Politics
Democracy Day: ‘You cannot claim to be a democrat on one hand, while trampling democracy -Senator Dickson tells Tinubu ……..faults emergency rule in Rivers
By George Mgbeleke
Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson has faulted the sentiments expressed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his address to joint session of National Assembly.

FCT minister, Barr.Nyesom Wike, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (middle) and Gov.SFubara of Rivers State
Senator Dickson who was reacting to the address of President Tinubu at the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday questioned the rationale in the continious suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and the imposition of a sole administrator on Rivers state in a democratic setting.
The lawmaker’s anger streamed from the brief sitting of the Senate at the early hours of Thursday when he wanted to raise a point of order on major appointments in Rivers State from the sole Administrator and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio denied him the privilege of speaking.
His text reads in part,”Earlier today, while we were in the Senate chambers, you all witnessed the President’s communication regarding appointments in Rivers State being read by the Senate President, as required by Senate rules.
“You also witnessed me rise to raise a constitutional point of order, which I am entitled to do as a Senator. Unfortunately, the Senate President ignored it—he did not respond, did not acknowledge it, and brushed it aside. He rushed through the President’s communication and we moved on. That, again, is a blatant suppression and disrespect for my rights and privileges.
“Every Senator, regardless of party or position, has the constitutional right to raise issues. And the Senate President is duty-bound by our rules to acknowledge them. He may have the majority behind him, but my minority must still have its say. I will communicate my displeasure formally to him.”
Continuing senator said,Many of us were embarrassed—ashamed, even. The communication from the President was essentially about deepening the undemocratic, unconstitutional military rule currently in force in Rivers State. That was why I raised the point.
“It is troubling that on Democracy Day—a day that should symbolize freedom, civil rule, and justice—such communications were read without challenge.
“Why choose today, of all days, to affirm actions that are clearly undemocratic and illegal? It speaks volumes about what the ruling party, the APC, has reduced Nigerian democracy to.
“Yes, the President’s speech was impressive and flowery in parts. He made fine declarations of democratic ideals and principles. But as I always say, words are not enough. Democracy is not built by words. It is sustained by actions—actions and more actions.”
The President he noted,”did well to honor those who fought for democracy. I, too, was a young man in the trenches during those days. He knows that. But you cannot claim to be a democrat on one hand, while trampling democracy underfoot on the other. The President missed a golden opportunity today to strengthen democracy by restoring constitutional rule in Rivers State.
“The silence on Rivers State in the President’s address was deafening. Today is not about repression. It’s not about the suppression of voices. It’s about upholding and respecting the democratic rights of Nigerians—especially the people of Rivers State.
“This is not about Governor Fubara’s origin or political party—if he even has one. Today, people switch parties so frequently we can hardly keep track. This is about the people of Rivers State, their democratic rights, and the sanctity of our Constitution.
“I am disappointed. First, because the President ignored the undemocratic situation in Rivers. Second, because in doing so, he set a dangerous precedent. I say this not just as someone from Bayelsa, but also proudly as someone maternally from Ijebubu.
“By pandering to certain political interests, the President has put Nigeria’s broader democracy at risk. What happens today in Rivers could happen tomorrow in Lagos or Kano. No one holds power forever. If we allow this precedent, what stops a future president from declaring a state of emergency in Lagos or Kano, sacking duly elected officials, appointing administrators, and running the state from Abuja?
“That is why we must not allow this to stand. That is why I raise my voice. This is not just about Rivers State. It is about protecting our democracy for every Nigerian—north, south, east, and west.
“What they attempted in Lagos during elections was a power grab. And what they are doing”
Politics
ADC: We Remain Focused — Says Party Will Present Right Candidate for 2027
By George Mgbeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that, despite what it called “recent distractions,” the party remains focused on its set objectives to rescue the country from the misgovernance of the ruling APC and save the country from the travesty of a one-party dictatorship.
Reacting to suggestions in some quarters that the party will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections, the party dismissed such views as unfounded and mischievous scaremongering, with no basis in reality or in any law, insisting that it will field credible candidates for the elections.
The party said it remains the country’s primary opposition platform, with a clear focus on organising, mobilising, and preparing to win the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the ADC said Nigerians should disregard baseless assertions, noting that the party is fully compliant with all legal requirements and is actively building the structures necessary to contest and win elections at all levels.
The full statement reads:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that we remain focused on our mission to rescue Nigeria from the failure of the APC-led government and to prevent the dangerous slide toward a one-party state.
We have taken note of recent suggestions that the ADC will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections. We find such claims to be entirely unfounded, mischievous, and designed to create confusion where none exists. They have no basis in law, in fact, or in the reality of our preparations as a political party.
Let us be clear. The ADC will present candidates in the 2027 general elections. Not just candidates, but credible, competent, and nationally acceptable candidates who are capable of leading this country out of its current crisis.
We remain a law-abiding political party, fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. There is no legal impediment to our participation in the 2027 elections, and any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and dampen the growing momentum around our party.
The ADC stands today as the primary opposition platform in Nigeria, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are not distracted by noise. We are focused on the real work, organising across the country, mobilising Nigerians who are tired of insecurity, rising costs of living, and limited opportunities, and building the structures required not just to contest, but to win.
We urge our members, supporters, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these baseless assertions. The task before us is too important to be derailed by speculation.
Politics
ADC: We Remain Focused — Says Party Will Present Right Candidate for 2027
By George Mgbeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that, despite what it called “recent distractions,” the party remains focused on its set objectives to rescue the country from the misgovernance of the ruling APC and save the country from the travesty of a one-party dictatorship.
Reacting to suggestions in some quarters that the party will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections, the party dismissed such views as unfounded and mischievous scaremongering, with no basis in reality or in any law, insisting that it will field credible candidates for the elections.
The party said it remains the country’s primary opposition platform, with a clear focus on organising, mobilising, and preparing to win the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the ADC said Nigerians should disregard baseless assertions, noting that the party is fully compliant with all legal requirements and is actively building the structures necessary to contest and win elections at all levels.
The full statement reads:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that we remain focused on our mission to rescue Nigeria from the failure of the APC-led government and to prevent the dangerous slide toward a one-party state.
We have taken note of recent suggestions that the ADC will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections. We find such claims to be entirely unfounded, mischievous, and designed to create confusion where none exists. They have no basis in law, in fact, or in the reality of our preparations as a political party.
Let us be clear. The ADC will present candidates in the 2027 general elections. Not just candidates, but credible, competent, and nationally acceptable candidates who are capable of leading this country out of its current crisis.
We remain a law-abiding political party, fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act. There is no legal impediment to our participation in the 2027 elections, and any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and dampen the growing momentum around our party.
The ADC stands today as the primary opposition platform in Nigeria, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are not distracted by noise. We are focused on the real work, organising across the country, mobilising Nigerians who are tired of insecurity, rising costs of living, and limited opportunities, and building the structures required not just to contest, but to win.
We urge our members, supporters, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these baseless assertions. The task before us is too important to be derailed by speculation.
Politics
ADC Releases Timetable for 2026 Primaries Elections — Urges aspirants to ensure full compliance with party constitution and the Electoral Act
By George Mgbeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially released its timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, outlining the guidelines and requirements for nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary,Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi,”The timetable reflects the party’s commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and full compliance with electoral guidelines.
“As outlined in the timetable, the process is already underway, with the collection of application forms running from April 1 to May 4, 2026. The sale of nomination forms will take place from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while the submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 11 to May 13, 2026.
“The party will conduct the screening of aspirants from May 14 to May 15, 2026, followed by the publication of screening results on May 17, 2026. Appeals will be heard between May 18 and May 19, 2026, with the final list of cleared aspirants to be released on May 20, 2026.”/
Continuing Abdullahi said,”The party’s primary elections will commence on May 21, 2026, with elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats holding simultaneously at the ward level. The Governorship primaries will take place on May 22, 2026, while the Presidential Primary is scheduled for May 25, 2026.
“This will be followed by a meeting of the National Executive Committee on May 26, 2026, and the Special National Convention on May 27, 2026, where final ratifications will be made.
“In line with its commitment to inclusivity and broad participation, the ADC has also approved a structured fee regime for nomination forms across all elective positions. The presidential nomination form is pegged at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N3 million.
“To encourage wider participation, the party has introduced concessional rates, offering a 50 percent discount for youthsand a 25 percent discount for women and persons with disabilities.
“The ADC calls on all members, stakeholders, and aspirants to adhere strictly to the outlined schedule and guidelines, as the ADC continues to position itself as the primary platform for Nigerians seeking competent, accountable, and people-focused leadership in 2027.”
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