Politics
FG Denies Seeking Additional $800m World Bank Loan
The Nigerian government has stated that it is not requesting an additional $800 million loan from the World Bank to mitigate the effects of removing petroleum subsidies on the country’s vulnerable population.
Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, issued a statement yesterday to clarify that the reports claiming that the Nigerian government is seeking new loans to offset the impact of removing fuel subsidies were inaccurate.
She explained that she had noticed the reports and wanted to set the record straight.
The letter sent by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Senate last Thursday, in which he requested approval for an “additional” loan of $800 million from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net Programme, sparked outrage among numerous Nigerians.
Many individuals interpreted this request as a separate $800 million loan, distinct from the one previously reported to have been secured by the administration.
During the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on April 5, 2023, the Minister of Finance had made an announcement regarding Nigeria’s successful acquisition of a $800 million loan from the World Bank.
The purpose of this loan was to assist in offering support to approximately 50 million impoverished Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidies.
In a statement titled “Nigeria Seeks No New World Bank Loan-Ahmed,” issued by her Special Adviser, Media, and Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, the Minister clarified that the $800 million mentioned earlier was the same loan recently obtained from the World Bank.
The Minister emphasized that there was no request for an additional loan from the World Bank.
The statement reads “The news story is not correct. This is the same loan that the Honourable Minister had explained on several occasions that the $800 million facility the country recently got from the World Bank for post-petrol subsidy removal palliative was awaiting parliamentary approval for the federal government to commence disbursement.
“The government is therefore not seeking another loan for the pending fuel subsidy removal. It is the same.“It will be recalled that the facility would be deployed to provide succor to 10 million households, who are expected to get N5,000 each for six months.
“The minister had explained that the initial duration of the palliatives meant to cushion the effects of the planned subsidy removal on vulnerable Nigerians was for six months, but would be reviewed upon extensive consultation with stakeholders.”
The statement further quoted the minister as having recently explained that “the $800 million has been negotiated and approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and we now have a request before the parliament for approval. And once the parliament approves it, the next administration can decide on the utilisation.
“We’ve also been doing preparatory work side by side along the approval process. This includes expanding the committee to include members of the transition team of the President-elect.
“The process will include the verification of the social register which will be used for electronic transfers of the funds.” it added.
Politics
Tinubu Charges PCC Members to Deliver Wards
The efforts of the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) would count for nothing, except for the person who delivers his or her ward at the polls.
Nigeria’s President, and party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Bola Ahmed Tinubu made it clear during the inauguration of the council at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Wednesday.
“No one gets credit for an incomplete assignment. So, until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your wards, until you deliver the votes, before we can say thank you,” he said.
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The president, who expressed gratitude to party members for their support in the previous election, said the inauguration was more than a formal gathering, describing it as a renewed commitment to Nigerians.
“The APC is ready. We have not gathered merely to inaugurate a council; we have gathered to renew a covenant, a covenant with the Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have entrusted to us as Nigeria’s governing party. We promise we will not let them down,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory.
“I celebrate you. I celebrate you, no doubt about that. Nigeria will continue to celebrate you. You will see the joy of this victory. You will share in the joy,” he said.
The president also said he would not participate in every aspect of the campaign, stressing that his responsibilities as head of state would remain a priority.
He said party members had cautioned him against allowing the demands of campaigning to distract him from governance, adding that he agreed with their position.
“You have warned me and asked me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance. I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before.
“The responsibility of this office does not pause. That responsibility did not recognise our agenda here today. The Constitution allows INEC to make room for parliament but not for the campaign. The job must go on,” he stated.
He, however, pledged to make time to address Nigerians directly while the campaign council coordinates activities across the country.
“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas, so you will excuse me from going everywhere with you,” he said.
The campaign council is chaired by Tinubu, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as first and second vice-chairmen, respectively.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are the deputy vice-chairmen.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was named director-general of the council.
Other appointments include Femi Gbajabiamila as head of administration, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as secretary, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje as director of stakeholder mobilisation.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also listed among the party’s campaign officials, while Dele Alake was named spokesman.
The council’s structure includes directorates responsible for mobilisation, election planning and monitoring, finance, fundraising and regional coordination.
The party has also named political figures outside its ranks to coordinate support in some states and regions, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for Rivers State and the FCT, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for Anambra, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for Osun.
President Tinubu is seeking a second term in the 2027 presidential election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Politics
2027: Tinubu Won’t Abandon Governance for Campaigns, Says Aide
President Bola Tinubu will remain focused on governance despite preparations for the 2027 general elections, according to his Senior Special Assistant on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo.
Nwabufo made this known in an article titled “Takeaways from the APC Presidential Campaign Inauguration,” in which he highlighted key messages from the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
He said the decision to maintain governance during the campaign period was important because the President’s mandate would continue until May 29, 2027.
SEE MORE: 2027: ‘Tinubu Has Done Well’– Wike Tells Opposition to Speak the Truth
According to him, campaigns should not come at the expense of governance, stressing that the responsibility of leadership to the people must not be abandoned under any circumstances.
“Campaigns do not have to be run at the expense of governance,” Nwabufo wrote.
He described Tinubu’s decision to remain focused on delivering results to Nigerians while campaigning as both patriotic and judicious.
Nwabufo also highlighted the need for a disciplined and peaceful campaign ahead of the 2027 elections, citing APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who called for a contest based on ideas, records and policies.
“Let the coming election be a contest of ideas, records, and policies and be conducted peacefully and with respect for the Nigerian people,” Yilwatda said.
The presidential aide further pointed to what he described as broad political consensus around Tinubu, noting that political leaders from different platforms had expressed support for the President’s candidacy.
He cited Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, as describing the level of elite consensus surrounding the country’s political future as unprecedented.
Nwabufo also highlighted the role of women in the 2027 campaign, noting Tinubu’s pledge to support the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.
He said the President had acknowledged women’s contributions and identified them as important mobilisers for the campaign.
The aide also underscored the importance of young Nigerians to the country’s development, noting that Tinubu and other speakers at the inauguration emphasised the role of youth in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas were among those Nwabufo cited as highlighting the potential of current reforms to avert crises for present and future generations.
Politics
Atiku Launches ‘Ask AA’ Portal, Invites Nigerians to Question His Record
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched the Ask AA portal, a citizen-engagement platform designed to give Nigerians a direct opportunity to ask questions about his political record, policy proposals and plans for the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The platform, which goes live at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, allows Nigerians to submit questions on issues including the economy, security, technology, job creation and measures to make life more affordable.
According to the announcement, Atiku will personally respond to questions, with support from his media team.
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The initiative is designed to bridge the information gap between voters and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate by providing a direct channel for citizens to seek information about his positions and proposals.
Speaking on the initiative, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said the platform was intended to bring Atiku closer to the electorate through a practical, problem-solving approach.
Shaibu added that the initiative reflected Atiku’s commitment to using modern technology to make government more efficient, secure and effective.
The campaign also plans to make the platform accessible through a radio interface for communities without internet access.
Announcing the initiative on his social media accounts, Atiku said he conceived Ask AA because he believes that “leadership is a two-way conversation.”
He said the platform was created to promote transparency, accountability and dialogue between leaders and citizens.
“For too long, governance has felt distant—locked behind walls of bureaucracy. But our country’s greatest resource isn’t oil or land; it is our people. If we are going to build the Nigeria of our dreams, we must start by tearing down the walls between leaders and the people,” he said.
Atiku added that Nigerians would be able to question his economic record, discuss his policy plans on technology, security and job creation, and submit recommendations for national progress.
“No filters, no intermediaries,” he said, describing the platform as a direct channel for public engagement.
The former vice president also disclosed that he would personally call selected citizens who provide their contact details on the platform to hear about their experiences and the issues affecting their daily lives.
“A transparent, technology-driven government is not a promise for tomorrow. It begins with how we listen to you today,” Atiku said.
He concluded his announcement by inviting Nigerians to participate in the initiative, asking: “If you could ask me one question, what would it be?”





