Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has criticised Nigeria’s opposition leaders following the abrupt end of their recent anti-Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) protest, describing it as ineffective.

The demonstration, which reportedly lasted about three days, ended without achieving its stated objectives, prompting Adeyanju to question the opposition’s ability to sustain coordinated civic action.

The protest was led by key figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark—who is recognised as the party’s National Chairman—as well as former presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

The group had marched to the INEC headquarters over the commission’s decision to derecognise the party’s leadership amid internal disputes. INEC had cited a court ruling as the basis for its action, a move the opposition argued could affect its participation in the 2027 elections.

Reacting on Monday, Adeyanju expressed disappointment over the short duration of the protest, saying it failed to produce any meaningful outcome.

“The anti-INEC protests ended after three days without achieving anything, despite all the opposition leaders backing and funding it. These are the people that want to remove Bola Tinubu from power,” he said.

He further argued that the development reflects a decline in sustained activism and opposition engagement in the country.

“Activism and opposition in Nigeria is dead,” he added.

Adeyanju compared the recent protest to earlier movements he was involved in, including the #ResumeOrResign campaign during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which called for transparency during Buhari’s medical absence abroad.

“I remember how 14 of us shut down Nigeria under Buhari during the #ResumeOrResign movement, despite all the hired pro-government protests against us,” he said.

He also referenced a prolonged protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja over the killing of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites.

“I also organised a 109-day protest against the killing of Shiites at the Unity Fountain,” Adeyanju stated.

He concluded by criticising leading opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, for what he described as their inability to sustain long-term protest actions.

“But Atiku, Obi, Amaechi and others couldn’t sustain a protest for even one week,” he added..…Continue Reading

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting following the reopening of its national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja after months of closure.

The meeting is set to take place at the party’s headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory, according to Politics Nigeria.

The development comes days after security operatives unsealed the premises, which had been closed since late last year amid internal leadership disputes within the party.

The reopening marks a step in ongoing efforts by the PDP to restore stability after prolonged internal tensions affecting its national leadership structure.

The secretariat was initially sealed in November following a confrontation between rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership. One faction was aligned with a National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki, while another was associated with a caretaker arrangement headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The dispute escalated after an Appeal Court ruling earlier this year nullified the Ibadan convention that produced the Turaki-led leadership. The judgment shifted control in favour of the Mohammed-led faction, which subsequently moved to consolidate its position through a separate convention in Abuja.

Party sources indicate that the current NEC meeting is expected to be largely attended by supporters of the Mohammed-led leadership structure.

Among those reportedly expected are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

According to insiders, the gathering is expected to focus on reconciliation efforts, internal restructuring, and preparations for future political activities.

There are also indications that the NEC may consider setting up committees to address internal grievances and explore broader reconciliation within the party..…Continue Reading

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has instructed political appointees in his administration to prioritize the welfare of citizens at the grassroots level or step down from their positions.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by Zainab S. Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to the Governor, following a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Dutse.

Governor Namadi emphasized that governance should remain people-focused, urging officials to be responsive, compassionate, and committed to improving the lives of residents across the state.

He stressed that his administration is guided by a principle of mutual support and service, calling on appointees to strengthen their engagement with the public and address their needs more effectively.

“Anybody who feels he earns nothing to use in supporting the public should resign,” Namadi said.

He added that true leadership is measured by service, empathy, and dedication to the well-being of the people.

The governor’s remarks come amid growing public complaints about perceived lack of assistance from some political office holders, with concerns that certain appointees are not meeting expectations in supporting their communities.