General News
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy, Rule of Law at Interfaith Iftar with Party Leaders
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting democracy and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria, describing both as enduring pillars of national unity and stability.
The President gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu stressed that strengthening internal democracy within political parties remains vital to building credible electoral institutions and processes across the country.
According to him, the adoption of direct primaries by political parties offers members greater opportunity to participate in choosing their representatives at different levels of governance.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, the President described himself as a committed democrat who had participated in the struggle for democratic governance.
“The Chairman of IPAC provoked some questions. I am glad we are all democrats. We all subscribe to democracy voluntarily and have sustained it selflessly for the past 26 years.
“Some of us were bruised in the struggle for it. We were detained, protested on the streets, and some went into exile. We formed National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). I followed the leadership destiny that God chose for me. There is no doubt that I am a die-hard democrat,” Tinubu said.
He added that his belief in a united Nigeria remains unwavering and that democratic principles would continue to guide his leadership.
“There is no threat from any democrat under my watch. The rule of law must prevail in any democracy. The majority will have their way while the minority will have their say. I must not stand in their way. That is the sweetness and essence of democracy,” the President stated.
Tinubu also assured political leaders that his administration remains committed to conducting free and fair elections.
“I am a registered voter on the same platform as you. I will remain committed to my platform. Even when it was against me years ago, I toed the line and stayed in opposition without threatening anyone, except the military junta. I want democracy to thrive,” he added.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President for providing strong leadership and effectively managing Nigeria’s diverse human and material resources.
He thanked Tinubu for bringing together leaders of political parties for the Ramadan breaking of fast, describing the gesture as significant for fostering unity among political actors.
Yilwatda assured the President of the ruling party’s continued support in realising his administration’s vision for the country.
“We are grateful to God to have you as the leader of this country. We will continue to support you and stand by you as a party,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, appealed to the President to reconsider the inclusion of the National Identity Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration.
Dantalle warned that such a requirement could disenfranchise many eligible voters and also raised concerns about the removal of indirect primaries for party nominations under the newly signed 2026 Electoral Law.
He further urged the restoration of financial support for political parties through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The IPAC chairman also informed the President that a documentary film marking 26 years of democratic governance in Nigeria titled “Unbroken Democracy” had been produced.
The film, supported by Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, is expected to premiere soon at the State House.
General News
Iran’s New Leader Issues First Statement, Escalates Threats Against U.S. Bases, Says Hormuz Must Stay Closed
Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first public statement since assuming power, warning that United States military bases in the Middle East could face attacks if they remain operational.
In a message broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, Khamenei declared that the strategic Strait of Hormuz should remain closed, describing the move as a “tool to pressure the enemy” amid escalating tensions in the region.
The new Iranian leader also insisted that all U.S. military bases across the Middle East must be shut down, warning that they would otherwise be considered legitimate targets.
Khamenei’s remarks come just days after he formally succeeded his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
In the statement, the Iranian leader praised the country’s military forces and said attempts to destabilise or divide Iran had failed. He also suggested that Tehran could open “new fronts” in the conflict if hostilities continue.
The comments have heightened fears of further escalation in the Middle East, particularly because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
Analysts say the hardline tone of Khamenei’s first message indicates that Iran may be preparing for a prolonged confrontation with the United States and its allies.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to implement an immediate, temporary cap on petrol prices to shield Nigerians from escalating costs that are worsening the nation’s cost-of-living crisis.
In a statement signed by ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party acknowledged that volatility in global oil markets, partly due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, may be driving recent price hikes. However, it stressed that the government must intervene to protect citizens from the economic impact.
The ADC also criticized the Federal Government’s plan to distribute 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits, highlighting that Nigeria has over 11 million vehicles, and questioning the limited number of CNG refueling stations nationwide.
“The African Democratic Congress calls on the Federal Government to immediately introduce a temporary and time-bound cap on petrol prices to prevent further increases that continue to push the cost of living beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians,” the statement read.
The party further urged the government to implement targeted palliatives for low-income Nigerians who are most affected by rising fuel prices.
“External shocks cannot justify allowing fuel prices to spiral in an already fragile economy. Petrol determines the price of food, transportation, and survival. When petrol rises, everything else rises with it. The Federal Government must stabilize petrol prices and take responsibility for protecting citizens from extreme hardship,” the ADC said.
The statement concluded by calling for a comprehensive energy strategy that goes beyond temporary fixes, emphasizing that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, should ensure affordable fuel for its citizens even amid global uncertainties.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that the bail granted to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore could be revoked if he fails to appear at the next hearing in his ongoing trial over alleged defamatory comments against Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The warning was issued on Thursday by Justice Mohammed Umar after Sowore and members of his legal team were absent when the case was called.
Sowore, the convener of #RevolutionNow and publisher of Sahara Reporters, is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over claims that he referred to President Tinubu as “a criminal” in posts shared on his social media accounts, including X and Facebook.
During the proceedings, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defence to conclude cross-examination of the first prosecution witness. He told the court that the defendant had been duly served with a hearing notice through his lawyers but failed to appear.
Kehinde noted that no explanation had been provided either by Sowore or any member of his legal team for their absence, despite the defence reportedly having about 30 lawyers.
Citing Section 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the prosecution urged the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant to compel his appearance.
However, Justice Umar declined the request for now, noting that the defendant had consistently attended previous hearings since the trial began late last year. The judge said the court would give Sowore the benefit of the doubt since it was his first absence.
He warned, however, that if the defendant fails to appear at the next hearing, the court would not hesitate to revoke his bail and issue an arrest warrant.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until March 16 for continuation of the trial and ordered that another hearing notice be served on the defence.