Sen. Kawu urges Yari-led APC campaign council to show empathy amid economic hardship

Senator Kawu Summaila representing Kano South has charged the newly inaugurated APC Presidential Campaign Council to acknowledge the economic pains Nigerians are facing and assure them of relief.
The advice came 24 hours after Senator Abdulaziz Yari was named Chairman of the over 200-member council saddled with driving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
In a goodwill message personally signed and made available to journalists, Senator Kawu described the assignment as critical and one that requires strategic execution and delivery.
“We must approach our citizens with deep empathy, active listening, and genuine sensitivity to the economic hardships and socio-economic challenges currently affecting everyday families,” he said.
According to him, the campaign must demonstrate that the party feels the pain of citizens and is sincerely committed to delivering meaningful reliefs. He added that the council must carry grassroots constituents along in its mobilisation efforts.
Senator Kawu warned that a disconnect between leadership and the electorate creates misperceptions that undermine both the President and the party. He urged members to leverage President Tinubu’s achievements and vision in their campaigns.
He also stressed the need for internal unity. “Victory depends on complete solidarity. We must heal internal rifts, set aside differences, and ensure that all key stakeholders are fully carried along as equal partners in this mission,”_ he stated.
The Kano South Senator congratulated Senator Yari and other members of the council, saying: “I offer my prayers and best wishes for success as we undertake this critical assignment for our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Tinubu to lead Africa’s critical minerals push at New York summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to lead a high-level African push for greater control of the continent’s critical mineral resources as the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) holds its Third High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa in New York.
The Roundtable, scheduled for September 21, 2026, in Manhattan on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, will focus on transforming Africa’s mineral wealth into greater economic and industrial value for the continent.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, on Sunday, Tinubu, who chairs the AMSG General Assembly, will chair the meeting themed “From Resources to Wealth: Continental Cooperation for Mineral Value Addition.”
The gathering is expected to attract African Heads of State and Government representatives, ministers, investors, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations and executives from the mining, technology, processing, logistics and mineral traceability sectors.
AMSG said the meeting would address Africa’s longstanding challenge of exporting raw minerals with limited processing and value addition within the continent.
It said the growing global demand for lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite, manganese and rare earth elements presents Africa with an opportunity to reposition its mineral resources as drivers of industrialisation, technology development, job creation and economic growth.
The group said the New York meeting would focus on building integrated mineral value chains, mobilising investment, strengthening intra-African cooperation and securing a larger share of the value generated from the continent’s mineral resources.
A major feature of the Roundtable will be the unveiling of the Continental Integration and Economic Assurance Declaration (CIEAD), which is expected to establish a framework for coordinated African action on critical minerals.
The declaration will cover areas including policy coordination, investment mobilisation, mineral processing and value addition, supply-chain security and Africa’s negotiating position in the global minerals market.
AMSG is also expected to introduce the proposed CIEAD Finance Window, aimed at developing innovative financing mechanisms for mineral processing, infrastructure, technology and other components of Africa’s critical-mineral value chains.
The initiative builds on the Mutual Assured Development (MADE) Framework, launched at the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who chairs the AMSG Ministerial Steering Committee, and the organisation’s Secretary-General, Moses Michael Engadu, are expected to participate in the Roundtable.
AMSG said the meeting would prioritise practical and bankable opportunities rather than another forum for broad declarations.
It said policymakers, financiers and private-sector players would be brought together to identify investment structures and mechanisms capable of translating Africa’s mineral endowment into tangible economic outcomes.
According to the organisation, the global transition to electric vehicles, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and modern defence systems has intensified competition for critical minerals and placed Africa at the centre of an emerging global economic and geopolitical contest.
AMSG maintained that the continent must move from being a passive supplier of raw materials to becoming an active participant and value creator in global mineral supply chains.
The organisation was established in January 2024 by African governments as a continental intergovernmental organisation and specialised agency for critical minerals development.
Its mandate includes coordinating critical-minerals policies, aligning investments, strengthening minerals security and promoting Africa’s engagement with global partners.
The Third AMSG High-Level Roundtable is strategically partnered and supported by Core International.

FG strengthens NigCOMSat’s push to improve connectivity

 

 

The Federal Government has approved the acquisition and deployment of two next-generation High-Throughput Communication Satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, to improve digital connectivity nationwide.

 

In a statement issued over the weekend by Stephen Kwande, head, corporate affairs NigComSat, said the two satellites are designed to provide high-capacity connectivity for broadband, broadcasting, enterprise communications, government services and other critical digital applications.

 

It said the deployment is also expected to extend reliable connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities, particularly locations where conventional terrestrial broadband infrastructure is difficult or costly to deploy.

 

The statement  explained that the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) marks the commencement of the next phase of the project, with Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) leading the implementation under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

 

According to the statement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the approval as a major milestone for the company and Nigeria’s digital development.

 

She said the new satellites would strengthen the country’s national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country.

“This is a significant milestone for NIGCOMSAT and for Nigeria, and we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership and support that have enabled us to reach this stage.

 

The statement reads,” NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B will strengthen our national satellite capacity, expand connectivity and support critical communications across the country. Our priority is to translate this investment into measurable value for Nigerians and position NIGCOMSAT for stronger impact within the global satellite and digital economy.

 

“The additional satellite capacity will support high-capacity broadband, broadcasting, enterprise connectivity, government services and emerging digital applications, while complementing existing terrestrial broadband networks.

 

“They are expected to widen access to digital services in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting and government, while improving the resilience of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure.

 

“The project is also expected to strengthen secure and resilient communications for critical national requirements, including national security and defence, while reducing excessive dependence on external satellite infrastructure. Authority.

 

Atiku to Tinubu: Nigerians deserve transparency on $5bn Abu Dhabi loan

 

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to demand accountability from the Tinubu-led APC government over its rising debt profile, warning that unchecked borrowing risks trapping future generations in unsustainable debt.

In a statement issued Sunday, Atiku accused the administration of incompetence and financial impropriety, citing a lack of transparency in recent loan agreements. He specifically criticized the government’s handling of the $5 billion facility from First Abu Dhabi Bank, insisting that taxpayers deserve full disclosure of how such funds will be utilized.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has contracted significant new debt. According to the Debt Management Office, the Tinubu administration has added N72 Trillion of fresh debt stock, bringing the total indebtedness to N159.35 trillion as at early 2026.

Despite these borrowings, Atiku argued, Nigerians remain poorer and less secure. Poverty levels have risen from 56% in 2023 to between 61% and 63% under the Tinubu administration, leaving over 140 million citizens trapped in multidimensional poverty.

Atiku criticized Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, for dismissing public calls to explain the Abu Dhabi loan. Oyedele had stated that the facility was approved by the National Assembly and intended to refinance more expensive debt but refused to disclose spending details.

“The government is obliged to explain every loan taken on behalf of Nigerians,” Atiku said. “Every Kobo borrowed matters because citizens — both living and unborn — will bear the burden of repayment. Yet these loans have failed to improve their material wellbeing.”

He further noted that the Federal Government is required to pledge securities worth about 133% of the loan amount as collateral, making transparency even more critical. Atiku reminded Nigerians that both the International Monetary Fund and Fitch Ratings have raised concerns about the financing structure, citing risks to transparency and sovereign debt sustainability.

Atiku concluded by urging Nigerians to hold the government accountable, stressing that borrowing without clear results undermines trust and jeopardizes the nation’s economic future.

 

Police ​‌‌‍⁠​‍⁠⁠‌‌‍⁠‍​​‍‌‌​confirm abduction of worshipers in Niger

 

 

The Police Command in Niger has confirmed the abduction of worshipers at a Mosque in Dekara District in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

 

The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, told the  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the incident happened at about 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21,  when the victims were observing Jumaat prayer.

 

He said the exact number of those kidnapped was yet to be ascertained.

APC Chairman dies at party reconciliation in Kogi

 

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Oyewole Mayowa Solomon, has reportedly died after collapsing during a party reconciliation meeting in Iyara, the council headquarters.

It was gathered that te incident occurred on Friday while Solomon was participating in a meeting convened by a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Funsho Olumoko, as part of efforts to foster unity among APC stakeholders in the area.

 

Convened by a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Funsho Olumoko the meeting was held at the Iyara Town Hall, was aimed at bringing together party leaders and stakeholders to resolve differences strengthen cooperation ahead of future political activities.

 

An eye witness account said Solomon was actively participating in the meeting holding at Iyara Town Hall when he suddenly slumped throwing participants into confusion and panic.

 

Effort was made to revive him but he was said to have died shortly afterwards in a hospital in Kabba, where he was rushed to.

 

The development sent shock waves those attending the meeting which was part of  ongoing efforts by APC stakeholders in Ijumu to resolve internal disagreements and promote greater unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

2027: INEC seeks Canada’s support on electoral technology, AI, inclusivity

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought deeper collaboration with the Canadian government on electoral technology, artificial intelligence, voter inclusivity and the fight against misinformation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, made the call on Friday when he received a delegation from the Canadian High Commission led by the Chargé d’Affaires, Mr David Sproule, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan said Canada had remained a dependable international partner in Nigeria’s democratic development through its support for electoral governance, civic education, institutional strengthening and gender inclusion.
He said the partnership was particularly important as INEC consolidated its preparations for the 2027 elections, stressing that the Commission’s mandate to conduct free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections remained “clear and non-negotiable.”
According to him, INEC had been using off-cycle elections as testing grounds for electoral reforms and operational improvements.
He cited the Anambra governorship election, FCT Area Council elections and Ekiti governorship election as among the exercises through which the Commission had tested its operational frameworks.
The INEC chairman said the recent Osun State governorship election had provided another important benchmark ahead of the 2027 polls.
He disclosed that 3,556 out of 3,763 polling units, representing 94.5 per cent, opened for accreditation and voting by 8:30 a.m. during the August 15 election.
Amupitan said the Commission also recorded optimal performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), result transmission through the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and proactive crisis management.
“Osun demonstrated what is possible when administrative foresight meets technological fortitude,” he said, adding that INEC would use the experience as a benchmark for the 2027 general election.
The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
Amupitan also disclosed that public campaigns and rallies for the 2027 elections officially commenced on August 19, while presidential candidates participated in the signing of the First National Peace Accord on Issue-Based Campaigns organised by the National Peace Committee on August 18.
The INEC chairman identified five areas in which the Commission hoped to deepen cooperation with Canada.
They include strengthening the reliability, deployment and cybersecurity of electoral technology and public viewing platforms; expanding democratic participation for persons with disabilities, women, youths and other historically underrepresented groups; and obtaining technical assistance, electoral research and training.
The Commission also seeks collaboration on strategic communication and civic education to counter election-related misinformation and disinformation.
Amupitan said INEC would conduct a mock accreditation exercise in November to test its preparedness for the 2027 election.
“We will be subjecting our electoral equipment, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), to a rigorous field test to fortify the sanctity of the ballot during the election,” he said.
He appealed for Canada’s partnership towards the success of the exercise.
The INEC chairman said the 2027 election would require an unprecedented logistical operation, with the Commission expected to deploy approximately 1.4 million ad-hoc personnel across more than 176,000 polling units nationwide.
He assured the Canadian delegation and the international community of INEC’s independence, neutrality and commitment to electoral integrity.
“Electoral administration is a multi-stakeholder enterprise,” Amupitan said. “While INEC remains an unbiased umpire, support from domestic and international partners helps ensure our democratic processes evolve in step with global best practices.”
The Commission also disclosed that it had established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Unit as part of efforts to respond to emerging technological challenges in electoral administration.
Amupitan said the unit would explore the use of AI to improve data management, voter registration and results transmission, while also developing safeguards against the misuse of the technology.
He said INEC was eager to participate in the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections scheduled for September 9 to 11, 2026, in Ottawa, Canada.
The conference is being organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Elections Canada.
According to Amupitan, the conference would provide an opportunity for electoral bodies to develop strategies for the responsible deployment of AI and tackle emerging threats, including deepfakes and AI-generated disinformation.
He appealed to the Canadian High Commission to facilitate the expedited processing of entry visas for INEC officials scheduled to participate in the conference.
“We recognize the need to harness the power of AI to improve data management, voter registration, and results transmission, while remaining vigilant against the misuse of such technologies,” he said.
Amupitan expressed appreciation for Canada’s continued support for Nigeria’s democracy and said INEC looked forward to deeper cooperation between both countries ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding, The Charge D’Affairs, Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, David Sproule said that Canada had maintained a very strong mutual relationship with Nigeria. He expressed the willingness of the government of Canada to assist the country improve on its electoral process. Authority.

2027: Obi unveils economic, security blueprint, urges Nigerians to reject ethnic, religious politics

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has unveiled an economic and governance blueprint for the 2027 presidential election, promising to move Nigeria from consumption to production, tackle insecurity, reduce poverty and strengthen human capital development.
Obi, who spoke at a press conference on Friday to mark the commencement of the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly campaigns, said Nigeria could overcome its current challenges if led by competent, disciplined and accountable leadership.
He declared: “Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work,” insisting that the country had the human and material resources required to achieve sustainable development.
The former Anambra State governor said the 2027 election offered Nigerians an opportunity to critically examine the records, competence and policy proposals of presidential candidates at a time the country was facing severe economic and security challenges.
According to him, more than 140 million Nigerians were living at or below the national poverty line, while millions faced food insecurity, displacement, unemployment and rising living costs.
“These are more than statistics,” Obi said. “They reflect the daily realities of Nigerian families, farmers, workers, students, and businesses.”
He argued that government must be judged by its ability to improve the lives of citizens, stressing that public office should be treated as a responsibility rather than a reward.
‘Nigeria must invest in its people’
Obi said his experience in the private sector and as governor of Anambra State had strengthened his conviction that public resources must be managed responsibly and directed towards clearly defined priorities.
He listed education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline and institutional capacity as areas he prioritised while serving as governor.
He also highlighted the governing experience of his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, particularly his emphasis on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development during his tenure as Kano State governor.
“Our experiences are different, but our conclusion is the same: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline,” he said.
On the economy, Obi said his administration would prioritise production, investment, enterprise and human capital, while creating an environment where businesses could expand and create jobs.
He promised to improve agricultural productivity through better security, irrigation, rural roads, storage facilities, finance and market access.
He also pledged to strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing to enable Nigeria to export finished products and derive greater value from its natural resources.
“Every naira should have a clear purpose, and major public investments should have measurable outcomes,” he said.
Obi further declared that Nigeria could not “import its way to prosperity,” promising policies aimed at producing more of what Nigerians consume and processing more of what the country produces.
On insecurity, the NDC candidate said no country could prosper when citizens could not safely farm, travel, trade or conduct businesses.
He proposed improved intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies, stronger policing and border management, and greater use of technology.
He also advocated the decentralisation of security management, supported by strong coordination among the different levels of government.
“Farmers cannot produce food if they cannot reach their farms safely. Children lose the chance to learn when they cannot attend school safely. Businesses cannot create jobs when they cannot move goods securely,” he said.
Obi rejected the description of Nigeria’s large youth population as a burden, describing it instead as “an enormous opportunity.”
He promised to strengthen basic education, universities and technical and vocational training to equip young Nigerians with skills required by the modern economy.
According to him, Nigeria needs not only professionals such as doctors, engineers, scientists and lawyers, but also technicians, mechanics, nurses, farmers, programmers, artisans and entrepreneurs.
On healthcare, he promised to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and child health, expand access to essential medicines and improve the capacity of healthcare workers.
He also outlined region-specific economic priorities, saying every part of Nigeria must become productive and benefit from the country’s economic transformation.
Obi urged Nigerians to reject political campaigns based on ethnicity, religion, elitism and cronyism.
He said the 2027 contest should instead be determined by “capacity, competence, compassion, character, and commitment.”
“Our campaign will focus on the urgent concerns of Nigerians and not on ethnicity or religion,” he said.
The NDC candidate also challenged other presidential candidates to make themselves available to Nigerians and subject their records and policy proposals to public scrutiny.
“No candidate should hide behind the high walls of power, send proxies or surrogates to the hustings, and expect Nigerians to entrust them with the leadership of the country,” he said.
Obi declared that presidential candidates must have the courage to travel across the country, meet citizens and respond directly to their concerns.
“True leadership requires presence and empathy,” he said, adding that leaders could not effectively govern communities they were unwilling to visit, listen to and understand.
He pledged that he and his running mate would personally take their campaign message to Nigerians rather than delegate the responsibility to proxies.
“I make this clear commitment: my running mate and I will take our message directly to Nigerians. We will listen to them, understand their concerns, and engage them openly,” Obi said.
He called on Nigerians to scrutinise every candidate’s record, demand evidence behind campaign promises and participate actively in the democratic process.
“Democracy does not end on election day,” he said. “Citizens must continue to demand transparency, accountability, and results from those entrusted with the mandate to govern.”
Obi concluded by promising to begin the process of “resetting Nigeria” by uniting the country, improving security, promoting inclusive economic growth and moving the nation from consumption to production.
“A New Nigeria is possible,” he declared. Authority.

2027: APC releases presidential campaign council, names Yari DG, Uzodinma secretary

 

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as chairman and vice chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, according to the list released Saturday morning.

 

Party Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda will also serve as vice chairman, while former Zamfara State governor Senator Abdulaziz Yari will serve as the director-general of the campaign.

 

Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as secretary of the campaign council. APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru and Hadiza Bala-Usman will serve as deputy and assistant secretaries.

 

The chairman of the campaign Council, President Tinubu, will work with a body of advisers comprising Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa.

 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abass, and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State have been assigned as deputy director-generals for the campaign in the south and the north. They will work with Senator Bamidele Opeyemi and Senator Jibril Barau in the two zones.

 

Senator Adams Oshiomhole will serve as deputy director-general in charge of mobilisation, while the President’s Chief of Staff will serve as deputy director-general for administration.

 

James Abiodun Faleke, who played a pivotal role in the 2022/2023 campaign, has returned as deputy director-general for election planning, coordination and monitoring.

 

Faleke will work with zonal directors, with Senator Olushola Adeyeye in the South West, Dr Ngozi Olejeme in the South South, Senator Uche Ekwunife in the South East, Muntaqha Rabe in the North West, Ahmed Muhammed Ketso in the North Central, and Senator Sani Danladi in the North East.

 

Ms Stella Okotete, Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat and Audu Maikori will serve as secretaries of the election planning directorate.

 

Muiz Adeyemi Banire will lead the legal directorate as director, with Dr Liman Hassan and Babatunde Ogala as deputies. Other members are Prince Lateef Fagbemi, former governor Ibrahim Shema, Worgu Boms and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh.

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, will serve as the coordinating director for media and Strategic Communication, along with Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga, and Lanre Issa-Onilu. The media directorate also includes Tunde Rahman, Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Felix Morka, who have been assigned as coordinating deputy directors.

 

Abdulaziz AbdulAziz will work with three others, Temitope Ajayi, Arabinrin Aderonke, and Frederick Nwabufo, as coordinating secretaries of the media directorate. Segun Dada will serve as Director, New Media, the same role he performed in 2022. Solomon Arowolo will serve as Secretary, New Media.

 

The campaign has also appointed five spokespersons, led by Dele Alake. Other spokespersons are Alwan Hassan, Ayobami Oyalowo, Kemi Asekun-Shittu and Adamu Fanda.

 

President Tinubu has charged all council members to work tirelessly to deliver victory for the party in the January 2027 elections. He has also encouraged the leaders of the various directorates to reach out to other party members who may not have been formally listed to join their crucial efforts.

 

“We have delivered on our campaign promises and set our country on a path of economic progress. We are definitely out of the dark tunnel and are now at the cusp of reaping the benefits of a prosperous economy that will benefit all Nigerians. As we march into the campaign season, we have many achievements to trumpet—let us confidently showcase our record and inspire hope in every corner of our nation. Let us soundly defeat all those forces who plan to take our country backwards.”

 

Bayo Onanuga

 

Special Adviser to the President

 

(Information & Strategy) and Co-ordinating Director for Media & Strategic Communication for the APC Presidential Campaign Council

Peter Obi to youths as European League kicks off: ‘Beyond Football; the match for a better Nigeria

 

 

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has taken his campaign for the January 16, 2027 poll for Nigerian youths to the European football field.

 

As the European football league, which has many Nigerians, especially youths, as fanatical supporters of various clubs, Obi decided to write to them about the future of Nigerian football.

 

Writing on his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor said, “Beyond Football: The Match for a Better Nigeria.”

This weekend, Europe comes alive again with football. Millions of Nigerian youths will be glued to television screens, streaming matches, debating tactics, celebrating victories, and admiring the organisation, discipline, and excellence that make European football the envy of the world. But here is a question worth asking: Why can’t Nigerian football be just as good?

 

“The answer is not a lack of talent. Nigeria has produced world-class footballers who have excelled in Europe because they found systems that reward merit, invest in infrastructure, ensure security, and are governed with competence and accountability. Great football does not exist in isolation. It grows where there is good governance.

 

“The stadiums, academies, transport systems, healthcare, security, electricity, and institutions that support football are products of leaders who make the right choices and citizens who insist on accountability. Nigeria has the talent. What we have lacked is leadership that creates an enabling environment for that talent to flourish.

 

“As I have decided, in the next 150 days, to engage Nigerian youths wherever they gather—in town halls, campuses, online spaces, and even football communities—my message is simple: The future you admire in Europe can be built in Nigeria. But it starts with your vote.

 

“Imagine a Nigeria where our local league is competitive, our stadiums are full every weekend, our clubs attract sponsorship, our coaches receive proper training, and young footballers no longer see emigration as their only path to success.

 

“Nigeria will not emerge through wishful thinking. It will emerge when young Nigerians decide that elections matter as much as football matches. Every goal scored in Europe is a reminder that excellence is possible. Every well-managed league is proof that systems work when honest leadership is in place.

 

“The 2027 presidential election is therefore more than a political contest. It is an opportunity for Nigerian youths to choose the kind of country they want—a nation that exports talent because it is respected, not because its citizens are escaping failed governance.

 

“Cheer for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, AC Milan, or any club you support. Enjoy every match. But when the final whistle blows, remember that the greatest match awaiting Nigerian youths is not in Europe. It is in Nigeria.

 

“It is the match for good governance. It is the match for jobs, security, education, sports development, and national renewal. And unlike football, where only twenty-two players are on the pitch, every Nigerian youth has a place in this match.

Stand up. Mobilise. Vote. Defend your vote.

 

“If Nigerian youths can passionately follow European football every weekend, they can also passionately build a Nigeria where our own football—and our nation—becomes a source of pride.

 

“The journey towards better Nigerian football begins with the path to good governance. And the path to good governance begins with the decision of Nigerian youths to stand up and be counted in 2027.

 

“Every weekend, starting today, I will come to you with a reminder of January 16, 2027, and our future. We can create world-class standards right here at home.

It’s in your hands, and that new Nigeria is POSSIBLE.”