News
Atiku’s Media Office Accuses Tinubu Administration of Undermining Opposition
Vows to Resist in New Coalition Effort
In a strongly worded statement, the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of systematically weakening opposition parties in Nigeria, aiming to establish a de facto one-party state amid ongoing economic hardships.
The press release, issued on Tuesday, describes the past three years under Tinubu as one of the harshest periods in recent Nigerian history, marked by “punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space.”
It claims the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is pursuing a “calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives,” leaving the ruling party dominant “by default, not by merit.
“According to the statement signed by Paul Ibe of the Atiku Media Office, opposition leaders have responded by rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “nucleus of a credible national alternative.” The ADC is portrayed as being on a “national rescue mission,” with Atiku and other figures central to the initiative.
The release directly addresses recent external pressures on the ADC, alleging that “agents aligned with the Presidency” are attempting to destabilize the party by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly regarding the selection of a presidential candidate.
It rejects any calls for Atiku to “step aside,” labeling such demands as “a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
“Emphasizing the ADC’s commitment to an “open, transparent, and competitive process” for choosing its flagbearer, the statement warns that “APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.”
It notes the party is currently focused on building grassroots structures at ward, local government, and state levels, urging “disruptors and infiltrators” to cease interference.
The ADC remains “open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures,” the release states, highlighting inclusiveness as the “soul of democracy.”
It asserts that when the nomination process begins, “all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely,” and no one is stepping down. In a pointed remark, it suggests that if anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu, whose leadership is described as a “national liability.
“The statement references the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, which it says prompted “open boasts” from a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party.
“Their fear is evident,” it adds.Concluding with a defiant tone, the release declares the ADC’s determination to “end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC,” insisting that no amount of “intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage” will derail its mission. “Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” it states.
This development comes amid growing political tensions in Nigeria, as opposition groups seek to consolidate ahead of future elections. Neither the Presidency nor the APC has immediately responded to the allegations.
News
NNPCL Faults NISO’s Claim of No Gas To Power Generating Plants
It, however, maintained that gas production had increased by about 10 per cent in 2026 so far, as the company pursued the Federal Government’s gas development and monetisation agenda.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has dismissed claims by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) blaming the nationwide power supply outages on partly to limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric power stations.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, NNPC said that its pipelines remain available to deliver gas to power plants across the country.
The national oil company said its operational records did not indicate any transportation-related constraints within the network operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited, that could explain the current drop in power generation.
It, however, maintained that gas production had increased by about 10 per cent in 2026 so far, as the company pursued the Federal Government’s gas development and monetisation agenda.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday stormed an illegal Chinese-operated refinery in Ogere-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The joint operation followed intelligence reports that revealed a well-fenced but crude yet technically sophisticated facility occupying more than three hectares of land.
During the inspection, officials observed underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil, refining waste products, and substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel. NMDPRA officials immediately sealed the facility.
Ogun State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Dr. Atilola Akinyemi, described the plant as a complete illegality operating without any permit from regulatory authorities.
“The underground storage facility behind the site has an estimated capacity of more than 90,000 litres, complete with underground heating systems, water hydrants for cooling, locally fabricated tanks and silos for separation,” Akinyemi told journalists.
He warned that if such adulterated products entered the market, they would pose serious risks to vehicles and engines. All recovered products have been confiscated by the Federal Government.
Director of the Department of Proceeds of Crime Management at the EFCC, Gbolahan Latona, stressed the need for collective patriotism in tackling economic crimes.
“Upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects will have their day in court and the proceeds of crime will be put to meaningful use,” Latona said.
Watch video below:
News
Sanusi: Critics Are Not Enemies Of The Govt
” It’s not every time people talk about poverty or talk about difficulty that they’re just enemies of the government or making an attack on the president. That is not how to respond to economic distress,” he said.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has advised the Federal Government against treating every comment about the administration as an attack on President Bola Tinubu.
The royal father gave the advise on the occasion of the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, organised by the Oxford Global Think Tan.
Speaking virtually to the audience at the event, on Tuesday, Sanusi advised the government to tolerate constructive criticism.
“It’s not every time people talk about poverty or talk about difficulty that they’re just enemies of the government or making an attack on the president. That is not how to respond to economic distress,” he said.
Cement: Manufacturers Post N5.8tn Nine Months Revenue
Dangote Says Refinery’s IPO Misses 10 Million Investors Target
Dangote Rice Mill in Jigawa Begins Processing
BREAKING: Lagos Govt Declares Today, Thursday Work-Free to Mark 2026 Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
-
Crime3 days agoArmy Deals Major Blow to Terrorists in Niger, Frees 16 Abductees
-
Politics2 days agoTinubu Woos Nigerian Youths At Rivers Rally
-
Business1 day agoEnugu Air Begins London Gatwick flights From December 10, 2026
-
News1 day agoNNPCL Faults NISO’s Claim of No Gas To Power Generating Plants
-
Sports1 day agoManchester City lose ground in EPL title race
-
Sports1 day agoNigeria Wins First U-17 Women’s World Cup By 2:1 Against Japan
-
Business5 hours agoDangote Rice Mill in Jigawa Begins Processing
-
Politics6 hours agoGovernorship candidates Speak On Next Chapter For Lagos