Has anyone, except me, noticed the loud silence coming from ADC Presidential Candidate, H.E. Atiku Abubakar (GCON) and his purported running mate, H.E. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (CON), following the announcement by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, that both men would be running on a joint ticket?

For a political development of such magnitude, one would have expected an immediate wave of excitement, confirmation, clarification or at the very least, acknowledgment from the principal actors involved on their twitter, TikTok, Facebook or Instagram handles and even mainstream media.

Instead, what we have witnessed is silence. Loud silence. A silence that has generated more questions than answers.

Has the ticket truly been agreed upon by all parties involved?

Was the announcement premature?

Are consultations still ongoing behind the scenes?

Is there a strategic communication plan that the public is yet to be informed about ?

Or are there forces within and outside the party attempting to influence, pressure or bend the hands of key stakeholders in directions they may not necessarily desire? These are legitimate questions.

Politics abhors a vacuum. Whenever there is silence where clarity is expected, speculation rushes in to fill the gap.

The ADC today carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians searching for a credible alternative. It cannot afford avoidable ambiguity on issues as fundamental as its presidential ticket.

Party members, supporters, coalition partners, grassroots mobilizers, donors and the voting public deserve clarity. If there are ongoing negotiations, let the party say so and if there are unresolved issues, let stakeholders be informed. If consultations are still underway, there is no shame in admitting it.

Transparency builds trust and silence breeds uncertainty. The concern here is not merely about personalities. It is about the perception of internal cohesion, organizational discipline and readiness for the enormous task of leading Nigeria.

History teaches us that many promising political movements have been weakened not by external opposition but by internal uncertainty and poor communication.

The ADC must not walk into that trap. I also wish to sound a note of caution to all stakeholders. Nobody should attempt to impose outcomes through media pressure, elite consensus or backroom maneuvering.

The party belongs to its members and ultimately to the Nigerian people whose aspirations it seeks to represent.

Any attempt by individuals or groups to arm-twist leaders into predetermined positions may achieve short-term headlines but could create long-term fractures.

Consensus is valuable and consultation essential. Our Unity is indispensable but unity built on coercion is fragile. The leadership of the party must therefore proceed with wisdom, patience, openness and fairness.

Likewise, supporters of all tendencies within the coalition should avoid inflammatory rhetoric, unnecessary speculation and divisive campaigns.

The objective must remain clear: building the strongest possible platform capable of providing Nigeria with competent leadership and national renewal.

HE Atiku Abubakar is a seasoned political leader whilst HE Rotimi Amaechi is an experienced administrator and strategist too and both men understand the weight of expectations resting upon them. This is precisely why their silence is attracting attention, especially mine.

If perhaps there are good reasons for it or important consultations are ongoing where strategic considerations are being carefully weighed, the public as a matter of urgency should receive the clarification it deserves.

Until then, the questions and silence remain with Nigerians continuing to watch closely.
Very closely.

DR. CHIKE OKOGWU ADC NATIONAL LEADER, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS).

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed grave concerns over what appears to be a disturbing pattern of selective obedience to judicial pronouncements by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that such conduct threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and undermines public confidence in the nation’s electoral management body.
In a statement signed by National Coordinator of HURIWA,Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko the group is particularly alarmed that while INEC moved with remarkable speed to implement court decisions relating to the leadership crisis within the Social Democratic Party (SDP), including the recognition of Professor Umar Abubakar Gombe as National Chairman following judicial pronouncements, the same electoral commission has continued to ignore and delay compliance with the subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal concerning the leadership structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The rights group specifically queried why INEC has failed to recognise Alhaji Tanimu Turaki as the Interim National Chairman of the PDP as duly appointed by the party’s recognised Board of Trustees and backed by judicial decisions, even as the commission demonstrated unusual efficiency in effecting leadership changes within the SDP on the basis of court orders.
The association said this apparent double standard raises troubling questions about whether INEC is operating under the same legal framework for all registered political parties or whether there are extraneous influences shaping its decisions.
“It is difficult for objective observers of Nigeria’s democratic landscape to understand why INEC is swift in implementing judicial pronouncements that affect one political party while appearing reluctant or unwilling to give effect to similar judicial decisions concerning another party,” HURIWA stated.
“If court orders are binding on INEC in the case of the SDP, why are court orders apparently not binding when it comes to the internal leadership issues of the PDP? Is there one law for the SDP and another law for the PDP? Nigerians deserve answers.”
The association further referenced the recent Court of Appeal judgment which reportedly nullified the controversial March 29, 2026 convention conducted by the faction associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on the grounds that the legal authority upon which the convention was predicated had expired.
According to HURIWA, the appellate court’s determination that the tenure of the faction’s National Legal Adviser had lapsed and that there was no credible evidence of a valid re-election fundamentally invalidates actions arising from that disputed convention and should ordinarily compel all relevant institutions, including INEC, to align their records with the legal realities established by the court.
The group warned that any attempt to selectively interpret or enforce judicial decisions could deepen political tensions and fuel suspicions that state institutions are being deployed to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
HURIWA also challenged INEC to publicly address allegations recently made by the SDP’s presidential flagbearer, Prince Adewole Adebayo, who has repeatedly suggested that certain state institutions are being manipulated to advance the political interests of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“INEC owes Nigerians a duty of transparency. The commission must openly demonstrate through its actions that it is not operating from the pockets of any politician or political party. It must reassure Nigerians that it remains an independent constitutional body committed solely to the rule of law and democratic principles.”
“Given the growing public perception of selective enforcement, INEC should urgently clarify why it has promptly complied with judicial directives affecting the SDP while allegedly failing to implement similar judicial outcomes relating to the PDP. Silence in the face of these legitimate concerns only fuels suspicion and damages institutional credibility.”
The association emphasized that democracy can only thrive where institutions act impartially and where court judgments are obeyed without discrimination, political calculations or external interference.
HURIWA therefore called on INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and the commission’s leadership to immediately provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the apparent disparity in the treatment of the SDP and PDP leadership disputes and to ensure that all court decisions are implemented uniformly and without bias.
The group warned that the continued perception of selective compliance with judicial orders could further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process at a time when the nation requires stronger democratic institutions, greater accountability and absolute respect for the rule of law.

Rivers State Govt Reaffirms Commitment to investment-friendly Business Environment

By George Mgbeleke

The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara says his administration is committed to creating a transparent, predictable, inclusive, and investment-friendly business environment aimed at driving economic growth and sustainable development.

In a statement signed by Head Information and Public Relations Unit, Juliana Masi, Governor Fubara made this known on Friday, during the Technical Workshop on Business-Enabling Reforms and Investment Competitiveness, organized by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in collaboration with the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, Governor Fubara stated that his administration remains focused on positioning Rivers State as a preferred destination for investment by implementing policies and reforms that encourage business growth and economic prosperity.

He noted that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic landscape, boasting significant advantages such as a vibrant population, abundant natural resources, strategic maritime assets, and a thriving entrepreneurial culture.

“As one of Nigeria’s leading commercial and industrial hubs, Rivers State possesses enormous potential. Our responsibility is to transform these advantages into sustainable economic opportunities through deliberate reforms, strong institutions, and effective governance,” he said.

Governor Fubara emphasized that his administration is committed to building a business environment that attracts both local and international investors while fostering enterprise development and innovation across key sectors of the economy.

He further observed that evidence from successful economies around the world shows that growth is accelerated when governments provide enabling conditions for businesses to flourish. According to him, this understanding continues to guide the state’s support for initiatives that promote investment, improve institutional coordination, and enhance economic competitiveness.

The Governor described the workshop as a valuable platform for stakeholders to assess existing challenges, exchange practical experiences, and develop solutions aimed at strengthening the state’s investment ecosystem.

He added that the forum would also help align government policies and programmes with global best practices while ensuring they remain responsive to local realities and developmental needs.

The Director General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, thanked the Rivers State Government for the opportunity to enlighten stakeholders on business enabling reforms and investment opportunities.
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‎she observed that PEBEC, established by the Presidency stands to strengthen business enterprises and unlock vast economic opportunities across the country.

Audu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing bold economic reforms aimed at boosting investors confidence and strengthening the nation’s business climate.

She emphasised that Nigeria’s economic transformation requires strong alignment across Federal, State and Local Governments.

The Director General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Peterside Chamberline stressed that the task of the agency is to create environment where businesses can operate, jobs can be created, employment generated and taxes can be handled with ease for citizens to enjoy suceess.

“We know that private sector investment is the driver of economic development and progress.

“We are creating and making Rivers State the preferred investment destination”, he said.