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BIG STORY

Electoral Act: Senate Finally Bows To Buhari, Includes Consensus For Party Primaries

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The Senate added the consensus primary option in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, as requested by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Compulsory direct primaries were removed from the bill by both chambers of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

While the House allowed parties to choose between direct and indirect primaries, the Senate allowed for both, as well as a consensus approach, as indicated by President Obama in a recent interview with Channels Television.

During the interview, Buhari stated that, in addition to direct and indirect primaries, lawmakers should include consensus.

He said, “All I said (is that) there should be options,” he said. “We must not insist that it has to be direct; it should be consensus and indirect.”

Buhari had last year vetoed the electoral bill and sent it back to the National Assembly over the restriction of political parties to direct primaries.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had suspended action on the bill till resumption on Tuesday, after the Christmas and New Year break.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives amended Clause Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 which is Clause 84 of the electoral bill, by inserting the indirect primary option.

The Senate, however, adopted Clause 84(2) as recommended by the Committee of the Whole and approved direct primary, indirect primary or consensus as the procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for elections.

The disagreement between both houses is expected to delay the passage of the bill.

The Senate also approved the recommended Clause 84(3) which prescribes that “A political party that adopts the direct primaries procedure shall ensure that all aspirants are given equal opportunity of being voted for by members of the party and shall adopt the procedure outlined below: (a) In the case of Presidential Primaries, all registered members of the party are to vote for aspirants of their choice at a designated centre at each ward of the federation.

It provides further that, “similar procedure as in (a) above, shall be adopted for governorship senatorial, federal and state constituencies.

The Majority Leader of the Senate, Yahaya Abdullahi (APC/Kebbi-North), had moved a motion for the recommittal of the bill to the Committee of the Whole.

Abdullahi noted that the motion was against the backdrop of the “need to address the observation by Mr President and make necessary amendment in accordance with Order 87(c) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022 (as amended); and relying on order 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022 ( as amended).”

The Senate’s move, it was learnt, was based on the request by the President

However, it was not a smooth ride for the bill at the House. There was tension in the House as members were divided on whether to amend the legislation or override the President’s vote.

At the opening of plenary on Wednesday, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, beckoned on some leaders of the House, who approached his seat.

Shortly after, other leaders and ranking members of the House joined the meeting.

Those who met with Gbajabiamila included the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase; Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa; Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu; Chairman, House Committee on Finance, James Faleke; Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, among others.

Other lawmakers watched as they engaged themselves in arguments for over 15 minutes.

Our correspondent observed that Elumelu was particularly in disagreement with what was being said by others at the meeting.

Gbajabiamila consequently called for an executive (closed-door) session, which lasted about 30 minutes.

As the chamber was opened, there was noise in the chamber, which showed that there was a disagreement among the lawmakers.

Elumelu and the Deputy Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu, led other opposition members to a corner of the chamber where they met for about five minutes, agreed on what to do and dispersed to their respective seats.

As the Speaker called the chamber to order, he asked that all items on the day’s order paper be stepped down except the recommittal of the electoral bill – Item 6, being the first motion of the day; and Item 9, being the first report for consideration.

Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Abubakar Fulata, moved the motion for the recommittal to the Committee of the Whole. Elumelu seconded the motion.

Ado-Doguwa moved the motion that the House dissolve into Committee of the Whole to consider the bill, while Leke Abejide seconded the motion.

At the Committee of the Whole, consideration of the bill did not start until 18 minutes, during which the lawmakers conferred with themselves in groups and copies of the legislation were distributed to them.

The Speaker recalled how Buhari withheld assent to the bill, read out Paragraph 5 of the President’s letter to the National Assembly. Gbajabiamila also cited Order 12 Rule 20 of the Standing Orders of the House which prescribed how the lawmakers should go about rejected bills.

Considering the report by the Committee of the Whole, Gbajabiamila put the amended Clause 84(2) to voice vote and it was unanimously adopted.

The clause now reads, ‘The procedure for nomination of candidates by political parties for various elective positions shall be by direct primaries or indirect primaries.’

As the House was to revert to plenary, an opposition member, Dagomie Abiante (PDP/Rivers) raised a point of order to say that “there are other errors,” which Gbajabiamila said were “being looked into.”

The Speaker, however, ruled him out of order, stating that the rules of the House, which he had read out, were specific about the process and the lawmakers were bound by the limitations. “We are confined to the observations made by Mr President. We have a near-perfect document; it may not be perfect but we have a near-perfect document,” he stated.

After Gbajabiamila overruled Abiante, several lawmakers approached the Speaker where they were seen pointing out things in the bill to him.

We amended only Clause 84(2) –  Gbajabiamila

After the meeting that lasted about 10 minutes, the House adopted the report from the Committee of the Whole.

The Speaker explained what had been done to the bill, saying, “For emphasis’ sake, I need to state categorically that what was considered and adopted by the House was only a clause and that was Clause 84(2). “

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, who addressed journalists after the session, stated that Buhari was specific about the amendments he sought from the National Assembly, which was having direct and indirect options.

Consensus will subvert popular will, antithetical to democratic principles – CSOs

Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organisations working towards the perfection of the electoral process in Nigeria on Wednesday rejected the introduction of consensus by the Senate as a mode of nomination of candidates in the Electoral. Act Bill 2021.

The activists, however, commended the swift action taken by the National Assembly upon resumption to review its position on direct primaries as the sole mode for the nomination of candidates in the Electoral Bill 2021.

While expressing fears that the new consensus mode “is antithetical to democratic principles and will result in the subversion of popular will”, the CSOs called for “the immediate withdrawal of this new introduction which is alien to the original Electoral Bill 2021 to speed up the work of the harmonization committee and conclusion of the amendment process on or before the 21 January 2022 deadline.”

The membership of the CSOs comprised Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre, Centre for Citizens with Disability, The Albino Foundation, CLEEN Foundation, Institute for Media and Society and Nigerian Women Trust Fund.

Others were Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, Partners for Electoral Reform, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Nigeria Network of Non-Governmental Organizations and Inclusive Friends Association.

The groups in a joint statement signed on their behalf by the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, rejected the action taken by the Senate.

The statement read in part, “We reject the decision of the Senate to introduce a completely new mode of ‘consensus’ as a procedure for candidates’ nomination. The consensus model is antithetical to democratic principles and will result in the subversion of popular will. Furthermore, it violates the rights of aspirants to equal participation in party primaries and limits the choice of voters to candidates who did not emerge from democratic primary elections.

“Judging from experience, the consensus has occasioned a litany of litigation in Nigeria’s electoral process. We call on the Senate to, in line with the popular will of Nigerians, adopt the position of the House of Representatives which now recognizes direct and indirect primaries as the procedure for nomination of candidates.”

The groups said the divergent positions of both chambers could delay the speedy conclusion of the process.

“We, therefore, call for the immediate withdrawal of this new introduction which is alien to the original Electoral Bill 2021 to speed up the work of the harmonization committee and conclusion of the amendment process on or before the 21 January 2022 deadline,” the CSOs said.

BIG STORY

Road To 2027: ADC Boils Over Tinubu Endorsement By Adeleke, Oyinlola

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The political climate in Osun State intensified on Tuesday after Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party publicly threw their support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

This decision was outlined in a communiqué issued after a key stakeholders’ meeting, which also reaffirmed Adeleke’s commitment to remain in the PDP, putting to rest speculations that he might switch to the All Progressives Congress.

However, the move sparked backlash from the African Democratic Congress, which accused Adeleke of lacking political direction and argued that his endorsement of Tinubu would not prevent his loss in the upcoming Osun governorship race.

Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu while still in the PDP was formally communicated in the statement shared with journalists following the PDP leadership meeting in the state.

Those in attendance at the meeting included former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Senator Lere Oyewumi representing Osun East, Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi, and former PDP National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo, among others.

The stakeholders resolved, “The PDP in Osun State recognises the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State.”

“Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby adopts and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.”

The gathering also threw its full support behind Adeleke as the sole candidate for the PDP in the 2026 Osun governorship election.

“PDP in Osun State reaffirms its adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 governorship election on the platform of the PDP.”

“Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP. The leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state,” the communique read.

In response to the announcement, Osun State ADC Chairman Charles Omidiji said Adeleke’s decision not to join the APC might not spare him from electoral defeat.

Omidiji went on to assert that the ADC, whose Interim National Secretary is former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, would emerge victorious in the next Osun governorship election.

“If he doesn’t join the APC again, it will only reduce the margin of the loss awaiting him at the poll.”

“If he had defected, that would have been the end of both the APC and PDP in Osun. But whatever happens, ADC will produce the next Osun governor,” he said.

Explaining Adeleke’s choice to remain in the PDP despite ongoing speculation, the communiqué noted, “The majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, which did not originate from the governor in the first instance.”

“Some APC leaders, based on entrenched interests, have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.”

“The majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, but reluctantly agreed to follow Governor Adeleke to whichever party he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.”

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BIG STORY

APC To Pick Ganduje’s Successor At Make-Or-Break NEC Meeting

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A new National Chairman for the ruling All Progressives Congress could be selected on Thursday during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja.

This is according to a report by The Punch.

In June, Abdullahi Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State, stepped down as the APC National Chairman, citing health concerns. However, some political observers believe his resignation was influenced by internal party politics and strategic shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following his resignation, Ali Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman, assumed the role of acting National Chairman.

According to multiple credible sources within the party, the NEC meeting will address key issues, including the appointment of a new national chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and matters concerning party congresses.

Some APC National Secretariat insiders, who requested anonymity as they weren’t authorised to speak publicly, mentioned that a number of party leaders support Ali Dalori staying on as acting chairman until a proper Elective Convention can install a full National Working Committee.

One insider said that many stakeholders, including members of the Progressives Governors Forum and current National Working Committee, are waiting to see President Bola Tinubu’s final decision on the leadership of the party.

The source also named former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Minister, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as key contenders, as the North Central region campaigns for the position to return to them.

Before Ganduje, the APC had five national chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), Chief John Oyegun (2014–2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).

Under Article 13.3 of the APC’s amended 2022 Constitution, the NEC is empowered to appoint the National Chairman and to establish a Caretaker Committee when needed.

According to Article 13.3 (1i and ii), “The National Executive Committee of the Party shall be the Principal Executive body of the Party and shall perform the following functions: summon or convene the National Convention and prepare its agenda, discharge all functions of the National Convention in between National Conventions.”

Also, Article 13.3 (B and C) provides that, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, the National Executive Committee shall have the power to set up a Caretaker Committee in place of any organ at all levels, except the National Advisory Council and National Convention, where in its opinion there is a compelling situation warranting such action in the overriding interest of the Party.

“Any such Committee shall have a defined tenure not exceeding twelve (12) months.”

Consequently, APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter announced on June 30 that the party’s NEC would meet in Abuja on July 24 to deliberate on choosing a National Chairman and other pressing matters.

Fuanter said, “And during the meeting, if they so desire that a new chairman is nominated, we’ll also accept such nomination and then wait for the convention where the final position of the party will be made as far as the substantive chairman is concerned.

“So, that’s as much as I can tell you. And the date, the suggested date for the NEC meeting is the 24th of July, 2025. It’s going to be here (Abuja), on the premises of the APC.”

Lobbying

Another source told The PUNCH that the party had briefed President Tinubu and now awaited his direction on the matter.

He added that influential members have started lobbying in support of their preferred candidates ahead of the NEC gathering, with Al-Makura, Yilwatda, and Dalori emerging as leading options.

He said, “The NEC will hold as scheduled. Of course, a lot of issues will be discussed and resolved. The E-registration, updates from the Constitution Amendment Committee, congresses, by-elections, and the selection of a substantive National Chairman are all part of the agenda.

“It is not clear whether the NEC will announce the substantive National Chairman on Thursday, because, as we speak, some people are pushing for Dalori to continue as acting chairman until an Elective Convention brings in new NWC members at a later date. However, others are insisting that a new National Chairman should be announced on Thursday.

“So, the NEC will make that decision. Already, former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Yilwatda, are the major names being mentioned among party leaders.

“Preparations for the NEC meeting have been concluded. The President, who is the leader of the APC, has been briefed, and everyone is now waiting for him to give a directive on how and when the National Chairman will emerge and who that will be.”

The PUNCH learned that top APC leaders met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday, but the specifics of their conversation could not be verified. Nonetheless, it is believed they discussed who should become the party’s next chairman at Thursday’s NEC.

Tinubu, who was present at the last two NEC meetings, is also expected to attend Thursday’s session.

Some party officials are optimistic that Ganduje’s replacement will be selected during the NEC meeting, noting that he himself was appointed chairman during a NEC meeting.

A different source mentioned that Thursday’s NEC meeting will be pivotal in determining the party’s direction on the issue of the National Chairman and other matters.

He said, “The NEC is an important organ of the party. The Thursday meeting is very crucial because it will give a clearer direction on the substantive National Chairman of the APC.

“Al-Makura, even Yilwatda and other names have been mentioned. But the NEC’s decision, along with that of the President, will shed light on everything. One thing is certain: the APC will consolidate, and it will get better.”

Efforts to contact APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off when this report was filed.

In an interview (with The PUNCH), APC Deputy Organising Secretary Eze Duru confirmed that the meeting’s agenda would cover both the National Chairman selection and the E-registration initiative.

He said, “Well, essentially, NEC is a usual meeting of the party as stipulated in the constitution of the party. We would address the issues around the E-registration to enable members register wherever they are, and then of course receive reports from the directorates of the party through the National Secretary, who will present reports of his stewardship. So, these are the major highlights of the meeting.

“Also, the issue of the substantive National Chairman is expected to be on the agenda.”

He explained that the E-registration process is designed to make it easier for Nigerians who wish to join the party to do so without stress.

Duru added, “Yes, I would expect that the party would come out of the meeting better, stronger and sending a signal to Nigerians that we are prepared to do what is best and what is right by them, and then, of course, to position the party to give an account to the owners of the party through the NEC.

“That’s one part of what will come out of the meeting on Thursday and then also to show that we are keying into the IT space through the E-registration — to make it possible for members to be registered across board, as well as to be accountable. People will know that once you are a member of the party, wherever you are, you can be verified.”

North-Central preaches justice

In another development, the North-Central APC Forum urged President Tinubu and the party’s leadership to ensure the position of National Chairman returns to the region during the NEC session.

The call came through a statement issued on Tuesday by the forum’s chairman, Saleh Zazzaga.

Zazzaga argued that giving the chairmanship back to the North-Central region would be a fair and just move, given its long-standing role in the APC’s development.

“The North-Central has over the years played an important and strategic role in the progress and growth of the APC. Any decision contrary to returning the position of National Chairman to the region will amount to betrayal,” the statement read.

The group emphasized that the region deserved the post, citing the existing zoning formula and its considerable contributions to the party’s growth.

It recalled that Abdullahi Adamu, also from the North-Central, became National Chairman in March 2022 following the zoning of the position to that region.

Adamu resigned in July 2023, after which Ganduje from the North-West took over the role in August 2023, serving until his recent resignation.

Citing the region’s performance in elections, the forum stated that the North-Central delivered the third-highest number of votes for Tinubu in the 2023 election.

“Among the various geopolitical zones, the North-Central has the highest number of APC governors. APC controls five of the six North-Central states — Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger. Returning the chairmanship to the region is not a favour; it is well deserved,” the statement added.

The group also rejected the suggestion by the All Progressives Stakeholders Forum that Dalori remain in office longer as acting chairman.

It argued that letting Dalori, from the North-East, continue in the role would be equivalent to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

The forum dismissed concerns that leadership changes would destabilise the party. Instead, it said appointing a chairman from the North-Central would “revitalise the APC and reinforce fairness and equity.”

“There are several capable personalities in the North-Central who can lead the party to greater heights. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to choose any of them as National Chairman,” the forum stated.

North-West reacts

Responding to the North Central’s demand for party leadership, APC chapters in Kaduna and Zamfara states (North West) called for adherence to democratic procedures.

Kaduna APC Publicity Secretary, Salisu Wusono, said while the request from the North Central made sense, it must be handled in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“I am always compliant with the constitution of our party. So, if it is in order and in line with the constitution of our country, I don’t think there’s any problem.

“All we want is to act in accordance with democratic norms. Let us do everything we need to do base on the provisions of our party’s constitution. That’s all,” Wusono stated.

In Zamfara, APC Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris said the state would support whoever becomes the next chairman, regardless of their state or region, as long as they work to improve the party.

He said, “We are not happy with the resignation of our national chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje but we are ready to accept whoever is going to succeed him as our new leader provided that such person would use his position to promote peaceful coexistence and progress within the party.

“We will respect the national secretariat of the party regarding the appointment of a new national chairman for our great party.”

 

Credit: The Punch

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BIG STORY

External Reserves Hit $40.1 Billion In July 2025 — Cardoso

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Nigeria’s foreign reserves have risen to $40.11 billion as of July 2025, according to Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso.

He made this announcement during the Monetary Policy Committee briefing held on Monday, July 22, 2025.

Cardoso explained that the reserve figure of $40.11 billion amounts to about 9.5 months of import coverage, highlighting a significant improvement in the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

This marks the highest reserve level since November 2024 when it reached $40.2 billion, representing a notable recovery in Nigeria’s forex buffers as authorities continue efforts to stabilize the naira and rebuild investor trust.

Key Economic Indicators

The CBN further reported ongoing stability in the forex market, citing factors such as higher capital inflows, better crude oil output, increased non-oil exports, and reduced import levels.

Gross External Reserves: $40.11 billion, providing cover for 9.5 months of imports

Capital Inflows: Rise in inflows helping stabilize the foreign exchange market

Crude Oil Production: Gains in output supporting economic stability

Non-Oil Exports: Growth in exports contributing to the economy

Imports: Decline in imports helping maintain FX stability

Inflation Outlook

Cardoso stated that internal projections indicate inflation will keep declining in the months ahead, driven by:

  • Tight Monetary Policy: Maintaining price control and curbing inflation
  • Stable Exchange Rates: Helping ease inflationary trends
  • Declining PMS Prices: Lower fuel costs aiding inflation decline
  • Harvest Season: Expected to boost food availability and reduce costs

The CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee is set to reconvene on September 22 and 23 to assess economic conditions and make additional policy decisions.

Economic Growth and Inflation Projections

The International Monetary Fund has forecast that Nigeria’s inflation will drop to 23 percent in 2025 and further decline to 18 percent in 2026.

The IMF also expects economic growth to improve from 2.9 percent in the previous year to 3.3 percent this year, supported by a rebound in oil production and progress in agriculture.

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