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“Democracy Under Siege: The Threat Within”.

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Democracy is widely understood as an ongoing process of governance grounded in popular sovereignty, rather than a fixed state or a one-time event. This explains why even the United States—often regarded as a model of democracy after more than 200 years—faces challenges such as intense partisanship, declining trust in institutions, threats to the electoral process, a partisan Supreme Court, and a distrusted media.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Similarly, some of the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic journey—like what some describe as “state capture” by elites, authoritarian tendencies of executives with military backgrounds, a legislature dominated by inexperienced politicians, and political parties run more like military garrisons than democratic institutions—should not be seen as fatal threats to the country’s democracy.

Contrary to the claims of sore losers such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and collaborators like Pat Utomi, Omoyele Sowore, and Oby Ezekwesili, who attempt to frame Nigeria’s democratic difficulties as beginning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the reality is different. These self-proclaimed defenders of democracy echo earlier actors who, rather than accept electoral outcomes, resorted to undemocratic measures—like courting the military to seize power in 1966. For instance, some of Peter Obi’s supporters openly called for a military takeover after he placed third in an election, failing to meet the constitutional threshold.

Over the past three years, these so-called champions of democracy have focused on undermining state institutions: attacking the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Dele Farotimi, a prominent member of Obi’s supporters, traveled to the U.S. seeking foreign intervention against the inauguration of a freely elected president. When that failed, his group lobbied the U.S. Congress to discredit Nigeria’s president. Meanwhile, the legislature, acting within its mandate, became a target of calumny, and attempts were made to compromise the Supreme Court, the institution responsible for ensuring stability and upholding the rule of law.

Despite these challenges, there is no reason to despair over Nigeria’s democracy. From the eve of independence, when institutions were still forming, through decades of military rule and poorly prepared civilian administrations, Nigeria has made significant strides in democratic governance.

Today, calls for foreign intervention or cries of “war” by dissatisfied political actors hold little sway. Nigerians have a deeper understanding of democracy than in 1966. Those who have disrespected democratic norms—abandoning party rules, losing re-election bids, or migrating to unregistered parties—cannot suddenly claim the mantle of democracy defenders.

The strategy of “if we cannot have it, no one else must have it” has long been evident among seasonal political migrants. Peter Obi’s recent formal registration with ADC highlights this pattern, as supporters previously threatened the party to secure an automatic ticket for him, demonstrating a disregard for party rules and democratic norms.

Even debates around the Electoral Act and indirect primaries—intended to regulate internal party processes—have been misconstrued, echoing historical cases where party elites manipulated delegate votes, such as Obasanjo vs. Ekwueme in 1998 or Atiku vs. others in 2019 and 2023.

Comparisons with other democracies must be cautious. For instance, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly shielded a leader accused of serious misconduct, and the Republican-controlled legislature has often supported undemocratic measures. In contrast, Nigeria’s institutions—presidency, legislature, judiciary, and free press—have ensured continuity, periodic elections, and accountability.

In conclusion, despite the attempts by self-styled warriors of democracy to undermine institutions, Nigeria’s democratic process has matured and strengthened over time. The country now boasts a system many nations might wish to emulate: periodic elections, an independent legislature and judiciary, and a free press.

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Dele Momodu Denies 2027 Ambition, Rejects VP Campaign Poster With Atiku Abubakar.

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed a viral presidential campaign poster linking him as a running mate to Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The poster, tagged “AtiDele 2027,” suggested Atiku as presidential candidate with Momodu as his deputy, but the media entrepreneur described it as a misleading creation aimed at distracting the ADC.

Reacting via his X handle, Momodu clarified that he is not interested in any electoral contest and urged supporters to disregard the circulating image.

He said when he first saw the poster, he assumed it was a joke, but later began receiving repeated messages about it, prompting him to publicly address the issue.

Momodu stressed that he is not contesting any political office, but remains committed to supporting a coalition of parties working to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of weakening Nigeria’s democracy.

He added that he believes the ADC has many capable leaders, stating that he is ready to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

According to him, his role will be to offer support rather than seek personal political ambition, especially as preparations toward future elections continue.

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Hard Times Return As Petrol Price Jumps To N1,440 Per Litre Across Nigeria

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Petrol prices have surged across Nigeria, with filling stations now selling fuel between N1,364 and N1,444 per litre, as rising global crude oil prices continue to pressure the domestic market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Findings on Thursday evening showed that major marketers such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MRS, BOVAS, Ardova (AP), and Mobil have adjusted their pump prices to between N1,364 and N1,370 per litre.

Other outlets, including AA Rano, Emedab, Empire Energy, and Ranoil, are selling at even higher rates, ranging from N1,370 to N1,440 per litre.

This represents a sharp increase from about N900 per litre recorded in February 2026.

The latest hike comes just 24 hours after Dangote Refinery and depot operators raised their gantry and ex-depot prices to N1,275 and N1,320 per litre respectively, citing rising global crude oil costs.

Market data on Friday morning showed that Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to $111 and $105 per barrel, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East.

The situation has also been worsened by the recent withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), further increasing volatility in the global oil market.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the global oil price increase is directly affecting fuel costs in Nigeria.

He noted that while Dangote Refinery has helped cushion the impact, fluctuations in the international crude market are still influencing domestic pricing.

The continuous rise in petrol prices has sparked fresh calls for government intervention, as Nigerians struggle with worsening economic hardship.

The development comes at a sensitive time as workers mark May Day, with the national minimum wage at N70,000 and the cost of living rising alongside fuel prices edging close to N1,500 per litre.

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AGF Fagbemi Moves To Deregister ADC, Accord, AA And Other Political Parties

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for the deregistration of several political parties, including the Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Peoples Party (APP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fagbemi made the request before the Federal High Court, arguing that it is unconstitutional to allow political parties that have consistently failed to win electoral seats to remain registered.

His position was presented in an affidavit filed in response to a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is also seeking the deregistration of the affected parties.

The AGF urged strict enforcement of Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no discretionary power to retain parties that do not meet the required electoral performance threshold.

He further argued that the continued existence of non-performing political parties contributes to ballot paper overcrowding, increases the cost of elections, complicates electoral administration, and weakens the intent of the Constitution.

According to him, the constitutional amendment was introduced to address challenges such as ballot clutter and inefficiencies in the voting process.

Fagbemi also noted that, as the chief law officer of the federation, he is empowered to initiate or support actions aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.

Earlier in the proceedings, counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told the court that the case seeks judicial clarification on constitutional and legal provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the suit is strictly for constitutional interpretation, insisting that some political parties may have violated the law, and therefore require judicial guidance on their status.

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