Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The ruling All Progressives Congress and major opposition parties have expressed sharply differing opinions regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission proposal for one hundred and twenty-five billion naira in the 2025 budget to cover ongoing operations and begin early preparations for the 2027 general election. The Peoples Democratic Party strongly criticized the request, labeling the funds as reward money for electoral misconduct and arguing that the commission lacks any moral justification for such a massive sum after receiving over two hundred billion naira in the preceding three years. Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party questioned the necessity of the large allocation during a non-election year and urged the electoral body to implement cost-saving measures, such as partnering with banks for voter registration. Conversely, the African Democratic Congress and the Labour Party defended the funding needs, noting that the commission carries a heavy operational burden caused by frequent litigations, political thuggery, and the extensive management of party primaries, though they emphasized the need for absolute transparency and improved electoral credibility. Meanwhile, the ruling party urged the public to withhold judgment until the commission provides a detailed financial breakdown, pointing out that its responsibilities extend far beyond conducting elections to include continuous voter registration, political party monitoring, and handling off-season polls.

A political dispute escalated between the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Labour Party following comments made during a television interview by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka, who accused former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of attempting to incite citizens against President Bola Tinubu's administration and warned that he would face the consequences of crossing the line. In response, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, alongside Peter Obi, condemned Morka's statements as an explicit threat against Obi's life, family, and associates, describing the warning as part of an autocratic trend aimed at suppressing free speech and calling on security agencies to investigate the comments. Meanwhile, the National Publicity Director of the All Progressives Congress, Bala Ibrahim, denied that any threat or insult was made, urging Peter Obi to restrain his supporters from media hostilities, while Nigeria Police Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi stated that law enforcement had not received any formal report regarding the alleged threats.

The Nigeria Labour Congress criticized the recent spike in fuel prices as insensitive to the masses, arguing that the government fails to consult stakeholders or involve citizens in alternative transportation initiatives. While labor officials blamed oil marketers for exploiting consumers and manipulating prices, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery defended its pricing adjustments by pointing to rising global crude oil costs and increased shipping expenses, noting that it actually absorbed a significant portion of the international market hikes to keep domestic retail rates lower. Meanwhile, independent petroleum retailers and marketers rejected the accusations, explaining that fuel prices fluctuate based on external market forces such as international crude prices and exchange rates rather than deliberate manipulation by vendors.