Politics
El-Rufai: One-term presidency Not Enough
El-Rufai emphasized that four years is not enough and politicians who make such pledges often change their minds once they assume office.

• Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai, a former Kaduna State Governor, says that four years is not sufficient to deliver meaningful reforms.
He, therefore, urged former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and his ex-Anambra State counterpart, Peter Obi, to desist from making one-term presidency pledges.
Recalled that Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has consistently said he would serve only one term if elected president in 2027, insisting that four years is enough to reset Nigeria.
Obi also argued that history shows purposeful leadership is defined by impact, not tenure length.
Similarly, Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and now a member of the African Democratic Congress, said he would be willing to serve just one term if he secures his party’s presidential ticket.
He stated that he would step down after four years to promote rotation and stability.
Reacting to these claims, El-Rufai dismissed the idea, noting that both men, having governed their respective states, should know that four years is not sufficient to deliver meaningful reforms.
“Now, on the question of people coming out and saying, I will do one term, I don’t think anyone believes that.“I don’t think it is right. You should not constitutionally give up what is yours. And frankly, as someone who has been governor for eight years, and Amaechi and Peter Obi have both been governors, they know the time it takes to make meaningful change in government.
El-Rufai emphasized that four years is not enough and politicians who make such pledges often change their minds once they assume office.
“So, I want to appeal to everyone to stop making these commitments of ‘I will do four years’ or ‘I will do eight years’, because nobody believes you,” he added.
El-Rufai also explained that his support for power shift to the South in the 2023 election stemmed from an agreement reached by leaders of the All Progressives Congress during the party’s formation.
Crime
Military Denies Coup Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an alleged attempted military coup, calling such claims misleading and false.
An online publication had reported that 16 military officers, from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency over suspected covert meetings to plan a coup against the government.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) described the report as malicious and intended to create unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.
The DHQ clarified that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was due to President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at a strategic bilateral meeting abroad, and to allow the military to focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
The statement further assured the public that the investigation involving the officers is a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces. An investigative panel has been set up, and its findings will be released once the inquiry concludes.
The DHQ called on Nigerians to support security agencies and disregard misinformation circulated by enemies of the state. It reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the Constitution and the Federal Government under President Tinubu.
“The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the statement emphasized.
News
BREAKING: Senate Confirms Prof. Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a rigorous screening session held in the Senate Chamber.
The confirmation came after the upper legislative chamber convened as a Committee of the Whole, where Professor Amupitan was subjected to an extensive question-and-answer session. Lawmakers across party lines took turns interrogating the nominee on a range of national issues, particularly around electoral reforms, voter education, and the independence of the electoral body.
Professor Amupitan, a respected legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), provided detailed responses to the lawmakers’ questions, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, neutrality, and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
After the screening exercise, the nominee was asked to “take a bow” — a traditional Senate practice signifying the conclusion of the confirmation hearing — and exited the chamber alongside his entourage. Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that the outcome of the screening would be formally communicated to him.
Following Amupitan’s departure, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to reinstate all floor privileges that had been earlier suspended to facilitate the screening. The motion was promptly seconded by the Senate Minority Leader and received unanimous approval through a voice vote.
The final confirmation of the nominee was subsequently put to a voice vote by the Senate President. With no dissenting voices, the appointment was officially ratified.
“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Senate President Akpabio declared.
Professor Amupitan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the country’s electoral body, as preparations begin for upcoming off-cycle elections and broader electoral reforms. His tenure is expected to usher in a new chapter in INEC’s leadership, with stakeholders hoping for greater credibility, independence, and innovation in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Politics
Okpebholo Forces Wearing Tinubu-Cap on Commissioners
“I will not forgive any commissioner that is not wearing this cap. In our exco meetings, if you are not wearing a suit and you are coming to the meeting without this Asiwaju cap, you will go back,” Okpebholo said.

•Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo
Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, says that wearing branded outfits bearing President Bola Tinubu’s insignia is now a must for the members of his cabinet
Okpebholo assets that the directive is a way of showing their support for the president.
The directive was given on Tuesday during the swearing-in of newly appointed commissioners and inauguration of commissions and boards of agencies in Benin.
While attributing his emergence as governor to Tinubu, Okpebholo stated that loyalty to the president must be reflected even in appearance.
“This could not have happened if we did not have a responsible president. We have done many elections here, and the major problem we have had is that the president is not with us, but today we say thank you.
“I will not forgive any commissioner that is not wearing this cap. In our exco meetings, if you are not wearing a suit and you are coming to the meeting without this Asiwaju cap, you will go back,” Okpebholo said.
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