General
Tinubu Tasks Security Agencies to Crack Down On Illegal Mining
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to crack down on illegal mining in the country.
The order was given on Thursday in Abuja after he received a presentation titled, Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035, by Course 32 participants of the National Defence College (NDC).
He also said his administration would ensure that companies engaged in mineral exploration prioritise the health and safety of Nigerians and the host communities.
The course 32 participants were tasked by Tinubu, to use their findings during their 11-month study focused on the mining industry’s potential, to contribute to national security and development.
The President gave the order after the presentation delivered by Colonel Olajide Bello on behalf of the delegation, commending their work and reiterating the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
‘‘I have listened carefully to your presentation on the theme. Aside from your knowledge of war and security, I could see the intellectual depth of the work done to help the nation, and I must say thank you to all of you.
‘‘I recognise the need for the diversification of the economy, and we have been pushing hard on this. Your involvement will equally promote a better understanding of the issues.
‘‘We have challenges of scavengers and exploiters around the country. We must nip that in the bud, and you military officers understand this better than the civil society.
‘‘We expect that through your command, we will have more resources that we need to make sure we have a stable economic environment,” the President said.
President Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration would ensure the completion of the NDC headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing the health implications of exploration activities during an interactive session, the president expressed concern over the well-being of those living near mining areas.
‘‘We must pay attention to that at the outset by providing medical centres and other facilities that will protect the lives, property and health of Nigerians,’’ President Tinubu said.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant, NDC, said the institution, established in 1992 as the National War College, has graduated 2,871 participants since inception.
He disclosed that besides participants from 30 African countries, the college has had participants from Bangladesh, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Rear Admiral Olotu said through the President’s magnanimity, the college has embarked on unprecedented infrastructural upgrades, making the institution compete favourably with any other defence college in the world.
However, he appealed to President Tinubu to assist in the completion of the college’s permanent site in Abuja, noting that the institution currently operates from its temporary facility in the Central Business District owing to the non-completion of its permanent site since 2010.
The 111 participants of NDC Course 32 were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as 19 international participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
The college undertakes in-depth studies on all factors that affect national security and development.
The research centre in the college known as the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies is also designated as the ECOWAS Training Centre of Excellence for Peace Support Operations at the strategic level.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the court against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged N800 billion campaign fund diversion.
The organisation is seeking to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that about N800 million from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations was diverted by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to finance political and campaign activities.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, but no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the claims that the governors channelled public funds into a dedicated campaign account allegedly meant to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The organisation is also requesting an order compelling INEC to demand full disclosure from the governors and the APC on any contributions made to such a campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
In addition, SERAP wants the electoral commission to commence a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by political parties and candidates, particularly regarding campaign financing and the sources of political donations.
According to SERAP, the allegations raise fundamental concerns about transparency in political financing, electoral fairness and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in democratic governance.
The organisation argued that opaque campaign financing remains a major avenue for corruption and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
It maintained that the alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes threatens the credibility of the 2027 general election and undermines public trust in the electoral process.
In the suit filed by its lawyers, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP argued that the reported diversion of public resources for campaign activities warrants immediate action by INEC under its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The group stated: “The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. Fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.”
SERAP further argued: “The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.”
The organisation said large-scale public financial allocations, combined with weak oversight and limited transparency, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its investigative powers.
Referring to Section 91 of the Electoral Act, SERAP noted that the law empowers INEC to regulate political donations, enforce contribution limits, demand disclosure of funding sources and impose sanctions where violations occur.
The organisation explained that political parties found to have exceeded donation limits risk fines of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed prescribed limits are liable to penalties amounting to five times the excess contribution.
SERAP also contended that campaign financing derived from public resources distorts electoral competition and violates constitutional principles guaranteeing free, fair and transparent elections.
According to SERAP, INEC has a constitutional duty to ensure compliance with campaign finance regulations and to investigate allegations that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the deadline for political parties to submit the names and credentials of candidates seeking to contest the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The electoral body announced that parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, to complete the process, extending the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11.
Under INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general election, political parties were expected to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the initial cut-off date.
Explaining the decision, INEC said the extension followed appeals from political parties that had encountered difficulties meeting the deadline.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the request was formally conveyed through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
According to him, IPAC sought additional time on behalf of parties that were yet to complete the submission of their candidates’ details through the commission’s portal.
“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” Mr Haruna stated.
INEC noted that the extension is intended to give all eligible parties a fair opportunity to comply with the requirements of the electoral process while remaining within the framework of the law.
The commission also urged political parties to utilise the extra period to finalise and upload all required information ahead of the revised deadline.
“The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” the statement added.
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, will run as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu retained Mr Shettima as his running mate for re-election next year, according to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a post on Friday on X, the ruling party chairman described this as “another significant milestone in the journey of our great party.”
He also said it reaffirms the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.
It was gathered that Mr Tinubu submitted his presidential nomination forms today through his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Masari.
The submission was done ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, attended by several party chieftains, including The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.
“The All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the party leader stated.
