News From Nigeria
Abuja Furniture Production, AFP, a subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, a pacesetter in Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing and interior solutions industry, recently at the Interior Design Summit organised by the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) in Abuja, reinforced its reputation for excellence in knowledge and ideas.
The summit which brought together interior designers, architects, manufacturers, developers, and other stakeholders from across the built environment sector to explore emerging trends, share knowledge, and identify opportunities for strengthening the role of design in national development, saw the AFP General Manager, Oliver Cohnen speak on the sideline of the event.
The General Manager disclosed that AFP was proud to be represented at the Summit as a longstanding partner and supporter of IDAN. He further said that the company’s participation at the IDAN event reflected its continued commitment to design excellence, high quality interior solutions, and the growth of Nigeria’s creative industries, adding that, as a trusted industry partner, AFP has consistently supported initiatives that foster collaboration between designers, architects, and the construction sector while contributing to the development of innovative living and working environments.
Cohnen highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and raising standards within the industry, saying, “interior design has become an increasingly important component of modern construction and urban development. As expectations around functionality, sustainability, and user experience continue to evolve, there is a growing need for deeper collaboration between designers, manufacturers, architects, and builders. Platforms such as the IDAN Summit provide an important opportunity to foster these partnerships, encourage innovation, and advance industry standards.”
Cohnen noted that AFP remains committed to delivering locally manufactured furniture and interior solutions that meet international quality standards while contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s design ecosystem.
According to one excited stakeholder at the event, this event has brought together many leading professionals from the design, architecture, and construction industries across the country. It serves as an important platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and the advancement of Nigeria’s design sector.
Industry stakeholders at the summit also underscored the importance of promoting local content, nurturing emerging talent, and encouraging stronger integration between design and construction professionals to enhance the quality and functionality of Nigeria’s built environment.
As one of the country’s leading furniture manufacturers, AFP has played a significant role in delivering furniture and interior solutions for residential, commercial, institutional, and public infrastructure projects across Nigeria. Through its blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and manufacturing expertise, the company continues to contribute to the creation of spaces that combine aesthetics, durability, and functionality.
The company’s exhibition stand attracted considerable attention throughout the summit, drawing visits from interior designers, architects, industry professionals, and other participants. Many visitors commended the quality of AFP’s products, particularly the attention to detail, superior finishing, contemporary designs, and the high manufacturing standards evident across the furniture on display. The positive feedback reinforced AFP’s reputation as a trusted provider of premium furniture and interior solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern residential and commercial environments.
Team AFP at the summit included the General Manager, Mr. Oliver Cohnen; Senior Liaison Manager, Alhaji Isa Kaita; Design Officer, Khadija Zarma; Sales Consultant, Dorcas Felix; and Administrative Officer, Glory Egharevba.
Prominent Nigerian clergyman, legal scholar and political advocate, Very Rev. Fr. Benedict Ferife, on Sunday described the reported Federal High Court judgment setting aside the registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a self-inflicted wound.
“Democracy is sustained not by public sympathy or media narratives but by strict obedience to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the rules governing political parties. The NDC’s present predicament is, sadly, not persecution. It is a self-inflicted wound’’.
In a statement titled ‘’NDC’S self-inflicted wounds: Why due process matters in democracy’’, Ferife lamented that the NDC found itself seeking judicial intervention instead of ensuring full compliance with INEC’s constitutional and statutory requirements.
‘’Courts exist to interpret and enforce the law—not to rescue political parties from the consequences of their own procedural failures’’
Ferife said the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) ‘’is supreme and its provisions have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria’’.
‘’Section 1(2) declares: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution’’
According to him, no political party is above the law.
‘’Even more troubling are reports that the party ignored internal democratic processes by allegedly issuing tickets to persons who neither participated in nor emerged victorious in validly conducted primaries. If established, such actions amount to a direct affront to the Electoral Act’’.
He went on: ‘’Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires political parties to nominate candidates through democratically conducted primaries, while Sections 82 and 83 require prior notification to INEC and empower the Commission to monitor those primaries. These provisions are not mere technicalities; they are legal safeguards against impunity and candidate imposition. Similarly, Section 223 of the Constitution requires political parties to operate according to democratic principles. Democracy must begin within the political party before it can be preached to the nation.
He blamed the woes that befell the party on its national leadership.
‘’One cannot ignore due process during party primaries, impose candidates, sideline legitimate aspirants, and later seek the protection of the courts when the consequences of those actions become apparent. The judiciary is a guardian of the law—not an instrument for legitimizing political shortcuts’’.
The transparency promoter said the leadership of the NDC ignored due process.
‘’If the NDC ultimately loses the opportunity to sponsor candidates in forthcoming elections, including any presidential candidate, the responsibility lies first with those who ignored due process. Political convenience can never replace constitutional compliance. This episode should serve as a warning to every political party in Nigeria’’.
Known for his theological writings and strong involvement in Nigerian democratic advocacy, Ferife urged political parties in the country to respect the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC’s guidelines, and internal party democracy.
‘’Respect for the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC’s guidelines, and internal party democracy is not optional—it is mandatory. The rule of law is impartial. It neither rewards popularity nor excuses procedural recklessness. Political parties that sow disregard for due process should not be surprised when they reap legal consequences.
Highly accomplished Nigerian female boxer, multi-medal champion and sports advocate, Kehinde Joy Obareh, on Sunday urged the federal, state and local governments to pay special attention to the education of the girl child and the health of women in the country.
‘’The government, especially highly placed women in government and the private sector, can join hands in uplifting the girl child’’.
She also expressed the belief that destiny had linked her with boxing and pledged to contribute to the growth of female boxing in Nigeria and the world as a whole.
The 1st Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show is an additional boost to the country’s development in boxing and the hunt for talents among home-based female boxers.
Obareh, who spoke during the 1st Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, promised to make the dreams of 24 female boxers a reality.
She advised the young boxers to be focused and resilient in their boxing and educational careers.
Widely recognized as one of Africa’s best in the 60 kg weight division, Obareh was the first Nigerian female boxer to win a Gold medal at the All-African Games, and Gold also at the African Female Boxing Championship in Cameroon. She was ranked 8th in the world at her prime.
She emphasized strength, courage, faith and commitment as qualities that would guarantee success for the next generation of female boxers in Nigeria.
The kickboxer further urged women to use their skills, energy and resources to contribute to the peace and development of Nigeria.
Some of the boxer’s performances gave officials reason to smile.
Gafar Fathia, Adepoju Roqueebat, Adeniji Aliyah, Sodipe Damilola, Ismail Abibat, Sadiku Tomiwa, Obiora Ada, Akanni Anuoluwa, Agboola Oyindamola, Adeyinka Abigail and Kareem Sukura won gold
Lasisi Nurat, Adeshina Aishat, Solanke Ramot, Ejeh Precilia, Kazeem Fathia, Jinadu Hikmot, Oluwafemi Oluwanifemi, Oyeleye Taiwo, Adepoju Taofikat, Adebisi Adenike and Olalekan Opeyemi won silver
Adegboyega Princess and Ibrahim Zainab received exhibition prizes.
Leading engineering and construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, has once again demonstrated its reputation for quality delivery by securing two prestigious awards that highlight its outstanding performance in the industry.
The company received the Road Construction Company of the Year Award at the Multi-Modal Transportation Safety Conference in Nigeria organised by Transport Day Newspaper. Same day, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) honoured Julius Berger with an Award of Excellence in recognition of its significant contributions to the advancement of engineering practice and infrastructure development in Nigeria.
At the Transport Day conference attended by major stakeholders in the transportation and logistics sector, including representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and Lagos State University’s School of Transportation and Logistics the organisers praised Julius Berger’s consistent excellence. The publisher of the newspaper described the awards as proof of the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and professionalism. According to the organisers, Julius Berger continues to excel regardless of project complexity, as reflected in landmark projects such as the Bodo-Bonny Road and the Lagos-Opebi-Mende Road.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, emphasised the need for a fully integrated multimodal transportation system in Nigeria. He highlighted the importance of linking road, rail, maritime, pipeline, and aviation systems to drive national economic growth. Dr. Oyeyemi congratulated the award recipients and urged them to sustain their contributions toward improving the sector.
The event attracted a wide range of industry dignitaries, including the Chief Operating Officer, Mark Onuchi; Assistant General Manager of Public Affairs and Family Assistant at the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Oluchi Damisa; Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Igwe Kingsley; Director of Public Affairs at LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq; Deputy Director of the Maritime Safety Agency, Yusuf Rasheedat Abiodun; Dean of LASU’s School of Transport and Logistics, Prof. Ogochukwu Ugboma; and Deputy Corps Commander Akpobome J. Efefie, among others.
The award was received on behalf of Julius Berger by Region West Technical Officer, Engr. Rasheedat Anifowoshe and Civil Engineer Kolawole Olaleye.
The recognition underscores Julius Berger’s enduring commitment to delivering high-quality road infrastructure and engineering solutions that enhance safety, economic growth, and connectivity across Nigeria. Through the successful execution of major road and bridge projects nationwide, the company continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s transportation network.
The honour further reinforces Julius Berger’s standing as a leading construction company and acknowledges its contributions to the development of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
At the other event organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos Branch, held at the University of Lagos and themed Building Nigeria from Within, Julius Berger was presented with an Award of Excellence for its unwavering excellence in project delivery nationwide.
The program brought together engineering professionals and industry stakeholders to examine the role of local expertise, innovation, and technical excellence in national development.
In her remarks, the Chairman of NSE Lagos Branch, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, commended Julius Berger for consistently delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across the country. She highlighted notable projects such as the Opebi-Mende Road in Lagos and several flyover bridges in Port Harcourt, noting their positive impact on mobility, urban development, and economic activities.
The company’s profile was also spotlighted, emphasizing its position as an integrated construction firm known for executing complex projects using advanced engineering techniques and certified quality management systems. Its continuous investment in innovation, workforce training, and capacity development was identified as a key factor driving its leadership in Nigeria’s construction industry.
In her vote of thanks, Project Coordinator, Engr. Fatima Kosemani expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed Julius Berger’s commitment to supporting the engineering sector through excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Rescue operations intensified on Thursday in Port Harcourt after the collapse of a 5‑storey building under construction along Dr. Peter Odili Road near Eterna Filling Station, leading construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, other construction firms and government agencies stepping in to support emergency efforts.
The structure collapsed at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, trapping an unspecified number of construction workers and leaving residents of the Rivers State capital in shock. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after another building collapse in the city, further raising concerns about construction safety standards.
Eyewitnesses said several labourers were working in and around the building when it suddenly gave way. Early estimates indicated that at least seven persons were trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with local residents, emergency responders, and security personnel working collaboratively to reach victims buried under the debris.
By Wednesday evening, three individuals had been rescued alive, while intensive search efforts continued to locate others.
Julius Berger Nigeria PLC played a critical role in the ongoing operations, deploying a range of heavy-duty and specialized equipment to support the rescue mission. These included excavators for debris removal, mobile cranes for lifting heavy concrete slabs, wheel loaders for clearing rubble, and dump trucks for transporting debris away from the site. The company also provided cutting and breaking tools, such as hydraulic breakers and concrete cutters, to carefully dismantle sections of the collapsed structure. In addition, lighting equipment and power generators were deployed to sustain operations into the night, while safety gear supported rescue personnel working in hazardous conditions.
The deployment of these resources significantly enhanced the efficiency of the rescue effort, enabling responders to access hard-to-reach areas and improve the chances of locating survivors.
Officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were present at the scene, monitoring developments and coordinating activities alongside security agencies, including the police. Their role included assessing the situation and ensuring an organised response. However, the exact cause of the collapse had not been officially determined, with authorities expected to launch a thorough investigation.
Speaking on the company’s involvement, Julius Berger’s Regional Manager for South-South, Engr. Rimon Marisho, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to public safety and community support. According to him, the company remains driven by a strong belief in contributing to meaningful progress, particularly in times of emergency.
At Julius Berger, we believe there are limitless opportunities for the company, the community, and the country to make tangible progress. This belief compels us to save lives and property by actively participating in rescue operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, he said.
Rescue operations were still ongoing as of Thursday, with Julius Berger and other agencies maintaining coordinated efforts to locate any remaining victims.
The incident has once again underscored the urgent need for strict compliance with building regulations and reinforced oversight to prevent future occurrences of such tragic collapses.
24 FEMALE BOXERS STEP INTO RING AS KEHINDE JOY OBAREH BOXING SHOW BEGINS IN LAGOS
Hundreds of Nigerians are expected to see some of the country’s most talented female boxers on Sunday in Lagos.
‘’The 1st Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show is expected to bring so many people to the National Stadium, Surulere on Sunday, June 28, 2026’’ a statement by kehinde Joy Obareh said Friday morning.
Tagged ‘’She fights, She wins’’, the women boxing competition, according to the organizers, is to give back to the community, give hope to the less privileged female boxers and create more awareness about female boxing to the sporting world.
24 boxers will take part in the 1st Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show when the action gets underway from 2pm at Brai Ayonote Gym, National Stadium, Surulere.
The boxers include Gafar Fathia (Crown B/C), Adeshina Zainab (Owonikoko B/C), Adepoju Rokibat (Shaku B/C), Adeshina Aishat (LASU B/C), Ajayi Nimotallah (Aso Rock B/C), Adeniji Aliyat (Blessed B/C), Adegboega Princess (Always B/C), Zainab Ibrahim (Segun Body B/C), Idowu Busao ( NPF B/C), Bibiloye Kabirat (Supreme B/C), Bonu Pesu (LASU B/C), Lawal Fathia (Biggest B/C), Anuoluwapo Akanni (Alwas B/C) and Kazeem Fathia (Mass Kenny).
Other boxers that will be competing include Sodipe Damilola ( A-King B/C), Ismail Abibat (Always B/C) , Olubuade Fridaus (Oluomo (B/C), Oluwafemi Oluwanifemi ( Crown B/C), Sodiq Tomiwa (Tiger 2 B/C), Ejeh Peculliar (Gao Star B/C), Adebisi Adenike (Biggest B/C), Adeinka Abigael (Brightess B/C) , Kareem Shukurat (Brightess B/C) and Oinkansola Kehinde (Morgan B/C).
Joy Obareh began her boxing journey at the age of 15 in Ketu, Lagos, Nigeria, and has since built a dynamic and accomplished career in boxing and kickboxing, representing Nigeria at numerous national and international events.
Over the years, she earned multiple medals, awards, and recognitions, including being ranked among the top female boxers globally.
The Apolo Grammar School and Ebenezer Noble Comprehensive College ex-student recently completed Advanced Diploma Boxing Coaching Course and Bronze Coaching Certificate in the United States.
Currently studying Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University, USA, Obareh has fought over 100 fights and participated in several boxing competitions in Nigeria and abroad.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent condolences to Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, erstwhile Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and Chairman of JIBWIS Kano State, over the death of his wife.
Hajiya Zainab Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan passed away on Friday evening after a protracted illness.
In a message to the bereaved family, President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Zainab as a virtuous woman and a pillar of support to her family and community. He said her loss will be felt by the family and all who knew her.
“I join the family in this moment of grief. I pray that Almighty Allah will grant Hajiya Zainab Aljannah Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear this painful loss,” the President said.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
Information & Strategy
June 20, 2026
PRAISES AS ELDER EMMANUEL TUNDE AGANBI BEGINS FINAL JOURNEY
Board of Trustees (BOT) member for the Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club, Elder Emmanuel Tunde Oludewa Aganbi, has been described as a visionary leader who lived a God-fearing life.
‘’Elder Emmanuel Tunde Oludewa was an embodiment of compassion, selflessness and rationality. His influence and benevolent spirit will be missed by all’’
A statement from the family of prominent Nigerian lawyer, Second Republic politician and Bible translator, Deacon Stephen Ejueyitsi Aganbi, highlighted the honesty of Elder Emmanuel Tunde Oludewa Aganbi.
‘’Elder Emmanuel Tunde Oludewa Aganbi was a forthright person who lived a disciplined and Spartan life’’
The transition from the planet earth of Elder Emmanuel Tunde Aganbi occurred on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Abuja, just a few weeks before his 74th birthday.
The statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi, said Elder Emmanuel Tunde Aganbi performed his duties as a father, brother and leader excellently.
According to the statement, men and women of integrity in Nigeria will on Friday, June 26, 2026, pay their last respect to the well-known Nigerian businessman, leader and community pillar.
‘’A service of songs will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, between 4pm and 6pm at Christiana Aganbi Hall, His body will lie in state from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, before an open-air service and interment. Memorial kitty in honour of Elder Tunde Oludewa Aganbi and traditional burial rites will begin from 9:00am on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club’’ the statement added.
IGNORANCE AND POVERTY: THE PROBLEMS WITH DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE
We have reasons to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day and reasons to be downcast. We are survivors and this darkness shall also pass. June 12 is a day that the Lord made for us. It was fought for and bled for by our forebears. We should take time to reflect on this day and ask basic questions. Do we owe any allegiance to those who died in this quest? The answer is yes. What is democracy to us? Are we ready to fight and bleed for our democracy? Are we ready to fight for justice, freedom and rule of law?
If we are, we must define our democracy in Nigeria. We must shout from the rooftops to let anyone know that this struggle for democracy and the rule of law is what will define us as free people.
Are we really free? The answer is no. For democracy to be solidly planted, we must remove all vestiges of any limitations to our collective aspirations. We can only say we are free when the people governing us have the consent of the governed, under the rule law. The present leaders behave like coup plotters. The military bequeathed this to us.
We have a chance and duty to vote them out of power. They should leave government and enjoy the economy and the security they created. This is democracy. Incumbent should never be allowed to feel entitled to any position, when their performance is zero.
We are not free when we are chained down by ignorance. We are not free when we are handcuffed by poverty and diseases that the leaders use as a weapon to keep us gullible. We are not free when we are afraid to protect our stake in this commonwealth called Nigeria.
Of all the different types of government that exist, democracy is the most difficult to practice. This is because it requires citizens’ participation. We are here today because of the intellectual laziness of a majority of our citizens. They either refuse to vote or they sold their votes.
Unenlightened citizens cannot participate in this process. The vote of ignorant people is a danger to democracy. Their votes are mined to keep in place oppressive polices that have destroyed our ability to dream as a collective people, who want to move forward.
One is amazed by how much a lot of people don’t know about our system of governance. Majority of people shouting themselves hoarse don’t even know how their local government operate and they have never attempted to attend such meetings because they don’t know and they have no curiosity in this respect. They don’t know their members in the House of Assemblies. A lot of people don’t even know they can go to the House of Assembly and watch proceedings of those they elected to represent them.
At this moment, some people still think the governors are appointed by the President. I wouldn’t blame them considering the behavior of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He is always running to Abuja for photo up with the president.
We should also attempt to learn more about the Judiciary by going to observe proceedings at the courts.
Unless we do these things to educate ourselves and our people, we will always see democracy as an abstract concept. When things go awry, we will not reflexively call President Bola Tinubu and unknowingly give cover to non-performing state legislators. We should hold the state assemblies, senators and House of Representatives members accountable.
Our continuous bellowing Tinubu shows we don’t know the kind of government we are practicing. This lacuna could have been filled if we have responsible people in power, individuals who will teach the people their civic responsibility in a democracy.
As democrats, we must engage the voters and make them participate in their governance. They cannot do this without knowledge and they will become willing tools in the hands of tyrants and criminals who want to perpetuate themselves in power. This is the only process that will weed out autocratic and tyrannical leaders in a democratic society.
Knowledge of how we run our affairs is the antidote to the abuse of power that is personified by the NDC leadership.
The journey to freedom, Justice and the rule of law must be embarked on with knowledge and sincerity of purpose. Nigerian politicians are allergic to knowledge and are willing to spend any amount to perpetuate ignorance. It is our responsibility to stop them from using us as fertilizer for their greed and corruption.
We have collectively failed our nation by helping to elect imposters. We must use our Knowledge as a weapon to dispel ignorance, instead of using it for sycophancy.
We must stop them. The journey of democracy is perpetual vigilance.
ORETTE PROPAGATES DEMOCRATIC IDEALS
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette took a bold step Saturday in Owhelogbo, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area, when he propagated the ideals of democracy.
‘’In every functioning democracy, political parties exist to serve the people. In Nigeria, some party leaders have unfortunately come to believe that party members exist to serve them. That mindset is dangerous. The secrecy surrounding the primary election process is increasingly becoming analogous to the operations of a cult rather than the conduct of a democratic institution. Democracy thrives on openness. Democracy thrives on accountability. Democracy thrives on trust. Secrecy destroys all three’’.
He also frowned at the recent press conference of the party’s national leadership.
‘’I watched the recent NDC press conference with disbelief and profound disappointment. What I witnessed was not leadership. It was not transparency. It was not democracy. It was a show of arrogance, confusion, and contempt for the Nigerian people’’.
Orette in a message to party faithful noted that after conducting its primary elections, the NDC leadership has failed to release the results.
‘’Instead of providing answers to anxious aspirants and party faithful, the party leadership chose to organize a press conference to justify further delays and introduce yet another bureaucratic obstacle. We were told that candidates who emerge victorious must first sign affidavits pledging not to defect from the party. What an astonishing display of political absurdity. The obvious question is: if the primary elections have truly been concluded, why have the results not been released? Why should candidates who do not even know whether they have won election be required to sign affidavits before results are announced?
He described the explanation offered by the party’s national leadership as a convenient justification for secrecy, manipulation, and control.
‘’The explanation offered by the party leadership is that they fear candidates may defect after securing nominations. This excuse is neither convincing nor constitutional. It is merely a convenient justification for secrecy, manipulation, and control. How can a political party demand loyalty from individuals when the party itself has failed to demonstrate loyalty to its members?
The Texas-based family medicine physician said an affidavit cannot manufacture loyalty.
‘’An affidavit cannot inspire commitment. Affidavit cannot replace trust. Most importantly, an affidavit cannot override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution is clear. Section 40: Freedom of Association. Section 40 guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to freely associate with others, including the right to join or belong to a political party of his or her choice. This freedom necessarily includes the freedom not to associate. No political party has the constitutional authority to imprison candidates within its structure through affidavits, undertakings, or coercive arrangements.
According to him, any law, contract, agreement, affidavit, party constitution, undertaking, or political arrangement that is inconsistent with the Constitution is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency.
‘’The Constitution is the supreme law of Nigeria. Any law, contract, agreement, affidavit, party constitution, undertaking, or political arrangement that is inconsistent with the Constitution is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency. Therefore, any affidavit that seeks to remove or restrict a citizen’s constitutional freedom of association is constitutionally defective and legally unenforceable. The Constitution already provides consequences for legislative defections. Members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly who defect under certain circumstances may lose their seats, subject to constitutional exceptions. The Constitution has already spoken on the issue. Political parties cannot create additional constitutional penalties beyond those recognized by the Constitution itself. Furthermore, the Constitution does not generally provide for the automatic removal of governors, deputy governors, presidents, vice-presidents, or many executive office holders merely because they change political parties. A political party cannot create constitutional disabilities through a private affidavit. The Constitution remains superior to every party constitution and every political agreement’’.
Orette stated that what the NDC should have done as a party was to provide answers to basic questions.
‘’What should have been a press conference dedicated to announcing primary election results became an embarrassing exercise in political paternalism. Instead of transparency, Nigerians were treated to lectures. Instead of accountability, we were given excuses. Instead of results, we were given affidavits. The refusal to release election results while simultaneously demanding affidavits raises legitimate concerns about manipulation and control. Nigerians are entitled to ask difficult questions, and party leaders have a duty to provide answers’’.
He accused the party’s national leaders of imposition and coercion.
‘’Let us be honest. This entire exercise appears less about preventing defections and more about controlling candidates. It reflects a leadership class that lacks confidence in its ability to persuade people through ideas, vision, and competence. Unable to inspire loyalty, they seek to impose it. Unable to earn trust, they attempt to enforce it. Unable to convince, they resort to coercion. This is political paternalism at its worst’’.
He said the move would enable the party to enslave elected officials.
The underlying message is clear: “We do not trust candidates to make their own decisions, so we will bind them with affidavits. Such thinking has no place in a modern democracy. If NDC were a private business, shareholders would demand a complete overhaul of its management. Leaders who fail to understand their products, their market, and their customers are eventually punished by the marketplace. In politics, the marketplace is the electorate. And the electorate always delivers its verdict.
The Nigerian political figure urged the party’s national leaders to release the primary election results
‘’The press conference was a charade. The NDC leadership knows the right thing to do. The right thing is simple: Release the primary election results. Respect the Constitution. Respect party members. Respect democratic principles. Respect the Nigerian people. Political parties are not supreme. Party leaders are not supreme. Godfathers are not supreme. The Constitution is supreme. The Nigerian citizen is supreme. Any attempt to subordinate constitutional rights to party interests is not merely wrong; it is fundamentally undemocratic. NDC paternalism must stop. The era of secrecy must end. The era of impunity must end. The Nigerian people deserve better’’.