Politics

2023: Insecurity, Erratic Electricity, Fuel Scarcity Persist As APC Seeks Fresh Mandate

Published

3 years ago

January 23, 2023

In 2015, the All Progressives Congress, APC, campaigned vigorously with the state of the nation under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, administration.

The change mantra worked like magic, as Nigerians lined up in support of the party and voted President Muhammadu Buhari into power.

However, few weeks to the 2023 general elections, most of the reasons that led to the ouster of the PDP still linger in the country.

Before the 2015 election, APC leaders travelled across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) decrying the level of insecurity, poor power supply, fuel scarcity, high dollar rate, among others.

President Muhammadu Buhari won the race against ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, the first time an opposition candidate defeated the incumbent.

But one month to the presidential battle, the difficulties the ruling APC cited as reasons to vote out the PDP have not been fixed.

Former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu is the flagbearer of the APC in the 2023 presidential election.

On insecurity, the armed forces remain involved in internal security which is the responsibility of the police. Military personnel are in active deployment in all regions.

Many communities and local government areas are still under the siege of Boko Haram, Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), bandits and unknown gunmen.

On electricity, Nigerians are groaning over reduced electricity supply.

Capacities of the 26 power-generating plants out of 29 in the country have dropped by 25 percent.

Data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) show the plants had capacity to generate 5859MW as of January 2021, but dropped to 4522MW as of December 2022.

They are Afam-IV-V, Alaoji NIPP, Azura Edo, Delta, Egbin, GBARAIN, Geregu, GereguNIPP, Ibom Power, Ihovbor NIPP, Jebba, Kainji and Odukpani.

Others include Okpai, Olorunsogo, Olorunsogo NIPP, Omoku, Omotosho, Omotosho NIPP, ParasEnergy, RiversIPP, Sapele, Sapele NIPP, Shiroro and Trans Amadi.

Three other plants – AES, Dadinkowa and Asco – were literally moribund as they did not generate electricity once.

Similarly, fuel scarcity resurfaced one week into the new year.

Nigerians still queue for hours to get Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for their vehicles and generating sets.

A litre is currently sold at over N300 in most filling stations. Black market price is at least N500 per litre.

Reacting on Sunday, an APC member, Ayobami Oyalowo said though the country is yet to overcome its challenges, the setbacks are not insurmountable.

Oyalowo insisted that Tinubu is the best candidate to succeed Buhari judging by his achievements, antecedents, as well as ability to identify and work with the best brains.

“We had a discussion with a foreign official who said if the media and people in his county tell the world about what goes on, everyone will be surprised.

“In another instance, during a conversation about education, a Nigerian abroad told her friends that she’s not owing a government loan.

“They didn’t believe it; they were shocked because most of them owe thousands of dollars. The person said it herself on social media.

“You see some people travelling out, they get to the airport and say bad things about Nigeria. We’re not saying there are no issues, but there’s no nation where things are perfect”, he stressed.

The 2023 presidential and National Assembly polls are scheduled for February 25; governorship and State Assembly polls will be held on March 11.

Politics

Any Politician Promising Single Term Needs Psychiatric Test – Soludo

Published

12 hours ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has slammed politicians promising to serve only one term in office.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said any politician pledging to serve only one term in office needs to undergo a psychiatric test.

Soludo stated this on Saturday during a political rally held in Anambra South in support of his second-term ambition.

The governor questioned the logic behind such a promise, insisting that the Nigerian Constitution allows elected public officials to serve two terms, not just one.

“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools?

“You come to people and say you will do only one term, any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem,” Soludo said.

This is coming a month after Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called for a single-term tenure of six years.

Also, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said he is willing to accept a one-term presidency in the spirit of equity and zoning.

He stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, July 6.

The former Governor of Anambra State said four years is enough for any serious and sincere leader to make an impact.

He said, “One term is enough to establish that good governance is possible, and if they can impact negatively on us for just two years, why won’t someone achieve a lot in four years?

“It’s also to respect the gentleman’s agreement of zoning, which has been a stabilising factor even though it’s not in our constitution.

“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance. In two years, there has been maximum damage.

“Two years can change it in a good direction. People want to get up and see a president who cares and shows compassion.”

Politics

PDP Has Been Bought By APC – Dino Melaye

Published

1 day ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been “purchased” by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Melaye made the allegation while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday night, a day after submitting his resignation letter to PDP.

According to him, the opposition party receives dates for its National Executive Committee, NEC, meetings directly from the Presidential Villa.

“PDP has been purchased by the APC. The PDP is a parastatal of the APC. In fact, they take dates for NEC meetings and NWC from Aso Villa. Look at these PDP governors, are they acting as opposition? And you know how powerful governors are,” Melaye said

Politics

Drama As Ebonyi Politician Declares Self ADC National VC South-East

Published

1 day ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

The National Convener of Turn By Turn Initiatives, Ben Nworie has declared himself the Interim National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC South East zone.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Nworie noted that the south east zone needs a vocal and vibrant politician who would advance the fortunes of the coalition movement in the zone.

Also, an Abia born media expert, Obinna George, emerged as the South East zonal Publicity Secretary of the ADC.

Mr Obinna George is expected to deploy his media expertise in propagating the activities of ADC in the zone.

Nworie said his decision to become the Interim National Vice chairman was to galvanise support of the people of the zone to join the political revolution for a prosperous nat

According to him; “my burning desire to become the Interim National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Party, South east zone is to galvanise. Supports for our great party in the zone. ADC is not just a coalition but a political revolution that will end the decade of misrule by the present government”.

“ADC stands a better opportunity to rescue Nigeria from the present economic hardship and forge a common front towards advancing the future of a new Nigeria. Let me state categorically that coalition brought the present government to power and the same coalition will sack it out of power’.

“I want to urge the people of south east to embrace ADC as the only veritable platform that will address decades of marginalization, depression and neglect. It is time for us to speak in one voice and support the movement. It is time for the South east zone to stand up to be counted as the movers and shakers of the coalition”.

“As the National Vice Chairman of ADC, I accept the responsibilty to lead our dear party in the zone and I want to declare that our coalition is open to every Nigerian who is passionate to change the old order into a new order, where all the critical sectors will be functional”.

“I commend our Interim National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark; Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and indeed all other national leaders who are sacrificing a lot to ensure that Nigeria is liberated from the shackles of poverty, which has become our fair share of national cake”.

“I want to thank all our members across the five states of the south east for your resilience, deep commitment and sacrifices in promoting and galvanising support for our party”.

The National Vice Chairman further appealed to all aggrieved members of the party to withdraw all litigations for the over all interest of the Nigerian People whose only hope for a better nation is rested on ADC.