
Ikenga Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called on opposition political parties to cease internal conflicts and foster unity. In a statement released on Thursday, Ugochinyere specifically appealed to parties such as the African Democratic Congress, Nigerian Democratic Congress, and the Labour Party to avoid confrontations. The lawmaker, who founded the Action People鈥檚 Party, criticized the increasing public disagreements and accusations among opposition figures as "childish and counterproductive." He emphasized that this is not the time for internal disputes, stating that Nigerians expect the opposition to offer direction, hope, and credible alternatives, rather than quarrels that diminish collective strength. Ugochinyere stressed that personal interests and ego-driven politics should be replaced by cooperation and dialogue for the benefit of Nigerians. He urged opposition leaders and members to prioritize issues affecting citizens, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and governance challenges. The federal lawmaker asserted that unity is crucial for any political movement aiming to gain public confidence and strengthen democratic values, adding that Nigerians expect maturity, unity, and a common purpose from the opposition.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

The Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement have responded to a recent directive from the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC regarding campaign financing and the regulation of affiliated groups. Both movements, which were instrumental in grassroots mobilization and fundraising during the 2023 general elections, stated they would not engage in a public dispute over the policy, describing the NDC's statement as open to interpretation. Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, emphasized that the movement is volunteer-driven and its direction rests with its leader, Peter Obi. He noted that Obi has not yet reacted to the directive. Habibu Muhammed, spokesman for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, urged caution, stating the group would first study the NDC's position before taking a stand. The NDC's new rules, which include channeling all campaign funds through designated party accounts and requiring all associated groups to operate under party guidance, have led to speculation that they are aimed at influential support movements. The NDC stated it would not operate as a "personality cult" and reaffirmed its supremacy over affiliated organizations. The directive has sparked debate among political observers, who interpret it as an attempt to tighten party control over support movements. This follows a crisis within the Labour Party after the 2023 presidential election concerning campaign funds. Peter Obi recently challenged critics to provide evidence o

The Lagos State Government has called on market leaders to report the sale of substandard building materials as part of its strategy to reduce building collapses. The government also instructed market leaders to educate their members on quality assurance and collaborate with regulatory agencies to ensure only standard construction materials are sold. Olayinka Abdul, the General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency, made this appeal during a sensitization forum for market leaders, association executives, and construction stakeholders. Abdul, represented by Abimbola Adenote, the agency鈥檚 Director of Business Development Unit 2, emphasized that market leaders are crucial for quality in the built environment, as materials sold directly impact the structural integrity of buildings. She urged them to prioritize quality, partner with regulators, educate traders, and report substandard materials. Lagos accounts for a significant portion of building collapse incidents in Nigeria, with over 60 percent of the more than 180 incidents recorded between 2005 and 2022 occurring in the state. Abdul noted that stricter regulation and stakeholder engagement have contributed to a decline in such incidents. She also mentioned the state's Certified Structural Integrity Programme, which mandates structural integrity tests every five years for buildings to receive Certificates of Fitness, along with required soil tests before construction and various material tests during a
Must ReadThe Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB has announced the discontinuation of admissions into affiliated degree programs offered by colleges of education, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session. This decision, outlined in JAMB鈥檚 NCE/ND Agric Registration Guidelines, establishes the Nigeria Certificate in Education NCE as the sole entry route into these institutions. Additionally, direct admission into 100 and 200 levels in colleges of education will cease, with all new entrants required to come through the NCE program. Candidates who had applied for degree programs through affiliated colleges of education for the 2026 admission cycle have been provided with options, including changing institutions at no cost, transferring to the parent university, or elevating their second-choice institution. Those seeking 100-level admission through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination can also change institutions, elevate their second choice, or migrate to the NCE program. Candidates opting for the NCE route will need an O-Level verification code and pay a N700 registration fee. JAMB also introduced mandatory O-Level verification for all NCE applicants, with fees of N1,500 for one sitting and N2,000 for two sittings. The board has urged all relevant centers and officials to adhere strictly to the new guidelines.