Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy.

Sowore reacted to Tinubu’s Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, in which the President defended his administration’s economic reforms while acknowledging the hardship associated with them.

In a post on X, Sowore accused Tinubu’s “subsidy is gone” policy of worsening the economic situation for millions of Nigerians.

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“Of course, your ‘subsidy is gone’ policy brought millions of Nigerians to their knees,” Sowore wrote.

He alleged that the policy had “wrecked livelihoods” and driven up the cost of transportation, food and other basic necessities.

“You wrecked livelihoods, drove up the cost of transportation, food, and basic necessities, and deepened an already devastating cost-of-living crisis,” he said.

Sowore further argued that economic reforms should not be described as progress if they leave Nigerians facing hunger and poverty.

“You cannot reform people into hunger, poverty, and desperation and call it progress,” he added.
His post ended with the hashtag #TinubuMustGo.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Mutfwang announced the decision on Thursday while felicitating with Plateau citizens and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the October 1 anniversary.

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The governor, in a goodwill message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, described the anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence, honour the sacrifices of past leaders, acknowledge its challenges, celebrate its achievements and renew faith in a stronger, united and prosperous Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to preserve the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing the responsibility of nation-building across generations.

Mutfwang also said Nigeria’s strength depends on citizens rising above their differences and working towards a country where everyone has a sense of belonging and an opportunity to fulfil their aspirations.

He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts towards sustaining national unity and stability and advancing the Nigerian project, particularly in the areas of national cohesion, peace and economic development.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Plateau State where citizens can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.

He also commended the people of Plateau for their resilience, patience, patriotism and contributions to the development of the state and the nation.

According to the statement, Mutfwang exercised the powers conferred on him by the Constitution, as amended, after consulting the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The four inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi.

Others granted absolute pardon include Kamshine Gomerep, Maju Sajen, Jan Thomas, Gody Victor, Imran Maikasuwa, Biplang Emmanuel, Peace Sunday, Salisu Usman, Geoffrey John and Shwarpo Luka, among others.

Mutfwang wished Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora a peaceful and meaningful 66th Independence Anniversary and urged citizens to continue contributing to the development of the country.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians to embrace accountability and maintain zero tolerance for corruption as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Olukoyede made the call in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in his Independence Day message to Nigerians.

He applauded ongoing efforts to strengthen and reform the country, describing them as “building blocks of the greater nation we desire.”

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The EFCC Chairman urged Nigerians to complement the government’s reform-focused initiatives by rejecting corruption in all its forms.

“At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building. All these efforts are significant. They are the building blocks of the greater nation we desire. Let’s therefore couple all our reform-focused initiatives with zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.

Olukoyede stressed that corrupt practices could undermine the country’s development efforts and called for purposeful rejection of compromises.

“We cannot be building and allow corrupt practices to vitiate our efforts. Progress only comes with purposeful rejection of compromises. Nigeria will surely get better!” he said.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to improve, while emphasizing the need for citizens to reject corrupt practices in all their forms.