Category: Featured

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, have raised fresh concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the country could face a situation where only one presidential candidate emerges in the 2027 general election.

The duo issued the warning on Thursday at the fifth Comrade Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture held in Lagos, where several civil society leaders, labour activists, and political stakeholders gathered to reflect on the state of the nation’s democracy. Femi Falana, who delivered a lecture at the event, expressed deep concern over what he described as increasing judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties.

Falana argued that conflicting court orders and legal manipulations are being deployed to destabilise opposition parties, thereby weakening Nigeria’s multiparty system. According to him, if the trend continues unchecked, it could pave the way for a one-party dominance in which only a single candidate contests the presidency. He warned that such a development would undermine democratic choice and render elections meaningless, stressing that Nigeria might not even need to conduct an election if only one candidate emerges.

The senior advocate’s remarks come amid recent controversies involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly its stance on party leadership disputes and recognition of factions within opposition parties. Falana criticised the judiciary for allegedly overstepping its bounds despite provisions in the Electoral Act that limit court interference in party affairs.

Corroborating his position, Gani Adams warned that Nigeria is gradually drifting toward a one-party system, accusing those in power of using judicial mechanisms to suppress opposition voices and the will of the electorate. He urged Nigerians not to remain silent in the face of perceived injustice, noting that political power is transient and silence today could have consequences tomorrow.

Both speakers called on civil society organisations, labour unions, and pro-democracy groups to rise in defence of democratic principles. Falana emphasised the need for coordinated civic action, warning that unstructured protests could lead to instability if not properly managed.

The warning comes as political alignments and party disputes intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, scheduled for January 16, 2027, with growing debates about the strength of opposition parties and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Observers say the concerns raised by Falana and Adams reflect broader anxieties about judicial neutrality, political competition, and the sustainability of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy as the next election cycle approaches.

There was tension on Wednesday night in Ojaba area of Ibadan as a violent clash reportedly broke out between Hausa and Yoruba groups, leaving several persons injured.

Eyewitnesses said the altercation, which started as a disagreement, quickly escalated into a full-blown fight, causing panic among traders, residents, and passersby in the busy commercial hub. Shops were hurriedly shut while many people fled the scene to avoid being caught in the violence.

It has also been confirmed that clashing groups are breaking into homes and houses in Ile-Iba, Elesinmeta and other suburbs in search of people to unleash terror on.

Although the exact cause of the clash remains unclear as of press time, sources within the area suggested that tensions had been building before the incident erupted. No official casualty figures have been confirmed, but multiple persons were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives were yet to issue an official statement, but residents are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation. Similar ethnic-related clashes have occurred in Ibadan in the past, sometimes leading to injuries, loss of lives, and destruction of property.

Authorities are expected to respond swiftly to restore calm, while residents have been advised to avoid the affected area until normalcy is fully restored.

A fresh war of words has erupted between Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over the performance of the state’s Independent Power Project (IPP) in Ibadan.

Adelabu had publicly criticized the Makinde-led administration, describing the 11KV power project at the State Secretariat, Agodi, as a “moribund” initiative and a “woeful failure.” He alleged that despite billions of naira invested, the project has not generated “a single kilowatt” of electricity for residents, questioning the state government’s capacity to deliver on power interventions.

The minister further argued that the inability of the project to deliver tangible results undermines the state’s criticism of the Federal Government’s efforts in the power sector. He maintained that power generation and distribution are complex and require technical expertise, insisting that the Oyo project has failed to meet expectations.

In a swift rebuttal, the Oyo State Government dismissed Adelabu’s claims as inaccurate and misleading. The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources clarified that the IPP was largely privately funded and had, in fact, generated about 5MW during its testing phase, supplying electricity to key government facilities for several months.

The state government also emphasized that payments made were strictly for electricity consumed during testing, not for project construction, countering allegations of wasted public funds. It added that the project’s limitations were tied more to distribution expansion challenges rather than generation failure.

Amid the controversy, the Makinde administration revealed that it has moved on to a more advanced 12MW Ibadan Independent Power Gas Project aimed at delivering a scalable and sustainable electricity solution across strategic locations in the state.

The exchange highlights growing tensions between federal and state actors over electricity reforms following the Electricity Act, with both sides defending their roles in addressing Nigeria’s persistent power challenges.

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 18 suspects in connection with the recent attack on police officers deployed to manage the lingering communal crisis between and Ilobu and Erin-Osun communities.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi , authorities disclosed that 14 additional suspects were apprehended through intelligence-led operations, bringing the total number of arrests to 18. The suspects, who had reportedly gone into hiding after the attack, were tracked and arrested on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

The police also confirmed the recovery of weapons linked to the incident, including a single-barrel gun, a live cartridge, and a cutlass. The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, with authorities assuring that all those involved will be prosecuted in accordance with the law while respecting their fundamental human rights.

The arrests follow a fresh outbreak of violence in the affected communities, where hoodlums allegedly attacked police officers who were responding to intelligence reports of a possible clash over a long-standing boundary dispute. The situation escalated when officers deployed to maintain peace came under attack while attending to a distress call in Ilobu.

According to the police, although the operatives initially dispersed the violent group, some youths later regrouped and launched another assault on the officers. One officer was reportedly dragged to the palace of the Olobu, where he was subjected to inhumane treatment before being rescued.

Condemning the attack, Commissioner Gotan has ordered the immediate deployment of an intervention team to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order. The Command warned that additional suspects already identified will soon be arrested and prosecuted.

The police further urged residents of both communities to remain law-abiding and support security agencies with timely information, stressing that any attack on law enforcement personnel will attract the full weight of the law.

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has said that reconciliation within the party is still achievable despite the recent National Convention held in Abuja, by a faction backed by Nyesom Wike.

While reacting to developments after the convention, Hashim maintained that the PDP cannot afford to sideline any major bloc within its structure, warning that continued division could weaken its standing as a formidable opposition force.

“Nothing has changed to alter the necessity for reconciliation and unity,” he said.He called on leaders of the contending factions to urgently resume dialogue, emphasising the need to harmonise party structures in line with previous agreements.

Hashim noted that ongoing legal proceedings at the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court provide legitimate avenues for resolving the dispute, adding that a consent judgment remains possible if political compromises are reached.

He further underscored the importance of preserving the PDP’s founding ideals as an inclusive platform, urging stakeholders to prioritise unity over factional interests.

According to him, reconciliation efforts should now focus on resolving structural divisions within the party, including the existence of parallel National Working Committees and conflicting state structures arising from separate congresses.

The PDP has in recent times been plagued by internal wrangling, fuelling concerns about its cohesion and electoral prospects.

However, Hashim expressed optimism that with genuine engagement and political will, the party can overcome its current challenges and restore internal stability.

Tension is rising in the Oke-Ijetu area of Osogbo, as residents have halted the activities of suspected illegal miners operating within the community.

The locals, particularly around Olowookere, opposite Fehintolu Medical Clinic, confronted the miners and demanded to see official approval documents authorizing their operations.

According to residents, the miners failed to provide any valid permits, resulting in further suspicion and outrage.

Community members say they are deeply worried about the potential health risks and environmental damage linked to the mining activities.

They are calling on the Osun State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to urgently intervene, verify the legality of the operations, and protect the wellbeing of residents.

As tensions continue to mount, residents insist they will not allow mining to commence until proper authorization is confirmed and safety concerns are addressed.

There is growing anger among traditional worshippers in Osogbo following the alleged invasion of the revered Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove by some pastors and members of Christ for All Souls Ministry.

The incident, said to have happened around March 10, 2026, has been strongly condemned by the Osogbo traditional institution, who described the act as disrespectful, provocative, and capable of causing unrest in the community.

Speaking through a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Prince Osunyemi Ifarinu Ifabode, the Baba Oosa of Osogboland, said the individuals unlawfully entered the sacred grove and carried out actions considered offensive to the beliefs of Osun worshippers.

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is under the custodianship of the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, is not just a spiritual site but also a UNESCO-recognised heritage location and a protected national monument.

Traditionalists say the actions have sparked outrage across Osogbo, warning that such incidents, if not handled properly, could threaten the peace of the town.

They insisted that the invasion was not only a violation of tradition but also an offence under Nigerian law, including trespass, defilement of a place of worship, and actions likely to cause a breach of peace.

“This is not just about tradition, it is about respect for law, culture, and peaceful coexistence,” the petition stressed.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has donated all his salaries since assuming office to a newly created Armed Forces Welfare Fund as part of activities marking his 74th birthday. The gesture is aimed at supporting members of the Nigerian military and their families.

The President directed that a dedicated account be established for the fund to ensure transparency and proper management. The initiative is expected to cater to wounded soldiers, as well as families of fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Tinubu described the donation as a recognition of the sacrifices and bravery of the Armed Forces, stressing that their commitment to national security must be matched with adequate welfare and support from the nation.

He also called on government officials, private sector players, and Nigerians to contribute to the fund, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in caring for those who defend the country.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is pressing ahead with its national convention under the influence of Nyesom Wike’s camp, despite strong resistance from allies of Seyi Makinde . The Wike-backed leadership has described the convention as crucial to repositioning the party for the 2027 elections and insists all arrangements have been properly concluded.

However, the exercise is taking place amid a deep internal crisis, as the Makinde-led faction rejects the legitimacy of the process. The group has raised concerns over due process and adherence to party structures, warning that the convention could worsen divisions within the party.

The disagreement reflects a broader power struggle over the control and future direction of the PDP. While Wike’s camp views the convention as an opportunity to reset and strengthen party leadership, the opposing bloc believes it undermines internal democracy and party unity.

As tensions continue to rise, political observers warn that the outcome of the convention could significantly impact the PDP’s cohesion and electoral strength. The ongoing rift highlights a critical leadership battle that may shape the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.