Author: New Daily Prime

Retired Major Hamza Al-Mustapha has formally declared his intention to contest in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, saying this time his ambition is “serious and unwavering.” Speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Al-Mustapha who once served as Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha spoke extensively on issues of democracy, security, and governance in Nigeria. “God willing, I only tested it, but this time I’m serious about running,” he said, in a clear departure from previous campaigns in 2019 and 2023 where he failed to secure victory. Al-Mustapha noted that preparations are already…

Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North, has publicly expressed regret for his past criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan, admitting that he was naive at the time. The Kaduna lawmaker noted that he failed to realise that Nigeria had a good governance under Jonathan due to his naivety. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Bello, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, said he has since gained a deeper understanding of governance and now recognises the value of Jonathan’s leadership. Bello said his naivety came to the fore when he saw…

Jamiu Abiola, son of late democracy icon Chief MKO Abiola, has said that Nigeria would have achieved far greater economic progress had his father been allowed to assume the presidency following his victory in the annulled 1993 general election. Speaking on Thursday during a special June 12 Democracy Day broadcast on Channels Television, Jamiu lamented what he described as a lost opportunity for national advancement during a period of global economic prosperity. “Nigeria would have been better because, at that time, it was a very special time in global times; that 1993 period was a time when the world itself…

The National Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has called on Nigerian leaders and citizens to revisit the foundational principles of federalism as outlined in the 1963 Constitution, describing it as the most effective framework for fostering national unity and sustainable development. In a statement released on Wednesday to commemorate Democracy Day, Fasoranti urged the country to adopt the 1963 Republican Constitution, which, he said, promotes true federalism by granting Nigeria’s diverse regions a degree of autonomy to govern themselves in line with their unique cultural and socio-economic realities. “To ensure an enduring framework for unity…

By Adeniyi Yusuf Amid Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day celebrations, the Take It Back Movement and other civic groups have began demonstration in some parts of the country and Abuja. The protests are timed to coincide with President Bola Tinubu’s address to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives today, an appearance that replaces the traditional Democracy Day broadcast to the nation. In a statement released Wednesday, Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, explained the shift in plans, “Due to President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled…

Two prominent political leaders in Cross River State Barrister Alphonsus Eba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Barrister Venatius Ikem of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have added their voices to the growing call for a single six-year term for Nigeria’s president and state governors. Speaking in separate exclusive interviews on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, both party chairmen emphasised the need for reform, stating that a single term would ease the pressures of re-election and improve governance. APC chairman Alphonsus Eba said, “I totally agree with the popular call for a single tenure of six years because it…

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with representatives from 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to coordinate plans and security arrangements for this year’s Democracy Day commemorations. In a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, it was revealed that the meeting focused on ensuring public safety, law and order during the events scheduled for 12 June. According to Hundeyin, all participating groups expressed a shared commitment to maintaining peace throughout their activities. Half of the CSOs signalled their intention to hold peaceful celebrations, while the other half…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has revealed that the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget makes provision for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officeholders. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas said the budget anticipates a restoration of constitutional governance in the state, following the emergency rule declared earlier this year. “The draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first…

The Oyo State Government has announced the postponement of the Adire Carnival and Exhibition, which was originally scheduled to hold on Friday, 20th June 2025. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on behalf of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun. According to Olatunbosun, the decision to postpone the event was taken to ensure it meets global best practices and delivers a seamless, high-quality experience for attendees and guests. He assured the public that a new date would be announced in due course and that…

Posters of popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Hamzat Oriyomi, have appeared across the city, sparking speculation about a possible political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The posters, bearing the slogan “2027 Oyo n pe o” (Oyo is calling you), feature a black portrait of the veteran Yoruba broadcaster. However, they do not indicate the specific political office he may be seeking. In a video posted by a support group on Wednesday, the founder of Agidigbo FM was seen engaging warmly with a crowd at an event, where supporters repeatedly urged him to “answer the call” of the people. “Okiki (Hamzat),…