Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the House of Representatives for declining to criminalise vote buying at the level of party primaries.

Obi, in a statement released on Sunday, described the decision as a setback to Nigeria’s democratic reform efforts.

Obi said Nigerians had hoped the House would take a firm stand against vote buying, which he described as a major threat to credible elections and national development.

On Thursday, the lawmakers, during the clause-by-clause consideration of the report seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022, voted against a proposal to prohibit the inducement of voters during party primaries.

What Obi is saying 

According to Obi, Nigerians’ expectation was dashed when lawmakers failed to address the issue at what he called the foundational stage of the electoral process.

Obi argued that refusing to criminalise vote buying during party primaries amounts to protecting a broken system rather than safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.

He maintained that credible elections cannot emerge from corrupt foundations and warned that national progress would remain elusive as long as inducement and bribery are tolerated within the political process.

“Credible elections cannot be built on corrupt foundations, and national progress cannot be achieved while inducement and bribery are legitimised in the democratic process,” he stated.

“Any effort to stop vote buying must begin at the primaries. Without addressing the problem at its roots, any measures taken later will lack the strength to endure,” he added.

Obi described a system where votes are bought as a “criminal marketplace” rather than a true democracy.

Culture of vote buying 

The former governor further expressed concern that the culture of vote buying has spread beyond formal politics into town unions, village associations, clubs, and even student elections, as these groups increasingly mirror what he described as fraudulent political behaviour.

Calling for urgent reforms, Obi said Nigeria must confront vote buying boldly and insist that integrity starts from the earliest stages of the electoral process.

He added that while a new Nigeria remains possible, it can only be achieved if the country decisively tackles practices that undermine democratic values.

Backstory 

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, but rejected a proposed clause seeking to criminalise vote-buying during party primaries.

The rejected provision had proposed that any person who financially induces a delegate to influence the outcome of party primaries be sentenced to two years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.

According to Clause 89 (4), which was added during the amendment stage, “a person that financially or materially induces a delegate for the purpose of influencing the outcome of the party primaries, congresses and conventions commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment of two years without an option of fine.” 

The lawmakers, however, overwhelmingly voted against the provision during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill at the Committee of the Whole presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

The rejection of the clause effectively removes criminal sanctions for inducement at party primaries from the amendment.

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By Dickson Omobola

Nigerian carrier, Overland Airways, has concluded plans to recommence flight services from Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The airline, which will operate on the Ibadan route using its brand new 88-seater Embraer 175 aircraft, will begin operations on December 23, 2025.

The airline will commence three weekly services from Ibadan to Abuja on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights will depart Abuja to Ibadan by 10:30am and Ibadan to Abuja by 12:00pm.

Speaking on the development, Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, Mrs Aderonke Emmanuel-James said: “As the pioneer airline on the Ibadan route Overland Airways is excited to return to Ibadan to continue the excellent flight services we have provided to the people of Ibadan, Oyo and Osun states over the past 22 years. We equally wish to congratulate the Government of Oyo State for the extensive improvement works at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan. We assure our esteemed customers of reliable and consistent flight services.”

Ibadan International Airport, which was closed in March 2025 for upgrade of its facilities, was recently granted approval by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, for commencement of scheduled flight operations.

The NCAA said it gave the approval after reviewing the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements and mitigation measures, which followed recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.

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Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has flagged off the 2025 Free Annual Transportation Programme during the Christmas season, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and people-centred governance.

The programme, which commenced on Sunday, 21 December 2025, will facilitate safe interstate travel during the festive season, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social background.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on behalf of Governor Zulum, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Chief Ugochukwu Egwudike, stated that the initiative was designed to alleviate the hardship faced by low-income earners and vulnerable groups, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Egwudike noted that beyond transportation, the programme aims to promote social cohesion and national unity by reconnecting families separated by economic and security challenges.

Egwudike, who is also the Coordinator of the Ohanaeze APC Support Group, recalled that over the years, the scheme has reunited families who had been unable to travel home for three to five years, enabling them to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

He added that during the previous exercise, beneficiaries also received ₦30,000 each, paid directly into their bank accounts to cushion financial pressures and ensure transparency in disbursement.

According to him, the 2025 exercise covers all six geopolitical zones of the country, saying that a total of 320 passengers will be transported safely on day one, 280 on day two, and 150 on day three, with all passengers conveyed safely to their destinations.

“The fourth day of the programme will be devoted to the distribution of palliatives and social support to 300 widows, orphans, and other vulnerable persons,” Egwudike said.

Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, particularly for Christian faithful travelling to celebrate Christmas.

He praised Governor Zulum’s inclusive leadership and offered prayers for his continued success and greater service to humanity.

The Chief of Idoma Community in Borno State, Jonah Odo, described the programme as a practical demonstration of Governor Zulum’s humane and responsive leadership, noting its positive impact on social welfare, interfaith harmony, and national integration.

On behalf of the Idoma community in the State, Odo further appreciated the Governor for his good works for non-indigenes and urged other state governors to emulate Zulum’s gesture for the unification of the country.

The Vice President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the State, Chief Levi Nyia, expressed gratitude to Zulum for the free Christmas transport scheme, saying it has enabled those who could not have travelled home due to the prevailing economic reality to celebrate with their loved ones.

The Free Annual Transportation Programme remains one of the flagship social intervention initiatives of the Borno State Government, providing annual relief and mobility support to thousands of Nigerians nationwide.

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old housewife and her 30-year-old accomplice for allegedly staging her own kidnapping and extorting N2.5 million from her husband.

Confirming the arrest in a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the case began on 24 November when the husband of the suspect, who resides in South Africa, contacted the police through one of its emergency lines to report that his wife had been abducted by armed men.

According to Adebisi, the caller explained that the alleged kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N10 million, later reducing it to N3 million. He eventually paid N2.5 million, but his wife was not released.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, the Command Special Squad immediately deployed human and technical assets to track the alleged kidnappers.

The supposed victim was eventually released and reunited with her family,” Adebisi said.

During police debriefing, the woman claimed she had been abducted by six armed men in a silver Toyota Venza, taken to their hideout, and dispossessed of her iPhone 12 Pro Max.

She further alleged that the ransom paid by her husband was first credited into her bank account before being handed over to the kidnappers.

However, police investigations revealed inconsistencies in her account. On 3 December, operatives apprehended her accomplice in Ede, Osun State, and recovered a SIM card used to register the WhatsApp account through which ransom negotiations were conducted.

“During interrogation, the accomplice confessed that the suspect requested the use of his SIM card to create the WhatsApp account used for the ransom negotiations. He admitted providing the one-time password (OTP) sent to his line, which enabled her to operate the account,” Adebisi said.

Confronted with the evidence, the woman admitted to faking her own kidnapping to extort money from her husband. Further investigation led to the recovery of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which she had earlier claimed was stolen.

The phone was traced to a 34-year-old man who told investigators he bought it from the suspect for N380,000 after being warned not to insert any SIM card into it.

Adebisi confirmed that investigations were ongoing and that both the suspect and her accomplice would be charged to court upon conclusion of the inquiry.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, condemned the act, warning against false reporting and criminal deception. He stressed that such actions divert critical security resources.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to remain law-abiding and to report suspicious activities promptly.
The police reminded the public that emergency numbers remain available for use: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264 and 08039344870.

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The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians against consuming Indomie noodles vegetable flavour, following a recall notice over safety concerns.

In a statement released by the agency, NAFDAC said the recall was initiated after a notification from the French food safety authority, Rappel Conso, which flagged the product for containing undeclared allergens that could pose health risks to consumers.

According to the agency, the affected product, which has a best before date of 06/02/2026, contains milk and eggs that were not declared on the packaging, making it potentially dangerous for individuals with allergies or intolerances.

NAFDAC noted that although the official risk of the recalled product entering Nigeria remains low due to the Federal Government’s ban on noodle importation, the possibility of illicit entry through online purchases or international travel cannot be ruled out.

As a precautionary measure, the agency said it has intensified surveillance nationwide and directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to monitor markets and remove the product if found.

The agency also advised distributors, retailers and consumers to remain vigilant and avoid the sale, distribution or consumption of the affected Indomie brand.

Consumers in possession of the product have been urged to discard it immediately and report any sightings or adverse reactions to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s official reporting channels.

“Public Alert No. 041/2025 – Recall of Indomie Brand Noodles (Vegetable Flavour Product) due to the Presence of Undeclared Allergens (Milk and Eggs).

“The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is informing the public that the French Authority (Rappel Conso of France) issued a notice regarding a recall of Indomie brand Noodles Vegetable Flavour product. This recall is due to the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose a significant health risk to consumers with allergies or intolerances.”

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The Dignified Articulate Men’s Club (DAMC) has reiterated its commitment to empowering the underprivileged, promoting social welfare, unity, love, and excellence, during its 11th anniversary celebration and end-of-year event held recently in Lagos.

In his welcome address, Club President Ambassador Francis Chukwu emphasized that the coming year will focus on strengthening brotherhood, creating greater opportunities for empowerment, and expanding the club’s influence through purpose-driven initiatives.

A major highlight of the event was the induction of Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Frank Mba, as Patron of the Club. The appointment was hailed as a milestone, expected to boost DAMC’s visibility and provide momentum for its ongoing social and community engagement programs.

The elegant ceremony brought together the club’s leadership, distinguished members, and their spouses, showcasing class, confidence, and gentlemanly distinction. Ambassador Chukwu reaffirmed his commitment to purposeful leadership marked by transparency, dedication, and progress.

“This is more than an end-of-year celebration—it is a recognition of who we are: a family of dignified, articulate, and purposeful men, strengthened by the partners who stand beside us,” he said.

In his remarks, DIG Frank Mba expressed delight at his association with DAMC and pledged to support the club’s noble initiatives while urging members to continue distancing themselves from lawlessness.

The event also featured awards presentations, fashion displays, and goodwill messages. Barrister Smart Ezekuse, Head of Legal for the Club, recounted the club’s origins in 2014 when ten friends forged a pact in Benin City, later formalized in Lekki, laying the foundation for what has grown into a vibrant community of accomplished professionals and business leaders.

Over the past eleven years, the Club has actively pursued its mission to foster brotherhood, empower the underprivileged, and promote social welfare through initiatives such as: Articulate Care Initiative – Conducting consistent hospital visitations and offering support to the sick, Bi-Quarterly Outreach Programs – Supporting orphanages, elderly homes, and centers for the physically challenged, Pro Bono Legal Interventions – Delivering justice and freedom to the unjustly incarcerated.

The Club’s legacy of empowerment has also extended to education and support for vulnerable communities, culminating in a landmark celebration in 2024: “A Decade of Unity, Love, and Excellence.”

As DAMC looks forward, it plans to expand its philanthropic impact, deepen community engagement, and build on the strong foundation laid over the past decade.

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Army troops Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised no fewer than 21 ISWAP terrorists during a fierce gun battle in Sojiri and Kayamla villages along the Damboa–Maiduguri Road in Borno.

Sources told Akelicious that the encounter which took place on Sunday at about 12:15 a.m, followed credible intelligence indicating that a large number of terrorists had converged along the axis, possibly in preparation for coordinated attacks.

According to the sources, troops immediately mobilised to the area and made contact with the terrorists at about noon on Saturday as they were observed advancing in formation.

“Upon sighting the terrorists, estimated to be about 100, troops engaged decisively. While the firefight was ongoing, an additional group of terrorists attempted a surprise attack from the rear, but our troops held their ground and continued the engagement with superior firepower,” the source said.

The sources said that at least 17 terrorist corpses were confirmed at the scene, noting that more casualties were suspected as several blood trails were observed leading into surrounding bushes.

“Exploitation of the area is ongoing to uncover additional bodies and to clear the general area of fleeing elements,” he added.

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Four persons in Bundu-Kahugu community, in Lere local Government Area of Kaduna State, have been killed in an attack by yet to be identified gunmen.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, threw the usually peaceful community into mourning.

Those killed were identified as Apolos Emmanuel, 19; Wilas Yahaya, 25; Darius Sunday, 12; Nehemiah Jonathan, 25. Seven other residents sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

The injured victims were named as Andrew Soda, 40; Dominic Audu, 37; Nabal Gagare, 34; Cornelius Emmanuel, 18; Francis Danzaria, 36; Sani Dini, 19; and Pius Aminu, 20.

According to a source, the assailants stormed the community under the cover of darkness, shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers.

He explained that the latest attack is the second deadly incident in the area, saying that there was a similar assault in 2012 that claimed four lives.

He gave the names of those killed in the earlier attack as Chindo Mukaddas, Sarah Tatiyan, Jonah Kawari and Daniel Micah.

The source described the renewed violence as shocking, explaining that the Kahugu nation had a long-standing reputation for peace.

According to him, Bundu-Kahugu, one of the seven major communities in Kaguu (Kahugu) nation, had never launched attacks on neighbouring communities.

He appealed to the government and security agencies to urgently intervene and protect lives and property in the area.

The Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, Mansir Hussaini could not be reached to comment on the incident.

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The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has vowed to support President Bola Tinubu until 2031.

The organisation declared its support in a statement issued over the weekend by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Chinenyeze Ohia.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo called for the completion of all significant projects in the South-East zone ahead of 2027 elections.

The group hailed Tinubu for his decision to appoint David Umahi to serve as Minister of Works, noting that this marks the first instance in 74 years, since 1951, that an Igbo individual has held the vital position.

Ohanaeze said that for the temporary opening of the Lagos-Calabar coastal Highway, Umahi has distinguished himself.

The organisation said, “Without hesitation, we, the Ndigbo, declare forthrightly: for the first time since 2015, we are witnessing a political landscape where all five Southeast Governors, all five Igbo Ministers, and the entire Southeast region stand unwaveringly loyal to President Tinubu’s re-election campaign for 2027.

“In recognition of the recent temporary opening of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on the 12th of December 2025, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges this remarkable achievement.

“It is a significant milestone that enhances festive season travel and provides much-needed relief to millions of Nigerians, particularly commuters in Lagos.

“The year 2025 has been characterised by an unprecedented transparency in governance, exemplified by the Federal Government’s proactive engagement of the nation’s anti-graft agencies, the EFCC and the ICPC.

“Their audits of financial transactions and contractor performances have paved the way for timely payments and enforced accountability, thereby reinforcing adherence to contractual agreements between the Federal Government and both domestic and foreign contractors.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the Federal Government to create opportunities in 2026 for local Nigerian contractors to compete on an equitable basis with foreign counterparts.

“As we reflect on the substantial infrastructural investment of 1.5 trillion Naira, directed toward road projects in the Southeast region, we commend President Tinubu for his unparalleled benevolence,” it further stated.

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The Ogun State Government says it has tackled seven disease outbreaks in 2025 and is strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) systems across its primary healthcare facilities to better manage future threats.

The state Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, disclosed this at the close-out of the Epidemic-Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) pilot project, implemented by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) with support from Resolve to Save Lives, in partnership with federal and state health agencies.

The close-out meeting was held in Lagos on 17 December.

Close-out of the Epidemic-Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) pilot project

Mrs Coker, a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (O&G), described the intervention as an “eye opener” that has transformed how the state detects and responds to outbreaks, especially at the grassroots.

“Before COVID-19, IPC was poorly understood and weakly implemented at the PHC level. When the pandemic came, we didn’t know what to do because we lacked the skills and capacity,” she said. “Today, anything that breaks out will be caught.”

Ogun is one of the states that battles disease outbreaks almost every year, according to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

In 2025 alone, the state confirmed cases of Lassa fever and dealt with suspected Mpox and a recent cholera outbreak. Mrs Coker did not, however, list all seven disease outbreaks the state handled.

From weak preparedness to early detection

Mrs Coker said the gains recorded under ERPHC have transformed Ogun’s outbreak response, enabling early detection and decentralised action at the local government level.

“Today, outbreaks are detected early, sometimes immediately at the point of entry into the state,” she said. “They don’t even come to my office anymore; I just send a message that they are responding.”

The commissioner explained that the decentralised approach has reduced costs, improved response time and limited the risks health workers face when travelling long distances during emergencies.

She said Ogun now operates three public health laboratories, including an industrial-scale facility, compared with having none before the intervention.

She added that dedicated disease surveillance officers now focus solely on surveillance rather than juggling clinical duties, while essential IPC commodities have been integrated into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to ensure steady supplies to the state’s 525 primary health care centres.

Close-out of the Epidemic-Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) pilot project

“We deliberately avoided creating parallel systems,” Mrs Coker said. “We embedded everything into existing structures so that epidemic readiness can be sustained beyond this project.”

Why IPC at PHC level matters

The ERPHC pilot was born out of gaps exposed by COVID-19, when frontline facilities were underfunded and ill-prepared despite being the first point of contact for most Nigerians.

Since its inception in 2023, AFENET, with Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), has worked with NCDC, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and health authorities in Ogun and Kano to strengthen epidemic readiness at the primary healthcare level.

The project focused on integrated IPC and Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) capacity building through training, mentorship and functional readiness assessments, while improving data use for decision-making and supporting the national IPC programme.

In his welcome remarks, AFENET Regional Director and Country Lead, Patrick Nguku, said the project’s pillars have proven effective and should be scaled nationally.

Mr Nguku urged stakeholders to advocate for more funding for PHC systems that can withstand infectious diseases, climate change, and future epidemics.

Giving an overview, AFENET’s Senior Epidemiologist, Moreen Kamateeka, said the ERPHC pilot supported 256 PHCs across Ogun and Kano, helping facilities maintain essential services while preventing, detecting, and responding to outbreaks.

She said health workers who once hesitated in the face of suspected cases can now confidently screen, triage, isolate and report, while protecting themselves and patients.

“This close-out is not the end, but the completion of a phase,” Ms Kamateeka said. “The momentum is already building for national scale-up.”

Kano building readiness at scale

While Ogun highlighted outbreak response, Kano State officials said the project has institutionalised IPC and surveillance across more than 1,300 PHCs.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB), Habib Tijani, said COVID-19 exposed the fragility of the health system, when many secondary and tertiary facilities shut down and PHCs became the only point of care for communities.

Close-out of the Epidemic-Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) pilot project

“Our frontline workers didn’t know how to protect themselves,” he said. “That experience showed us the need to build epidemic readiness from the grassroots.”

Mr Tijani said the ERPHC project helped institutionalise IPC, surveillance, and early response at scale, citing the detection of a monkeypox case at a primary health care facility as evidence that community-level preparedness is achievable.

To sustain the gains, he said Kano has developed an IPC strategic plan, revived its IPC Technical Working Group, and strengthened surveillance through a network of 44 Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers and assistants, who now also serve as mentors to health workers.

READ ALSO: Oba Otudeko Foundation rolls out food relief across Ogun – Official

He added that the state has embedded ERPHC activities into its Annual Operational Plan, approving a N93 million budget for implementation, with a commitment to sustain funding in 2026.

It has also remodelled 187 PHCs to IPC standards with World Bank support.

Evidence of impact

Findings from the project’s impact evaluation, presented by IPC expert and AFENET epidemiologist Aisha Faruk, showed an improvement in facility readiness and IPC practices.

Ms Faruk said facility readiness scores rose from 60 per cent at baseline to 98 per cent at endline, while IPC scores improved from 65 per cent to 96 per cent.

She attributed the gains to continuous mentorship, simulation exercises and strong government ownership, noting improved confidence among health workers and more sustainable systems for surveillance and IPC.

She noted that there was widespread access to the online clinical IDSR and IPC course with over 14,000 healthcare workers enrolled, and coordinated multi-agency supervision.

Despite challenges such as human resource gaps, delayed laboratory feedback, and shortages of IPC supplies, Ms Faruk said the intervention increased healthcare worker confidence, improved case management, and established sustainable systems for infection prevention, surveillance, and data-driven decision-making at the sub-national level.

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