News
Electoral Bill: Buhari snubs N/Assembly, declines assent
Members of the National Assembly last night expressed reservations as President Muhammadu Buhari refused to act on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill presented to him for assent by the legislature, 30 days ago.
The 30-day window for President Buhari to assent the bill elapsed last night. As of the time of filing this story, there was no official communication to the parliament and Nigerians from the presidency on the fate of the much-anticipated bill.
Both the Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, had at different times met with President Buhari over the bill and expressed confidence that he would assent to it.
Some of the lawmakers knocked the president, who returned to the country from Istanbul, Turkey, where he attended the third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, hosted by the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The National Assembly had, on November 19, transmitted the bill to President Buhari for assent in line with the constitutional provision.
Section 58 (4) of the 1999 Constitution says, “Where a bill is presented to the President for assent, he shall within 30 days thereof signify that he assents or that he withholds assent.”
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While the political and civil society actors waited with bated breath for the president’s action on the bill, it emerged last week that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), had written a letter to Buhari, highlighting the problems with the inclusion of mandatory direct primaries in the Electoral Act amendment bill.
He informed the president that making direct primaries mandatory for all political parties could cause confusion.
A source told Daily Trust yesterday that the president will communicate to the leadership of the parliament today, where he is expected to raise reservation with clause 87, which provides for direct primary.
There has been a cold war between federal lawmakers and governors over the inclusion of direct primaries in the bill, with the latter mounting pressure on the president to reject the provision.
Various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) yesterday asked the parliament to override the president’s veto to pass the bill into law.
Recalled that in June 2000, the National Assembly passed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) bill with over two-thirds majority, thus overriding President Olusegun Obasanjo’s veto.
A cross section of senators told Daily Trust yesterday that before they embark on the end of the year recess this week, a decision would be taken on the electoral bill should the president withhold assent.
A Senator close to the presiding officers, said they are yet to receive any communication from the president regarding the bill.
Speaking to one of our correspondents, the lawmaker said action would be taken when the president communicates his decision on the bill to them.
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“For sometimes, there have been pressure that we should invoke the 2/3 rule as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution if the president fails to assent it. Discussions are on along this line but there are a lot of things that would be looked at before we can arrive at anything,” he said.
Another ranking lawmaker said the president was being misled by his handlers to cause confusion in the polity.
“He would not assent to it because he is being misled by people around him and he likes to hear that. They are doing this to cause confusion in the polity. It would be difficult for us to override the president’s veto because we cannot get the 2/3,” he said last night.
But Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano), expressed optimism that the president will act on the bill.
Another senator who spoke to one of our correspondents said, “We passed the bill to strengthen the country’s democratic process, especially the conduct of our elections. From reactions that trailed the passage, it shows that majority of Nigerians are in support of the bill.
“Certain people, very few in number, who are not comfortable with some sections of the bill are expressing reservations. We, in the National Assembly, will continue to act in the interest of the majority of Nigerians, who we represent. Our action on the electoral bill will not be different. Nigerians should wait patiently.”
Another senator, referring to state governors, said “They tried to lobby us to rescind our decision on direct primary but failed. They now transferred the pressure on the president to reject the bill.”
He said if the process of conducting primary elections is optional, elective offices would be populated with incompetent cronies.
Senate spokesperson, Senator Ajibola Basiru declined to comment on possible options the Red Chamber is weighing on the electoral bill after the expiration of the 30-day timeline.
Asked further on what Nigerians should expect from the Senate should Buhari decline assent, he said; “I don’t have any comment on it,” and hung off.
Rep Tanko Sununu (APC, Kebbi) while responding to questions on the matter said it was too early for him to make comments since the president was yet to communicate to House on whether he has assented or declined assent.
“For me, I won’t say the president has turned down assent or has assented because, there are formal channels of communication of which by Tuesday’s sitting, we should be able to know whether the president has assented or not.
“And that will definitely guide the decision the House will take. I don’t want to preempt what the president has done or has not done. Had it been he has not assented to and it is made public, then I can comment”, he said.
Speaking in the same vein, a lawmaker from the South South geopolitical zone, said it would be preemptive to begin to comment on the next move of the lawmakers since it has not been ascertained that the president has withheld his assent.
Rep Babangida Ibrahim (APC, Katsina), said, “The President must communicate whether he assented to the bill or not. You know Saturdays and Sundays are not working days. So, you cannot say whether he has rejected it or not.”
Presidential aides on National Assembly, Senator Babajide Omoworare (Senate) and Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub were unavailable for comments last night.
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Override president, CSOs urge lawmakers
The Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and also Coordinator, Transparency International (TI) in Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said the National Assembly members, as the representatives of Nigerians, have done well in passing the majority wish of the citizens to the president.
He said that it is left for the lawmakers to prove to Nigerians that they are not rubber stamp, as claimed by Senate President Ahmad Lawan, by overriding President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto.
“The president’s interest should not override Nigerians’ and national interest. It is disheartening that the president who lamented that he was a victim of political corruption before emerging president, has not sent any bill to the National Assembly to deepen democracy and is not keen on acting in the interest of tackling political corruption by signing the Electoral Amendment bill sent to him the National Assembly,” he said.
Also speaking, the Convener, Good Governance Team (GGT), Mr. Tunde Salman, urged the National Assembly to override the presidential veto at least to pass a strong message that the current Assembly is not a rubber stamp legislature as widely believed.
“I am not comfortable that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) would now be serving as a clearing house for bills passed by the National Assembly. Where was his office, when the amendments procedures were being considered, to make his inputs?” Salman said.
On her part, the Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Idayat Hassan, noted that President Buhari has a penchant for rejecting electoral bills.
She said between 2017 and 2018, the president declined the bills four times giving reasons ranging from controversial clauses to time frame under the ECOWAS’s supplementary protocol as his reasons.
Hassan said, “This fifth rejection will be one too many. The president was a beneficiary of an improved electoral landscape including law and election management body. So, he must bequeath the same as legacies to Nigeria. A refusal to sign the electoral bill because of direct primaries will militate against forward-looking provisions such as the electronic transmission of results.
“What exactly is bad in doing direct primaries if it will open up the political space for women, youth and other historically marginalised categories? We can only hope that the lawmakers can show they are true representatives of the people, not their political parties and go ahead to veto. The 312 votes needed should be a walkover but it may be a pipe dream for us as citizens.”
On their part, a coalition of CSOs said that the president’s delay in signing the bill has created unpalatable suspense and generated avoidable apprehension, although his inaction may not be the final call after December 19.
This was contained in a joint statement by Ariyo-Dare Atoye, Executive Director, Adopt A Goal Initiative; Jude Feranmi, Convener, Raising New Voices Initiative; Maryam Ahmed, Programme Officer, Center For Liberty; Kenneth Eze, Convener, Speak Out Africa Initiative; Simi Olusola, Executive Director, The Nigerian Alliance; and Obinna Eze Nwagbara, Executive Director, Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD).
They said, “This will not be the first time in the last 20 years that the National Assembly will override the president; the 4th legislative session did so and got the NDDC Act passed and operational. The 9th National Assembly has the opportunity of not sharing with the executive the glory that will accompany the new act.”
Daily Trust
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OASIS Muslim Care Foundation Holds Webinar on Healthy Lifestyles, NCD Prevention
OASIS Muslim Care Foundation Holds Webinar on Healthy Lifestyles, NCD Prevention
The OASIS Muslim Care Foundation is set to host its fourth public health webinar on Sunday, October 11, 2026, focusing on the promotion of healthy lifestyles as a strategy for preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The webinar, titled “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs),” is expected to educate participants on the importance of adopting healthier habits to reduce the risk of diseases that pose significant public health challenges.
The session will be delivered by Dr. Ibraheem AbdulRauf, a Consultant Family Physician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Dr. AbdulRauf holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), a Master of Public Health (MPH) and fellowship qualifications in family medicine (FMCFM).
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According to the event announcement, the webinar is part of the foundation’s public health engagement efforts aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging individuals to take practical steps towards improving their health and well-being.
Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases, are major health concerns worldwide. Many of these conditions are associated with risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption.
Health education and the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices are important measures for reducing the risk of such diseases and improving the quality of life.
The online event is scheduled to commence at 4:30 p.m. West Africa Time (WAT) and will be held via Zoom.
Interested participants can join the webinar using the following details:
Meeting ID: 876 1750 3784
Passcode: 060021
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87617503784?pwd=Xf2f6XuCfunLuNYjnbqjVfz92EFAt9.1
The foundation has invited members of the public to participate in the session and share the announcement with others to widen awareness of healthy living and the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
The webinar is open to everyone interested in learning more about practical approaches to maintaining good health and preventing lifestyle-related illnesses.
OASIS Muslim Care Foundation Holds Webinar on Healthy Lifestyles, NCD Prevention
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₦60 Fuel Discount: Ondo ADC Slams Tinubu, Says Atiku Deserves Credit for Subsidy Restoration
₦60 Fuel Discount: Ondo ADC Slams Tinubu, Says Atiku Deserves Credit for Subsidy Restoration
The party describes the discount as inadequate relief for Nigerians battling rising petrol prices, transportation costs and the high cost of living ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Ondo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over its reported ₦60-per-litre petrol discount, describing the measure as inadequate to address the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.
The party also commended former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for advocating the restoration of fuel subsidy, arguing that government policies should prioritise citizens’ welfare and provide meaningful relief from the rising cost of living.
The ADC’s position was contained in a press statement signed by its Ondo State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Remi Ofakunrin, in which the party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of offering Nigerians insufficient relief amid soaring fuel prices and declining purchasing power.
According to the statement, the reported ₦60 discount falls far short of what households, businesses, transport operators, students and workers need to cope with the prevailing economic challenges.
The party argued that Nigerians require sustainable measures to reduce the cost of living rather than temporary interventions that have limited reach and impact.
“At a time when Nigerians are struggling to survive the crushing cost of living, with petrol prices reportedly hovering around ₦1,400 per litre, the government’s decision to offer a mere ₦60 discount is not the relief citizens deserve,” the statement said.
The opposition party maintained that the discount was insignificant compared with the financial pressure experienced by ordinary Nigerians, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on transportation and fuel-powered businesses.
It accused the Tinubu administration of expecting public approval for what it described as a token concession after implementing policies that have significantly affected household budgets and business operating costs.
ADC questions petrol prices despite Nigeria’s crude oil resources
The ADC also questioned why petrol prices remained so high in Nigeria, an oil-producing country, despite the availability of abundant crude oil resources.
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It asked why citizens should continue to struggle with the cost of fuel and other essential commodities while bearing the consequences of government economic policies.
The party further argued that the discount underscored the need for government intervention to cushion the effects of high fuel prices on the wider economy.
According to the ADC, the measure demonstrated that the consequences of petrol pricing remained a major concern requiring a broader policy response.
However, the party said a temporary discount at selected Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations could not provide lasting relief from the rising costs of food, transportation, production and other necessities.
It called on the Federal Government to adopt a more comprehensive and transparent approach to addressing fuel costs and their impact on Nigerians.
The ADC also urged the government to explain how the country’s oil resources could be better managed to improve citizens’ living conditions and promote national prosperity.
Atiku deserves credit for subsidy restoration advocacy — ADC
The Ondo ADC chapter used the statement to commend Atiku Abubakar for advocating the restoration of fuel subsidy as part of a broader strategy to ease economic hardship and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The party said Atiku’s position deserved consideration, insisting that the debate should focus on how economic policies could protect citizens’ purchasing power and ensure that the benefits of the country’s natural resources reached ordinary people.
According to the ADC, the reported fuel discount reinforces the argument that government intervention may be necessary to cushion the effects of high petrol prices, although it maintained that the current measure was inadequate.
The party called for a more sustainable framework capable of delivering meaningful relief rather than temporary concessions.
It said Atiku and the ADC were committed to an economic direction that would enable workers to earn a living wage, businesses to operate sustainably and families to afford food, transportation, education and healthcare.
Beyond fuel subsidy, the party said its proposed policy direction included economic recovery, improved purchasing power, affordable education, local government autonomy, the fight against insecurity and corruption, and responsible management of national resources.
The statement presented these priorities as part of the party’s broader vision for addressing the country’s economic and governance challenges.
ADC urges Nigerians to vote for change in 2027
With the 2027 general election approaching, the Ondo ADC urged Nigerians to assess the performance of the current administration and consider alternative leadership.
The party cautioned citizens against being swayed by temporary concessions that, in its view, failed to address the underlying causes of economic hardship.
It called on voters to support Atiku Abubakar and other ADC candidates, arguing that a change in leadership and policy direction could provide an opportunity to improve living standards and restore public confidence in government.
The party said Nigeria needed leadership capable of addressing economic difficulties, insecurity and declining purchasing power while promoting national unity and development.
It also expressed confidence that the country could harness its human and natural resources to create prosperity and improve the welfare of present and future generations.
“A ₦60 discount cannot erase years of blanket display of mercilessness and economic hardship, but a change in leadership and policy direction can begin the process of national recovery,” the statement said.
The ADC consequently called on Nigerians to demand economic reforms that would produce measurable improvements in their daily lives and support the party in the 2027 elections.
Fuel pricing remains a major political issue
The statement highlights the continuing political debate over petrol pricing, the removal of fuel subsidy and the government’s responsibility to cushion the effects of economic reforms.
While the Tinubu administration has defended its economic policy direction as part of efforts to reform the economy, opposition parties have continued to raise concerns about the effects of higher fuel costs on transportation, food prices, businesses and household incomes.
The Ondo ADC’s latest position places fuel subsidy and the affordability of petrol at the centre of its campaign message ahead of the next general election.
However, the party’s claims about the adequacy of the discount and the benefits of subsidy restoration reflect its political position. The actual impact of any fuel discount depends on its implementation, duration, eligibility conditions and the extent to which the savings are passed on to consumers.
The statement was signed by Hon. Remi Ofakunrin, Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress in Ondo State.
The party concluded by insisting that Nigerians deserved meaningful economic relief and urging voters to support what it described as an alternative path to national recovery.
₦60 Fuel Discount: Ondo ADC Slams Tinubu, Says Atiku Deserves Credit for Subsidy Restoration
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‘What Happens on Day 31?’ Atiku Slams Tinubu’s 30-Day Fuel Discount as Election-Laced Package
‘What Happens on Day 31?’ Atiku Slams Tinubu’s 30-Day Fuel Discount as Election-Laced Package
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s proposed 30-day petrol discount, describing it as an “election-laced subsidy package” and questioning whether Nigerians will receive lasting relief from rising fuel prices and living costs.
Atiku argued that the Federal Government’s intervention was too limited to address the economic pressures facing households and businesses, warning that motorists could return to paying higher prices once the 30-day arrangement expires.
The criticism came after the government announced a temporary fuel-price intervention at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) filling stations as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices, transportation costs and international crude oil market pressures.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned the timing, scope and sustainability of the initiative.
The former vice-president described the measure as a “panic-driven publicity stunt”, arguing that a temporary discount could not compensate Nigerians for the prolonged increase in the cost of fuel, transportation, food and other essential goods.
“What happens on Day 31?” Atiku asked, warning that consumers could face the same economic difficulties when the intervention ends.
He maintained that Nigerians needed a sustainable strategy to reduce the cost of living rather than a short-term measure that offered relief for only one month.
The Federal Government’s plan provides for NNPC Limited to temporarily forgo its retail profit margin and sell petrol at cost at its filling stations during the 30-day period. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele said public transport operators would receive priority under the arrangement.
The government has maintained that the initiative is not a return to the former petrol subsidy regime, which the Tinubu administration removed on May 29, 2023.
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However, Atiku questioned whether the proposed discount would deliver meaningful savings to ordinary Nigerians, particularly those who depend on commercial buses, taxis and other forms of public transportation.
He also raised concerns about the initiative’s limited coverage, noting that the arrangement was tied to NNPC filling stations. He called for greater clarity on the expected reduction in petrol prices and how any savings would translate into lower transport fares and reduced costs for consumers.
According to Atiku, without clear implementation details and measures to ensure that the benefits reach the public, the intervention could offer only limited relief while leaving the wider economic challenges unresolved.
The ADC presidential candidate also advocated a more sustainable approach linked to locally refined petroleum products, proposing capped and budgeted support for domestic refining with safeguards to ensure that consumers benefit.
He argued that a structured framework could help ease pressure on households while supporting Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.
The government, however, has defended the removal of petrol subsidies on the grounds that the previous arrangement placed a heavy burden on public finances. The administration has argued that the savings can be redirected towards infrastructure, healthcare, education and other public services.
Despite that position, petrol prices and their knock-on effects on transportation, food distribution and business operating costs remain major concerns for many Nigerians.
Atiku’s criticism has also brought the economic intervention into the political debate ahead of the 2027 general elections. He questioned the timing of the announcement and suggested that the short duration of the discount raised concerns about its political implications.
The government’s stated objective is to cushion consumers against rising fuel costs, while Atiku insists that the initiative falls short of the lasting relief Nigerians need.
Ultimately, the impact of the 30-day NNPC petrol discount will depend on how the arrangement is implemented, the actual savings delivered to motorists and whether public transport operators pass on any reductions to passengers.
For Nigerians facing higher fuel and transportation expenses, the central question remains whether the temporary intervention will provide meaningful relief or merely postpone the return of higher costs.
‘What Happens on Day 31?’ Atiku Slams Tinubu’s 30-Day Fuel Discount as Election-Laced Package
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