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Strengthen Democratic Institutions, Tackle Insecurity, CAPPA Tasks Government

Published

3 days ago

April 19, 2026

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on all tiers of government, electoral authorities, and political actors to take concrete steps to safeguard the country’s democracy, ensure credible elections, and address the worsening socio-economic and security crises confronting millions of Nigerians.

In a statement issued over the weekend in Abuja after a meeting of its board, the organisation warned that Nigeria’s democratic future depends not only on periodic elections, but on the integrity of the processes leading up to them, the transparency of institutions, and the protection of citizens’ rights to freely participate without fear or violence.

The CAPPA board stressed that for the 2027 elections to command legitimacy, they must be free, fair, inclusive, and conducted in an atmosphere devoid of violence, voter suppression, and politically-motivated intimidation.

“Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle marred by irregularities, hate-speech, and loss of public trust,” the organisation noted.

“The credibility of the elections will depend on the resolve of government at all levels, institutions, and political actors to uphold the rule of law.”

It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to begin early preparations to guarantee electoral transparency and ensure that every vote counts. It also challenged the judiciary to stand firm against any overtures aimed at subverting the will of the people.

It further emphasised the need to curb the influence of money in politics, warning that vote-buying and the capture of democratic institutions by powerful interests undermine public trust and weaken governance outcomes. CAPPA called on political parties to uphold internal democracy, noting that the absence of due process within party structures fuels conflict and destabilises the broader democratic and electoral environment.

“As Nigeria prepares for its next general elections, this is a critical moment to reset national priorities,” CAPPA added.

“The government and all stakeholders must show genuine commitment to democratic principles, economic justice, and the protection of human life. Anything less risks deepening public disillusionment.”

The board also expressed grave concern over the deteriorating state of security across the country, pointing out that despite consistently high budgetary allocations to the security sector, many Nigerians continue to face daily threats to their lives and livelihoods.

“It is deeply troubling that senseless killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks persist across various parts of the country, despite the enormous public resources committed annually to security,” CAPPA said.

“Even more alarming is that ransom payments have become routine, with Nigerians forced to negotiate with violent actors in the absence of effective state protection.”

The organisation called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, and a people-centred approach that centres intelligence gathering, community engagement, and justice for victims.

On the economy, the CAPPA board lamented that recent policy measures, including the removal of fuel subsidy and increased allocations to subnational governments, have yet to translate into meaningful relief for ordinary Nigerians. Instead, many households continue to grapple with rising inflation, food insecurity, unemployment, and declining purchasing power.

“While fiscal reforms are often necessary, they must not come at the expense of the most vulnerable,” it stated. “The expected gains from subsidy removal and increased revenues must be transparently managed and equitably distributed to create jobs and reduce poverty.”

The CAPPA board urged the federal government and state authorities to demonstrate greater accountability in the use of public funds, invest in critical social infrastructure such as healthcare, education, and water systems, and implement policies that protect citizens from the harsh impacts of economic reforms.

The board reaffirmed CAPPA’s commitment to working with civil society, communities, and the media to promote accountability and public participation in governance processes.

News

UNIMAID, Federal Polytechnic Matriculate 82 Degree Students

Published

18 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Editor

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in affiliation with the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi has matriculated 82 students into the degree programmes across five courses.

Speaking during the matriculation ceremony at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi on Tuesday, Professor Muhammad Laminu Mele, the Vice chancellor, University of Maiduguri, charged the matriculated students to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the two institutions to enable them achieve the set objectives.

The VC, who was represented by Professor Muhammad Ahmad Waziri, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Services, warned that any student or group of students trying to breach the peace of the two institutions would face the full wrath of the law.

The Don further assured that the University and its affiliated institutions would continue to make easy access to higher quality education to the teeming population across the country.

In a remark, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Alhaji Sani Usman, said they were affiliated with the university to pursue academic excellence, describing the affiliation as a huge pillar in the education reforms.

The Rector, who was also represented by Dr. Dalhatu Saidu, the Deputy Rector of the Polymeric, commended the university of Maiduguri for not only improving the UNIMAID’s conducive learning environment but expanding the horizon to different higher institutions of learning across Nigeria.

He therefore advised the newly matriculated students to pursue knowledge, to interact freely with the Polytechnic staff, be vigilant and be a brother’s keeper, adding that this would help to achieve the desired objectives.

The affiliated courses included BSc Mass Communication, BSc Accountancy, BSc Public Administration, BSc Business Administration and BSc Banking and Finance respectively.

News

Trouble Looms As Egbesu Group Drags FG To Court Over Resource Control, Others

Published

18 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Editor

Group known as Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA) has dragged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to a Federal High Court, Yenagoa, over failure to create additional 24 Local government councils in Bayelsa State as the need for Ijaw to control natural resources in its territory.

The Originating Summons marked: FHC/YNA/CS/63/2026 was filed on Tuesday April 21, 2026 by the plaintiffs including; Felix Tuodolo, Weri Digifa, Ebi Waribigha, Kabowei Akamade, Rosebella Jackson, Thomas Jacklloyd, Primrose Kpokposei, David Imole and Welman Warri at the Federal High Court Yenagoa.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation.

In the court documents, the Egbesu Assembly premised their action on the alleged failure of the federal government particularly the National Assembly to deliberate, approve and amend the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

This, according to them, is to allow for resource control as well as the creation of additional LGAs in the state to fulfil the requirements in line with the Constitution.

The group is therefore seeking, among others, the amendment of the constitution by the National Assembly to allow for the right to resource control.

The Supreme Egbesu Assembly described the suit action as a promise kept.

Mranwh, In a press statement announcing the institution of the lawsuit on Tuesday, the Egbesu Assembly recalled that, on 12th February 2026, it wrote to both the Federal Government and the National Assembly wherein its gave a 21-Day ultimatum for the duo to respond to the age-long demands for resource control and creation of additional LGAs or face a lawsuit.

The statement partly reads: “Recall that on 12th February 2026, we did inform you that we have written to the National Assembly and the federal government on the need for the creation of an additional 24 Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State as well as the control of our God-given natural resources in Ijaw territory.

“We promised that if the National Assembly and or federal government did not respond to these age-long demands, we were going to seek legal actions to address our demands.

News

BREAKING: Tinubu Sacks Wale Edun, Dangiwa As Ministers

Published

19 hours ago

April 21, 2026

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, from their cabinet positions.

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, said the development was contained in a memo signed by the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

Also appointed is Dr. Muttaqha Darma as Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development.

The memo directed the outgoing ministers to complete handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials.

It stated that all handing over and taking over activities must be concluded on or before the close of business on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.

Explaining the decision, Akume said the changes were aimed at improving coordination and strengthening delivery across key sectors of the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume stated.

He added that President Tinubu acted in line with his constitutional powers as provided under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The SGF also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours, noting that the process of cabinet reinvigoration would remain continuous.

The statement further noted that Taiwo Oyedele was appointed as Minister of State for Finance in March 2026, while Edun was among the ministers appointed on August 16, 2023.