society
THE RETURN OF NIGERIA’S ABSENTEE PRESIDENT FROM FRANCE TO ORCHESTRATE THE DECAMPING OF 5 PDP GOVERNORS TO APC IN FURTHERANCE OF THE ONE-PARTY AGENDA* : A Manifest Threat To Nigeria’s Democracy
*THE RETURN OF NIGERIA’S ABSENTEE PRESIDENT FROM FRANCE TO ORCHESTRATE THE DECAMPING OF 5 PDP GOVERNORS TO APC IN FURTHERANCE OF THE ONE-PARTY AGENDA* : A Manifest Threat To Nigeria’s Democracy
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
While the Nigerian people groan under the crushing weight of insecurity, hunger, and deepening poverty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reportedly on a “working visit” to France. But the truth is now widely known: the President took a French leave not to review policy or chart a new course for the country—as the Presidency would have Nigerians believe—but for personal medical reasons, specifically a stem cell treatment. In addition, he allegedly met with lobbyists in the United States to forestall the impending release of FBI files concerning his alleged past involvement in drug trafficking.
This deceitful detour to Europe and the United States occurred at a time when Nigeria desperately needed leadership. Inflation had soared to 33.69% by March 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Even more alarming, food inflation was nearing an unbearable 42%. Meanwhile, the World Bank recently reported that over 104 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line. In short, Nigeria is a nation in distress, but its president chose medical tourism and image laundering over urgent governance.
President Tinubu’s clandestine return to Nigeria, shrouded in secrecy and executed under the cover of darkness, has only added fuel to the fire. Sources suggest his return was hastened by his failure to convince U.S. authorities to delay or suppress the May 2nd, 2025 release of potentially damning documents. Rather than address the nation’s economic meltdown and worsening insecurity, the President appears singularly focused on deflecting attention from his past.
To this end, two diversionary tactics have been activated:
The orchestration of mass defections of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC);
A suspicious state creation agenda designed to stoke ethnic sentiments and dominate national discourse.
These maneuvers are not just political gimmicks they are strategic tools in a calculated plan to entrench a one-party state in Nigeria. The objective is clear: cripple the opposition, capture the entire political landscape, and monopolize democratic power.
The plan to coerce and induce PDP governors to defect to APC is deeply alarming and unambiguously undemocratic. It threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. If allowed to stand, this maneuver would diminish the integrity of the electoral system and reduce political pluralism to a mere illusion.
This is not the first time Tinubu’s APC has sought to manipulate Nigeria’s democracy to serve its hegemonic interests. In recent months, the 10th National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has increasingly functioned as a rubber stamp to the Executive, passing questionable bills with little to no debate. Likewise, the Judiciary, now under the watch of Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun, has often appeared compromised or politically docile.
In this context, the push for PDP governors to cross over to the APC should be seen for what it truly is: a political power grab. These governors were not elected under the APC’s manifesto or ideology. Their defection, under coercion or inducement, would be a betrayal of the mandate given to them by their constituents and a fundamental violation of democratic norms.
Democracy thrives on opposition, debate, and diversity of thought. When a ruling party seeks to eliminate all dissent, it crosses the threshold into authoritarianism. Nigeria has been here before. Under General Sani Abacha, political repression and suppression of opposition voices led to a climate of fear and stagnation. We must never return to that dark chapter in our history.
Ruth Youngland Nelson once warned, _“The slow erosion of democracy does not always come from a bomb or a bullet, but from the steady betrayal of trust, from those who should guard it the most.”_ That is precisely what is at stake today in Nigeria.
*The threat of a one-party state is not theoretical. It has tangible and far-reaching consequences:*
*Loss of Checks and Balances:* In the absence of a viable opposition, power becomes centralized and unaccountable. The executive begins to act with impunity, and the institutions that should hold it in check become ineffective or co-opted.
*Suppression of Dissent:* A one-party state breeds fear. Citizens and civil society groups lose their voice. Media outlets are intimidated into silence. Human rights abuses increase as the state operates unchecked.
*Erosion of Civil Liberties:* Freedoms of speech, assembly, and association are often the first casualties in such a system. With no opposition to challenge draconian policies, citizens are left vulnerable to arbitrary arrests and legal persecution.
*Economic Stagnation:* Political monopolies often result in policy complacency. Innovation is stifled, merit is replaced with cronyism, and critical reforms are shelved in favor of patronage politics. With youth unemployment already above 53%, this spells disaster for national development.
*Let it be clearly stated:* the idea of state creation at this critical juncture is a red herring. It is a deliberate attempt to ignite ethnic and regional sentiments to distract the public from the administration’s catastrophic failures. Nigeria’s problem is not the number of states, it is the absence of visionary leadership, sound economic policy, and adherence to democratic principles.
Moreover, a political culture where politicians are more loyal to the ruling party than to their constituents is dangerous. It creates an elite cartel of power brokers disconnected from the people. As history has shown, when democracy is hollowed out in this manner, what follows is a government by coercion and fear rather than by consent and justice.
Joseph Chilton Pearce encapsulated the peril succinctly: _“To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. But when leadership criminalizes dissent, creativity dies, and conformity becomes the law.”_ This is the warning Nigeria must heed today.
In light of these developments, it is imperative that every Nigerian rise up to defend our democracy. The media, civil society, religious and traditional institutions, and the international community must shine a light on these schemes and demand accountability. Silence is complicity.
We must resist this descent into a political monoculture. The defection of PDP governors under duress is not just an internal party matter; it is a national crisis. The Tinubu administration must be reminded that Nigeria is a democracy, not a personal estate. The future of our children depends on the choices we make today.
Nigeria needs reform, not regression. It needs unity, not uniformity. The people deserve a government that works for them, not one that works solely to protect the interests of a single individual or political party.
If this descent into a one-party dictatorship continues, Nigeria’s democracy, hard-earned and deeply cherished, may become a relic of the past. It is time to speak out. It is time to act.

Sylvester is a political analyst, he writes from South Africa
society
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.
May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.
In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.
### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.
2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.
UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.
3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.
4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.
For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.
United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.
society
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.
In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.
According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.
He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.
“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.
The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.
He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.
“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.
Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.
While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.
“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.
The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.
He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.
society
NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.
The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.
The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.
“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.
While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.
The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.
“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.
Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.
The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.
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