News
OF HOUSE MINORITY CAUCUS, DEMOCRACY, AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
Nigeria’s legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives are expected to resume this week after over one month recess. Many people, in the past, and now have consistently criticized the practice; arguing against lawmakers proceeding on vacations amid the vagaries of challenges in the country. As plausible as this position is, the legislators and bureaucracy have different views. To them, the annual recess is in conformity with laid down procedures, which empowers the legislators to embark on annual vacation. They also argue that it is the standard practice in other countries where democracy is in place. A senior member of the National Assembly who pleaded anonymity disclosed that, “contrary to the general opinion, some of the lawmakers still carry out certain functions and activities during the period. Some others engage in various capacity building programmes with their colleagues in other parliaments.” Though these sound logical but it may be difficult to change the perceptions of the vast majority of people.
As the two chambers resume for legislative actions, they have many national issues of importance on their plate. It includes economic challenges; poverty, inflation, low productivity, unemployment, and hunger. Social problems include banditry and kidnapping, continued insurgency, criminal activities, and brigandage operations of felons. Some critics describe the 1999 constitution (as amended) as a “satanic verse” that is cloaked and clothed in deceits, deceptions, and vague lines which has continued to pauperize Nigerians, and stifled meaningful development. However, it is argued that despite these imperfections, certain things can be done, through the constitution to improve the living standards of Nigerians, and evolve national growth. Democracy can only be successful if it is used as a vehicle and process for realistic development of the citizenry, institutions, and structures within the polity.
That is where the legislature comes in. Described, rightly, as the fulcrum of democracy, the lawmakers are expected to play strategic roles towards ensuring good governance, and realistic development of the country. Given the multi-sectoral development challenges pervading the country, many people look up to the lawmakers, particularly the opposition parties. At the inauguration of the National Assembly in June 2023, the APC emerged the dominant party in the two chambers.
At the birth of the 10th House of Representatives, the opposition parties had about 179 members, which comprises the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP); Labour Party, (LP); New Nigerian Political Party, (NNPP); All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA); Social Democratic Party, (SDP); Action Democratic Congress, (ADC); and Young Peoples Party, (YPP). As the “senior partner,” the PDP had 115, LP 35, NNPP 19, APGA 5, SDP 2, ADC 2, and YPP 1 member(s). A few days later, Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa, Aliyu Madaki, and George Ozodinobi emerged as the Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader, and Deputy Minority Whip respectively. The composition of the Caucus was uniquely different from the practice in past assemblies. As a clear departure from the norm, the PDP; despite being the senior party took two positions; Leader and Whip, and ensured that two of the other parties; NNPP, LP picked the other two – Deputy Leader, and Deputy Whip.
Further to this, the leadership of the opposition caucus resolved to make the Nigerian people the centrepiece of every legislative inquisition. The caucus resolved to be fair, open, and sincere on all issues bothering on good governance, national security, economic growth, and national development. To achieve these, the leadership evolved a new approach to legislation, opposition that is. In times past, the minority caucus in the House of Representatives was known for frontal attacks, consistent vilification, and outright condemnation of every policy and programmes of the party in power. They do this without recourse to the likely positive effects of these programmes on governance and the people.
The caucus emplaced a new, novel strategy which hinges on robust engagement, deliberate interventions, and result-driven interrogation of the executive arm of government, and the party in power. A ranking member of the caucus declared that, “since democracy is dynamic, there is the need to evolve new approaches that will usher good governance. Remember, even as opposition, we are also part of the government at the centre. Rather than engaging in rabidly blind and ineffective criticisms of the executive, we have chosen to constructively offer useful alternatives, where and when necessary geared towards the benefits of the people.” A first termer added that, “it is wrong to engage on needless vituperation of every idea from the ruling party in the name of opposition politics. Rather, it behoves on us to sincerely support any initiative that are favourable to all Nigerians.”
Perhaps, unknown to many people, in two years, members of the caucus have done appreciably in lawmaking; which is one of the three responsibilities of the legislature. From reports, about 100 motions have been moved by members. These motions, which are development-driven, good governance-centred, and accountabilty-focussed have emerged as necessary checks on the government, and MDAs. They include push for living wages; protection of citizens rights in the new tax regime; need for improved national security. Others are misappropriation of the COVID-19 intervention funds; non-remittances of over N2 trillion naira by the NNPC; lopsided management appointments and awards of fictitious contracts by some MDAs.
Members of the opposition caucus are credited to have pushed about 70 Bills, that have been passed by the House, or at different stages of legislative processes. These Bills, are expected to impact positively on governance, service delivery by MDAs, promotion of citizens rights, and national development. The National Youth Improvement Management Commission (Establishment); Borders Communities Development Agency; Constitution of the Federal Republic 1999 (Amendment); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration); Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria (Amendment) are some of the Bills.
In its commitment to transparency and accountability; key requirements for national development the caucus have led the advocacy for legislative actions towards verifying the activities of MDAs, as well as sustaining the fight for justice, fairness, and equity. These include inquisition into the spending of bailouts and take-off grants by some MDAs; the removal of identified clauses in the Tax Reform Bill that are detrimental to public welfare. Others are consistent calls for fuel availability, and reduction of fuel pump prices; timely submission of budget estimates by the executive; restructuring of governance; reduction of the cost for “weight and means”; pursuit of better wages for workers; and improved national security.
Sadly, the present crop of legislators in the two chambers of the National Assembly have come under severe dress-down by some people. Festooned in unpleasant garbs and colourless epithet, they are constantly poo-poohed, serially ridiculed, and thrown under the bus by some angry citizens. Perhaps, some of these innuendos may be correct. Perhaps, some of these hard-hitting views may be right. Perhaps, some of the lawmakers may be victims of generalization. Perhaps, some may be victims of collateral damage. Though some people may detest the approach of the minority caucus to legislative actions; which is devoid of showmanship, bravado, and propaganda but it will be wrong to be painted as non-performers, and appendages of the executive. Many followers of events at the NASS, believe that such jejune categorization belongs to a different group, and a very senior lawmaker.
Dr. Rufus Manasseh, a legislative analyst opines that, “yes, the opposition parties in the House may not have done what some people expected, largely to their style of legislation, but it is wrong to mark them in the deficits. Considering the levels covered in the past two years, they need the unwavering support and understanding of every Nigerian towards ensuring that the ruling party meets the expectations of the people.” Fact is that, given the multi-sectoral challenges that have birth snail-speed national growth and development, the citizenry will not mind whatever strategy the opposition caucus deploys in turning the tide.
* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja
Concern is mounting among Nigerians who participated in the latest Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise but are yet to receive their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), with the 2027 general elections only months away.
The development has triggered calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a clear timetable for the production, distribution and collection of PVCs, particularly for first-time voters who registered during the recently concluded exercise.
INEC recorded 10,399,288 completed voter registrations across the three phases of the CVR exercise conducted between August 2025 and July 2026. The figure includes more than 3.8 million registrations recorded during the final phase alone.
INEC had earlier explained that the registration figures would remain subject to verification and data cleaning, including the removal of multiple registrations and other invalid entries, before the final voters’ register is published.
The issue of PVC distribution has now become a growing concern as the electoral commission intensifies preparations for the 2027 polls.
According to INEC’s current official election calendar, the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
With the registration exercise already concluded, some new registrants say they are still waiting for information on when their PVCs will be ready and where they will be collected.
The concern has also attracted the attention of political stakeholders.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently urged INEC to publish a comprehensive nationwide timetable showing when newly registered voters would be able to collect their PVCs.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party called for greater transparency around the production and distribution process, arguing that Nigerians who successfully completed registration should know when and where their cards would be available.
The ADC specifically called for information to be made available on the number of newly registered voters, PVCs produced and distributed, outstanding cards and designated collection centres on a state-by-state basis.
The concern comes against the background of the importance of the PVC in the Nigerian electoral process. INEC’s voter information platform currently allows registered voters to check their registration status and locate their PVC collection centre.
INEC has also said the completed registration data must undergo further administrative processes before the final voters’ register is established. The commission’s CVR schedule shows that the final phase of registration ended in August 2026, followed by the display period for claims and objections.
For newly registered voters, however, the immediate concern is whether the production and distribution of their cards will be completed early enough to allow them to collect and verify their PVCs before election day.
The development has therefore placed renewed focus on INEC’s voter-management and logistics preparations ahead of what will be one of the country’s largest electoral exercises.
As preparations continue, stakeholders are urging the commission to communicate clearly with new registrants and ensure that eligible voters who successfully completed the registration process are not left uncertain about the status or collection of their PVCs.
For the millions who registered ahead of the 2027 elections, the next critical step is no longer registration—but receiving the voter card that will enable them to take part in the electoral process.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the opposition of some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to the proposed Rainbow Coalition is linked to their interest in controlling the emergence of National Assembly leaders after the 2027 elections.
Wike made the allegation on Monday while speaking on TVC’s Journalists Hangout programme in Abuja, amid growing disagreement between him and some APC governors over the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The minister specifically mentioned Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, as well as Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, among those opposed to his political arrangement.
The disagreement has intensified after the APC governors declared that they would not support political alliances capable of undermining the party or its candidates in 2027.
Wike, however, insisted that his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election was separate from the contests for governorship and legislative seats.
He recalled that members of the G5 in 2023 supported Tinubu in the presidential election while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) retained its candidates for other elections.
According to him, the same principle could apply in 2027.
“In 2023, core leadership G5, we said we are going to support Mr. President. But we never said that all our candidates in other elections will fail. We never said so,” Wike said.
He added: “Particularly in Rivers State, we supported Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; he won the presidential election. But in National Assembly election and the state election, PDP won.”
Wike said he was therefore surprised by claims that the Rainbow Coalition would confuse voters, arguing that Nigerians had demonstrated in previous elections that they could vote for different parties at different levels.
The minister said a PDP candidate could support Tinubu for president while still contesting for the National Assembly or State House of Assembly under the PDP platform.
“Who will be more confused? Is it not my own candidates that will even be more confused when I’ve told them to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and then again, they now go back to support other candidates?” he asked.
‘Governors have their own interests’
Wike alleged that some governors were using opposition to the Rainbow Coalition to pursue their own political interests, particularly regarding the next leadership of the National Assembly.
He said some governors wanted to influence the emergence of senators and members of the House of Representatives who would subsequently support their preferred candidate for Senate President or Speaker.
“APC in their ongoing party primaries, the governors, in their own wisdom, believe that they should be able now to put senators or House of Reps members who they will dictate to who will become the next Senate President or the Speaker,” he alleged.
Wike specifically accused Uzodimma of seeking to position himself for the Senate presidency after leaving office as governor.
According to Wike, the fear among some politicians is that politicians denied APC tickets could seek alternative platforms, including the PDP, and might subsequently refuse to support a candidate favoured by the governors for National Assembly leadership.
He said: “The fear now is that, if they run and they win, it means that they’re not going to support him to be the Senate President.”
Wike stressed that his opposition to Uzodimma’s reported Senate ambition was not personal but based on political considerations.
“I will never support a character of Hope Uzodinma to be Senate President of Nigeria. Everybody knows that,” he said.
Wike maintained that the Rainbow Coalition was not an APC structure and was not designed to undermine the ruling party.
He argued that politicians should be allowed to support Tinubu’s presidential bid while also contesting legislative and state elections on their respective party platforms.
“Where do you see that happen? Then, they will call me to tell me that we produce candidates of their party. Come on! Who does that?” he said.
The minister also dismissed allegations that Tinubu had agreed to concede nine states to him or the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Asked about the alleged arrangement, Wike challenged those making the claim to identify the nine states involved.
“The nine states, did they tell you the nine states?” he asked the interviewer.
He said Nigerians deserved facts rather than speculation.
“Let us help Nigerians. Let’s get the facts. Who are… which are those states? Tell us that they said the President agreed with me that he’s conceding nine states,” Wike said.
He added that he was working with Tinubu to secure the President’s re-election and was focused on highlighting the administration’s policies and achievements.
‘I am selling Tinubu’s record’
Wike said his role in the emerging political arrangement was to mobilise support for Tinubu across political divides, stressing that he intended to campaign on what he described as the President’s record.
“Mr. President is showing his postcard. We are selling Mr. President what he’s been doing, why he should be re-elected,” he said.
He cited the Federal Government’s position on state police as one of the issues he would use in making the case for Tinubu’s re-election.
According to Wike, Tinubu’s support for state police represented a significant response to longstanding demands for reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.
The FCT minister’s defence of the coalition comes against the backdrop of mounting disagreement between Wike and the APC governors. The Progressive Governors’ Forum recently said its members would support Tinubu and APC candidates and would not endorse arrangements capable of weakening the party or its candidates.
Wike, however, has consistently maintained that his commitment is to Tinubu’s re-election and that he never promised that the PDP would abandon contests for governorship and legislative seats.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday dismissed claims by the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the ‘Obidient’ movement that they won the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, asserting that their victories existed only in their imagination.
Speaking on TVC’s Journalists Hangout program monitored in Abuja, Wike insisted that political victories are determined at the polling units and declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not on social media or in selective polling units.
“They won in their imagination,” Wike declared while responding to questions on whether his political support in Rivers State remains organic. “I have always told people: they won in their imagination. Nobody declared them to have won. I have been in this system; I am in this game. When Obi went to the Timber Market or somewhere in Rivers State and they were shouting ‘Obi! Obi!’, is that how you win an election?”
He faulted claims of victory based on isolated polling units, noting that Rivers State possesses over 7,000 polling units across 23 local government areas.
“Out of over 7,000 polling units, until all results have come in, even if 200 polling units come out and say Obi or Atiku has won, it does not convince me. They went to the tribunal , were they able to tender or prove to the court that they won the election?
You can win on social media, but I am not interested in social media winning. I am interested practically in the results on the ground, who won, and who was declared.”
Addressing threats from political rivals in Rivers State ganging up against him ahead of the 2027 general elections, the FCT Minister expressed unwavering confidence, boasting that 2027 would be his easiest political contest yet.
“I started this game in 1999 as a local government chairman. In all my elections, it has never been easy. In 2015, they said it would be difficult; I won. In 2019, the federal might and soldiers were against me, yet I won,” Wike recalled, revealing for the first time how his late brother, Herbert Wigwe, advised him to flee before the 2019 election due to federal pressure, a plea he rejected before going on to win.
Wike maintained that his political strength stems from his track record and direct connection with the people rather than federal backing or political coalitions.
“Anybody telling you today that people are fighting me in Rivers and that it will be difficult brother, I have never had an election that has been easy, but this one will be the easiest election as far as I know. The factors are clear. What are you going to tell Rivers people now? What will you present to them that will make them believe that following you will be more beneficial than what they have today?” he stated.
2027 Elections: Anxiety Mounts As Millions Await PVCs After 10.3m Voter Registrations
2027: Wike Reveals Why APC Governors Are Opposing Rainbow Coalition
2027: Obi, Atiku Won In Their Imagination; They Can’t Defeat Me in Rivers — Wike
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