the statement said.
The ADC further argued that the judgment was legally indefensible, citing an earlier ruling by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court, delivered on July 2, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to the party, the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
It maintained that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot review, vary or nullify the subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.
The party, however, said it was awaiting a Certified True Copy of the latest judgment to establish its precise terms, scope and consequential orders.
The ADC accused the APC of attempting to use the courts to weaken political opposition, insisting that Nigerians would not remain silent if their democratic rights were threatened.
“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party,” the statement added.
The party also questioned why the APC would be concerned about political competition if it was confident in its performance and electoral popularity.
It called on the judiciary to resist attempts to use the courts to undermine democratic institutions and pave the way for dictatorship.
The ADC urged its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while the party pursues all available legal avenues to challenge the judgment.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has dismissed the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the leadership of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and voided the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
The Council described the judgment as an academic exercise that had been overtaken by events, insisting that it would challenge the ruling at the appropriate judicial platforms.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC PCC maintained that the judgment had no practical effect and could not override an existing judgment delivered by a court of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter.
It recalled that Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court, Abuja, had earlier ruled on the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Mark and Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
According to the Council, Justice Liman had held that the transfer of leadership from Chief Ralph Nwosu to Senator Mark did not violate the provisions of the ADC constitution.
It further explained that the disputed July 2, 2025 meeting was a stakeholders’ meeting preceding the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of July 29, 2025, where Mark and Aregbesola emerged as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, under the monitoring of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Council argued that the leadership question had already undergone judicial scrutiny and could not be overturned without due consideration of the principles governing judicial authority.
It therefore described the latest ruling as an exercise in futility, adding that its legal team was taking immediate steps to challenge the decision.
The ADC PCC also questioned the timing of the judgment, linking it to the party’s growing political momentum following what it described as a successful presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto, in contrast to the reported failure of the APC campaign flag-off in Kaduna.
It accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to use political and institutional instruments to frustrate the opposition rather than confront it through democratic competition and the ballot box.
The Council also expressed concern over Justice Lifu’s involvement in another controversial judgment concerning the ADC, recalling that his earlier ruling declaring the party deregistered was subsequently set aside by the Court of Appeal.
It further alleged that there were concerns surrounding possible pressure and political interference in the proceedings, insisting that the independence and integrity of the judiciary must not be compromised by partisan interests.
The ADC PCC, however, reaffirmed its recognition of Senator Mark as the party’s National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary.
It urged its candidates, members and supporters nationwide to remain calm and continue their political activities, assuring them that the party’s leadership was addressing the legal and political implications of the judgment.
The Council also disclosed that its legal team was taking steps to seek appropriate interim relief, including a stay of execution where legally applicable, before proceeding with an appeal.
It called on Nigerians not to be distracted by the development, but to remain committed to defending multiparty democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional right of citizens to freely elect their leaders.
The statement concluded that the ADC would remain focused on its political activities, declaring that its campaign for the 2027 general elections would continue despite the legal challenge.
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has announced plans to stage a one-million-man protest against the administration of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on November 9, 2026.
The coalition said the protest would hold simultaneously in Abakaliki, Abuja and Lagos, with 56 NGOs and 39 CSOs expected to participate.
Leader of the coalition, Dr Ibiam Oko Ibiam, disclosed this in a press release made available to journalists, explaining that the demonstration was aimed at drawing national and international attention to alleged human rights abuses, politically motivated killings, electoral violence and mismanagement of public funds in the state.
Ibiam called on Ebonyi residents, irrespective of their political affiliations, to join the protest, describing it as a collective effort to demand accountability and protect the interests of the people.
He questioned Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to the constitutional responsibilities of his office, particularly the protection of lives and property and the promotion of citizens’ welfare.
The activist expressed concern over the reported killing of one Ubochi Onwe at Mgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, alleging that the victim’s mouth was mutilated after he reportedly offered prayers for an opposition political candidate.
He also cited other reported assassination incidents in Ezza South Local Government Area, describing the alleged violence as disturbing and calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
On public expenditure, Ibiam accused the state government of misplaced priorities, questioning alleged spending on luxury vehicles for female political office holders, expensive champagne and cash distributions to political associates and official guests.
He argued that government spending on entertainment, hospitality and political largesse should not take precedence over critical sectors such as education, healthcare and other essential public services.
Citing figures covering January to September 2026, the coalition leader questioned alleged expenditure of ₦22.2 billion on entertainment, approximately ₦17 billion on cash donations to official guests and ₦30 billion on loan servicing.
He contrasted the figures with the reported allocation of about ₦9.3 billion to education and primary healthcare, demanding explanations from the state government over its spending priorities.
Ibiam also raised concerns over Ebonyi State’s borrowing profile, warning that rising debt obligations could put pressure on projected government revenue and undermine the state’s financial stability.
The coalition urged human rights advocates, labour unions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to mobilise for the demonstration.
According to the statement, the protest will take place in Abakaliki, at Louis Edet House in Abuja and around the American Embassy area in Lagos.
The coalition said its demands included accountability in governance, protection of human rights, an end to political violence and prudent management of public resources.
It also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for participants and ensure that the planned demonstration remained peaceful and orderly.
The allegations and expenditure figures cited by the coalition had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report. The state government’s response was also not contained in the statement.
A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has nullified the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Enugu West Senatorial District, ruling that no valid primary was conducted and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard Hon. Uche Eneh as the party’s candidate.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Segun-Bello in suit No. FHC/EN/C’S/153/2026, following a legal challenge instituted by Barr. Ugochi Ohajekwe, who is aligned with the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led Enugu State Working Committee of the party.
The court held that the NDC National Working Committee (NWC), which is legally empowered to conduct the party’s primary under the Electoral Act, did not organise any primary election for the senatorial district on May 29, 2026.
Justice Segun-Bello consequently ruled that the primary purportedly conducted by the state working committee was invalid, stressing that the committee lacked the legal authority to organise the exercise.
The judge further declared that no valid primary election was conducted by the NDC for Enugu West Senatorial District.
The suit was filed by Ohajekwe through her counsel, Kelvin Eya, Esq., who argued that the party’s national leadership failed to conduct a valid primary election in Enugu State.
She maintained that the only exercise held was organised by the state chapter under the leadership of Dr. Johnpaul Anih and challenged the process through which Eneh emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate.
The court also nullified INEC’s publication of Eneh’s name and ordered the commission to disregard him as the NDC candidate for the district.
The judgment came days after another Federal High Court sitting in Abuja removed Hon. John Nwokeabia as the NDC candidate for Awgu/Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency and declared Hon. Chijioke Okereke the duly elected candidate.
Reacting to the Enugu judgment, the NDC State Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, described the ruling as a victory for democracy.
Okafor accused the party’s National Working Committee of working against the presidential ambition of Mr. Peter Obi, alleging that its failure to conduct primaries in the state or initiate meaningful reconciliation had exposed its undemocratic approach.
He said the judgment had vindicated the position of the state leadership, adding that although the ruling might appear to be a setback for the party, it would strengthen internal democracy and discourage the violation of members’ rights.
According to him, the judiciary has once again demonstrated that no individual or group is above the law, stressing that political parties must respect fairness, transparency, equity and the rights of their members.
He described the judgment as a warning to party leaders against imposing candidates without following due process.
Okafor also warned that continued disregard for the Electoral Act and the legitimate aspirations of party members could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The latest ruling adds to the legal disputes surrounding the NDC’s candidate-selection process in Enugu State, with the party’s national and state leaderships facing continuing disagreements over the conduct of its primaries.
Politics
‘The Lord Fights for the Righteous’ – Agbese Speaks on Quiet Project Delivery, Political Attacks and More
Honourable Ibrahim Sani Bsc
Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Labour Party leader in Benue State, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible results as the general elections approach.
While seeking re-election, the lawmaker insisted that his focus remains on the work rather than political distractions or personal glory.
Agbese said a responsible lawmaker must keep working without being drawn into the negative campaigns and underhand tactics of rivals.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives says he draws quiet strength from his faith and prefers to leave every battle in God’s hands.
“The best advert for the kind of massive projects we have executed come from the people, not self-glorification,” Agbese stated.
“I deliberately refused to blow my own trumpet all these three years. I am grateful that critical segments of the society have taken notice of our monumental development projects.”
He added, “A good lawmaker works day and night and is not bothered by political opponents. I believe in the scripture that says we should leave vengeance to God. As it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ The Lord fights for the righteous.
“From the onset, we made education a clear priority and by the grace of God, we are delivering. We have so far built seven schools across the constituency, all constructed to international standard and fitted with tiles for the children.
“The record is there. Among them is the first one-storey primary school in our federal constituency. Many of our projects have come under heavy attacks but thank God that in the end, light has prevailed.”
Beyond education, his interventions also include health and market facilities, ICT training and empowerment for the youths, a befitting royal home for a monarch, solar electrification, farm inputs and equipment, as well as recreation, sports and agricultural support.
Despite the volume of work, Agbese is known for shunning fanfare. He rarely commissions his own projects and is often already planning the next one once delivery is complete.
“I am not the kind of person who loves to show off, especially when there is still more work to be done. That is why I hardly commission my own projects,” Agbese explained.
“Each time a project is delivered, I am already looking forward to starting the next one and not taking glory. I dread fanfare and do not love the spotlight like many others. The work itself is what matters.”
Beyond constituency projects, Agbese has built a strong legislative record in the National Assembly.
He holds the distinction of moving the highest number of motions and bills by any lawmaker from Benue State, including the Bill for the establishment of the College of Agriculture, Agila, which has already been passed.
He has also been a consistent voice on national issues, notably championing equal national honours for the Senate President and the Speaker, and taking a frontline position during the state of emergency debates in Rivers State.
“The work continues with the same energy,” Agbese noted. “Whether it is constituency projects, motions, bills or standing up on issues of national importance, the responsibility is the same — to serve effectively and without distraction. We remain committed to the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.”
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