In a major policy shift ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that his administration will restore the petrol subsidy if elected into office. The sudden policy U-turn marks a sharp contrast from the economic stances that defined his previous political outings, signaling a re-strategized opposition framework aimed at addressing prevailing nationwide economic hardships. THENEWSCREDIT reports that this development introduces a fresh, highly contentious dynamic to the unfolding 2027 presidential campaign narrative. The unexpected reversal pivots dramatically from Obi`s 2023 campaign platform. During that election cycle, the former Anambra State governor had strongly advocated for the complete removal of the subsidy regime, famously labeling it an unsustainable drain on public funds. At the time, he repeatedly maintained that trillions of naira swallowed by the scheme should instead be aggressively redirected toward critical national development sectors, specifically healthcare, education, and critical public infrastructure. Speaking on Tuesday during an exclusive interview with the BBC, Obi clarified his new position, arguing that the underlying failure of the subsidy program was never the economic policy itself. Instead, the NDC standard-bearer pointed directly to systemic graft and state-level collusion as the forces that compromised the initiative. He insisted that the true enemy of the Nigerian state was the massive corruption built around the execution of the policy, rather than the act of cushioning energy costs for everyday citizens. When asked directly by the interviewer if a victory for him in 2027 meant an explicit return of the petrol subsidy, the NDC flagbearer answered in the affirmative. He was quick, however, to attach a strict caveat regarding how his future administration would manage the financial leaks that plagued previous regimes. "Yes. But remember, I have qualified it, not with the corruption that’s associated with it," Obi stated during the broadcast. "I’ll remove the corruption and retain the subsidy." To tackle this historical bleeding of public funds, Obi outlined a highly personalized, top-down anti-corruption strategy centered on absolute executive accountability. He asserted that a transparent presidency would instantly yield a massive reduction in national asset theft, placing the burden of integrity squarely on the shoulders of the nation`s top leader. "If you are not stealing, if you are not involved, your wife and family are not involved, you reduce it by 50 per cent," the presidential candidate argued. When pressed on how his anti-graft promises differ from those of former President Muhammadu Buhari—who similarly campaigned on personal integrity but saw his tenure shadowed by multi-billion naira scandals—Obi pointed to executive oversight. He dismissed comparisons to the past administration, suggesting that a lack of direct control was Buhari`s primary undoing. "Nigerians should not decide with that. He was not in charge. The difference is that I’ll be in charge," Obi stated, referencing ongoing EFCC investigations into former officials. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Obi’s policy shift closely aligns with recent declarations made by his running mate and former Kano State governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso. Speaking on Arise TV in September, Kwankwaso had already hinted at the party’s evolving regional strategy. Kwankwaso defended the party`s upcoming campaign viability in the North-West, a critical voting bloc highly sensitive to fuel pricing, by confidently stating that an NDC government would inevitably reintroduce the subsidy "in our own way." According to the opposition`s blueprint, this proposed approach will involve aggressive state investment in local refineries and domestic petroleum production to naturally lower retail fuel prices. Kwankwaso heavily criticized the manner in which President Bola Tinubu implemented his "subsidy is gone" policy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The former Kano governor argued that the current administration executed the fiscal reform recklessly, failing to provide adequate cushioning mechanisms or consider the immediate inflationary consequences on citizens. Meanwhile, Obi used the media appearance to firmly reject ongoing suggestions that he should step down for another opposition figure if rival political parties eventually agree to field a single consensus candidate in 2027. He urged the fragmented opposition factions to stop focusing on political concessions or backroom leadership trades. Instead, Obi asserted that the collective focus must remain entirely on building a robust, grassroots strategy capable of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). "We don’t need to step down. We need to do the right thing," Obi declared. As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, the petrol subsidy debate is guaranteed to remain the primary economic battleground for the presidency. While the Federal Government continues to defend the total removal of the subsidy as an unavoidable reform to save the national economy from collapse, opposition politicians are capitalizing on widespread public discontent. With Obi and the NDC officially weaponizing the return of cheaper fuel, the upcoming election is shaping up to be a direct referendum on Nigeria`s volatile energy reforms.

Chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Buba Galadima, has raised the alarm ahead of the 2027 presidential election, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is intensely desperate and will deploy any means possible to avoid being ousted from office. Speaking during a recent appearance on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, Galadima asserted that the APC is fully aware of the severe political consequences it faces if it loses power. According to him, the actions of the ruling party against Nigerians during its tenure have created deep-seated resentment that will return to haunt them if they fail to secure victory in the next general elections. The opposition stalwart emphasized that the ruling party`s current panic stems from a fear of political accountability. He insisted that the APC is entering the next election cycle with a sense of survival, knowing that a transition of power could lead to a scrutinization of their administrative track record and policies over the years. "APC is going. They can do anything under the sun to come back to power because they know what it entails if they lose; what they have done to people will visit them," Galadima declared during the interview, highlighting what he perceives as a high-stakes vulnerability within the ruling party. Turning his attention to the electorate, the NDC chieftain argued that widespread public dissatisfaction has severely damaged the presidency`s popularity. He claimed that based on his personal assessments and interactions, a vast majority of Nigerians do not support President Bola Tinubu’s potential return for a second term in office. To counter the incumbent advantage, Galadima hinted at sophisticated political alignments and strategies currently being developed behind the scenes. He suggested that the opposition must navigate complex regional dynamics, acknowledging that tribal and religious compartments have historically been used to divide voters across the North and South. The political heavyweight further advocated for a major shift in the nation`s power rotation framework as a counter-strategy. He noted that the most definitive pathway to national stability requires voters to support a candidate from the southern region, specifically pointing toward a marginalized geopolitical zone to foster genuine inclusivity. Galadima strongly threw his weight behind an Igbo presidency, maintaining that yielding power to the Southeast is the ultimate prerequisite for healing a fractured nation. He concluded by stating that while some of his core electoral strategies remain confidential, he stands ready on any platform to convince Nigerians that a Southeastern presidency is the right thing to do to ensure national unity.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, have come under heavy public criticism after a viral video surfaced online showing them serving as church ushers. The footage, which shows the first couple directing worshippers and dancing during a Sunday service at Winners Chapel in Osubi, Delta State, has sparked an intense national conversation regarding leadership and state priorities. The video gained traction after it was proudly shared on social media by the governor’s media aide, Ossai Ovie Success. Accompanying the clip, Success wrote, “Delta Governor doing ushering work in church today,” further explaining that the governor and his wife were fully active in their ushering duties while "dancing gloriously to God." While intended to project humility and Christian devotion, the publication backfired significantly online. Instead of drawing praise, the aide`s post triggered immediate pushback from Nigerians on social media, with many condemning the act as a performative political stunt. Critics were quick to point out that politicians frequently adopt these seemingly humble personas—such as buying corn by the roadside or sharing food—primarily when they are seeking public sympathy or angling for a return to office. Many commentators described the viral display as a case of misplaced priorities, urging the governor to shift his focus from church activities to actual governance. Citizens questioned how many times the governor had undertaken such duties during his tenure in office, concluding that the display was merely a calculated distraction from the pressing socio-economic challenges confronting Delta State. A major point of contention among critics was the contrast between the governor`s public display of faith and the lack of visible development in the state. Social media users lamented that despite Delta State`s status as a highly resourced region in the South-South zone, it remains plagued by a lack of good roads, functional industrial parks, deep-sea ports, and technical youth empowerment programs. Furthermore, observers argued that true Christian leadership should reflect ethical governance and an active reverence for God through righteousness, rather than lip service. They maintained that managing the lives of millions of citizens is the greater ministry entrusted to a governor, and that faith without corresponding works of public accountability and development is empty posturing. As the backlash continues to trend, neither the Delta State government nor the leadership of Winners Chapel has issued an official statement regarding the public reaction. For many citizens, the incident serves as a reminder of the growing impatience with political public relations that fail to translate into tangible societal progress and improved living standards.

As political alignments and campaigns for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape across the nation, a prominent traditional ruler in Ogun State has sent a stern warning to politicians who isolate themselves from the public. The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has firmly urged voters and fellow traditional leaders to reject any political candidate who refuses to maintain open lines of communication. The monarch handed down this mandate in a strongly-worded press statement released on Sunday, addressing the growing trend of political office seekers becoming inaccessible once elections draw near. Oba Akinyemi explicitly declared that any governorship candidate or politician who deliberately ignores phone calls or fails to respond to text messages from citizens does not deserve the people`s mandate. According to the traditional ruler, the habit of responding to calls and messages is not a luxury, but rather a fundamental responsibility of public service. He stressed that leadership requires active engagement, and any candidate who cuts off communication with the community they intend to govern has already failed a crucial test of leadership capability. The royal father warned that when public officials intentionally build a communication wall between themselves and the public, it completely paralyses governance. He noted that silent leadership breeds heavy suspicion of corruption and secrecy, as citizens naturally interpret a politician`s absolute silence as a sign of guilt or underhanded dealings. To further drive home his point, Oba Akinyemi outlined seven distinct dangers of keeping the electorate incommunicado, which include the rapid breakdown of public trust, erosion of accountability, and the escalation of community crises. He noted that when official channels are silent, it creates a dangerous vacuum that allows rumours, fake news, and malicious actors to hijack public narratives. Consequently, the Eselu extended his candid counsel beyond ordinary voters to include co-traditional rulers, high chiefs, and civil society organisations within Ogun State. He urged them to look past the wealth or high social status of these political aspirants and strictly measure them by their accessibility and willingness to listen to the people. The monarch emphasized that making accessibility a primary voting criterion for the 2027 elections will serve as a much-needed lesson to the political class. He stated that firmly rejecting inaccessible candidates at the polls will force future office seekers to respect the electorate and take public accountability more seriously. Oba Akinyemi concluded his statement by reiterating that political legitimacy is built entirely on communication and trust. He warned that if voters continue to support politicians who treat them with disdain and silence, they will only have themselves to blame for the subsequent disconnect and lack of development in their communities.

The Presidency has launched a fierce counter-offensive against politicians and opposition figures who criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day national broadcast, accusing them of executing a scripted agenda driven by blind bias rather than national interest. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, delivered the rebuke on Friday, claiming that many of the critics had already prepared their hostile reactions well before the President delivered his October 1 address. He argued that the immediate wave of condemnation proved that the detractors were completely uninterested in the substance or facts of the broadcast. According to Onanuga, these critics deliberately chose to ignore what he described as an “immutable truth” contained in the President’s speech regarding the root causes of the nation`s financial troubles. He maintained that the administration`s controversial economic policies were not designed to inflict hardship but were necessary interventions to save a collapsing system. Quoting the President directly to reinforce his point, Onanuga wrote: “Our reforms did not create the weaknesses in our economy. They confronted them.” The presidential aide insisted that previous administrations had merely kicked the can down the road, leaving the Tinubu government to make the difficult but unavoidable corrections. The Presidency also issued a stern warning against rising public calls to abandon the ongoing fiscal adjustments, particularly regarding the return of the controversial petrol and foreign exchange subsidy regimes. Echoing Tinubu`s words, Onanuga described such appeals as a dangerous “siren song” and characterized the old subsidy system as an "addictive" habit that would ruin the country if revived. Defending the tangible impact of the administration`s policy direction, the Presidency pointed to new macroeconomic data as proof of a positive turnaround. Onanuga highlighted that despite widespread skepticism, the strategic structural adjustments have successfully steered the nation back toward sustainable wealth creation. Specifically, the aide referenced the President`s declaration that Nigeria’s economy has achieved over 4 per cent growth this year. The administration emphasized that this performance represents a significant milestone in its efforts to diversify the economy away from a singular reliance on crude oil revenues. The Presidency concluded by stating that both the oil and non-oil sectors have actively contributed to this renewed period of stable growth. Onanuga reaffirmed that the federal government remains resolute in its commitment to the "Renewed Hope" agenda, vowing that the administration will not back down on its reformist path under political pressure.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for describing Nigeria as a "cancer patient" during his recent nationwide broadcast. Speaking at a heavily attended world press conference in the nation`s capital on Thursday, Abubakar expressed deep concern over the administration`s rhetoric regarding the country`s economic struggles. The opposition leader openly questioned the efficacy of the current administration`s policies, demanding to know why the situation has worsened over the years. He challenged the presidency to explain why basic survival has become an uphill task for the average citizen despite official claims of successful economic reforms. Directly addressing the President, Abubakar pointed out that the daily realities of Nigerians contradict the government`s optimistic financial reports. He noted that inflation and high costs have made it nearly impossible for ordinary families to meet their most basic nutritional and existential needs. "Bola, you called Nigeria a patient with cancer," Abubakar stated during the briefing. "After three years of your treatment, why is it harder for Nigerians to buy food, pay for medicine, or even get to work? Why does your government have more money while the people can afford less?" The ADC candidate strongly rejected the administration`s frequent appeals to the public to endure the immediate pain of reforms for a better future. He argued that true governance requires empathy and responsiveness to the immediate cries of the populace rather than rigid bureaucratic defenses. Abubakar maintained that a government cannot measure its success by state revenue while the citizens are pushed further into poverty. He emphasized that the primary duty of any leadership is to ensure that the people can afford to live and thrive under its watch. "You said Nigerians must endure the pain because you are curing the disease, but when a patient cries out, a doctor listens," Abubakar remarked. "He does not call the patient retrogressive for asking when he will get better. He does not point to the hospital’s rising revenue and declare him healed." He further admonished the leadership against treating the country`s economic crisis as a recent inheritance, reminding the ruling party of its continuous years in power. He stated that the administration cannot absolve itself of long-term systemic failures given its political lineage. "A patient who cannot afford to live is not proof that the treatment is working. Absolutely not," the opposition leader declared. "And you cannot speak as though you arrived from the moon in 2023. Your party had governed Nigeria for eight years, if not more." Closing his address, Abubakar urged the President and his cabinet to step outside of official circles to witness the actual living conditions across local markets and communities. At the time of this report, the presidency had not yet issued an official response to the assertions made at the press conference.

Buhari found it difficult to manage Yorubas, threw me under the bus – Babachir Lawal Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has revealed that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari found it difficult to manage the Yorubas. Lawal disclosed that Buhari wanted to use him to manage the Yorubas after noticing his relationship with President Bola Tinubu and a founding chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bisi Akande. In an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, on Monday night, the former SGF said despite trying to use him, Buhari threw him under the bus but said they later reconciled. According to Lawal: “Buhari never let me go, he threw me under the bus but we later became okay. He would call me and we will gist, he will ask me what I think about this and that. “There was still clearly some sort of human relationship. Somehow there is an unwritten relationship between us and Buhari. “It seems like it’s because of my relationship with Bola and Bisi Akande that he could use me to manage the Yorubas whom he found difficult to manage and of course I tried my best.” Buhari appointed Lawal as SGF on August 27, 2015 and he served till October 30, 2017. Lawal was suspended on April 19, 2017, following a Senate investigation into a contract scandal termed “grass cutting” involving funds intended for the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s Northeast. Following the investigation, Buhari officially terminated his appointment on October 30, 2017, and replaced him with Boss Mustapha. The Senate ad-hoc committee accused Lawal of abusing his office and awarding lucrative contracts through the Presidential Initiative on the North East, PINE, which he led to a company he had a direct interest in, called Global Vision Limited. The controversial contract included over N500 million meant for clearing invasive grass and weeds along water channels in Yobe State to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas and refugee camps, funds which were allegedly diverted.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over the federal government’s plan to secure a fresh $1.5 billion loan from the World Bank. Atiku demanded that the administration provide a comprehensive public account of Nigeria’s existing ₦166.79 trillion debt before plunging the nation into further liabilities. In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of running an insensitive government that demands endless sacrifices from struggling citizens while continuously accumulating massive loans. Atiku stated that the current economic realities serve as a direct indictment of the administration`s economic stewardship. He pointed out that while Nigerian families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities like food, fuel, and electricity, the country`s debt profile has continued to climb exponentially. The per-capita national debt burden for every Nigerian citizen has surged to ₦716,822, highlighting the intensifying severity of the country`s ongoing financial crisis. This alarming figure represents the personal debt share each citizen would carry if Nigeria`s total public liabilities were distributed equally across the population today. This current figure marks a staggering 87 percent increase from just three years ago, when the debt share per citizen stood at ₦383,442. The rapid escalation underscores a dramatic shift in the nation`s financial health, drawing sharp criticism over the fiscal trajectory maintained under the current administration. "Nigerians were promised that painful policies would free resources for development," Atiku noted. "They have felt the pain. Where is the development? The President cannot keep loading debt onto the country and expect Nigerians to applaud programme titles." The proposed World Bank financing consists of three separate $500 million facilities earmarked for climate resilience, social protection, and early childhood development. While acknowledging that these areas address genuine national challenges, Atiku insisted that worthy program names cannot substitute for financial accountability. Before any agreements are finalized, the ADC candidate demanded that the federal government publish:The exact projects and targets tied to the fresh funds.A definitive list of communities and citizens expected to benefit.The exact borrowing terms, disbursement rules, and a strict timeline that Nigerians can use to independently track project delivery. He stressed that "climate resilience" must translate into identifiable land restoration and flood protection, "social protection" must explicitly identify its recipients, and "early childhood development" must yield verifiable metrics in nutrition and healthcare. Atiku further challenged the presidency to reconcile its aggressive borrowing habits with its frequent public declarations of hitting record-high revenues following the removal of the petrol subsidy. "If more money is coming in, why does the debt keep climbing? If Nigerians have sacrificed so much, where are the results?" Atiku queried. He concluded that a responsible government cannot consistently announce financial savings, sign new loan agreements, and simultaneously ask impoverished families to wait indefinitely for relief.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has explicitly declared that he will never resort to personal insults or abuse against President Bola Tinubu. Speaking before a gathering of media executives, the opposition leader insisted that political differences should be anchored strictly on governance, national policies, and institutional performance rather than personal animosity. Addressing the audience on Friday at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Enugu, Obi clarified his stance on political discourse in the country. He noted that public debates must be elevated above toxic rhetoric to foster a healthier democratic environment. The high-profile event converged under the theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.” In his address, the former Anambra State governor challenged anyone to produce evidence of him ever throwing insults at public officials. He stated firmly that his brand of politics focuses entirely on structural solutions and accountability. Obi maintained that his discipline extends to all levels of government, including state executives who are often the targets of political mudslinging. "I cannot abuse any governor. I cannot abuse anybody in government. I don’t need to abuse people even in the federal government. I’ve never abused anybody," Obi stated. Reaffirming his deference to the nation`s highest office, he added, "Who has seen me calling President Tinubu’s name? Never! I will not do that. He’s the President of the country, he has all my respect." However, the NDC presidential candidate quickly pointed out that extending respect to leaders should never be misconstrued as a blank check for administrative complacency. He argued that deference to authority must coexist with robust public oversight. According to Obi, citizens and media professionals hold a constitutional responsibility to critique policies that impact the populace negatively. He further emphasized that the character and moral conduct of political leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the ethical fabric of the wider society. When leaders engage in transparent governance, it filters down to elevate national values. Conversely, a lack of accountability from the top can erode public trust and societal standards. Rounding off his speech, Obi charged Nigerian editors to remain steadfast in their role as the fourth estate of the realm. He urged the media to scrutinize politicians rigorously based on their public track records, official statements, and verifiable qualifications rather than emotional rhetoric. This approach, he concluded, remains the most viable pathway to keeping Nigeria`s democracy alive and functional.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed rumors of a political feud between himself and Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, revealing that their families share deep personal ties. Speaking on Friday during an interactive session with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Obi clarified that he and his wife are actually the godparents of Governor Soludo’s children. He emphasized that the personal relationship between both families remains intact despite recent political debates. “I and my wife are godparents to Soludo’s children. We are that close, so we are not quarreling and we will never quarrel,” Obi said. “If I see him any day, I will hug him." The clarification follows a public controversy triggered by claims from the Soludo administration regarding the financial status and debts allegedly inherited from past governments in Anambra State. Responding directly to the financial allegations, the former governor firmly maintained his clean economic record. He reiterated that his administration did not burden the state with liabilities, but instead positioned it for future financial stability. “Like I said yesterday, I did not leave debt in Anambra State," Obi asserted. "Thank God Otti confirmed this morning during an interview on Arise TV. I left 150 million dollars in savings. No other governor has left dollars. If you see one, tell me.” Obi concluded by reassuring the public that any future exchanges regarding governance would remain civil, and that he holds no animosity toward his successor.