By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially inaugurated a 50-member committee tasked with drafting the party’s policy framework and manifesto ahead of future elections.

The ceremony took place today at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and lasted from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

The committee will be chaired by Chief Odigie Oyegun, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Prof. Pat Utomiserving as Deputy Chairman and Salifu Lukeman as Secretary.

During the inauguration, ADC Chairman David Mark urged members to prioritize commitment and transparency. He stated that any individual uncomfortable with their inclusion or facing a conflict of interest was free to excuse themselves from the committee.

The committee’s composition drew public attention following questions from Yemi Adamolekun, former Executive Director of the civic group Enough is Enough (EiE), whose name appeared on the list despite not being an ADC member.

In a media briefing after the event, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, addressed the matter. He explained that the ADC intentionally included individuals outside the party whose expertise could contribute to national development.

“Not everybody on that list is a member of our party,” Abdullahi stated. “Each person was recommended based on their assumed value to this assignment. Our goal is to welcome anyone willing to contribute ideas on how to govern Nigeria differently.”

He noted that Adamolekun’s clarification was welcomed and emphasized that the ADC does not compel membership. “It is good that she made her position known from the onset,” he added.

State Congresses Yet to Hold

Abdullahi also responded to inquiries regarding reported irregularities in some state congresses. He clarified that the party’s national body has not conducted any state congresses to date.

“An order was only given to fill vacant positions temporarily, pending credible elections that will be conducted in the interest of all members,” he stated.

The formation of the high-profile committee signals ADC’s ongoing restructuring and outreach efforts as it positions itself for the upcoming electoral cycle.

A coalition of oil marketers has called on the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce fair competition in the petroleum sector and prevent what they describe as monopolistic tendencies by the Dangote Refinery.

The marketers made this appeal while addressing journalists in Abuja, stressing that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) clearly outlines a value chain system that must be respected to guarantee efficiency and fairness in the industry.

According to them, the PIA stipulates a separation of duties across the petroleum value chain, with refiners, transporters, retailers, distributors, and facility owners each playing distinct roles. They argued that while the Act allows refineries or producers who cannot meet demand to import crude oil, this opportunity has been disproportionately granted to the Dangote Refinery alone.
“There is no way one refinery can supply petroleum to a country as vast as Nigeria,” the marketers stated. “What is required is a win-win situation where all licensed operators are allowed to contribute to national supply.”

The marketers expressed concern that Dangote Refinery’s dominance could undermine the principles of the PIA, which emphasizes competitive business practices and a level playing field. They warned that allowing one entity to act as refiner, transporter, and retailer contradicts the Act and risks destabilizing the sector.

“It is not fair for one company to control every aspect of the chain,” they said. “Others have invested heavily, obtained licenses, paid taxes, and employed staff. They too deserve reasonable returns on their investments.”

Highlighting the complexity of the petroleum industry, the marketers noted that the sector is divided into upstream, midstream, and downstream streams, each with its own value chain. They cautioned that sidelining other players could create serious setbacks and jeopardize energy security.

“The petroleum business is dicey. If one part of the chain is removed, the entire system suffers. That is why the PIA insists on inclusivity and fairness,” they explained.

The marketers urged the Chief Executive officer of NMDPRA, Engineer Saidu Aliyu, to fulfill his mandate as chief regulator by ensuring competition and protecting the interests of all investors.

“The Petroleum Industry Act is not a favour; it is an Act of the National Assembly. It guarantees that whoever invests in the sector should enjoy reasonable returns. The regulator must enforce this to prevent monopoly and ensure a win-win situation for all stakeholders,” they concluded.

We are very confident that Engineer Saidu Aliyu came with the intention to sanitize the sector and rescue it from the clutches of monopoly, and we are very assured he can do so.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Islamic community is mourning the passing of a revered scholar, Sheikh Khalifa Usman Idris, widely known by the affectionate nickname Rigi-Rigi. He died on Sunday night at a private hospital in Kaduna.

The news was confirmed Monday morning by his son-in-law, Malama Abubakar Ɗanyaro, in a statement to Daily Trust.

According to the family, funeral prayers were held Monday afternoon following the Asr prayer at his residence in Zaria’s Kusfa area.

Sheikh Idris had been receiving medical care at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna before being transferred to a private facility in Barnawa, where he passed away.

Beloved for his unique and engaging style, Rigi-Rigi was celebrated for blending profound religious teachings with humour, making his sermons accessible and immensely popular. Clips of his lectures gained widespread circulation, earning him a devoted following across social media platforms.

He is survived by family, students, and a community of faithful who cherished his impactful ministry.