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A Nation in Distress: How APC’s Years in Power Have Deepened Nigeria’s Crisis

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A Nation in Distress: How APC’s Years in Power Have Deepened Nigeria’s Crisis

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

 

“A Nation at the Brink — Why APC’s Failures Demand a New Political Direction.”

 

Nigeria stands today at a perilous crossroads with economically strained, socially fragmented and morally wounded. The promise that once accompanied the rise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has given way to widespread disillusionment. What was sold as a vehicle for national renewal has, in reality, become a synonym for hardship, division and stagnation. This is not hyperbole. It is the sobering verdict of millions of citizens whose lived realities speak louder than partisan spin.

 

From the economy to national unity, from domestic politics to global standing, from tribal tensions to religious relationships, the APC’s record has been a catalogue of missed opportunities and deepening crises. Nigeria deserves better. Nigerians deserve another party, one that puts the people above politics, unity above division and progress above self-interest.

ECONOMIC DECLINE: Hunger, Poverty, and Eroded Hope.

The heart of any nation’s stability is its economy. On this front, the APC’s performance has been deeply disappointing. Bold reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange liberalisation were touted as necessary moves to stabilise the economy and attract investment. Yet, for millions of ordinary Nigerians, these policies have translated into unbearable hardship. Prices of essential goods have soared, inflation has blasted household budgets and poverty has become entrenched in everyday life.

 

Critics inside and outside Nigeria point to a stark reality: despite claims of economic recovery, the benefits remain out of reach for the majority. Food inflation, transport costs and the cost of living have escalated beyond what most families can afford. Various reports highlight that poverty and food insecurity have worsened, even as macroeconomic figures are debated.

 

As economist and social critic Ha-Joon Chang once reminded the world, “An economy’s success should be measured by how its most vulnerable citizens fare, not by abstract figures on paper.” Today, Nigeria’s most vulnerable are sinking deeper into deprivation.

 

TRIBAL AND RELIGIOUS RELATIONSHIPS: Division Instead of Unity.

Nigeria’s diversity is its strength with a mosaic of peoples, cultures and histories. Yet under the APC, this diversity too often became a source of division rather than a foundation for unity. Competing ethnic interests have periodically been manipulated for political advantage, reopening old wounds and aggravating suspicions between communities. Observers have noted that political rhetoric and strategic statements have at times undermined national cohesion, diverting attention from governance failures to age-old regional tensions.

 

A healthy polity celebrates differences while forging shared purpose. A government should foster cooperation across tribes and religions not exploit fault lines for political survival. Nigerian scholar and author Wole Soyinka’s enduring wisdom resonates here: “The greatest threat to a nation is the corruption of its conscience.” A leadership that fuels division corrodes the moral fabric of the nation.

A Nation in Distress: How APC’s Years in Power Have Deepened Nigeria’s Crisis

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

REGIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Neglect and Fragmentation.

A nation for the people must not be a nation divided. Though many Nigerians feel left behind. Regions that should be engines of growth have languished under policies that prioritise political expediency over structural development. The promise of balanced regional development has often been drowned by centralised decision-making that pays lip service to inclusivity but delivers little in tangible benefits.

 

Nigeria’s unity must be more than rhetoric; it must be reflected in policy outcomes, improved infrastructure and equitable opportunities for all regions. When citizens feel marginalised or unheard, the very idea of a united nation weakens.

 

PARTY RELATIONSHIPS: Internal Disarray and Erosion of Trust.

Political parties thrive on discipline, vision and inclusive leadership. Yet the APC has struggled with internal cohesion. Public disputes, defections and power struggles have underscored deeper conflicts over direction and purpose. Instead of engaging critics with constructive dialogue, party rhetoric too often resorts to personal attacks and defensive posturing, closing off spaces for genuine critique and reform.

 

Strong parties are not built on silencing dissent but on embracing diverse viewpoints and using them to strengthen policy and practice. The APC’s internal dynamics reflect a larger problem: a disconnect between leadership and the lived experiences of citizens.

 

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: Compromise Over Accountability.

A robust legislature is a cornerstone of democratic governance — a check on executive power and a voice for the people. Yet, under APC dominance, the National Assembly has often appeared more an instrument of acquiescence than one of accountability. Rather than provide independent oversight, it has been criticised for aligning too closely with executive priorities, even when those priorities fail to address fundamental public needs.

 

Democracy is not measured by elections alone but by the capacity of institutions to hold leaders to account and to represent the interests of all citizens not just a political elite.

 

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: Reputational Strains and Missed Opportunities.

On the global stage, Nigeria’s voice once carried remarkable moral weight in Africa and beyond. Though when domestic weaknesses are projected internationally (from economic instability to insecurity) that voice diminishes. Diplomatic engagement demands a strong, confident nation, secure in its foundations and clear in its values.

 

While governments change and global dynamics shift, a consistent lesson from international relations scholars is that credibility comes from internal strength. A nation beset by internal anxieties cannot project the confidence needed to lead on the world stage.

 

HUMANITY FIRST: Policies That Hurt the People.

Above all, governance must centre on human dignity. When policies deepen suffering, particularly for the most vulnerable, leadership has lost its moral compass. The APC era has witnessed protests, public frustration and grassroots movements demanding dignity and relief from hardship. The “End Bad Governance” protests, for example, were driven by widespread discontent with rising hunger and economic distress with realities far removed from official narratives of ‘RECOVERY’.

 

True leadership listens first to the voices of its people not to spin doctors or political strategists.

 

THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW.

This is not an indictment born of bitterness, it is a call to action. Nigeria deserves a politics that places the welfare of citizens above all else. A politics that unites rather than divides. A politics that fosters prosperity, justice and opportunity for every Nigerian.

 

Renowned Nigerian historian and scholar Chinua Achebe once wrote that “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” It is time for Nigerians themselves (not the political elite) to reclaim the narrative of this nation.

 

The APC’s record across economy, unity, governance and leadership is a compelling reason to consider another party with one that builds bridges, uplifts citizens and strengthens institutions. Nigeria’s journey toward greatness cannot wait another decade in the hands of leaders who promise change but deliver distress.

 

Let this be the clarion call for a new chapter with one defined by responsibility, humanity, and genuine progress.

 

A Nation in Distress: How APC’s Years in Power Have Deepened Nigeria’s Crisis

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Politics

Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30

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Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30

-.Removes Hon.Olugbenga Lekuti as Deputy Director General,Ogun East

One of the leading Political Groups, Ogun Visionaries is set to host the final zonal edition of the Sen. Solomon Adeola Yayi town hall meetings in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. The Ogun Central Edition, scheduled for April 30, 2026, aims to engage the electorate and push for Senator Yayi’s Governorship bid in 2027.

The event is themed ‘Ogun 2027: Yayi For All,’ marking the finale of the zonal town hall meetings.

Addressing Journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital,the Director General of Ogun Visionaries, Hon. Leye Odunjo, said the meeting will draw key stakeholders from Ogun Central’s political power circle.

Hon.odunjo stated that the event will kick off with a health walk, ‘Ogun Visionaries For Yayi Unity Walk,’ in the morning of April 30, 2026.The walk is themed ‘Let’s Walk for A United and Prosperous Ogun State,’ aiming to rally support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Governorship aspiration.

“The town hall meeting is expected to feature prominent personalities, including Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as the Special Guest of Honour. The event will provide a platform for interaction and engagement with the electorate”.

Ogun Visionaries has successfully held town hall meetings in Ogun West and Ogun East senatorial districts. The Ogun Central Edition is the final zonal meeting before moving to LGAs and wards.

The Director General while acknowledging the support received from various personalities since inception of the group,disclosed that distinguished individuals would be honoured with Award of Recognition during the event.

Odunjo, who is also a Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President said “The political atmosphere in Ogun State is reportedly in tune with the people’s yearning for Yayi’s emergence. Ogun Visionaries is at the forefront of making this a reality.

“The event aims to unite stakeholders and push for a prosperous Ogun State. With Senator Yayi’s popularity growing, the meeting is expected to draw a large turnout.

“The Ogun Central Edition will provide a platform for stakeholders to interact and engage with the electorate. The event is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the group’s goals.

“Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi’s presence is expected to energize supporters and further boost his campaign for 2027” he added

Meanwhile, Ogun Visionaries has announced removal of Hon Olugbenga Lekuti as the Deputy Director General, DDG,Ogun East, of the group.

Announcing the removal in a brief statement made available to Journalists, Hon.Odunjo stated that Hon.Lekuti was relieved of the position as a result of his anti -group and anti -Yayi’s acts.

He added that a new Deputy Director General would be announced in due course.

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Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics

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Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics

 

 

The political atmosphere of Nigeria’s North-West was fundamentally altered on a sweltering afternoon in 2026 after Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso former Governor of Kano State and Former Minister for Defence who is also the “Grand Commander” of the Red-Cap revolution, finalized a move that many viewed as the ultimate masterstroke of his political career. By transitioning from the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kwankwaso did more than change platforms; he effectively reset the coordinates of the nation’s largest voting bloc.

 

Senator Kwankwaso’s pedigree is defined by a singular devotion to human capital development and an almost mythical grassroots loyalty preceded him. He turned a local movement, the Kwankwasiyya, into a disciplined, ideological army that transcends traditional party structures. His entry into the ADC instantly transformed a secondary party into a formidable fortress, signaling to the ruling elite that the North-West is no longer a monolith under their control.

 

The gravity of this shift is most profound in Kano, the heartbeat of Northern commerce. For years, the state was a polarized battlefield between the Kwankwasiyya and established conservative wings. However, the entry of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna into the same ADC orbit has created a “Kano Super-Alliance” that was previously unthinkable. Kwankwaso, the visionary architect who sent thousands of Kano’s children to global universities, now finds his populist ideology merging with Gawuna’s administrative steadiness and deep-rooted institutional connections.

 

This synergy is a seismic departure from the politics of “zero-sum” rivalry; it is a calculated fusion of mass appeal and the strategic machinery required to protect and deliver votes.

This move reshuffles the entire North-West deck. As Kwankwaso plants the ADC flag across the region, he is attracting a wave of heavyweights from Kaduna to Sokoto who feel marginalized by the status quo. His political pedigree allows him to speak with a regional authority that others lack, positioning himself as a protector during a time of economic uncertainty. By bringing Gawuna into this fold, the dynamics of Kano politics have shifted from a war of attrition to a coalition of necessity. This alliance creates a “Third Way” that bypasses the failures of the old guard, promising a return to the rapid growth that defined the Kwankwaso years, but with a broader, more inclusive base that could dictate the occupant of Aso Rock in 2027.

 

Kwankwaso’s career has always been defined by a uniquely personal brand of power. From 1999 to 2015, he served two terms as Governor of Kano State, in addition to roles as Minister of Defence and Senator. While many were surprised by his recent maneuvers; especially following closed-door meetings with President Bola Tinubu, he chose the emerging ADC over the ruling APC.

 

In the high-stakes theater of Nigerian politics, few events have jolted the region quite like the defection of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna from the APC to the ADC on March 31, 2026. Coming just twenty-four hours after Kwankwaso’s move, Gawuna’s transition fundamentally has also altered the political calculus in Kano. What makes this moment remarkable is the sheer drama of the reversal. Gawuna’s political journey has been a steady, calculated ascent through Kano’s establishment. He first shot to prominence as Commissioner of Agriculture under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, earning a reputation for hands-on management in a state where farming is the economic backbone. He eventually rose to Deputy Governor, serving for nearly six years and gaining invaluable executive experience. Beyond partisan politics, Gawuna distinguished himself as Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University and, most recently, as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). He resigned from the FMBN on March 27, 2026, citing compliance with presidential directives regarding political appointees.

 

A look back at the 2023 gubernatorial election reveals just how significant Gawuna is. Running under the APC, he polled over 890,000 votes against the formidable Kwankwasiyya machine. This proved that he is one of the few politicians in Kano who can genuinely compete with Kwankwaso’s electoral machinery. His strength is threefold: he appeals to the youth, the religious establishment (Ulama), and the business community; he has the capacity to split the APC vote; and he has demonstrated he can deliver votes independently of a larger party wave. To understand the magnitude of this defection, one must appreciate the complete inversion of alliances since 2023. Back then, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ran on the NNPP ticket with Kwankwaso’s backing, while Gawuna carried the APC banner with Ganduje’s support. By 2027, the roles will likely reverse: Governor Yusuf is positioned to run under the APC with Ganduje’s blessing, while Gawuna is poised to run under the ADC with Kwankwaso’s endorsement.

 

From the perspective of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Gawuna’s arrival is a “return” rather than a “recruitment,” as he was part of the movement’s pioneer cohort. This narrative neutralizes accusations of opportunism. For his part, Gawuna framed his move in terms of service and divine guidance, with sources indicating he felt marginalized within the APC after his 2023 defeat.

 

The reaction from within the APC has been one of worry and regret. President Tinubu, recognizing the stakes, reportedly directed party leaders to prevent Gawuna’s move, even offering him an automatic Senatorial ticket for 2027. The failure of this pressure campaign, Gawuna reportedly placed his phone on “Do Not Disturb” and traveled abroad to avoid lobbyists represents a significant defeat for the presidency’s political management. This crisis prompted emergency meetings between President Tinubu, Dr. Ganduje, and Badaru Abubakar at the Presidential Villa to reorganize their strategy.

 

The long-term implication is the potential break of the APC-PDP duopoly. The ADC is now positioning itself as a genuine “third force” in the North-West. The defection of high-profile figures like Senator Ahmed Babba-Kaita, Senator Aishatu “Binani” Ahmed, and former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami suggests a coordinated realignment. This competition could force more substantive policy debates and reduce the “zero-sum” intensity of regional elections.

 

The projected 2027 gubernatorial rematch between Gawuna (ADC) and Governor Yusuf (APC) will be a battle between two men with established records. Voters will have a genuine choice between performance and platform rather than just shifting loyalties. As Gawuna put it: “Allah gives power to whom He wants and when He wants.” While the 2027 elections will reveal where that power flows, it is already clear that the political landscape of the North-West will never look the same again.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment

The Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the release of funds for the payment of Gratuity Batch 3 for the 2024/25 period. This decisive action underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated years of service to the state’s development.

The Accountant General of the State is already working diligently to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments promptly and efficiently, reflecting the government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.

This timely gratuity payment is a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal’s people-centered leadership, which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the progress and stability of Zamfara State. It also reaffirms the government’s pledge to honor its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.

The Zamfara State Government calls on all retirees in the affected batch to exercise patience as the necessary administrative and financial processes are finalized. Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments.

This initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s broader vision to empower citizens and retirees, strengthen confidence in public service, and sustain the morale of those who have committed their lives to the growth of Zamfara State.

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