2027: How I’ll reduce poverty by 60%, tackle insecurity, create jobs in four years – Hayatudeen

 

 

Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, on Thursday vowed to eradicate poverty, tackle insecurity, and create jobs across the country within four years if elected president in 2027.

 

Hayatu-Deen made the pledge after officially picking up his presidential nomination form at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday night amid a large turnout of supporters, party members, youth groups, and well-wishers.

 

The economist and former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group became the first aspirant to obtain the ADC presidential nomination form ahead of the party’s presidential primary.

 

He was presented with the form by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, as supporters at the secretariat chanted solidarity songs and called for leadership focused on economic recovery, security, job creation, and reducing the rising cost of living.

 

Speaking shortly after receiving the form, Hayatu-Deen said the 2027 election must focus on rebuilding Nigeria’s economic and security foundations.

 

“Nigerians are tired of living in fear. They are tired of watching businesses struggle, jobs disappear, and the cost of basic necessities rise beyond what ordinary people can afford,” he said.

 

“This election cannot be about politics as usual. It must be about how to secure our communities, rebuild confidence in the economy, create jobs at scale, and make life more affordable for millions of Nigerians.”

 

The presidential aspirant said insecurity remained one of the greatest threats to national development, warning that no country could prosper when citizens and businesses operate in fear.

 

“We cannot build prosperity in an atmosphere of fear and instability. Security is the foundation upon which every strong economy is built,” he stated.

 

Hayatu-Deen also promised to implement policies aimed at lowering the cost of doing business, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.

 

Addressing journalists after picking up the form, he said democracy gives every eligible Nigerian the right to contest for office, insisting that Nigerians would ultimately decide who leads the country in 2027.

 

“The owners of this country are the Nigerian people. In every democracy, citizens are responsible for choosing their leaders,” he said.

 

On his agenda, Hayatu-Deen said his administration would prioritise job creation, reduction of the high cost of living, and ending insecurity.

 

“I would like to eradicate at least 60 per cent of the poverty affecting this country within four years because over 136 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line. That is totally unacceptable,” he declared.

 

He also expressed confidence ahead of the ADC presidential primary, saying his decades of experience in business, economic management, and public policy had prepared him to govern Nigeria effectively.

 

Hayatu-Deen said he would abide by whatever mode of primary election the party leadership adopts, whether direct primaries or consensus.

Food prices increase in March 2026 – NBS

 

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says prices of eggs, beans, garri, onions, ginger and other food items witnessed a month-on-month increase in March 2026.

 

The NBS said this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for March 2026 released in Abuja on Wednesday.

 

The report said that the average price of eggs (a crate of 30 pieces) decreased by 20.12 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N7,670.56 recorded in March 2025 to N6,127.63  in March  2026.

“On a month-on-month basis, the price of a crate of egg increased by 2.00 per cent from N6,007.35 in February 2026.”

Similarly, the report said that the average price of 1kg of brown beans decreased by 49.39  per cent on a year-on-year basis from N2,616.26 in  March  2025 to N1,325.85 in March  2026.

 

“On a month-on-month basis, however, the price increased by 1.41 per cent from the N1,307.44  recorded in February 2026”.

 

It also showed the average price of 1kg of white garri decreased by 41.19 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N1,362.96  in March 2025 to N801.4 in March 2026.

 

However, on a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 1.38 per cent from the N790.62 recorded in February 2026.

 

The report said that the average price of 1kg of onion  decreased by 19.63 per cent from N1,434.85  recorded in March 2025 to N1,153.14 in March 2026.

 

“On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of onions  increased  by 1,59  per cent in March from the N1,135.12 recorded in February 2026.”

 

The report said the average price of 1kg of fresh ginger increased  by 20.46  per cent from the N4,600.23 recorded in March 2025  to N5,541.25 in March 2026.

 

“On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of ginger increased by 0.61 per cent in March  from the N5,507.43 recorded in February 2026.”

 

However, it said the average price of one litre of palm oil decreased by 4.71  per cent on a year-on-year basis from N2,511.77 recorded in March 2025 to N2,393.38 in March 2026.

 

“On a month-on-month basis, it increased  by 0.27  per cent from N2,386.96 recorded  in Feburary 2026.”

 

On state profile analysis, the report showed that in March 2026, the highest average price of a crate of eggs was recorded in Taraba at N6,999.00 while the lowest was recorded in Niger  at N5,610.04.

 

It said that Oyo recorded the highest average price of 1kg of brown beans at N1,937.20 while the lowest was in Taraba at N745.

 

According to the report, Abia  recorded the highest average price of 1kg of white garri  at N1,075.45, while the lowest was reported in Plateau at N513.78.

 

The report said the highest price on 1kg of onion bulb was recorded in Abia  at N2,115.67 while Kwara recorded the lowest price at N684.38.

 

The NBS said that the highest average price of 1kg Onion bulb was recorded in Abia at N2,300.76  while the lowest price was recorded in Kwara at N829.91.

 

It said Ekiti recorded the highest average price of one  bottle of palm oil at N2,801.95, while Abia recorded the lowest at N2,012.54.

 

Analysis by zone showed that the average price of a crate of egg was highest in the South-East at N6,521.47, followed by the North-East at  N6,375.91.

 

“The lowest price was recorded in the North-West at N5,908.61.”

 

The South-West and South-South recorded the highest average price of 1kg of brown beans at N1,770.57 and N1,762.49, respectively, while the lowest price was in the North-West N851.11

 

It said the South-South recorded the highest average price of 1kg of white garri at N942.68 followed by the South-East  at N942.04, while the North-Central recorded the lowest at N670.16.

 

The NBS said also that the South-East and South-South recorded the highest average price of 1kg of onion bulb  at N1,714.81 and N1,266.80, respectively.

 

The North-Central recorded the lowest average price of 1kg of onion at N907.76.

Newspot.

I can walk you out of Senate for challenging my authority, Akpabio warns Oshiomhole

 

By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka

 

The Senate plenary turned rowdy on Tuesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a heated exchange during proceedings.

 

The confrontation began when Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was calling for the confirmation of the Votes and Proceedings of the previous legislative day.

 

Akpabio proceeded without acknowledging the senator, prompting Oshiomhole to repeatedly interrupt by shouting “point of order” from his seat.

 

Efforts by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno to restore calm proved unsuccessful as Oshiomhole continued to disrupt the session.

 

Akpabio then issued a formal warning to the former Edo governor, citing provisions of the Senate rules that govern conduct within the chamber and its corridors.

 

“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber, including its corridors and passages, are clearly defined,” Akpabio stated during the exchange.

 

He reminded lawmakers that the Senate President is empowered to sign warrants, subpoenas, resolutions, and other official documents issued by order of the Senate, and is also responsible for enforcing debate rules.

 

“The Senate President is tasked with maintaining order during debates and giving rulings on points of constitutional order when they are raised,” Akpabio added, noting that he also holds a casting vote in the event of a tie but does not vote otherwise.

 

“Most importantly, he has the authority to interpret the rules. This is clearly stated,” he said, stressing that members must understand Senate procedures before raising contentious issues.

 

Akpabio concluded with a direct warning to Oshiomhole, stating that any member who becomes unruly would be asked to leave the chamber, and described it as a final caution.

TCN to AEDC: You lied on claim of transmission fault on Lokoja axis

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says a claim by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) that faulty lines along Lokoja axis was responsible for power outages in parts of Kogi state recently was not true.

The rebuttal was contained in a statement on Wednesday by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (GM), Public Affairs of TCN.

Mbah’s statement said: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to formally refute another public notice issued by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) on 5th May, 2026, in which AEDC attributed the power outage affecting Zango, Shetima, Apansede, Phase I, Phase II, Crown Estate, and surrounding communities in Kogi State to a technical fault on TCN’s network.

 

“TCN states unequivocally that all feeders at the Lokoja Transmission Substation serving the aforementioned areas are fully operational. As of the time of this statement, there is no outage, fault, or scheduled maintenance activity on any TCN transmission infrastructure within the Lokoja axis.

“The Company’s network in the region remains stable, and bulk power is being transmitted to AEDC at the required capacity for onward distribution to end consumers.

 

“TCN therefore dissociates itself entirely from the fault referenced in AEDC’s notice and rejects any suggestion that its infrastructure is responsible for the disruption being experienced by electricity consumers in the affected communities.”

 

The statement went on to say that: “While TCN remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and collaborative service delivery across the electricity value chain, it calls on all sector partners to exercise due diligence before attributing supply disruptions to third parties.

“Publishing inaccurate or unverified claims not only misrepresents the facts but risks undermining public confidence in the broader power sector.

 

“TCN reaffirms its dedication to maintaining a reliable transmission network and will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders in the interest of improved electricity supply to Nigerians,” Mbah’s statement concluded. Sunrisereporters.

FRSC secures conviction of traffic offender for assault, abduction of operative

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has secured the conviction of a traffic offender who abducted and assaulted an operative during a routine patrol on Abuja’s Kubwa Expressway,

A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Osondu Ohaeri on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the incident occurred on April 30 at about 09:00am.

Ohaeri said that personnel of Dutse Alhaji Unit Command, on special patrol operations at Gegu filling station had flagged down a Toyota Hilux vehicle with registration number YAB 931 AE for traffic enforcement.

”Rather than complying peacefully with lawful directives, the driver reportedly engaged in violent conduct and assaulted and unlawfully abducted a Marshal carrying out his official duties,” he said.

He added that through the swift intervention of the patrol team and Police personnel attached to the operation, the situation was brought under control.

 

He also said that the suspect was immediately taken to the FCDA Police Station, Kubwa, for investigation, while the offending vehicle was impounded.

 

”Following diligent prosecution, the offender was arraigned before a competent court and subsequently convicted,” Ohaeri further said.

 

Reacting, the corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, commended the professionalism, courage, and restraint displayed by the patrol team in spite of the provocation.

Mohammed said that attacks on traffic enforcement personnel constituted a direct assault on public safety and the rule of law.

 

He reiterated that the corps remained committed to enforcing traffic regulations with firmness, civility, and respect for human rights.

 

He warned motorists against obstruction, assault, intimidation, or any form of violence against FRSC personnel and other law enforcement officers on lawful duty.

 

The corps marshal urged members of the public to cooperate with enforcement agencies at all times, emphasising that lawful compliance with traffic regulations remained essential to the collective goal of safer roads and protection of lives across the country.

 

”I assure Nigerians that FRSC will continue to work closely with relevant security agencies and the judiciary to ensure that individuals who violate traffic laws or attack public officers are brought to justice accordingly,” he said.

(NAN)

FG bans use of “Dr” title by honorary degree recipients, tightens award process

 

 

The Federal Government has banned recipients of honorary degrees from using the “Dr” title, in a bid to curb what it calls the growing abuse and politicisation of academic honours.

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announced the directive Wednesday at a media briefing in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the decision was approved at the Federal Executive Council meeting on April 30.

 

Alausa said the conferment of honorary degrees had increasingly been used for political patronage and, in some cases, driven by financial motives.

He also noted that serving public officials had been awarded such honours contrary to established ethical standards.

 

“The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” he said.

 

The minister warned that universities that violated the directive would face sanctions.

 

According to him, “Vice-chancellors have been instructed to tighten procedures around the conferment process.

 

“Going forward, all universities must obtain approval from the National Universities Commission before awarding honorary degrees.”

 

The policy is aimed at standardising the process and restoring credibility to honorary academic awards in Nigeria. CONCLAVE,

Edo Govt convenes stakeholders’ engagement on epileptic power supply

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Benin Region, participated in a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Edo State Ministry of Power to address persistent electricity supply challenges in the state.

A statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs of TCN, Ndidi Mbah on Wednesday said the meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Government House, Benin City, on 30th April 2026.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager, Benin Region, Engr. Charles C. Iwuamadi, stated that TCN remains the critical link in the power sector value chain, responsible for transmitting bulk electricity from generation companies (GenCos) to distribution companies (DisCos) load centres nationwide. He observed that while power sector challenges have persisted for over two decades with national generation hovering between 4,500MW and 5,000MW, transmission capacity in Edo State and the nation at large is adequate and has continued to grow.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to further strengthen bulk power transmission in Benin axis, citing the newly commissioned Ihovbor-Ajaokuta Transmission Line 1, which evacuates power from Benin to Ajaokuta and onward to Abuja, as well as the turn-in-turn-out project at the Irrua Transmission Substation, which is expected to further enhance bulk power transmission upon completion.

Engr. Iwuamadi explained that TCN lines within the region operate on an N-1 contingency arrangement, which ensures continuity of bulk power supply by providing an alternative line in the event of a fault, adding that the Benin axis has the capacity to restore bulk power supply relatively quickly due to its proximity to generation sources such as the Azura Power Plant.

He however pointed out that TCN’s capacity expansion efforts are being undermined by the activities of vandals and called for stronger support from the state government and host communities in protecting transmission infrastructure.

The General Manager also urged the government to assist TCN in removing encroachments on the right-of-way of transmission lines and corridors, noting that compensation was paid prior to the installation of the transmission towers and lines. He expressed concern over recurring damage to critical assets, which often results in significant losses and sometimes requires weeks to repair.
Some miscreants, he said have been arrested by security agencies, including the DSS and NSCDC, but stated that more needs to be done.

On other efforts to boost operational efficiency, the General Manager explained that TCN maintains a strict preventive maintenance programme, which is essential for the optimal performance of its equipment. He urged distribution companies to adopt similar maintenance practices to help strengthen their distribution networks.

The Assistant General Manager (System Operations), Benin Region, Engr. Patrick Amos, clarified that while TCN evacuates all generated power and delivers it to the load centres of distribution companies, the management of supply to end users falls outside their mandate.

Participants at the meeting included representatives of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Azura Power, GTL Power Ltd, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Meter Asset Providers (MAPs),, civil society and community groups.

 

Alleged incitement of soldiers: DSS arraigns blogger/influencer

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Justice Mark Chidiebere, a social media influencer, over an alleged attempt to incite soldiers and breach of military social media policy.

 

Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack”, was arraigned before Joyce Abdulmalik, judge of a federal high court in Abuja on Monday.

 

He pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime.

 

In the first count, the DSS alleged that Chidiebere circulated false information to the public through his X handle, @JusticeCrack, regarding inadequate feeding of soldiers, with intent to cause annoyance, ill-will and hatred among citizens.

 

The offence is said to be contrary to section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).

 

In the second count, the prosecution alleged that the defendant published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army which generated widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and breach of peace, contrary to section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.

 

The third count accused Chidiebere of attempting to commit a felony by publishing what the prosecution described as a derogatory video and statements about the Nigerian Army, an offence punishable under section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.

 

After the defendant’s plea, E. Orubo, prosecution counsel, prayed the court to order the defendant’s remand in DSS custody. He also asked for a fixed date for trial to commence.

 

Marshall Abubakar, counsel for the defendant, made an oral bail application, but the trial judge ordered him to file a formal bail application.

 

In her ruling, Abdulmalik ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the DSS and adjourned until May 25 for the commencement of trial and hearing of bail application.

 

Chidiebere was arrested by the Nigerian army last week after he shared complaints by some soldiers about their feeding and welfare on social media.

 

In a statement on Saturday, Appolonia Anele, acting director of the army’s public relations, said: “…preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere, who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system”.

 

“An example was a chat bothering on subversion which Chidiebere had with the soldiers,” the statement reads.

 

“It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security.”

 

Anele said Chidiebere was arrested alongside the soldiers for investigation. Thecable

WAPP Chairman pushes urgent reforms to strengthen regional power market

 

The Chairman, Executive Board of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), Engr. (Dr.) Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, has called for decisive action to strengthen the institution’s governance and accelerate the development of a reliable regional electricity market, describing ongoing restructuring efforts as a “strategic necessity” for the future of power integration in West Africa.

 

Speaking at the 67th meeting of the WAPP Executive Board held in Lomé, Togo on May 4, 2026, Abdulaziz emphasized that as cross-border electricity exchanges expand, WAPP must reorganise its structures, increase transparency, and improve efficiency to meet growing demand and expectations across member states.

 

He noted that the meeting comes at a critical time for the regional power sector, with increasing pressure to deliver a more integrated, competitive, and sustainable electricity system. However, strengthening interconnections, advancing the Regional Electricity Market, and maintaining effective governance arrangements, he said, remain central to WAPP’s mandate.

A key focus of the meeting was the review of a restructuring study and its recommendations, which the Chairman described as essential to improving WAPP’s institutional effectiveness. He urged board members to assess the proposals critically, identify immediate priorities, and ensure that reforms are implemented in a practical, results-driven manner.

Abdulaziz outlined three guiding principles for the reform process, including continuity of WAPP’s mandate, strong governance discipline, and realistic implementation supported by adequate resources and measurable outcomes these he said would ensure that reforms translates to progress. He emphasized the need for the Executive Board to provide clear direction while equipping the Secretariat with the mandate and tools required to act effectively.

 

The Chairman also highlighted the link between governance and financial stability, noting that unlocking predictable market based revenue streams through the reforms are critical to sustaining progress in market development, system coordination, and regional capacity building. Financial discipline, he added, is central to the organisation’s credibility.

 

He commended the WAPP Secretariat for its efforts under challenging conditions and called for continued support, with sustained emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and prudent resource management.
He equally noted that a strong and well-governed regional market operator is essential to increasing electricity trade as this will improve supply reliability, reduce costs through regional optimisation, and attract investment into the sector.

 

In his welcome address, the Secretary General of WAPP, Mr. Addoulaye DIA, described the meeting as a critical milestone governance reform. He highlighted the importance of assessing implementation of past decisions, evaluating progress, identifying constraints, and setting clear directions for accelerating regional energy integration.

 

He reaffirmed WAPP’s mandate to promote regional electricity infrastructure while coordinating power exchanges among ECOWAS Member States. He noted the progress in grid interconnections with countries and market preparation, and emphasized that though challenges persist, such as limited electricity access, rising demand, significant investment needs, and the fragile financial position of sector actors, there is the need to do the permanent synchronization of the West African utilities this year.

 

Addressing the restructuring agenda, Mr. DIA stressed that the reform is fundamental to building a more robust and efficient institutional framework aligned with the needs of a functional regional electricity market. He called for a transition from study to implementation through realistic, phased, and adequately funded reforms, including the gradual establishment of an independent market operator and clearer institutional roles.

 

While emphasizing the need for stronger financial discipline and collective responsibility, particularly in the timely payment of member contributions. DIA identified key priorities, including accelerating interconnection projects, improving system synchronization, strengthening market mechanisms, and enhancing institutional capacity, noting that delivering reliable, accessible, and affordable electricity remains the ultimate goal.

 

Three new rotating board members were introduced at the 67thWAPP Executive Board meeting including MDs of National Water and Electricity Company of Gambia represented by Mr. Gallo SAIDY, The BIU Power Authority of Ghana represented by Mr. Justice KYERE and The Societe Béninoise de Production d’Électricité represented by Mr. Mysbaou ADAM ASSA.

 

The meeting also brought together senior representatives of member utilities and Directors of WAPP Secretariat, to review progress and set strategic priorities for advancing regional energy integration across West Africa.

2027: ADC presidential form goes for N100m, set for primaries

The African Democratic Congress has fired the starting gun for 2027, releasing its primary election timetable and pegging its presidential nomination form at N100 million.

The party said the schedule, made public Sunday by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, shows its “commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and full compliance with electoral guidelines.”

Key dates

The process is already rolling:
– Application forms: April 1 – May 4, 2026
– Sale of nomination forms: May 5 – 10, 2026
– Submission: May 11 – 13, 2026
– Screening: May 14 – 15, 2026
– Screening results: May 17, 2026
– Appeals: May 18 – 19, 2026
– Final list of cleared aspirants: May 20, 2026

Primaries week

– May 21, 2026: State Houses of Assembly, House of Reps, and Senate primaries at ward level
– May 22, 2026: Governorship primaries
– May 25, 2026: Presidential primary
– May 26, 2026: NEC meeting
– May 27, 2026: Special National Convention for final ratifications

Cost of running

ADC set its nomination fees high:
– President: N100 million
– Governor: N50 million
– Senate: N20 million
– House of Reps: N10 million
– State Assembly: N3 million

But it’s offering discounts to boost inclusion: 50% off for youths, 25% off for women and persons with disabilities.

Abdullahi urged members and aspirants to “adhere strictly to the outlined schedule and guidelines” as ADC positions itself as “the primary platform for Nigerians seeking competent, accountable, and people-focused leadership in 2027.”

With primaries set for May 2026, the ADC is one of the first parties to lock in dates. The N100m presidential fee puts it in the same bracket as Nigeria’s major parties, signaling serious intent to compete at the top.
Conclave.