Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has reaffirmed that the Ogoni clean-up remains a top priority for his ministry.

Lawal made the statement when the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, led a presidential delegation, including the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and senior officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited, on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.

He said projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, are progressing steadily, including mangrove restoration, healthcare services, human capacity building, and women empowerment programmes.

Also speaking, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the company was fully committed to the ongoing Ogoni dialogue.

He added that the focus will now be on improving the lives of the people rather than oil activities.

The Federal Government has been in talks with the Ogoni people to resume oil exploration in the area after more than 30 years.

However, some rights groups and community members opposed the move, saying the land was still polluted.

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The Nigeria Police Force has released Adenike Atanda, the wife of a senior investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, alongside her nine-month-old baby, following their reported detention in the Owutu area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

FIJ disclosed that Adenike and the infant were released on Monday evening, shortly after police operatives arrested her husband, Sodeeq Atanda, a senior investigative reporter with the organisation, who was later freed.

According to FIJ, Adenike and her baby were taken to a police station in Owutu, where they were held for several hours before officers allegedly asked her to contact her husband.

In an account published by the organisation, Adenike narrated how she was instructed to call Atanda and falsely inform him that their child was ill and had been taken to the hospital.

She said, “When they realised my husband was no longer far from the house, the policemen drove me and my baby to a street not far from our home. And when they saw him, they handcuffed him and took him away. That was when they released my baby and me.”

Naija News learnt that Atanda was immediately taken from the area to the Force Headquarters annex in Obalende, Lagos, where he was detained for several hours.

The organisation added that the journalist was eventually released shortly before midnight.

Alleged Failed Invitation Attempt

Linking the incident to an earlier attempt to invite Atanda for questioning, FIJ said that on November 26, a person identified as ‘Omo Eleniyan’ contacted the journalist via WhatsApp, claiming to be attached to the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters.

The message read, “I’m a police officer attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit, Lagos Annex. An approved petition was referred to my department from the office of the Inspector-General of Police for further investigation, and your name has been mentioned and alleged. That was why you have been invited, sir. Thanks for cooperation and understanding.”

FIJ said Atanda responded by providing the organisation’s official email address and requested that any formal invitation be sent through that channel.

However, the sender reportedly replied, “The invitation is for you, not for the organisation.”

When Atanda insisted that communication should go through FIJ, the organisation said the sender responded, “Alright, sir. No problem.”

FIJ added that no further communication was received until Monday evening, when Adenike and the couple’s infant were detained.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the detention and release of Atanda’s wife and child.

However, responding to a text message sent to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, she reportedly said, “A reporter from FIJ called last night in this regard, and he said at FHQ, I am yet to get facts on this. I’m still trying to reach FHQ Annex.”

Naija News reports that concerned Nigerians have condemned Atanda’s arrest on social media, arguing that the detention of a journalist and his family raises serious concerns about press freedom and the conduct of law enforcement agencies.

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State presented the 2026 Imo budget of N1.43 trillion to the state lawmakers on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the figure represented a 78 per cent increase from the 2025 budget of N807 billion.

The budget proposal was tagged “Budget of Economic Breakthrough.”

Presenting the budget, Mr Uzodimma said that the proposal consisted of 83.4 per cent capital expenditure and 16.6 per cent recurrent expenditure.

He stated that the proposed recurrent expenditure of approximately N238.499 billion covered personnel costs, overheads, and subsidies, while the projected capital expenditure was slightly above N1 trillion.

He said the budget was predicated on improved federal allocation and internally generated revenue, as well as his ambition to eradicate “a generator-based power economy and provide world-class infrastructure to facilitate economic breakthrough.”

The governor described the budget as a “clear statement of my administration’s direction and determination to provide needful infrastructure for economic development.”

He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was allocated N20.506 billion, while the Health Ministry would get N698.163 billion.

He also stated that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Development was allocated N87.727 billion, while the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition would receive N6.471 billion.

Mr Uzodimma also said that the Ministry of Power and Electrification would get N190.451 billion, while the education ministry would receive N60.623 billion.

He said that the Ministry of Rural Development would receive N15.106 billion.

The governor commended the legislature for being “true partners in progress and for their full support and cooperation to the executive arm of government.”

Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Chike Olemgbe, expressed the hope that the budget would usher in “increased and improved power” in the state.

READ ALSO: Four hospitalised as aircraft crashes at Imo airport

Mr Olemgbe further expressed the hope for increased infrastructure projects, improved healthcare, and human capital development, as well as sustained food security.

He further hailed Mr Uzodimma “for his initiatives, geared towards strengthening security in the state” and assured him of the assembly’s support for the actualisation of his policies.

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Speaker, Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, commended the governor for “diligently piloting” the affairs of the state and for his achievements.

NAN reports that the bill was later adjourned to 23 December for the second reading.

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Portable, the Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, has issued a public warning about an impersonator performing his music on stage.

The singer announced he is willing to pay ₦500,000 to anyone who spots and brings in a lookalike performing his songs on stage.

Performance of my song on stage is scam

Portable clarified that while people can mimic his hairstyle and fashion, performing his music without consent is “a scam” and will not be tolerated.

He told fans and authorities:

“Good morning everyone, police and soldier. If you see my lookalike performing my song on stage, arrest him and bring him to me. I will pay ₦500,000. ₦500,000 for anybody that sees my lookalike and brings him to me. Any of my lookalike that is performing my song on stage, bring him to me.”

Portable continued, stressing the seriousness of the impersonation:

“It is a scam. It’s not like you are performing your song; you are performing my song, my song that is on Apple Music. It is a scam. I’m performing my own song. Just bring him to me. I’ll give you ₦500,000 and give him to the police.”

Social media reactions

Fans and social media users quickly reacted to Portable’s statement:

@ARAKUNRIN_İYELOLA commented: “Portable vs Portable Pro Max. Identity crisis don enter stage performance.”

@DelIrlanel commented: “The look alike looks more portable than portable.”

@baba_krypto commented: “Just 500k? $2m and I give you his exact location.”

@damin commented: “the matter long ohhhh lookalike me.”

@SundayQlan3rd commented: “500k for wetin. This one never ready.”

Watch the video below…

“I have ₦500k for anyone who arrests my lookalike that’s performing my song on stage” — Portable. https://t.co/STy1i4OT7H pic.twitter.com/rNLYYAWNzb

— Naijahouseofgist (@9jahouseofgistt) December 22, 2025

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as Nigeria’s “Abraham Lincoln” in the 2027 presidential election.

Momodu expressed strong confidence in Atiku’s chances, describing him as a leading contender with the experience and personal stability to lead the country if the opportunity comes.

The veteran journalist and politician made the remarks on Monday while responding to questions during an X Space discussion titled “Avrilsspace: The Electoral Mathematics for 2027.” The session focused on political alignments and possible outcomes ahead of the next general election.

According to Momodu, Atiku’s long journey in Nigerian politics places him in a unique position.

He noted that the former vice president has been active in the presidential race since 1993, when he stepped down for the late MKO Abiola under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Jos, Plateau State.

Despite several unsuccessful attempts, Momodu argued that Atiku has remained consistent, disciplined, and focused over the decades.

“There is no conflict of interest anywhere, Atiku has been running since 1993 and if God favours him, he may likely become the Abraham Lincoln of Nigeria, I leave that to God.

“Like I said, I’m never a desperate supporter of any candidate, I’m a realist but I believe that he stands the best chance today. He’s in good health, his business is thriving, and his family is adorable.

“He has conducted his lifestyle in a very simple and straightforward manner; despite the occasional skirmishes with his then boss, Obasanjo, he has never uttered any insult against him.”

Atiku was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, where he lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, with political activities gradually building up ahead of 2027, indications suggest that the former vice president may once again seek the nation’s highest office.

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Terrorists have killed three persons, including two brothers, in the Daudu area of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims, identified as siblings Ortwer Tyonum and Aondohemba Tyonum, were attacked on Sunday evening while working on their rice farm.

A third victim, a motorcyclist, was also killed in a separate incident within the same area.

Eyewitnesses said the brothers were threshing rice at about 5pm in preparation for the Christmas season when armed assailants suddenly attacked and hacked them to death with machetes.

Ortwer, the elder of the two, was a graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, while Aondohemba was a 300-level student of the same institution.

Another sibling who accompanied them to the farm reportedly escaped unhurt.

A resident, Jonah Iorundu, told our correspondent by telephone that the motorcyclist was riding alone when he was ambushed and killed by the attackers.

He added that three other passersby were injured during the attacks and are currently receiving treatment.

Efforts to contact the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday signed the state’s N892 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, setting the tone for another year of ambitious infrastructure and social development spending.

The ceremony, held at the Executive Chamber in Ibadan, brought together government officials and lawmakers who applauded the administration’s consistency in meeting budget timelines.

Makinde said the 2026 plan reflects his government’s commitment to “realistic and disciplined budgeting,” adding that Oyo State will continue to strengthen internal revenue generation to reduce dependence on federal allocation. He urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to align fully with the implementation framework already established by the state.

What he said

In a notable shift, the governor hinted that Oyo may cross the N1 trillion budget mark for the first time through a supplementary appropriation, should revenue projections outperform expectations in 2026.

According to him, “If we experience a windfall or exceed our targets, we will not hesitate to send a supplementary budget to ensure that critical developmental projects are adequately funded.”

The move, if actualised, would position Oyo among a handful of subnationals operating trillion-naira fiscal plans, reflecting growing ambition to expand the state’s economic footprint.

Assembly Lauds Executive-Legislative Harmony 

Speaking at the signing event, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, commended the early passage of the budget, describing it as a product of strong collaboration between both arms of government.

He said the legislature prioritised global best practices in public finance management, ensuring that the budget cycle remains predictable and transparent.

Ogundoyin added that the House will intensify its oversight functions to guarantee that the 2026 budget delivers tangible benefits to residents across all zones of the state.

With the budget now in force, implementation begins immediately as the Makinde administration begins its seventh-year fiscal cycle with renewed momentum and an eye on potentially record-breaking spending.

Backstory  

Oyo State’s 2026 budget, signed into law at N892 billion, represents significant increase in Governor Seyi Makinde’s steady expansion of the state’s fiscal framework since assuming office.

The trajectory reflects a deliberate move from cautious consolidation to aggressive development spending, anchored on infrastructure renewal, social sector investment and improved revenue mobilisation.

• The shift became more evident in the 2024 fiscal year, when the Makinde administration presented a N434.4 billion budget, almost evenly split between capital expenditure (N222.3 billion) and recurrent spending (N211.8 billion).
• That budget prioritised human capital development, with education taking the largest share at N90.6 billion (20.8%), followed by infrastructure at N74.3 billion (17.1%) and health at N40.9 billion (9.4%).
• The government also projected a significant boost in internally generated revenue, targeting N72 billion annually, an average of N6 billion per month, to reduce dependence on federal allocations.

By 2025, the governor signed into law a N684.15 billion “Budget of Stabilisation”, marking a sharp increase of over 57% from the 2024 figure. Capital expenditure slightly outweighed recurrent spending, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on growth-driving projects. Infrastructure again dominated allocations, receiving over N152.2 billion, while additional funds were approved mid-cycle to accelerate strategic projects such as the 48-kilometre Ido–Ibarapa Road, underscoring the government’s willingness to adjust spending to meet development timelines.

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• Lagos-Calabar to pass through Ogoni land, 30 indigenes hired by NNPCL
• Fubara thanks Tinubu, says his victory in 2027 is sure

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu yesterday led a presidential delegation to Ogoni, Rivers State, to consolidate the peace talks for the resumption of oil production in the area.

Key among members of the delegation, who visited Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Port Harcourt, were Works Minister Dave Umahi; his Environment counterpart, Balarabe Lawal, and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Managing Director Bayo Ojulari.

Oil exploration was suspended in Ogoni land in 1993 following violent protests by the residents against environmental degradation caused by oil spills and gas flaring.

The protests forced Shell to halt production amid international pressure.

Since then, successive governments have tried in vain to resume oil production in the area until the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu constituted a peace committee, comprising all stakeholders, with the mandate to resolve the crisis.

All the stakeholders tabled their demands, including the lifting of charges that led to the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and some other Ogoni rights activists. 

 The President recently granted state pardon to Saro-Wiwa and others, conferred national honours on them and fulfilled other demands that facilitated the talks for resumption of oil exploration.

During the meeting at the state Government House, NSA Ribadu told Governor Fubara that President Tinubu was happy with his responsible leadership. He said the President now views Rivers as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

The NSA said with a “new chapter” unfolding in Ogoni land, Nigeria “will no longer be what it used to be”. 

He said Tinubu specifically directed him to thank Fubara for coordinating the discussion on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni land.

Ribadu also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the Ogoni for their support, patience, and understanding.

Besides, the NSA commended the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and accommodating the Southsouth zonal office of the NSA. 

 Ribadu said: “We are here on a mission to thank you for the cooperation and working together as one to address some of the difficult challenges all of us inherited. We have worked as one. Particularly, we are here because of the Ogoni. We did an incredibly good job together as one.

“We are here to identify with the people and to thank them. We are happy today that Rivers State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. Your Excellency, you are entitled to claim that you are part of it. Ogoni people are good people. We have seen progress and development, a massive promise for Nigerians.

“Ogoni land is looking like the turning point for Nigeria today; a new chapter is being opened, and Nigeria will not be what it used to be. Things are changing. The President said I should thank you that he is very happy with you, and we are happy with you.

He said: “I should thank the people of Ogoni land for their cooperation and understanding, and for giving him the chance to resolve a problem of three decades.

“Your Excellency, you did well. You provided the enabling environment to make it possible. You also supported us directly with a couple of things that are helping us to move forward.

“The campus and establishment of the Environment University wouldn’t have been possible without your support. Another one is the provision of the South-South zonal office for the National Security Adviser.”

The NSA urged the governor to provide employees to run four hospitals being established in Ogoni land.

 * Umahi: Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoni land 

Works Minister Dave Umahi revealed that President Tinubu had ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoni land.

He added that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road included five flyovers, one of which was being constructed by the Rivers State Government to support the effort of the President.

The minister said the over N200 billion project is scheduled for completion in April next year.

Umahi added that with presidential approval, designs were ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers.

He described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic to the renewed unity of Nigeria, noting that the President has a personal interest in the well-being of the Niger Delta people.

 Environment Minister Lawal said the Ogoniland clean-up project remained a priority for his ministry.

He explained that projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) included mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment initiatives.

30 Ogoni indigenes to begin work in NNPCL in January

 NNPCL boss Bayo Ojulari revealed that 30 Ogoni indigenes whose employment by the NNPCL was being fine-tuned would resume work next month.

He assured that going forward, the focus of the NNPCL would be on the people rather than oil.

 *Fubara thanks Tinubu, says his 2027 victory is sure

In his response, Governor  Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, saying his actions reflect a leader who genuinely loves Rivers State.

Fubara noted that resolving a crisis that had lingered for over three decades was not an easy task.

He said with the President’s intervention, residents could drive with ease along both ends of the East–West Road, connecting Bonny in Rivers State and Bayelsa State.

Fubara emphasised that beyond physical infrastructure,theTinubu administration was rebuilding confidence in the South-South.

  Reaffirming his commitment to supporting the peace process and managing emerging conflicts, the governor noted that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis.

He added that adjustments and compromises were necessary for sustainable development to take place.

His words: “I want to first thank Mr. President. For more than 30 years, one particular issue has always been a recurrent dilemma where people plan to engage the people to right the wrongs, but in the end, nothing happens.

“So, I thank you for having the boldness, the determination and doggedness to say even if the process won’t be easy, we must start from somewhere. We are beginning to see results.”

Fubara appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage the youth to allow oil facility operators access to their repair faulty equipment in order to stem fresh oil spills. 

 He said: “The challenge is that as we try to remediate the environment, more spills are happening. I appeal to my people, especially our youths, to allow the operators to go in and repair their equipment.  If they don’t, it will amount to bringing us back to square one.

 “My position is to support this peace process. I will still try to have a meeting with the committee so we can pass on this message to our youths.”

At another event in the state, the governor said his administration possesses the capacity to ensure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

He explained during the inauguration of Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Elimgbu, that doing so would be a way of saying: “Thanks for the protection that we received from Mr. President.

The governor said: “We have made a decision. Our decision is for the good of Rivers State. We decided to say thank you for the protection that we received from Mr. President. We have decided to prove a point that we have what it takes to return Mr. President come 2027.”

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​The Nigerian Naira maintained a relatively stable position against the United States Dollar on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, as trading opened across both the official and parallel markets.

This stability comes amid ongoing efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to manage liquidity within the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

​Official Market Performance (NFEM)
​In the official window, the Naira showed minor fluctuations but remained within the range established during the previous week’s trading sessions. According to real-time data, the exchange rate in the NFEM opened at approximately 1,455.95 NGN per 1 USD.

​This follows a closing rate of 1,459.43 NGN recorded on Monday, December 22. Market analysts noted that the intraday high reached 1,461.63 NGN, while the lowest point dipped to 1,452.65 NGN during early morning trades. The relative steadiness in the official window suggests a consistent supply of foreign exchange to meet legitimate corporate and individual demands.

​Parallel Market (Black Market) Trends
​In the parallel market, popularly known as the black market, the Dollar continues to trade at a premium compared to the official rate. As of today, December 23, 2025, bureau de change operators are quoting the Dollar between 1,720 NGN and 1,745 NGN for selling, while buying rates hover around 1,710 NGN to 1,730 NGN.

​The gap between the official and parallel market rates—often referred to as the “spread”—remains a focal point for economic observers. While the official rate has seen incremental improvements or stability, the parallel market continues to react more sharply to localised demand and seasonal holiday pressures.

​Factors Influencing the Rate
​Several key factors are currently influencing the exchange rate dynamics as the year draws to a close:
​
Seasonal Demand: The end-of-year festivities typically drive a higher demand for foreign currency for travel and imports, putting pressure on available reserves.

​CBN Interventions: Sustained periodic auctions by the Central Bank have helped mitigate drastic devaluations in the official NFEM window.

​Global Oil Prices: As Nigeria’s primary source of foreign exchange, the performance of crude oil in the global market remains a significant driver of Naira strength.

​Economic experts suggest that the Naira may continue to trade within this band for the remainder of the week, provided that the current balance of supply and demand is maintained through official channels.
​

The post Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, December 23, 2025 appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has described the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law by Governor Seyi Makinde as a reflection of the seamless synergy between the legislature and the executive arm in the state.

Speaking at the budget assent ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Speaker applauded the governor for his visionary and responsive leadership, noting that the swift passage and signing of the budget would enable the government to hit the ground running from January 1, 2026.

“This budget signing ceremony signifies yet another milestone in our shared commitment to building a more prosperous Oyo State.

“It is also a testament to the strong collaboration and understanding between the Executive and the 10th Assembly.

Makinde signs N892bn 2026 appropriation bill into law

“We have again proven that governance in Oyo State is result-driven and people-focused. The 2026 budget, estimated at N892 billion, prioritises critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Ogundoyin expressed confidence that the appropriation would translate into more developmental projects and impactful governance across all zones of the state.

While thanking his colleagues for their dedication to the budget review and passage process, the Speaker also reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to robust oversight to ensure proper implementation.

“As representatives of the people, we will ensure that every kobo appropriated is spent judiciously. Our oversight functions will be intensified, and transparency and accountability will remain our watchwords,” he added.

Ogundoyin reaffirmed the legislature’s loyalty and support to the Makinde-led administration, noting that the 10th Assembly remains committed to the people’s mandate and the development of Oyo State.

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The Nigerian Navy has rescued 20 crew members from the motor vessel Chimba Express after a fire broke out onboard near the entrance of the Calabar Channel, close to Ibaka.

Lieutenant Commander Kelechi Ahunanya, Base Operations Officer of NNS Victory, said the Navy received a distress call from the vessel reporting the fire around 1:00 p.m. December 22, 2025.

The base immediately deployed its gunboats and vectored Nigerian Navy Ship Ose to the scene to provide assistance. Naval assets arrived at the site within 25 to 30 minutes of receiving the call.

Upon arrival, the Navy successfully rescued 20 crew members. Unfortunately, one crew member jumped overboard before the Navy ship reached the vessel.

A search party has been deployed to locate the missing seafarer, with operations ongoing to bring him to safety.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical fault, likely originating from an appliance in the engine room. Lieutenant Commander Ahunanya noted that the swift response highlights the Navy’s commitment to maritime safety and emergency response.

Related

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The Kano State Police Command has rescued a man from angry mob after an alleged blasphemy incident at a hotel in the Badawa area of Kano metropolis.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident happened at about 9:45 p.m. on December 21 at Sarina Hotel, located in Badawa Quarters.

According to the sources, the police received a distress call reporting that three men,Musa Tasiu, Awwal Ibrahim and Soja Snu, all from Dorayi Quarters, had gone to the hotel to smoke shisha.

One of the sources said that Musa Tasiu allegedly entered the hotel mosque, broke the glass door, picked a copy of the Holy Qur’an and tore it.

“Following the incident, people within the premises mobilised in large numbers, and the suspect was on the verge of being lynched,” the source said.

The sources added that a patrol team attached to the division quickly responded to the call, rescued the suspect and restored calm in the area.

The source said the situation has since been brought under control, while investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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A political scientist has warned that Nigeria’s democracy risks being tilted further in favour of the wealthy following the House of Representatives’ decision to sharply increase campaign spending limits for candidates seeking elective offices.

Speaking exclusively to DAILY POST, Professor Murtala Muhammad of Northwest University, Kano, said the new thresholds could turn elections into contests of financial power rather than ideas, competence and public trust.

According to him, while the inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of results is a positive reform, it is overshadowed by what he described as “a dangerous recalibration” of campaign financing rules that could deepen inequality and weaken democratic accountability.

The concerns come after the House passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, following clause-by-clause consideration of a report by the House Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Adebayo Balogun.

Under the amended law, the maximum amount a presidential candidate can spend was increased from N5 billion to N10 billion, while the limit for governorship candidates rose from N1 billion to N3 billion.

Campaign spending ceilings were also raised across other levels. Senatorial candidates can now spend up to N500 million, up from N100 million, while candidates for the House of Representatives are allowed N250 million, compared to the previous N70 million. For state constituencies, the cap was raised from N30 million to N100 million; chairmanship candidates can now spend N60 million instead of N30 million, while councillorship candidates’ limits doubled from N5 million to N10 million.

The House also approved a provision limiting individual or corporate donations to a maximum of N500 million per candidate. In addition, it passed an amendment mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit election results electronically in real time.

However, Professor Muhammad cautioned that higher spending limits could make wealth the main gateway to political power in a country marked by deep economic inequality.

“These new limits shut the door on ordinary citizens, grassroots leaders, women and young people who do not have access to huge financial resources,” he said.

 “Politics then becomes the space of the rich and their sponsors, not a platform for broad representation.”

He warned that the changes could accelerate what he described as Nigeria’s drift from popular democracy to “plutocracy,” where money dictates who gets elected and who holds influence.

“When winning elections depends largely on money, accountability shifts from voters to financiers,” he explained. 
“Elected officials begin to answer more to donors than to the people, and that weakens public trust in government.”

Professor Muhammad also expressed concern that higher spending caps would encourage what he called the “investment logic” of politics, where candidates see public office as a means to recover campaign expenses.

“This mindset fuels corruption,” he said, noting that it could lead to inflated contracts, patronage, rent-seeking and misuse of public funds. “Public service becomes secondary to profit.”

While acknowledging the donation cap of N500 million per candidate, Professor Muhammad argued that the overall scale of permitted spending still gives wealthy individuals and organised interests outsized influence over policy decisions, appointments and governance outcomes.

He further warned that excessive money in politics could undermine election integrity by promoting vote buying and transactional politics, especially in areas where enforcement of campaign finance rules is weak.

“Instead of issue-based campaigns, voters are reduced to targets of financial inducement,” he said. 

“This erodes participation, trust and the credibility of election outcomes.”

According to him, the new regime also favours incumbents and established parties with access to state resources and donor networks, making it harder for reform-minded candidates and emerging parties to compete.

Without strong transparency mechanisms, enforcement and sanctions, he warned, the amendments could weaken INEC, damage institutional credibility and ultimately undermine Nigeria’s democratic project.

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The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would be re-elected by Nigerians in the 2027 elections.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said he has no doubt Nigerians will reward President Tinubu with re-election in 2027, given the positive outcomes of his reforms, which have impacted governance and infrastructural development across the country.

Speaking during an interview session on Television Continental’s Journalist Hangout on Monday, Sanwo-Olu said Nigerians will re-elect President Tinubu because he has carried out many reforms and done many of the things he promised to do for Nigerians.

He said: “President Bola Tinubu has a good chance to be re-elected in 2027 because the reforms in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda have impacted governance and infrastructural development across the country.

“In this administration, revenues have accrued more to the national and subnational Governments. Prices of food have come down. We cannot deny that. We have seen better e-commerce. We have seen better foreign direct inflow into the country. We have seen a lot of people wanting to do a lot more. All our diaspora population are coming in.

“There will still be challenges, but he (President Tinubu) is smart, doing more than his very best. I absolutely believe that we should support him.

“Politically, more governors are supporting him. We had about 20 APC after the 2023 elections, and today we have 28 or 29 governors. It is a measure of success. President Tinubu is a man that’s committed to Nigeria’s conversation. He will do well, and we will give him all the support.

“I am confident Nigerians will reelect President Tinubu because they can see that this President has done more work for us. He has done many of the things he promised to do. Nigerians would vote for him.”

Speaking further on why he believes strongly that Nigerians will re-elect Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “Revenues accrued to states and local governments have had significant improvement under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“The price of food has reduced. There have been significant improvements in the social economic lines of our country. The Tinubu administration has done extremely well, and revenue happens to be one of them. They have been able to block loopholes and ensured compliance is in order. They have been able to monitor and ensure that proper revenues are accounted for. It has helped us to be able to do a lot more in the area of infrastructural development that we see.”

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has openly called on Rivers State residents to deliver overwhelming votes for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in a move that underscores the party’s consolidation of power in the oil-rich South-south region following Mr Fubara’s recent defection.

The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, made the call while addressing party supporters in Rivers, describing Mr Fubara’s alignment with the ruling party as a boost to both the governor and the APC.

Mr Bashiru stated this in a video posted on Facebook by Rivers State Television.

The State TV did not specify when and where Mr Bashiru made the statement.

However, an email sent to this newspaper from Rivers State Government House stated that Mr Basiru, who led members of the National Working Committee of the party to the state, remarked while delivering his goodwill message during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Elimgbu, on Monday.

“I congratulate our governor, I congratulate our party because when the governor is doing well, it simply means that our party is doing well,” Mr Basiru said.

“But the only way you can compensate the governor, compensate our party people of Rivers State, is to continue to vote for our party, the APC, in all elections.”

He expressed confidence that Rivers would deliver large votes for the party in future elections, including the presidency.

“And I know that in the fullness of time, in the general election coming, the votes for our party, the vote for our governor, the vote for our president, will be very massive in Rivers State,” he said.

Fubara’s defection reshapes South-south politics

Mr Fubara’s move to the APC has effectively placed all South-south states under the control of the ruling party, marking a significant political shift in a region long dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party.

The governor defected to the APC days after visiting President Tinubu, following months of political crisis in Rivers that had pitted him against his predecessor and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The crisis led to a split legislature, impeachment threats, and a six-month state of emergency declared by the president.

Since Mr Fubara’s defection, the APC leaders have intensified efforts to project the governor as the party’s political leader in Rivers and a key electoral asset ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Second-term backing and automatic tickets

The call for “massive votes” comes amid growing indications that the APC leadership is positioning Mr Fubara for a second term.

READ ALSO: ANALYSIS: Will peace return to Rivers’ politics now that Fubara is in Tinubu’s party?

A former presidential aide and current ambassadorial nominee, Ita Enang, had earlier told PREMIUM TIMES that there was a consensus within the APC national leadership to grant automatic return tickets to defecting governors.

That position appears to be reinforced by Mr Basiru’s comments, which directly linked electoral support for the APC to continued backing for Mr Fubara’s administration.

Mr Bashiru’s comments suggest that Mr Fubara is being embraced not just as a new entrant but as a central figure in the APC’s plans in Rivers.

Wike’s influence questioned

The APC’s open endorsement of Mr Fubara for future elections may also alter the balance of power in Rivers, where Mr Wike has remained a dominant political force.

The APC leadership, now rallying support for Mr Fubara, is widely seen as a potential relegation of Mr Wike’s influence in Rivers politics.

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