Governor Otti links Nigeria's economic challenges to political choices and voter apathy
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State stated that Nigeria's economic difficulties stem from long-standing political decisions, warning that increasing voter apathy exacerbates governance failures, poverty, unemployment, and institutional decay. Speaking at The Niche's 2026 annual lecture, Otti highlighted that voter turnout in general elections has dropped from 57 percent in 2011 to under 30 percent in 2023, meaning a small fraction of the population now determines leadership outcomes. He argued that political disengagement undermines accountability, allowing poor leadership choices to persist and worsen national conditions. Otti stressed that civic responsibility extends beyond voting, requiring citizens to remain engaged throughout the political cycle and to research candidates' ideologies and track records. He also connected electoral malpractice and vote-buying to economic decline, asserting that corruption in the political process leads to leaders prioritizing personal gain over public service. Otti maintained that Nigeria's economic future depends on both leaders and citizens' active participation in democratic processes, urging Nigerians to view political engagement as a civic duty with direct economic consequences. The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, who chaired the event, lamented that Nigerian politics has become a business rather than a service, while the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, criticized public office holders for focusing too much on politics and too little o
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that President Bola Tinubu's administration is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, expressing confidence that the challenge will soon be resolved. Akpabio made these remarks while receiving members of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, led by its National President, Dr. Lima Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly in Abuja. He cited the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State as evidence of the Federal Government's dedication to addressing security issues. Akpabio urged Nigerians not to rely on social media for information regarding the security situation, stating it does not reflect the true efforts being made. He also discussed women's participation in politics, attributing past challenges to the conduct of some female office holders. The Senate President pledged the National Assembly's support for an upcoming international ladies golf tournament in Abuja. Dr. Ahmed thanked Akpabio and invited him to the tournament, also decorating him as the association's Grand Patron.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is expected to stay in England beyond his current contract, aiming to qualify for a British passport, according to former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana. Awoniyi joined Forest in June 2022 for a club-record £17m. Olofinjana, who discovered Awoniyi as a teenager and has guided his career, stated that the striker intends to remain in England long enough to secure British citizenship. Under UK immigration rules, Awoniyi needs five continuous years of living and working in England to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain ILR, which he could apply for in July 2027. After holding ILR for 12 months, he could then apply for British citizenship, potentially obtaining a British passport around July 2028, provided immigration rules do not change. This timeline aligns with his long-term plans at Forest, making a move outside England unlikely before then. Awoniyi has scored 21 goals and provided five assists in 90 league appearances for Forest across four Premier League seasons. He recently participated in the club's training camp in Spain under new manager Oliver Glasner and captained a friendly match against Blackburn Rovers, where he also scored.
Nigerian sprinter Favour Onyah has expressed her frustration and threatened to stop representing Nigeria after being excluded from the athletics squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Onyah had qualified at the national trials, winning the women’s 400m final with a time of 52.68s and being selected for the women’s 4x400m relay team. She was among 15 athletes who began camp in Abuja, but did not proceed to the final phase of preparations in Scotland. In a TikTok post, Onyah stated, “Yes, I qualified for my first senior Commonwealth Games. And yes, I won’t be running for Nigeria. You can never guess the reason. I already forgave them three times; I don’t plan on making it four. You all are free to judge me for the next step I’ll be taking. I’ve had enough.” Earlier this year, Onyah represented Nigeria at the African Senior Athletics Championships and is a triple gold medalist from the 2025 CAA U-20 African Athletics Championships. Former Nigerian sprinter and athletics coach Deji Aliu criticized the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for inconsistency in its selection standards, emphasizing the importance of clear, published criteria for building trust with athletes, the public, and sponsors.