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Party Politics And The Position Of Poisonous Policies

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3 years ago

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By Bala Ibrahim.

Nigeria is operating as a Republic, with both a national government at the top and the governments of 36 states, in which the people hold power, but elect representatives to exercise and utilize that power, with the executive powers placed in the hands of the president and the governors. In line with this arrangement, called the Presidential system, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has a multi-party system, where today, the National Assembly is dominated by the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, while the rest are in the minority. The APC got the mandate to lead based on the public conviction on it’s policies.

In highlighting the meaning of it’s policies or manifesto, the upper article of the APC constitution says and I quote:

1. To initiate action to amend our Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal spirit.

2. Strengthen INEC to reduce/eliminate electoral malpractices.

3. Attract the best and brightest into our politics and public service by aggressive recruitment of private sector people, academics and professionals within Nigeria and in the Diaspora through internships, fellowships, executive appointments and special nomination to contest elective offices.

4. Prevent abuse of executive, legislative and public offices through greater accountability, transparency and strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws whilst strengthening the EFCC and ICPC.

Of the four ambitions above, none seems designed with a desire to inflict hardship on the people. In fact, to the contrary, the aspiration of item 4 is to prevent executive and legislative abuses, through transparency and accountability. An advanced interpretation of the APC manifesto could say, it is on a mission to rescue the people from poisonous policies, that are capable of inflicting any form of hardship on the people, including, if the need arises, through the action of amending the constitution.

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The position of the Nigerian Political party politics is clearly crafted to constitute the foundation for a good democratic government. The functions of political parties are therefore for political recruitment of credible candidates into the party membership, as well as political socialisation. The parties are also duty bound to engage in political education and the training of their political leaders, including those of them that are elected into executive positions. Where the party deems it fit, it can over rule the executive, on matters that may tantamount to perceived poisonous policies.

Pursuant to the execution of the new Naira policy, as a country, Nigeria is under terrible tension today, and the apprehension is on the rise, over the scarcity of the newly redesigned currency notes. The policy is perceived as poisonous. In many states, commercial banks, motorists and sales outlets are refusing to collect the old notes, while the public is threatening fire and brimstone. Many Nigerians are still holding on to the old naira notes due to the poor circulation of the new ones.

When I came out of the house this morning, I thought the government had made a new announcement while I was sleeping last night, saying the general election has been brought to today, as against the 25th of the month. As I drove along the road, intermittently I was seeing groups of people in front of buildings, rowdy, looking frightened, unsettled and perturbed. My initial instinct told me voting was going on in those buildings. Then suddenly I saw a bank logo on one of the buildings. It then dawned on me that the stampede is for people trying to carry out some transactions in the banks.

As I write this article, reports reaching me are saying at least three banks were torched today, Monday, 20th February 2023, in the Sagamu area of Ogun State. Just four days to the election. Last week, the story was terribly displeasing from all over the country. And the reason is simple – poisonous policy on money.

I’ve heard arguments by people saying the policy is aimed at checkmating governors who have stashed naira in houses ready for use to buy votes. I only laugh at the dopiness of such people. Incidentally, one of them once told me that his bank had made an offer to him, to bring to him at home, a bullion van, to evacuate whatever quantity of naira he has, in exchange for the new notes, or for deposit into his account. The question now is, if my friend, who is just a successful business man, can have such offer from his bank, what more of a governor, from whom the banks are falling over each other, in order to have state funds deposited with them? Cant he have better offers?

Whatever may be the reason for the policy, the fact that it did not anticipate the likelihood of the targets converting their money to foreign currencies, and using same for use in the election, or the penurious state of our financial infrastructure, with regards online real-time banking, means it was not done by people with foresight, because they would have been able to predict what is happening today.

It is however pleasing to hear that, the APC, as the ruling party, has responded to the public anguish with a human face. After a marathon meeting with all its governors yesterday, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has called on the President, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Central Bank Governor, to respect the Supreme Court order, which instructed the maintenance of the status quo, in order to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.

Indeed as a party, this is a commendable action that is in compliance with the purpose of party politics and the position of poisonous policies in the polity.

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Political Re-alignment Efforts in Kano Intensify as Governor Yusuf Meets Kwankwaso and Tinubu

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5 hours ago

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January 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A series of high-stakes meetings aimed at reshaping the political landscape in Kano State and at the national level unfolded this week, centering on Governor Abba Yusuf and his political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to Daily Nigerian, governor Yusuf held a late-night meeting with Kwankwaso at the latter’s Miller Road residence in Kano on Tuesday, sources familiar with the matter confirmed the development to the newspaper. The governor, accompanied by an intermediary known as Sarkin Gobir, reportedly arrived in a private vehicle around midnight. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, appears to have concluded without the governor achieving his primary objective.

Shortly thereafter, on Friday, Governor Yusuf traveled to France for a scheduled meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

According to sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who spoke anonymously to the Daily Nigerian, Governor Yusuf’s mission was to make a final appeal to Kwankwaso to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and join the APC. This move is believed to have been encouraged by President Tinubu, who is reportedly keen on bringing Kwankwaso into the ruling party’s fold.

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A day after the private meeting, Kwankwaso addressed a gathering of supporters at his home, making his position clear. “People used to say in Nigeria that everyone has a price tag. If you are looking for who has no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso,” he declared. He cited public dissatisfaction with the APC’s handling of national security and the economy as reasons for his steadfastness.

Political Calculus and Backlash

The governor’s planned defection has reportedly encountered significant resistance. While a number of NNPP legislators and local government chairmen are set to join him in moving to the APC, the vast majority of the party’s grassroots base—the Kwankwasiyya movement—remains loyal to Kwankwaso.

“APC leaders are keenly observing what is happening in Kano. The Kwankwasiyya supporters have made a bold and clear statement that they are with Kwankwaso,” a political insider noted. “If Abba joins APC, Kwankwaso’s candidate may likely get a sympathy vote.”

This grassroots backlash is understood to be a key factor driving the continued push to convince Kwankwaso himself to switch parties, thereby potentially bringing his supporters with him.

Next Steps

Sources further revealed to Daily Nigerian that Governor Yusuf will brief President Tinubu in France on the outcome of his Kano meeting. The governor’s formal announcement of his defection to the APC is expected only after further consultations with the party’s top leadership in Kano.

Notably, key Kano APC figures—including former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and state party chairman Abdullahi Abbas—have returned to Nigeria ahead of these anticipated consultations.

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BUA’s Rabiu Pledges Over $1 Million to Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Victory in Semi-final, Final

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6 hours ago

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January 11, 2026

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BUA’s Rabiu Pledges Over $1 Million to Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Victory in Semi-final, Final

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigerian industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, AbdulSamad Rabiu, has pledged a major financial incentive to the Super Eagles following their 2025 AFCON quarter-final victory over Algeria. The announcement, made via his official Facebook account, aims to spur the team to greater heights as they advance in the tournament.

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Rabiu has committed a performance-based reward package for the upcoming critical matches. For a semi-final win against hosts Morocco, the team will receive $500,000, plus an additional $50,000 for every goal scored. Should Nigeria reach and win the final, the reward escalates to $1,000,000, with a further $100,000 bonus per goal.

In his message, Rabiu stated: “Congratulations to our Super Eagles players on a brilliant victory against Algeria! You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.” He added his wishes for “continued success as you carry Nigeria forward.”

The Super Eagles, buoyed by a 2-0 win against Algeria, now prepare for a highly anticipated semi-final clash in Morocco. Rabiu’s substantial pledge serves as a significant motivational boost as the squad continues its pursuit of the AFCON title.

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Federal Government Enforces No Work, No Pay Policy on Striking Health Workers

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1 day ago

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January 10, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has mandated the immediate implementation of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU).

The directive was issued via a circular from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) on Saturday.

Addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of all federal health institutions, the circular was signed by Dr. Disu Adejoke, Director of Hospital Services, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. The order is a direct response to the ongoing JOHESU industrial action, which began on November 14, 2025.

Effective January 2026, the policy will apply to all participating JOHESU members and any other staff who join the strike. Hospital managements have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the policy.

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While enforcing the sanction, the Ministry directed health institutions to maintain critical services—including accident and emergency care, labour wards, and intensive care units—using all lawful means. This may include hiring temporary locum staff. The circular explicitly states that staff willing to work must be allowed to do so “without hindrance or intimidation.”

Hospital authorities are also tasked with ensuring security within their facilities and providing regular updates to the Ministry on the strike’s impact on healthcare delivery. The government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving essential health services nationwide despite the industrial action.

Expert Warns of Systemic Risks

In a related interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja-based public health expert Dr. Gabriel Adakole described the government’s move as a legally justified measure to end the strike. However, he highlighted serious implications for Nigeria’s already strained health system.

“JOHESU members—including nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and allied health professionals—are essential to hospital operations. Their absence critically weakens service delivery, even where emergency units remain open,” Adakole stated.

He cautioned that relying on emergency-only care and locum staff cannot replace full multidisciplinary services, which raises risks to patient safety and treatment outcomes. The policy, he added, could exacerbate financial hardship for health workers, further demoralize the workforce, and accelerate the ongoing exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria.

“Ultimately, patients bear the greatest cost through delayed treatments and reduced access to care,” Adakole emphasized.

While acknowledging that the “No Work, No Pay” policy may compel a quicker resolution, he stressed that lasting stability in the health sector requires meaningful dialogue, trust-building, and sustained investment in both health workers and infrastructure.

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